Do you have a small room? If so, there are some things you should know before purchasing a soundbar.
Though they can be used in large rooms as well, soundbars are especially beneficial for smaller spaces because they provide fuller audio than what is possible from your TV’s built-in speakers. And with the number of different models on the market these days, it’s hard to choose one that will work best for your needs.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 of the best soundbars for a small room and discuss features to consider when choosing one. Let’s dive in.
Soundbar Comparison Table
| Image | Soundbar | Weight | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Yamaha YAS-108 | 7.1 lbs | 5.2 x 35 x 2.2 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Bose Solo 5 | 3.70 lbs | 3.4 x 21.5 x 2.8 inches | See at Amazon |
 | JBL Bar 5.1 | 29.70 lbs | 43.5 x 15.04 x 19.21 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Samsung HW-Q90R | 44.7 lbs | 3.26 x 5.35 x 48.26 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Sennheiser AMBEO | 40.7 lbs | 49.8 x 6.73 x 5.31 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Sony HT-S200F | 7.45 lbs | 38 x 19.1 x 9.5 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Vizio V51-H6 | 20.6 lbs | 37 x 37 x 15.5 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Yamaha YAS-109 | 10.13 lbs | 2.08 x 5.15 x 35 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Sony HTX8500 | 1 lbs | 6.75 x 37.25 x 6.25 inches | See at Amazon |
 | Vizio SB3651-F6 | 5 lbs | 36 x 2.1 x 3.2 inches | See at Amazon |
Best Soundbar for a Small Room in 2022 – Our Top 10
1. Yamaha YAS-108 Soundbar
The first soundbar for a small room on our list is the Yamaha YAS-108. It is an incredible soundbar with built-in dual subwoofers that has clear dialogue mode. This will enhance the frequency of any vocals so you can hear dialogues very clearly.
It also features the DTS Virtual:X that can create a wide, lifelike sound for a more realistic audio experience of TV shows and movies! In terms of connectivity, you can enjoy a seamless Bluetooth streaming between 2 devices, HDMI, optical, and aux.
The best thing about this Yamaha soundbar is that it is wall mountable, which is always perfect for small rooms. However, do note that it’s not compatible with TCL Roku TV.
The unstable sound also means that you may need to be adjusting the volume. Customers have reported that it could be too loud one minute, and too low the next.
Pros
- Dual Built-in Subwoofers
- DTS Virtual:X
- Great connectivity
- Wall mountable
Cons
- Not compatible with TCL Roku TV
- Loud surround sound base
- Unstable sound
2. Bose Solo 5 Soundbar
Anyone looking for a soundbar should check out the Bose Solo 5, which I love especially because of its flexible placement. You can mount this versatile model on the wall, by the TV or place it on a shelf.
Meanwhile, the dialogue mode can be useful to make out entire conversations in your favorite series or movies. Not to forget the universal remote that lets you control the Blu-ray player, Bluetooth, and even gaming system connected to your TV!
We also love the incredibly easy setup, as all you need to do is plug in the audio cable to your TV. Yes, that’s it, and the soundbar will do rest!
Unfortunately, Bose is notorious for having a relatively slow customer service. There is also no treble control in this soundbar.
Pros
- Flexible placement
- Dialogue mode
- Universal remote
- Easy setup
Cons
- Slow customer service
- No treble control
3. JBL Bar 5.1 Soundbar
When trying to find the best soundbar for a small room, you should never miss the JBL Bar 5.1. Just as its name suggests, it boasts an incredible virtual 5.1 surround sound experience without requiring extra speakers!
The 10″ wireless subwoofer will deliver astounding bass audio that will transform your audio experience for the better too.
We also love the built-in Wi-Fi that can integrate with Chromecast or Airplay 2. Additionally, this JBL soundbar is compatible with your 4K video source!
Although a few people have admitted that the sound is better without the subwoofer, which something to consider. It also seems that this isn’t the most durable soundbar you can get in the market.
Pros
- 5.1 virtual surround sound
- 10″ wireless subwoofer
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 4K compatible
Cons
- Flat sound with subwoofer
- Not very durable
4. Samsung HW-Q90R Soundbar
The Samsung HW-Q90R comes with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to produce an extraordinary surround sound experience that is simply stunning.
With 7 built-in speakers and a rear wireless speaker kit, you can enjoy a multidimensional cinematic audio experience. Plus, the Adaptive Sound technology will ensure the most optimized sound and clearest dialogues, even on a low volume.
