Greatest Vizio soundbars of 2023

As a number one producer of good TVs and soundbars, Vizio stands out from the pack with an emphasis on merchandise with practical design and ease of setup mixed with cutting-edge options and aggressive pricing. The very best Vizio soundbars are available quite a lot of sizes and configurations to satisfy the wants of the smallest and largest dwelling theaters alike, and since every mannequin contains every little thing that it’s essential to get began from cables to mounting {hardware}, Vizio soundbars are a perfect alternative for pulling off a house theater improve with minimal fuss. From essentially the most compact single-unit soundbars to multi-speaker encompass sound methods with Dolby Atmos assist, this checklist of one of the best Vizio soundbars will level you in the precise route to your dwelling theater improve it doesn’t matter what kind of area you’re working with.

How we selected one of the best Vizio soundbars

Vizio’s soundbars cowl lots of floor with their designs and have a bit one thing for everybody. To slim down the choices, we mixed our personal private expertise with the opinions of trusted friends and on-line person impressions. Listed below are a few of the key standards we checked out when compiling our checklist:

The very best Vizio soundbars provide a point of encompass sound processing, whether or not by way of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X/Digital:X—object-based encompass that assigns every sound a top in addition to a horizontal location in a 360-degree sphere across the listener. Our checklist incorporates three Dolby Atmos-ready soundbars which have the up-firing audio system to bounce tones off the ceiling/partitions for the optimum audio expertise, whereas the remaining two provide encompass sound simulation. Serving to facilitate the processing of the newest encompass sound codecs are HDMI ARC/eARC interfaces for connecting soundbars to good TVs, and each soundbar on this checklist contains one of many two. A few of these soundbars embrace extra HDMI inputs to attach exterior units to the soundbar (resembling Blu-ray gamers and gaming consoles) to play audio earlier than passing video to the TV. So don’t neglect appropriate HDMI cables!

Should you’re including a soundbar to your tv, the general measurement of the product is essential to figuring out whether or not it belongs in your area. We chosen Vizio soundbars from each a part of the scale spectrum, from the ultra-compact V20-J8 to the multi-component Vizio Elevate. Along with how parts join, Vizio’s soundbars include various ranges of wi-fi connectivity. All the soundbars on this checklist are Bluetooth appropriate, however solely the Vizio Elevate has Wi-Fi and Chromecast capabilities. Sadly, none of Vizio’s soundbars provide native Apple AirPlay assist however you possibly can simply circumvent this if in case you have an Apple TV in your house cinema setup.

Issues to contemplate earlier than shopping for top-of-the-line Vizio soundbars

Do you employ Chromecast?

Lots of Vizio’s soundbars aren’t Wi-Fi enabled and received’t work with Chromecast on account of this. Should you use Chromecast to stream content material out of your units, you’ll have to go proper to the highest of Vizio’s product line and think about the Vizio Elevate. If Chromecast and Wi-Fi compatibility aren’t essential to you, any of Vizio’s different soundbars are value a glance.

How massive is your area?

No two dwelling theater environments are the identical, and also you’ll need to think about the scale of your TV and your room earlier than selecting a Vizio soundbar. When you have area for a full encompass sound system with a subwoofer and satellite tv for pc audio system, the 48-inch-wide Vizio Elevate and the 40-inch-wide Vizio M512a-H6 are one of the best Vizio soundbars with encompass sound at the moment out there. Should you don’t have area for all that however nonetheless need the bass response of a subwoofer, the Vizio M215a-J6 is a pleasant compromise. For all different areas, the all-in-one design of the Vizio M21d-H8R is a glossy and compact soundbar choice.

Do you want Dolby Atmos assist?

