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Soundbar buying guide
When it comes to picking the best soundbar, there are a few key things to keep in mind. At AO, we're all about making your tech choices easy. Let's dive into the world of soundbars and find the perfect match for you. Here's a handy guide to help you make the right choice.
Audio power
Want to raise the roof and shake the dancefloor? You’ll need a speaker with a lot of oomph, so look for a model that has plenty of audio power behind it. Audio power tells you how much electricity a speaker uses to produce sound. The audio power of a soundbar is measured in Watts, and a higher Wattage means less distortion at louder volumes and better sound quality overall. You can find the Wattage of a soundbar in the specification section of the product page.
Connectivity
When it comes to hooking up your soundbar, you’ll see that there are three different types to choose from. They can be wired, wireless, or a mix of both. If they’re wired, they’ll typically use an HDMI cable, while wireless models often have Bluetooth. HDMI cables give you high-definition sound quality, while Bluetooth versions are more convenient since they don’t have any dangling wires to worry about. Some soundbars even have either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built in, or they’ll work with your existing smart speaker, which means you can use voice commands to change the settings. How handy is that?
Key features to look out for
Audio channels
Soundbars come with different audio channels, and each one offers a unique listening experience. Understanding these can help you choose the right setup for your space and preferences.
2.0 channel soundbar
A 2.0 channel soundbar has two speakers – left and right – which is ideal for basic stereo sound. It’s a great upgrade from standard TV speakers, offering clearer dialogue and better sound separation. Add a subwoofer, and you get a 2.1 channel system, which brings in deeper bass for a more cinematic feel.
5.1 channel soundbar
Moving up, a 5.1 channel soundbar includes additional speakers or virtual channels for surround sound. This setup is perfect for movie lovers who want to feel like they’re in the middle of the action, with sound coming from all around.
Dolby Atmos tech
Then there’s Dolby Atmos® tech, which takes things to the next level. These use upward-firing speakers or advanced processing to create a 3D soundscape, making it feel like sound is coming from above and around you. It’s the ultimate immersive experience and perfect for large rooms or serious home cinema setups.
Connectivity
Soundbars offer lots of connectivity options to suit different setups and preferences. HDMI ARC – or Audio Return Channel – is the most popular, giving you high-quality sound. Optical inputs are another reliable choice, delivering clear digital audio.
For wireless models, Bluetooth lets you stream music directly from your phone or tablet, while WiFi enables multi-room audio and support for smart assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models also have USB and auxiliary inputs for added flexibility. With so many options, it’s easy to find a soundbar that fits seamlessly into your home entertainment system.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers are built to handle low-frequency sounds – think deep bass and rumbling effects. Adding a subwoofer to your soundbar setup brings movies, music, and games to life by delivering richer, fuller sound. You’ll feel the thump of explosions, the groove of a bassline, or the roar of a crowd like never before. Some soundbars come with built-in subwoofers for a compact solution, while others include wireless subwoofers for more powerful, room-filling bass. Whether you're watching an action film or streaming your fave playlist, a subwoofer adds depth and realism that standard speakers just can’t match.
Smaller rooms
Hisense HS214
The Hisense HS214 is a brilliant choice for smaller rooms, offering powerful performance in a compact design. It delivers crisp dialogue and punchy bass – perfect for enhancing your TV’s sound without overwhelming the space. Plus, with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi you can stream music effortlessly . It even supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it smart and simple to use.
Medium-sized rooms
Samsung Q-Series
The Samsung Q-Series soundbar is ideal for medium-sized rooms, offering immersive sound without the need for a full surround system. It pairs perfectly with Samsung TVs and includes Q-Symphony , which syncs TV and soundbar speakers for a fuller soundstage. It’s a great option that’s smart, powerful, and built to elevate your viewing experience.
