How to choose between sound bars: interesting models

As with almost any electronic device, sound bars have a series of factors that determine their quality. If we want to make a purchase that we do not regret, it will be very important to have these characteristics very present. Do you want to meet them? Then we recommend that you continue reading.

Features to consider in sound bars

Next, we are going to break down all those features that you should take into account when choosing a good sound bar. They are parameters that you must analyze before making the purchase in order to make sure you are always right.

• Size : Before choosing a sound bar for our TV, it is essential to know how much space we can count on. Thus, our model will have to have a size that is suitable for said space.
• The exact place where you are going to place it is also relevant, since if you choose an area that has many obstacles in front of you, you will probably not hear it well.
• Along with the size, it is important to know whether or not we can anchor it to the wall . Many times, this is the best option so that it goes unnoticed.
• Power : Power is another of the fundamental factors to take into account. The greater the power of a sound bar, the greater the volume that we will have. 200 W RMS should be considered as the output mark. In this way, we will ensure that they can be heard clearly even in very large spaces.
• Sound : This is, without a doubt, the most important factor of all. If we want to have a good sound, we will have to make sure that our bar has a good equalization between bass and treble , as well as a clear and enveloping definition.
• As for the impedance , it is important that it is at least 4 ohms to guarantee good quality.
• The frequency is essential, and should be in a range between 20 and 20,000 MHz.
• As for something more physical , it is interesting to analyze whether or not buttons are included in order to control what happens in the sound bar. And it can even be interesting to have a remote control! That way you won’t have to get up to change any parameters.

• Sound formats : When buying a sound bar, you have to take into account how many sound formats it can play. If we use it to watch movies, we have to make sure that it is capable of reproducing Dolby sound in all its variants, while if we use it to listen to music, it must be able to reproduce FLAC or ALAC .
• It is essential that it is a model that supports 4K . Otherwise, you will not be able to play movies or series that are in UHD. To do this, you should make sure that it includes 4K Pass Through technology .
• You’ll find sound bars that include FM radio . You should know that this is not something generalized and that, if it is essential for you, you should take it into account in the search.
• Subwoofer : The subwoofer is responsible for reproducing the deepest sounds at a higher quality , something essential for an excellent sound experience. Many models do not have one built in, but our recommendation is that you try to buy one that does. If you are worried about space, don’t worry! Some subwoofers are fully integrated and take up nothing.
• Virtual channels : Another of the sections on which the sound quality offered by our sound bar will depend is the number of virtual channels that it incorporates. In general, these products have between 2.0 and 2.1 channels , although we also find other models with 5.1 and 7.1.2 .
• Speakers : Soundbars don’t typically offer a set number of speakers. The most recommended thing is that our bar has as many speakers as possible, since in this way we will ensure a better sound. At a minimum , it is recommended that they be around 2.
• Price : We will have to take this parameter into account whenever we make any purchase. We have to make sure that we are paying for a good relation between quality and price . Today, we find many different prices on the market, so we will have many options to choose from.

Connectivity: an essential factor

Connectivity is one of those key factors that should never be overlooked, which is why we give it so much importance in this buying guide. The characteristics to be taken into account in this section are the following:

• There should never be a lack of HDMI version 2.0 connection that is compatible with 4K. In this way, we will be guaranteeing synchronization with all types of televisions.
• In addition, it may be interesting to have other types of inputs, such as digital or optical ones.
• It also does not hurt that wireless possibilities are offered, such as WiFi and Bluetooth . The latter is one of the most interesting, since being able to connect the sound bars to a smartphone will allow you to listen to music easily. And you will even find smart TVs that come with bluetooth.

