Soundbars vs Surround Sound Speakers: Which is Best for You? 

This was EXTREMELY helpful in language even I can understand.

I've gone with sound bars for the time being because of living in an apartment and not being ideal for dedicated setups based on space, and volume of sound. Years back I had a Panasonic theater in a box that had 5.1 for the built in DVD change, and stereo inputs for anything externally. It was a nice balance between a sound bar and dedicated setup. Initially I was going to just do a stereo setup for TV and Movies because I was concerned a sub would be too hard to control. However, I have really good neighbors and only on one side, and the setups I've decided on haven't caused any problems. I'd love to do a dedicated home theater, however that won't happen here, but it gives me something to look forward to whenever I can afford my own place (not rented ) I thought you did an excellent job presenting the arguments for each side and which each is better suited for. Have a great day!

Me: Buying an audio system for my small apartment living room, probably going with a soundbar. Also me: Researching all these fancy home audio systems.

Just subscribed. I like the way you explain your video and don’t get super complicated. You voice runs smoothly. You get to the point on pros and cons. Thanks

Nice video. I do love them both... I have a good 5.1.2 speaker setup in a living room + 5.1.2 Soundbar at the bedroom. Works well when using a receiver that has 2 HDMI out ports. One PC runs both systems. There is no way I could ever do a surround setup in my bedroom without a soundbar.

Extremely helpful. Thank you. You cleared my doubts about connections and sound quality and why one would use a soundbar.

I loved the pros and cons between both setups. I was hoping for you to explain the differences in sound stage between sound bars and like a 2.1 LCR w/ subwoofer setup.

I'll go for traditional speaker, because more versatile sounds, best audio quality for music.

The basics of speaker placement hold true for both separates and sound bars. Get the front speakers at eye/ear level as best as possible. Keeping them at least as high as the bottom of your screen will also ensure a proper soundstage or placement of the audio where it looks like it’s coming from on screen.

Appreciate this video and tips while I’m shopping for upgrading my entertainment area!

Thank you for a very "understandable" video. I was struggling with the dilemma of soundbar vs surround sound. I now understand it and have decided for simplicity and to meet my budget that a soundbar is the way forward for me. Thank you

Glad I found this video. I was looking at putting a TV in my guest bedroom, My theater room has a $9000 Sound system, My master bedroom has 2k sound system. But I have sony 5.1 sound system I was looking at just setting up in the guest bedroom but I didn't want to run wires everywhere. So a sound bar sounds like the perfect option.

Consideration should also be given to the difference between controlling the sound. Soundbars invariably all rely on a dedicated app and/or remote controller both of which have limitations whereas a traditional 5.1 system will be controlled by an AV receiver which allows far more fine tuning of the various elements.

I absolutely loved my Sony 7.2 receiver and setup. Unfortunately, it finally burned out and died on me (I'm sure it is repairable but just can't afford it now). Anyway, enter my Sony Sound Bar from 2013. It is a great substitute for the time being. When watching TV or playing games, I sometimes forget that I am listening to a 2.1 sound bar instead of my 7.2 one. Just my 2 cents. I think sound bars are perfect for apartments or small/medium rooms. But receivers are always going to be #1.

Your review comparing sound bars, after the other research I did convinced me the Sonos ARC system is the one to get. So I bought the whole system. I have had my Sonos ARC system since Feb 1, 2021. I got the Sonos ARC, One SL surrounds, & the Sonos Gen 3 Sub. I am extremely impressed with the system. EXTREMELY! The Sub surprised me at how deep it goes, yet it is very musical and well integrated. It doesn't just add 'boom'. the center channel for dialogue and detail is exceptionally clear. Even though I have high 12' vaulted ceiling on the wall where the ARC soundbar is mounted, I still get a nice sense of up-firing sounds from the Dolby Atmos speakers. In short, I am blown away at the overall performance of the system. If I had one complaint, it would be the system can be somewhat bright, even when I dial down the Treble EQ range. It is not however a deal breaker. The benefits of this system are massive. I love it. I was thinking of adding a second sub just to see how it performs. I don't feel I need it however. But I am curious. Pricey however, so I'll hang back for a bit.

