TV Soundbar Buying Guide

Modern flat-screen TVs have revolutionised the viewing experience, but the sound often lags behind. The slim design of these sets leaves little room for powerful built-in speakers. This is exactly where soundbars come in. They offer an elegant and effective solution for noticeably enhancing TV sound and bringing an immersive audio experience into the living room, without the need to set up a complex multi-channel speaker system. A soundbar transforms watching TV from a purely visual experience into a comprehensive audiovisual spectacle.

Why a soundbar?

A soundbar is far more than just an external speaker for your TV. It is a compact sound marvel, specifically designed to optimise the audio quality of TV sets. The advantages are clear and make it a popular choice for many households.

A compact alternative to large speakers

In the past, anyone wanting to improve their TV’s sound was often faced with the choice of either using the TV’s own, often inadequate, built-in speakers or installing a complex home cinema system with several large floor-standing or bookshelf speakers and an AV receiver. A soundbar offers the ideal compromise. It is slim, unobtrusive and blends seamlessly into the living space without taking up much room or cluttering the room with cables.

Many models can be placed discreetly in front of the TV or mounted directly on the wall below the screen. This space-saving feature makes soundbars particularly attractive for smaller rooms or minimalist living rooms where a bulky speaker system would be undesirable.

Improved sound quality compared to TV speakers

The biggest and most obvious advantage of a soundbar is the significant improvement in sound quality compared to a TV’s built-in speakers. Whilst TV manufacturers focus on the picture, there is often little room for large drivers or resonant enclosures when it comes to sound. Soundbars, on the other hand, are dedicated audio devices and can therefore rely on high-quality speaker components and sophisticated sound tuning.

The result is a clearer, more detailed sound that makes dialogue easier to understand, reproduces music more dynamically and enhances film soundtracks with greater depth and immersion. Bass sounds in particular, which are often lacking in TV speakers, become significantly more present and powerful with a soundbar, especially when combined with a subwoofer.

Easy operation and connectivity

Another advantage of soundbars is their straightforward operation and the wide range of user-friendly connection options. Modern soundbars can usually be connected to the TV via a single HDMI cable, often via the HDMI ARC or eARC port. These interfaces allow you to control the soundbar using the TV remote control, which makes everyday life considerably easier. There is no need to fiddle around with multiple remote controls.

Furthermore, soundbars often offer wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music directly from your smartphone or tablet. Many models also integrate with multi-room systems, further enhancing ease of use.

Criteria for choosing a soundbar

Choosing the right soundbar can seem overwhelming at first, given the wide variety of models and features available. However, with the right criteria, you can quickly find the ideal device for your needs.

Room size and optimal sound tuning

The size of the room in which the soundbar is to be used plays a decisive role in the selection. In smaller rooms, even a compact model with good stereo performance can provide an impressive sound experience. For larger living rooms or open-plan living areas, it is advisable to consider a more powerful soundbar capable of adequately filling the room with sound.

Wattage is not the only criterion here; more important are the quality of the built-in speakers and the efficiency of the sound processing. Some soundbars feature automatic room calibration, which optimally adapts the sound to the room’s conditions, ensuring a harmonious sound experience regardless of the room’s size.

Sound quality, Dolby Atmos, DTS and surround sound

Sound quality is at the heart of a soundbar. Various technologies and standards are crucial here. The term ‘surround sound’ refers to a sound experience that surrounds the listener from all sides, placing them right at the heart of the action. This is achieved by distributing the sound across multiple channels. Traditional surround sound systems use 5.1 or 7.1 channels, where the first number indicates the number of main channels and the second the number of subwoofers. Soundbars often simulate these channels virtually or use upward-firing speakers to create a three-dimensional effect.

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are currently the leading sound formats for immersive 3D sound, also known as object-based audio. Unlike traditional surround sound, which assigns sound to specific channels, these formats place sounds as ‘objects’ within the room. This means that a sound can be perceived not just from the front left, but precisely at a specific position, such as above the listener’s head.

This is achieved through additional overhead channels that allow sound to come from above, whether via dedicated up-firing speakers in the soundbar itself or through external rear speakers. A soundbar with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X capability takes the sound experience to a new level, particularly with films and series that support these formats. The surround sound is expanded not only horizontally but also vertically, which enhances the feeling of being right in the middle of the action.

Bass and subwoofer: built-in or external?

Bass is crucial for the dynamics and impact of the sound. Low frequencies lend films, music and games a tangible dimension. Soundbars offer various approaches to bass reproduction. Some compact soundbars feature built-in subwoofers, which are installed directly within the soundbar’s housing. This solution saves space and is visually unobtrusive. For smaller rooms or users with moderate bass requirements, this may be sufficient.