• It is a plus that they have an AirPlay connection. If you have an iPhone or any other Apple device, you surely know that it is very easy to connect through this.
• Along with AirPlay, you may be interested in that it is also compatible with Spotify Connect . And it is that the functionality of Spotify is not always compatible with all sound bars, which must be analyzed separately.
• HDMIR ARC technology will make your life much easier once you get to know it. Through this, you can use the same remote for the TV and for the sound bar. It’s as simple as linking the bar to your TV using a cable, joining them and allowing you to control them using the same remote control.
• Finally, you may be interested in your sound bar having an NFC connection . Through this system you can quickly link your mobile phone to the bar, and in an extremely simple way! The only thing you will have to do is activate the NFC of your device and pass it over the bar. In just a few seconds, both will be fully linked! Don’t worry about the price, as there are plenty of affordable NFC soundbars out there.

Virtual assistants in your sound bar: Alexa and Google Assistant

Although there is not a big difference in terms of sound quality or technical specifications, the fact of having virtual assistants in our sound bar can be a great plus. Especially when it comes to utility .

Within the most famous assistants, we can talk about both Alexa and Google Assistant. In either case, the sound bar must have a microphone to detect the commands. And, of course, it will require wireless connectivity in order to work via WiFi. Bluetooth will also be an almost essential requirement in this type of product.

The main advantage that we can use virtual assistants is that you will not need the controls that we have mentioned before. You won’t even need HDMI ARC technology, as you can control the soundbar simply by speaking.

Portable sound bars: take them with you everywhere

There is a type of sound bar that must be taken into account if what you are looking for is to have the greatest possible versatility: portable ones. Not only can you travel with them anywhere, but you can also move them within your own home. If you have more than one TV, it is the best option! Because you do not have to make great efforts when changing it from one point to another. In addition, they are usually very compact , something that will make it easy for you to store them.

It is essential to analyze what type of bluetooth connection they have, because in the end you will almost always use them through this type of connection. If it has added ports, that’s a plus!

As for how they receive a charge , they usually have some type of battery included that you can recharge using the USB port. But there are also those that will require a USB connection to any device. These are the most common, affordable and easy to use. But the final choice will depend on you and the use you are going to make of them.

What advantages do sound bars offer us?

But if you are still doubting whether or not to buy a sound bar, perhaps you need to know the advantages that a product of this type is capable of offering us. They are not few, of course, and also amply justify the use of these devices.

The first advantage we find is the most obvious: the sound. And it is that thanks to a bar we can enjoy surround sound that will transport us directly to a movie theater . If you are a movie or series lover, you definitely have to get one.

On the other hand, sound bars are really versatile . Not only will they serve us to view audiovisual content on our television, but they will also allow us to listen to our favorite music in unbeatable quality.

Another advantage they offer us is their size. Before, to assemble a team of these characteristics we had to buy speakers of more than considerable dimensions. Thanks to how compact the sound bars are, we will have the best sound in an impossible space.

This last point is closely linked to the previous one, since the sound equipment of yesteryear involved a considerable outlay, being quite expensive products. However, with the sound bars we will be able to save ourselves a good pinch, since their prices are more than competent .

Low-end soundbars: the most affordable

After having carefully analyzed what we need to look for in soundbars to see if they really do what we want, we are going to see products!

First of all, we are going to look at some lower-end soundbars, whose prices are more affordable. Don’t worry about the quality, because you will continue to find very interesting devices.

One of the cheapest: Sharp HT-SB110

We start this compilation with one of the cheapest soundbars on the market. Sharp launched its HT-SB110 model for all those users looking for something of quality at the best possible price.

It has a remote control , so you can control it from practically anywhere. Via bluetooth it connects to all the devices you need. As for the channels, we are facing a 2.0 configuration.

As a strong point, it should be noted how compact it is , as well as that you can mount it on the wall comfortably. Perhaps that is why it is recommended above all for televisions between 40 and 43 inches.

It also has an HDMI connector, as well as HDMI ARC technology. You will not have to be carrying a large number of controls, since you can group everything in one. And finally, you should know that it has a power of 90 W. In terms of price , it is around €60.

On-Earz Sound Bar – With Alexa Included

The second of the sound bars that we are going to see is, in turn, one of the most affordable . It is from the On-Earz brand, and offers some very striking features despite costing less than €100.

