When you buy a new TV, you get excited. You become busy setting it up. But when you find the built-in audio system is low grade and unsatisfied, you don’t feel good. Even it can happen with a person who has the best TV in his home. So, what should you do at this moment?
If your built-in audio system is low grade, then a soundbar will be the best option to replace it and solve your problem. Nowadays, a soundbar has become quite popular. It is the easiest way to fix your audio system, and you can also purchase it at a reasonable price. There are many soundbars on the market. So, which one will be the perfect one for you or which one will be the best option for your sound system?
A 2.1 or 3.1 soundbar can be the best starter option for your sound system. So, what is the difference between a 2.1 and 3.1 soundbar?
A 2.1 soundbar comes with two channels which are a left and a right channel. A 3.1 soundbar comes with three channels; left, right and center. Both of the soundbars contain a subwoofer. A 3.1 will perform better than a 2.1 soundbar as it has a center channel.
Keep reading to have a clear conception of the differences between these two soundbars.
Differences Between 2.1 and 3.1 Soundbars
2.1 Soundbar Setup
A few moments ago, we told you a 2.1 soundbar contains a left and a right channel and a subwoofer. The two different channels are built into the soundbar, and the subwoofer is external. External subwoofers are made to produce low-frequency sounds that soundbars aren’t able to produce. You will get a clear right and left speaker sound.
But if you want to hear a high dynamic sound, then a 2.1 soundbar won’t be able to provide it because it doesn’t have a central speaker. But if you are looking for a small upgrade to your TV’s built-in sound system, a 2.1 will be a perfect choice.
3.1 Soundbar Setup
A 3.1 soundbar has three different channels. It is a little different than a 2.1 soundbar which has two channels. A 3.1 soundbar has an extra center channel.
This extra center channel gives you dialogues and dynamic sounds. This central speaker gets you a surround sound feel.
A 3.1 soundbar also comes with an external subwoofer. It doesn’t give rear speakers as a 5.1 soundbar. But it provides much better sound quality than a 2.1 soundbar.
Soundbar Channels Explained: 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, etc.
- A 2.1 Soundbar – two different channels, left and right, an external subwoofer. A 2.1 soundbar can be purchased at a reasonable price.
- A 3.1 Soundbar – three different channels, left, right, and central. It also has an external subwoofer. They give a better sound quality and dynamic sound and protect dialogues from mixing with the music and sounds.
- A 5.1 Soundbar – five different channels, left, right, center, surround right, and surround left with subwoofer. The left and right surround channels give the system a traditional surround sound experience. As they contain two additional channels, you need to consume more money than a 2.1 or 3.1 soundbar. 5.1 soundbars are generally much different from both 2.1 and 3.1 soundbars
Benefits of Soundbar Systems
The Soundbar systems are the best option to solve your TV’s low-grade audio system. It has become quite popular recently. With the soundbars, you can have a dynamic sound. You can simply use them and set them up. They are also budget-friendly.
High-Quality Sound
Whenever you buy something, you always probably look for a trusted brand or product. In the case of speakers, you look for top manufacturers, cause the industry experts to trust them. It is the same case for soundbars.
Trusted industry-leading brands are providing amazing soundbars which give a dynamic sound experience. The lesser-known brands aren’t lagging behind in the market. It isn’t easy to gain room-filling sound, the multi-dimensional sound that conventional surround audio systems provide. In that case, soundbars are becoming very close and comparable. They are making it difficult to solve the problem of custom building a costly and complicated surround sound system.
Simple and Easy to Use for Almost Anyone
The easy and simple setup and the simple utilization make a soundbar perfect. Soundbars don’t make things difficult. They help you to give a great sound quality for your TV. The best thing about soundbars is they easily implement with your TV and other instruments, and many of them update automatically to make sure that your device is up-to-date with the latest technology. Though they are simple, they ensure a long-time warranty.
They Are Extremely Compact
Conventional sound systems are considered as huge. They need a lot of components in order to gain a proper surround sound feel. But sometimes, those components can make a big mess. Another problem is they have large and unruly wiring that you won’t like.
If you want to get rid of this traditional sound system, then switch to soundbars. They save you from this big mess. They easily adjust with your room and keep your room tidy and clean.
Stylish and Modern Designs
The soundbars provide a solid sound system and a stylish looking. If you want to set up your soundbar in your main room, then it will be a great choice. If you want the attraction of the people, you need to set up your soundbar next to your TV by following our guide. If you do so, you will probably get people’s compliments, and you will feel better.
