Learn: soundbar buying explained

What each specification means, how much of it you need, and which buying guide to open next. Every figure links to the maker's own page.

• Down-Firing vs Front-Firing Subwoofers
  What down-firing and front-firing mean on a soundbar subwoofer listing, the placement questions to measure yourself, and which guides fit your room.
• Yamaha vs Sony Soundbar: Which Has Better Soundstage?
  How to compare Yamaha and Sony soundbars on the stated details behind a soundstage: channel layout, Dolby Atmos, virtual surround, subwoofer and rear speakers.
• Yamaha vs Bose Soundbars: Which Is Better for Movies?
  Compare Yamaha and Bose soundbars for movies by reading listing terms: channels, Dolby Atmos, subwoofer, rear speakers, and HDMI eARC.
• Wi-Fi 5 vs Wi-Fi 6 Soundbar: Which Is Better for Streaming?
  What Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 6 mean on a soundbar listing, and how to read a soundbar's Wi-Fi connection when you shop for music streaming and multiroom.
• USB-A vs USB-C on Soundbars: Which Is Better for Music?
  Learn what USB-A and USB-C mean on a soundbar listing, how they affect music playback from a USB drive, and which to look for when shopping.
• THX vs IMAX Enhanced for Soundbars: Which Certification Matters?
  Compare THX and IMAX Enhanced certifications for soundbars. Learn what each listing term means and how to choose based on your setup.
• Soundbar with Projector: Setup and Placement
  Learn how to place and connect a soundbar with a projector. Covers placement options, HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and what to check on your projector.
• Pair a Wireless Subwoofer to Soundbar: Step-by-Step Guide
  How to pair a wireless subwoofer to your soundbar: step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, and buying tips.
• Wireless vs Wired Rear Speakers: Listing Terms
  What wireless and wired rear speakers mean on a soundbar listing, how they differ, and how to choose for your room.
• Wireless Rear Speakers: WiSA and Other Connections Explained
  Learn what WiSA and other wireless rear speaker connection standards mean on a soundbar listing, and how to shop for rear speakers based on stated details.
• Soundbar Wi-Fi vs Bluetooth for Music Streaming
  Learn what Wi-Fi and Bluetooth mean on a soundbar listing, how they differ for music streaming, and which connection suits your listening setup.
• Wi-Fi Standards on a Soundbar: 802.11ac vs 802.11ax Explained
  What 802.11ac and 802.11ax mean on a soundbar listing, and how to read a title that names a Wi-Fi standard for stable streaming and multi-room.
• Soundbar Width vs TV Size: Matching Guide
  Learn how to match a soundbar's width to your TV size for a seamless setup. Measure your TV stand and check the soundbar's dimensions on the maker's page.
• How to Set Up Wi-Fi on a Soundbar
  What Wi-Fi means on a soundbar listing, how to connect a bar to your home network with the maker's app, and how Wi-Fi enables streaming and multi-room audio.
• Soundbar Voice Enhancement: Features That Help Dialog
  What voice enhancement, dialogue mode, and center level adjustment mean on a soundbar listing, and how to check them before you buy.
• Soundbar Mics and Privacy: Mute Switches and Status
  What built-in microphone, mute switch, and status light mean on a soundbar listing, and how to check a listing for microphone privacy controls.
• Voice Assistants Built into Soundbars: What the Words Mean
  Learn what 'Alexa built-in' and 'Google Assistant' mean on a soundbar listing, how privacy controls work, and what to look for when shopping.
• How Virtual Surround Sound Works on a Soundbar
  Learn how soundbars use psychoacoustic tricks to simulate rear and height channels without physical speakers. Understand listing terms and what to expect.
• USB vs Bluetooth for Music on Soundbars
  What USB and Bluetooth on a soundbar listing mean for playing music, what the catalogue states, and what to check on the maker's page.
• Play Music from USB on a Soundbar
  Learn how to play audio files from a USB drive on a soundbar, what a USB input on a listing means, and where to read the supported formats.
• Soundbar Audio Upscaling: Does It Improve Sound?
  Soundbar upscaling distributes stereo audio across all channels. This article explains the listing term and when it matters for shopping.
• Add Rear Speakers Later: Check Soundbar Compatibility
  Learn how to read a soundbar listing to see if you can add rear speakers later. Understand terms like expandable, rear speaker kit, and wireless surround.
