In this post:
- 8 Best Soundbars for VIZIO TV in 2024
- 1. Best VIZIO 2.1 System Under $150 - VIZIO SB2821-D6
- 2. Best 2-Channel VIZIO Bar Under $100 - VIZIO SB3220n-F6
- 3. Best VIZIO 5.1 System Under $200 - VIZIO SB3651-E6C
- 4. Best Soundbar/Subwoofer Combo Under $250 - Yamaha YAS-207BL
- 5. Best Smart Soundbar - SONOS Beam
- 6. Polk Audio Signa S2
- 7. Best Small Soundbar - Bose Solo 5
- 8. Sony HT-S350
- FAQs
Looking for a soundbar for your new VIZIO TV? You’ve come to the right place. In our article about 8 best soundbars for VIZIO TV in 2024, you will find some great suggestions and answers to the most common questions about VIZIO soundbars and soundbars in general. We’ve tested numerous popular models and made a nice selection of soundbars for every budget.
Before we start with the reviews, it’s important to mention that our list includes all kinds of soundbars (single bars, bar/subwoofer combos, 5.1 systems). The list includes some nice inexpensive models but also some pricey soundbars. Since we are talking about soundbars for VIZIO TV, we’ve focused our attention on VIZIO soundbars but we have also included a few bars made by other, more reputable manufacturers. So, regardless of your preferences and budget, you should be able to find something you like. This is our list of 8 best soundbars for VIZIO TV in 2024.
8 Best Soundbars for VIZIO TV in 2024
1. Best VIZIO 2.1 System Under $150 – VIZIO SB2821-D6
SB2821-D6 is a 2.1 soundbar system. It consists of a 2-channel soundbar and one wireless 5.25in subwoofer. Considering its size, the bar is a perfect match for smaller TVs (up to 40in).
Things we like
SB2821-D6 comes with all the required audio cables and all the equipment for wall-mounting. It also comes with a small IR remote.
The soundbar features a simple cuboid design. Most of the bar is wrapped in black fabric. On the front, you have just a vertical array of LED lights in the left corner. Depending on the active source or sound mode, different LED lights will light up. Left and right panels have simple plastic faceplates with VIZIO logos. Some basic controls are located on the top (source, pairing, power, volume).
All the inputs/outputs are on the rear panel. SB2821-D6 doesn’t have any HDMI inputs or outputs, but it has two digital inputs (one optical and one coaxial) and two analog inputs (AUX and RCA). The bar also has a built-in Bluetooth receiver. Bluetooth connection delivers a satisfying performance. You won’t get extended range, aptX support, or any other advanced Bluetooth feature.
The bar supports only the most common 5.1 surround sound formats – LPCM, Dolby Digital, and DTS. Other multichannel formats and object-based formats are not supported.
The bar comes with a remote that allows you to select one of two available sound modes (movie or music). You can also use it to activate one of two standard VIZIO features TruVolume and TruSurround.
SB2821-D6 delivers quite an enjoyable performance, with nice and punchy bass, clear dialogs, and consistent treble. Bass and treble levels are adjustable.
Things we don’t like
SB2821-D6 doesn’t have any HDMI ports (no HDMI inputs and no HDMI outputs).
The LED indicators are not very user-friendly. They can be quite confusing. VIZIO, for some reason, insists on this kind of indicator. Replacing the LED lights with a simple LCD display would be a huge improvement.
The soundbar doesn’t support 7.1 and other multichannel surround sound formats. It also doesn’t support Atmos and DTS:X.
2. Best 2-Channel VIZIO Bar Under $100 – VIZIO SB3220n-F6
SB3220n-F6 is 32in long 2-channel soundbar. Considering its size, the bar is a nice match for 40-45in TVs.
Things we like
SB3220n-F6 comes nicely packed. All the audio cables are included in the package. The same goes for mounting equipment and IR remote.
The soundbar features the same ordinary design as many other VIZIO bars but it’s still fairly recognizable, mostly because of those faceplates with VIZIO logos on the left and right ends.
