Small soundbar or compact soundbars are specially designed to fit in a compact space without compromising the sound quality too much. Buying the perfect soundbar is not easy job. Particularly when you are looking for quality along with budget and smaller dimension. Today due to space constraint people are choosing small soundbar or compact speaker systems for their living room television. We tested and picked 17 small soundbars for smaller living room / bed room to amp up your home theater experience.
During our test & selection we figured out that in the mini / small soundbar segment the deciding factors should be – Audio performance, compatibility with AI assistant like Alexa or Siri and obviously slimmer size. We took into account all these factors to handpick 3 best compact soundbars for your living room. You can check our top 3 product list. Otherwise you can read our detailed review & analysis on the best 17 products.
Best Small Soundbar For Awesome Audio Experience :
Sonos Beam – The Small Smart Soundbar :
The Sonos Beam is a small smart soundbar. It improves your TV’s sound and makes it louder, clearer and more nuanced. It has an array of 4 full-range woofers, a tweeter, 3 passive radiators and 5 Class D digital amplifiers. Together, they elevate the audio track and bring out its true potential. The speaker bar has Speech Enhancement, Night Mode and adjustable treble and bass controls for customizing the audio. The Sonos Beam small soundbar responds to Alexa and Siri voice commands. It has 5 inbuilt far-field microphones with multi-channel echo cancellation and beam-forming technology.
The device is also app-controllable and can be managed through the Sonos mobile app. The soundbar has Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming. It is compatible with all the latest Apple, Android and Windows gadgets. It can play songs on Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, SoundCloud, SiriusXM, TunieIn and many other streaming apps. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and Alexa-enabled video streaming devices such as Fire TV.
Setting up the Sonos Beam is easy. Just plug the bar to a power source, and using the included HDMI cable/optical audio adapter, connect it to the TV. Next, download the Sonos app and follow the instruction in the app to complete the installation. The Sonos Beam is a part of the Sonos family of sound systems. It can be clubbed with additional Sonos speakers and a sub to create a multi-channel surround sound system. It is multi-room-ready and can connect with multiple satellite speakers in different rooms of the house.
The soundbar has Wi-Fi, HDMI ARC and an Ethernet port. The package includes the soundbar, a power cable, an HDMI cable, an optical audio adapter, warranty card and a user manual. Dimensions of the small soundbar are: 2.7 inches x 25.625 inches x 3.94 inches. It weighs 6.2 lbs.
Key features of the Sonos Beam :
- Smart compact soundbar.
- Alexa and Siri-ready.
- Bluetooth, Wi-fi, HDMI ARC, optical audio adapter.
- Multi-room expandable.
- App-controllable.
- Supports AirPlay 2, Fire TV.
Bose Soundbar 500 Compact Soundbar :
The Bose Soundbar 500 is a 31-inch soundbar with a thin design and massive sound. It has built-in Wi-fi and Bluetooth. It is Alexa-ready and works with Apple Airplay 2. It has HDMI and a bunch of inputs and outputs for connecting with an array of devices. The Soundbar 500 is all of 5cm in height, thanks to custom-made transducers that provide great audio while maintaining an ultra-slim design.
The bar has ADAPTiQ audio room calibration which optimizes sound according to the layout of the room for delivering the best-possible sound. It has QuietPort Technology for countering distortions so that the final audio is clean. Alexa simplifies control. Just tell Alexa what you want the bar to do and it will be done. The 8 microphones on the front and back of the soundbar ensure loss-less voice pick-up from all directions. Plus, a built-in light bar tells you if Alexa has heard you. It lights up to indicate when she is listening, thinking and speaking. Another way to access and control the soundbar is through the Bose Music app. The app lets you scroll through your music list, and switch between stations, playlists and services.
The Bose Soundbar 500 has Bluetooth, Apple Airplay 2 and Wi-Fi so your streaming options are endless. You can play songs on platforms like Pandora, Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc. You can also log on to the home network and play high-resolution music from your computer, phone or server. The soundbar has HDMI with ARC (Audio Return Channel), the holy grail of A/V connections. It also has Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), an optical toslink, a power input and a USB input. The bar supports Dolby Digital audio format and HDMI video source. It can be upgraded by adding an extra subwoofer or satellite speakers. Dimensions of the bar (HxWxD) in cm are: 4.44 x 80 x 10.16. It weighs 3.18kg.
Key features of Bose Soundbar 500 :
- 31-inch 5cm-tall thin-profile small soundbar for TV.
- Supports Bluetooth, Wi-fi, Alexa, Apple Airplay 2, Bose Music app.