• Soundbar Unboxing and Setup Checklist
  How to unbox, place, and connect a new soundbar: check the box contents, choose HDMI ARC or optical, pair the subwoofer, and set up for the first time.
• Soundbar Wattage for Room Size: How Much Is Enough
  Learn what wattage numbers on soundbar listings mean, why they are not a reliable guide for room size, and what to check instead when choosing a soundbar.
• TV Screen Clearance for a Soundbar: What to Check
  Learn what TV screen clearance means on a soundbar listing, why it matters, and how to measure the gap yourself before buying.
• How to Use a Soundbar with a Turntable
  Learn how to connect a turntable to a soundbar, including phono preamp needs and input options like HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth.
• Trueplay vs Audyssey: Room Correction on Soundbars
  Compare Sonos Trueplay and Audyssey room calibration: what each does, how setup works, and which to pick for your soundbar.
• Soundbar THX Certification: What It Means
  Learn what THX certification on a soundbar listing means, what it does and doesn't guarantee, and whether you need it for your TV setup.
• Wireless Surround Speakers: Interference Risks
  How Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can interfere with wireless rear speakers, what 'wireless' means on a listing, and what to check before you buy a soundbar.
• Soundbar Surround Level Adjust: Balance Your Audio
  Learn what surround level adjustment means on a soundbar listing, why it matters, and how to use it to balance rear and height channels for your room.
• Wired vs Wireless Subwoofers: Pros and Cons
  Learn the difference between wired and wireless subwoofers on soundbar listings, and how to choose based on your setup and preferences.
• Soundbar Subwoofer Placement: What to Consider
  Learn how to position a separate subwoofer for balanced bass, including floor placement, room layout, and what to check on the listing.
• Soundbar Subwoofer Phase: 0 or 180?
  Learn what subwoofer phase (0 or 180 degrees) means on a soundbar listing, how it affects bass integration, and how to choose the right setting.
• Cleaning and Caring for a Soundbar Subwoofer
  How to clean a soundbar subwoofer cabinet, port and grille in general terms: what the manual covers and how to store it.
• How to Use a Soundbar with a Streaming Device
  Learn how to connect a soundbar to a Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick for seamless audio, with HDMI ARC, eARC, and optical options explained.
• Cleaning the Speaker Grille on a Soundbar
  Learn how to remove dust and debris from your soundbar's speaker grille without damaging the drivers, using simple tools and gentle techniques.
• Soundbar Sound Modes Explained: Movie, Music, News, and Gaming Presets
  Learn what soundbar sound modes (movie, music, news, gaming) mean on listings and how to choose the right preset for your TV shows, movies, music, and games.
• Sony vs Vizio Soundbars: Comparing Features on Stated Details
  Learn how to compare Sony and Vizio soundbars by reading listing terms for channels, subwoofer, rear speakers, and connectivity.
• Soundbar Firmware Updates: Why They Matter
  Learn why soundbar firmware updates matter for performance, new features, and compatibility. How to check for updates and what to do if an update fails.
• Soundbar Size vs Sound Quality: What the Listing Says
  Does a bigger soundbar sound better? Learn what cabinet size, driver diameter, and room acoustics mean on a listing, and what to check before buying.
• Soundbar Signal to Noise Ratio: What It Means
  Signal to noise ratio (SNR) on soundbar listings: what it means and why a higher number means cleaner sound.
• Side-Firing Speakers on a Soundbar: What They Do
  Side-firing speakers on a soundbar aim to widen the soundstage and support virtual surround. Learn what this listing term means and how to choose.
• Samsung vs LG Soundbars: Features and Performance Compared
  How to compare Samsung and LG soundbar listings on Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, channels, and design, with links to the site's buying guides.
• What Size Soundbar Do You Need for Your Room?
  What soundbar size means on a listing, why physical dimensions come from the maker's page, and how channel layout relates to the space in your room.
• Soundbar Room Correction: Built-In Mic vs Manual Setup
  What room calibration, built-in microphones and manual EQ mean on a soundbar listing, and why room size and layout matter.
• Soundbar Control: Remote vs App vs Voice Assistant
  How soundbar listings name remote, app, and voice control, and how to compare those methods when you shop.
