Best Soundbars in India - Reviews and Comparison 2021

In CR ratings, a soundbar speaker is held at a higher standard than a TV. A soundbar with a good score for sound in our tests will sound better than a TV with a good score.

Note that many soundbars have less power and fewer features than a component audio system, so they’re not the best choice for a huge room, nor audiophiles get a theatre-like experience. Most of the soundbars will be a great fit if you have a small to medium space. However, some newer, pricier models have enough power to fill even a larger room.

Heads-Up: Do you want the ability to use your voice to control the speaker? Soundbars are now equally smart as your phones and respond to your commands! Many are embedded with famous voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit (with Siri), or Google Assistant built-in. In contrast, others require the use of another voice-enabled smart speaker to respond to voice commands.

Most soundbar is somewhere around 100 cm or more and can be easily wall-mounted or simply kept on a shelf. Mostly these soundbars are customised by the TV brands to fit between the TV's legs.

Soundbars usually have 2-5 speakers for the main enclosure. Other soundbars have drivers that can be placed inside to create a broader sound feel. Soundbars supporting Dolby Atmos or DTS :X 3D audio typically have up-firing speakers to create a height sense. Many soundbars come with a wireless subwoofer that you can put almost anywhere.

Soundbars sound different from each other because of different frequencies. This is why you get a different acoustics sound from different soundbars. 

Check if there is a return policy available so you can give it back if it doesn't suit you!

If you want to enhance your TV's sound, then a 2.1 channel would be enough for you. A 2.1 soundbar will have 2 front channels and a separate subwoofer. 

If you seek a surround sound, then opt for a subwoofer with rear speakers, even better if they are wireless. This will give you a multichannel sound. 

Dolby Atmos is a newer immersive sound that enhances the speaker systems. With soundbar speaker systems, this is usually accomplished by having up-firing drivers in the main enclosure.

Decide where you want to park the soundbar. For example, if you decide to place it on a TV stand, you need to see that there is enough room and the line of your remote is not blocked.

If you want to make the most of a soundbar's fundamental purpose, you do not need to buy an expensive soundbar. You will be good with normal sound quality. Be rest assured that these will be much better than your original TV sound. 

If you need a soundbar for music, then you have to pick a top quality one! 

HDMI: Some soundbars have a minimum of one or more HDMI inputs and include HDMI output to TV. This allows you to use the soundbar and shuffle between other components. The advanced HDMI connections now also support Audio Return Channels-ARC or eARC. The latter has more high resolution and immersive audio. 

With an HDMI ARC cable, you have a single connection to your TV from the source component. 

Bluetooth: Soundbars also support Bluetooth now. This allows you to stream audio not just from TV but also from any other Bluetooth function devices. 

Near Field, Communication is a newer and faster technology to initiate a Bluetooth connection. You can avail dual Bluetooth connectivity channel as well. 

WiFi: You can access online music services directly to your soundbar using the WiFi. 

Audio inputs: Digital audio can also be transmitted over an HDMI cable. Models without the HDMI will have an optical digital audio input cable along with an analogue stereo RCA (red & white jacks) for connecting older cable boxes. 

Streaming: Some soundbars that have the function to stream live content can directly connect with services like Amazon, Hulu and Netflix etc. This proves to be a plus-point for your TV.

Any soundbar will make your TV sound loud and full, making human voices sound louder. But if you generally struggle to hear dialogues, opt for a soundbar with dialogue enhancement.

Previously a surround sound setup needed a receiver and a minimum of 5 speakers. A soundbar is an entire surrounded sound in itself. You can opt for a cylindrical soundbar and place it in a convenient place to get a surround sound effect.

Some soundbars may have an in-built subwoofer. If not, try to look for an option to add one. Usually, soundbars are extremely sleek and thus need an additional subwoofer to reproduce lower-frequency sounds.

Yes, you definitely can. Many brands have soundbars that connect with music players, speakers and receivers over a network. This is how you can go ahead and create a multi-room system. But you will have to check specifically for this compatibility.

These soundbars derive their power from other home theatre receiver. They can be connected with the receiver’s front left, front right and centre channels using speaker wires. There aren’t any other ports on these soundbars apart from the connection terminal.

Yes, many soundbars have an option for smart connectivity. But you will need to buy an Echo or Google device to use it. If you want to buy a soundbar that has voice control, check for this specifically while buying.

Soundbars have a lower quality as compared to TV speakers or music system speakers. Even though a novice person may overlook the slight lower audio quality, a soundbar's real challenge comes later. If you want to build a TV sound system based on your soundbar, you won’t be able to do it later.

If you dont have any special requirements and are not fussy about it, then soundbars are a good choice.

The primary thing you need to look at is the type of connection your soundbar will have with the TV if it is HDMI, or ARC or eARC. You will have to be sure that all the hardware you have for the connection is compatible with each other. This will include checking the version of the HDMI port and jack. If there is no ARC/HDMI input, then you will need both optical and HDMI connections.

If you want to wall-mount the soundbar, traditionally, you will have to drill in additional holes to the wall. There are soundbars available that let you attach the soundbar directly below your TV or on a wall without the holes.

If you have a soundbar connected to your TV using ARC or optical connection, you can control it with a TV remote. However, be sure to check brand-wise specifications.

