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Best Wall Mounted Soundbar
If you've decided to mount your TV on the wall, you'll need to find a compatible soundbar. In this article, I'll recommend the best soundbars for wall-mounted TVs in 2024. I will also provide a buyer's guide to help you choose the right soundbar for your needs.
So whatever kind of soundbar you are looking for, a budget option or something more luxurious, I have something for everyone! Keep reading to learn more.
If you're pressed for time, here's my top picks of the best wall mounted soundbar.
Table of contents:
- Best Wall Mounted Soundbar - Buyer’s Guide
- Best Soundbars for Wall Mounted TVs - TOP 7
- Best Wall Mounted Soundbar: Comparison
- JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar
- LG SN6Y Soundbar
- SAMSUNG HW-Q900A Soundbar
- SONY HT-S350 Soundbar
- SONOS ARC Soundbar
- SAMSUNG HW-Q600A Soundbar
- SONY HT-G700 Soundbar
- FAQ about Best Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV
- Best Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV: Conclusion
Best Wall Mounted Soundbar - Buyer’s Guide
Drawing from my experience when you've invested in a sleek wall-mounted TV, the last thing you want is a messy setup with scattered speakers. Soundbars not only offer an improved audio experience but also complement the aesthetics of a wall-mounted TV. Here’s what you should consider when buying the best soundbars:
1. Design and Aesthetics
One of the important things to consider when choosing a soundbar is the design and aesthetics that manufacturers offer:
- Slim Profile: Choose a soundbar with a slim profile that doesn't protrude too much from the wall. This ensures the soundbar seamlessly integrates with the TV setup.
- Matching Finish: To achieve a cohesive look, choose a soundbar that matches the color and finish of your TV.
- Wall Mounting Options: Ensure the soundbar comes with wall-mounting brackets or has built-in holes for easy mounting.
2. Audio Quality
The most important thing in soundbars is sound quality, pay attention to:
- Drivers: Look for soundbars with multiple drivers that can deliver clear highs, mids, and deep bass.
- Surround Sound: If you enjoy immersive experiences, opt for soundbars that offer virtual or actual surround sound capabilities, like Dolby Atmos.
- Wattage: Generally, a higher wattage indicates a louder sound output, but clarity shouldn't be compromised.
3. Connectivity
The types of connection can be as follows:
- HDMI ARC: This allows for simpler connections and the ability to control the soundbar volume with the TV remote.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: For streaming music directly from devices. For example, Sony HT-S350 with Bluetooth or JBL Bar 9.1 with Wi-Fi.
- Multiple Inputs: Ensure there are ample HDMI and other inputs for all your devices.
4. Additional Features
Additional features that may be important:
- Voice Assistants: Some soundbars come with built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. For example, Sonos Arc soundbar.
- Remote Control: A dedicated remote can be handy, especially if the soundbar doesn't support HDMI ARC.
- Sound Modes: Soundbars that offer different sound modes (like movie, music, and news) can enhance specific content types.
5. Subwoofer
If you’re a bass enthusiast, consider a soundbar with a subwoofer (either built-in or external). It significantly enhances the depth of audio playback.
6. Length of the Soundbar
Ensure the soundbar length is proportional to your TV size. A soundbar that's too small for a large TV might look out of place.
Wiring and setup
Something else to consider is wiring and setup. It may be much easier to wire something under the TV than over it. In any case, if wiring is an issue, you can always connect the soundbar to the TV via Bluetooth.
Although it depends on the model of your TV, it is often the case that the connectors are closer to the bottom of the screen. Also, when placing the sound bar under the TV, you may just punt it on a cabinet instead of on the wall. When installing a sound bar above the TV, you will have to mount it on the wall.
Useful Tips for Soundbar Installation
The following guidelines should be followed when installing the soundboard:
- After installation is complete, make sure that the mounts are securely in place. Do not subject it to shocks or place additional weights.
- Make sure that the unit's cables are out of the reach of children. If a child jerks the cables, for example, the soundbar itself may eventually collapse.
- Do not install the soundbar and subwoofer in rooms with high temperature and humidity. This will impair the operation of the unit.
- For the best performance of the soundbar speaker system, maintain the prescribed distance from the TV body. It is also not recommended to place the device at a greater distance.
- Remember that the bracket should always be mounted on firm, level and smooth surfaces.