However, for a truly deep and powerful bass foundation, an external subwoofer is often the better choice. External subwoofers are generally larger and can reproduce lower frequencies with greater power. They are usually connected wirelessly to the soundbar, which makes positioning more flexible and minimises the need for cables. Anyone looking for a genuine home cinema experience with noticeable bass should consider a soundbar with an external subwoofer. Many manufacturers offer soundbars bundled with matching subwoofers that are optimally tuned to work together.

Number of channels: the significance of 2.1, 5.1 and 7.1

The number of channels indicates a soundbar’s ability to create a spatial sound experience.

2.1 channels: This is the basic configuration and consists of two channels for stereo sound (left and right) and one channel for the subwoofer (the .1). These soundbars offer a significant improvement over TV speakers and are ideal for users who primarily want clearer speech reproduction and improved music sound.

5.1 channels: A 5.1 configuration simulates or creates a traditional surround sound experience with five main channels (Front Left, Front Right, Centre, Surround Left, Surround Right) and a subwoofer. Soundbars often achieve this through virtual surround technologies or via separate, wireless rear speakers that expand the soundstage. These systems are excellent for film enthusiasts seeking an immersive cinema experience.

7.1 channels and beyond: More advanced soundbars offer 7.1 channels or even more complex setups, which often include height channels for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. These systems create an even more detailed and comprehensive surround sound experience by reproducing sound from even more directions, including the playback of sound effects from above.

Connectivity options: HDMI (eARC/ARC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & more

A soundbar’s connectivity is a key factor in its versatility and ease of use.

HDMI (eARC/ARC): The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) is the most common and important connection for soundbars. It allows audio signals to be sent from the TV to the soundbar via a single HDMI cable. At the same time, it allows the soundbar to be controlled via the TV remote control (HDMI-CEC). eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) is an advanced version of ARC. It offers higher bandwidth and enables the transmission of uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as the object-based formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. For an optimal sound experience, particularly with 3D sound formats, a soundbar with eARC support and a TV equipped with the same feature are recommended.

Optical digital input (Toslink): This connection is a good alternative for older televisions that do not have an HDMI ARC/eARC port. It transmits digital audio signals, but with a lower bandwidth than eARC, meaning that lossless or 3D audio formats cannot be transmitted. However, it is perfectly adequate for stereo and compressed surround sound.

Bluetooth: Almost every modern soundbar is equipped with Bluetooth. This wireless interface allows music to be streamed quickly and easily from smartphones, tablets or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the soundbar. It is ideal for quick audio playback without cables.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi offers higher bandwidth and range compared to Bluetooth. Soundbars can be integrated into the home network via Wi-Fi, enabling access to streaming services, internet radio and multi-room functions. Audio quality via Wi-Fi is generally more stable and higher than via Bluetooth, as uncompressed or lossless audio formats can be transmitted.

Additional connections: Some soundbars offer additional connections such as USB for playing media files, a 3.5 mm jack for analogue devices, or Ethernet ports for a stable network connection.

Functions, multi-room, voice control and smart features

Modern soundbars are often equipped with a range of smart features that enhance ease of use and versatility.

Multiroom: The multiroom function allows you to network multiple audio devices in different rooms and play music synchronously or differently in each room. Many soundbars can be part of a multiroom system from a specific manufacturer or support open standards such as Google Cast or Apple AirPlay 2. This creates a connected audio experience throughout the home.

Voice control: More and more soundbars are integrating voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to control the soundbar and other smart home devices simply via voice commands. Adjusting the volume, changing the source or playing music becomes even more intuitive.

Smart features: These also include functions such as automatic sound optimisation, which adapts the sound to the content (e.g. voice mode for clear dialogue, night mode to reduce loud effects), or integration into smart home systems for automated workflows.

Popular brands and manufacturers, an overview of buying recommendations

The soundbar market is diverse and dominated by a host of well-known manufacturers, each with their own focus and offering models to suit every budget and requirement. A specific soundbar recommendation depends heavily on individual preferences.

Sonos, Bose, Teufel, Faller Audio - what sets these brands apart?

Sonos: Sonos is known for its user-friendly and powerful multi-room systems. Sonos soundbars such as the Beam or Arc are characterised by their simple setup, excellent integration into the Sonos ecosystem and impressive sound quality. They are often the first choice for users who want a seamless wireless audio experience throughout the home. Trueplay room calibration optimally adapts the sound to the environment.

