But how do you know which soundbar to choose?
Should you choose a 5.1, 3.1, or 2.1 soundbar, and what’s the difference between them?
What Do These Soundbar Numbers Mean?
Proxima Studio/Shutterstock
While these numbers may look a little confusing, they’re easy to understand.
Now, in some speaker configurations, you’ll see a third number, like 5.1.3.
But here’s the thing with soundbars.
Samsung
Because of their shape and style, the number of speakers doesn’t always represent what you see physically.
Soundbars arrange their speakers along the length of the unit.
5.1 vs. 3.1 vs. 2.1 Soundbar: What’s the Difference?
What Is a 2.1 Soundbar?
What Is a 3.1 Soundbar?
The extra speaker significantly improves the overall balance of your audio and makes vocals and other dialog clearer.
Samsung
A soundbar of sufficient size will have three speakers.
What Is a 5.1 Soundbar?
What About Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Sony
Soundbar audio is good.
Great, even, depending on the soundbar you buy.
But when you buy a soundbar, the number of speakers isn’t all you should consider.
Denon
What 5.1, 3.1, or 2.1 Soundbar Should You Buy?
What’s really key is your budget.