I definitely will agree with you about the Bluetooth topic. I am not a big fan of Bluetooth but it does have its advantages and disadvantages. I do appreciate the fact that most if not all sound bars have wireless subwoofers, moving away from the built in subs in the sound bars themselves. Doing this had made the sound while listening to music much more enjoyable, as the sub bass does not overpower the over frequency ranges. But you can't just ignore the other frequencies, a lot of companies are making equipment with "bass" in mind and I'm not a fan of that. I love hearing tonal ranges of all kinds; warm sound, bright sounds, intimate, etc. It is hard to do all this in a small but uniform package and I will not shy away from saying this thing that gets people to cringe....... pricing! The saying "you get what you pay for!" stands so true. investing in a high quality sound system or headphones is almost as important as the listening experience itself. So with all in mind, I would suggest you test the equipment out before buying it and not just "oh, these are the new speakers from beats!" but to use them and see if they match your liking.

So I have had both. Surround (Bose 7.1) and it sounded great. That was 5 years ago. I just bought Sonos arc Surround sound and I was blown away with Dolby Atmos. Plus I'm a minimalist so clean look for me

Great video...this is the same info i tell my friends...unless they are in an apartment i always tell them to go with a traditional setup and work your way up if need be.

For my apartment, I use a Sonos Beam and I am quite happy with it. Of course, it won't beat the big dogs, but as long as one likes what they have, that is what truly matters.

Thanks for that it raised and answered a lot of questions about what I’m looking for which I don’t myself yet.

great advice, thank you. Regards from Ireland

For years now I've always had various sound bars from Panasonic, LG, Yamaha and most recently a Bose Cinemate 120.. I decided to switch a Pioneer AV Receiver and 3.1 speaker set up (Pioneer sub and Centre, Denon bookshelves Left and Right).. The difference in sound is vast!! The setup I have now is half the price of the Bose and with a few tweaks of the settings and it blows the Bose away totally.. The sound stage is wider with a full range of sound.. I love this setup

Excellent presentation. Helpful.

I bought a 2.1 soundbar a year or so ago before I knew anything about soundbars/sound systems, while I'm extremely happy with the sound it produces (I almost get a surround sound effect with the way my small room is set out), knowing what I know now I wish I got at least a more higher end soundbar and if I ever get a place with enough space for a proper sound system I'll definitely be looking into it.

I got a 1970s pioneer reciever with a jvc equalizer a phillip 5 disc changer, 2 Bose 601 tower speakers with 2, 301 shelve speakers, that sounds great for my livingroom. 20 years and still sounds great. My back speakers wires I have going through the wall into the basement along the floor boards back up into the livingroom into the reciever.

Good explanation 👍🏼. Great video

Awesome explanation, clear pros vs cons.....thanks for that!

Another great video Jonah!!! Sound bars are definitely the future! Love my Nakimachi 9.2.4. The two subwoofers 🔊 🔊 makes a more immerse sound throughout my living room. 🙌🏽👌🏽🤟🏽🖖🏽🤙🏽👍🏽🖖🏽

Fantastic video, very clear and concise. Thanks

Great review!!! I have a traditional system in my living room that is awesome!!!! And a sound bar in the master. Both serve it’s purpose. With the traditional system you do also in most cases need a Universal Remote controller to avoid using multiple remote controls. Maybe cover that in a future post.

Great comparison. Like you have said, a number of factors can influence what works for an individual. Personally, I find soundbars that can be added to, to be that much cleaner. And if we're being honest - the quality of soundbars has improved a lot over the years.

I live in a mobile home, so the walls are thin. I purchased a Klipsch Synergy 7.1 surround sound speaker system with a Yamaha 7.2 A/V receiver in 2012. The whole system is still going strong with no issues whatsoever...knock on wood. So when I play music or even watch a movie I'm sure that the neighbors can hear it. No complaints yet in all of these years! But as the Klipsch logo goes, "Pissing of the neighbors". And as far as a soundbar, there is no way I would ever have a soundbar. I'm too used to the system that I have.

Great video. Thank you. Learned a heap. I have a pioneer sc -lx71 and some polkaudio speakers. My middle speaker does not seem to work. Subwoofer maybe kaput. So now thinking what to do....

Speaking of running cables to surround sound speakers: some receivers from Denon and Yamaha can connect to wireless surround speakers / ceiling speakers that they offer as an addition to their sound bars.

