Rating of the TOP 12 best soundbars in terms of sound quality in 2022: which one to choose, features, pros and cons of models

How to choose the best soundbar for sound quality. What criteria should be taken into account in the first place? Description and technical characteristics of the best models in different formats. Pros and cons of the most popular models.

Modern TVs due to fine workmanship have a significant drawback - the sound of the speakers built into them leaves much to be desired.

One of the solutions to this problem is acquisition soundbar.

We understand what it is, what nuances to pay attention to when choosing, which models are the best today from the point of view of experts. We will learn about the main characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, and also turn to consumer reviews.

Rating of the TOP 12 best soundbars in terms of sound quality

Place	Model	Price
Best soundbars for 2.1 sound quality
#1	Polk Audio Signa S2
#2	Denon DHT-S316
#3	JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass
#4	LG SJ3
Models with 3.1 configuration
#1	Samsung HW-T650
#2	Sony HT-ZF9
#3	Samsung HW-Q800T
Soundbars with 4.1 configuration
#1	LG SN5R
#2	LG SNH5
The best soundbars for 5.1 sound
#1	JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
#2	LG SL10Y
#3	Sony HT-S700RF

Soundbar Selection Criteria

Note! The acoustics in question is made in a form factor that allows you to install it in front of the TV on a shelf or hang it on the wall under it.

Some models are floor mounted.Besides, should be taken into account following:

Receiver.
An amplifier, sound processor, power supply, interfaces and other electronic stuffing can be built into the soundbar - such acoustics are active.
In the case of the passive option, the receiver will need to be purchased separately.
Active soundbars are more compact and convenient - all the models discussed in the review are just that.
Subwoofer.
The device responsible for the low-frequency component as part of the soundbar can be either built-in or external.
If you need compactness (to the detriment of the depth and power of the bass), you should opt for the first option.
Remote active subwoofers are much more convincing in terms of low frequency transmission, but they take up additional space in the room.
Configuration.
The quality and character of its sound as a whole depends on how many channels are implemented in the speaker system.
Theoretically, the more channels, the more interesting and voluminous the sound is. On sale there are devices with different configurations - 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 7.1 and even 9.1 (plus variations of 7.1.2, 5.2, etc.).
The first digit means the number of main channels (front + center + rear), the second - the presence and number of subwoofers.
Connectors.
Many interfaces in active soundbars turn these speakers into multifunctional devices.
Simple models are usually equipped with only standard audio jacks and USB ports, to which you can connect external media with music.
More advanced devices additionally have an optical input and HDMI connectors on board.
This provides the listener with high quality sound and the ability to broadcast multi-channel audio.
Wireless technologies.
Provides additional ease of use.
Bluetooth allows you to play tracks on the soundbar from a mobile device, use a tablet or smartphone (using special applications) as a means of controlling the speaker system.
Wi-Fi makes it possible to organize a network, broadcast content in high quality without wires. NFC enables audio streaming over the air.
Power.
The most important criterion when choosing a soundbar. The higher the total power of the acoustics, the louder (and in many cases cleaner) the soundbar will sound. A 100-200 W speaker system is suitable for sounding a medium-sized room. It is recommended to choose a device with a power reserve.

Best soundbars for 2.1 sound quality

Soundbars 2.1 are a set of front stereo speakers and a subwoofer.

Note! Speakers with this configuration do not allow you to get a true surround sound effect (only emulation).

The best soundbars in terms of sound quality 2-1 format according to customer reviews and ratings.

Polk Audio Signa S2

The Polk Audio Signa S2 TV Soundbar will provide its owner with incredible surround sound, comparable to the level of a home theater, and far beyond the capabilities of built-in TV speakers.

The package includes an HDMI cable, with which the user can quickly and effortlessly connect the device.

Polk's proprietary Voice Adjust technology guarantees clear speech reproduction, while Dolby Digital decoding makes high-definition sound more immersive and even immersive.

The wireless subwoofer unit will provide the listener with deep bass.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 200 W;
front emitter - 120 W, 900? 55? 82 mm, 1.7 kg;
subwoofer - 80 W, 171? 340? 310 mm, 5.2 kg;
connection — linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - Dolby Digital support, remote control control.

Advantages

detailed and surround sound;
convenient night mode;
acoustic cloth trim;
HDMI and SPDIF cables included;
auto power off when there is no signal.

Flaws

no display;
easily soiled case;
high price.

