After getting your dream TV now, you will want to have a great sound system that will also match your TV. Sometimes higher-end TVs also come with speakers that do not sound great. Installing a sound system is a common and easiest way to upgrade your entertainment system. But questions can come to your mind that, what kind of speaker will be best for you, or whatโs the difference between a 2.1 and 5.1 soundbar system?
So letโs see what the difference between a 2.1 and 5.1 soundbar is? A 5.1 system has 6 speakers including the left and right in front and a center speaker. It also includes rear left and right speakers plus a subwoofer for the surround sound experience. A 2.1 system only has 3 speakers, two in front for the left and right channels, plus 1 speaker in the back to provide a high-quality sound experience.
In a 5.1 soundbar system, all the front channels are generally built-in to the soundbar, and the surround speakers come separated. But one thing you should remember is that adding more speakers doesnโt just add more volume; they also help the system improve the surround sound quality. It also helps you give you a unique entertainment environment.
Unfortunately, A sound system that is 5.1 is not for everyone. If you are going to buy a system, make sure to think about the factors so you can choose the perfect one for your needs.
2.1 Channel Soundbar
A 2.1 Channel Soundbar is formed on the Left and Right Channels in the Soundbar and a Separate Subwoofer.
A 2.1 channel soundbar usually comes with at least two speakers (sometimes more). They are separated into two channels, left and right. It also comes with a separated subwoofer. The extra speaker is not only for increasing the volume. More speakers help you to enjoy a more authentic surround sound experience.
With a 2.1 soundbar, you will be able to enjoy the clear sound from the left and right channels of audio. This sound system is pretty standard, but it will not improve your listening experience in a significant way.
With a 2.1 soundbar, you will get a left and a right channel only. These soundbars come with both โstereoโ and โsurround soundโ settings, but unfortunately, in the 2.1 soundbar system, both settings will sound almost the same.
5.1 Channel Soundbar
A 5.1 soundbar system usually comes with three extra speakers or channels than a 2.1 soundbar system. So obviously, it will make a much richer sound and enhance your listening experience. It comes with a front left, front right, front center, surround right, surround left, and a separate subwoofer included.
The front speakers are usually built into the soundbar itself, where the surround speakers and the subwoofer is separated. But sometimes, all five sound speakers or channels are built into the soundbar. After being located into the soundbar itself, the additional two speakers still work as surround speakers.
5.1 Channel Soundbar with Separate Surround Speakers
So you can say that the traditional 5.1 surround system has three channels in the front, two surround channels, and a subwoofer.
The separated surround speakers can be placed anywhere to the back left and back right of the room. With a 5.1 soundbar system, you will be able to enjoy a ripe sense of left and right sound with additional depth.
That depth increases the entertainment experience. It can give you the experience that just canโt be matched with a few front speakers. It will make the sound more realistic. You will feel like the explosion in that action movie is happening right behind you. Even you will be able to locate from where the enemiesโ footsteps are coming from in the video game.
5.1 Channel Soundbar with Integrated Surround Speakers
We have talked earlier that some soundbars come with the two surround channels built-in the soundbar itself. But the surround speaker comes angled so that they can output soundwaves in a very particular way.
The integrated surround speakers output the sound so that the soundwaves reflect from the back of your room, and they sound like the speakers are actually situated behind you. When in reality, the surround speakers are actually in front of you.
But it would be best if you remembered that this thing doesnโt work with all room sizes and shapes. It works great in a more boxed or closed-off room. But if the room is very open, the soundwaves will not bounce perfectly, and the speakers will not work great.ย ย
But after all, the 5.1 soundbars with integrated โsurroundโ speakers still sound really amazing!
What if Thereโs a 3rd Number?
Some of the 5.1 surround soundbars come with a third number, such as 5.1.4. It means that the soundbar directs some of its sounds upward. So that the sound can bounce in the ceiling and you can enjoy a new dimension of the surround sound.
A famous sound speaker, The Nakamichi Shockwave Pro 7.1.4 (on Amazon), also comes with this technology. This soundbar uses its satellite speakers, and it really sounds extremely well.