In terms of the drawbacks, this soundbar has a pretty weak and unstable Wi-Fi connection. This can be a problem when you’re using it for the TV. There is also a lack of technical information and support that come with the product.
Pros
- High-quality sound
- 7 built-in speakers
- Includes rear wireless speaker
- Adaptive Sound
Cons
- Unstable Wi-Fi connection
- Lack of technical support
5. Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar
Next up is the Sennheiser AMBEO, which we love for its immersive 5.1.4 channel and bespoke AMBEO technology. You can enjoy the ultimate 3D sound experience even without an external subwoofer.
This effect will be adjusted to your room characteristics too, thanks to the newest virtualization technology. In addition, the built-in equalizer also helps to deliver a customized audio experience.
There are still several weaknesses about this soundbar that you might want to consider. For instance, it has a weak Bluetooth connectivity, which could be a red flag for some of you. The soundbar is sometimes also out of sync, according to several customers.
Pros
- 5.1.4 channel
- 3D audio experience
- Bespoke AMBEO technology
Cons
- Weak Bluetooth connection
- Sometimes out of sync
6. Sony HT-S200F Soundbar
The Sony HT-S200F is a pretty impressive soundbar, especially considering its affordable price tag and name brand.
What we love the most is its easy setup that takes pretty much no time and built-in subwoofer for that deep bass. Plus, the simple and low-profile design will look chic in any small space!
The voice enhancement feature is another bonus, which will amp up any hushed dialogue in your favorite films.
Unfortunately, it does not come with a HDMI cable. The overall sound volume is also not the loudest, although this shouldn’t be a problem in a small room.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- Easy setup
- Low-profile design
- Voice enhancement
Cons
- No HDMI cable
- Not the loudest volume
7. Vizio V51-H6 Soundbar
We have been recommending the Vizio V51-H6 mainly because it offers a full-on home theater experience in the shape of a compact sound bar. On the downside, they do come in several units and speakers.
While this will take up more space, it also creates a more lifelike surround sound system. The good news is that you can still mount the back speakers to save some space!
Furthermore, the setup for this soundbar is incredibly simple and easy. Once you receive the product, you can enjoy its high-quality performance immediately.
But another thing you should note is that it is not compatible with 4K videos.
Pros
- Excellent surround sound
- Mountable back speakers
- Easy setup
Cons
- Not very compact
- Not 4K compatible
8. Yamaha YAS-109 Soundbar
The Yamaha YAS-109 could be the best soundbar for a small room that you are looking for. Those who enjoy having voice control would love to know that it comes with built-in Alexa.
That’s right, you can play music, set alarms and control the soundbar just by speaking up! The built-in dual subwoofers also provide a richer bass.
In addition, the DTS Virtual:X technology will create an enveloping audio effect. Even better is it comes with a free app to control the soundbar.
Unfortunately, the app design is still not the best. Yamaha is also not known for the greatest customer service.
Pros
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- Dual Built-in Subwoofers
- DTS Virtual:X
- Sound Bar Controller App
Cons
- Poor app control
- Bad customer support
9. Sony HTX8500 Soundbar
The Sony HTX8500 uses the newest surround technology that combines the best performance from Dolby Atmos and DTS:X in a slim, minimalist unit.
Especially great in small rooms, this soundbar will produce a full cinematic sound to create a lifelike audio experience. It also comes with a built-in dual subwoofer, easy connectivity, and seamless Bluetooth connection.
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to this Sony soundbar that you might want to think about. One example is that the subwoofers are known to turn off on its own, which could disturb your experience. It may not be the most durable soundbar you can get either.
Pros
- Great surround technology
- Minimalist and elegant design
- Dual subwoofer
- Easy connectivity
Cons
- Unreliable subwoofer
- Not durable
10. Vizio SB3651-F6 Soundbar
Finally, the Vizio SB3651-F6 is one which is on my list today for a reason. With a premium 5.1 channel, you can enjoy the true surround sound with this!
The soundbar comes with rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer for the ultimate listening experience. Indeed, the room-shaking bass will be nothing short of impressive.
In addition, its DTS virtual: X technology ensures the best immersion that can deliver overhead sound. It also boasts excellent connectivity through the Wi-Fi streaming and Bluetooth connection.
Our one complaint is that the soundbar doesn’t connect to 4K video sources. It’s also not the best soundbar for music, although the film performance is commendable.