Denon DHT-S316

The Denon DHT-S316 set with an 80-watt outboard subwoofer and a wall-mounted soundbar with the same power output is the ideal speaker system for home use.

The equipment supports wireless communication via Bluetooth with the ability to play audio content from any mobile device.

The device, due to its high total output power, provides loud and high-quality sound reproduction when watching videos.

The soundbar is connected to the TV via HDMI.

The presented acoustics support surround sound formats, the functionality is controlled by the remote control.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 160 W;
front emitter - 80 W, 900? 55? 82 mm, 1.8 kg;
subwoofer - 80 W, 170? 312? 340 mm, 5.2 kg;
connection — linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - Dolby Digital / DTS support, remote control control.

Advantages

stylish design;
compact dimensions;
high build quality and materials;
there is the possibility of mounting on the wall;
powerful, high quality sound.

Flaws

lack of WI-FI;
auto power off in the absence of a command via Bluetooth;
not the most convenient remote control.

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass

The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass model, with high output power and multi-channel audio playback, is an ideal solution for organizing a home theater.

The set of front panel and remote subwoofer is made in accordance with the 2.1 configuration.

High-quality speaker cabinet materials prevent vibrations and acoustic resonant phenomena.

The device is connected to the TV with an HDMI cable, it is also possible to synchronize the acoustics with other devices via Bluetooth.

The system can be mounted both on the wall and on the shelf.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 300 W;
front emitter - 100 W, 965? 58? 85 mm, 2.16 kg;
subwoofer - 200 W, 240? 379? 240 mm, 5.67 kg;
connection — linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - Dolby Digital support, remote control control.

Advantages

ease of installation;
fast synchronization with TV;
powerful sound of the system as a whole;
convenient wireless connection interface.

Flaws

“Connects” not with all Bluetooth adapters;
insignificant blockage at medium frequencies;
heavy subwoofer.

LG SJ3

Equipped with a pair of powerful speakers and featuring Auto Sound Engine technology, the LG SJ3 Soundbar stands out from the competition for high-quality music reproduction with clear, distortion-free sound.

The automatic signal correction module also guarantees high-quality speech transmission.

Using the Bluetooth module, the user can broadcast audio content from a tablet or smartphone to the soundbar.

The sound system is controlled by the TV remote control.

The functionality allows you to start playback from your mobile device without delay, even if the soundbar was in standby mode.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 300 W;
front emitter - 100 W, 950? 71? 47 mm, 2.47 kg;
subwoofer - 200 W, 171? 320? 252 mm, 4.2 kg;
connection — linear stereo input, optical input, Bluetooth;
features - support for Dolby Digital / DTS, control from the TV remote control.

Advantages

relatively low price;
compact dimensions;
high output power;
high-quality sound;
surround sound in Cinema mode.

Flaws

subjectively a lot of high frequencies;
no equalizer;
no display.

Models with 3.1 configuration

Important! Four-channel acoustics from a pair of front and one central (usually built into the main panel) emitters are complemented by a subwoofer.

A number of models support DTS, Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos formats, but, as a rule, this is done, as in previous models, at the emulation level.

Rating and review of the best configuration models 3-1.

Samsung HW-T650

Soundbar Samsung HW-T650 allows you to organize a real home theater with powerful, loud and clear sound throughout the audible frequency range.

The presented model is equipped with an active type wireless subwoofer with Bluetooth connection and a front panel with a built-in center channel.

The latter is equipped with a USB port for playing music from compatible devices.

In addition, the soundbar is equipped with a special game mode with sound presets to create the right atmosphere.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 340 W;
front emitter - 180 W, 980? 58? 90 mm, 2.4 kg;
subwoofer - 160 W, 205? 353? 303 mm, 6.2 kg;
connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features — remote control.

Advantages

modern appearance;
ease of connection and use;
high-quality sound in the entire frequency range;
wireless subwoofer.

Flaws

lack of volume of the sound stage;
not the best solution for listening to music;
high price.

Sony HT-ZF9

The Sony HT-ZF9 model will be an excellent addition to your TV, allowing you to enjoy high-quality and live sounding of multi-channel audio content.

Presented acoustics includes a soundbar with built-in rear and front speakers, and a remote subwoofer with a wireless connection.

The equipment has support for DLNA and surround sound decoders.