- Transform your living room into a state-of-the-art movie theater with True 360ยฐ Dolby Atmos surround flowing around, above and beyond you. Like cinemas with speakers located around you, SHOCKWAFE Pro 7.1.4 SSE duplicates the same experience to your home, courtesy of Two rear surround speakers & Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) processing technology. Created with same DNA as our flagship Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE, Winner of the best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Battle (hosted by Brian Tong, Ex-Cnet host)
- Experience a whole new level of surround performance with our exclusive SSE Technology. Featuring 3 advanced audio processing engines working in harmony to enhance directionality, enlarge spaciousness & unlock extra details of any audio soundtrack. Envelop your home theater with up to 7.1.4 channels of uncompromising moving audio that flows all around you. Unleash the full dynamics of your audio experience with 105dB of room-filling sound.
- TWO 2-WAY REAR SPEAKERS (industry's first!) produce spacious and dynamic surround sound. Each of them (connected to sub via RCA wires) is constructed with a tweeter that reproduces high frequencies with captivating clarity, and a full-range driver that delivers surround effects with power and precision. Simply put, the surround sound performance from simulated/virtual 2.1 or other 5.1 channel surround soundbars does not come anywhere close to this.
- The main soundbar unit features upgraded high-performance speaker drivers. The signature front surround effects tweeters deliver a 35% wider soundstage. Our newly-designed 8" down-firing wireless subwoofer delivers tight, room shaking low frequencies that enhances the impact of your home theater. Bass effects are fired onto the floor surface and distributed equally in all directions across the entire room for maximum immersiveness.
- All units sold since Aug '19 can receive Dolby Atmos surround via TVโs eARC when streaming with TVโs smart apps like Netflix (Note: not all TVs can output Atmos. Refer to your TV brandโs audio output specs). Enjoy advanced connectivity with Dolby Vision, 4K UHD pass-thru and High Dynamic Range (HDR). Connect up to 6 devices via 1 HDMI ARC, 3 HDMI, 1 Optical and 1 Coaxial inputs. The 52-key backlit remote allows seamless control of sources, DSP modes, individual channel and room size optimization
Conclusion Between 2.1 and 5.1 Soundbars
Adding more speakers does not ensure you give you better sound. 2.1 soundbars also come with high-quality speakers, and they also can please anyone. These high-quality speakers can also be found in 5.1 surround soundbars, but you can also find 5.1 systems with sub-par speakers. It really enhances the quality of the speaker drivers and soundbar enclosure.
Before you buy anything, you have to make sure that what sound aspects are important for you and which one will be best for your budget. Moreover, you should also think, is it really worth it to sacrifice a surround sound system for top-quality speakers or sacrifice top-quality speakers for a surround system? Would you like to enjoy a surround sound experience with a fair speaker quality?
Benefits of Soundbar Systems
You might ask that why you should buy a soundbar at all. For that, you should know that Soundbars are convenient and they can give you a great sound quality also. Just look at a 2.1 soundbar. It can give you a true quality sound with just a single soundbar and a subwoofer.
With a 5.1 soundbar, you can get a few more speakers, and it can enhance your audio experience even more. If you want to skip the hassle of wires, you can buy a Bluetooth surround speaker so that you can easily set it up.
To set up a traditional surround sound system, you have to give effort and connect all the speakers correctly via cables. But with a soundbar, you donโt have to take that much hassle. So you can say that it is the easiest way to elevate your listening experience.
Benefits of a Soundbarโs Easy-Setup Subwoofer
Subwoofers usually come with traditional surround sound setups. In 2.1 and 5.1, the 2 and 5 mean the number of sound channels it has, and the โ.1โ indicates the subwoofer. They are very important for sound quality. In a traditional surround sound setup, you have to connect the subwoofer via a cable.
But in almost all soundbar systems, you do not have to connect a subwoofer via cables. You will be able to connect them easily with the help of Radio Frequencies via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
When you use the built-in speaker of your TV, do you ever noticed that the audio is becoming distorted or fuzzy? It is because the built-in speakers are not so powerful. So they canโt handle the extreme pitches (from the high squeals to the super low rumbles).
A subwoofer is actually a dedicated bass speaker, so you can hear the bass more clearly and strongly while using a soundbar setup. Even the floor can rumble from the bass, but the subwoofer will not get damaged, and you will hear a clear sound.
