45,000 reviews analyzed
Winner
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a smart soundbar with a compact design, ideal for upgrading TV audio. It features Dolby Atmos, delivering a 3D surround sound effect that enhances dialogue clarity and adds depth, making it perfect for movie enthusiasts and music lovers who appreciate vibrant bass and a panoramic soundstage.
Connectivity is simple with Wi-Fi and HDMI, allowing easy integration with devices. The soundbar supports Apple AirPlay 2 and voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant, providing flexible control. These features enhance user convenience for streaming music, radio, or podcasts when the TV is off.
Setting up the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is user-friendly, requiring only two cables and guided assistance from the Sonos app. The Trueplay tuning feature optimizes sound for room acoustics, appealing to those who prefer quick and hassle-free setup. Although the soundbar's power output of 80 Watts may not suit those seeking powerful sound in larger rooms, the option to expand with additional Sonos speakers offers benefits, albeit with potential extra costs.
The compact design and wall-mounting option allow versatile placement, although the plastic material might not feel as premium as expected. Therefore, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is suited for users seeking a smart audio solution without extensive power needs or immediate expansion to multiple speakers.
AmazonThe Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is designed to enhance your TV audio experience with its 3.1 channel setup, which includes a built-in subwoofer for added bass. This all-in-one soundbar provides a powerful sound with an easy setup, utilizing an HDMI eARC/ARC connection for quick integration with your TV. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it offers immersive 3D sound that can elevate your viewing experience by delivering audio that moves around you, creating a more lifelike and engaging atmosphere.
One of the standout features is its crystal-clear dialogue, thanks to a dedicated center channel that improves speech clarity, making it easier to follow your favorite shows and movies. The soundbar also includes various EQ modes such as Film, Music, Sport, and Night, allowing you to tailor the audio according to the content you're watching.
In terms of connectivity, the soundbar supports Bluetooth, which enables you to stream music from your phone or tablet seamlessly. It also comes with multiple port options including HDMI, optical, AC, and USB-A, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and streaming media players.
However, the all-in-one design means that the subwoofer is built-in, which might not deliver the same depth of bass as a separate unit might. For those looking for a more powerful bass experience, this could be a consideration. The soundbar's size is relatively compact, but at 4.0 kg, it might require a sturdy setup if wall-mounted.
The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a stylish and convenient option for anyone seeking an upgrade from basic TV speakers, particularly if you value ease of use, clear dialogue, and immersive sound. Its smart features, like integration with Fire TV for remote control and sound customization, make it a modern choice for enhancing home entertainment systems.
The LG S80QR soundbar is designed to significantly enhance your TV's audio experience with its powerful 5.1.3 channel setup, including three up-firing speakers and rear channels for true surround sound. It delivers 620 watts of power, which is strong enough to fill a medium to large living room with immersive, clear sound. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support means it can create a 3D audio environment, making movies and shows feel more cinematic. A wireless subwoofer adds rich bass, which helps deepen the sound without needing extra cables around your room.
This model stands out with Meridian Audio technology, ensuring high-resolution, crisp sound quality. It also has smart capabilities: you can control it via Google Assistant or Alexa, and stream music easily through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect. HDMI 4K pass-through supports high-quality video and gaming features like VRR and ALLM, so it fits well with modern TVs and gaming setups. One clever feature is AI Room Calibration, which uses an internal microphone to adjust the sound based on your room's layout, helping deliver the best audio experience no matter where you place it. The soundbar’s design is sleek and wall-mountable, but its 22.86 kg weight means it’s quite hefty, so setup might require some effort.
Though the rich feature set is excellent, the soundbar is relatively large and heavy compared to simpler models, which might be overkill if you just want basic TV sound enhancement. The LG S80QR is a great choice if you want a serious upgrade for your home cinema sound with smart features and powerful, immersive audio. It suits users who value high-quality surround sound and easy streaming options, though it might be more than necessary for casual or smaller room use.