The main panel is equipped with audio / video connectors, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. The acoustic pressure of the system is 72 dB at the maximum.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 400 W;
front emitter - 300 W, 1000? 64? 99 mm, 3.1 kg;
subwoofer - 100 W, 190? 382? 386 mm, 8.1 kg;
connection - stereo line-in, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth, USB-A;
features - support for DTS / Neo 6 / Dolby Digital / True HD, remote control.

Advantages

excellent sound quality;
impressive volume margin;
completely switchable display;
the presence of a two-level speech amplification mode;
support for all modern formats.

Flaws

poor ergonomics of the remote control;
bad location of HDMI ports (too close to each other);
high price.

Samsung HW-Q800T

The Samsung HW-Q800T, with a total output power of 330W and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, is equipped with the latest technology for perfectly clear and balanced sound.

Thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS X decoders, the finest nuances of sound are available to the user with an immersive effect, just like in real life.

Immersive sound (soundbar speakers working in conjunction with TV speakers) enhances the effect described above.

The presented acoustics is able to analyze the sound signal and automatically optimize the soundtrack, improving the audibility of speech.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 330 W;
front emitter - 170 W, 980? 60? 115 mm, 3.6 kg;
subwoofer - 160 W, 205? 403? 403 mm, 9.8 kg;
connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - support for Dolby Atmos / DTS X / HDR 10+, Tap Sound option, remote control control.

Advantages

excellent transmission of the nuances of the sound picture;
powerful addition in the form of a bass;
convenient connection to TV;
intuitive remote control.

Flaws

indistinct Adaptive Sound mode;
average work with sound at low frequencies;
heavy subwoofer.

Soundbars with 4.1 configuration

Such devices in addition to the subwoofer, they have four main radiators - a pair of front and a pair of rear (external or built-in).

It is worth noting! The 4.1 format allows for three-dimensional sound, but due to the lack of a separate center channel, it may not be very suitable for scoring films.

TOP-2 best configuration models 4-1 according to expert advice.

LG SN5R

Featuring DTS Virtual X 4.1 surround sound with 520W total output power, the LG SN5R Soundbar is an essential part of a home theater system for even the most sophisticated user.

The presented acoustics will appeal not only to fans of films and TV shows, but also to music lovers.

The claimed 96kHz sampling rate and 24-bit depth means a clear, expressive and detailed sound with excellent resolution of the smallest nuances.

An external subwoofer will complement the picture with depth and power of low-frequency components.

The built-in AI Sound Pro system will automatically detect the content type and adjust playback settings.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 520 W;
front emitter - 180 W, 890? 57? 85 mm, 2.35 kg;
rear speakers - 120 W, 97? 140? 80 mm, 0.89 kg;
subwoofer - 220 W, 180? 394? 290 mm, 5.8 kg;
connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - AI Sound Pro system.

Advantages

quality sound of the system as a whole;
ease of connection and configuration;
two HDMI ports;
cute design.

Flaws

relatively weak rear speakers;
inconvenient location of the optical input.

LG SNH5

The LG SNH5 TV Soundbar with Surround Sound Technology delivers an expressive sound experience for the ultimate in immersive audio experience.

The AI Sound Pro intelligent system analyzes the sound, optimizing the parameters necessary for comfortable listening.

The device is equipped with five channels of audio playback with a total output power of 600 watts.

The model is easy to connect, it is synchronized with the TV via Bluetooth technology.

The complete remote control is easy to use and intuitive to use.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 600 W;
front emitter - 400 W, 990? 125? 97 mm, 6.6 kg;
subwoofer - 200 W, 191? 386? 318 mm, 5.3 kg;
connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - Dolby Digital support, remote control, smartphone control.

Advantages

stylish appearance;
high build quality;
high output power;
overall good system sound.

Flaws

lack of high frequencies;
wired subwoofer connection;
There are no wall mounts included.

The best soundbars for 5.1 sound

Perhaps, the most common surround sound format is equipped with a center speaker (usually built into the main panel), front speakers and rear speakers (depending on the model built-in or external), as well as a powerful subwoofer unit.

Stay up to date! The system fully reproduces surround sound, like in a movie theater.

JBL Bar 5.1 Surround

The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround can be considered as a stand-alone home theater or party device.

In both cases, users are guaranteed crystal clear sound and high power output across the entire audible frequency spectrum.

The front panel, equipped with the main speakers, is connected to the TV via optics, an analog channel or via HDMI.

