How to Choose the Right Soundbar
Give your TV the sound it deserves. This quick guide will help you choose the perfect soundbar for your space, budget, and devices.
1. Fit & Placement
- Size vs. TV width: Choose a soundbar close to your TV’s width for balanced sound.
- Placement: Position below or wall-mount under the TV. Avoid blocking the IR sensor or screen bottom.
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Room size:
- Small (under 15 m²): 2.0 / 2.1 soundbars
- Medium (15–30 m²): 3.1 / 3.1.2 for clarity & immersion
- Large (30 m²+): 5.1 / 7.1 or Dolby Atmos for full surround
- Subwoofer: Wireless subs add depth for movies and music; adjustable bass suits apartments.
2. Channels & Surround Formats
Channel numbers explain the speaker setup:
- 2.0 / 2.1: Basic stereo (+ subwoofer)
- 3.1: Adds a centre channel for dialogue clarity
- 5.1 / 7.1: Includes rear surround speakers
- 5.1.2: Adds up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos
3. Connections & Compatibility
- HDMI ARC / eARC: One-cable TV connection; eARC supports Dolby Atmos.
- Optical: Perfect for older TVs (no Atmos).
- HDMI Passthrough: Keeps 4K/120Hz from consoles.
- Bluetooth / Wi-Fi: Stream music easily; Wi-Fi enables AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect.
- Voice Assistants: Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple AirPlay 2 supported on many bars.
4. Smart Features
- Dialogue enhancement: Makes voices clear without raising volume.
- Night mode: Reduces loud effects for late viewing.
- Room calibration: Auto-adjusts sound for your space.
- Expandable systems: Add wireless rears or subs later.
5. Match to Your Use Case
Everyday TV & Dialogue
Pick: 2.0 / 2.1 soundbar
Why: Clear, simple, great value.
Movies & Box-Sets
Pick: 3.1 / 5.1 / Dolby Atmos
Why: Deep bass & cinematic surround.
Gaming
Pick: HDMI 2.1 soundbar
Why: Keep 4K/120Hz visuals with great audio.
Music & Multi-Room
Pick: Wi-Fi soundbar with AirPlay 2 / Spotify Connect
Why: High-quality streaming and room-to-room sound.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Setup | Best For | Pros | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 / 2.1 | Bar (+ Sub) | Small rooms, everyday TV | Simple, affordable | Limited surround |
| 3.1 | Bar + Centre + Sub | Dialogue clarity, movies | Balanced sound | No rears unless expandable |
| 5.1 | Bar + Sub + Rears | Home cinema | Immersive surround | Needs extra sockets |
| 5.1.2 / 7.1.2 (Atmos) | Bar + Up-firing + Sub | Large rooms | 3D height sound | Higher cost |
Setup Tips
- Use certified HDMI cables for ARC / eARC.
- Enable ARC/eARC or Bitstream output on your TV.
- Run auto-calibration if available.
- Use Night or Dialogue modes for late viewing.