If you’re looking to build the ultimate home entertainment setup, then you’re likely in the market for the perfect sound solution. The only problem is that the market is so densely populated with options that it can be easy to end up feeling overwhelmed by all of the sheer choice.
It’s still hotly debated which audio solution is best for building a home entertainment setup. Should you go for a shiny new soundbar? Or a tried-and-trusted surround sound speaker set up? Not sure which option is best for you? Then you’ve come to the perfect place. In this guide, the Reliant tech experts are going to take you through everything there is to know, so you can decide with confidence on the best option for your setup. Read on down below to get started!
Which Is Best? – Soundbars vs Surround Sound Speakers
It’s difficult to say for certain which audio solution is best for a given setup. Both solutions have unique benefits and drawbacks that are worth considering. So, to find out which is best for you, let’s compare the two directly based on the most important factors.
Price
In previous decades, if you wanted to achieve truly immense TV sound, you would have needed to invest in a complex surround sound system. Surround sound systems have always had fairly significant price tags, making them quite an investment for many!
One of the biggest benefits of soundbars, and one of the things that has helped to make them so popular, is their friendly price tags. Soundbars are often much more affordable than many surround sound speaker setups. In fact, some soundbars have price tags well below £100.
Soundbar prices can vary massively. Some cost less than £100, while some cost in excess of £500. The price is often reflective of the soundbar’s quality. So, if you want great fidelity, you may have to pay a bit more!
Surround sound systems, to this day, tend to come at a much higher cost. Part of the reason for this is the number of components that come as part of the set. Of course, a surround sound system is made up of multiple speakers placed around your space.
However, it’s worth noting that there are often exceptions to the rule. While you’d be unlikely to find a brand-new surround sound system that costs less than £500, you wouldn’t have a hard time finding a premium soundbar with a price tag in excess of £500.
If you’re stuck choosing between the two systems, it’s worth considering just how much you’re willing to spend. If you want a simple and cost-effective option, then a soundbar might be perfect for you!
Sound Quality
Soundbars, especially some of the most premium models, offer fantastic audio quality that often far surpasses built-in TV speakers. However, discerning audiophiles still maintain that surround sound speaker systems have a slight edge when it comes to fidelity.
While soundbars do offer quality audio, they are slightly limited by how they are constructed. Soundbars are actually made up of numerous small speakers packed into the soundbar itself. Each of these speakers sends audio in a different direction. When the audio from a soundbar bounces around your living room, it creates the sense that the sound is coming from all around you. Though it’s an effective illusion, it’s not true surround sound.
Surround sound speakers, on the other hand, are given a little more space to breathe. This means the audio from one speaker won’t be drowned out by the audio from another. Also, because the speakers are actually arranged around you, it results in audio that truly surrounds you. The more speakers there are in the setup, the more convincing the surround sound experience will be!
Again, price plays a big role when it comes to the audio quality of a soundbar or surround sound system. More expensive soundbars, for instance, tend to deliver much higher-quality audio.
Overall Design
The key way in which soundbars and surround sound speakers differ is in terms of their form factor. One of the best things about soundbars is their compact design. Soundbars pack plenty of high-quality audio technology into a single piece of technology that simply sits under the user’s television. This makes them an incredibly convenient option for smaller homes, or those that simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of setting up a complex surround sound system.
Soundbars are incredibly convenient if you’re running low on available space. Soundbars are very compact, yet offer room-filling audio, so they’re a perfect replacement for your TV’s built-in speakers, even if you don’t have much space!
Surround sound systems, of course, take up a little more room. You also have to be a little more careful with where you place each speaker. Luckily, surround sound speakers are now much smaller than they once were. This makes them a little easier to arrange, even in the smallest of spaces. There are also a few wireless surround sound setups to choose from!
The Final Verdict
Ultimately, your choice comes down to your existing budget, the amount of space you have, and the level of audio fidelity you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a simple, compact, and affordable sound solution that’s an improvement over your TV’s built-in speakers, then a soundbar is the right choice!
However, if you’re looking for true surround sound and slightly higher audio fidelity, then it might be worth spending a little more to grab a full surround sound system!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does A Soundbar Count As Surround Sound?
Technically speaking, no. Soundbars instead simply emulate the surround sound experience. Soundbars are packed full of numerous individual speakers. These speakers are pointed in different directions and pump out powerful audio. When this audio bounces off of the walls of your living room, it creates the sense that it’s surrounding you from all directions!