- HDMI ARC, eARC, optical toslink, USB input, output ports for adding extra components.
- ADAPTiQ audio room calibration, QuietPort Technology, 8 microphones for voice pick-up.
VIZIO 2.0 Channel 29” Small Soundbar :
The VIZIO 2.0 Channel 29” soundbar is a one-piece compact soundbar perfect for medium to small rooms. It has two full-range stereo speakers that support Dolby Digital and Dolby DTS Studio Surround sound. It boasts DTS TruVolume which minimizes fluctuations in volume and DTS TruSurround which creates room-filling surround sound. The soundbar projects up to 95 dB sound output with less than 1% total harmonic distortion for surprisingly distinct and spacious sound.
The VIZIO 29” soundbar has Bluetooth capability so you can wirelessly enjoy songs and movies from your Bluetooth enabled devices. The soundbar can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall. For connectivity it has 3.5mm analog stereo mini jack, analog audio stereo RCA, coaxial, toslink and USB inputs. The package includes a remote control with batteries, digital optical cable (Toslink), digital coaxial cable (RCA), RCA to 3.5mm stereo audio cable, power cable and wall mount kit.
The VIZIO 29” soundbar has a stylish and sleek make. It effortlessly blends in with your room’s décor. It has a fabric covered body with buttons on the top panel for power, Bluetooth, input selection and volume control. The dimensions of the soundbar are 29” x 3” x 3”. It weighs 4.5 lbs.
Key features of the VIZIO 29” soundbar :
- Dolby Digital and Dolby DTS Studio Surround sound.
- DTS TruVolume and TruSurround.
- Up to 95 dB sound with less than 1% distortion.
- Bluetooth enabled.
Bose Solo 5 TV Mini Soundbar :
The Bose Solo 5 is a stunning one-piece small soundbar with a sleek cuboid design. It has Dialogue Mode which enhances the sharpness and clarity of dialogues so you don’t miss a single word of your favorite movies, shows and talk shows. The Solo 5 works best when fed with HD audio, projecting stunningly distinct sound.
The soundbar has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you can wirelessly stream movies and shows from your smart phone, tablet, desktop or laptop. The Solo 5 comes with a versatile universal remote control. It has 6 preset buttons for controlling 6 devices that can accept commands over IR link. This allows you to simultaneously control your soundbar, Blu-ray player, game console and other video sources linked to your TV. Installing the Solo 5 is also pretty easy. All you have to do is plug it into your TV using the included optical digital audio cable. For inputs the soundbar has optical audio (digital) input, coaxial audio input and 3.5mm AUX analog input.
The Solo 5 is a pedestal-style soundbar that can either be mounted on a wall or placed on a flat surface. It is a compact soundbar that fits snugly under any TV. The Solo 5 is black in color with stylishly curved sides. The front and side panels are covered with a metallic grille with the Bose logo embossed on the front. The dimensions of the soundbar are: 2.6” x 21.6” x 3.4”. It weighs 3.7 lbs. The Solo 5 lacks HDMI connectivity and does not have sound adjustment features. Although it has Bluetooth, it does not support aptX codec and there’s no NFC for fast pairing of devices.
Key features of the Bose Solo 5 are :
- One-piece wall-mountable mini soundbar.
- Dialogue enhancement mode.
- Bluetooth and Wi-fi enabled.
- Works best with HD audio.
- Universal remote controls up to 6 devices.
Polk MagniFi Mini – A Premium Small Soundbar :
The Polk MagniFi Mini is a compact soundbar with room-filling 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound powered by 6 in-built drivers. It has Polk’s patented Voice Adjust technology that lets you enjoy crystal clear dialogues and vocals. It has a wireless subwoofer for deeper bass. It is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled and supports Google Cast. This means you can wirelessly stream your favorite songs, movies and shows directly from your smart phone, tablet, laptop or desktop.
The MagniFi Mini has a 150W internal amplifier. For audio inputs it has one HDMI ARC, one Toslink optical and one Analog 3.5mm Mini-jack (AUX). The set-up process is fairly easy. Simply connect your TV to the soundbar using the optical cable and power-up. The soundbar is also universally compatible – it can be controlled with any TV, cable-box or satellite IR remote control, sparing you the hassle of juggling two remotes. There are preset EQ settings for Movies, Music and Sports. The Sports mode is also great for watching news and talk shows. There is an additional Night mode that lowers the bass and optimizes Voice Adjust to make dialogues more distinct.
The soundbar and subwoofer are black in color. The bodies are made of plastic and cloth. The soundbar has smart silver and black paneling on the front and top. It is less than 15 inches wide and can fit in small spaces. It weighs 3.8 lbs. The subwoofer is about 15 inches tall and weighs 8.1 lbs. The MagniFi Mini cannot be mounted on a wall.
