How to choose the right sound bar (2025): size, price, peripheral sound, and loudspeakers pressure

If only Bought a luxurious new TV, as you were surprised when you find it seemed bad like your old “or worse). until Best TV devices We have tested a hand to save the sound that keeps pace with their wonderful performances. But it may be difficult to know where to start when it comes to upgrading the sound of TV. Never be afraid, the bold buyer: the easiest and most affordable solution is Just get a sound tape. Modern audio tapes come in all shapes, sizes and prices. Here, we have prepared a reference menu that must be taken into account before pressing the purchase button.

Make sure to review Best sound tapes and Best spectators on book shelf Evidence, as well as our advice on How to buy a TV and How to prepare a TVWith an in -depth image modification tip.

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Updated in June 2025: We have the latest information and recommendations of the updated model from the latest round of comprehensive tests.

Why do you need an audio tape

Photo: Ryan and Nayata

The sound tapes are a great first step in the sound of the home theater because they are generally compressed and Easy to prepare The sound is greatly better than most compact TV loudspeakers. Seriously: Almost all the TV speakers are bad! The quality collection that you can get from a sound bar ranges from the basic improvements to the bright and the total comfort to the type of sound filled with the room that you may expect from a more traditional home sound system (a system with wireless speakers and a dedicated future). Regardless of what you see, the sound bar is a low -voltage way to get more your viewing experience.

Find the right size

Photo: Ryan and Nayata

The sound tapes come in multiple sizes and compositions, indicated by the size of the audio room and the number of compact range channels, dress and height. You can think of Soundbar channels, as the number of individual areas is sound. A “2.1” system Soundbar It has at least two loudspeakers that operate individually and a dedicated sound. A 5.1 System He has at least five main speakers (center, left, right, in addition to two oceans) and a sound.

Although most budget bars will only be a strategy, our favorite performance artists usually have at least three channels in the front (left, center, oath) and sound enlargement. This is a 3.1 system. The central channel is the most important because this is the place where television mixers and movies are placed a dialog box. Are you facing a problem hearing dialogue in movies and shows? Get at least three channels (3.0).

Sometimes, you will see an additional number at the end, like a 3.1.2 System. “2” means that there are two height channels. In the sound tapes, these amplifier -confrontation loudspeakers bounce on the ceiling, and simulating loudspeakers installed on the ceiling for mixed content in three -dimensional audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Basically, these sound tapes are trying to re -create a spatial sound experience without asking you to connect the loudspeakers on the ceiling. Pricier’s sound bar systems will come with additional background drivers for the background and front that bounce on your walls for more indulge, using composition from 5.1.2 (Or higher).

The more channels, and It is likely to be your sound bar system. The most important step is to make sure that everything you buy will fit with your media control unit (perfectly, will be suitable among TV legs as well). We’ll go ultrasound and Dolby Atmos with more details below.

Do you need an amplifier?

Photo: Parker Hall

For most spaces, it is worth thinking about a sound bar with a dedicated sound. If these are very expensive or are worried about neighbors, some sound tapes have a less public Bass channel, while other systems allow you to add the audio amplifier later, including models of Sonosand Klipschand BossAnd others. Each of these examples allows you to add loudspeakers later also, allowing you to upgrade to a complete circumference system.