The remote subwoofer connects to the system via Bluetooth. The system is equipped with up-to-date surround sound decoders.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 550 W;
front emitter - 250 W, 1018? 58? 100 mm, 2.85 kg;
subwoofer - 300 W, 305? 440? 305 mm, 10.62 kg;
connection — linear stereo input, optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - Dolby Digital support, remote control control.

Advantages

excellent sound transmission with powerful and soft bass;
intelligible speech in films and TV programs;
easy installation and configuration;
interesting design overall.

Flaws

no built-in equalizer;
there are no basic presets (“Music”, “Film”, “Sport”, etc.);
hard to read display.

LG SL10Y

The LG SL10Y Soundbar boasts stylish main and subwoofer speaker designs, as well as original sound comparable to the monitor sound of studio systems.

The front panel, equipped with a special mount, is mounted on a wall or on a shelf.

The remote design of the subwoofer unit makes it possible to place it in any suitable place.

The soundbar is controlled from the remote control.

Built-in Bluetooth technology allows you to connect acoustics to any mobile device. Movie fans will be interested in the "Night" and "Film" modes.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 570 W;
front emitter - 350 W, 1443? 63? 146 mm, 7.5 kg;
subwoofer - 220 W, 221? 390? 313 mm, 7.8 kg;
connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth;
features - support for DTS-HD / Master Audio / Dolby Digital / True HD, Google Cast, remote control.

Advantages

excellent sound quality content;
compatibility with other devices;
several connection options;
convenient control of soundbar settings.

Flaws

no cables included;
poor sounding mp3;
heavy subwoofer.

Sony HT-S700RF

The Sony HT-S700RF model with a 240W subwoofer, a 456W main soundbar and two rear speakers of 152W each, allows you to create a complete stereo system for high-quality soundtracks for movies and listening to music.

The device is equipped with five audio channels, it supports USB-drives and wireless connection via Bluetooth.

The soundbar provides the ability to play songs from mobile gadgets.

The body of the front panel is made of aluminum alloy, and the remote subwoofer is made of wood.

Fans of watching movies at night will like the corresponding mode of operation. You can control the device both from the remote control and from your smartphone.

Main characteristics:

output power (total) - 1000 W;
front emitter - 456 W, 900? 64? 90 mm, 3 kg;
rear speakers - 304 W 78 ? 1200? 78 mm, 3.6 kg;
subwoofer - 240 W, 231? 438? 378 mm, 10.2 kg;
connection - optical input, HDMI, Bluetooth, USB-A;
features - support for Dolby Digital / DTS.

Advantages

ease of setup;
nice design;
high sound quality;
fast and stable Bluetooth operation.

Flaws

no infrared control channel;
there is no rear balance adjustment;
high price tag.

Soundbar or home theater - which is better to choose?

Actually A soundbar is a sound bar that allows you to output sound from your TV and make it better, louder and more spacious.

Such acoustics is quite capable of replacing a home theater. Soundbar features include:

compact dimensions;
many configurations;
high sound quality;
recognition of various decoders;
the presence of connectors for connecting drives;
the possibility of wireless communication with mobile devices.

Keep in mind! The soundbar will be convenient for owners of small apartments who do not want to clutter up the space with speakers and wires.

The device can be used as an addition to the TV, and as a complete audio system with various functions.

Home theater allows you to get high-quality surround sound, play audio and video from various media.

Such acoustics is the most complete solution for high-quality sounding of video content.

Home theater features include:

not the most compact dimensions;
two main modifications on the market - 5.1 and 7.1;
compliance with the Hi-Fi class;
availability of parameter settings depending on the type of room.

In general, a soundbar can be recommended for purchase if the TV does not have high-quality sound, but there is a desire to save money and not clutter up the room with bulky speakers and wires.

A home theater system costs more, but delivers professional-quality sound, often requiring complex setup.

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Conclusion

The soundbar can fundamentally fix a significant drawback of modern flat TV - weak and poor quality sound.
When choosing soundbar you should pay attention to its configuration, power, ports and interfaces for connection.
If you just need to improve the TV sound to an acceptable level, you can purchase an inexpensive model in 2.1, 3.1 format.
A truly voluminous and powerful sound (like in a movie theater) will be obtained with models in the 4.1, 5.1 or 7.1 configuration.
A soundbar can replace a home theater in many cases., allowing you to save space in the apartment and money.

Useful video

In this video, the musician tests the sound on home soundbars in search of the best sound:

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