Sound bars for PC: advantages, features and best models

Having a sound bar can be a great option, especially to enhance the sound at times when we need the highest quality and strength. It is something very common in many people’s living rooms. We can be watching TV with native audio, but when it’s time to put on a movie, there’s nothing like turning on the sound bar and lowering the blind. It is something that we have very much assumed in this universe, but perhaps less so in that of PCs.

And it is that, unless you have bought a Smart TV that integrates a sound bar in its structure, the acoustic section of current televisions leaves a lot to be desired. Be careful, the fault is not really with the manufacturers, but with the users. It is normal that we ask for more and more stylized models, where thinness allows us to enjoy a unique design that will be the center of attention. However, there are some points to keep in mind before purchasing one.

Characteristic

Some of the characteristics that we will have to take into account when choosing the sound bar for PC that best suits our needs are the following:

• Power : As expected, the first parameter that we will have to look at is the power . The higher this is, the greater the volume that we will have. It is best to have a sound bar with a subwoofer. The usual thing is that it has something more than 50W, but it will be enough.
• Quality : It is useless for us to have the most powerful sound bar on the market if it is not capable of offering us sharpness at its height. When we buy a product of this type, we have to aim for the best sound experience, clear and immersive. For this reason, the models that we recommend more than meet this standard.
• Number of speakers : The number of speakers that a sound bar incorporates can vary from one model to another. However, this is a key factor that will affect channel separation and therefore audio quality. Thus, the more speakers our bar has, the greater the chances of enjoying crisp and clear sound. This is closely related to the number of channels, such as 5.1 and 7.1, which we will explain in more detail below.
• Size : Considering that the sound bar will be close to our computer, we will usually place it on a desk. For this reason we cannot get a large one, or it will steal a vital space for other types of devices such as the keyboard, the mouse, etc… Ideally, it should not measure more than 15 or 20 cm, and if we want something compact , less than 10 cm.
• Subwoofer : In short, the subwoofer is the speaker responsible for reproducing the deepest sounds. In general, it is placed on the floor, which will cause the most powerful waves to completely travel through our room. Having one is essential if we want to live a sound experience that is as realistic and immersive as possible.
• Connectivity : We find two types of sound bars based on their connectivity: those with USB and those with an external power system. Our recommendation is that, whenever you can, choose the first ones, since charging your device will be much easier and, again, we will save space.
• Passive or active? : For one thing, passive soundbars don’t have a built-in amplifier, so you’ll have to hook one up, but they do have powerful speakers and better sound. The active ones , on the other hand, do come with said amplifier as standard, so they do not need anything else to provide a powerful sound. There is no better option than another, so it will depend on what your needs are.
• Price : It may seem obvious, but before buying any model we will have to make sure that it has a good relationship between quality and price . It is useless for us to leave a good sum of money on a product that, in reality, is not worth it. Luckily, you will find sound bars at very good prices that, even so, will offer you quality features.

The importance of choosing between a 5.1 and 7.1 bar

Another factor that we have to take into account, and which is essential, is to choose between a bar with 5.1 and 7.1 sound. In general terms, we refer to these two concepts when we refer to surround sound, which is the first thing that we must define to be clear what to choose.

Surround sound (or more commonly known by its name in English, surround sound ), is a technique that makes the audio we hear dissipate in space in various audio channels, listening to it as if it were surrounding us, from all sides. In deference to traditional sound, which broadcasts on a smaller number of channels. In other words, we hear 360º sound.

That number of channels is what differentiates 5.1 sound and 7.1 sound, which are basically the number of channels and speakers in the space in which the audio is distributed. 5.1 uses six channels spread over five speakers and one subwoofer, while 7.1 uses seven speakers and another subwoofer across eight channels.

But what does this translate to in practice? With a 5.1 sound bar we will hear well in small places, but with the limitation compared to 7.1 that it does not have as much directionality, and we will not have such a wide sensation of hearing the audio from all parts of the room, while with 7.1 we will hear everything with a terrible immersion, as if we were in the cinema itself thanks to the eight channels, but of course, the budget must be much higher.

sound bars for gamers

for PC

Although they are initially designed for desktop PCs, they are perfectly valid for laptops and even more so now that most of them are serving as desktops with the new wave of teleworking.