Key features of the Polk MagniFi Mini are :
- 1 ch Dolby Digital Surround Sound, 150W.
- Voice Adjust technology.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Google cast enabled.
- Preset EQ setting: Movies, Music and Sports.
- Night mode.
Toshiba TY-SBX130 2.0 Channel Bluetooth Compact Soundbar :
The Toshiba TY-SBX130 is a 2.0 channel Bluetooth soundbar with stunning acoustic performance. It is a 32-inch small soundbar for TV. It has Bluetooth, AUX, USB and optical audio connectivity. It comes with a remote control for easy usability.
The Toshiba TY-SBX130 has premium stereo audio with distinct left and right channel sounds. It is an active soundbar with a nominal output power of 16 watts. It has a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz and impedance of 4ohms. For hassle-free input, there’s Bluetooth. For cabled input from non-Bluetooth gadgets, a 3.5mm AUX input jack is available. A USB port allows input through flash drives. There is also an optical input for regular connections with a range of devices.
The TY-SBX130 is a great soundbar for small rooms. It has a low-profile frame and it sits discretely under the TV without taking up too much space. It is 31.5 inches wide, 2.5 inches deep, 2.4 inches high and it weighs 5.4 lbs. It can be mounted to walls or placed on a media console. It includes a remote control for easy management of settings. The best thing about the Toshiba soundbar is that it is compatible with TVs of all brands. Of course, it sounds best with a Toshiba TV. But with other TVs too, it manages to deliver excellent audio. If you want home theatre-like audio quality without spending a fortune, we would certainly recommend the Toshiba TY-SBX130. So do check it out.
Key features for Toshiba TY-SBX130 :
- 32-inch 2.0 channel small soundbar for TV.
- Bluetooth, optical input, 3.5mm AUX input, USB input.
- Slim cabinet, wall and table mountable, includes remote control.
TaoTronics Small Sound Bar :
The TaoTronics mini soundbar is a 21-inch speaker bar with wired and wireless connection options. It has Bluetooth with a range of 10 mtrs so you can remotely control it through your Bluetooth enabled devices like smart phones, tablets, etc. You can also connect it to your TV or smart phone using the audio cable provided with the soundbar.
The TaoTronics mini soundbar is great for small homes. If you want to step up the audio quality of your TV or other audio/video sources, but your living quarter has space issues, this is just the soundbar you need. Its compact shape helps it fit easily even in cramped spaces. You can mount it on a wall under your flat-screen TV or place it on any shelf, table or cabinet. It includes an IR remote with LED indicators of different color for different modes. The package includes an optical cable, a 3.5mm RCA cable, a power cord and the remote control. Product dimensions are: 27.2” x 6.1” x 5.1”. It weighs 4 lbs.
Key features of Taotronics Soundbar :
- Wired and wireless small soundbar for TV
- Bluetooth enabled
- Includes high-intensity IR remote with different LED colored indicators for different modes
- Wall-mountable
Sony HT-MT300 Compact Soundbar :
The Sony HT-MT300 is the best small soundbar you can lay your hands on. It is equipped with S-Force PRO Front Surround sound. This technology uses two front speakers to create a virtual surround acoustic field for room-filling cinematic sound. It is accompanied by a wireless subwoofer for optimal bass.
The soundbar has 2.1 channels and supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono and PCM audio formats. The HT-MT300 has Bluetooth capability. It also has a Voice Up equalizer and comes with USB, optical and analog inputs. The HT-MT300 can be controlled with the Sony Music Center (formerly named SongPal) mobile app. You can easily change your settings, functions and manage playback from your smart phone. The soundbar also has one-touch NFC pairing feature. Just touch any NFC-enabled device to the soundbar for instant Bluetooth pairing.
The device includes an AC adapter, an AC cord, a foot pad, optical cable, remote control and batteries. The optical cable makes set-up hassle-free. Just link the soundbar to your TV using the cable and fire away. The Sony HT-MT300 is elegantly designed with subtly curved edges and neutral earth colors with matte finish. It is available in charcoal black and creme white.
The subwoofer is slim and has a flexible 2-way configuration – it can be placed in an upright position or flat on its side to fit discretely under a sofa. The Sofa Mode prevents sound loss due to sofa upholstery and optimizes bass frequencies. There are buttons on top of the soundbar for power, input selection, Bluetooth and volume. The soundbar dimensions are: 19.7” x 2.13” x 4.06”. It weighs 3.09 lbs. The subwoofer dimensions are: 3.74” x 15.08” x 14.37”. It weighs 10.8 lbs. The HT-MT300 is not wall-mountable and lacks HDMI arc.