First of all, it is compatible with Alexa . It has a microphone that will allow you to control it by voice without the need to use applications or controls. However, it also has an application that you can download to your smartphone to configure absolutely all the parameters.

As for connectivity , it has a bluetooth connection along with WiFi. In addition, it offers a 3.5 jack port and an optical input, so you can connect from disparate devices. It has a power of 80 W, and the channel configuration is 2.0. It is very compact , although it may also be because it does not have a subwoofer. It remains, yes, below €100.

TCL: Fire TV Edition with 4K support

The next sound bar that we bring is from the TCL firm, and it continues to be compatible with Alexa despite its low price. What’s more, it includes a Fire TV 4K live media player. The quality that this will offer you is amazing.

It is the first that does bring integrated subwoofers , thus allowing you to obtain a much more intense sound. It offers different sound modes that you can configure using the remote it has. As for the channels , it offers a 2.1 configuration. The connectivity is very complete, since it has a bluetooth, USB, optical and HDMI connection.

The great advantage of this bar over the previous ones is that it allows you to open practically any application, almost becoming an intelligent sound bar. All you have to do is press the microphone and ask Alexa. The price is approximately €125.

We turn to Samsung: a very compact bar

Samsung could not be left behind in this list of sound bars. The first of the brand that we are going to mention is the HW-T400 model, recognized internationally for how compact it is.

It is the first that we have seen so far with an NFC connection , which is something to keep in mind if this parameter matters to you. You can also connect it to other devices via bluetooth . It has an integrated subwoofer, thus increasing the feeling of being in front of a very well designed device.

The channel configuration is 2.0, and the sound quality it offers is unmatched. Especially considering the price! It will be yours for more or less €110.

Hisense HS312: with 4K Pass-Through

We take a considerable leap in quality with this Hisense sound bar. Its specifications are worthy of the high range, despite having a considerably affordable price.

It has 5 equalization modes and 4K Pass-Through technology , in addition to Dolby Atmos. As for connectivity , it has HDMI ARC so you can control it using the same remote as the TV. And it includes bluetooth, so you can use it with other different devices.

You won’t be able to ask for anything more from your movie nights, since it will adapt perfectly to everything you’re listening to. It exceeds €210, although it will depend on the offers you find at the time.

Panasonic: a wireless bar

Panasonic offers us the first of the wireless sound bars that we can find. It is your HTB250 model, and it connects via bluetooth to give you much more freedom and dynamism.

It is designed so that you can use it both with your TV and with your smartphone , and always get the best possible quality. The subwoofer is not excessively large, since it measures only 14 centimeters, so it will not give you any kind of problem.

The channel configuration is 2.1 , and you can control it using the same remote control as your TV. It has a mode called Virtual Surround that will create that home cinema effect that you are looking for so much. The maximum power it offers is 80 W. It will be yours for more or less €230.

Xiaomi: an incredible power

We continue our list with this Xiaomi bar, which has a 3.1 channel configuration. It is very elegant, thin and slim, with a built-in wireless subwoofer. You can both place it on the furniture or hook it on the wall if you wish, and it will go unnoticed.

The sound quality it offers is accentuated by all the improvements and technological innovations it brings. First of all, it has virtual DTS sound and Dolby Audio support. To this we must add that it has versatile modes to adapt to different contents.

It has an NFC connection so you can quickly connect it to your smartphone. In this way, the pairing will be almost instant. In addition, it also has bluetooth and HDMI. You can have it at home for just over €230.

Again Panasonic: 240 W and compatible with Google

For those who are more of Google Assistant , this Panasonic bar is just what you need.

This 2.1 sound bar is very complete, since it also incorporates HDMI ARC technology. It comes with a wireless subwoofer that you can easily connect, and has a power of 240 W. Although without a doubt the most interesting thing about it is that you can control it with your voice using the Google assistant.