Bose: Bose is synonymous with compact, elegant designs and a balanced, room-filling sound. Bose soundbars often offer intuitive operation and are particularly adept at producing clear dialogue and a wide soundstage. They are a good option for users who value aesthetics and high-quality sound without the technology appearing too dominant.

Teufel: Teufel, a German manufacturer, is known for its excellent value for money and its focus on powerful home cinema sound. Teufel soundbars often deliver a very dynamic sound with pronounced bass and are a good choice for film and gaming enthusiasts seeking an immersive sound experience.

Faller Audio: Faller Audio is known for its highly user-friendly TV soundbar with outstanding speech intelligibility. It is a must-have for anyone who values clear and precise TV sound. The OSKAR TV soundbar stands out thanks to its straightforward setup, wireless transmission and particularly clear dialogue reproduction, which significantly improves the intelligibility of the TV sound. At the same time, its compact and discreet design allows it to blend harmoniously into any living room. For users who simply want better TV sound without complex technology at an affordable price, the soundbar from Faller Audio is a compelling choice.

Soundbars from Nubert and Ambeo: innovative technologies for top-class sound

Nubert: Nubert, another German manufacturer, enjoys an excellent reputation for audiophile sound quality. Nubert’s soundbars, such as the nuBoxx AS-425 max, are renowned for their neutral, precise sound and high build quality. They are aimed at discerning listeners who value authentic sound reproduction.

Ambeo (Sennheiser): Sennheiser, another German audio specialist, has made a real statement in the high-end segment with the Ambeo Soundbar. The Ambeo Soundbar is a technological masterpiece which, thanks to its virtualisation technology, produces an extremely immersive 3D sound that is every bit as good as that of a large multi-channel system. It is an excellent choice for users seeking the ultimate in soundbar sound quality and who are prepared to invest in it.

Comparing models: what you should bear in mind

When comparing different soundbar models, it is important to consider your individual needs and budget. It is not always about choosing the most expensive model, but the one that best suits your specific use case. You should pay attention to support for the desired audio formats, the number of channels, connectivity options and integration with existing smart home systems. Reading reviews and comparing features can be very helpful here.

The right soundbar for different uses

The choice of soundbar depends largely on what it will mainly be used for. There are models specialising in films, music or everyday TV viewing.

Home cinema experience in the living room

For film fans who want to bring the cinema experience into their own living room, soundbars with 3D audio support such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X are the best choice. These models create an immersive soundscape that draws the viewer right into the action. A soundbar with an external subwoofer is also recommended here to make deep bass audible and reproduce explosions or dramatic musical scenes with full impact. You should also look for a high channel configuration to enable precise sound localisation.

Soundbars specifically for music lovers

Music lovers often have different requirements for a soundbar than film fans. Here, the focus is on sound fidelity, richness of detail and balanced reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum. A soundbar with good stereo performance, high-quality drivers and possibly a separate subwoofer that delivers precise bass is ideal. Other key features for music lovers include support for high-resolution audio formats, a stable Wi-Fi connection for streaming services, and the ability to integrate into multi-room systems. Some soundbars also feature dedicated music modes that optimise the sound for audio playback.

Soundbars suitable for everyday use, offering clear dialogue and convenient operation

For everyday TV viewing, where news, shows or sport are the main content, soundbars that offer excellent speech intelligibility are essential. Many models feature special speech modes that emphasise dialogue and reduce background noise. Simple operation and straightforward connection options, ideally via HDMI ARC/eARC, are also advantageous here.

Compact soundbars that can be discreetly integrated into the living room and do not require an additional subwoofer are often sufficient for this application, yet still offer a significant improvement over the TV’s built-in speakers.

Ease of use and control of the soundbar

A soundbar should not only sound good, but also integrate seamlessly into everyday life and be easy to use.

Remote control, app or voice control - what do users prefer?

Most soundbars come with their own remote control, which controls basic functions such as volume, input selection and sound modes. Smartphone apps from the manufacturers offer even more convenient operation. These apps often allow for more detailed settings, access to streaming services and the management of multi-room systems.

For the ultimate in ease of use, more and more soundbars are offering voice control via integrated assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to adjust the volume, switch inputs or play music simply by voice command, without having to search for a remote control. The choice of preferred control method depends on personal preferences and integration into the existing smart home ecosystem.

