Tired of finding the best sound bar for your LED TV or home theater system?
Due to the large number of options available in the Indian market, it is often a little difficult to find the most suitable sound bar for your home that offers a powerful and satisfying sound.
So with that in mind, we have analyzed and verified all the best soundbars available on the Indian market. This huge collection of data after sorting and classifying it with pre-considered metrics was not an easy task for us, but we made it possible with all the resources we have.
So browse the entire article to find the best sound bar in India 2021, which efficiently serves your purpose and leaves an infinite smile on your face.
Our Top Pick
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10 Best Soundbars Review
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What Are The Best Soundbars?
There are many factors to think about when choosing the right soundbar for you; below are the most important ones, which we considered while we were researching this list.
Size: A soundbar will always take up less space than a traditional home theater system, but they can still vary in size quite a bit. We’ve made sure to include sound bars that can fit in any entertainment center.
Stereo Vs. Surround Sound: Soundbars are designed to replicate 2.0 or 2.1 (stereo) home theater speakers, which provide great audio quality, but a less immersive experience than a surround sound system.
Many of the soundbars we’ve chosen can be augmented with additional speakers to create a compact surround sound system. This gives you the option to upgrade your home theater over time, rather than having to start from scratch if you move to a place with more space.
Ports: A soundbar’s inputs (otherwise known as ports) are what allow you to connect it to your TV. The most common ports found on soundbars are HDMI and Optical inputs, which are both found on all TVs released in the past ten years.
Smart home integration: Some soundbars can be connected to a smart-home platform from Amazon and Google that allow them to do a lot more than just play music. These soundbars allow you to control accessories like smart lightbulbs, so you can change the mood lighting in your home theater system to add ambiance to your movie night or gaming session.
Bluetooth support: Your soundbar will always be connected to your TV with a cable, but many of the options on this list support Bluetooth. This lets you connect your phone, tablet, or computer to the soundbar and stream music to it wirelessly, which is nice if your home theater setup is in a living room or common area and you want to play DJ for yourself or guests.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Soundbar
Every soundbar is different. Soundbars vary by product and come in various sizes, have different installation options, connect to your TV in distinct ways, and possess specific features.
Audiophiles have a different standard than those looking to purchase their first soundbar, and knowing what your needs are can avoid paying for features you won’t use. Here are some of the top features to look at when choosing a soundbar.
Size
Take a look at your entertainment space. If you’re in a small bedroom or tiny apartment, a smaller soundbar may fit better in your home. A smaller size doesn’t necessarily mean less sound; quality speakers and channels can fit in soundbars that are about 17 inches long. Don’t dismiss a product because of its size, always read the specs for more information.
A general rule of thumb is that a soundbar shouldn’t be wider than your TV. If you have a big-screen TV, consider investing in a wider model soundbar. This offers wider stereo imaging, giving the viewer the impression that the sound isn’t coming from a speaker box, but from whoever is making the sound on the TV.
Channels
Channels simulate the surround sound effect without having to purchase surround sound. They give depth by increasing the number of places where sound can be delivered. In soundbars, you’ll likely find two- or three-channel soundbars.
- Two-channel soundbars have a left and right channel to augment the sound of your TV.
- Three-channel soundbars can better imitate surround sound with channels on the right, left, and center of the bar.
- Five-channel soundbars are only necessary if you plan on implementing surround sound with additional speakers in the front and back.
Channels are written with a decimal, such as 3.1. The number before the decimal refers to the number of channels within the soundbar (in this example, that would be three). The number after tells you whether or not there’s a subwoofer, which delivers more bass. The number 1 means it has a subwoofer, but 0 means it doesn’t. A soundbar can claim .1 status if it has a low-frequency driver. Read the specs of the soundbar to confirm whether or not it has a subwoofer.
Active vs. Passive
Both active and passive soundbars have multi-speaker channels and can create high-resolution sound. Though similar overall, there are a few differences between active and passive soundbars.
Active soundbars come with built-in amplifiers. These soundbars are easy to install and use. They’re suited for those who want to save space, don’t plan on upgrading their sound system, and only want one component for audio, instead of complex connections between several components. One downside: if your soundbar breaks, you’ll need to replace the entire model instead of only the broken parts.
Passive soundbars need an amplifier for their channels to work. They have a more complicated installation process but produce better quality audio. You may need to do your homework when purchasing a passive soundbar. There are more purchase decisions to make, including the choice between a device to enhance the sound quality or extra speakers to create more complex sounds and high-definition audio.