• Do You Need Rear Speakers for a Soundbar?
  Learn when rear speakers add value to a soundbar and when a single bar is enough. Understand listing terms like 'wireless rear speakers' and 'surround sound'.
• Optimize Soundbar Placement for Best Sound
  Learn how to position your soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers for your room layout. Understand listing terms like wall-mountable and included brackets.
• PCM vs Bitstream for Soundbars: Which Audio Format?
  PCM is uncompressed digital audio; bitstream sends compressed formats like Dolby Atmos. Learn how each works with HDMI and optical connections on a soundbar.
• How to Connect a Soundbar to a Computer
  Learn how to connect a soundbar to a PC or Mac using HDMI, optical, USB, or Bluetooth, with step-by-step instructions and shopping tips.
• Soundbar Passive Radiator: Bass Without a Port
  Learn what a passive radiator is on a soundbar listing, how it works, and what to check before buying.
• Optical vs Coaxial on a Soundbar: What the Words Mean
  Compare optical and coaxial digital inputs on soundbars: what each name means on a listing, what they carry, and how to choose for your TV.
• Soundbar Optical Input Limitations
  Learn which audio formats an optical connection cannot carry and when you need HDMI for your soundbar.
• Soundbar Subwoofer Outputs: One or Two Subwoofers?
  Explains what a soundbar subwoofer output names, how to tell whether a bar supports one or two subwoofers, and what to check on a listing.
• Soundbar Night Mode: What It Does
  Learn what night mode on a soundbar listing means: reduced bass and dynamic range for quiet evening viewing, and how to shop for it.
• Soundbar for Music vs Movies: What to Prioritize
  Learn how soundbar channel layout, subwoofer, sound modes, and connectivity differ for music vs movies. Find out what listing terms to look for.
• Soundbar Music Mode vs Movie Mode: How to Choose
  What music mode and movie mode mean on a soundbar listing, how presets work, and when to switch.
• Soundbar Multi-Room Audio: AirPlay 2 and Chromecast
  What AirPlay 2 and Chromecast mean on a soundbar listing, and how to choose a soundbar for whole-home audio with the protocol you already use.
• Minimum Soundbar Channels for TV Watching
  The minimum channel count for a TV soundbar: what 2.0, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 name, which layout suits dialog and basic surround, and how to read a listing.
• Soundbar Material Build Quality: Listing Words Explained
  What soundbar material words mean on a listing, what the catalogue does not state, and how to read the maker's page and care for the grille and cabinet.
• Soundbar Maintenance: Extend Its Lifespan
  Learn how to clean, dust, and care for your soundbar to keep it working well for years. Includes tips on ventilation, cables, storage, and firmware updates.
• Soundbar Display vs App Controls: Which Is Clearer?
  Learn how front-panel displays and companion apps show soundbar settings. Compare their clarity for volume, input, and sound mode adjustments during setup.
• LDAC vs aptX on a Soundbar Listing: What the Words Mean
  Learn what LDAC and aptX mean on a soundbar listing, how to read codec support, and what to check before buying for high-quality Bluetooth audio.
• JBL vs Yamaha Soundbars: What the Listing Terms Mean
  Compare JBL and Yamaha soundbars by stated details: channels, subwoofers, rear speakers, and connections. Learn what the listing terms mean.
• Soundbar IR Repeater: Bypass Obstructions
  Learn what an IR repeater on a soundbar does, how it helps when the bar blocks your TV remote, and what to look for on a listing.
• Soundbar Hi-Res Audio Support: What to Know
  Learn what hi-res audio support means on a soundbar listing, how it connects to your TV, and whether it matters for your TV and music listening.
• Soundbar Height Channels: What They Do and How They Work
  How height channels appear on a soundbar listing, what the third number in a layout names, and how up-firing speakers aim overhead sound.
• Soundbar Position and TV Remote Sensor: Avoid Blocking the IR Receiver
  Learn how to place a soundbar without blocking your TV's IR receiver. Check sensor location and choose a soundbar with IR repeater or low profile.
• Soundbar HDMI Pass-Through: When Do You Need It?
  Learn what HDMI pass-through means on a soundbar listing, how it differs from eARC, and when connecting devices through the soundbar benefits your setup.
• How Many HDMI Inputs Do You Need on a Soundbar?
