Modern, high-quality wireless sound bars sound too good to be true on paper. They are super compact, relatively inexpensive, and offer a drastic improvement over the built-in speakers of most TVs. Consider the following factors before you buy a sound bar, and you should find the ideal wireless sound bar to match your room space, TV size, and other needs in no time.
Size is one of the biggest reasons to invest in a sound bar instead of a full high-quality speaker array. The one you buy needs to be compact. But what does compact mean in terms of length, width, and height? It completely depends on the space you have. For example, if you have the entire top of a TV stand available for the sound bar, 45-inch length and 4-inch height are still compact. If you only have limited space under the TV or on a shelf, the definition of compact shifts to at most 25 inches and only 2.5 inches in height.
One thing to remember about the height, specifically, is that it will influence audio quality. A pair of 3-inch full-range drivers is great for producing clear and punchy sound, but they can’t fit in a sound bar that’s only 2.1 inches high. So, try to get the tallest sound bar that will fit your available space.
A wireless sound bar without quality audio output is not worth your investment or even attention. Unfortunately, there is no good way to determine the audio quality of a sound bar from its product description page. The best way to assess the sound profile of any audio output device is by listening to it yourself, which is not possible.
The second best option is to gather context clues from things like customer reviews. Overwhelming positive feedback is often a great indicator of a sound bar’s audio quality. You can also look into the number of drivers in the sound bar, their size, and their role. For example, a sound bar with three main drivers, two tweeters, and at least one reflex bass tube should sound better than a bar with just two primary drivers and nothing else.
A key consideration for buying a wireless sound bar is its price tag, and you have a lot of options to choose from. Inexpensive but adequate sound bars can cost as low as $75, while the higher end can go near $1,000. Many sound bars within this range strike the perfect balance between performance, appearance, and durability.
Having a dedicated external subwoofer can drastically alter the sound profile of any wireless sound bar. The physical punch of proper bass can overshadow slight irregularities and make the whole system sound much better than it actually is. It’s also a great immersion tool for movies and games when paired with a surround sound bar. Just make sure you have the extra space needed to house a full subwoofer with a line of sight in your usual sitting spot.
Sonos is one of the most reputable brands in home audio solutions, and its smart sound bar shows why. Its compact 25.6-inch footprint allows you to store it in the tightest space under your TV, while the pure white color fits right in with any home’s style. The sound quality of this wireless sound bar is nothing to scoff at either, with rich audio that fills up an entire room effortlessly.
Even the overall build quality of this sound bar is leagues above its competitors, proven by its lifetime limited warranty. This ideal mix of sound quality, durability, and expandability makes this the best overall choice on this list.
The Signa S2 Wireless Sound Bar from Polk Audio is the all-in-one audio solution for many homes. Its sleek design allows you to palace it in tight spaces without compromising sound, thanks to five powerful drivers. Then there is the wireless subwoofer that will provide powerful bass from anywhere in the room.
Once set up, you can use this sound bar via HDMI from your TV, aux from an AV receiver, or even with Bluetooth directly from your phone or tablet. Polk has also augmented their sound bar with exclusive voice adjust technology to enhance dialog in movies and TV shows.
The Z9F Wireless Sound Bar from Sony is the most expensive option on our list but is still worth your investment. This sound bar is one of the top performers on the market because of its high audio quality. The sound profile of this sound bar can be described in one word, balanced. Its low tones are punchy, mid-tones are clear, and high tones are crisp. This brilliant audio quality is then paired with Dolby Atmos and 3.1 surround sound for the ultimate home theater experience.
There is a clear divide between good audio and a low budget. BYL aims to bridge that gap with its inexpensive yet capable Bestisan Wireless Sound Bar. This 40-inch audio machine costs less than half of its closest competitors while also delivering exceptional sound.
The key behind its excellent audio profile are 3-inch full-range drivers, dual silk film tweeters, and twin bass reflex tubes. These components combine in a sleek and modern-looking package that outperforms all expectations. It even comes with a handy wireless remote with all the settings like audio modes on individual buttons.
Bose offers the audio quality and sound profile of high-end wireless sound bars in a minimal and sleek body. Its matte black finish combined with a tapered rectangular shape helps it fit right in with almost every living room TV setup. Its compact 23.38-inch length further conceals its presence to where many won’t even notice it on the TV stand.
Underneath this sleek body are two angled full-range drivers that provide crystal clear audio with noticeable stereo separation. These drivers are great at enhancing dialogue and improving your TV show and movie watching experience.
A: Yes, many wireless sound bars support a modern Bluetooth connection, so you can wirelessly use them with your phone.
A: Many wireless sound bars have physical buttons on the bar itself with basic controls. Some ship with a wireless remote, while others have built-in voice assistant compatibility.
A: Yes, as long as they have the same audio port as the TV, like HDMI, aux, or optical.