- Make sure that all safety rules are followed before you connect to the connectors on the TV set's body.
Best Soundbars for Wall Mounted TVs - TOP 7
Discover my curated list of the best soundbars for wall mounted tv's, offering unmatched performance, durability, and unique features.
Best Wall Mounted Soundbar: Comparison
Each of these Soundbars for Wall Mounted TVs offers unique features and benefits. Let's delve into a detailed overview:
| Soundbar | Connection | Sound | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| JBL BAR 9.1 | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth | 5.1.4 (Dolby Atmos, DTS: X) | Removable wireless rear speakers |
| LG SN6Y | HDMI (ARC), Bluetooth | 3.1 (DTS Virtual:X) | High-Resolution Audio, Bluetooth Streaming |
| Samsung HW-Q900A | HDMI (eARC) | 7.1.2 (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X) | Q-Symphony Mode, Touch to play |
| Sony HT-S350 | Bluetooth | 2.1 (Deep bass, Stereo) | S-Force PRO Front Surround, Bass Boost |
| Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar | HDMI (eARC), Apple AirPlay 2 | 5.1 (Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital) | Voice commands (Google Assistant, Alexa) |
| Samsung HW-Q600A | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth | 3.1.2 (Dolby Atmos/DTS:X) | Game Mode Pro, Adaptive Sound |
| Sony HT-G700 | HDMI (eARC), Bluetooth | 3.1 (Dolby Atmos, DTS: X) | Virtual surround sound |
JBL Bar 9.1 Wall Mounted Soundbar Review
Editor’s Choice
The JBL BAR 9.1 is an impressive soundbar thanks to its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X in a true 5.1.4 configuration. The panel design is functional rather than catchy, but the removable wireless battery-operated rear speakers are an elegant solution for adding rear channels without overloading your living room.
The system is easy to set up, and there's even an automatic sound calibration feature, which is nice. The display is informative and easy to read, and the remote is quite successful, even though the buttons have multiple functions. There is no dedicated mobile app for this system, but you do get Bluetooth, Chromecast and AirPlay 2.
There is only one HDMI input, but on the positive side, there is an HDMI output with eARC support. This allows lossless audio to be sent back to the soundbar from a compatible TV. The BAR 9.1 can transmit HDR10 and Dolby Vision, but not HLG and HDR10+, which is certainly not great, but bearable. Most importantly, though, this JBL soundbar sounds great (even with a slightly narrow soundstage), and the included subwoofer is a real monster.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Quick installation
- Dolby Atmos
- Wireless connections
Cons:
- The dialogues in some movies are not that audible enough
Summary: As indicated by my tests the JBL BAR 9.1 offers a powerful sound experience with its true 5.1.4 configuration, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, complemented by unique removable wireless rear speakers for a clutter-free setup. While the soundbar boasts easy setup, informative display, and connectivity features like Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2, it's limited by a single HDMI input and lacks support for HLG and HDR10+.
LG SN6Y Soundbar Review
Best Overall
LG SN6Y is a price-performance, mid-range 3.1 soundboard that replaces the LG SL6Y. Like its predecessor, the SN6Y only comes with a sound bar and wireless subwoofer. It's not as functional as LG's Premium models, but at the same time, it's the most affordable option for those who want a dedicated center channel. The device can be expanded to 5.1 with a set of LG SPK8-S rear wireless speakers, which are sold separately. LG SN6Y's one of the main competitors is Sony HT-G700, which costs more.
LG SN6Y is almost identical to its predecessor LG SL6Y. It has a simple design with a classic, traditional sound bar style. The SN6Y is powerful enough. It may even be louder than its predecessor. This is an advantage if you're having a party. In spite of this advantage, the sound of the soundbar is a bit compressed, especially in the low frequency range. But at normal listening volume, the distortion is negligible.
This is a 3.1 soundbar with no surround sound channels. Surround content is mixed from stereo and distributed between the front three speakers. This means that you don't get the effect of real surround sound. Unfortunately, the SN6Y does not have a 3.5mm auxiliary port, making it difficult to play music on an MP3 player. The LG SN6Y speaker panel does not have eARC, it only supports Dolby Digital and DTS via HDMI ARC. The device converts these formats to stereo. Because of this, advanced surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, 5.1 PCM are not available.