The soundbar has a small array of LED indicators in the front left corner. You have 5 control buttons on the top and you can use them to control some basic things (power on/off, choose the source, start pairing, increase/decrease volume).
On the back, you have two recessed compartments with all the inputs/outputs. On the left, there are the power input and SUB OUT (for connecting external subwoofer). On the right, there are all the audio inputs (coaxial, optical, RCA, AUX). The soundbar also has a USB port so you can play audio files (only mp3 and wav) from a USB stick. Unfortunately, there are no HDMI ports.
When it comes to digital connections, you can also use Bluetooth connection for streaming audio wirelessly. Since Bluetooth doesn’t support aptX LL, you can’t pair your TV with the soundbar and watch TV shows or movies (the audio lag will be noticeable).
The soundbar delivers quite an enjoyable audio performance. The bass is maybe lacking but you can always add a subwoofer and improve the listening experience. There are two sound modes – music and movies. You can also activate TruVolume or DTS Virtual:X features and get more consistent volume or better surround sound experience. The remote allows you to adjust the bass and treble levels.
Things we don’t like
SB3220n-F6 lacks HDMI inputs/outputs.
The LED indicators on the front panel are not very user-friendly. Using a simple display would be a huge improvement.
SB3220n-F6 doesn’t support object-based surround sound formats.
The soundbar has only 2 channels – there’s no dedicated center channel.
3. Best VIZIO 5.1 System Under $200 – VIZIO SB3651-E6C
VIZIO also makes 5.1 soundbar systems. They are a bit pricier than single bars and bar/subwoofer combos, but they also come with some additional features like wi-fi connectivity, Chromecast support, HDMI inputs and outputs. If you want an inexpensive true surround sound, VIZIO SB3651-E6C is a fine option.
Things we like
SB3651-E6C, like all the other VIZIO bars and systems, comes with all the audio cables (including speaker wire for the surround speakers). Wall mounting kit is also included in the package, as well as the remote.
The bar looks ordinary, like many other VIZIO bars. It’s just slightly larger than average. There are those recognizable faceplates with VIZIO logos on the left and right panels.
On the left end of the front panel, there are 12 LED indicators. On the top, you have that standard 5-button control panel, and on the back, there are all the inputs and outputs.
SB3651-E6C houses one HDMI input and one HDMI ARC output. Like many other VIZIO bars, it has optical and coaxial inputs. There’s also one AUX input for connecting analog sources and a USB input for connecting USB sticks and playing audio files (only mp3 and wav).
The soundbar features both Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity. It also has Chromecast built-in so you can stream audio from any Chromecast-enabled app or you can combine it with other Chromecast-enabled speakers and make a multiroom system.
VIZIO SB3651-E6C comes with the SmartCast app. You can use this app instead of the remote and activate different sound modes, make bass and treble adjustments, etc.
SB3651-E6C is a true surround sound system. Unlike some smaller VIZIO bars, this one has three drivers (there's a dedicated center channel). Compared to those smaller bars and bar/subwoofer combos, SB3651-E6C delivers a more immersive experience. The bass response is not extremely extended but the subwoofer adds a nice amount of punch. The dialogs are perfectly clear and intelligible, and the special effects are quite vivid.
Things we don’t like
Aside from one HDMI ARC output (for connecting to your VIZIO TV), SB3651-E6C has only one HDMI input. It has two additional digital connections (coax and optical) but if you have more devices with HDMI outputs that you want to connect, you should be looking for a more versatile system.
The remote that comes with the system has a small LCD screen and the screen is hard to read. The remote doesn’t have dedicated buttons for all the features and you have to look at the display when engaging some feature (when trying to adjust bass/treble levels, etc.).
The LED indicators on the soundbar are not very user-friendly.
4. Best Soundbar/Subwoofer Combo Under $250 – Yamaha YAS-207BL
Looking for something more sophisticated than VIZIO soundbars? YAS-207 is a perfect option. It looks and sounds better than any similar VIZIO soundbar system. The biggest advantage of the VIZIO soundbar/subwoofer combos is that they are, almost by default, cheaper than Yamaha bars. Also, they usually offer a greater number of features for the same price.