Not Everyone Prefers 5.1 Soundbar Systems
If your priority is convenience, then you should go for a 2.1 soundbar instead of 5.1. Because setting up a 2.1 soundbar is much easier than setting up a 5.1 soundbar because there are fewer speakers.
Though a 2.1 soundbar comes with two speakers, these speakers are built into the soundbar.
There is a subwoofer also. So you just have to set up these two pieces. And enjoy a superb sound. You cannot find a better balance between convenience and quality than a decent 2.1 soundbar system offers easily.
Price Difference
After all, now you can ask, whatโs all this going to cost you? More speakers will cost you more, and it is not surprising at all. But the 5.1surround soundbar might not be that much more costly than a 2.1 soundbar system.ย ย
So if you are looking for soundbars, you may find a 5.1 soundbar for less than $200. If you do not have any issues with the budget, you can easily spend hundreds of dollars more on high-quality speakers with a wireless setup.
JBL is a famous speaker manufacturer. You can find theirย wireless 5.1 soundbars with detachable surround speakersย on Amazon. You can also go for the bigger systems, such as the 7.1 soundbars if your budget allows you to do that.
- Compatible with OEM radios that have short circuit protection, these units take as much as 55 watts of input and deliver up to 8 volts of output.
- This sonically neutral converter delivers outstanding sound quality in an incredibly small footprint.
- KISLOC 2-ch speaker-to-RCA converter, LOC
Again if your budget is not so more, you can easily find a standard 2.1 soundbar for about $100. If you want to save more cash, you even push down the budget to 70 dollars. But if you want the best quality like this Vizio soundbarย (on Amazon), then you have to spend $400 or more.
- Compatible with OEM radios that have short circuit protection, these units take as much as 55 watts of input and deliver up to 8 volts of output.
- This sonically neutral converter delivers outstanding sound quality in an incredibly small footprint.
- KISLOC 2-ch speaker-to-RCA converter, LOC
Best Seller List Of Sound Bars:
- ใ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐จ ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญใ: Multiple placements to suit any space: Horizontal Tabletop โ Ideal for TV shows/news with clearer mids and highs. Clearer sound with less deep bass. Perfect for easy setup and compact space. Vertical Tower โ Rich surround sound with deep bass for movies, gaming, and bass-heavy music where detail is key. Designed for detailed sound in larger rooms. Wall-Mounted โ Direct, even sound for open spaces. Great for space-saving and party atmospheres.
- ใ๐๐ฒ๐ง๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญใ: With 80W volume boost, brings each sound in stunning detail. Feel the crisp clarity of footsteps echoing, hear the subtle rustling of leaves. Each press add 3 units soundbar volume, offering larger and noticeable volume changes with fewer button presses. No more endlessly pressing remote.
- ใ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐๐๐ฌใ: Switch between 3 dynamic EQ modes to fine-tune your need. Movie mode - tense atmosphere and explosive sound. Music mode - richer tones, deep bass, vibrant highs. New mode - natural voices, crisp dialogues. Perfect for movie lovers, gamers, and music enthusiasts.
- ใ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ๐ใ: Enjoy seamless Bluetooth 5.3 and reliable ARC, OPT, AUX. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with TV remote. Note: โFirst assemble soundbar refer to our Assembly Guide, then refer to User Manual carefully for setup and connect to ensure optimal performance. With detailed instructions and video tutorialsโperfect for tech enthusiasts and beginners.
- ใ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ-๐ ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญใ: Backed by an 18-month warranty and 24/7 online support. Important: 1. For wired connections, your TV must have one of ARC, OPT, AUX ports. 2. Use ARC TV port not other HDMI TV ports. 3. Manual TV settings is required for TV compatibility โ please consult the manual for optimal results.
- HEAR YOUR TV BETTER: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is an all-in-one soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- WIDE, NATURAL SOUND: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar
- ENHANCED DIALOGUE: This sound bar for smart tv is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation
- BLUETOOTH TV SPEAKER: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Connect up to 3 devices through the inputs (HDMI, Optical in, and AUX in); the first powered on device will automatically connect
- SIMPLE SETUP: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes
- Immersive 3D Audio with True Sound and Dolby Atmos: The Yamaha SR-B30A transforms your home entertainment with immersive 3D sound powered by Dolby Atmos and Yamaha True Sound engineering. Precision drivers and advanced sound field creation deliver depth and clarity that bring movies, games, and music to life. Every scene surrounds you in rich, spatial audio, creating a listening experience that feels expansive and true to the source.