Pros:
- Excellent center channel performance
- Good stereo effect
- Premium design
Cons:
- Surround sound mixing is not top notch
- Bluetooth wireless playback options are limited
- Apps only work on Android
Summary: My findings show that the LG SN6Y is a mid-range 3.1 soundbar accompanied by a wireless subwoofer, serving as an upgrade from its predecessor, the LG SL6Y. While it boasts improved loudness ideal for parties and can be expanded to a 5.1 system with LG SPK8-S rear wireless speakers, it lacks genuine surround sound effects and features limited audio format support, missing out on advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X.
Samsung HW-Q900A Wall Mounted TV Soundbar Review
Premium Choice
The Samsung HW-Q900A wireless soundbar is truly a new level of sound quality!
Full immersion in surround sound: Dolby Atmos and DTS: X let you hear every single sound as it flows around and above you, just like in real life.
True 7.1.2-channel sound. 7 main soundbar channels, 1 subwoofer channel, and 2 speaker channels radiating upwards create an enveloping sound field. The built-in oversized edge speakers fill the entire space between the soundbar and the rear speakers with sound, enhancing the sense of surround sound. The perfect match for your QLED TV.
Q-Symphony Mode. The Q950T soundbar speakers sync with your Samsung TV for an immersive audio experience. The soundbar's speakers work with your TV speakers to amplify the surround sound effect, giving you a more immersive viewing experience than ever before.
If you're listening to your favorite tracks on your phone, just touch your phone to the soundbar. The soundbar will respond to your touch with vibration - it will recognize your device, connect it, and start playing your music.
Thanks to the HDMI eARC port, you can listen to high-quality, lossless sound even when the soundbar is connected to other devices via your TV, such as DVD players or game consoles.
A wireless surround back speaker kit turns the soundbar into a surround sound system without any extra wires. With this soundbar, you can create a multi-channel audio system and enjoy surround sound while watching TV.
Pros:
- The perfect sound for your space with SpaceFit Sound+
- Game Pro Mode
- Built-in voice assistant
- Adaptive Sound to optimize the sound for each scene
Cons:
- Lack of deep bass
Summary: Based on my observations the Samsung HW-Q900A is a high-quality wireless soundbar that offers immersive 7.1.2-channel sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X technologies, enveloping listeners with sound from all directions, especially when paired with a QLED TV. With features like Q-Symphony Mode for synchronized TV audio, easy touch connectivity with mobile devices, HDMI eARC port for lossless audio from other devices, and the ability to transform into a surround sound system with a wireless kit, it promises a top-tier audio experience for both movies and music.
Sony HT-S350 Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV Review
Best Budget
The first question that comes to mind when looking at Sony HT-S350 Soundbar - will this affordable audio system sound good? In my opinion Sony managed to get a quality Soundbar + Subwoofer system for a relatively reasonable price.
The Sound Bar is a compact, elongated panel. The top part is finished with a polymer material, similar in texture to leather. The front side is made of metal mesh (quite strong) which hides two speakers with a frontal location and looking directly ahead.
The wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere conveniently in your room. The subwoofer is connected to the panel via Bluetooth network, the connection is fast, without delays or errors. To connect the soundbar to the network you will need two outlets, one for the soundbar and one for the subwoofer. It comes with a small size remote control.
When watching movies the soundbar will plunge you into the scene, explosions and shots will be one hundred percent realistic. You feel the depth of sound, it gives the impression that the shots are passed by you. The sound has a clear direction, it is not reflected off the walls. Dialogues in movies, actors' speech are delivered clearly, without distortion. Turn on music with a moderate amount of bass, it will let you hear more sounds, and expand your understanding of the soundbar's potential.
Pros:
- High performance
- Good sound quality
- Wireless subwoofer
- Enhances the muffled sound of the TV
- Sleek design
Cons:
- No surround sound
Summary: The Sony HT-S350 Soundbar is an affordable yet quality audio system that includes a compact soundbar with a leather-like polymer top and strong metal mesh front hiding two front-facing speakers, paired with a wireless Bluetooth subwoofer. When watching movies, the system delivers immersive, realistic sound effects and clear dialogues, and playing music showcases its impressive depth and bass potential.
Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar Review
Best Cinema Surround Sound
Arc operates on the software platform of the new generation Sonos S2. This powerful speaker is equipped with 11 speakers. And each of them got its own class D amplifier. The device supports Dolby Digital 5.1 or Dolby Atmos. You can use Apple AirPlay 2 to transmit sound from your smartphone, which means that the soundbar easily turns into a smart speaker for listening to music.
The Sonos Arc also includes microphones. They are needed to work with voice commands. With the help of built-in voice assistants Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa you can play music, check the news, set alarms and so on.
By the way, you can easily connect the remote from your TV to the speaker to adjust the volume. If you want, you can also connect a Sonos Sub subwoofer to the Arc, and One SL speakers for surround sound. These, of course, are purchased separately.
The Sonos Arc uses 11 speakers: 8 elliptical speakers to provide precise midrange and vocal frequencies in addition to bass; 2 Atmos speakers point into the ceiling at specific angles; and 3 angled tweeters with silk domes. They create crisp high frequencies and clear dialogue.
The first thing you notice when listening is the perfect reproduction of loud sound effects, such as explosions, destruction, sharp sounds are transmitted instantly and with great power. The impression is that you are in a movie theater. So if you like action movies, movies with an abundance of all sorts of rumbling, the Sonos Arc will definitely get you in! The second is speech reproduction. It's just amazing here. In movies, you can see it in the background of music and other sounds, where speech stands out and the voice comes through clean and clear.
The Sonos Arc is available in two colors, black and white.
Pros:
- It's simple to use because of voice control with Alexa as well as Google Assistant
- A sleek look that's simple on the eye and blends well with any style
- It is able to be connected to the majority of smart devices
- Sonos app is convenient in use
Cons:
- Spme users find that basses could be better
Summary: The Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar, running on the Sonos S2 platform, boasts 11 individual speakers, each with its own class D amplifier, supporting Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. Integrating with Apple AirPlay 2 and built-in voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, the soundbar offers impressive sound quality, especially excelling in loud sound effects and clear dialogue, and is available in both black and white.
Samsung HW-Q600A Wall Mounted Sound Bar for TV Review
Best for QLED
Samsung HW-Q600A soundbar is a novelty of 2021 made by 3.1.2 CH scheme. It comes with a separate subwoofer. The soundbar has a balanced sound profile that is suitable for listening to various types of audio.
The HW-Q600A has "Game Mode Pro," "Adaptive Sound," and Samsung's built-in Acoustic Beam technology. The point of this is that the body of the bar contains multiple holes to create a more dynamic panoramic soundstage to create a more immersive soundscape. Q-Symphony technology improves sound reproduction when a compatible Samsung TV is connected.
The Samsung HW-Q600A soundbar impresses when playing dialog and TV shows. With a dedicated center channel and balanced midrange, it can reproduce voices clearly and accurately. The soundbar is quite loud and suitable for a large room. There is Bluetooth compatibility with podcasts and audiobooks in a smartphone, but there is no Wi-Fi support and respectively Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.
Pros:
- Relatively loud bar
- Good Bluetooth compatibility
Cons:
- Does not support Wi-Fi (AirPlay and Chromecast)
Summary: The Samsung HW-Q600A soundbar boasts a 3.1.2 CH scheme and includes a separate subwoofer, delivering a balanced sound profile ideal for various audio types. Incorporating features like "Game Mode Pro," "Adaptive Sound," and Samsung's Acoustic Beam technology, it offers a dynamic soundstage, especially excelling in dialogue clarity, and while it has Bluetooth connectivity, it lacks Wi-Fi support.
Sony HT-G700 Wall Mounted Soundbar Review
Best Opportunities
Sony gave its new Sony HT-G700 soundboard an almost impossible task: to create the feeling of a fully immersive home theater experience without the multiple speakers that normally work in unison to provide that kind of sound. What's more, Sony tried to do this at a reasonable price, and - succeeded.
There are three speakers inside the work panel, representing the left, center, and right channels. The HT-G700 soundbar has no active or wireless rear speakers. Physically, the soundbar can only reproduce true 3.1 sound, but thanks to some unique Sony technology, the soundbar can at least simulate surround sound. Sony's HT-G700 soundbar supports a myriad of audio formats, from Dolby Digital to Dolby Atmos to DTS: X, and achieves this through unique virtual processing technology. This soundboard may not give you the same accuracy of surround sound reproduction as a true Atmos system, but it does a good job of creating a sense of spatial sound that fills your room. Sony, of course, has competitors in this price segment that have true Atmos, such as the Vizio SB36512-F6 or the LG SL9YG. They have separate high-end speakers as well as rear speakers. But if you don't want a living room full of speakers, the G700 is a good choice. This soundbar is easy to set up and sounds great.