Dolby Atmos is a cutting-edge directional audio format that goals to supply larger top and immersion to cinema soundscapes, and whereas lots of the greatest new soundbars are appropriate with Atmos, some aren’t. Should you’re in search of one of the best Vizio soundbar with Dolby Atmos, the Vizio Elevate will present a top-of-the-line expertise and the Vizio M512a-H6 is an effective runner-up. Should you don’t have the area for a full encompass sound setup, the Vizio M215a-J6 is a Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbar-and-subwoofer bundle that gives an excellent approximation of encompass sound with out additional audio system.

Are you in search of a system that may develop with you?

Whereas Vizio is superb about providing many tiers of soundbars, their methods aren’t upgradeable or out there piecemeal. Because of this in the event you purchase an all-in-one Vizio soundbar just like the Vizio M21d-H8R, you received’t have the ability to add a subwoofer or rear audio system after the actual fact. For that reason, Vizio’s soundbars aren’t fairly as versatile as a few of their wi-fi encompass sound opponents, resembling Bluesound or Sonos.

Greatest Vizio soundbars: Critiques & Suggestions

Greatest total: Vizio Elevate

Why it made the lower: Vizio’s flagship soundbar system presents a few of the greatest Dolby Atmos efficiency in its class and presents in depth connectivity choices.

Specs

• Width: 48 inches (soundbar), 10.8 inches (subwoofer)
• Channels: 5.1.4
• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 2 x HDMI In

Professionals

• Adaptive rotating audio system swap between enhanced top and targeted sound
• Full-featured equipment features a wi-fi sub and two satellite tv for pc audio system
• Considerate design options together with a backlit distant and Chromecast

Cons

• Satellites should be wired to the subwoofer
• No Apple AirPlay or built-in voice assistant assist
• Has EQ, however lacks customized room-based calibration options

The Vizio Elevate is one of the best Vizio soundbar total because of its top-of-the-line function set, construct high quality, and total worth issue. That includes a 340-watt amplifier, an 8-inch wi-fi subwoofer, and two satellite tv for pc audio system, the Elevate excels at enjoying Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content material because of its 18 drivers complete, which ship a 30Hz – 20KHz frequency vary and pump out important low-end rumble inside a large, immersive soundstage. The Elevate stands out from different soundbars out there partially because of its distinctive auto-rotating adaptive audio system at every finish, which might pivot upward to mirror hold forth the ceiling and add top to your audio or pivot totally ahead so as to add width. The system additionally options two HDMI inputs with 4K passthrough and a devoted HDMI eARC port to permit for high-quality connections to all of your units.

The Elevate presents Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and it additionally has built-in assist for Chromecast, however it’s sadly incompatible with AirPlay and lacks built-in voice assistant assist (although it accepts instructions through Bluetooth). It does, nonetheless, embrace a devoted AUX port for plugging in a separate good speaker so customers can reap the benefits of Elevate’s added quantity. So far as EQ goes, the Elevate presents 4 presets, in addition to some primary treble and bass controls for finetuning, however there’s no superior room-specific calibration choice. The unit’s satellite tv for pc audio system additionally need to plug straight into the subwoofer, which can restrict customers’ placement choices relying upon their area.

Greatest with encompass sound: Vizio M512a-H6

Why it made the lower: The Vizio M512a-H6 is a well-rounded 5.1.2 soundbar with encompass sound and a competitively priced choice for getting into the Dolby Atmos ecosystem.

Specs

• Width: 40 inches (soundbar), 8.3 inches (subwoofer)
• Channels: 5.1.2
• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth, HDMI IN

Professionals

• Aggressive Dolby Atmos and true encompass sound efficiency
• 4K HDMI passthrough and Bluetooth connectivity
• Customizable sound contains EQ presets, evening mode, and dialogue enhancement

Cons

• No Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast
• Satellites require a subwoofer connection
• 11 audio system in comparison with the Vizio Elevate’s 18

Should you’re in search of a real encompass sound system with Dolby Atmos however don’t need to shell out on the top-of-the-line Vizio Elevate, the M512a-H6 is a incredible different that packs related options in a barely smaller kind at round half the value. It contains two satellite tv for pc audio system and a 6-inch wi-fi subwoofer to enrich a 40-inch central soundbar with up-firing audio system for added dimension and immersion. In complete, 11 drivers ship a 45Hz – 20kHz frequency vary. Like the opposite soundbars in Vizio’s product line, the M512a-H6 is Bluetooth-enabled and contains a good speaker auxiliary enter in lieu of built-in digital assistant assist. It has a single 4K passthrough-capable HDMI enter and an HDMI eARC port, in addition to an optical audio enter.