- Deep Bass with Dual Built-In Subwoofers: Designed for powerful yet balanced audio, the SR-B30A features dual built-in subwoofers that add depth and dimension to every soundtrack. Experience impactful low frequencies without the need for extra equipment, or connect an external subwoofer for even more bass. The result is a sound that fills your space with warmth and presence, perfect for any living room or entertainment setup.
- Clear Dialogue with Yamaha Clear Voice Technology: Enjoy every word and whisper clearly with Yamahaโs Clear Voice technology. This feature enhances vocal frequencies, ensuring dialogue stands out even during action scenes or when background effects are strong. Whether youโre streaming a movie, watching sports, or catching up on shows, youโll hear speech with greater definition and balance without needing to raise the volume.
- Easy Connectivity and Personalized Control: Connect and control effortlessly with HDMI ARC/eARC, optical input, or Bluetooth 5.1. Adjust your sound experience through the included remote or the free mobile app for iOS and Android. Choose from four distinct sound modesโMovie, Game, Stereo, and Standardโto tailor the audio to your content and mood. Fine-tune EQ and subwoofer levels to create the perfect sound for your space.
- Bundle Includes: Yamaha SR-B30A 120W 2.1-Channel Sound Bar with Built-In Subwoofers + Cleaning kit + Reusable Fastener Straps
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
- Unparalleled 9.1.4 spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos
- Ultra-clear dialogue plus Speech Enhancement, powered by AI, detects the human voice to clarify every word
- Elegant design looks great in your home and wonโt distract from your entertainment
- Control with your TV remote, the Sonos app, the touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, and Amazon Alexa
- Simplified 5.1ch Dolby Atmos Setup: Enjoy immersive 4D sound with real Dolby Atmos and 5.1-channel audio. Five built-in speakers, including two side-firing drivers, create wide surround without rear speakers. Precision DSP ensures
- Voice Clarity Enhancement: VoiceMX technology uses advanced DSP algorithms to isolate and enhance vocal frequencies in real time. Dialogue remains crisp and easy to follow by separating speech from background effects and music, even at low volumes or during intense scenes.
- 300W Output with 6-Driver System: Featuring five precision-tuned full-range drivers and a dedicated wired wooden subwoofer, the system delivers up to 300W of peak power for bold, room-filling sound. With a frequency response of 45 Hzโ18 kHz and a maximum SPL of 99 dB, it reproduces everything from subtle nuances to explosive cinematic effects.
- 18 mm High-Excursion Driver: Powered by BassMX technology, the wired wooden subwoofer features a 18 mm high-excursion driver, a 5.3L tuned cabinet, and a high-density magnetic circuit. This design delivers deeper, tighter bass with greater air displacement and enhanced low-frequency performanceโbringing more realism to every scene.
- HDMI eARC for True Dolby Atmos: HDMI eARC supports up to 37 Mbps of bandwidth, unlocking the full potential of lossless Dolby Atmos 5.1-channel audio. Compared to standard ARC, eARC delivers richer surround effects and greater detail. CEC integration allows the TV and soundbar to work together with unified control.
- FULL, BALANCED SOUND WITH A SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Immerse yourself in your favorite content with perfectly balanced sound and rich bass from the built-in woofer.
- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects.
- EXPANDS YOUR LISTENING ZONE SO YOU CAN FEEL THE SOUND ALL AROUND YOU: Experience immersive sound that fills the room. Clear audio is projected in all directions so you can feel the action from every angle.
- SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS TO YOUR TV: Connects to your TV without cable clutter. Just pair and play your favorite content.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with dialogue automatically amplified so you don't miss a word.
- Wide Sound Scene with Super Wide Technology | Despite its compact format, Stage Pro delivers rich sound that fills the room with SuperWide technology and expands the sound scene for a captivating and immersive listening experience.
- 160W Cree Power with custom, optimised speakers | Experience rich and powerful sound with a peak power of 160W and custom-tuned full-scale speakers to deliver accurate, high-quality sound, whether for your movies, games or playlists.
