10 Best Soundbars in 2022 (Yamaha, Sony, and More)

As you go through our list, you should review each option's size, connection type, speaker type, and sound-related features. We considered our buying guide along with customer reviews to identify the best soundbars on the market!

As you choose a soundbar, you should think about the size, connection types, system types, and other sound options to pick the most ideal option for your home!

Soundbars vary in length to match different types of TVs. Even though size affects standard speaker quality, the same doesn’t apply to soundbars due to their slimmer shape.

Instead, you want the soundbar to be about the same length as your TV so that the sound can match the screen. For example, a short soundbar will make the left and right sounds come from the middle of the TV rather than the sides of the TV. The same applies for wall-mounted options.

A soundbar between 12 and 20 inches will work for any TV under 40 inches, but anything above 40 inches should have a matching soundbar length. As long as the TVs are within five to 10 inches of the soundbar, the sound will match the visuals.

Soundbars vary in the ways they connect to devices, so you should look into wired connections and wireless options.

Some soundbars connect to the TV through wires to maintain a stable connection. However, you may be limited on where you can place the soundbar since it needs to be connected. On the bright side, this connection limits lagging or the possibility of disconnection.

Wired connections usually use HDMI cords, but others may use RCA, optical, coaxial, auxiliary, or USB cables. HDMI cords are universal, so you can easily replace them if a wire breaks. RCA is the yellow, white, and red wires used with older devices and TVs. Optical and coaxial wires are also older ones used to connect TVs to the soundbar and other speakers.

Auxiliary wires go into headphone jacks for computers and phones. You can also use USB cords to connect your soundbar to a computer.

If you want to avoid wired connections, go with a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi soundbar. You can connect multiple speakers to experience surround sound without wires. Many TVs, computers, and phones support Bluetooth, making it easy to connect them to your system. However, these soundbars may need to be recharged periodically.

You can also connect multiple Bluetooth devices to your soundbar and swap between them. For example, you could connect your soundbar to your TV and switch to your computer whenever you feel like it. You can also do the same with Wi-Fi soundbars.

Both wireless and wired soundbars can have different power sources. Some may need to be plugged into outlets, while others can run on a battery. Wireless ones may need to be charged on occasion.

Soundbars use a number to let you know what they include. The first number references the number of speakers included with the system, while the second refers to the subwoofers.

2.0 systems have two speakers built into the soundbar to offer stereo sound. Stereo sound is when the audio is split between the left and right speakers. Stereo soundbars keep things simple since they don't require extra setup or connections.

On the other hand, you won't have any devices dedicated to the bass, so you won't be able to adjust it. However, this is still a good option for people who want an easy way to improve their TV audio without worrying about the fine details.

5.1 systems have five speakers and a subwoofer for surround sound. A subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to the bass, giving you more control.

Surround sound involves placing speakers around the room so that you can hear the sound from different directions. For example, some people will place two speakers next to them and three near the TV. Other systems may have three of the speakers inside of the soundbar so that the bar can play left, middle, and right audio.

This system will give you the best audio experience since you can hear the sound around you and fine-tune the subwoofer to meet your bass needs. On the other hand, surround sound systems take a while to set up since you need to place each speaker.

Some systems will have a 2.1 setup with two speakers and a subwoofer, while 3.1 configurations have three speakers and a subwoofer. 2.1 systems have stereo sound, but you can adjust the bass separately with the subwoofer. 3.1 systems have three speakers in the soundbar with a subwoofer alongside them.

While they aren't as easy to set up as 2.0 systems, 2.1 and 3.1 systems are easier than 5.1 systems. They don't provide as good of a sound experience as 5.1 systems, but they're better than 2.0 options. Consider a 2.1 or 3.1 system if you want to improve the bass without dealing with more speakers.

You should look through the subwoofer types and inputs available on devices to make sure that you choose the best option for your needs.

As you look at 2.1 or 5.1 systems, you will notice some have subwoofers in the soundbar while others have separate subwoofers. Built-in subwoofers allow you to adjust the bass without worrying about a separate speaker's placement. They also take up less space than a separate subwoofer.

A separate subwoofer gives you more flexibility since you can move the bass and have it play from any spot. Separate subwoofers also tend to be more powerful since they're larger than built-in subwoofers.

Whether you have a wired or Bluetooth soundbar, it will have multiple inputs. For wired connections, the inputs are the number of HDMI, RCA, and other ports on the soundbar. 

Wireless soundbars will let you connect TVs and other devices equal to the number of inputs they support. For example, if you have a soundbar with three inputs, you could connect three different devices.

You can find out how many inputs a soundbar has on its product page. It never hurts to have more inputs, but you should make sure it has the right ones. For example, some soundbars may have an auxiliary input while others have a USB one. Others will have multiple inputs, sometimes including Bluetooth and wired options.

Once you get your soundbar, consider improving your viewing experience with other handy items! These lists will help you find useful equipment for a fun movie night.

Author: Garrett Garcia

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