Connectivity
Many modern soundbars come with Wi-Fi and are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to play your music or watch movies within minutes. With wireless devices, you can easily stream content, including subscription services like Spotify from your computer, phone, tablet, or smart home system.
If you opt for a wired device, you typically only need one cable to connect the soundbar to your TV. It will be an optical cable, RCA cable, or HDMI. For HDMI connections, your TV needs to support HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) to function properly. HDMI supports more audio formats and only needs a single connection from the soundbar to the TV, making it a good option for connectivity.
Cinema Sound
For movie buffs who want the home theater audio experience without investing in a surround sound system, you may want to choose a soundbar with a subwoofer. Subwoofers are speaker drivers dedicated to the reproduction of low-frequency audio, which augments the sounds occurring at this level.
Subwoofers give the sounds you hear in the background, such as a squadron of planes approaching, more depth, adding to your movie experience. This punch and rumble gives a fuller sound and keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially with action movies or movies with an epic soundtrack.
The range of audible sound vibrations produced by a soundbar is measured in hertz (Hz) and kilohertz (KHz). This is the frequency of sound we hear from low bass rumbles at 20Hz that are barely perceptible to high-pitched jarring sounds that are 20KHz, the highest pitch. The fluctuating frequencies throughout a movie make the difference between average and incredible.
Controls
Most soundbars come with a compatible remote control to customize your audio settings. In many instances, the remote enables you to change the volume, treble, bass, mode, and more on the soundbar to optimize the audio.
If you find a soundbar that integrates with your TV or universal remote, it simplifies adding sound to your shows and movies by eliminating the need to juggle two remotes. Read the specs of the soundbar before you make a purchase, as some of them do not enable other remote devices.
Newer wireless soundbar models let you use Bluetooth from your handheld devices. This allows you to stream music from your phone to your soundbar over the internet without requiring the remote. However, some devices may still require the remote to adjust sound settings, so be sure to read the manufacturer’s specs if this is a feature you’d like to have.
Mounted vs. Unmounted
The difference between mounting your soundbar on the wall or placing it on your TV stand largely comes down to personal preference. The best sound seems to come from just below the TV, with the best distance being 4 to 6 inches beneath the screen. Distance may impact sound quality, so if the soundbar is too far from the television, there may be a bit of user disconnect when watching movies or shows.
Many wall-mounted soundbars come with mounting hardware that withstands the weight of the device. This looks clean and stylish with a wall-mounted TV and it doesn’t block the screen if mounted a few inches below it. Follow instructions carefully to make sure you mount it properly so that the soundbar stays securely in place.
For unmounted soundbars, make sure there is enough room in front of the TV so the bar doesn’t obstruct the screen or block the remote sensors. If you choose to store your soundbar on a shelf within the TV stand or entertainment center, bring it forward as much as possible to ensure the sound isn’t blocked on the sides.
What does the best soundbar system comprise of?
A Sound Bar is a speaker system whose efficiency is higher than a home theatre in terms of space along with lesser complexity nature and is a smart option in terms of the cost/price as it will fit-in in all ranges of budget.
This gadget can be fitted beneath the LED TV, it is a lengthened tube-like device which has a greater width than its length which extends equivalent to that of a tv set
And gives an impression as that of a home theatre but acts as an amazing stereo speaker and even produces a virtual surround sound effect due to its significant width.
Accessing the system is simpler because it comes with a universal remote as a result which gives access to operate on different types of systems from a low-end version to that of a high-end model.
Which soundbar system is the best option?
Few key elements to be considered while looking out for the best soundbar 2021 year system are as follows:
- Subwoofers effect
- Connection option
- Dolby effect
- Infrared light repeaters
- Size
- Bluetooth Access
- Online Accessibility
- Range of Accessibility
- DOLBY Effect
Connection Options:-
In the matter of connection other than the traditional way of a single connection to the TV, we find many new options such as optical cables and HDMI ARC
which Is efficient in interchanging information compared to other Modes providing you to access both the power and volume from the same source.
Infrared light repeaters:-
Here, the main principle is the IR repeaters which work on the concept of extensibility of the IR (infrared light) which is excited from the accessor(remote)
And makes it reaches the sensor of the television completely avoiding any blockage of signals or any sort of interruptions caused due to the Positioning(placement) of the soundbar.
Subwoofers effect:-
Subwoofers are all to do with the amplification… which Can be opted completely based on your choice of picking a high bass one or a low-frequency one
just keeping in consideration the woofer effect that will be created in the allocated area and decide the number of Subwoofers to be fitted in that slim and widened device.