YAS-207BL soundbar is 36in long and it’s a great match for 45-50in TVs.
Things we like
YAS-207BL comes in a nice package. Along with the soundbar and subwoofer, you’ll get a simple remote, one optical cable, and a mounting template.
The bar looks very elegant. It’s almost entirely wrapped in a soft acoustic fabric. On the front panel, right at the bottom, there are LED source and sound mode indicators as well as some basic control buttons (source, pairing, volume buttons, and power button).
You’ll find all the inputs/outputs on the back. The bar houses one HDMI input and one HDMI ARC output. HDMI ports support 4K pass-thru. They are also HDCP 2.2 compliant and support HDR. The soundbar has one optical input and one AUX input. There’s also a micro USB port but it’s used for updates only. The soundbar features Bluetooth connectivity, too.
When it comes to advanced features, the soundbar has two special sound modes – clear voice (improves dialog intelligibility) and bass extension (elevates the bass response).
The soundbar can be controlled with the included remote or with the Home Theater Controller app (Android or iOS).
YAS-207BL supports the most common Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS 5.1 formats, as well as LPCM 5.1. It also supports DTS:X and it can simulate object-based surround sound, but you have to install the firmware update first.
YAS-207BL delivers an enjoyable performance and detailed sound reproduction. The bar houses four 1.75in woofer and two 1in twitters, arranged in three channels. The subwoofer houses 6.25in woofer. Together, the soundbar and subwoofer make a great combo. YAS-207BL may not be crazy loud and the bass response is not incredibly deep, but it’s punchy and fast.
Things we don’t like
YAS-207BL is not very versatile. There are 4 connections in total, 2 of which are HDMI. If you want to connect more than 3 digital sources, you will have to connect them to your TV.
Wall mounting kit is not included in the package – you have to buy it separately. Also, only an optical cable is included in the package. There are no HDMI cables.
5. Best Smart Soundbar – SONOS Beam
In case you’ve read some of our previous articles, especially those related to wireless surround sound systems, TV speakers, and soundbars, you have probably noticed that SONOS is one of our favorite brands. We simply love the reliability and ease of use that SONOS speakers, soundbars, and subwoofers offer. And we also love their performance.
SONOS Beam is the smallest and most affordable of all three bars made by SONOS. If you need something larger, try PLAYBASE or PLAYBAR. What’s interesting about the Beam is that, even though it’s the smallest and most affordable, it’s also the most advanced and feature-packed bar made by SONOS.
Things we like
SONOS Beam comes with one HDMI cable and one optical to HDMI adapter. You can use this adapter in case you don’t have any available HDMI ports on your TV. There is no remote for Beam but, luckily, there’s a great app (SONOS app) that you can use to set up the system and control everything.
The Beam looks quite attractive. It’s small and slim, and it is a nice match for smaller TVs (up to 40in). It comes in two colors – black and white.
The Beam houses 4 woofers, two tweeters, and three passive-bass radiators, arranged in 3 channels. They are all protected with a nice fabric grille. You can find some basic controls on the top but you need the SONOS app for all the advanced settings.
All the connections are on the back. Beam has only one HDMI ARC output and one Ethernet port. As always, SONOS wants you to connect everything to your TV. On the rear panel, you will also see the Join button and power input.
The list of supported features is quite long. Like many other bars on our list of 8 best soundbars for VIZIO TV in 2024, Beam features Bluetooth connectivity. It also supports wi-fi connectivity. Like all the other SONOS bars, Beam can be the hub of your wireless surround system. You just have to pair it with the SONOS SUB and SONOS Play speakers.
Along with Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity, SONOS Beam has Alexa built-in and supports AirPlay2. You can stream audio wirelessly to your SONOS Beam in many different ways. You can also make it a part of your multiroom system.
Like the PLAYBAR and PLAYBASE, Beam supports only the most common 5.1 surround sound formats (Dolby Digital, LPCM, and DTS).