Soundbars Are Typically Budget-Friendly
So, it might be best if you had a soundbar to get rid of the low-grade audio system of your TV. You always want the best product at a reasonable or budget-friendly price. You will find the perfect soundbar according to your audio problem and budget.
You may find many soundbars on the market. Each of them has different qualities and uses; you need to find the perfect one for your TV’s audio problem.
Suppose, if you don’t want to get dynamic sound with your soundbar, then you can purchase a 2.1 soundbar at a very low price. But if you want dynamic sound or surround sound system, you have to consume much more money. You can buy a 3.1 or 5.1 soundbar for your sound system.
Choosing the Right Soundbar for You
Which soundbar would you buy or which soundbar would be the best one for your sound system? These all depend on your budget and your preferences. Whether you want to buy a 2.1 soundbar or a 3.1 soundbar, first, you have to decide your budget and give priority to your preferences.
Recommended 2.1 Soundbars
If your intention is to spend money around $100-$200 and you don’t want to have any dynamic or surround sound system, then a 2.1 soundbar will be a great choice for your TV’s audio system. You can purchase a 2.1 soundbar at a price of $100-$200. Check out these three options you may like:
- Enjoy 100 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1 percent total harmonic distortion
- Wireless subwoofer adds rich bass from anywhere in the room
- Built in Bluetooth lets you lose the wires and listen to your music with a tap of a finger with built in Bluetooth. Sound pressure level - 100 dB. Sound bar frequency - 50 hertz - 19 hertz
- Premium audio with Dolby digital decoding, plus DTS TruVolume and DTS audio post processing
- Wireless remote for convenient volume, input and audio controls; Wireless subwoofer range approximately 60 feet – line of sight from sound bar
VIZIO SB3821 (on Amazon) -The VIZIO SB3821 contains 100 dB of sound. It has a wireless subwoofer, and the range of the subwoofer is 60 feet. Bluetooth technology is also inserted into it so that you can easily control it. Dolby Digital decoding, DTS audio post-processing, and DTS TruVolume are also found in it.
- Room-Filling Audio with Dual Built-in Subwoofers - Experience theater-quality 100dB surround sound powered by dual subwoofers and full-range speakers, delivers deep powerful bass and crystal-clear treble for movies, music, and gaming nights with family.
- Universal Connectivity Options - Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable wireless streaming from smartphones/tablets, wired connections via optical/aux ports, works seamlessly with smart TVs, 4K TVs, PCs, projectors, and gaming consoles (HDMI not supported).
- 3 Smart EQ Modes - Professional-grade DSP technology offers three optimized presets: Movie Mode boosts explosive bass for action scenes, Music Mode balances vocals/instruments, News Mode clarifies dialogue, adapts to every entertainment scenario.
- Space-Saving Modular Design - Convert between 32-inch soundbar (compact setup) and dual 16-inch tower speakers (immersive stereo separation), flexible placement ideal for apartments, home theaters, and gaming rooms.
- Intuitive Control System - Includes dedicated remote and side buttons for effortless operation (Note: Does not sync with TV/Fire, Roku, and Universal remotes - standalone control required).
Wohome 2.1 Channel Soundbar S28 (on Amazon) -The Wohome 2.1 Channel Soundbar S28 comes with exquisite features. It contains six drivers, two built-in subwoofers, two tweeter speakers, and two full-range speakers. It provides 105 dB of sound in order to fill the room. It also has Bluetooth technology to facilitate your control system, a built-in DSP chip.
- 【Broad Remote Compatibility】- Support HDMI-ARC&HDMI-CEC,and could let you use your TV remote to control volume and on/off. No need two Remote . Enjoy wireless streaming music through Bluetooth 5.0; AUX, Coaxial, USB, and Optical inputs, could work with almost all your devices.
- 【Immersive 3D surround Sound Experience】- With built-in DSP technology, the BESTISAN SE05P has surround sound system can turn an ordinary TV experience to a 3D surround sound experience. BESTISAN SE05P Sound bar for TV is equipped with four full range speakers. The dynamic bass is achieved through a special port tube reflection to deliver an immersive cinematic experience. The SE05P has a maximum volume of 110dB and a peak power of 80W.
- 【Dialogue Enhancement Technology】- BESTISAN SE05P home audio sound bars with Dialogue enhancement Technology can make every word and detail stand out. With less than 1% total harmonic distortion provding the sound reproduction better than most products on the market to let you hear every music notes beating on each music performance and not miss nothing on each dialogue.
