1. Sound standards 

Sound standards refer to the technology used to reproduce sound and, of course, affect its quality, range, and naturalness. 

There are 3 basic sound standards.

The most common is Dolby Digital and it is usually found in televisions and DVDs. It is a popular multichannel sound standard, with great range and a rich audio experience. The difference from a conventional speaker is that the sound is reproduced through independent audio channels, creating a more immersive sound. 

Dolby Atmos is an advanced sound technology that provides three-dimensional acoustic range. It does not focus only on sound channels, but sounds can be placed and moved in any direction, including height, offering a more enriched acoustic experience. 

DTS is another popular multichannel sound standard similar to Dolby Digital, which offers better sound quality than Dolby Digital, especially at higher sound settings. There is also DTS:X, which uses object detection and sound motion technologies to create a three-dimensional acoustic sensation, where sounds can move freely around the space.

2. Sound channels 

Channels refer to the number and type of individual speakers contained in the device and are described by 2 numbers separated by a dot. 

The first number refers to how many full-range speakers (speakers for the full frequency range) the device contains, while the second refers to how many subwoofer-type speakers (speakers specialized for low frequencies). For example, a speaker with 2.1 sound channels has 2 regular speakers and 1 subwoofer.

Almost all music tracks are stereo (for playback from at least 2 speakers), meaning they are made so that different sound is heard in each of the 2 channels in order to give the listener a sense of space. More speakers make this feeling even more realistic, and the presence of a subwoofer provides fuller bass.

In more expensive options you will also see numbers such as 7.1.2, 11.2.5, etc., where this refers to the number of channels inside the bar (7), the number of subwoofers (1), and the number of additional speakers (2), that is, channels, which are separate and can be placed in other parts of the room to create true surround sound 

3. Connectivity

Make sure the soundbar is compatible with your TV or with other devices you plan to connect it to. How? Select the relevant filter that interests you! 

4. Power 

RMS power (root mean square) is expressed in watts and describes the actual output that the speaker can produce, and mainly shows how quickly the sound of a speaker will start to distort at high volumes.

In general, when it comes to how loud each speaker can get, several other factors also play a role, such as how new it is, how it handles power, etc. There may be speakers with the same rated power (watts), but their volume and sound quality may differ. Watts practically show how much power your speaker has, meaning that if you usually turn it up very loud, higher power will extend its lifespan, as you will not be reaching its “limits”.

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Do you know exactly what you are looking for? Let’s see which features you should pay attention to, based on the use you are considering 

For simple everyday use on a budget 

If you want to stay within budget for simple everyday all-around use, choose a soundbar with around 200 watts and 2.1 channels. Most in this price range support connection via Optical cable.

“Live” the moment 

If you want to enjoy action movies or even gaming often, then you need a soundbar ranging from €400 to €600. They have excellent sound and, in most cases, 3-5 channels that send sound in different directions. Of course, you may also see models with 2 channels, which are, however, state-of-the-art with impressive Dolby Atmos performance, making the sound seem as if it is coming from the entire room. In this category, most have Google Assistant or Alexa built in and support connection with smart home equipment.

Bring the cinema home

If you want to set up a home cinema without many devices, then we would recommend a soundbar with 7 channels, so the sound is distributed in all directions. Built-in Chromecast/AirPlay and support for Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. 

Don’t forget! Many times there may be a difference in a product based on its overall features as well as its build quality. Before deciding, read other users’ reviews too, to see their opinion!