TV soundbar – buying advice

Modern flat-screen televisions have revolutionized the viewing experience, but the sound often lags behind. The slim design of the devices leaves little room for powerful integrated speakers. This is where soundbars come in. They are an elegant and effective solution for noticeably enhancing TV sound and bringing an immersive audio experience to the living room without having to set up a complex multi-channel speaker system. A soundbar transforms television from a pure viewing experience into a comprehensive audiovisual spectacle.

Why a soundbar?

A soundbar is much more than just an external speaker for your TV. It is a compact sound marvel that has been specially designed to optimize the audio quality of TV sets. The advantages are obvious and make it a popular choice for many households.

Compact alternative to large speakers

In the past, anyone who wanted to improve the sound of their TV often had to choose between using built-in speakers with inadequate sound quality or installing a complex home theater system with several large floor-standing or bookshelf speakers and an AV receiver. A soundbar offers the ideal compromise. It is slim, unobtrusive, and fits seamlessly into your living room without taking up much space or cluttering the room with cables.

Many models can be discreetly placed 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. While TV manufacturers focus on the picture, there is often little room for large diaphragms or resonant enclosures for the sound. Soundbars, on the other hand, are pure 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 accompanies movie 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 connection options

Another advantage of soundbars is their ease of use 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 connection. These interfaces allow you to control the soundbar with the TV remote control, which makes everyday life much easier. There is no need to fiddle around with multiple remote controls.

In addition, soundbars often offer wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which allow music to be streamed directly from a smartphone or tablet. Many models can also be integrated into multi-room systems, further enhancing ease of use.

Criteria for soundbar buying advice

With so many models and features to choose from, selecting the right soundbar can seem overwhelming at first. But 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 will be used plays a decisive role in the selection process. 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 that is capable of filling the room with adequate sound.

Wattage is not the only criterion here; more important is 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 conditions of the room, ensuring a harmonious sound experience regardless of the size of the room.

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 in the middle of the action. This is achieved by distributing the sound across multiple channels. Classic surround systems work with 5.1 or 7.1 channels, with the first number indicating the number of main channels and the second the number of subwoofers. Soundbars often simulate these channels virtually or use upward-firing speakers for 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" in space. This means that a sound can be perceived not only from the front left, but precisely at a specific position, such as above the listener's head.

This is achieved through additional height channels that project sound from above, either through 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, especially for movies and TV shows 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 – integrated or external?

The bass is crucial for the dynamics and power of the sound. Low frequencies add a tangible dimension to movies, music, and games. Soundbars use different approaches to bass reproduction. Some compact soundbars have integrated subwoofers that are built directly into the soundbar housing. This solution saves space and is visually unobtrusive. This may be sufficient for smaller rooms or users with moderate bass requirements.

However, for a truly deep and powerful bass foundation, an external subwoofer is often the better choice. External subwoofers are usually larger and can reproduce lower frequencies with more power. They are usually connected to the soundbar wirelessly, which makes placement more flexible and minimizes cable routing. If you want a real home theater experience with noticeable bass, you should consider a soundbar with an external subwoofer. Many manufacturers offer soundbars bundled with matching subwoofers that are optimally tuned to each other.

Number of channels – meaning 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, center, surround left, surround right) and a subwoofer. Soundbars often achieve this through virtual surround technologies or separate, wireless rear speakers that expand the sound field. These systems are ideal for movie lovers who want 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 immersive surround sound experience by reproducing sound from even more directions, including sound effects from above.

Connection options – HDMI (eARC/ARC), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.

The connectivity of a soundbar is a key feature that determines 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 a further development of ARC. It offers higher bandwidth and enables the transmission of uncompressed audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, and the object-based formats Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. For an optimal sound experience, especially with 3D sound formats, a soundbar with eARC support and a suitably equipped TV are advantageous.

Optical digital input (Toslink): This connection is a good alternative for older TVs that do not have an HDMI ARC/eARC connection. It transmits digital audio signals, but with a lower bandwidth than eARC, which means 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 you to stream music from smartphones, tablets, or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the soundbar quickly and easily. It is ideal for fast audio playback without cables.

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi offers higher bandwidth and range than Bluetooth. Soundbars can be integrated into your 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 analog devices, or Ethernet ports for a stable network connection.

Functions – Multiroom, voice control, and smart features

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

Multiroom: The multiroom function allows you to connect 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 house.

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 by voice command. Adjusting the volume, changing the source, or playing music becomes even more intuitive.

Smart features: These include functions such as automatic sound optimization, which adjusts the sound to the content (e.g., speech mode for clear dialogue, night mode to reduce loud effects), or integration into smart home systems for automated processes.