- 【Built-in DSP & 3 Different Equalizer Modes】- Built-in DSP technology, makes the sound more accurate and the vocals clearer. BESTISAN SE05P Soundbar for TV can improve TV sound, and get you High-quality musics and get extreme gaming experiences. you can tune your tv speakers sound bar to 3 different modes (Music mode, Movie mode, Dialogue mode) to match your favorite activity.
- 【Bluetooth 5.0 & Multi-wired Connections】- With wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Transmission,you can easily connect OXS S3 home audio speakers to wireless devices like cellphone, pad, tablets, laptop, computer, providing lossless audio transmission and 360-degree sound. Also it supports HDMI-ARC ,USB, AUX, OPTICAL, COAXIAL wired audio input to connect with the TV/PC.
BYL Channel Soundbar (on Amazon) -The BYL 2.1 Channel Soundbar has a 6.5″ subwoofer, which is wireless, and the range of the subwoofer is up to 60 feet. It provides 110 dB of sound in order to fill your home entertainment room. It also has Bluetooth technology. DSP technology is also found in it to support music, dialogue, and movies.
Recommended 3.1 Soundbars
If you are searching for a dynamic sound and you are going to spend around $200-$500, then you can purchase a 3.1 soundbar. A 3.1 soundbar comes with an extra center channel that gives you a much better sound experience than a 2.1 soundbar. When you are going to buy a 3.1 soundbar, then you should buy one of these three:
- It’s so easy to wirelessly pair your LG sound bar, you’ll feel like an audio expert. Bluetooth 4.2 provides range and reliability to connect your LG sound bar to your TV or device, or you can connect via LG Sound Sync.
LG SL6Y 3.1 (on Amazon) -The LG SL6Y 3.1 soundbar system has three channels: the left, right, and center. It has a wireless subwoofer and DTS Virtual:X that gives you three-dimensional surround sound without the help of any extra speaker. The external subwoofer creates a great bass. The LG SL6Y 3.1 soundbar is one of the most high rated soundbars.
- 3.1 Channel with center channel - enjoy a dynamic home audio experience with 3.1 Channel surround sound
- Wireless active subwoofer - feel The action of your favorite movies, shows, and sports with dynamic, powerful bass
- Bluetooth connectivity - connect wireless for one-touch control of your soundbar from Bluetooth compatible devices. Simply select the sound bar for pairing and power It on automatically to play all your favorite music services and more
- Hdmi - enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and sports with higher quality audio. The HDMI connection transmits digital video and audio over a single cable, delivering a superior entertainment experience
- Surround sound expansion - experience the full power and depth of your favorite movies and TV shows with a wholly optimized audio experience. Frequency Response (amp):40Hz~20KHz
Samsung MM55 (on Amazon) -The Samsung MM55 has three built-in speakers and a subwoofer. It also has Bluetooth technology. By using this technology, you can easily play many kinds of music, movies, etc. But you won’t be able to play music through AUX and Bluetooth at the same time. It connects your media with the help of one HDMI cord. It provides a great sound experience.
- JBL Surround sound makes movies come alive
- JBL Surround sound with 450W of power. Max SPL - 103db. Frequency Response - 35Hz to 20KHz
- Thrilling bass from a 10" (250mm) wireless subwoofer
- Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth
- True 4K connectivity with 3 HDMI in/1 HDMI out (ARC)
JBL Bar 3.1 (on Amazon) -The JBL Bar 3.1 comes with 450 watts of sound and an 11″ wireless subwoofer. It has three built-in front speakers. Through Bluetooth technology, you can play music, videos, etc. You can get a true connection to 4KTVs with the help of 3 HDMI in/ 1 HDMI ARC out.
If you want our full list of recommended soundbars, then check here. We wish you a happy shopping!
-our editorial board has reviewed this article and has been approved for publication according to our editorial policy.
Best Seller List of Soundbars:
- 【𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭】: Multiple placements to suit any space: Horizontal Tabletop – 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 – 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 – Direct, even sound for open spaces. Great for space-saving and party atmospheres.
- 【𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭】: 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.
- 【𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐐 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐬】: 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.
- 【𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐬𝐞】: Enjoy seamless Bluetooth 5.3 and reliable ARC, OPT, AUX. In ARC mode, control your soundbar with TV remote. Note: First 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 tutorials—perfect for tech enthusiasts and beginners.
- 【𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐲-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭】: 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 — please consult the manual for optimal results.
- 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.
- AI-BASED NOISE CANCELLATION – Dual-directional AI microphones distinguish human voices from background noise, delivering clear communication on both ends of every call.