  Count your devices and your TV's HDMI ports to decide how many inputs a soundbar needs. One ARC or eARC connection is usually enough.
• HDMI CEC vs ARC on Soundbars: What's the Difference?
  Learn the difference between HDMI CEC and ARC on soundbars: CEC controls devices, ARC sends audio back from the TV. See how they work together.
• HDMI CEC on Soundbars: What It Does
  Learn what HDMI CEC means on a soundbar listing, how it lets your TV remote control the soundbar, and what to look for when shopping.
• HDMI Cable Requirements for Soundbars
  Learn what HDMI cable speed and features are needed for eARC and 4K passthrough on a soundbar. Identify the right cable from listing terms.
• Soundbar HDMI Bandwidth: 4K and 8K Support
  Learn what HDMI bandwidth means on a soundbar listing, how it affects 4K and 8K video passthrough, and how to choose a soundbar that matches your TV.
• HDMI ARC vs eARC: Bandwidth Limits and Audio
  What ARC and eARC mean on a soundbar listing, the bandwidth figures the HDMI spec states, and how to read the port names.
• Soundbar HDMI 2.1 Gaming Features: VRR and ALLM
  Learn what VRR and ALLM mean on a soundbar listing, whether they matter for gaming, and how to check if a soundbar supports these HDMI 2.1 features.
• Soundbar EQ Settings: How to Tune Your Soundbar
  Learn what EQ settings and sound mode presets mean on a soundbar listing, how to adjust them for movies, music, and TV, and what to look for when shopping.
• DTS:X vs Dolby Atmos: Which Format Do Movies Use?
  Learn which streaming and disc releases use DTS:X or Dolby Atmos so you can match a soundbar to the movies you watch.
• DTS vs Dolby on Soundbars for Broadcast TV
  Learn which surround sound formats appear in TV broadcasts and which soundbar decoders matter for your setup.
• DTS Virtual:X on Soundbars: How It Works
  Learn what DTS Virtual:X means on a soundbar listing, how it creates virtual surround sound without rear speakers, and what to look for when shopping.
• DTS Play-Fi on a Soundbar: What the Words Mean
  What DTS Play-Fi and multiroom mean on a soundbar listing, how the words relate to Wi-Fi and streaming, and what to check before buying.
• Soundbar Driver Types: Full-Range and Tweeters
  What full-range, tweeter, woofer, height, and side-firing driver words mean on soundbar listings, and where to read the driver details.
• Soundbar Dolby Vision Passthrough: What to Verify
  What 'Dolby Vision passthrough' means on a soundbar listing, what HDMI input and output ports it needs, and how to verify a passthrough path before you buy.
• Dolby Virtual Speaker vs DTS Virtual:X: What the Terms Mean
  Compare Dolby Virtual Speaker and DTS Virtual:X as soundbar listing terms. Learn what they mean, how they differ, and what to look for when shopping.
• Dolby Atmos vs Virtual Surround on a Soundbar: Listing Terms
  What Dolby Atmos and virtual surround name on a soundbar listing: height channels versus surround processing, and how to pick between the two.
• Is Dolby Atmos Worth It on a Soundbar?
  Learn what Dolby Atmos means on a soundbar listing, what it adds, and how to decide if it's worth it for your TV and room.
• How Many Atmos Height Channels Do You Need?
  Learn what the third number in a channel count like 5.1.2 means, how many height channels a soundbar needs, and how to match them to your room.
• Soundbar Depth Fit on TV Stand: What to Measure
  Learn how to measure your TV stand depth and find soundbar depth on listings to avoid overhang or blocking your TV.
• Soundbar Connectivity: HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
  Learn about soundbar connectivity options including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Find out which connections you need for your TV and devices.
• How to Clean a Soundbar: Dusting and Care
  Dusting and cleaning a soundbar: which cloth to use, how to treat the grille and vents, what the maker's manual says, and when to stop.
• Soundbar Channels Explained: 2.0 to 7.1.4
  What the numbers in a soundbar channel layout mean: 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and 5.1.2, and how to read them on a listing.
• Center Level on a Soundbar: What the Control Does
  What a center level control is, which soundbars have one, and how to use it to adjust the center channel when dialogue is hard to follow.
• Why Center Channel Matters for Dialog Clarity
  Learn what a center channel is, how it affects dialogue in movies and TV, and what to look for in a soundbar listing.