Key features of the Sony HT-MT300 are :
- S-Force PRO Front Surround sound.
- Sony Music Center mobile app compatible.
- One-touch NFC Bluetooth pairing.
- Dolby Digital, Voice Up Equalizer.
- 2-way set-up subwoofer with Sofa Mode.
Bose – Solo 15 Series II TV Sound System :
If you are looking to upgrade your TV’s sound quality but you also have space issues, the Bose Solo 15 Series II is just what you need. It is a single-unit compact soundbar that fits perfectly under most TVs up to 50”. You can place your flat screen TV on top of the soundbar, mount the soundbar on a wall or simply place it on a table under the TV.
The Bose Solo 15 Series II is specially designed for televisions with a maximum base width of 24” and base depth of 12.25”. Most 46” TVs meet this standard and therefore can be comfortably placed on top of the soundbar. The maximum weight the Solo 15 Series II can withstand is 75 lbs. This is twice the weight of a typical 42” TV. So, it can easily carry the weight of most TVs.
The Solo 15 Series II improves your TV’s sound and makes it more distinct and spacious. It has TrueSpace technology that projects room-filling surround sound with the help of five powerful speakers. It is equipped with Dialogue mode for crystal clear vocals so you don’t miss a word of your favorite movies and shows.
The soundbar is Bluetooth compatible. Easy one-cable set-up allows for quick and easy installation. The device includes a power cord, a 3.5mm analog cable, remote control with batteries and an optical digital audio cable. The soundbar has a handy universal remote that lets you control not just the soundbar functions, but also your TV, DVR, Blu-ray disc player and other devices that may be connected to your TV. The Solo 15 Series II is black in color and has a smart minimalistic design. Its dimensions are: 7.6cm x 62.8cm x 35.6cm. It weighs 5.4 kgs.
Key features of the Bose Solo 15 Series II are :
- One-piece speaker with TrueSpace technology.
- Dialogue mode.
- Flat screen TVs up to 50” can be placed on top of the soundbar.
- Bluetooth and universal remote control.
ASIYUN Mini Soundbar :
If you are scouring the internet for a good small soundbar for TV, we recommend you try the new ASIYUN soundbar as a value buy. It is a 2-channel multimedia wireless soundbar with in-built woofers and a pair of 5W drivers for power-packed performance. It is perfect as an audio enhancement for a variety of devices like TVs, smart phones, laptops, desktops or tablets. You can use it in your living room, bedroom, kitchen or even the garage. It is compact and does not occupy much space.
The ASIYUN soundbar is a versatile Bluetooth 3.0 enabled small soundbar with 3 playing options: Bluetooth mode, in-line mode and TF card mode. The first options lets you pair the device with any of your Bluetooth devices and directly stream music and watch shows on TV. It has a range of 10 meters and supports HPP, HSP, AVRCP and A2DP formats. For the second option, you need to connect the speaker with a stereo cable to the audio source. For the third mode, simply insert the TF card in the slot provided at the rear of the soundbar and it will automatically switch to TF card mode and start playing.
The ASIYUN speaker bar has a 3.5mm universal mini-jack, a spin button for volume and power and an LED indicator. It also has an integrated microphone so you can answer calls with it too. The soundbar has the specially designed Unit Sixe (40mm x 2) which is an anti-magnetic, anti-noise and HQ chipset. The package includes a 3.5mm audio cable and a micro USB cable. Dimensions of the soundbar are: 15.8” x 2.2” x 2.4”. It weighs 12.5 ounces.
Key features Of ASIYUN Soundbar :
- Bluetooth small soundbar for TV.
- 3 playing options: Bluetooth, in-line and TF card.
- Special design: Unit Size 40mm x 2.
- Spin button, LED indicator.
- Includes 3.5mm audio cable and micro USB cable.
LG 2.1 Channel Small Soundbar System (Model: SH4) :
In the small soundbar category, the LG 2.1 Channel SH4 packs a powerful punch. It is accompanied by a wireless subwoofer for optimum bass. It has Adaptive Sound Control which automatically adjusts the sound mode to what’s playing to create a realistic audio experience. The LG SH4 has Dolby Digital and Dolby DTS Digital Surround sound. It also has Bluetooth connectivity. The TV Sound Sync Wireless feature lets you wirelessly link the soundbar directly to your LG HDTV via Bluetooth.
