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:
- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small 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 TV speaker 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
- 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
- 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.
- โ 360ยฐ Surround Sound Experience: Transform your living room into a cinematic oasis with our sound bar, featuring four advanced drivers that deliver precise, powerful audio. From subtle whispers to booming explosions, enjoy a full spectrum of sound that makes movies and music truly immersiveโright at home.
- โ Advanced DSP Technology for Clear Audio: Upgrade your audio-visual experience with state-of-the-art DSP technology, delivering stable, high-fidelity sound without distortion. Custom sound profiles for news, music, and movies let you enjoy optimized audio tailored for every occasion, ensuring crystal-clear sound every time.
- โ Dynamic, Stylish Audio Performance: Experience powerful, immersive sound with our unique TV sound bar, which can split into two sleek tower speakers. The vertical alignment enhances audio depth, perfect for movie nights and music. Beyond audio quality, its modern design adds a stylish flair to any decor.
- โ Effortless Setup and Broad Compatibility: Begin your audio journey with easy setup and versatile connectivity options. Our sound bar is designed for seamless integration, supporting Optical, ARC, AUX, and Bluetooth connections to connect effortlessly with a wide range of devices.
- โ Dedicated Support & Complete Package: Your satisfaction is our priority. Enjoy life-time after-sales service and responsive support within two days. The package includes the soundbar, remote control, power adapter, ARC/Optical/3.5mm audio cables, base, quick setup guide, and user manual for a smooth, complete setup.
- ใHearing Every Wordใ Say goodbye to muffled dialogue and hello to our soundbar that brings words to life, making you feel like you're part of the conversation.
- ใCompact yet SuitableใAt a little over 2.5 inches in height, our sound bar is compact enough to fit in most spaces. You can easily mount it on the wall or place it in front of your TV without worrying about it blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor.
- ใDSP&Three Sound EffectsใWith DSP, sound bar offers three sound modes or presets that cater to different program types, such as movies, music, news. These profiles can optimize the audio settings to suit the specific genre, enhancing your listening experience based on your preferences.
- ใCompatible with Fire TV RemoteใSoundbar is compatible with Fire TV remote control. Additional remotes compatible with Roku box or Roku TVs can be provided as per your request.
- ใHassle-free InstallationใWe've made the installation steps for the soundbar much simple. Plus, a special vibrant, easy-to-follow installation instructions has been included in the package. In case you still encounter any issues during the sound bar installation process, our dedicated after-sales team is always available to assist you!
- DTS Virtual:X&Dolby Audio: HS205G supports select Dolby Digital audio formats and DTS Virtual:X to reproduce multichannel audio, delivering a 3D surround sound experience.
- Wireless Streaming: Hisense Soundbar includes Bluetooth technology for easy wireless connections to the smart devices.Enjoy music from your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
- Connectivity: With HDMI OUT (ARC), Hisense Soundbar can connect to your TVs though one single HDMI cable, also connect wireโ lessly via Bluetooth.You can control both with one remote.
- Multiple Audio Mode: According to different sound demands in different scenes, we designed multiple audio enhancements, such as Movie mode, Music mode and News mode, you can switch to your desired freely.
- Roku TV Ready: As a Roku TV Ready device.Hisense HS205G Soundbar is fully compatible with any Roku TV through HDMI ARC, and use only one Roku TV remote to control both, easier setup and better integrated on-screen Soundbar settings experience during use.
- Simple, Convenient 2.1 Design - Experience the performance and features of a larger, more complex home theater system in a simple solution designed to blend seamlessly into any home.
- Powerful Performance - Brilliant clarity, thunderous bass, and Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support combine for performance beyond its size.
- Simple Setup, Streaming & Control - Get setup and listening in minutes with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity for unparalleled ease of use, control, and access to your content.
- Minimal Modern Design - Clean, low-profile silhouettes, subtle textures, and matte finishes seamlessly blend into any environment.
- 2.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.