Similar to the Elevate, the M512a-H6 makes use of satellite tv for pc audio system that should be wired as much as the subwoofer and, like all Vizio soundbars, the unit doesn’t assist AirPlay. On high of that, the M512a-H6 lacks Chromecast and Wi-Fi compatibility, so that you’ll have to look to the Elevate if that’s a function you require. The unit options seven fewer audio system and two fewer channels than the extra versatile Elevate however, total, the M512a-H6 presents terrific encompass sound and Dolby Atmos efficiency for its worth.

Greatest for music: Vizio M215a-J6

Why it made the lower: The M215a-J6 is a strong and compact Atmos-ready soundbar system that’s excellent for including quantity and sub-bass to small and medium areas.

Specs 

• Width: 36 inches (soundbar), 8.3 inches (subwoofer)
• Channels: 2.1
• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth, HDMI IN

Professionals

• 2.1-channel system is Dolby Atmos and DTS:X prepared
• HDMI enter with 4K passthrough at 60 frames per second
• Compact design with wi-fi subwoofer

Cons

• Not expandable through satellite tv for pc audio system
• No Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or AirPlay assist
• Extra appropriate for small and medium areas

Should you’re in search of one of the best Vizio soundbar for lounge dance events, the Vizio M215a-J6 is an inexpensive and highly effective 2.1-channel choice that saves area whereas delivering loud quantity and enhanced low-end to your leisure middle. It’s appropriate with cutting-edge audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and it presents Bluetooth connectivity for wirelessly streaming audio out of your units. Its wi-fi subwoofer measures solely 8.3 inches in width, which permits for strategic placement inside your area, and although the M215a-J6’s connectivity is restricted, it does embrace optical audio and HDMI eARC ports, in addition to a single HDMI enter with 4K passthrough.

As a strictly 2.1-channel system, the M215a-J6 depends upon DTS Digital:X tech to simulate the acoustics of a real encompass sound cinema system. Due to this, and the truth that it may possibly’t be expanded with satellite tv for pc audio system, this soundbar needs to be checked out as a noticeable improve over easy stereo or Bluetooth celebration audio system. Sadly, the M215a-J6 isn’t appropriate with Chromecast or AirPlay and, just like the Vizio Elevate, the M215a-J6 opts for together with a wise speaker enter in lieu of built-in digital assistant assist. Should you’re in search of Wi-Fi or Chromecast assist, you’ll need to spring for the bulkier Elevate system. However in order for you extra bounce to the ounce with out spending buckets of ducats, the M215a-J6 is a greatest purchase.

Greatest for TV: Vizio M21d-H8R

Why it made the lower: This glossy all-in-one soundbar options twin subwoofers and a brief 2.2-inch physique, making it a good selection to be used in smaller areas.

Specs

• Width: 36 inches
• Channels: 2.1
• Connectivity: HDMI ARC, Optical, HDMI In

Professionals

• Smooth and compact design matches beneath TVs
• DTS Digital:X encompass simulation enhances stereo content material
• Constructed-in twin subwoofers

Cons

• No Dolby Atmos assist
• Can’t be upgraded with a subwoofer or satellite tv for pc audio system
• Introduces slight audio latency over ARC and optical