The LG SH4 can be controlled with TV remotes of 8 brands namely, LG, SONY, Toshiba, VIZIO, Philips, Sharp, Panasonic and Samsung. This gives you flexibility of control. The soundbar can also be managed via the Bluetooth remote app for Android. The soundbar has Auto Music Play, Audio Return Channel, 3D video pass, Bluetooth stand-by and SIMPLINK (HDMI CEC). It has 2 sound modes: Standard and Cinema. It has HDMI (in and out) and USB capability and optical and 3.5mm analog inputs.
The package includes remote control with batteries, optical cable and wall mount kit. The LG SH4 is black in color and has a slender minimalistic design. The front section of the soundbar has a curved metal mesh while the subwoofer features a fabric front. The soundbar dimensions are: 35.04” x 2.09” x 3.35”. It weighs 5.16 lbs. The subwoofer measures 6.73” x 12.6” x 9.92”. It weighs 9.26 lbs. The SH4 lacks Wi-Fi connectivity.
Key features of the LG SH4 are :
- Adaptive Sound Control.
- TV Sound Sync Wireless.
- Dolby Digital and Dolby DTS Digital Surround.
- 8-brand remote control compatibility.
- HDMI in and out.
- Bluetooth remote app enabled.
BESTISAN 28- inch TV Sound Bar by Megacra :
The BESTISAN is a 28-inch small soundbar for TV. It has room-filling stereo sound that greatly enhances your cinematic experience. It has wired and wireless connectivity and 3 different audio modes. The BESTISAN has a power rating of 40 watts. It is armed with dual patented curved bass ports that produce outstanding ground-shaking bass. There are two 3-inch full-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters that reproduce all the other frequencies with stunning clarity. A built-in DSP makes the sound more balanced and well-rounded. There are 3 equalizer modes: movie, music and dialogue. You can adjust these using the included remote control. Bass and treble are also customizable. And no matter what the volume, harmonic distortion is always low.
The best thing about the BESTISAN is its universal device compatibility. It has a bunch of inputs such as optical audio, RCA, AUX and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting with a range of devices like TV, set-top box, Blu-Ray player, smart phone, laptop and gaming console. The bar is 3-sided (triangular), slender and black. It has a grille in front and push buttons on one end for manual control. You can mount the bar to a wall or place it on a table/shelf/media console. It is 28 inches wide, 4 inches deep and 4.1 inches high. It comes with a remote, power adapter, digital optical cable, stereo RCA to 3.5mm audio cable, mounting brackets and screws, and a user manual.
Key features for BESTISAN 2- inch TV Sound Bar :
- 28-inch triangular slim soundbar for TV.
- Two patented curved bass ports, two 3-inch full-range drivers, two 1-inch tweeters.
- 40-watt power, built-in DSP, Bluetooth 5.0, optical audio, RCA, AUX, remote control.
- 3 sound modes: movie, music and dialogue, adjustable bass and treble, flexible mounting.
LONPOO 700A Slim Soundbar :
The LONPOO 700A slim soundbar combines great features with unique minimalist design. It is a high-performance wired and wireless small soundbar for TV. You can connect it to your media source using an AUX or RCA cable or pair it with Bluetooth enabled devices and play your soundtracks wirelessly. The device has the latest Bluetooth 4.0+EDR technology for quicker and easier linkage. For wired connections, it has 3.5mm AUX input. There are two modes of operation: AUX and Bluetooth.
The LONPOO 700A has 10W speakers with four 40mm drivers that project high-fidelity stereo audio sound. It has a microphone cum earphone port for connecting it with your TV, desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc. The LONPOO 700A has a uniquely designed frame. The front panel is divided into two metal grilled sections covering the speakers. In between the two grilles there is a knob with LED indicator for volume and two ports for earphone and mic.
Frequency response of the soundbar is 80Hz to 20kHz. There are mounting holes at the back of the soundbar for mounting it on a wall. The package includes a USB adapter, a TV cable, a remote control and a user manual. The product dimensions are: 9.8” x 2” x 2”. It weighs 14.1 ounces.
Key features of Lonpoo Slim Sound Bar :
- USB-powered mini soundbar.
- Bluetooth and wired connectivity.
- Bluetooth 4.0+EDR technology.
- Four 40mm drivers for distortion-free high-fidelity sound.
- Attractive front panel design.
Insignia 2.0 Channel Soundbar with Digital Amplifier (Model: NS-SB216) :
The Insignia 2.0 Channel NS-SB216 is an Energy Star Certified small soundbar for TV ideal for homes with space constraints. It is a compact single-unit soundbar with digital amplifier capable of generating superior resonating sound. The soundbar has Bluetooth connectivity. You can wirelessly stream non-stop music and watch movies back-to-back from any compatible device like smart phone, laptop, etc.