Easy integration into your existing TV system

Seamless integration into your existing TV system is a key consideration. Modern soundbars ideally connect to the TV via HDMI ARC or eARC. This connection allows the soundbar to switch on and off automatically with the TV and the volume to be controlled via the TV remote control. This simplifies operation considerably and makes the soundbar a seamless part of the TV setup. When choosing a soundbar, ensure that the selected soundbar and your TV support the necessary HDMI standards.

Tips on placement and installation

The correct positioning of the soundbar has a major impact on the sound experience. Ideally, the soundbar should be placed centrally beneath the TV and stand as freely as possible, without any objects blocking the sound. Many soundbars are designed to be placed directly on a TV stand. Alternatively, many manufacturers offer wall mounts to mount the soundbar elegantly beneath a wall-mounted TV.

For soundbars with up-firing speakers for 3D sound formats, it is important that the distance from the ceiling and the ceiling’s surface allow for sound reflection in order to achieve the desired height effect. Some soundbars also offer automatic room calibration, which optimally adapts the sound to the room’s acoustics.

Value for money: soundbars for every budget

The soundbar market is diverse and offers the right model for every budget. From compact entry-level models to high-end solutions, soundbars are available in various price ranges, offering different features and sound qualities.

Premium soundbars: an investment in the best surround sound

Premium soundbars, often positioned in the upper price segment, offer the ultimate in sound quality and features. These models are characterised by high-quality materials, powerful amplifiers, a variety of drivers and often full support for the latest 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. They can create an extremely immersive sound experience that comes very close to that of a dedicated home cinema system.

These soundbars are often equipped with advanced connectivity options, smart features and sophisticated room calibration. Investing in a premium soundbar makes sense for audiophiles and film enthusiasts who do not want to compromise on sound quality.

Mid-range models: powerful sound at a fair price

The mid-range offers a wide selection of soundbars that provide an excellent balance between price and performance. In this segment, you’ll find many models that already deliver a significant improvement in sound quality compared to TV speakers and often include basic surround sound capabilities or an external subwoofer.

Many of these soundbars also support key features such as HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth and sometimes even Wi-Fi or multi-room capabilities. Mid-range soundbars are an excellent choice for most users who want a noticeable improvement in sound quality without breaking the bank. There is a wide selection of models here that offer powerful sound at a fair price.

Entry-level soundbars: good sound quality without the high cost

Entry-level soundbars are a cost-effective way to significantly enhance your TV sound. These models are often very compact and focus on improving speech intelligibility and delivering clearer audio playback compared to TV speakers. They are ideal for smaller rooms, second TVs or users simply looking for a straightforward sound upgrade without placing much emphasis on immersive surround effects or complex smart features.

Despite their lower price, even entry-level soundbars can offer a surprisingly good sound experience and are a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants to make the most of their TV’s potential.

Frequently asked questions about soundbar buying advice

When buying a soundbar, similar questions often arise. Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common queries.

What role do connections such as HDMI and eARC play?

Connections such as HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) and, in particular, HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) are key to optimally connecting a soundbar to your TV. HDMI ARC allows you to send the TV’s audio to the soundbar via a single HDMI cable and control the soundbar using the TV remote. This makes operation much simpler.

eARC offers significantly higher bandwidth compared to ARC. This is crucial for the transmission of lossless audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as for object-based 3D sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. So, if you want to experience the best possible sound quality and immersive surround effects, a soundbar with eARC support and a compatible TV with an eARC connection are essential.

Do I need additional speakers, or is a single soundbar enough?

Whether additional speakers are required depends on the sound experience you’re looking for. A single soundbar already offers a significant improvement over TV speakers and, depending on the model, can produce virtual surround sound. For a truly immersive home cinema experience, particularly with 3D sound formats, additional rear speakers or an external subwoofer may be worthwhile.

Many soundbar manufacturers offer expansion kits that include wireless rear speakers to extend the sound field to the rear. An external subwoofer is always recommended if you want deep, punchy bass. For everyday TV viewing or in smaller rooms, a single soundbar is often perfectly adequate for producing a balanced and clear sound. The decision therefore depends on individual preferences and the space available.

Is a soundbar with multi-room functionality worth it?

A soundbar with multi-room functionality is particularly worthwhile for users who wish to set up a networked audio system throughout their home. With multi-room functionality, the soundbar can be seamlessly connected to other compatible speakers in different rooms. This allows you to play music synchronously throughout the house, enjoy party music everywhere, or listen to different audio content in each room.

Brands such as Sonos and Bose are pioneers in this field and offer comprehensive multi-room ecosystems. If you already own other multi-room speakers or plan to expand your audio system in the future, a soundbar with this feature is a sensible investment that significantly enhances the ease of use and versatility of your entire audio setup.