There are a few options to choose from if you’re thinking about improving the audio quality of your home entertainment system. Two of the most popular options currently are soundbars and home theaters. But which one is right for you? Here’s a comparison of soundbars vs home theaters to help you make the decision.
What’s a soundbar?
A soundbar is a narrow, elongated speaker that you can mount on a wall or put on a shelf below your TV. It typically includes a built-in amplifier and you can connect it to your TV using a variety of methods, such as Bluetooth, an auxiliary cable, or an HDMI connection.
What’s a home-theater system?
A home theater, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive audio system that has a receiver, separate speakers, and a subwoofer. The receiver serves as the hub of the system – it connects all the components and allows you to control the volume and settings. The separate speakers are placed around the room for a more immersive surround sound experience.
The difference between a soundbar and home theater system
Now that we know the basics of each option, let’s compare them in terms of cost, setup, and sound quality.
- Cost
Generally, soundbars are more affordable than home theaters. You can find a decent soundbar for under $100, while a basic home theater system can start at around $300. Of course, you can spend more on either option if you’re after a more high-end model with more advanced features. - Setup
Soundbars are easy to set up and typically only need a single connection to your TV, while home theaters need you to connect and arrange multiple speakers and the receiver. If you’re uncomfortable with wiring and setup, a soundbar may be the better option for you. - Sound quality
This is where home theaters have a clear advantage. The separate speakers and subwoofer of a home theater system create a more immersive, cinematic sound experience. While soundbars can definitely improve the audio quality of your TV, they can’t match the depth and richness of a full home theater system.
Three soundbars you should check out today:
Photo by Jonas Leupe on Unsplash
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