7:16 That's the exact receiver I have (Denon AVR-2112CI) Owned it for 4yrs now and no complaints whatsoever.

Thanks for this great summary, Jonah. I'm a lifelong 5.2 receiver user but admit I'm intrigued by soundbars -- in particular the JBL 9.1.4. I've been debating the pros and cons of upgrading to a 7.2 receiver system or grabbing the JBL. I've still got a lot of thinking to do about it but this definitely helped me out a lot.

a friend recently bought a cheap £50 sound bar for his smart tv and i have to say it really does sound amazing, i have a logitech Z607 5.1 surround sound system which is my preferred setup. great sound with tons of power and bass for only £110 brand new with 2nd hand setups for much less. you are correct in saying it very much depends on the persons own taste.

Comments Unbiased review thank you. For me I'm a sort of audiophile. Before getting my reasonable traditional speaker system I've visited my local technology store and I was blown away by the store's soundbar system sound output. I've never head such perfection of music and film sound quality like this before and i repeatedly visited this store just to listen. Store manager felt sorry for me and wanted to give me a discounted deal. I then went online to know the difference between the traditional and soundbar systems. Base on reviews I've opted for the traditional costing me about £1,500.00 I've returned to the tech store after listening to my new traditional system and realised even though my traditional system wasn't the most expensive yet discovered that the soundbar system I've earlier worshipped was a piece of shit that merely pretended to be producing a better sound quality. The bass it produced wasn't really a bass but some nonsense banging that only stayed in the air without any sort of low end gravity. I was lucky not to spend my cash on this soundbar system because it isn't my taste. . I've now upgraded my traditional system costing me about £2,300.00 which is a trillion miles better than soundbar system. It is better to know what system you need compare with your space and budget because you might not be able to request a full refund after purchase. Also note that this is an expensive passion if you want to enjoy great sound quality!! I'm now in trouble with neighbours for my subwoofer shaking their flats.

Very well explained, touched upon all the points 👍

Thank you for this information. Will be staying with our traditional sound system. You saved us!

Great video lad loads of information there 👍

Thank you. Now i know what i need! I understood what im am and what i exactly looking for!

Thanks for the basic information and comparison on soundbars and surround sound speakers!

I really like your work, I have a HK model 590i & its about 20 years old would you keep this old tech or upgrade for the new product. Thank You

thank you very much, my doubts are cleared, i have traditional sound system and i will continue with it

I had a vizio 5.1.2 until a lighting storm. Bought a used Bose Cinemate 130 and am blown away with how much better it is. Power, clarity and depth.

Woow, your tutorial education is quite different compared to others, Brilliant teaching, nice video, you English too is too Good for Business . Thank u Guy

Very helpful video. Thanks!

Thanks for the video. Now I understand much better 😁 Dumb question: If I have Google cast plugged into hdmi2, do I plug soundbar into hdmi1? 🤔

Thank you for the video. I currently have the Marantz AV receiver SR5008. I only use the receiver to process the sound. The TV is used for the video processing. Due to the age of the AV receiver, it does not support Dolby Atmos, and does not have hdmi 2.1 inputs. The sonos arc with the sonos gen 3 subwoofer sounds good. What are your thoughts on purchasing a new receiver or purchasing the sonos arc with sonos sub?

Very useful and clear, thanks a lot!

Good comparison. I just want to add something regarding the rear surround speakers. There are models that have a router that connects to the the rear speakers and connect wirelessly to the main receiver. So, you don't necessarily need to run cables from the main receiver to the rear speakers. For example you put a router behind your sofa or even under it and from there you connect with cables to your rear speakers. This rear router is connected wirelessly to the main receiver. But thank you so much for the video. I thought that home theater (surround system) was an old technology. It may be even better that a soundbar with rear speakers. I think I will keep my 5.1 surround system.

I really liked the Sonos reviews.

Great video, thank you!

Thanks for this video I have understood alot

This was helpful ! Thank you

Great video, just subscribed. I am looking to upgrade my TV setup with a sound system at a budget of around 500 euros. I know that this is an extreme entry point for a surround sound system and I am in a dilemma of whether I should buy a soundbar at this price point or a LG LHB655NW home cinema setup. I do not mind the cables, I am just wondering if at this low price point, a home theater setup would be better than the soundbar options.

