Buying a Soundbar: Your Guide to Better TV Sound

Modern televisions are beautifully slim, but that design has a drawback: there's little room for good speakers. The result? Flat and tinny sound that doesn't do justice to the impressive picture quality. Dialogue can be hard to understand, and that thrilling action scene lacks the impact you feel in a cinema.

A soundbar is the solution. It's a simple upgrade that transforms your TV's audio without the complexity and multiple cables of a traditional home cinema system. As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I'm here to help you make the right choice. This article provides practical tips and a selection of popular models, so you can buy a soundbar that fits your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Soundbar

The specifications can be overwhelming. Let's keep it simple and focus on what really matters for a better viewing and listening experience.

1. Connectivity: The Role of HDMI eARC

The way you connect the soundbar to your TV determines the audio quality. Most modern soundbars use an HDMI cable. Look for the term eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel).

• ARC (Audio Return Channel): The standard connection that works well for most audio formats.
• eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel): This enhanced version has much higher bandwidth. This is essential if you want to enjoy the highest quality, uncompressed audio formats like Dolby Atmos. With eARC, you can often control the soundbar and TV with a single remote.

A soundbar with eARC is therefore a future-proof choice, especially if you're a fan of movies and series in the highest quality.

2. Bass: Built-in or Wireless Subwoofer?

A subwoofer provides the low-frequency sounds (the bass) that you feel during explosions or deep musical notes. Without good bass, audio often sounds thin. You have two main choices:

• Soundbar with a built-in subwoofer: These models are compact and ideal for smaller spaces. Everything is in one unit, making installation very simple. The bass is a clear improvement over TV speakers, but often less powerful than a separate unit.
• Soundbar with a wireless subwoofer: This set consists of the soundbar and a separate bass unit that connects wirelessly. This gives you more placement flexibility, and the bass is typically much deeper and more powerful. This is the popular choice for a true home cinema experience.

3. Surround Sound: What is Dolby Atmos?

Do you want sound that comes not just from the front, but also from the sides and even from above? Then a Dolby Atmos soundbar is for you. This technology creates a three-dimensional bubble of sound, placing you right in the middle of the action. Helicopters seem to fly right over you, and rain sounds like it's tapping on your roof. It's the most immersive experience you can get without installing a full home cinema set with speakers throughout the room.

Top Product Recommendations

Based on specifications and features, we've listed some interesting options for you.

Sony HT-S2000 – Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Why It Stands Out This Sony soundbar delivers an impressive 3D surround experience from a single, compact bar. Thanks to a clever upmixer, even standard stereo audio is converted into a more spatial soundscape. The built-in dual subwoofer provides solid bass without needing an extra unit.

Advantages

• Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive 3D sound.
• Compact design with a built-in subwoofer for deep bass tones.
• Clear dialogue thanks to a dedicated centre speaker and X-Balanced speaker technology.
• Simple setup via HDMI eARC.
• Option to expand later with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers.

Who Is It For? For the movie lover or series binge-watcher living in an apartment or a medium-sized living room who wants an all-in-one solution. You get the benefits of Dolby Atmos without sacrificing space for a separate subwoofer.

TCL Q75H 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar

Why It Stands Out The TCL Q75H is a powerhouse that delivers a full cinema experience. With 5.1.2 channels, including up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos, and a powerful wireless subwoofer, this system fills the room with detailed and impactful sound. The RAY·DANZ technology, as TCL calls it, is designed for an extra-wide soundstage.

Advantages

• Powerful 5.1.2-channel sound with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
• Includes a wireless subwoofer for deep, tangible bass.
• AI sound adaptation that optimises audio based on your room's acoustics.
• Extensive connectivity with HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay.
• High total power output of 620W for a dynamic experience.

Who Is It For? For the serious home cinema enthusiast and gamer looking for maximum immersion. If you have the space for the wireless subwoofer and want powerful, room-filling sound, this is a very complete choice.

Sony HT-S400 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Why It Stands Out The Sony HT-S400 focuses on the essentials: clear sound and powerful bass. This 2.1-channel system combines a slim soundbar with a substantial wireless subwoofer. Sony's S-Force PRO Front Surround technology simulates a wider sound field, while the X-Balanced speakers ensure dialogue always remains clear.

Advantages

• Powerful and deep bass thanks to the large, wireless subwoofer.
• Very clear voice reproduction, ideal for movies and TV shows.
• Simple controls with a clear remote and an OLED display on the soundbar.
• Quick to connect via HDMI ARC or an optical cable.
• Total power output of 330W delivers a significant upgrade.

Who Is It For? This is an excellent soundbar for TV viewers who primarily want an upgrade in clarity and bass, without the extras of Dolby Atmos. If you find dialogue hard to hear or action scenes lack impact, this model offers a direct and effective solution.

Looking for Other Options?

Is your ideal model not listed, or are you curious about other brands and configurations? A soundbar is a personal choice that depends on your room, your TV, and your budget. Explore more options to find the perfect match for your setup.

-> Explore our full range of audio equipment here

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is a soundbar really a big improvement over TV speakers? Yes, absolutely. Soundbars have larger, purpose-built speakers and more advanced sound processing than the tiny speakers that fit inside a flat-screen TV. The difference in clarity, detail, and bass is immediately noticeable and enhances every viewing experience.

2. Do I need a soundbar with Dolby Atmos? Not necessarily, but it is highly recommended for movie and series lovers. Dolby Atmos adds a vertical dimension to the sound, creating a much more immersive feeling. If you mainly watch news and talk shows, a good 2.1 system (soundbar with subwoofer) is often sufficient. For the home cinema experience, Atmos has become the standard.

3. How do I connect a soundbar to my TV? The easiest and best-quality method is via a single HDMI cable connected to the (e)ARC port on your TV and soundbar. This not only sends audio to the soundbar but also lets you control the volume with your TV's remote. If your TV doesn't have HDMI ARC, an optical cable is a good alternative.