Soundbars connect to TVs using either an HDMI/ARC wire or an HDMI/Optical wire.

Read our buyer’s guide above and get all the information you need about a soundbar.

We have shortlisted the top 7 soundbars in India. Have a look at the table and product reviews to get a complete idea!

Here is a guide according to the type of connection. 

• HDMI ARC: 

Check for ARC label on your TV to check if your TV supports it. It is not necessarily that all HDMI In ports should be ARC enabled. This is why it is essential to check for the tag.

1. Connect the HDMI cable to HDMI In (ARC) port on the TV. 

2. Connect the TV-Out (ARC) to the soundbar. 

• HDMI and Optical audio digital cable: 

1. Connect the HDMI cable to HDMI In on your TV.

2. Connect the other to TV Out port on soundbar. 

3. Now connect the optical audio cable of TV's Optical audio-out to the Optical-in port on your soundbar.

• Optical digital audio cable:

1. Connect the TV audio optic cable from the Out jack to the Optical In jack on the soundbar.

• Analogue Audio cable only:

1. Connect the analogue audio cable from the TV’s audio output jack to the analogue-in jack on your soundbar. The type of analogue connections on your devices determines how you connect. 

• Switch on the TV.

• Switch on the Soundbar.

• In the TV's setting, switch the audio output settings to the audio system. 

Note: If you have a specific instruction manual, please refer to that firstly!

• Why?

  • It has a 5.1 channel surround sound.

  • Bluetooth connectivity is enabled for wireless audio streaming.

  • The installation will be looked after by the brand after delivery. 

  • The speaker has Dolby Digital audio; you can easily stream music too. Wireless connectivity also allows you to stream music from your smartphone. 

  • HDMI ARC enables you to connect to TV using a single cable. 

  • There are modes available that let you choose the right sound for all your purposes. It has additional Night and Voice modes that let you use subwoofers for more fine-tuning. 

• Why?

  • The 2.0 channel gives you an alternate sound dimension with an ethereal sound quality to add to the visuals.

  • The design adds more style to the beauty of the soundbar. 

  • You can control the payback option using operational control and remote control device. 

  • Devices are made easily accessible by wireless connectivity. 

  • It is a perfect choice for multiple forms with different modes like News, Movies, Music etc.

  • You can plug in Nirvana using 5.7 cm dynamic drivers, which give a more profound sound. 

• Why?

  • Engineers have designed a Physics-defying bass effect. The 2.1 channel and wired 25W subwoofer deliver heart-pumping bass, which provides a massive sonic boost to your TV watching experience.

  • True 45W RMS output provides an expansive soundstage where the high and mid frequencies are delivered through speaker drivers placed within the soundbar to produce full-spectrum audio quality.

  • The soundbar is equipped with Bluetooth v4.2, Aux and USB and comes with an AUX to RCA and an AUX to AUX cable, enabling it to work with TVs (LCD/LED/Smart) computers and tablets.

  • Compact and sleek design reduces the clutter in the room by eliminating the need for surround speakers and cables with the stylish soundbar supports both forms of installation. 

  • There are 4 pre-defined modes-movies, music, news and 3D. This allows you to switch in different modes depending on your choice.

  • You can adjust the bass-treble levels on the soundbar.

  • It can combine with TVs, mobiles and tablets. 

• Why?

  • The F&D E200 Soundbar has a 2.0 channel output which offers you one of the best sound qualities in its range. You can connect this speaker to a wide range of devices and enjoy hours of high definition music.

  • With 3W output power, this gadget comes with an efficient design for all moods and users. If not for USB, the 5V external adaptor ensures the music keeps playing while the side volume control remains at your beck and call.

  • The ergonomic design and the dimensions of 44.9 x 10.8 x 9.2 cm make this soundbar super portable for a small party.

  • Better sound is often about better design. The E200’s integrated 2.0 speaker with front passive radiator design gives springy bass.

  • It is compatible with 5V operated USB devices like PC/LAPTOP & other music gadgets.

• Why?

  • Experience theatre-like sound on ZEB-Juke Bar 6001DWS.

  • It comes with a 16.51 cm wireless subwoofer and soundbar with quad drives.

  • It has an HDMI ARC and optical input, also includes multi-connectivity options like wireless BT, USB, AUX.

  • The speaker also has an LED display and media/volume controls.

  • Total output power is 160 W (Subwoofer 80 W and Soundbar 80 W).

  • It facilitates wireless BT / USB / AUX / Optical IN / HDMI (ARC)16.51cm.

• Why?

  • It has a Dual Bluetooth mode that gives out dynamic sound quality across all audios. 

  • Double high-power speakers deliver astonishing sound volume that penetrates every single room, even in an outdoor environment.

  • The booming bass effect and zero distortion in the highest volume provide a rich listening experience without compromising on sound quality.

  • It runs for a long time on a single charge.

  • It offers one of the best wireless connection experience. 

• Why?

  • Power Output (RMS) is 10 W.

  • The powerful 2500mAh lithium Ion battery can play music for more than 7 hours on a single recharge.

  • The charging time is only 2 hours.

  • It has 10 m wireless range. Checkout reviews and comparison of best Bluetooth speakers in India.