The worst is the Arcam Solo soundbar the best is the Yamaha YSP offering, but how do the other brands stack up?
Consumer advocacy group Choice has tested a range of soundbars on the market to pick the best of the best. We take a look at the top 10 plus the best and the worst.
Number 10: Sony HT-NT5
Sony’s wall mountable HT-NT5 2.1 channel soundbar and wireless subwoofer features 24-bit high-resolution audio, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility, and built-in Chromecast.
Number 9: Klipsch RSB-11
Part of Klipsch’s Reference Sound Bar range, the RSB-11 2.1 channel soundbar and wireless subwoofer features support for 4K Ultra HD video pass-though, integrated Dolby Audio and Bluetooth compatibility.
Number 8: Sony HT-CT390
The wall mountable Sony HT-CT390 2.1 channel soundbar and wireless subwoofer features Bluetooth and NFC compatibility as well as smartphone control using the SongPal app.
Number 7: Sonos Playbase
Sonos have built the Playbase to sit directly under a stand mounted TV, and have packed in ten amplified internal drivers for powerful sound, along with streaming music support and app control.
Number 6: Philips Fidelio B5
The Philips Fidelio B5 4.1 channel system is wall mountable and features two detachable wireless speakers that can be moved to the back of a room for multichannel surround sound, alongside with Bluetooth and NFC compatibility.
Number 5: LG SJ9
LG’s SJ9 5.1.2 channel wall mountable Dolby Atmos soundbar supports 24-bit high-res audio and music streaming over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Number 4: Samsung HW-K360
Samsung’s HW-K360 2.1 channel wall mountable soundbar is all about wireless: not only can the subwoofer connect wirelessly, but the soundbar itself can connect to select Samsung TVs with the TV SoundConnect feature.
Number 3: Cambridge Audio TV5
Cambridge Audio’s TV5 sits directly under a TV like the Sonos Playbase, and features dual downwards firing subwoofers along with Bluetooth connectivity.
Number 2: Samsung HW-K950
Packing in 5.1.4 channel sound and Dolby Atmos compatibility, the wall mountable Samsung HW-K950 soundbar sits close to the top of the list and features 15 built-in speakers, wireless rear speakers and subwoofer, Wireless Multiroom and Bluetooth compatibility, and support for 24-bit high-res audio.
Number 1: Yamaha YSP-5600BSW
The top spot goes to Yamaha’s YSP-5600BSW, the first soundbar to feature Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The wall mountable 7.1.2 channel soundbar has a total 46-speaker configuration and wireless connectivity using Bluetooth, AirPlay, MusicCast and Wi-Fi.