There are 3 sound modes: Standard, Theater and Newscast. The soundbar has an easy single-cable set up process. Just link your TV to the soundbar using the included cable and power up. For inputs it has 1 RCA x 2 and 1 optical digital audio jack. The package includes a 3.5mm to RCA adapter, AC adapter, RCA audio cable and remote control.
The Insignia 2.0 comes in a smart black color. It has a sleek and slender body with soft curved edges. It is unobtrusive and fits comfortably under the TV. The front is covered with fabric and there are buttons on the top panel for power, input selections and volume control. The dimensions of the soundbar are 2.7” x 12.6” x 1.8”. It weighs 1.5 lbs. The Insignia 2.0 NS-SB216 lacks HDMI and USB inputs and in-built Wi-Fi.
Key features of the Insignia 2.0 channel NS-SB216 are :
- 0 channels with digital amplifier.
- Bluetooth compatible.
- Standard, Theater and Newscast sound modes.
- Energy Star Certified.
Bose CineMate 10 Compact Home Theater System :
The Bose CineMate 10 Home Theater System is one of the best small soundbar for enhancing your TV’s audio quality. It has TrueSpace technology that generates spacious and reverberating cinema-like surround sound. The soundbar is designed with a 4-element speaker array for extra immersive sound. The Acoustimass module produces deep bass. It is a wired woofer and comes with a 9-foot long cable. It features a bass control knob at the back. It is compact and comfortably fits in small spaces.
The CineMate 10 is easy to set-up. Just connect it to your TV with the help of the included cable and power up. You can play audio from other devices through the TV-connected soundbar. All you have to do is connect the device to your HDTV and switch the audio source. The soundbar includes a convenient four-button remote control with options for power, volume up and down and mute. For connectivity the CineMate 10 has digital optical, 3.5mm analog audio and coaxial inputs. The device’s power consumption is 300W. It has Auto Power Off feature which automatically shuts down the device after 60 minutes of inactivity.
The soundbar is 12.6” wide and easily fits under any TV without obstructing its IR remote sensors. The CineMate 10 has a stylish black matte finish. The soundbar has a fabric-covered front panel. The dimensions of the soundbar are 12.6” x 21.2” x 22.3”. It weighs 29 lbs. The subwoofer measures 8.7” x 2.8” x 3.3”. It weighs 23.4 lbs. The CineMate 10 lacks Bluetooth and is not wall-mountable. But bluetooth pairing is possible with Bose bluetooth adaptor.
Key features of the Bose CineMate 10 Home Theater System are :
- TrueSpace technology for spacious surround sound.
- 4-element speaker array.
- Wired Acoustimass woofer.
- Simple 4-button remote control, Auto Power Off feature.
- Lacks Bluetooth.
Connectland 17 inch 2.0 Channel USB Powered Stereo Sound Bar :
One of the best small soundbars for TV is the Connectland 2.0 channel USB-powered soundbar. It is only 17 inches long and easily fits in small spaces. If your home has space constraints, the Connectland stereo soundbar is just what you need. It can sit comfortably under your flat-screen TV without taking much space.
The Connectland soundbar is a full-range wired soundbar with high-fidelity dual stereo speakers. It can be connected to any media source using a USB cable. There is a 3.5mm audio jack at the back of the device for USB wired connections. The Connectland 2.0 channel mini soundbar has a low-profile design and a beautiful wood grain finish. The front panel is covered with a black metal mesh. A gold knob for power and volume control is provided in the middle of the front panel. A ring of blue LED light encircling the knob indicates power-on function.
The soundbar has built-in 4 foot long 3.5mm audio input, USB power cables. Since it is USB-powered, you do not need to charge it separately with a power cord or batteries – your USB port takes care of it. The dimensions of the product are: 18” x 4” x 4”. It weighs 2 pounds.
Key features of Connectland Mini Stereo Soundbar :
- 0 channel wired USB-powered small soundbar.
- Dual stereo speakers.
- Smart looks, gold volume/power knob.
- Super compact size.
VIZIO SB2020n-G6 20 inch 2.0 Soundbar :
The VIZIO SB2020n-G6 is a good choice for a soundbar for apartments with limited space. It has a slender low-profile 20-inch frame with a wraparound fabric mesh. It produces amazing multi-dimensional sound for a surreal home theatre experience. The VIZIO SB2020n-G6 is a compact soundbar for small rooms, packing a lot of punch into a small package. It is 20 inches wide, 2.19 inches tall and 4.45 inches deep. It fits comfortably under or in front of the TV.