- Versatile Connectivity | Stage Pro offers a wide range of connection options: HDMI ARC, USB audio, optical input, aux input and Bluetooth 5.3, for smooth wireless and wired playback on all your devices.
- TUITIVE CONTROLS FOR DAILY USE | Take control easily: Adjust the volume, change source and more with the controls on the top panel or the included remote for comfort, even from a distance.
- Compact shape, biographical experience Enhance your entertainment with the 2.1-channel Soundbar Stage Pro. Powered by Dolby Audio and SuperWide technology and offers rich sound that fills the room, with deep bass and clear dialogue - ideal for movies, music and games. Smooth connection via HDMI ARC, USB or Bluetooth ensures quick and easy installation on your TV or PC.
- Compact, versatile design โ Sleek, rounded all-black finish with easy-to-clean textured surface, optimized for small-med rooms.
- DTS Virtual:X โ Sound Enhancement for room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized sound
- Full-Range Speakers โ 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar provide coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
- Optimized for 4K HDR Content with Dolby Audio โ Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio when connected through HDMI.
- 70Hz โ 20kHz Frequency Response โ Wide, natural frequency response means you can hear what the artist intended.
- ใ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ข๐จ ๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญใ: Experience powerful rhythm without harshness, discern every delicate whisper without distortion, and transform your space into an immersive private theater. Four placements optimize acoustics: horizontal (studio-grade clear), vertical (concert-hall immersion), tabletop (intimate vocal focus), wall-mounted (3D surround).
- ใ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌใ: Get ready to feel the sound, not just hear. Powered by 4 premium drivers and a extra subwoofer, whether itโs the softest whisper or a heart-thumping bass, feel the crisp clarity. The adjustable subwoofer amplifies the drama, injects vibrancy and energy, and for gaming, it intensifies every pulse-pounding moment. Let the bass shake your room.
- ใ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ใ: Choose from 3 EQ modes to enhance sound clarity and texture. Movie mode: cinematic depth with dynamic range; Music mode: richer notes with and deep rumbles; News mode: natural tones, perfect for podcasts and talk shows. Ensures everyone, no matter where they sit, enjoys the room filling sound.
- ใ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐ฌ๐ใ: Enjoy seamless Bluetooth 5.0 and reliable ARC, OPT, and AUX connections. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with TV remote. Note: Must use TV remote to select TV connection, then set TV audio output format to PCM.(TV settings are required to make sound bar and TV compatible).
- ใ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐ก๐๐๐คใ: Must-Check: Your TV must have one of these ports: ARC, OPT, AUX. Important: must be 'ARC', NOT HDMI 1or 2. NOT a plug-and-play soundbar. Please set TV to PCM mode to make sound bar and TV compatible. Your satisfaction is our top priority with our 18-month warranty and 24/7 online tech support.
- Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
- Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
- High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
- Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
- Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
Related Questions
What does 3.1 mean on a soundbar?
The three means that the soundbar has three sound channels. Those are the left, right, and center channel. And the โ.1โ means the soundbar also comes with a single subwoofer.
Are standard TV speakers really that bad?
If you love high-quality audio, then the answer is YES. But Casual TV viewers may not mind some distorted voices or blown-out bass; usually, theyโll only notice it at high volume. But if you want a clear and strong sound at any volume, then you should install an extra sound system.
Are soundbar systems the only alternative to standard TV speakers?
No, there are some other alternatives also. It depends on anyoneโs personal choice. Such as, Musicians may go for vintage analog speakers to match their vinyl collection, while Tech lovers may choose smart speakers so that the speaker can communicate with smart home systems and give you the output of superb audio quality with voice-activated software like Amazonโs Alexa or Google Home.
But after all, we just want to say that soundbars are a great choice for those who are looking for quality sound with a convenient, fairly affordable, and easy installation process.
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
You May Also Likeโฆ
- HDMI vs. Mini HDMI vs. Micro HDMI
- How to Make Regular Speakers Wireless?
- The 10 Best Surge Protectors for Home Theater
- 5.1 vs. 7.1 Surround Sound: Which Is Better?
- Connect TV to Receiver Without HDMI
Last update on 2025-11-20