Aesthetically, the HT-G700 blends in perfectly with any décor. Both the panel and the subwoofer have a black finish that helps the unit dissolve when the lights go out before watching movies. The sound bar itself is relatively compact in size.
According to Sony, by pressing the Immersive AE button on the remote, the HT-G700 can even convert stereo sound to virtual 7.1.2 sound. And in practice, the G700 sound panel gives a fairly believable impression of surround sound. And you probably won't even notice the difference with the real Atmos. In addition, there are many sound settings on the remote control. This gives you plenty of options to achieve your desired listening experience. Dolby Speaker Virtualizer mode and DTS Virtual: X enhance the channels and sound quality of the overhead speakers to create an immersive and encompassing virtual surround effect. Voice mode extends the range of dialog. Night mode lowers the sound volume for nighttime viewing.
Sony HT-G700 is one of the best all-round solutions for watching movies and listening to music, creating great sound without additional speakers.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Bluetooth for music and TV
- Easy to set up
- Two HDMI ports, one with eARC
- Wireless subwoofer
Cons:
- No ability to upgrade the system
- No Wi-Fi streaming
Summary: The Sony HT-G700 soundbar, with its three internal speakers, is designed to simulate an immersive home theater experience without the need for multiple speakers. Harnessing unique Sony technology, it supports a range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, and delivers a convincing virtual surround sound that rivals real Atmos systems, making it a top choice for those seeking superior sound without the clutter of additional speakers.
FAQ about Best Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV
Still have queries? Here are some frequently asked questions about soundbar for wall mounted tv:
Can the soundbar be installed above the TV?
In some situations, this may be the best option for sound quality. The most important factor when installing a sound bar is that it should be as close to ear level as possible, whether it's above or below the TV. The exceptions are soundbars with upward facing elements and surround sound features, which have specific placement requirements depending on the model.
Why should I or shouldn't install a sound bar above the TV?
Almost all sound bars are best installed at ear level. Acoustics will almost always be better when pointed toward the listener. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule when considering speakers that simulate surround sound or have elements pointed upward, but we'll focus on the regular setup first.
Soundbars with upward facing speakers
When considering something like a Dolby Atmos soundbar, there are quite a few elements to consider in the design. Many of these soundbars are site-specific, because they need reflective surfaces to mimic a surround sound setup.
When a sound panel has upward facing elements, it is important that these speakers can use the reflection from the ceiling to make full use of the overhead sound. In this case, sometimes placing the sound bar below the TV interferes with the sound's ability to rise and reflect off the ceiling. Likewise, if the sound bar is too close to the ceiling, the sound may not be reflected properly.
For something like a virtual Dolby Atmos surround sound sound panel, not only the placement, but also the location of the theater itself must be considered. The Dolby Atmos setup guide suggests placing the Dolby Atmos panel under the TV, at about ear level. With that said, you should also avoid placing anything between the sound bar and you.
Should the sound bar be under the TV?
In most cases, yes. It is often better to place the sound bar under the TV rather than over it, but that depends entirely on your home entertainment system.
When considering the dilemma of wanting the sound bar at ear level and the TV at eye level, it is often easier and more aesthetically pleasing to have the TV slightly above eye level and the sound bar slightly below ear level. This is usually the least sacrificed in terms of complexity of placement and sound quality.
Best Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV: Conclusion
For wall-mounted TVs, a soundbar is not just an accessory, but a necessary addition that delivers powerful sound without cluttering up the interior. The perfect soundbar combines aesthetics with superior sound quality, ensuring that viewers not only get a visual experience from their wall-mounted TV, but also an audio one. Such as the JBL BAR 9.1, LG SN6Y or the budget Sony HT-S350.
With the advancement of technology, soundbars have also gained intelligent features, making them a versatile addition to any modern home entertainment system. The right soundbar can transform your TV viewing experience from ordinary to cinematic, making every movie night unforgettable. An investment in a high-quality wall-mounted TV soundbar is undoubtedly an investment in a richer and more immersive entertainment experience.
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