Size (Space Occupied):-
In the present scenario/time where the world is turning a highly occupying place leaving many people to fall into lack of space, it is triggering the need for (proper allocation of space available) /utilizing the space in the best possible way.
Therefore, to avoid the clumsiness and to provide a suitable environment to retrieve the maximum capacity of your soundbar, make sure to note down the dimensions of its area/placement and opt for the one which best fits in.
Bluetooth Access:
As humans we prefer “Alterations over alternatives” so does a soundbar. Unlike the prior (devices/soundbars) the latest soundbars are way too adaptable with a Bluetooth enabled feature which makes it flexible to pair up with any Bluetooth device located nearby.
Therefore, giving access to you, to play the music from a device that is convenient to use.
Online Accessibility:
Unlike the features in that of the existing models, this new and significant feature of online access.
Doesn’t ask you for a smart TV or an Ethernet Jack to let u connect to the internet.
In other words, it simply lets you access the online music services and any media websites that you want to Listen
Range of Accessibility:
Just like the game turns more interesting when it runs under your charge, it is same to do with the device getting complete control of the system makes you feel more pleasing which is possible by choosing a user-friendly interface (i.e. a form of access which is comfortable to use)
It has a feature that allows you to set the panel, sound settings enable you with a higher range of accessibility.
DOLBY Effect:
First of all, coming to point of selecting the number of drivers and subwoofers they are represented in a decimal format such as 2.0, 3.1, 5.1.4 where the first number indicates the number of drivers and follows:
- 2-consists of left-right speakers
- 3- left, right and center speakers
- 5-right, left, center, rear and surround speakers
While the number after the decimal stands for the subwoofers where 1 stands for its presence and 0 for its absence.
Moreover, in certain cases, such as the last one in the above-mentioned examples which are 5.1.4 the third number indicates the drivers in the Dolby Atoms (the latest technology used for the creation of the enveloping sound effect) which contribute in creating the virtual surround sound effect.
HOW WE TESTED
To identify today’s best soundbars, we spent many hours meticulously sifting through hardware specs, reading reviews from industry experts, as well as carefully analyzing consumer feedback. The hardware specs included the number of audio drivers a product has, compatibility with various types of enhanced audio content, as well as the wireless connectivity features it offers, among other bits.
We focused our testing efforts on leading audio brands like Bose, Klipsch, Polk Audio, Samsung, and TCL, to name a few. During our testing process, we evaluated each soundbar based on the following criteria:
- Sound quality — how the products performed while delivering various types of audio content.
- Design — their ability to blend in with the home decor.
- Ease of use — setting up the product and accessing its features.
- Connectivity features — availability of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
- Smart functionality — compatibility with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
To analyze sound quality, we spent time watching movies (essential for experiencing the overall acoustic performance of every soundbar, including the ability to process enhanced surround sound), following the news to determine each product’s ability to deliver crisp dialogue, and rocking out to an eclectic Spotify playlist to experience their bass, treble, and mid-range delivery.
In 2021, it is imperative that a soundbar supports enhanced surround sound from Dolby and DTS. It makes the viewing experience more engaging even during seemingly mundane scenes. Enhanced content is best showcased during action-packed scenes, and it is abundant on all major streaming services.
We also factored in the soundstage presentation of each soundbar we researched and tested. By utilizing a combination of built-in hardware and audio processing tech, the feature can literally make a product sound “bigger” than it actually is. A products’ soundstage is most notable while listening to music and watching movies. For example, when playing the right content, a soundbar with a wide soundstage can create an impression that you are attending a live music performance.
Most of our picks will not only play nicely with your brand-new TV, but also connect and stream sound from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. We used an iPhone and a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to connect to the products and wirelessly stream content from Spotify. Where available, we put the product’s Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 wireless connectivity (over Wi-Fi) through its paces, too.
Some of the finest offerings are also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. We evaluated their performance by setting up the virtual assistants, and using them to play content and control compatible smart home products. The products that are available with both assistants require users to choose one.
It’s worth noting that even though these soundbars are wireless, they require users to connect them to their TV with an HDMI or an optical cable. The term “wireless” usually means that, in addition to Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connectivity, they have a separate subwoofer that doesn’t require a cable to connect.
Learn more about our top picks now to discover the best wireless soundbar for your home.
Conclusion
Wrapping it up, we wrote a long and exhaustive article to make you understand everything about soundbars keeping every technicality simple
And I hope this long guide will assist you to buy the best soundbar for your home. If you still face any difficulty in making your mind, please let us know in the comment box we will try to answer them as soon as possible.
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