The Best Virtual Surround Soundbar For 2024
The Rundown
1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar
The 5.25" subwoofer gives you a wider sound stage and deep bass, while the 7-driver array delivers True 3D Surround Sound. Read Review
2. Best For The Price: VIZIO SB3821-C6 Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer
This 2.1 sound bar provides crystal clear dialogue and immersive surround sound to bring you a theater experience right in your living room. Read Review
3. Best For Dialogue: SAMSUNG HW-A650 3.1ch A650 A Series Soundbar
Featuring a built-in center speaker, the soundbar provides enhanced dialogue and bass boost with a simple touch of the button. Read Review
4. Best For Bass Content: TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar
The deep bass from this 2.1 channel soundbar will enhance your movies and music to make them come to life. Read Review
When you think about virtual surround, images of expensive home theater systems come to mind. While those are fine for a dedicated home theater, that’s not something everyone can afford. Fortunately, there are affordable options for virtual surround sound and one of them is the soundbar.
Virtual surround soundbars combine the acoustic properties of speakers with the convenience and simplicity of a single unit. And while they aren’t as elaborate as dedicated home theaters, they let you enjoy high-quality audio in a practical package that doesn’t take up too much space.
There are many different types out there, but here are our top recommendations for the best soundbars for virtual surround sound to help you get the best possible experience from their setup.
We were able to come up with many top products from prominent brands like LG, Polk Audio, and many more. Among them, Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar seems to be the first product you can rely on with its wide sound field and deep, rich bass feature.
RELATED: We did the research for you. With our tests and trials, here are accurate descriptions of the best soundbar with built in subwoofer available in the market.
Our Top Picks
TOP Choice #1
![Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar]()
- UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION - In addition to L/R Tweeters (1"), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7" x 1.6") and a 1" Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.6") utilize Atmos' height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head
- ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR & WIRELESS SUB - The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array & a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.25" sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS
- EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE - At par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At 2.4" tall, the Signa S4 fits most spaces - easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
- NUMEROUS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES - Plug in your audio source via the provided inputs - (1) optical, (1) analog 3.5mm, or Bluetooth, and USB-A (for firmware updates). Enjoy uncompromised audio experience over the eight channels via the HDMI (eARC) output
- 1-CABLE SETUP, WORKS WITH ANY TV INCLUDING THE LATEST 8K ULTRA-HD TVs - Get this system up and running in less than 5 minutes—all you have to do is unbox, connect and you are ready to listen. A great addition to your home theater!
- WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices via built-in Bluetooth technology
- POLK'S EXCLUSIVE VOICE AND BASS ADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4's center channel lets you customize voice and bass levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues and maximize bass without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar's bass using Bass Adjust Technology
- Wireless subwoofer adds rich bass from anywhere in the room
- Enjoy 100 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1 percent total harmonic distortion
- Built in Bluetooth lets you lose the wires and listen to your music with a tap of a finger with built in Bluetooth. Sound pressure level - 100 dB. Sound bar frequency - 50 hertz - 19 hertz
- Wireless remote for convenient volume, input and audio controls; Wireless subwoofer range approximately 60 feet – line of sight from sound bar
- Premium audio with Dolby digital decoding, plus DTS TruVolume and DTS audio post processing
- ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Optimizes sound to video content.
- DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X - Immersive surround sound simulation that draws you in.
- BUILT-IN CENTER SPEAKER - A dedicated speaker enhances dialogue so you hear every word
- COMMON SOLUTIONS PER ISSUE: Disconnects from tv -- Replace the cable. Rear speakers keeps dropping -- Update the software Can't connect to my tv -- Replace the cable. No sound -- TV sees sound bar but no sound This can happen when connected to other Manufacturer’s TV. Solution is to set the Digital Sound Out to “Auto” (not “Pass-Through”) on their TV menu. Subwoofer stopped working. -- Likely due to interference. Move the subwoofer closer, then run ID SET again (wireless speaker linking process)
- SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer included.
- BASS BOOST - Instantly amplify the bass with the touch of a button.
- SPECIALIZED SOUND MODES: Specialized sound modes bring Movies, Music, and News to life.
- DOLBY DIGITAL: Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and creates incredible room-filling virtual surround sound.
- STREAM MUSIC WIRELESSLY: You can use your Bluetooth-enabled device to wirelessly stream music on your sound bar.
- DEEP BASS WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life.
- QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE SETUP: With HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connections, you can go from unboxing to listening in minutes.
- Best-In-Class 600W Peak Power
- 5.1 Decoding for Virtualized Surround Sound
- 45 inches 3.1 Soundbar With 10 inches Wireless Subwoofer
- Powerful audio performance with deep, theater-like sub-bass and crisp high-end definition
- HDMI-ARC: Single Cable, Single Remote Control
- Voice Assistant Input Use our voice to control your Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant devices through the sound bar with a dedicated 3.5 Aux or Persistent Bluetooth connection.
- 5” Wireless Subwoofer Place the wireless subwoofer anywhere in the room to add deep booming bass.
- Optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1 Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1 when connected through HDMI.
- Loud and Clear: The 96dB sound pressure level and 50Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver dynamic and accurate Sound.
- DTS Virtual:X: Enhances any content with room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound.
- Bluetooth streaming that allows easy switching between two devices
- Simple setup with HDMI or optical
- Included components: Remote control
- Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity
- DTS Virtual: X virtual 3D surround sound
- Built-in subwoofers for deep bass in one slim sound bar
- Subwoofer (WxHxD)-7.1 x 15.4 x 11.5 inches
- Included Components: Wall Mount Bracket, Cable Management
- Power Source Type: Corded Electric
- 4K AND HD COMPATIBILITY – Connect your TV to gaming consoles, Blu-Ray player or any audio source via HDCP 2.2 HDMI in & out ports with Audio Return Channel, optical or aux inputs. Plus control the soundbar via your TV remote through HDMI ARC connection
- TRANSFORM YOUR TV INTO A HOME ENTERTAINMENT CENTER with DHT-S216 soundbar's (2) 3" down-firing subwoofers, dual 1.75" x 3.5" mid-range drivers and (2) 1” tweeters pumping DYNAMIC THEATER-QUALITY AUDIO into your movies, TV and music listening experience
- WIRELESSLY STREAM your favorite tracks, podcasts and other audio content by pairing your smartphone, tablet or laptop via Bluetooth
- EASY SET UP & USER EXPERIENCE - Quickly connect the system to your TV or other devices with the included HDMI cable or via the optical input
- EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND, multi-dimensional audio detail and enhanced bass from your TV’s streaming apps, Blu-ray movies and gaming systems with DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Digital and DTS, WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS
- SLIM PROFILE IN WALL-MOUNTABLE OPTION - At 2" tall, the sleek bar fits in most spaces and can be placed in front of your TV without blocking your TV’s bottom edge. Easy to wall mount using the included mounting template
- HEAR EVERY WORD with the Dialogue Enhancer that SHARPENS DIALOGUE CLARITY making them sound crystal clear without the need to adjust overall volume. Select from 3 pre-set EQ modes - movies, music and night - for a custom listening experience at any time
- A LOW-PROFILE SOUNDBAR WITH BIG, DETAILED HOME AUDIO SOUND - 3D virtual surround sound, multiroom music and a slim low-profile design that does not block your TV or remote's sensor, the new Polk React Sound Bar brings out the best from your existing TV
- VERSATILE COMPATIBILITY - Features (1) HDMI ARC output, (1) Optical Audio Input, and (1) USB-A to play music from various sources. The setup is simple and frustration-free so you can start enjoying your music out of the box
- CLEAR & CRISP DIALOGUES - Polk's Proprietary Voice Adjust Technology adjusts the voice levels from the sound bar, so you hear every word, loud and clear. For sound optimized by content-type, use the one-button presets for movie, music and night mode
- MASSIVE ALEXA INTEGRATION - Play the same music across rooms, or different ones on each device, with full voice-control compatibility. Control Smart Home Devices. Use Alexa Calling and Messaging to US, Canada and Mexico - all from your sound bar
- BUILD A 5.1 CHANNEL SOUND SYSTEM with the FULL REACT FAMILY - For big, bold and impactful sound, add the optional SR2 wireless surround speakers and/or Polk React wireless sub with this Sound Bar to create a well-rounded home setup - no extra wires needed
- STREAM UNLIMITED MUSIC - Connect your smartphone, tablet or other compatible devices for direct streaming or use popular streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn, and more to enjoy countless hours of music and videos to your liking
- GREAT SOUND FOR VIRTUALLY ANY TV - Featuring a 6-driver array with (2) 3.8" x 2.7" mid-range drivers, (2) 1" tweeters and (2) 4.3" x 3.9" passive radiators, enjoy room-filling, immersive Dolby & DTS virtual surround sound without any additional speakers
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What Are The Most Critical Factors Of best virtual surround soundbar That You Should Consider?
To make a significant purchase, you are supposed to know the best virtual surround soundbar. There are a number of other difficulties that need to be investigated and evaluated. Every product has its challenges. Thus, you might count on us to provide you with detailed advice and guidance.
Based on what people and technical innovation have co-operated to analyze and build the following qualities, it’s helpful to look into the following criterial before selecting best virtual surround soundbar:
Wi-Fi And Bluetooth
Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.
Additional Features
You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.
Wired/wireless Speakers
Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.
Number Of Channels And Speakers
A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.
Subwoofer
In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.
Connectivity
Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.
Ease Of Set-up And Use
It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.
Size
To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.
RELATED: We've Found the Top 10 Products. Our Buying Guides Help You Get The best soundbar for movies and music for Your Budget.
FAQs
Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?
Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?
There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?
There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?
There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?
Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.Where Do I Place My Soundbar?
The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.Are Soundbars Really Worth It?
They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?
A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.READ NEXT: The 10 Best Av Amp Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts
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