INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Best Soundbar Buying Guide: Welcome to TechRadar's round-up of the best soundbars (also spelled sound bars) you can buy in 2018. While the
way a TV looks should - quite rightly - be the most important thing to consider when buying a new set, the way it sounds is a very close
second. Unfortunately, as panel technology has improved over the years, less and less space has been made available for a set's audio,
leading to audio that often sounds weak and tinny. This can make it hard to hear actors and actresses while they're giving away key plot
points during dialog, and makes cinematic moments like explosions and car crashes less impactful than they ought to be.The easiest way of
rectifying this problem is with a soundbar
These speakers sit nice and neatly below your TV, and often offer tremendous sound without taking up much more space in your living
room. Buy intelligently and you won't just end up with better sound, but also more advanced features like virtual surround sound and Dolby
Atmos support.What's the best soundbarSoundbars come in many shapes and sizes, and range in price from under £100/$100 to over
Cheaper models have basic connections, more expensive ones add superior HDMI inputs (including 4K/HDR passthrough), wireless audio streaming
Bluetooth and AirPlay), better power, more refined speaker drivers, and decoding of Blu-ray sound formats.A full surround setup is the
premium solution to bad sounding televisions, but if you're a little shorter on space (not to mention budget) then a soundbar offers a very
decent compromise. Plus, these days higher-end soundbars will also include the latest and greatest audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and
DTS:X.Design is also important, with some models able to sit in front of your TV on a stand while others may need a separate shelf, or to be
However, whatever your budget, there are some cracking good acoustic upgrades to be had that can give your TV the sound it deserves. 1
Samsung HW-MS650 SoundbarBe afraid, traditional Hi-Fi speakers
Be very afraid.Dimensions: 1060 x 78 x 130mm (W x H x D) | Speaker configuration: 3.0 | Claimed audio power: 9 x 20W | Connections: Single
4K/HDR HDMI loopthrough, one optical audio input, 3.5mm audio port, 2-way Bluetooth, Wi-FiFantastically powerful soundPhysics-defying bass
handlingSupports lots of sourcesSlightly limited stereo effectNot content with dominating the TV world, Samsung now seems to have its sights
set on becoming the number one brand for home entertainment audio, too
All this effort has already delivered outstanding results in the shape of both the HW-K850 and, especially, HW-K950 Dolby Atmos soundbars,
as well as a range of ground-breaking multi-room wireless speakers.But, above everything stands the South Korean manufacturer's HW-MS650
No other one-body soundbar has combined so much raw power with so much clarity, scale and, especially, bass, or excelled so consistently
with both films and music
It’s the sort of performance that only genuine audio innovation can deliver - and with that in mind, it’s well worth its $450/£599
price tag. Read the full review:Samsung HW-MS650 Soundbar2
Sony HT-ST5000 soundbarAn unashamedly upmarket soundbar that justifies its price tagDimensions: 1180 x 80 x 145 mm (W x H x D) | Speaker
configuration: 7.1.2 | Claimed audio power: N/A | Connections: 3 x HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI Out (ARC), analogue audio in/out, Ethernet, optical
audio in, Bluetooth, Wi-FiBeautiful build qualityDolby Atmos supportHi-res audio compatibleFrighteningly expensiveNo DTS:XThe Sony HT-ST5000
is the most expensive soundbar on this list, but for the money you're getting an exceptional piece of equipment that offers support for
Dolby's spatial Atmos technology as well as dealing exceptionally well with more conventional surround sound. The build quality and design
of the soundbar is exceptional, and its general audio performance impresses with its clarity and spatial presentation. With that said, its
high price means it won't be for everyone, and most people will get everything they need from the Samsung HW-MS650 above
But if you want to have the best high-end soundbar around, the HT-ST5000 is the one to go for. Read the full review: Sony HT-ST50003
Q Acoustics M4 Sound Bar'If there’s a better sounding soundbar on the market for less than £400/$400, we haven’t heard it'Power: 100W |
Speakers: 2 | Dimensions: 1,000 x 90 x 142mm | Weight: 4.9kg | Inputs: 1 x HDMI, 1 x digital optical, 1 x 3.5mm | Outputs: N/A | Wireless:
Bluetooth aptX | Subwoofer included: Yes | Special features: N/ABeautiful musicalityEasy to useStereo onlyNo HDMI inputThe Q Acoustics M4
soundbar doesn’t immediately set pulses racing with its slightly prosaic looks, ‘mere’ 2.1-channel sound and lack of any HDMI support