The first advantage that they offer us, of course, is a much higher sound quality, being incomparable to that offered by computer monitors. Thanks to a sound bar we can live a much more complete listening experience.

A sound bar for PC is much more compact than those that we find designed for televisions. They will take up very little space, so it will be enough for us to reserve a space for them inside our desk, gaining space for other types of things.

Another of the great assets to opt for a sound bar for PC is its low cost . Given the great competition in the market and even more so now with the fury of gaming, we can find great options at better prices.

for consoles

On an aesthetic level, you will not notice differences between a traditional sound bar and a model that incorporates a Games Mode. But at a technical level, there are a number of elements to take into account. For example, any self-respecting gamer bar must have some kind of technology that offers surround sound.

Any game today can be played in 5.1 to enjoy a greater sense of immersion, so having these technologies is vital to enjoy the best experience when playing your favorite video games. For this reason, all the models that you will find in this compilation have these technologies.

On the other hand, these types of sound bars for gamers usually boost the bass to offer a deeper sound, with results that will not disappoint you at all. The best of all? That you will not have to do anything to activate the Game Mode of your sound bar.

The best sound bars

for gamers

Trust Gaming Bar

We are facing a very striking option, with adjustable RGB lighting, being able to choose between 6 modes. It has a large illuminated volume control knob that is easy to access, even during gameplay. It has two 2.0 stereo speakers with a maximum power of 12W that offer an optimal gaming experience. It connects with a single auxiliary cable for sound and a USB cable for power.

Sharp HT-SB110

This is an option that, apart from being quite complete, offers a very good design that includes everything necessary to be able to use it with consoles, such as the aforementioned HDMI port. Its total power is 90W and it is one of the options offered by Bluetooth among the sound bars that we have chosen.

Samsung HW-A430

Ideal for games because it includes a Game Mode to enjoy a perfect experience with automatic audio settings and noise cancellation, subwoofer included for scandalous bass, bass boost itself, intelligent sound Lite, which optimizes the sound automatically depending on what that we are playing, and One Remote Control, a command to control everything in one comfortably without having to move. It has a sound power of 270 W with 3 speakers, 2 channels and a wireless subwoofer.

Panasonic SC-HTB01EG

Second, we want to recommend a soundbar that has been specifically designed for gaming. We are talking about the Panasonic SC-HTB01EG, a model that has audio calibrated by Square Enix sound experts (the company behind the development of the popular Final Fantasy saga, among other titles). Interestingly, this model allows you to activate modes depending on the genre you want to play: RPG, FPS or Voice mode.

For all other users

Trust Aries

Keep an eye out for this Trust bar because it’s thin enough to fit under your PC screen. It has a maximum power of 12W, which guarantees that the intense and convincing sounds reach the entire room. It has a large volume control, illuminated and easily accessible on the front of the bar.

Vanzev sound bar

Lots of power with this Vanzev sound bar for PC. It features 2 dual 5W speakers to deliver impressive sound experience and great sound quality. It offers AUX or bluetooth 5.0 connections, for a more stable and faster connection with our smartphone.

Grundig GSB 910

The HDMI and Bluetooth options are part of this accessory, which has a 40W power mark that allows it to meet the minimum requirements in these models. It is one of the finest models of all the ones we have chosen, and it has physical buttons on the casing. A complete model that fits with regular use.

Panasonic SC-HTB200EGK

Its dimensions make this device recommendable for those who do not have much space available, but this model is not without quality. With a power of 80W, which is quite good and exceeds the minimum required. It is compatible with technologies such as DTS and Dolby Digital. It does not lack HDMI and Bluetooth.

Denon DHT-S216

A good model that has a really attractive design and that does not have very high dimensions. Its HDMI connection is compatible with 4K and offers the possibility of placing it hanging on the wall. It is striking that it is one of the sound bars that is compatible with DTS.

Our recommendation

The truth is that any of the models that we have presented to you previously are a great purchase option. However, if you want us to help you and choose one, we directly choose the Panasonic SC-HTB200EGK, because it stands out among all of them. Its great value for money makes it a really good choice. In addition, we will have a warm and surround sound that will turn our room into a small movie theater. It also offers us extensive connectivity options, something that always makes things easier, and with an ideal size to place it where it best suits us.