- ใDetachable sound barใ:The 2 in 1 sound bar, suitable for TVs, computers, and more, is innovative. In detachable mode, it connects to a base accessory and can be placed on either side of the TV to create two two-tower soundbars, delivering immersive 3D surround sound. You can also combine the two tower speakers into a long soundbar for placement on a table or mounted on the wall. It not only provides a more immersive listening experience but also serves as an elegant piece of decoration
- ใ6 Audio Sources&Powerful Bassใ: The 100W soundbar features 2 full-range speakers, 2 tweeters, and 2 bass diaphragms, for total 6 audio drivers that deliver 3D surround bass sound. It's perfect for enjoying music working or dining. its compact design makes it a great choice for small spaces like living rooms, offices, or bedrooms. Whether gaming or watching movies, it creates a concert-like or personal theater atmosphere, enhancing overall home entertainment experience
- ใUpgraded 5.3 Bluetooth &5 Connection Methodsใ: The TV sound bar is upgraded with Bluetooth 5.3, offering faster and more stable connections, and easily connects to any Bluetooth device and improves sound clarity. Sound bar for smart TV supports USB, AUX, Optical, and HDMI ARC. In HDMI ARC mode, you can easily control the soundbar with your TV remote control. it has a dedicated subwoofer port for connecting the external subwoofer (not included), enhancing bass effect
- ใDistinct EQ Modes & Home Theater Audioใ: The TV soundbar offers 3 customizable EQ modes for music, movies, and games, allowing to personalize your listening experience, and enjoy deep, immersive sound. The soundbar delivers cinematic 3D audio, ensuring explosion sound quality in any scene. Whether you're watching a movie enjoying a concert, or catching up on the news, the sound bar enhances the audio of your TV shows and movies for a richer, more dynamic experience
- ใTwo control methodsใ: The TV speakers feature two convenient control methods. You can use the remote control to adjust the surround sound volume, switch tracks, and enjoy the listening experience. you can also use the buttons on the TV sound bar to control the volume
- IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND: S-Force PRO Front Surround and Dolby Digital create cinematic style surround sound.
- ENJOY CLEAR DIALOGUE AND POWERFUL SOUND: Powerful audio technology, such as the X-Balanced Speaker Unit and Separated Notch Edge, works to deliver wide-ranging sound and enhanced vocal clarity.
- SIMPLE & EASY OPERATION: The simple, compact remote control and convenient OLED display window make operation a breeze.
- WIRELESS SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: A powerful wireless subwoofer with a large 160mm speaker unit delivers a deeper, richer bass sound.
- EASY WIRELESS CONNECTION: Flexible layout and wireless connection to compatible BRAVIA TVs minimizes cable clutter.
- ใ๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญใ: Say goodbye to weak, muffled sound and hello to crystal-clear audio that automatically adjusts to suit your environment. Whether placed horizontally for room-enveloping sound or vertically for a dynamic audio, this splitable soundbar offers versatility to complement any room, bringing your TVโs audio to life in ways you've never imagined. Unleash the full power of your entertainment with our Automatic Loudness Boost feature.
- ใ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ใ: Step into a world of audio excellence with our powerhouse 90W soundbar, designed to deliver breathtaking sound. Equipped with 4 high-performance drivers, this speaker transforms your flat TV audio into a captivating surround sound. Feel every heartbeat, hear every whisper, and experience explosive sound effects with unparalleled clarityโturn your living room into a personal movie theater.
- ใ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ ๐ข๐ญ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ใ: Indulge in a fully customized listening experience with 3 expertly crafted sound modes: Movie, Music, and News. Whether you're diving into the latest blockbuster, jamming to your favorite tunes, or catching up on world events, our soundbar adapts to deliver exceptional audio tailored to your needs. Enjoy cinema-quality sound, crisp dialogues, and crystal-clear melodies.
- ใ๐๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ฉใ: Setting up your new soundbar is a breeze with our intuitive connection options. Stream music wirelessly with Bluetooth 5.0, or enjoy a stable, high-quality connection with ARC, OPT, or AUX cables. In ARC mode, you can easily control everything using your TV remote, saving you time and effort. With our user-friendly instructions and detailed video tutorials, youโll be enjoying exceptional sound in no timeโno tech expertise required.
- ใ๐๐ง๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญใ: We stand by our product with our hassle-free 18-month warranty and 24/7 support. If you ever need assistance, our team is ready to help. Plus, our 60-day, no-questions-asked replacement policy ensures that you can shop with confidence. Weโre committed to delivering not just great sound, but a stress-free experience from purchase to enjoyment.
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 2025-01-12