Thank you. What about a traditional sound system with (at least) wireless speakers in the back to have no cable problems?

I've had both types of systems. I have a 9.1 surround sound system in my bedroom and a 5.1 in my living room. I've had soundbars before too. Despite the time and work it takes to get a surround sound system set up, a surround sound set up is so worth it to me. I have Polk TSX and Signature series speakers in both set ups and I absolutely love the sound from my denon 9.1 receiver and even my old pioneer 7.1 receiver.

Whoa!! That’s a lot of information!! Thank you so much for all of it. 😮😮

Sound bars have there place in a home. They’re not really that good for large rooms but for smaller rooms they are great. I have both in my home and I love them.

Thx for the video, it really helped. but i have still a question. i dont need the ultimate best sound, but does a soundbar give you "theater feeling" does it really make a difference then the normal tv sound?

I am convinced. I am a traditional sound system kind of guy.

Very nice and informative video. Well done

Excellent advice. Thanks

I have a high end traditional 7.1 Atmos system and the sound is outstanding…but…MY master is about 1000 sqft and I have speakers are kind of in the way. The walls are too far from the bed for wall mounting so I have pedestals. The rear channels are wireless by Rockfish, with front mounted height speakers. As great as the sound is, I am considering going to the Nakamacci 9.1 sound bar system to clean up my space. Since it will just be used for movies and TV series, I feel this Soundbar system can create an adequate immersive experience.

I use to own a Vizio soundbar that sounded OK in the room. And out of nowhere it died on me so I had to get a lg sl7y soundbar. And needless to say it was disappointing! The wireless rears kept cutting out every 2-5 seconds. The bass was boomy and rarely in play. I finally gave up and got a nice Denon receiver and klipsch speakers. It sounds so much better!

Hey man, since you added the upper links (buyer guides, best soundbars etc) I'm not able to go through your post pages on the homepage. When I go to page 2 of blogposts that doesnt work, although the url is changing. Great video btw ;)

I absolutely love your videos because you actually know what you're talking about when it comes to the ins and outs of audio equipment. I appreciate that you not only explain the differences and levels of the various types of equipment and options, but you also give an understanding of what and how they should complement your living space. I like having the conveniences at home. I've always appreciated and enjoyed both good music and good TV and have a likeness for my gadgets, so I really like being able to bring them both together in a much fuller experience through these audio advancements over time I just wish I had the time to invest and even more so, the money, but until then a girl can DREAM! And I know who to consult when I do get there. Baby steps... Thanks great videos.

Well done, many thanks 😉

Thanks for the information, I have 8 celling speakers, for 3 rooms (12 feet x 12 feet). What size of receiver do you recommend and please specify good brand too. Thanks,

I got a $150 soundbar with a wired sub off Amazon. Thing is amazing and I'd bet would be sufficient for many budget conscious consumers. If you're an AV junkie yeah, you need to spend significantly more to be satisfied.

My Phillips DVD 5.1 combo unit from 12 years ago finally died on me a few weeks ago and looked at sound bars for a replacement. Let me tell you, even for a DVD 5.1 unit sound bars don't compare. I bought and took back 3 separate sound bars of which one was a Samsung ($300) and another was a Klipsch ($500). Finally gave up on sound bars and went with an entry level Yamaha AV set up and wow does it sound great. I'm not even a audiophile type person, but if you are someone who doesn't want to settle for a sound bar that's "good enough" go with a proper AV receiver with true 5.1 speaker setup.

You need a bulky AV receiver taking up a lot of shelf space, 3 dedicated speakers up front for R-C-L channels, and wires running to the subwoofer and rear speakers. Aesthetically if you have a smaller space all of this will visually dominate the setup.

Thanks! Noob here learnt something. 😁

very educational, thank you very much

Actually soundbars provides a flat tone for listening experience nd traditional 2.1 or 5.1 creates a nice sounding environment overall so I would always go for 2.1 or other depending on the type of room.

Jonah, I wish you got the Shocwafe 9.2.4 to compare with your Sonus setup instead of the 7.1.4. With the extra subwoofer and power, I think it makes a big difference. But I also wish I could hear your Sonus setup!

Good explanation appreciate a lot

Are there any good receivers that connect to the front and centre speakers with the usual speaker wires, and connect wirelessly to a subwoofer and rear speakers ?

