The Best Compact Soundbar For 2024

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby Audio Sound Bar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby Audio Sound Bar

For dialogue-heavy stuff like TV shows, the TCL Alto 6+ is adequate. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Creative Stage V2 2.1 Soundbar

This Creative soundbar and subwoofer combo is the most excellent value for money. Read Review

3. Best Bluetooth Connectivity: Bose Smart Soundbar 300 Bluetooth Connectivity

For dialogue-heavy entertainment like TV shows, the Bose Soundbar 300 is adequate. Read Review

4. Best Sound-Quality: Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar

This fantastic kit includes a wireless subwoofer for boosting low-end frequencies and Alexa integration. Read Review

Soundbars are frequently seen as a more practical alternative to standard home theater speaker systems. A soundbar arrangement may grow rather large as additional speakers as well as sound-enhancing technology are crammed into it.

Because some soundbars are too big to fit beneath your monitor screen or your TV set on your workstation, the optimum soundbars for internet browsing are often smaller than those built for TV use.

Smaller soundbars don't have the same vast sound as their larger competitors, but their smaller size makes them easier to transport and set up anywhere you choose. We examined hundreds of soundbars, and the best compact soundbars are listed below.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby Audio Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.7
TCL

Voices are clear and adequately rendered thanks to the balanced mid-range, albeit they may sound a little dark. Users may also use the 'TV' setting to improve the conversation. However, because this 2.1 arrangement lacks a distinct center, vocals aren't fixed to a particular spot in the soundstage, making the experience less immersive.

TOP Choice #2 Creative Stage V2 2.1 Soundbar
Our Score:
9.6
Creative

The Creative Stage V2, which is inexpensive and tiny yet surprisingly rich-sounding, is another excellent option for people on a budget. In our tests, the dedicated subwoofer handled lower frequencies significantly better than the majority of low-cost freestanding soundbars, and the clarity of conversation was impressive.

TOP Choice #3 Bose Smart Soundbar 300 Bluetooth Connectivity
Our Score:
9.5
Bose

A distinct center channel is included in this 3.0 arrangement, which aids in correctly localizing conversation within the sound picture. Voices are reproduced clearly and with detail thanks to the balanced mid-range, and there's also a conversation enhancement setting to make them crisper.

Unfortunately, it does not have an auto-volume function, which is a disappointment for individuals who enjoy watching TV late at night.

4 Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.3
Yamaha Audio

This Yamaha YAS-209 is a well-balanced subwoofer and soundbar with an excellent sound character. It has a broad frequency band and a subwoofer to help with bass reproduction.

This soundbar will not give a realistic listening quality due to the lack of stereo sound and adjustment channels. Alexa users will like the built-in Alexa capability.

5 Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar
Our Score:
9.2
Sonos

This Sonos Arc is the greatest soundbar you can get if you have the money. This premium speaker is distinguished by its stunning curved shape, which is meant to be a focal point of your family room as it is designed to improve the sound quality of your television.

It also doesn't sacrifice audio quality, providing deep bass and crisp treble for your beloved movies and TV shows, as well as Dolby Atmos compatibility.

6 Bose Smart Soundbar 900
Our Score:
9.1
Bose

Bose's first soundbar to handle Dolby Atmos immersive surround sound technology includes multiroom audio, built-in voice assistants, and extension options such as wireless Bose surroundings and a connected subwoofer.

This Samsung HW-S60A is an excellent all-around device. It features a very balanced sound profile out of the box, suited for a wide range of audio content. On the other hand, it has trouble reproducing the resounding thud and rumble seen in bass-heavy entertainment and action movies. It can play surround content, but it doesn't provide a particularly immersive audio experience.

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How Could You Recognize Whether best compact soundbar Suit With You Or Not?

Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best compact soundbar, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best compact soundbar. You are expected to count on our expertise in best compact soundbar to make the right choice. 

Along with these factors, we also include some questions concerned by many customers. It’s beneficial for you to look through these:

  • How can you choose the best one? Which factors?
  • Why should you invest in this product? Does its value worth it?
  • Which line of this product is most loved in the market?
  • Where if for you to ask for help with product problems?
  • What are the practical benefits this product brings about?

Nowadays, best compact soundbar is among the most valuable items users tend to collect. The information sources on the Internet are also essential and available for you to get consulted. The proliferation of many websites and forums helps you have access to the buying guides more straightforward.

So now we move on to the significant factors related to best compact soundbar you must keep in mind:

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Remote Control

Some soundbars include a remote control, while others can be controlled using your TV remote. If you have a remote, ensure it is intuitive and easy to use.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

App

A number of soundbars are also possible to be controlled via a smartphone app. Learn more about the app and its ease of use.

FAQs

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

How Do I Connect A Soundbar To My TV?

There are three ways you can output soundbars depending on your TV's age: digital optical, analog (3.5mm headphones or RCA), and digital optical. Make sure your soundbar is compatible with the TV's connections before you purchase it. HDMI is the most popular input for soundbars. If your TV has less than 5 years, it will likely be compatible. However, it is worth checking twice.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

What Is "Cinema Sound"?

Many sound bars offer a "cinema sound", or "movieplex sounds", which, according to them, mimics real home theater sound. Reality: It adds a small digital delay to the sound, similar to a fractional echo (think of reverb). Although it doesn't create a true home theatre sound, it can make the room seem larger. Some are incredible, but it's not free.

The list of best compact soundbar is frequently updated whenever new data becomes available. Please take more time to visit our website to stay up-to-date with changes in the product.

You are supposed to be free to get in touch with our customer support. All of your problems or challenges with the best compact soundbar will be carefully considered.


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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.