- SUPERIOR CALL CLARITY – Echo cancellation removes acoustic feedback and distortion, ensuring natural and distraction-free conversations
- ENHANCED AUDIO PERFORMANCE – High-performance 52mm drivers with 90dB sound pressure and 150Hz–20kHz response provide crisp speech and balanced sound quality.
- SEAMLESS MONITOR INTEGRATION – Magnetic attachment enables clutter-free installation with 40+ Dell P- and U-Series monitors, keeping desks streamlined and professional.
- COLLABORATION OPTIMISED – Certified for Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and compatible with other leading UC platforms for effortless conference integration.
- 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
- 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
- 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 Hz–18 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 performance—bringing 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.
- 【Blockbuster Sound, Unrivaled Immersion】Transform your home entertainment with the immersive sound of our 5.1ch smart tv sound bar. Delivering true surround sound, it offers crystal-clear dialogue, dynamic bass, and precise spatial audio. Perfect for movie lovers, gamers, and music enthusiasts. Its compact design makes it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms, offering high-quality sound without compromising on space. (Note: New firmware with personalized performance is available and can be applied as needed.)
- 【Superior Dolby Atmos Surround vs. Standard Non-Dolby Stereo】This 5.1ch TV sound system has been upgraded to Dolby Atmos, redefining dimensional audio and transforming your home entertainment into a theater-like experience. With Dolby Atmos content, you’ll experience true panoramic sound, where audio moves around you in every direction for incredible depth and realism. Even when playing non-Dolby content, our system utilizes rear surround speakers to simulate a virtual surround sound field, ensuring an immersive, cinema-like experience right in your home.
- 【Unmatched Cinematic Sound with Dual Wired Surround Speakers】Experience a new level of audio with our 5.1 soundbar and dual wired surround speakers. Expanding the soundstage, they deliver immersive background audio that enhances every movie moment. Designed for total immersion, these speakers create a multidimensional soundscape, elevating your viewing experience with cinematic realism. Transform your space into a true theater of sound.
- 【HXS Processing - Precision-Tuned Crystal-Clear Dialogue】Bringing every detail to life with theater-quality audio, our next-generation HXS Processing (ClearVoice Technology) delivers enhanced, crystal-clear dialogue. The larger subwoofer handles deeper lows, while the central soundbar ensures even sound across all channels, creating a more balanced and comfortable listening experience.
- 【Crafting Superior Sound with Premium Materials】Delivers exceptional audio through superior craftsmanship and premium materials. Featuring high-end aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragms, the system ensures optimal sound quality with lightweight design, excellent conductivity, and high rigidity. Each driver is enhanced with the copper shorting ring to reduce interference and improve signal clarity, creating a truly immersive, high-quality audio experience.
- Powerful 50W Audio Output: Mini Bluetooth Speaker delivers an impressive 50W of sound, offering deep bass and crystal-clear audio that fills any space, indoors or outdoors.
- 360° Surround Sound: Experience immersive sound from every angle with the 360° design. Whether at home, at a party, or on the beach, your music will sound rich and balanced from all directions.
- Compact & Portable Design: The KY-Mini is built for portability. It’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, picnics, or travel. Take your music wherever you go!
- Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity: Enjoy smooth and stable wireless streaming with Bluetooth 5.3. The speaker pairs easily with your phone, tablet, or laptop, offering seamless connectivity for uninterrupted listening.
- Multiple Connection Options:The KY-Mini speaker not only supports Bluetooth 5.3 wireless connection but also comes equipped with multiple wired input ports, including AUX, Optical, and ARC interfaces, allowing you to easily connect various devices according to your needs.
- Amp up your audio - Fire TV Soundbar enhances TV audio with dual speakers for fuller sound, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass—all in a compact design.
- Immersive sound - Enjoy a three-dimensional virtual surround sound experience with DTS Virtual:X and more detail with Dolby Audio.
- Easy setup - Just plug in the included HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your TV to instantly enjoy audio that's always in sync.
- Compact design - With a length of 24“ and a height of just 2.5", Fire TV Soundbar fits most entertainment consoles and TV stands.
- Stream audio with Bluetooth - Connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to fill the room with your favorite music.
- 【Hearing Every Word】 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.
- 【Compact yet Suitable】At 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.
- 【DSP&Three Sound Effects】With 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.
- 【Compatible with Fire TV Remote】Soundbar is compatible with Fire TV remote control. Additional remotes compatible with Roku box or Roku TVs can be provided as per your request.
- 【Hassle-free Installation】We'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!
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Last update on 2025-11-13