A really old surround set is difficult to install, but a new one is very easy. You only need long enough cabels to get around. I know for i tried both ways and ended up with a 7.1 reciever wich works really well;) I already owned the speakers from my first attempt wich failed(i bougt it second hand).

Very helpful 👍

Great Présentation!! I am right in the middle of this having a traditional sound system The cleaning towards some bar for the slickness I do have room to fit my current system I have an old Receiver And it’s a pain in b To set up or to operate At the same time I’m not sure I want to reinvest. Well was also considering the dévialet speakers But that’s more on the pure audio side.

Question, can I pair my LD Dave 8 roadie with an amp?

I respect it,I'm thinking about getting a sound bar

Simple equation - Fidelity vs. Convenience

Very good video indeed

I currently have a yamaha rx-v675. Should I just upgrade my speakers or look into something like the Nakamichi?

I have a traditional 5.1 system since the late 90's. I like the power/ volume and separation and bang that it offers, but the big draw back is there's no sound quality, it sounds really bassy and/ or muffled with a lot of mid range. Theres no highs! I have both bass and treble on my receiver (Onkyo) on max. I have cheap front speakers (Sony), and average to higher quality back speakers (Radio Shack), and sub-woof (RS), could this be the cause? (No high's) I went over to my friends home and he has a sound bar system, and it just blew me away! The crystal clear highs and medium bass that came out of that just overwhelmed me, I mean it sounded clean, all he needs now is a subwoofer to complete it! We were watching RU-vid live concert music and It sounded a hell of a lot better then my 5.1 theater system which really surprised the hell out of me. Don't know if its because the Onkyo is an old model with cheap speakers or maybe theres a secret way of wiring and set up I don't know about, or my system is just outdated! Well I ended up purchasing my first soundbar system (Samsung 990b) currently making its way to me by mail order. Cant wait to try it out!

any advice for a lot of interference? Tall room with an open floorplan. I have a vizio system now and the rear speakers are always cutting in and out. Orbi wifi 6 system and my entire house is basically on wifi. All appliances and more.

Thank you very much sir!

I have a Sonos surround system in my bedroom. Here is my main home theater system: Yamaha RXa3080 receiver (150w RMS X 9), SVS Pinnacle Prime fronts, SVS Ultra center channel speaker, SVS Ultra Bookshelf surrounds, SVS Prime rear surrounds, 8" in ceiling front presence at is speakers, SVS PB4000 1400w RMS 13.5" subwoofer, SVS PB2000 12" 600W RMS subwoofer. The Sonos system is not quite as good, but it’s waaaay closer than the price difference suggests. Frustratingly close considering how many times more my HT setup costs. I am very impressed with the Sonos, especially the subwoofer, for the size it’s unbeatable.

Starting out, always buy the best speakers you can first. A cheap receiver will be fine on good speakers. A $3,000 receiver won’t make crap speakers sound better. Luckily, decent speakers on a budget are readily available these days. Paradigm Atoms have started more audiophile journeys than you can imagine.

Great video! Im upgrading my sound for the Playstation 5 and my concern is that if i use a receiver i risk to loose some of the videoquality (4k, HDR, 120Hz, Variabel Refresh Rate) when the signal first passes through the receiver and then connects to the TV. The soundbar is connected directly to the TV and doesnt have that problem... is this concern unfounded?

Another con with a sound bar is that so many new TVs have very low stands so, if mounting on furniture, a sound bar directly in front is likely to obstruct part of the screen.

Loved it as always. I'm an audiophile and I'm considering to buy sonos arc with sonos sub. Would that be better or traditional?

I used to be a traditional sound system kind of guy until I took a wife to the knee.

Great video

I Moved from a traditional 5.1 Amp Speaker setup to a Sonos Arc and have never regretted it, for what i watch most of the time its simply a better solution for my situation, i will agree the traditional setup would be better in Movies but the Soundbar does a damn good job and is a much neater solution without really getting serious with placement and cabling of a 5.1/7.1 setup. If i had a better shaped lounge i would probably go for a very good 7.1 system but i went for what worked best for my situation

Could you combine a receiver with a soundbar? Use the soundbar a sub as plain speakers, driven by the receiver?