However, you only have to hear what the M4 can do with both music and movies for your doubts about it to evaporate almost instantly
In fact, it sounds so good that it starts to make the idea of trying to deliver more channels from an affordable sound bar look a bit
silly.In fact, though, it sounds so much better than pretty much any rival soundbar in the same price bracket that it’s actually
ridiculously good value - especially if you care about music as much as you care about movies. Read the full review: Q Acoustics M4 Sound
Philips Fidelio B5Surround sound or portable Bluetooth – the choice is yours Power: 120W | Speakers: 4 | Dimensions: 1,035 x 70 x 156 mm |
Weight: 16kg | Inputs: Digital coaxial in, Digital optical in, HDMI 1.4 output (ARC), HDMI IN 1, HDMI IN 2, Audio in 3.5 mm jack | Wireless:
Bluetooth APT-X and AAC | Subwoofer included: Yes | Special features: N/ASatellites unsnap from main soundbarEasy-to-setup surround soundA
bit too big for most TV setupsThe Philips Fidelio B5 is an impressive bit of kit, and it's the perfect soundbar for someone who appreciates
good cinema sound but has no interest in tearing up their living room to install a 5.1 surround sound system to use only every now and then
The B5 enables you to pick and choose your movie moments, and do it on a whim
And it creates a pretty decent surround sound experience too, using both Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround decoding.The combination
of convenience and good audio – the raison d'etre of the soundbar – with its transformative surround sound capabilities makes the
Fidelio B5 a great option for the movie fan who can't face all the aggravation of a proper 5.1 installation.Read the full review: Philips
Sonos PlaybarTurns your multi-room audio system into wireless surround sound Power: Not quoted | Speakers: 9 | Dimensions: 900 x 85 x 140mm
| Weight: 5.4kg | Inputs: 1 x digital optical, 2 x Ethernet LAN | Outputs: N/A | Wireless: WiFi | Special features: Sonos Play:1 speakers
can be connected as wireless rear speakersBeautiful soundIntegrates with Sonos systemsRequires particular TVsThe Sonos Playbar is a non-HDMI
device that uses optical to hook up to a TV
Used simply on its own it delivers a massive sonic boost to your TV listening, but operating it does require using a smartphone or tablet
app. The benefit is that it can seamlessly segue in to a Sonos wireless system, and can even act as the front three speakers in a 5.1 setup
with two Play:1s acting as rears. Unfortunately although it's optical-only setup will be great for most, it does exclude owners of TVs that
lack this connector, which has pushed it a little further down this list. Read the full review: Sonos Playbar6
Samsung HW-K950This combo of soundbar, two wireless sats Dolby Atmos is game-changing Power: 500W | Speakers: 9 | Dimensions: 47.6 x 3.2 x
5.1 inches | Weight: 14.7lbs | Inputs: 1 x digital optical, 1 x HDMI | Outputs: 1 x HDMI | Wireless: Bluetooth and WiFi | Subwoofer
included: Yes | Special features: Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos built-inWireless satellites and subSlightly muddled surround soundDo you need Dolby
Atmos This more immersive '3D bubble of surround sound' tech is here, created not only by a standard soundbar design, but with a couple of
satellite speakers and a subwoofer added
Is that verging on a messy home cinema cinema of old Perhaps in theory, but this is one of the sleekest implementations of Dolby Atmos yet
Using rear speakers with upward-firing speakers, it actually creates a virtual 5.1.4 system.OK, so the £1,299 / $1,499 / AU$1,499 HW-K950
It only plays DTS in stereo (unless you have a Blu-ray player that can convert it to Dolby Digital), but this simple-to-set-up package is an
amazing performer that should be near the top of any audiophile's soundbar audition list.Read the full review: Samsung HW-K9507
Q Acoustics M2 SoundbaseTechnically a soundbase, the M2 is a satisfying sonic upgrade to your TV’s soundPower: 80W | Speakers: 2 |
Dimensions: 550 x 93 x 338mm (W x H x D) | Weight: 5.6kg | Inputs: 1 x Digital Optical-In, 1 x HDMI-in, 1 x 3.5mm | Wireless: Bluetooth |
Subwoofer included: Yes | Special features: aptX HDTight, controlled bass Great detail Narrow sound stageNo HDMI passthrough So far we've
only covered soundbars, but soundbases are a little different. Rather than being designed to be mounted underneath - or sat in front of -
your TV, soundbases have a much deeper form-factor that means they’re better suited to acting as a stand for your TV
The Q Acoustics M2 also has the added benefit of a toggle switch that alters its sound to let it work better in case you’d rather stash it
away inside a cabinet instead.Due to a few minor issues with soundstage and HDMI passthrough, the Q Acoustics M2 isn’t the kind of product
that’s going to revolutionise your living room - but, that being said, it will offer a significant boost to your TV’s sound at an
