Soundbar Buying Guide -The Good Guys

A soundbar is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to upgrade the sound of your television. They're simple to install, don't require a multi-speaker setup or the hassle of wires. Soundbars can also be used as a home wireless speaker so they can be enjoyed even when the TV is off. If you're looking for the ultimate home theatre experience with epic sound like Dolby Atmos, keep reading to get all the best tips and advice.

Spotlight On Dolby Atmos

Wondering what is Dolby Atmos? It's an impressive audio format that produces a three-dimensional sound effect which makes any viewer or listener feel like they are part of the action. Whether it's movies, games or music, a good Dolby Atmos soundbar can significantly level up the sound of your entertainment so you can hear more and feel more. If you want the latest in soundbar tech, Dolby Atmos is the way to go.

Cinema Experience

With additional in-built speakers that project 3D surround sound, Dolby Atmos soundbars provide a thrilling cinema experience.

Connectivity

Most Dolby Atmos soundbars seamlessly connect to your phone or smart home assistant to stream your favourite music.

Compact

With a simple plug and play setup, Dolby Atmos soundbars are not only easy to install but also sleek and compact.

Channelling Sound

Dolby Atmos channels sounds from multiple directions via forward-facing speakers, subwoofers and height channels.

Which Soundbar Is Right For You?

Finding the perfect soundbar is like finding the perfect playlist - it's all about blending your audio needs with your space. Think about your room size and TV dimensions for that sweet spot. Consider where you want to place it - whether in front, on a shelf, or hanging proudly on the wall. And don't forget those handy features like remote compatibility and wireless connections for that extra ease.

Soundbar Technology Glossary

Check out below to get clued up on all the Soundbar jargon before you start shopping.

Dolby Atmos

A modern audio format that cleverly projects sound from movies, video games, or music in a way that the listener gets to listen to the audio in an immersive way.

Three Dimensional Sound

Refers to immersive audio technologies that aim to surround the listener with incredible sound.

Multi-Speaker Setup

A number of speakers that enable you to play your music seamlessly around your home form a central device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Subwoofer

A loudspeaker designed to produce low-frequency sound such as bass and sub-bass.

Channels

Soundbars have multiple built-in speakers and channels - the greater the number of speakers and channels, the more the sound will seem to surround you.

Plug-and-Play Setup

The hiding of an actual background in video display e.g. Background Blur feature.

Connectivity

The ability to link to and communicate with other electronic devices such as a smart home assistant or smartphone.

"A Soundbar is game changer because it allows you to actually feel what you’re seeing on screen – it’s a must for passionate audiophiles or anyone who wants that thunderous, high-fidelity sound in their living room." Christos Boukogiannis, The Good Guys Buyer – Sound

Top Things To Consider

When shopping for a soundbar, there are a few things to consider - from the latest tech, the size of your entertainment space, to wall mounting capability. Don't forget to look out for convenient connections, like Bluetooth, that will make it easier to connect your phone or tablet to the soundbar - just make sure you pair them before use.

Discover Popular Soundbar Brands

Soundbar FAQs

More Tips, Advice & Buying Guides

Resolution	Description
8K 7680p x 4320p 33 million pixels	8K is the highest definition currently available for consumer TVs. What makes 8K TVs great is the upscaling, which means Full HD and 4K content look closer to 8K, levelling up everything you watch. While this may depend on the shape of your room and your personal preferences, an 8K TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 1.5 times the TV diagonal screen size. For example, for a 55" 8K TV you would sit at least 1 metre away. For an 85" 8K TV you would sit at least 1.6 metres away.
4K 3840p x 2160p 8 million pixels	4K is currently considered the standard TV resolution. All the latest movies, TV shows and video games are released in 4K on game consoles and streaming platforms. Just like an 8K TV, a 4K TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 1.5 times the TV diagonal screen size. For example, for a 55" 4K TV you would sit at least 1 metre away. For an 85" 4K TV you would sit at least 1.6 metres away.
Full HD 1920p x 1080p 2.1 million pixels	Full HD is the resolution that standard Blu-rays screen at. If you generally watch free-to-air, have slow internet speed or subscribe to the base level of streaming services, a Full HD TV will suit you just fine. A Full HD TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 3 times the TV diagonal screen size. For example, for a 55" Full HD TV you would sit at least 2.1 metres away. For an 85" Full HD TV you would sit 2.5 metres away.
HD 1280p x 720p 921,600 pixels	HD (High Definition) is great if you want a small, low-priced television for watching free-to-air and DVDs. Just like a Full HD TV, an HD TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 3 times the TV diagonal screen size. For example, for a 55" HD TV you would sit at least 2.1 metres away. For an 85" HD TV you would sit 2.5 metres away.

Resolution

Description

7680p x 4320p

33 million pixels

8K is the highest definition currently available for consumer TVs. What makes 8K TVs great is the upscaling, which means Full HD and 4K content look closer to 8K, levelling up everything you watch. While this may depend on the shape of your room and your personal preferences, an 8K TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 1.5 times the TV diagonal screen size.

For example, for a 55" 8K TV you would sit at least 1 metre away. For an 85" 8K TV you would sit at least 1.6 metres away.

3840p x 2160p

8 million pixels

4K is currently considered the standard TV resolution. All the latest movies, TV shows and video games are released in 4K on game consoles and streaming platforms. Just like an 8K TV, a 4K TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 1.5 times the TV diagonal screen size.

For example, for a 55" 4K TV you would sit at least 1 metre away. For an 85" 4K TV you would sit at least 1.6 metres away.

Full HD

1920p x 1080p

2.1 million pixels

Full HD is the resolution that standard Blu-rays screen at. If you generally watch free-to-air, have slow internet speed or subscribe to the base level of streaming services, a Full HD TV will suit you just fine. A Full HD TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 3 times the TV diagonal screen size.

For example, for a 55" Full HD TV you would sit at least 2.1 metres away. For an 85" Full HD TV you would sit 2.5 metres away.

1280p x 720p

921,600 pixels

HD (High Definition) is great if you want a small, low-priced television for watching free-to-air and DVDs. Just like a Full HD TV, an HD TV is best viewed at a distance of at least 3 times the TV diagonal screen size.

For example, for a 55" HD TV you would sit at least 2.1 metres away. For an 85" HD TV you would sit 2.5 metres away.

Compare Add more to compare Added

Cinema Experience

Connectivity

Compact

Channelling Sound

Immersive Audio

Real Sound

Adaptive Audio

Which Soundbar Is Right For You?

Soundbar Technology Glossary

Top Things To Consider

Discover Popular Soundbar Brands

Soundbar FAQs

What Is Dolby Atmos?

How Do I Connect A Soundbar To A TV?

Are Soundbars Worth It?

How Do I Pick The Right Soundbar?

Do I Need A Subwoofer?

More Tips, Advice & Buying Guides