This content was initially published on Mashable for a US readership and has been modified for a UK audience.
Believe us: No home theatre is genuinely complete without a soundbar. Even the most sophisticated smart TVs do not excel in audio quality. Their built-in speakers seldom match the excellence of the visuals. This is largely due to the speakers being generally situated at the rear or bottom of the television, which results in subpar sound quality. Even with TV manufacturers innovating new methods to enhance audio — such as sound that seems to come directly from the action displayed — smart TVs perform best when paired with a good soundbar.
A soundbar acts as the foundation of an impressive home theatre sound system, with the possibility of adding a subwoofer (often included) or extra speakers. In this arrangement, the television is merely one component of a complete system of cinema-level speakers.
But how do you choose the right soundbar? With a plethora of models on the market, it can be daunting to sift through all the terminology and specs — especially for those unfamiliar with soundbars. However, take note, as we’ve conducted significant research to support you in making an informed choice. Here is essential information and a compilation of the top soundbars you can purchase today.
What is a soundbar?
Rather than a series of speakers dispersed throughout the room or a large amplifier, a soundbar is situated beneath your TV. They can also be wall-mounted if your smart TV is set up that way. Specifically engineered for televisions, with a broader design for improved acoustics, soundbars provide better sound quality than built-in speakers — producing clearer, more detailed audio with resonant bass and sharper dialogue.
Do soundbars offer surround sound?
Soundbars can definitely be integrated into a surround sound configuration. Surround sound immerses you in the experience by having speakers physically surrounding you or placed around the room so that sound emanates from all angles. Soundbars can be connected (often wirelessly), and some manufacturers make it particularly straightforward to pair with other speakers within their lineup. Nonetheless, as you will learn below, you may not need to connect your soundbar to additional speakers for surround sound.
What is HDMI ARC and eARC?
These are terms you will often come across when looking for high-quality audio-visual technology. ARC stands for Audio Return Channel. It’s fundamentally an HDMI feature that enables you to link your TV to a speaker using a single HDMI cable, eliminating the need for multiple optical cables. eARC, or Enhanced Audio Return Channel, is a more advanced version that employs the newer HDMI 2.1 technology. Simply put, it offers broader, faster bandwidth for superior quality. This is particularly advantageous for audio formats like Dolby Atmos or next-generation gaming.
What is Dolby Atmos?
This represents a groundbreaking advancement in surround sound technology, inspired by cinemas. Any TV, speaker, or soundbar that features Dolby Atmos is essentially a high-quality product. Dolby Atmos reflects sound off the walls to create a 3D audio environment and a truly immersive experience. Soundbars with Atmos have upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling. Dolby Atmos soundbars effectively deliver a cinema-like experience without requiring multiple speakers.
What does pass-through mean?
While most individuals typically connect all their devices (gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, etc.) to the TV and then transmit audio from the TV to the soundbar, pass-through permits you to connect these devices directly to the soundbar and run an HDMI out from the soundbar to the TV. This transmits the video signal through the speaker to the TV while delivering uncompressed audio. In other words, the best sound possible. However, not every soundbar features pass-through capabilities, as it is generally found in premium models.
Do soundbars include a voice assistant?
Numerous soundbars come with Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling you to ask them to modify the sound or even switch the channel. Some soundbars will also link to music streaming applications or operate as a hub for your smart home.