Popular brands and manufacturers – an overview of purchasing recommendations

The soundbar market is diverse and dominated by a large number of well-known manufacturers who focus on different areas and offer models for every budget and every requirement. A specific soundbar purchase 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 characterized by their easy 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 their home. Trueplay room calibration optimally adjusts the sound to the environment.

Bose: Bose stands for compact, elegant designs and balanced, room-filling sound. Bose soundbars often offer intuitive operation and are particularly good 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 being too dominant.

Teufel: Teufel, a German manufacturer, is known for its excellent value for money and focus on powerful home theater sound. Teufel soundbars often deliver very dynamic sound with pronounced bass and are a good choice for movie and gaming enthusiasts looking for 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 appreciates clear and precise TV sound. The OSKAR TV soundbar is characterized by its straightforward setup, wireless transmission, and particularly clear dialogue reproduction, which significantly improves the intelligibility of TV sound. 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-quality sound

Nubert: Nubert, also a German manufacturer, enjoys an excellent reputation for audiophile sound quality. Nubert soundbars, such as the nuBoxx AS-425 max, are known for their neutral, precise sound and high-quality workmanship. 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 that uses virtualization technology to create an extremely immersive 3D sound that is on par with that of a large multi-channel system. It is an excellent choice for users who are looking for the ultimate in soundbar sound quality and are willing 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 application. You should pay attention to support for the desired sound formats, the number of channels, the connection options, and integration into existing smart home systems. Reading test reports and comparing features can be very helpful here.

The right soundbar for different applications

The choice of soundbar depends largely on what it will mainly be used for. There are specialists for movies, music, or everyday TV use.

Home theater feeling in your 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 soundstage that draws the viewer right into the action. A soundbar with an external subwoofer is also recommended here to make deep bass noticeable and reproduce explosions or dramatic music scenes with full force. You should also pay attention to a high channel configuration to enable precise sound localization.

Soundbars specifically for music lovers

Music lovers often have different requirements for a soundbar than movie fans. Here, the focus is on sound fidelity, rich 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 important 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 have special music modes that optimize the sound for audio playback.

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

For everyday television use, which mainly involves watching news, shows, or sports, soundbars that offer excellent speech intelligibility are important. Many models have special speech modes that emphasize dialogue and reduce background noise. Easy operation and uncomplicated 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 and still offer a significant improvement over integrated TV 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—which do users prefer?

Most soundbars come with their own remote control that 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 management of multi-room systems.

For ultimate ease of use, more and more soundbars offer voice control via integrated assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows you to change 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 existing TV system

Seamless integration into your existing TV system is an important criterion. Modern soundbars ideally connect to the TV via HDMI ARC or eARC. This connection allows the soundbar to turn on and off automatically with the TV and the volume to be controlled via the TV remote control. This greatly simplifies operation and makes the soundbar a seamless part of the TV setup. When purchasing, make sure that the selected soundbar and your TV support the necessary HDMI standards.

Tips for placement and installation

The correct placement of the soundbar has a major impact on the sound experience. Ideally, the soundbar should be placed centrally under 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 elegantly attach the soundbar below a wall-mounted TV.

For soundbars with up-firing speakers for 3D sound formats, it is important that the ceiling distance and ceiling texture allow sound reflection in order to achieve the desired height effect. Some soundbars also offer automatic room calibration, which optimally adjusts the sound to the room 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 – investing in the best surround sound

Premium soundbars, often in the upper price range, offer the ultimate in sound quality and features. These models are characterized 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 theater system.

These soundbars often come with advanced connectivity options, smart features, and sophisticated room calibration. Investing in a premium soundbar makes sense for audiophiles and movie enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on sound quality.

Mid-range models – powerful sound at a fair price

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

Many of these soundbars also support important 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 without breaking the bank. There is a wide selection of models available that offer powerful sound at a fair price.

Entry-level soundbars – good sound quality without high costs

Entry-level soundbars are an affordable way to significantly enhance TV sound. These models are often very compact and focus on improving speech intelligibility and clearer audio reproduction compared to TV speakers. They are ideal for smaller rooms, second TVs, or users who are simply looking for straightforward sound enhancement 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 fully exploit the potential of their TV.

Frequently asked questions about soundbar buying advice

When buying a soundbar, similar questions often arise. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.

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 the 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 with the TV remote control. This makes it much easier to use.

Compared to ARC, eARC offers significantly higher bandwidth. This is crucial for the transmission of lossless audio formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as 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 sufficient?

Whether additional speakers are needed depends on the desired sound experience. A single soundbar already offers a significant improvement over TV speakers and, depending on the model, can create virtual surround sound. For a truly immersive home theater experience, especially with 3D sound formats, additional rear speakers or an external subwoofer may be useful.

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

Is a soundbar with multiroom functionality worth it?

A soundbar with multi-room functionality is particularly worthwhile for users who want 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 makes it possible 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 will significantly increase the ease of use and versatility of your entire audio setup.