• Caring for Soundbar Cables and Connections
  Learn how to handle, route, and maintain HDMI, optical, and power cables for your soundbar to keep connections reliable.
• Bose vs Sonos Soundbars: Which Brand Is Right for You?
  Compare Bose and Sonos soundbars on ecosystem, sound signature, and multi-room capabilities to decide which brand fits your TV and listening habits.
• Soundbar Bluetooth Codecs: Why They Matter
  Learn what Bluetooth codecs like SBC, AAC, and aptX mean on a soundbar listing and how they affect wireless audio quality from your phone.
• Soundbar Bass Alone vs Subwoofer: What Difference
  Learn how built-in bass compares to an external subwoofer on soundbar listings, and what to look for when choosing for movies and music.
• Bass Reflex vs Sealed Subwoofer: What the Terms Mean
  What 'bass reflex' and 'sealed' mean on a subwoofer listing, where to read them, and how they relate to placement and room size.
• Soundbar Auto Standby: Save Energy
  Learn what auto standby means on a soundbar listing, how it lowers power draw, how HDMI ARC wakes the bar, and what to check before buying.
• Soundbar Auto Room Correction: How It Works
  Room correction adjusts a soundbar's output to the room's acoustics. Learn what the feature means on a listing and how to shop for it.
• Soundbar Auto Power On with HDMI ARC: What to Set
  Learn what auto power on on a soundbar listing means, how HDMI ARC and CEC turn the bar on with your TV, and what settings to check.
• Do You Need ARC or eARC on Your TV for a Soundbar?
  Learn what ARC and eARC require from your TV, when you can skip them, and how to connect a soundbar without HDMI ARC.
• Soundbar Audio Codecs: What You Need to Know
  Learn about common audio codecs like Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Atmos, and how to check if a soundbar supports them from its listing.
• Up-Firing vs Front-Firing Atmos Soundbar: Listing Terms
  Up-firing and front-firing are orientation words on Dolby Atmos soundbar listings. Learn how to read them and choose based on your room.
• Atmos Up-Firing vs Rear Speakers on a Soundbar
  How up-firing drivers and rear speakers create Dolby Atmos height effects. Understand what each does and how to choose based on your room and setup.
• Soundbar ARC vs Optical: Which Connection?
  HDMI ARC returns TV audio to a soundbar over one cable; optical is a separate digital audio link. Compare audio formats and ease of use before you buy.
• Setting Up Your Soundbar with a Mobile App
  Learn how to connect and configure your soundbar using the manufacturer's app, from initial pairing to adjusting sound modes and updating firmware.
• Soundbar Analog Inputs: When You Need Them
  Learn what analog inputs (RCA and 3.5mm) mean on a soundbar listing and when you need them for older devices like DVD players, game consoles, and turntables.
• Class D Amplifiers in Soundbars: What the Listing Term Means
  Learn what Class D amplification means on a soundbar listing, why efficiency matters for compact designs, and how to interpret the term when shopping.
• Soundbar Adaptive Sound: How It Works
  Learn what adaptive sound means on a soundbar listing, how it adjusts audio to content and room, and what to look for when shopping.
• Active vs Passive Soundbar: Which Do You Need?
  Active soundbars have built-in amplifiers and connect directly to your TV. Passive soundbars need an AV receiver. Learn which type fits your setup.
• 5.1 vs 7.1 Soundbar: More Channels Better?
  Understand the difference between 5.1 and 7.1 channel soundbars, including rear surround placement and content support, to choose the right layout.
• 5.1 vs 5.1.2 Soundbar: Atmos Height Channels
  Compare 5.1 and 5.1.2 soundbars: what the extra two height channels mean for Dolby Atmos, and how to choose based on listing terms.
• Soundbar 4K HDR Passthrough: What to Check
  How to confirm a soundbar passes through 4K HDR video: read the listing for HDMI inputs, the HDMI version, and HDR format names.
• 3.1 vs 5.1 Soundbar: Which Channels Matter?
  Understand the difference between 3.1 and 5.1 channel soundbars: rear surround effects, dialog clarity, and what the numbers mean on listings.
• 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz Wi-Fi for Soundbars: What to Know
  Learn how 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands affect soundbar streaming, range, and interference, and how to choose based on your setup.