Considering its size, Beam delivers an impressive performance. The soundstage created by this small thing is surprisingly wide and the sound reproduction is quite detailed. The midrange clarity is fantastic. The SONOS app allows you to select one of two special sound modes (Night Mode and Speech Enhancement). You can also use it to adjust bass and treble response. The Beam is a great bar for smaller rooms.
Things we don’t like
Like all the other SONOS bars/bases, Beam has a very limited number of physical inputs (only one HDMI ARC OUT). If you are familiar with SONOS speakers, you already know that SONOS wants you to connect all the sources to your TV.
The SONOS app offers full functionality only with iOS devices. You won’t be able to calibrate the system when using Android devices. All the other things work on both Android and iOS.
SONOS Beam doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
You can use Alexa to control the Beam only when it’s connected to your TV via HDMI cable.
6. Polk Audio Signa S2
Polk Audio is, just like VIZIO, a fairly affordable brand. Signa S2 is a soundbar/subwoofer combo and it’s a perfect option if your budget limit is set at $200.
Things we like
Signa S2 comes with all the necessary cables (HDMI cable, optical cable) and a simple remote.
The system looks clean, simple, and elegant. The bar is available in black color only. You have some basic controls on the top panel but if you want to control all the advanced settings and engage some additional features (adjust bass response, select one of the available sound modes), you have to use the remote.
All the inputs are on the rear panel. Signa S2 is fairly limited when it comes to connectivity – there’s one HDMI ARC port, one optical input, and one AUX input. The bar is also Bluetooth enabled so you can stream audio from your phone or any other device with a Bluetooth transmitter.
When it comes to special features and sound modes, you can choose between three available sound modes (music, movie, night) and three levels of VoiceAdjust (dialog intelligibility modes).
Polk Audio Signa S2 supports the most common 5.1 formats but it actually outputs 2.1 sound. The bar has only 4 drivers (2 woofers and 2 tweeters), arranged in 2 channels.
For its size, Signa S2 creates a very spacious soundstage and dynamic sound reproduction. The bass is punchy, the mids are sweet, and the vocals are crystal-clear.
Things we don’t like
Signa S2 has no HDMI inputs. There's only one HDMI ARC output. Aside from the HDMI ARC, S2 has only two inputs.
Signa S2 doesn’t come with an app and it doesn’t support wi-fi connectivity.
The soundbar doesn’t support object-based surround sound formats.
7. Best Small Soundbar – Bose Solo 5
Bose Solo 5 is one of the smallest soundbars on the market, and it’s one of the cheapest Bose soundbars (priced under $200). Solo 5 is 21in long and it’s a great match for small VIZIO TVs (up to 30in).
Things we like
Along with Solo 5, you’ll get a remote and optical cable. The packaging is not very premium but you have all the things you need for the initial setup.
The bar is small, simple, and stylish. Front, left, and right panels are covered with black aluminum grille. The enclosure is made of plastic. There are no controls on the bar itself, but you can control everything with the remote. There are three inputs on the rear panel – coaxial, optical, and 3.5mm stereo input. There’s also a USB port but it can only be used for firmware updates. Aside from all the physical inputs, Solo 5 also features Bluetooth connectivity.
The included remote can be used to control the soundbar but it can also control your TV, DVD players, Blu-Ray players, etc. It's a fully-featured universal remote and it’s fairly easy to use.
Solo 5 is just a 2-channel bar and it’s not perfect but it’s definitely better than your TV speakers. The biggest quality is the midrange reproduction and dialog clarity. The biggest downside is the lack of bass. There are two sound modes – dialog and bass boost. Bass boost makes the bass response a little bit thicker. However, Solo 5 can’t produce the kind of bass you would get from any of the previously mentioned soundbar/subwoofer combos.
Things we don’t like
Bose Solo 5 doesn’t have any HDMI ports (no HDMI ARC output and no HDMI inputs).
The soundbar is mountable but the mounting kit is sold separately.
The bass response is quite poor.
