Side-Firing Speakers on a Soundbar: What They Do

What "side-firing" means on a soundbar listing

When you read a soundbar listing, the title or bullet list may include the term "side-firing." This tells you that the soundbar has speakers (drivers) mounted on the left and right ends of the bar, pointing outward toward the sides rather than straight ahead. The purpose of these drivers is to bounce sound off the side walls of your room, which can create a wider soundstage and contribute to a sense of space around you.

Side-firing speakers are different from front-firing drivers, which point toward the listening position, and up-firing drivers, which point toward the ceiling for Dolby Atmos height effects. A soundbar can have a combination of these driver types. For example, a bar might have front-firing drivers for the main channels, side-firing drivers for width, and up-firing drivers for height. The listing will usually state which drivers are included, but sometimes you have to check the maker's page for details.

The term "side-firing" is a feature word, not a measure of sound quality. It describes the physical design of the bar. Whether the side-firing drivers produce a noticeable effect depends on the room layout, the bar's audio processing, and the content you are watching. This site compares soundbars on stated details only, so it cannot say how a specific model sounds.

How side-firing speakers support virtual surround

Soundbars use various techniques to create a surround-like effect without separate rear speakers. Side-firing drivers are one of those techniques. By directing sound toward the side walls, the reflections arrive at your ears from different angles, which can make the audio feel more spacious and immersive. This is often called "virtual surround" because the effect is simulated rather than produced by physical speakers behind you.

The effectiveness of side-firing drivers depends on the room. They work best when there are walls close enough to reflect the sound. If the soundbar is placed in a very open room with no side walls nearby, the effect may be less noticeable. The maker's manual or page may include guidance on placement, and you should follow it for the best results.

Side-firing speakers are not the same as rear speakers. Rear speakers are separate units placed behind the listening position, and they provide a more direct surround effect. If you want a true surround experience, a soundbar with rear speakers is a different choice. You can compare the two approaches in the soundbar rear speakers worth it article.

Side-firing vs. up-firing: what each does

Side-firing and up-firing speakers serve different purposes. Side-firing drivers point outward to widen the soundstage horizontally. Up-firing drivers point upward to bounce sound off the ceiling, which is used for Dolby Atmos height effects. Some soundbars have both, while others have only one type.

On a listing, you might see "side-firing" and "up-firing" mentioned together, especially on premium Dolby Atmos models. The presence of up-firing drivers does not mean the bar has side-firing drivers, and vice versa. Check the listing or the maker's page to see which drivers are included.

If you are deciding between a bar with side-firing speakers and one with up-firing speakers, consider what you watch. For movies with Dolby Atmos soundtracks, up-firing drivers are designed to add height. For general TV and music, side-firing drivers may contribute to a wider soundstage. The Dolby Atmos vs. virtual surround article explains the difference between physical height channels and simulated effects.

What to look for when you see "side-firing" on a listing

When you see "side-firing" on a soundbar listing, here is what to check:

First, confirm that the listing actually states the driver configuration. Some listings use "side-firing" as a marketing term without specifying how many drivers or where they are placed. The maker's page will have the detailed specifications.

Second, consider the room. Side-firing speakers rely on wall reflections, so think about where you will place the soundbar. If the bar will sit in a cabinet or close to a wall, the side-firing drivers may be blocked. The soundbar placement optimization article has general placement guidance.

Third, decide whether you want virtual surround or real rear speakers. Side-firing speakers are a feature of the bar itself, while rear speakers are separate units. If you want a more immersive experience, you might prefer a soundbar with rear speakers, which you can find in the best soundbar with rear speakers guide.

• Check the listing for the exact driver configuration.
• Read the maker's page for placement recommendations.
• Measure your room to see if side walls are close enough for reflections.
• Compare with soundbars that have rear speakers for a different surround approach.

Side-firing speakers and Dolby Atmos

Side-firing speakers are not a Dolby Atmos requirement. Dolby Atmos is an audio format that adds height information, and soundbars achieve this with up-firing drivers or dedicated height channels. Side-firing drivers are more about width than height, so they are not directly related to Atmos.

However, some Dolby Atmos soundbars include side-firing drivers as part of a complete surround package. For example, a 5.1.2 soundbar might have front, side, and up-firing drivers plus a separate subwoofer. The listing will state the channel layout, such as 5.1.2, which tells you the number of channels and height channels. The soundbar channels explained article explains how to read these numbers.

If you are shopping for a Dolby Atmos soundbar, side-firing speakers are a bonus feature that may enhance the surround effect, but they are not essential for Atmos playback. The best Dolby Atmos soundbar guide lists models compared on stated details, including their driver configurations.

What this site cannot say about side-firing speakers

This site compares soundbars on stated details only. It does not have data on how side-firing speakers sound in a real room, how wide the soundstage is, or how effective the virtual surround is. Those are subjective and depend on the specific model and room.

The site also cannot say whether side-firing speakers are "better" than other designs. That would require listening tests, which are not part of the comparison method. Instead, the guides focus on what the listing states, such as the number of channels, the presence of a subwoofer, and the connections.

When you read a listing, treat "side-firing" as a description of the hardware, not a promise of a specific effect. For more on how to read listings, see the how to read a soundbar listing title article.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What does "side-firing" mean on a soundbar?

It means the soundbar has speakers on its left and right ends that point outward, toward the side walls. They are designed to reflect sound off the walls to widen the soundstage and support virtual surround.

Do side-firing speakers replace rear speakers?

No. Side-firing speakers are part of the soundbar itself and create a virtual surround effect. Rear speakers are separate units placed behind you for a more direct surround experience.

Are side-firing speakers necessary for Dolby Atmos?

No. Dolby Atmos uses height channels, which are typically handled by up-firing drivers. Side-firing speakers add width, not height, so they are not required for Atmos.

How can I tell if a soundbar has side-firing speakers?

Look for the term "side-firing" in the listing title or bullet points. If it is not stated, check the maker's page for the driver configuration.