In addition, it has Dolby Surround. The quality of the sound that you will hear with this bar is of the highest quality. In this case, the price goes up to €340.

High-end sound bars: a home theater

For those who are a bit more demanding, we also bring a few high-end soundbars . Of course, prices go up. But so do the benefits!

Samsung HW-Q60T: with smart speaker

This sound bar is without a doubt our absolute favourite . Although its price is higher than the previous ones, it offers an incredible three- dimensional sound capable of completely enveloping you. That’s thanks to DTS Virtual:X, and its combination with Samsung’s Acoustic Beam technology.

Its greatest peculiarity is that it automatically adapts to scenes. The Samsung speaker analyzes the sound tracks and provides the most optimized sound. Thanks to that, you will hear in the best possible way even silent conversations.

It has a 5.1 channel configuration, it connects via bluetooth and it has a maximum power of 360 W. You won’t be able to ask for anything more! Around €400, approximately.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: very elegant

This sound bar is very surprising for having such a minimalist , white and careful design. From Sonos they have done an exceptional job when designing it, thus allowing it to fit with practically any decoration.

As for its specifications , you should know that it has the best possible connectivity: WiFi, HDMI and even AirPlay. There will be no device that you cannot connect to this bar. Also, its sound quality is amazing. This is so because it is fully compatible with Dolby Atmos and is capable of creating a 3D effect. If you watch action movies, you can almost feel the bullets go through the air in your living room.

It also precisely adjusts to whatever’s playing and the space you’re in. This will allow you to enjoy yourself in a totally different way, because you will feel how everything surrounds you.

If you wish, you can connect it with your television remote control to use it through it. If not, you can always use the touch controls that it comes with or use the specific application that you can download to your smartphone. Its price is always less than €500 .

Bose Soundbar: Compatible with Alexa and Laptop

Do you need to be able to take your sound bars anywhere? Get this from the Bose brand that is also compatible with Alexa.

It has a remote control so you can control it regardless of the distance. In addition, it has indicator lights . By having Alexa integrated you can also control it through voice commands , and it will even allow you to receive calls through it.

As for connectivity , it has Bluetooth, WiFi and AirPlay connectivity. And it connects to Spotify! There will be nothing to resist you with this powerful sound bar, which is as compact as it is discreet. Of course, the price goes up to €700.

One of the most powerful on the list: LG SP11RA

One of the most powerful bars on this list comes from LG. Its price exceeds €1,000, so it is only suitable for the most moviegoers . Or those who want to lose themselves in their video games , of course.

Nevertheless, it is a worthwhile investment. It has a 7.1.4 channel configuration , which is the best so far. It is compatible with Alexa, and you can also link your content with the Google Assistant, AirPlay and even Chromecast. As for connectivity, it has HDMI eARC, bluetooth , and even a USB port.

The sound quality is the best you will find right now. It has Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, thus allowing you to fully enjoy all the content you want.

Sonos ARC: the best quality you will find

We can not pass up the opportunity to talk about one of the best Sonos soundbars , this model called ARC . Due to its size, you could make the mistake of believing that the sound it will reproduce will not have enough power, but nothing is further from the truth!

It manages to emit a high quality sound that, in addition, will adapt to any space. It has a subwoofer and two speakers, and it connects very easily. In addition to having HDMI eARC, it also has NFC technology so you can pair it with your phone in seconds.

It offers full 3D sound thanks to Dolby Atmos , allowing you to enjoy a totally different reality. And you can even control it by voice using the Google assistant or Alexa. All this with a very elegant design, and for less than €1,000.

Our recommendation: Samsung HW-Q60T

If we could only choose one of the soundbars we’ve reviewed, it would be the Samsung HW-Q60T. Especially for its ability to adapt to scenes, as well as its connectivity and ease of use.

Despite everything, your final decision will also depend on the price you are willing to invest. Remember that in the list we have included some very interesting sound bars at very low prices. You don’t have to spend a lot to get a high-quality product.