8. Sony HT-S350
Sony HT-S350 is a powerful 2.1 soundbar system with a wireless subwoofer. This is another great choice under $200.
Things we like
HT-S350 comes with a remote and optical cable. HDMI cable is not included in the package. The system is compact and quite sleek. The bar is super-slim and can fit under any TV. It can also be mounted on a wall.
Front, left, and right panels of the soundbar are protected with an aluminum grille. The enclosure is made of hard plastic. On the top, you have 5 touch-sensitive buttons for some basic functions (power, source, Bluetooth pairing, volume). For all the other functions, you can use the remote.
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The soundbar has only two connections – HDMI ARC output and optical input. Both are located on the back.
The soundbar features seven sound modes including auto, music, cinema, news, game, standard, and sports. There’s also the Voice Enhancement mode which improves the dialog clarity. Thanks to Sony’s proprietary S-Force PRO Front Surround, HT-S350 simulates surround sound when Dolby Digital 5.1 signal is received. The soundbar also supports LPCM. Unfortunately, DTS surround sound formats are not supported.
HT-S350 delivers a surprisingly powerful sound. This thing is a great choice for small and medium rooms. The bass is controlled and punchy. The mids and highs are detailed and balanced. The soundbar offers equally good performance with music, movies, and TV shows.
Things we don’t like
The soundbar can be mounted on a wall but it doesn’t come with a mounting kit. You have to buy it separately.
The soundbar has no HDMI inputs, only one HDMI ARC OUT.
DTS 5.1 and other DTS formats are not supported. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are also not supported.
HT-S350 doesn’t support 4K pass-thru and it’s not HDCP 2.2 compliant.
This is the end of the list of 8 best soundbars for VIZIO TV in 2024. Before you leave, take a few minutes to go through our FAQs section.
FAQs
Q: What is the best soundbar for a VIZIO TV?
A: It’s not a secret that soundbars and TVs work best together when they are made by the same manufacturer. In some cases, you can even find some recommendations, in the manual, what soundbars offer the best functionality and performance with a certain TV model or TV series. However, we are quite certain that almost any of today’s TVs will work with any soundbar. You may not get full functionality but you can connect them together and they will be compatible. Having that in mind, any of the models from our list of 8 best soundbars for VIZIO TV in 2024 will be a perfect match for your new VIZIO TV.
Q: What is the best inexpensive soundbar?
A: There’s a multitude of inexpensive soundbars made by all kinds of manufacturers. Most soundbars under $100 are made by generic brands that you have never heard of. Some brands are generic but have gained some reputation over the past 10 years (TaoTronics, for example). VIZIO is one of the rare recognizable brands that make inexpensive bars. Soundbars made by more popular audio manufacturers like Sony, Yamaha, Bose, JBL, Harman Kardon, SONOS, etc. are usually priced over $100. Some of these brands make soundbars that are priced under $200 or under $300 and most of these bars offer pretty good performance for the price.
Q: Are VIZIO soundbars any good?
A: For the price, they most definitely are. However, you must have in mind the first part of the sentence. You will never get a $500 performance, feature set, and connectivity from a $100 soundbar. VIZIO soundbars perform better than the price implies but they have some limitations. For example, a cheap VIZIO soundbar may not have HDMI inputs/outputs or it may have only one HDMI input and one ARC output. Also, only pricier VIZIO bars ($150+) feature wi-fi connectivity. We’re trying to say that you just have to be realistic and you have to know what to expect at a certain price point.
Q: Are TV soundbars worth it?
A: We wouldn’t even try to write this article if they were not worth it. Compared to those tiny speakers inside your TV, a soundbar is a significant upgrade and it's definitely worth it. Sure, it's not as good as true surround sound but it’s cheaper and the installation is much easier.
Q: Can you use any soundbar with any TV?
A: Most of today's soundbars and TVs have multiple analog and digital inputs and outputs so there’s a great chance that any soundbar will work with any TV. Not every soundbar has HDMI inputs or ARC outputs, but you can always use some other connection type (optical, coaxial, AUX).