affordable price of $350 (£299/AU$549)
Read the full review:Q Acoustics M2 Soundbase8
Focal DimensionAn impressive-sounding soundbar with a few setup faux-pas Power: 450W | Speakers: 5 | Dimensions: 1,155 x 115 x 115mm |
Weight: 5.5kg | Inputs: 1 x HDMI, 1 x digital optical, 1 x 3.5mm | Outputs: N/A | Wireless: Bluetooth aptX (via dongle) | Subwoofer
included: No | Special features: designed for big roomsVirtual surround soundExcellent designExpensiveFocal, most known for its excellent
sounding speakers (and the recently released Focal Listen headphones), is late to the soundbar space, but its Focal Dimension was worth the
The Dimension soundbar is simply gorgeous, with its piano black accents and aluminum unibody construction.At $1,399 (£799, AU$1,699) it's
not exactly cheap, but you're paying for excellent build quality, sound and design.Read the full review: Focal Dimension9
Sony HT-MT300 SoundbarAn affordable, compact entry-level soundbar that sounds greatPower: N/A | Speakers: 2 | Dimensions: 50 x 5.4 x 10.3cm
(W x H x D) | Weight: 3.2kg | Inputs: 1 x digital optical, 1 x auxiliary | Wireless: Bluetooth | Special features: Wireless subwooferSimple
to setup and useWell balanced soundNarrow sound stageNo HDMI ARCThere’s a lot to like about the Sony HT-MT300
Its compact form factor means it’ll fit just about anywhere and its wireless sub lets you put it under the couch for added bass
effect. The soundbar sounds great with both movies and music, but be warned that it does fall on its face when it comes to offering
surround sound. For the price, you get a great sounding, entry-level soundbar that fits just about anywhere and is easy to use and setup
If you're on a budget and looking for a soundbar to fit into a small setup then the HT-MT300 is a great choice, but if you're less
restricted then you might want to opt for another soundbar on this list.Read the full review: Sony HT-MT300 Soundbar10
Bose SoundTouch 300A beautifully made, precise sounding soundbarPower: N/A | Speakers: 1 | Dimensions: 42 x 6.2 x 5 inches | Weight: 15.2lbs
| Inputs: 1 x digital optical, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Ethernet port, 1x 3.5 mm jack for ADAPTiQ system setup, 1 x 3.5mm jack to hardwire the bass
module, 1 x micro-USB connection | Outputs: 1 x HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) | Wireless: Bluetooth | Subwoofer included: No |
Special features: MultiroomWide, articulate sonic presentationGorgeous design and build qualityPotentially frustrating set upDoesn’t come
with a subwooferBoasting high-end design, Bose's slim soundbar looks superb, and sounds above average
At 97.9cm wide, it’s best partnered with larger screen sizes (50-inch+) and priced at £599/$700/AU$999, it offers great sound
There are caveats regarding usability and price, but overall it warrants a cautious two thumbs up.It's also worth mentioning that, as this
isn’t a 2.1 package, there’s no subwoofer supplied – although Bose will sell you a wireless Acoustimas sub and the ST300 can be
partnered with the brand’s Virtually Invisible (i.e
small at 10cm) 300 surround speakers
The system is also compatible with the Bose SoundTouch wireless multiroom system which includes smaller Bluetooth speakers. Read the full
review: Bose SoundTouch 300BONUS: Creative X-Fi Sonic CarrierThis 11.2.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar is out of our leaguePower: 2,000 watts
| Speakers: 17 | Dimensions: 521 x 151 x 96mm (59.9 x 5.9 x 3.8 inches, L x W x H) | Weight: 35.3 lbs | Inputs: 2 x digital optical, 3 x
HDMI (ARC), 1 x Ethernet port, 1x 3.5 mm jack, two ¼” microphone connectors, two USB 2.0 type A connector for USB flash drives and HDDs,
one SD card slot and three MicroSD card slots alongside | Outputs: 1 x HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) | Wireless: Bluetooth |
Subwoofer included: Yes | Special features: SuperWide X-FiIt’s an 11.2.4-channel soundbar! Precise, nearly perfect sound Unrivaled
DSP with SuperWide X-FiYour neighbors will hate youYou know, it just didn't feel fair comparing the Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier to other
It'd be like comparing jet-skis to yachts. That being said, if you have the deep pockets to afford it, the Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier is
in a different league of soundbars
It features 17 speakers set in an 11.2.4-channel or 15.2-channel configuration that can put out well over 110 dB of sound and supports Dolby
Atmos right out of the box. Is $4,000 too much to spend on a soundbar - even one as genuinely awesome as the Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier
But is a few grand worth spending to turn your basement or garage into a club / near-cinema-quality home theater Yeah
It is. We've come up with a list of the best Sci-Fi movies to really put your soundbar to the test.U9Qecn3JNqyvrHWgMsXVaX.jpg#