Should you’re quick on area or would simply favor a single-piece unit to at least one with a wi-fi subwoofer or different exterior audio system, the M21d-H8R is one of the best all-in-one Vizio soundbars. It measures 36 inches vast and solely 2.2 inches excessive, which permits it to suit simply beneath most flatscreens, making it a strong intermediate step between inventory TV audio system and a totally fleshed-out audio setup. Whereas it doesn’t produce fairly the identical degree of rumble you could find from a devoted subwoofer unit, the M21d-H8R options 6 drivers together with two built-in woofers that work admirably to push out low-end and low-mid frequencies (delivering a 50Hz – 20KHz frequency vary in full). This 2-way 2.1-channel system additionally lacks Dolby Atmos assist and as an alternative mixes down all encompass content material to stereo, however it goals to compensate by utilizing DTS Digital:X tech to simulate encompass sound.

The M21d-H8R presents no AirPlay, Chromecast, or Wi-Fi assist, however customers can connect with it through Bluetooth. It’s nonetheless a terrific stripped-down unit with some trendy options; for instance, it has a single HDMI enter that gives 4K passthrough at 60 frames per second. Like the opposite soundbars within the Vizio product line, the M21d-H8R additionally has a devoted good speaker enter that gives compatibility with digital assistants. In some circumstances, the soundbar’s ARC and optical ports have been recognized to introduce slight playback latency, so the soundbar is greatest paired with units that provide some quantity of latency compensation if that’s essential to you.

Greatest funds: Vizio V20-J8

Why it made the lower: This stripped-down Vizio soundbar presents good bang-for-your-buck because of options like Bluetooth, EQ presets, digital encompass sound, and HDMI ARC connectivity.

Specs 

• Width: 24 inches
• Channels: 2.0
• Connectivity: HDMI ARC, Optical

Professionals

• Makes use of DTS Digital:X encompass sound simulation
• Digital assistant assist through good speaker enter
• Compact 24-inch width

Cons

• Barebones design with no HDMI enter
• Small measurement lacks quantity and stereo width for bigger areas
• Bass response is considerably missing

The V20-J8 is likely one of the greatest funds Vizio soundbars as a result of it packs the naked requirements right into a compact 24-inch-wide format, making it a good selection for including elevated quantity and legibility to your programming in small areas. It makes use of a single HDMI ARC port and an Optical port for making connections to your TV, however it additionally contains Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio out of your smartphone or different units. The V20-J8 is restricted to 2 full-range audio system/channels (delivering ​​a 70Hz – 20kHz frequency response) and doesn’t provide any encompass sound functionality, however it employs DTS Digital:X tech to reinforce stereo content material and simulate the results of encompass sound inside its restricted stereo design. Like Vizio’s costlier soundbars, the V20-J8 presents a wise speaker enter for compatibility with digital assistants.

Being a funds soundbar, the V20-J8 does lack options like an HDMI enter, which might enable customers to run their units by way of the soundbar en path to the TV. It additionally presents no expandability with additional audio system like subwoofers or satellite tv for pc audio system, so what you see is what you get. It doesn’t provide one of the best bass response resulting from its small measurement and lack of built-in subwoofers, so if you wish to make a small improve to your sub-bass with out including a complete separate subwoofer, you may need to spring for the Vizio M21d-H8R above. Moreover, it’s not vast sufficient to throw out important stereo results, so it ought to actually be seen extra as an inexpensive enhancement in your TV’s built-in audio system than an immersion-altering audio system.

FAQs

Last ideas on one of the best Vizio soundbars

The very best Vizio soundbar total is the Vizio Elevate, which delivers top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos and DTS:X playback and Chromecast compatibility. Should you don’t want Chromecast and also you’re seeking to save a bit of cash and area, the Vizio M512a-H6 is likely one of the greatest Vizio soundbars with encompass sound within the mid-tier vary. The very best Vizio soundbar with a subwoofer is the Vizio M215a-J6, which helps Dolby Atmos and presents 4K passthrough, whereas one of the best all-in-one Vizio soundbar is the Vizio M21d-H8R because of its well-rounded sound and built-in subwoofers.