Wall-mounted TVs
Samsung HW-Q600C
If you’ve got a wall-mounted TV , you’ll want a soundbar that complements the clean, modern look while delivering top-notch sound. Look for slim, low-profile soundbars like the Samsung HW-Q600C. Plenty of models also come with wall-mounting kits, making installation a breeze. The key is choosing one that fits your space and enhances your setup without the clutter.
Samsung B-Series HW-B46CF 2.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Black
Samsung Q-Series HW-Q600F Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Obsidian Black
Samsung Q-Series HW-QS700F Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Obsidian Black
Hisense HT Saturn Soundbar - Black
Samsung Q-Series HW-Q800F 5.1.2 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Obsidian Black
Samsung HW-S60D 5.0 Soundbar - Black
Samsung HW-S700D 3.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Titan Black
Hisense HS3100 3.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Black
Hisense AX5100Q 5.1 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Black
Samsung Q-Series HW-Q990F Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer - Black
Matching a soundbar to your TV and room size
Hear the difference
A soundbar can seriously level up your entertainment, whether you're into films, sports, or gaming. For movie nights, it delivers cinema-style sound, with clear dialogue and booming bass that puts you right in the action. Watching sports? You’ll hear every cheer, whistle, and commentary with crisp clarity like you're actually in the stadium. And for gamers, a soundbar adds immersive audio that helps you catch every footstep, explosion, or soundtrack detail, giving you a competitive edge. With features like Dolby Atmos® and surround sound, a good soundbar transforms your living room into an entertainment hub that’s as exciting as the big screen.
Big sound, small space
Soundbars are a smart solution for saving space without sacrificing sound quality. Unlike traditional home cinema systems that require multiple bulky speakers and tangled wires, a soundbar offers a sleek, all-in-one design that fits neatly under your TV or mounts directly to the wall. This makes them perfect for smaller living rooms, bedrooms, or flats where space is at a premium. Many models, like the LG soundbar or Sony soundbar, come with wireless subwoofers, reducing clutter even further. With fewer components and a tidy setup, soundbars help you keep your entertainment area clean, stylish, and free from unnecessary extras.
Soundbars made simple
Soundbars are incredibly user-friendly, making them a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV sound without the hassle. Most models offer plug-and-play setup, so you can be up and running in minutes – just connect via HDMI ARC, optical cable, or Bluetooth. Many soundbars also come with intuitive remotes or can be controlled through your TV remote, keeping things simple. Some even support voice control through Alexa or Google Assistant. Whether you're tech-savvy or not, soundbars are designed to be easy to install and use, so you can spend less time fiddling with wires and more time enjoying great sound.
- What should I look for when buying a soundbar?
Think about the size of your room and your TV – you’ll want something that fits nicely and fills the space with sound. Features like Dolby Atmos® will give you cinematic surround sound, while built-in subwoofers add plenty of punchy bass. Plus, you can even do away with wires thanks to Bluetooth or WiFi connectivity.
- Which is better, a 2.1 or 5.1 sound bar?
A 2.1 soundbar (that’s two speakers and a subwoofer) is great for boosting your TV’s audio with clearer dialogue and deeper bass – perfect for everyday watching. But if you’re after that full-on cinema vibe, a 5.1 setup has extra speakers for surround sound that really pulls you into the action.
- How many Watts does a good soundbar have?
Wattage gives you a rough idea of how powerful a soundbar is – anything from 100 to 300 Watts is plenty for most living rooms, since it’s loud enough to fill the space without rattling the windows. But don’t just go by numbers, sound quality, speaker setup, and features like Dolby Atmos® make a big difference too.
- How much should I spend on a soundbar?
That depends on your budget. If you just want to boost your TV’s sound without breaking the bank, you can grab a fab soundbar for around £100 to £200. Fancy something with surround sound, Dolby Atmos® or a wireless subwoofer? You’re looking more in the £300 to £600 range. And if you’re going all-in for premium audio and smart features, top-end models can go anywhere up to £1600 – there’s a soundbar out there that’ll make your movies, music, and box sets sound amazing.