The bar is built with dual mid-range drivers that deliver both high and low end frequencies. It boasts DTS Virtual:X technology which creates moving sound effects for a 3D listening experience. You get overhead and surround sound effects which really bring the movie to life. Another awesome feature is DTS TruVolume which provides consistent sound across channels and prevents sudden spikes and drops in volume.
The SB2020n-G6 has multiple modes of media input. For wireless input, there is Bluetooth. You can steam music directly from your phone and also control the playlist remotely. For wired connections, there is a 3.5mm AUX stereo mini jack, an optical audio input and a USB input. A remote control accompanies the soundbar. Weight of the bar is 3.69lbs. It has a sound pressure level of 91dB. It has a one-year parts and labour warranty and lifetime technical support.
Key features for VIZIO SB2020n-G6 :
- 20-inch 2.0 channel compact soundbar for small rooms.
- Dual mid-range drivers, DTS Virtual:X technology, DTS TruVolume.
- Bluetooth, 3.5mm auxiliary input, USB input, optical audio input, SPL 91dB.
A soundbar is a comprehensive sound system with multiple drivers placed inside a long slender cabinet. It comes in various sizes. From a foot to several feet wide, there are all kinds of soundbars in the market. But, urban homes are steadily becoming smaller, and space, today, is a luxury for most urban dwellers. In such a scenario, compact soundbars offer the best solution. They have all the benefits of regular-sized soundbars like better sound quality, multiple connectivity options and neat set-up. Small soundbars are only small in size, not sound. Their acoustic capabilities must not be judged by their modest housings. They are powerful sound systems with built-in amplifiers and built-in or separate subwoofers. They have multiple channels and full-range speakers. They also pack an enormous amount of power into a small package. Small soundbars improve your TV’s sound without hogging much space. They have slim low-profile housings with flexible installation. You can mount them to walls or place them on TV stands or shelves. You can also clip the really small ones to your TV or desktop screen. Typically, a soundbar is classified as compact or small if it has a width of 30 inches or less. It is the perfect size for a small TV and for personal use as a computer soundbar. The answer to this question depends on the size of the TV. If it is between 21 to 32 inches, a small soundbar measuring 20 to 30 inches will suffice. If it is more than 32 inches, a larger soundbar with more channels and bigger drivers would be a better match. The main purpose of a soundbar is to improve your TV sound. It replaces the TV’s built-in speakers and provides high-resolution audio that matches the video quality. Most flat-panel TVs sacrifice sound for slimness. Their cabinets are too thin to accommodate high-output speakers. Therefore, their sound sometimes takes a backseat, which is where soundbars come in. They provide the necessary lift to the audio so you can enjoy your movies with full cinematic brilliance. Generally, a soundbar less than 30 inches in length (or width) is considered small. So, if your TV is in that range, you can certainly add a compact soundbar. The sound will be much better and you won’t feel like you are missing anything. A small or compact soundbar typically has 2.0, 2.1, 3.0, 3.1, 5.0 or 5.1 channels, although there might be exceptions. Here the first numeral indicates the number of speakers/channels which might be inside the soundbar cabinet or outside. The second numeral indicates the presence of a subwoofer and it normally comes as a separate unit, although here again there might be exceptions as some models include the subwoofer in the soundbar itself. In a 2.0 channel soundbar, you have 2 channels for left and right stereo sound. There is no subwoofer. Such type of a soundbar is good for desktop computers and small 21-inch TVs. A 2.1 channel soundbar is the same as a 2.0 model, except it includes a dedicated subwoofer. A 3.0 channel soundbar has left, right and center channels and is great for watching movies as the center channel focusses on dialogues. A 3.1 bar has 3 channels in the bar and an external sub. A 5.0 channel speaker bar has left, right and center channels inside the soundbar, two separate satellite speakers for left surround and right surround sound. These speakers normally go behind the seating position. Some soundbars might include all 5 channels inside the soundbar cabinet to create an all-in-one unit. A 5.1 channel bar is the same as a 5.0 bar, except it also includes a separate subwoofer. In rare cases, a compact soundbar may have a third type of speakers which provide overhead sound effects by bouncing waves off the ceiling. These are Dolby Atmos speakers and they may be inside the soundbar or outside. The configuration of the soundbar might be something like 5.1.2 where the last digit indicates the number of overhead speakers. Well, it’s hard to tell which soundbar is the smallest as there are plenty of models in the market. But here are some top brands with their smallest soundbars that are worth checking out. At 21.6 inches, the Bose Solo 5 is one of the smallest 2.0 channel soundbars. It is the perfect upgrade for small TVs and desktop computers. With Bluetooth, optical, coaxial and AUX capability, it is ready for all