Wireless audio support: We considered only those soundbars that had the ability to stream music from a phone or tablet, via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (or both).Some listeners prefer a simpler, less-expensive model with fewer channels, and some want a more cinematic experience, so we tried everything we could get our hands on. Generally speaking, the more channels, the more immersive the surround effect is. They’re designated as something like “5.1.2,” which means five main speakers, one subwoofer, and two upward-firing immersive speakers for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. Number of channels: Soundbars can have anywhere from two to 16 channels of sound.The system also has dedicated rear speakers that connect via cables to the surprisingly powerful 6.5-inch subwoofer.įeatures include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatibility, one standard HDMI input, an HDMI eARC jack, optical and analog audio inputs, lots of adjustments for fine-tuning the sound, Bluetooth, and a dedicated signal-sensing input that lets you connect an Amazon Echo Dot so that the soundbar works as a smart speaker.Īll that’s missing is Wi-Fi connectivity to stream music wirelessly via a platform like AirPlay or Chromecast, which is a feature you often get at this price. The soundbar has internal, motorized speakers that tilt up and bounce the sound off the ceiling to create a more immersive effect, while a purple-lit sound vent slides out from each side to enhance the surround effect even further.

This system is more costly and much more complicated than our top pick, but our listening panel felt it delivered an experience more like being in a commercial cinema-though it did not sound as good with music. If your priority is to get an enveloping surround-sound experience, the Vizio M-Series Elevate is for you. Optional surround speakers are available. It offers the essential connection options we like to see- HDMI eARC, optical digital audio, and analog audio-but lacks a dedicated HDMI input to connect a source directly. The MagniFi Mini AX is compatible with the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats, and can also stream audio over Wi-Fi via Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Chromecast, as well as via Bluetooth. The package includes a compact subwoofer that also performed better than its size suggests, producing deep, punchy, satisfying bass, and the system sounded better with music than most soundbars do. The soundbar measures just 14.5 inches wide, but thanks to its digital signal processing (DSP) technology, it produced a surround-sound effect that was, in some cases, more natural-sounding (if less dramatic) than soundbars using dedicated surround speakers. But in our brand-concealed tests, where the listeners couldn’t judge it by its size, this soundbar outperformed larger, more feature-packed models costing hundreds more. Below are some of the best, so just head to Google and type one of the following searches.Looking at the super-compact Polk MagniFi Mini AX, you might not expect much. Google has hidden lots of quirky Easter eggs and fun games in its search engine.

Hidden mini bar at home