Finding The Best Soundbar For Your TV

Upgrading your TV’s audio can transform your viewing experience, from crisp dialogue and powerful movie soundtracks to immersive music playback. A soundbar is one of the most effective ways to enhance your TV’s audio without the complexity, space requirements, and cabling of a full home theater system.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best soundbar for your TV? This guide breaks down the key factors to consider: sound quality, connectivity, room size, compatibility with your television, and additional features like wireless connectivity, voice assistants, and subwoofers.

Whether you’re a casual viewer, movie buff, or gaming fan, this guide will help you select the perfect soundbar to elevate your entertainment setup.

 

 

Why a Soundbar Is a Smart Upgrade for Your TV

Modern flat-screen TVs are thinner and sleeker than ever, but their built-in speakers often sacrifice audio quality for design. While these speakers are adequate for casual viewing, they can struggle to deliver rich, full sound with clear dialogue and deep bass. That’s where a soundbar shines.

Soundbars sit in front of your TV or mount beneath it, providing:

• Clearer dialogue for movies and shows

• Wider soundstage that fills the room

• Deeper bass response (especially with an optional subwoofer)

• Simplified setup with fewer cables and components

Pairing a soundbar with your television creates a more cinematic experience without the complexity of traditional surround sound systems.

 

 

Key Features to Look for in a TV Soundbar

When choosing the best soundbar for your TV, consider these core features:

1. Sound Quality & Speaker Configuration

Soundbars vary in how they deliver audio. Look for:

• Stereo vs. multi-channel systems: Basic 2.0 or 2.1 (with subwoofer) systems are great for everyday use, while 3.1 or higher creates a more immersive experience.

• Built-in subwoofers vs. external: An external subwoofer amplifies bass impact, ideal for action movies and music.

• Speaker drivers and processing: Look for models with advanced driver layouts and audio processing that simulate surround sound.

A soundbar’s power isn’t just in wattage, it’s in how well it balances highs, mids, and lows for realistic sound reproduction.

2. Connectivity & Compatibility

Make sure the soundbar works seamlessly with your television and other devices. Common options include:

• HDMI ARC/eARC: Allows high-quality audio to travel between TV and soundbar with one cable.

• Optical audio: Standard digital audio connection supported by many TVs.

• Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming: Lets you play music from phones, tablets, or laptops.

• Auto lip sync: Keeps audio and video perfectly matched, especially on streaming services.

Before buying, confirm your TV has the right ports and that the soundbar supports them for a clean, headache-free setup.

3. Smart Features & Voice Control

Some soundbars include smart features such as:

• Built-in voice assistants (Alexa or Google Assistant)

• Room tuning technology that optimizes sound for your space

• Wireless multi-room audio support

• App control and firmware updates

Smart features make soundbars more versatile, beyond TV audio into everyday music playback and hands-free control.

4. Size & Room Fit

Soundbar size matters. A soundbar that’s too small can sound thin; one that’s too large may overwhelm a small space. As a rule of thumb:

• Match the soundbar width to your TV size

• Ensure enough clearance for wall mounting if needed

• Consider room acoustics, open spaces and large rooms may benefit from larger or multi-speaker configurations

Soundbars can also be paired with rear satellite speakers for a fuller surround experience.

 

 

How Soundbars Work with Your TV

Soundbars integrate with your TV’s audio system in different ways:

HDMI ARC/eARC

This is the most modern and convenient connection, allowing high-resolution audio and simplified control. With HDMI ARC or eARC, your TV remote can often control the soundbar’s volume.

Optical Audio

Still widely supported, optical connections deliver reliable digital audio but may lack the bandwidth of HDMI eARC for advanced audio formats.

Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

Wireless connectivity allows music streaming from mobile devices and tablets. Some soundbars also support voice agents over Wi-Fi.

When setting up your soundbar, consult your TV’s audio settings to ensure the best format (PCM, Dolby Digital, DTS) is selected.

 

Placement Tips for Best Sound Performance

Where you place your soundbar affects sound quality:

• Under the TV: Ideal for most setups and keeps the sound synchronized with the picture.

• Wall-mounted: Great for saving space; make sure it’s at ear level when seated.

• With a subwoofer: Position the subwoofer away from walls for deeper, cleaner bass.

• Near reflective surfaces: Carpets and soft furnishings help absorb excess echo, while bare walls can cause harsh reflections.

Small adjustments in placement or angling drivers can make noticeable improvements in clarity and bass response.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these pitfalls when choosing or installing a soundbar:

• Overlooking connectivity compatibility: Always check your TV’s available ports before purchase.

• Ignoring room acoustics: Large rooms may need more powerful or multi-speaker systems.

• Underestimating bass needs: Flatscreens often lack low-end audio; a subwoofer can make a big difference.

• Mounting too high or low: Keep the soundbar at ear level for best dialog clarity.

 

 

Upgrade Your TV Audio System with Silica

Ready to enhance your TV’s sound? Explore Silica’s collection of high-quality audio products, accessories, televisions, and more to elevate your entertainment experience. From everyday viewing to movie nights and music playback, we have audio solutions that deliver rich, dynamic sound for any room.

We also offer financing options to help you access the right products that fit your needs and budget. Visit one of our stores today in Fond du Lac, Beaver Dam, and Watertown, WI to shop kitchen appliances and more.

Related readings from our blog:

• LG C5 OLED TV Product Review: Is It Worth It?

• OLED vs QLED TVs: Pros and Cons

• DIY vs. Professional Electronics Installation: Which One is Best for You?

 

FAQs: Finding The Best Soundbar For Your TV

What is the difference between a soundbar and a home theater system?

Soundbars are compact, streamlined audio solutions ideal for enhancing TV sound without extensive wiring or space. Home theater systems include multiple speakers and a receiver for true surround sound, but require more setup and room space.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

If you enjoy deeper, richer bass, especially for movies and music, pairing a soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer can significantly improve low-end performance.

What does HDMI eARC do?

HDMI eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) supports higher-bandwidth audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, allowing for immersive audio with fewer cables.

Can soundbars work with any TV?

Most modern TVs support soundbars through HDMI ARC or optical audio. Always check your TV’s audio output options and ensure compatibility before purchasing.

How do I control my soundbar with my TV remote?

Many soundbars support HDMI CEC or ARC control, which allows your TV remote to adjust the soundbar’s volume. Confirm that both devices have compatible HDMI settings.