• 2.1 vs 3.1 Soundbar: Center Channel Impact
  What 2.1 and 3.1 mean on a soundbar listing, what the center channel adds, and how to pick a layout based on stated details.
• 2.0 vs 3.0 Soundbar: Center Channel Value
  Compare 2.0 and 3.0 soundbars: what the center channel adds, how it affects dialogue, and which to pick for your TV and room.
• 2.0 vs 2.1 Soundbar: Is a Subwoofer Worth It?
  Compare 2.0 and 2.1 soundbars: what the numbers mean, how a subwoofer affects placement, and which layout fits your TV and room.
• Sonos vs Sony Soundbar Multi-Room: Listing Terms
  Compare multi-room words on Sonos and Sony soundbar listings, read the maker's page, and pick the bar that fits your home.
• Sonos vs Samsung Soundbar: Which Offers Better Multi-Room?
  Compare Sonos and Samsung soundbars on multi-room audio, app control, and wireless streaming by reading the stated details on each maker's page.
• Sonos vs LG Soundbar: Which Has Better App Control?
  Compare Sonos and LG soundbars on app control, setup steps, and customization options using stated listing details.
• SBC vs LDAC Soundbar Codecs Explained
  What SBC and LDAC mean on a soundbar listing, how the two Bluetooth codecs compare in stated terms, and when they matter for your TV setup.
• Samsung vs JBL Soundbars: Which Has Better Features?
  Compare the feature sets of Samsung and JBL soundbars including Dolby Atmos, voice assistants, and HDMI inputs. Learn what to look for in listings.
• LG vs Sony Soundbar: Reading Dolby Atmos Listings
  How to read what LG and Sony soundbar listings state about Dolby Atmos, height channels and subwoofers, and why the site compares stated details, not sound.
• LG vs JBL Soundbars: Which Has Better Connectivity?
  Compare HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi options on LG and JBL soundbars. Learn what listing terms mean and how to choose based on your TV and needs.
• Front-Firing vs Side-Firing Soundbar: What the Words Mean
  Learn what front-firing and side-firing mean on a soundbar listing, how they relate to surround width, and what to check before buying.
• Dolby Vision vs HDR10+ Passthrough on Soundbars
  Learn what Dolby Vision and HDR10+ passthrough mean on a soundbar listing, how they differ, and what to look for when buying.
• Dolby Atmos vs DTS:X: Which Matters for Soundbars?
  Learn what Dolby Atmos and DTS:X mean on soundbar listings, how they differ, and which format to look for when shopping.
• Dolby Atmos vs Auro-3D on Soundbars: Listing Terms Compared
  Learn how Dolby Atmos and Auro-3D appear on soundbar listings, how each creates height effects, and what to look for when shopping.
• Dirac vs Audyssey: Room Correction Terms on Soundbar Listings
  Dirac Live and Audyssey as listing terms on soundbars: what room correction names, how to compare the two on stated details, and which premium tier to pick.
• Built-In Subwoofer vs Separate Subwoofer: Which Soundbar Is Better?
  Compare soundbars with built-in vs separate subwoofers: listing terms, space needs, placement flexibility, and what to pick for your room.
• Bose vs Vizio Soundbars: What the Build Terms Mean
  Compare Bose and Vizio soundbar build terms from listings: materials, design, and what the maker's page states.
• Bose vs Samsung Soundbar: Which Brand Is Right for You?
  Bose and Samsung soundbars compared on stated details: channel layouts, bundles, subwoofers, rear speakers, HDMI eARC, and Bluetooth. What to pick for your TV.
• Bose vs LG Soundbar: Which Is Better for Movies?
  Compare Bose and LG soundbars for movies by reading stated details: channels, subwoofer, rear speakers, and Atmos. Learn what each listing term means.
• Bluetooth 5.0 vs 5.3 Soundbar: What's the Difference?
  Learn what Bluetooth 5.0 and 5.3 mean on a soundbar listing, how they differ in range, stability, and audio quality, and what to look for when buying.
• 3.1 vs 7.1 Soundbar: How Many Channels Do You Really Need?
  What do 3.1 and 7.1 mean on a soundbar listing? This article explains the center channel in a 3.1 layout and the side and rear speakers in a 7.1 layout.