Best Soundbars

Soundbars are more portable and less expensive than 5.1 surround sound systems with multiple speakers but, from an output perspective, they usually stack up short. Usually being the operative word here though since the JBL Bar 5.1 can easily compete even with some premium surround sound systems. First and foremost, as the name suggests, this product offers 5.1 surround sound, something that soundbars seldom give you. Of course, this is also where the line gets a little blurry since the device comes equipped with detachable battery-powered wireless speakers, meaning that the system has its hands in both baskets, so to speak.

These detachable speakers last somewhere around 10 hours (depending on the load/volume), so you can switch between authentic surround sound and, when you're done, attach them back, recharging the speakers with comfort and ease. Between the sub and the speakers, this system draws and outputs 510 watts, producing loud yet detailed sound.

But, as much as these detachable speakers define the product, the 250mm wireless sub almost puts them to shame, providing the richest, most thrilling bass, with a noticeable bump, considerable impact, and above-average extension. Plus, unlike most subwoofers, this one is wireless, so you can place the sub anywhere you want, choosing the direction from which the bass will be coming from.

Needless to say, the additional elements here also make setting the system up quite a hassle, even for people with prior experience. Still, it is well worth it.

The Sony HT-S350 all but exemplifies what soundbars are supposed to be and what they're capable of. Though not without its flaws, the company remains synonymous with quality audio systems, and the review subject fits the same mold. To start with, there is the system's tremendous 320-watt output, producing bright and dynamic audio with consistent volume and excellent clarity. To add more, you have the huge, 6.3-inch sub, with its 6.16-gallon output delivering deep bass. While the soundbar makes sure that the mids and highs are produced with clarity, the subwoofer makes the lows rumble with might.

But, before addressing anything else, this system is much more about the tech that puts the aforementioned components to good use. To name one, the device adopts the company's signature Voice Enhancement tech. Isolating voices and amplifying them over the background noise, this technology makes even the quietest lines recognizable. To name two, the system integrates the S-Force™ PRO Front Surround technology, which does an excellent job emulating surround sound without the components that make the whole surround sound thing possible in the first place. We're not saying that it is literally the same that the 5.1 systems are offering but the audio is comparable.

The Bose Solo 5 is pretty chummy with the budget crowd, sharing the price bracket with that crowd but without sharing the underwhelming sound that these systems are usually offering. No, despite belonging to the budget bunch price-wise, this system easily earns a seat at the mid-range table. First things first, we really appreciate the dialogue sound effect, making each and every word stand out, so you can understand even the most subtle lines whispered in the dark without adjusting the volume between scenes.

Considering that the system does not include a sub, you would presume that the bass output here would be lacking, to say the least. This is not quite the case though. Sure, soundbars without subs cannot match those that come with subwoofers, but the system comes pretty close. Using the remote that's shipped with the package (not a redundant clarification at all), you can easily increase or decrease the bass output, making its impact more or less pronounced and the extension more or less noticeable. Again, without a sub, the bump from the bass remains minimal, so audiophiles might be a little disappointed but, as far as movie buffs are concerned, this is more than sufficient.

What is a little less sufficient though is the above-mentioned remote. While the buttons are all there, which is something that we can appreciate since that means you do not have to scooch next to the unit to adjust certain settings, the remote's shape and the layout are not ergonomic at all. We can forgive the shape but, with all the buttons cramped together, avoiding an occasional misclick becomes an impossible task.

The Samsung HW-T450 is the sleekest, most elegant-looking system that you can find within its price range. With the smooth, refined housing, both components easily blend into the most upscale settings, fitting minimalistic modern interiors about as well as rustic lofts.

The elegant appearance does not come without its costs though. In pursuit of reducing clutter, the people behind this model have also reduced the interface options, leaving only Bluetooth 4.2, optical input, and a USB port. Of course, between these three, the system still easily fits most TVs, tablets, smartphones, you name the device. Still, we wouldn't mind seeing an HDMI input added next time, even despite somewhat sacrificing the discreet aesthetic.

Size-wise, the soundbar measures 33.9 x 2.9 x 2.1 inches, about as long as most 'bars but less tall and wide, leaving more space on the entertainment center for more devices. The sub follows suit, measuring 7.1 x 10.7 x 13.5 inches, with an extra inch shaved here and there to make its profile more compact. Needless to say, following the common playbook deployed across almost all soundbars, this model offers you both tabletop and wall-mount installation options. The slight but pleasant difference here is that the hardware that you need to mount this device onto a wall is provided with the package and the instructions that come with it make the task a lot less challenging and more straightforward than it usually is.

Compared to the models we have been talking about above, this product from RIF6 is a little basic. Albeit not without its moments, to some extent, the price reflects the quality here. For starters, its total power output caps at 80 watts, which is not bad, much more impressive than what most TVs are offering these days but a tad less impressive than what most soundbars usually lend you. Now, where most people are concerned, the two integrated subwoofers will suffice, providing an almost room-shaking bass that goes as deep as 72 decibels, all while keeping the audio output crisp and precise. But the audiophile crowd will probably find the built-in subs lacking.

Looking at it from one angle, we can easily get behind the little discreet LED screen hidden behind the mesh net (speaker grill), adding to the model's already attractive aesthetic. At the same time, some might find even this hidden screen a little bright and distracting.

What's not distracting is the aforementioned aesthetic. Quite the opposite, the unit looks sleek, slim, and elegant. With its clean lines and polished accents, this model looks nothing like its budget contemporaries, resembling premium models more than low-end soundbars. Plus, featuring smooth curves and rounded edges, this device makes sure that kids and pets will not be able to injure themselves running into the unit. Peaking at 35.4 x 3.1 x 2.8 inches, the model occupies almost no space, not imposing on that precious entertainment center space that most people like to conserve. Also, you can always go with the wall-mounting option and save even more space.