kinds of input. It further includes a universal remote control that controls the bar, TV, Bluetooth connections and more. If you are planning on buying a small soundbar, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind. First, ask yourself why you need the soundbar. Is it to upgrade your TV’s sound or to use it as a desktop soundbar ? Your answer will help you narrow down your options and make the right choice. Second, consider the size and layout of the room you plan to install the soundbar in. The performance of the speaker will depend hugely on the space it is placed in. Third, the number of channels is also important. Our recommendation would be to choose a soundbar with at least 3 channels as it will have clear left, right and center channels. However, there are excellent 2-channel models too and you should go for whatever suits you. Fourth, subwoofer. If you love fast-paced music like EDM and hip hop, and enjoy action-packed movies, you should get a soundbar that has its own subwoofer. This way you won’t have to buy a separate subwoofer and you will save on cost. Next, figure out if you need an active or passive soundbar. An active soundbar has built-in amplifiers and digital signal processing while a passive soundbar does not. However, a passive soundbar is more flexible and you will have more freedom to experiment with the sound system. If you are getting the soundbar for your TV, measure the screen size and accordingly buy a soundbar that is built for that screen size. Your TV and your soundbar must look good together. So it’s crucial that you get the right size. Check the connections of the soundbar. Most soundbars have a digital audio input (optical or coaxial) and an analog stereo RCA input (red and white) for wired connections with TVs, computers, set top boxes, and more. Some advanced models come with HDMI. HDMI lets you use the bar to switch between video sources. HDMI ARC lets you route signals from the TV to the bar, and offers a single-cable solution. In wireless networks, check for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and NFC. Also, if you want to control your soundbar with Alexa or Siri, it must be a smart soundbar. The power output of the soundbar is a big factor. The intensity and volume of the audio depends a lot on the peak power and RMS power of the soundbar. Lastly, note the power source of the device. If you want a computer soundbar, a USB-powered bar will serve you better as it will be more portable. For TV installation, direct power from a wall socket is advisable.What is a small soundbar ?
Is a small soundbar worth your TV ?
How many channels can you expect in a small soundbar ?
What is the smallest soundbar ?
Bose Solo 5
Buying guide For Small Soundbar :
Best Soundbar – Subwoofer Setup Best Soundbar for your Television
You may find JBL BOOST TV, a very interesting product which is under $200 price tag and small in size. For complete list of premium home theater soundbar check this. For a detailed list on best passive soundbar check here. To know a comparative difference on Active and Passive speakers, read this study.
I think sonos beam, Bose Solo 5 and Sony HT MT 300 are good compact soundbars to buy. I am not sure whether Asiyun or taotronics are theoretically soundbars considering their price tag. Are they worth buying as a small soundbar for TV ?
Hello Sammy, if you just compare between a Sonos Beam or Vizio 29” speaker bar with a Asiyun, then to be frank they are not apple to apple comparison. When we did our study we concentrated primarily on smaller dimension speakerbars. Now few of the products in the list is premium. Sonos Beam is an example of premium smart soundbar. As per as Asiyun or Taotronics are concerned, they have in-built subwoofers as mentioned by the manufacturer but we should not compare a Asiyun with a Sonos or Bose product. That would be unfair. For premium sound quality you should go for Bose / Sony or Sonos. The products are already mentioned in the article. For budget small soundbar you can consider the other products.
Does it make sense to go for a mini soundbar when your main aim is to boost your television sound to a different level ? The prices are on lower side for many of the products but do they sound great ?
We think there are many segments in the soundbar category. You can categorize depending on their price and then also size. Obviously you can categorize them with different usage as well. For example – computer sound bars are specific products catering the computer & laptop segment. Budget soundbars are meant for price conscious buyers. We can not say that small soundbars are always compromising on sound quality, bass or other technical aspects. Small or mini soundbars are meant for buyers who have space constraint. So, choosing a product primarily depends on size and quality of the product. For example – sonos beam is a premium quality smart soundbar in this small segment and with a higher price tag.
Is there any small soundbar which is clubbed with a subwoofer ? What is the best option for this ?
There are couple such good options. In the review we talked about Bose CineMate 10, Polk MagniFi Mini, Sony HT-MT300 & LG 2.1 channel small soundbar. All these soundbars come with a sub which fits your requirement. Also TCL Alto 5+ 2.1 Channel Home Theater Sound Bar is a very good choice for compact soundbar with subwoofer. This product is also worth a look.