- Built-in Subwoofer with passive radiators
- Clear voice in your TV shows and movies
- Stream music and podcasts via Bluetooth
- Simple setup with HDMI, aux, and optical connections
- Wall-mountable with built-in keyholes
The Yamaha SR-C20A is our choice for the best small soundbar for dialogue. Although it comes with a heavy price tag, Yamaha SR-C20A has advanced features to make it the ideal small soundbar for clear dialogue and narration. Yamaha’s Clear Voice technology boosts the soundbar’s vocal clarity, ensuring you get crystal-clear sounds when watching TV shows or listening to podcasts. Additionally, virtual surround technology helps project sound in all directions.
You also get complete audio control thanks to the effective sound modes that boost your listening experience in music, movies, games, and TV shows. The special gaming mode is one of the sound modes specially designed for gamers to make their gaming experience more of a reality.
Finally, Yamaha SR-C20A is famous for its small and compact size; therefore, it can fit in that small space in your TV stand without major adjustments. However, considering its price, we expected the Yamaha SR-C20A to have DTS, but instead, it only offers support for Dolby Digital.
| Pros |
Cons |
| A compact soundbar that can easily go below your TV. |
Cost more than other models with similar features and sound technology. |
| Excellent audio quality that fills your large room |
Lacks DTS support which would have provided higher bit-rates for a better listening experience. |
| Complete control of audio output via sound modes feature. |
|
How to Pick the Best Small Soundbar: Step-by-Step
Choosing the best small soundbar might be challenging if you don’t know what to look for in your next soundbar. Keep these four things in mind when looking for the best small soundbar in the market.
- Soundbar channels
- Connectivity
- The size
- Soundbar controls
Let’s explore each in more detail.
Channels
The soundbar channel is crucial as it determines its sound projection and audio quality. The channel indicates the number of speakers contained in the bar. For instance, a 2-channel soundbar means it has two speakers; left and right, while a 3-channel soundbar has three speakers; left, center, and right. A 7-channel soundbar is considered the most powerful model.
However, there are great advancements in modern small soundbars, such as the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), which includes Dolby Atmos technology. That means the soundbar has 7 channels with upward-firing speakers that reflect sounds above your head to give an immersive listening experience.
A soundbar with more channels is expected to give better results than one with fewer channels. So, aim for a soundbar with more channels if you plan to use the soundbar in a large or crowded room. The 2-channel and 3-channel soundbars will be ideal for smaller spaces.
Connectivity
Check on the connectivity options of the soundbar before buying. This will save you the trouble of buying additional devices, such as adapters, in the future. One connectivity to look out for is the HDMI ARC which will connect to your TV using the HDMI cable. If your TV has only the optical port, find a soundbar model with an optical input or check if the soundbar includes an HDMI ARC to the optical adapter in the package.
Also, check on the Bluetooth and WI-FI connectivity of the small soundbar. Finding a soundbar that supports both Bluetooth and WI-FI connectivity would be best. Be cautious when checking the wireless connectivity of a soundbar because you might find some that only support WI-FI connectivity, such as the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).
The Size
Consider the soundbar size you are planning to buy for easy installation. You need to figure out the perfect spot for your soundbar. For instance, if you plan to place your soundbar below the TV, find one that has the same length as your television’s width. Ideally, finding a small soundbar about 10 inches less than your TV would be best.
Soundbar Controls
Some soundbars don’t include a remote, meaning you will have to set it up so that it receives commands from your TV’s remote. This might sometimes be a challenge, especially for some TV models. With that in mind, we recommend you get a soundbar with a remote.
What to Know Before Buying a Small Soundbar
Small soundbars are better suited to upgrade your TV audio and are usually placed below the TV for a better listening experience. So, think about the soundbar’s size in relation to your TV. This will help you pick the best soundbar that will fit perfectly below your TV.
It would help if you know why you want a soundbar to pick the best one today. If your goal is only to upgrade your TV’s audio quality, then you shouldn’t spend much. You can get an affordable small and compact soundbar to boost your TV’s audio output. However, if you want the best listening experience, especially in 3D (for gaming and watching movies), you’ll want to get a modern soundbar with significant features such as Dolby Atmos support and Trueplay technology.
Using a Small Soundbar: What it’s Like
Soundbars provide a better listening experience than TV speakers. They are designed with speakers that can project sounds in a broader range, unlike most TVs with either downward-firing or backward-firing speakers, which limits their audio output. Soundbars have different types of speakers, including tweeters, drivers, and woofers, which boosts the sound quality depending on the playing content. On top of the speakers, soundbars are developed with powerful sound technology that makes watching movies and playing games more realistic. Most come with sound adjustment features that allow you to enjoy your favorite songs with deep or low bass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do small soundbars sound better than TV speakers?
Most small soundbars will sound better than TV speakers because they are purposely made to improve audio quality. They include several speakers and advanced sound technology to provide an immersive audio experience. However, you need to buy a high-quality soundbar to get a unique listening experience that your TV speakers can’t achieve.
Should I get a soundbar for a small room?
Soundbars are perfect solutions for small rooms. Unlike traditional surround sound systems, small soundbars take up a small space and don’t look crowded in your small room. Soundbars have excellent audio quality and have surround sound despite their small size, enabling them to fill your room with immersive sound.
How do I choose the best small soundbar?
When choosing a small soundbar, consider factors such as sound quality, connectivity options, size, and compatibility with your TV or audio system. You may also want to consider the brand reputation and customer reviews.
Can a small soundbar replace a home theater system?
While a small soundbar may not provide the same immersive experience as a home theater system, it can certainly improve your TV’s sound quality and provide an enjoyable listening experience. It’s a great option if you have limited space or are on a budget.
What are some popular brands for small soundbars?
Some popular brands for small soundbars include Bose, Yamaha, Sony, Samsung, and Vizio. These brands offer a variety of options at different price points, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
How much should I expect to spend on a small soundbar?
Prices for small soundbars can vary widely depending on the brand, features, and sound quality. You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $500 or more. It’s important to choose a soundbar that fits your needs and budget.