Pros
- True 5.1 surround sound
- External wireless subwoofer
- DTS virtual:X
- Good connectivity
Cons
- Not 4K compatible
- Not the best for music
How to Choose the Right Soundbar for Your Small Room
Here are several important factors you should consider when buying a soundbar for your small room.
1. Sound Quality
Of course, the most essential feature of a soundbar is its sound quality, and the power output should be enough for your specific room size.
Multi-directional drivers are great to drive the sound, as they can bounce the sound off the walls for a surround sound effect. This will truly increase the audio quality of your soundbar.
2. Soundbar Size
You can find soundbars that are less than a foot and those bigger than a TV. While some larger soundbars can sound amazing, size does not always equate to the audio performance.
This is even more important in a small room. You would want the soundbar to be big enough for a big sound, but still relatively compact!
3. Soundbar Channels
Channels are essential sound sources, and more audio channels can help produce the ultimate surround sound experience. Unlike a complex home theater setup, soundbars can produce multiple channels in a single unit.
You can find models with anything from 2 to 7 channels. Meanwhile, the Dolby Atmos soundbar is often the best!
4. Connectivity Options
Don’t forget to look at the connectivity options as this will determine how easy it will be to connect different audio sources.
HDMI is important, while wireless connectivity is becoming the new standard. This includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
5. Front Display Panel
Sometimes, the best soundbar for a small room would feature a front display panel. This will be useful when you want to play some music without having to turn on the entire TV.
Of course, bright displays can be distracting. We recommend looking for models with a dim display that can also be turned off!
6. Wired or Wireless
You should also think about getting soundbars that connect to its speakers wirelessly. This is often limited to the subwoofer hardware, but others feature a “surround sound” technology.
Moreover, wireless models can make your entertainment space look much neater and cleaner. No need to fuss around with tangled wires at all.
Also read: Logitech Z906 Surround Speaker Review
7. Subwoofer
Not all soundbars come with a separate subwoofer, but those that do will deliver a better sound performance.
Subwoofers can improve any low-end audio and create a cinematic effect that will enhance the listening experience. However, using a built-in subwoofer is always better than a bad external one!
8. Price
When choosing a soundbar for your small space, it is important to plan a budget beforehand. You will find a good subwoofer in any price point, which is why you should know your preferred range.
While spending too much on a soundbar may not be wise, remember that quality also matters in the long run.
Conclusion
Overall, the best soundbar for a small room to buy is the one that fits your personal needs and preference. Make sure to pay attention to these important factors before deciding.
Considering the customer reviews could also be helpful, as they tell you what real users think about the soundbars. Good luck!
FAQs
1) Should I buy a soundbar or use my TV’s speakers?
TVs come with built-in speakers that can be sufficient in some cases. However, if you want to experience more powerful audio for watching movies and playing video games, then getting a soundbar is your best bet. Soundbars provide rich, dynamic sound that can fill up even the smallest room.
2) What size soundbar should I get for a 55 inch TV?
Soundbars come in a variety of sizes. If you have a 55 inch TV, then between 40 to 50 inches would probably be the best fit for your space.
3) What is the difference between a 2.1 and 5.1 soundbar?
The difference between 2.1 and 5.1 soundbars is the number of speakers included in each one. A 2.1 system has two front speakers, while a 5.1 system has five – four across the front of your room and one on the back of your room for added depth and immersion.
4) Can you use any soundbar on any TV?
Yes, you can use almost any soundbar with almost any TV. However, it is important to check the connections on both your TV and soundbar first. You may need an HDMI cable or optical cable to connect them properly.
5) Can you put a soundbar on the floor?
You can, but there are usually better ways to set it up. Some soundbars come with stands that allow them to sit on your TV stand or table, while others may need the support of a wall-mounted bracket. Whichever you choose, make sure it fits well with your room’s décor and atmosphere.
6) How do you connect a soundbar to your TV?
There are many different ways you can connect your soundbar to your TV. Some TVs have built-in support for HDMI, which means all you need is an HDMI cable between them.
For other TVs, you may need an optical cable, or if there is no audio output on your TV at all, then you’ll need to set up a home theater receiver as well.
7) How long do soundbars last?
Just like with any other home theater or audio equipment, the life of your soundbar depends on how often you use it and how well you take care of it. If properly cared for, a high-quality soundbar should last up to 7 years.
8) Does the wattage matter?
Yes, having more watts can mean that your soundbar can produce a more powerful, high-quality sound.
However, do not buy a soundbar simply because it has more watts than another one – make sure you consider other factors as well, such as the number of speakers the system has and the types of the audio tech included.