2017’s best TV soundbars

One of the most important and yet often overlooked aspects of a superior television experience is sound.

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The poll on this CNET article suggests that 35% of people solely rely on their TV speakers. However, we all know that there’s a much better option.

It can be easy to get caught up in the nitty-gritty of your television set’s specs, but investing in a solid sound system will instantly elevate your viewing experience and help you to get the most out of your time relaxing in front of the TV.

What to consider before choosing a soundbar

Consider connectivity

After booking your TV aerial installation in Swansea, which you can do here https://www.onevisionltd.co.uk/tv-aerial-installation-swansea, you won’t want to wait long until you can sit back and enjoy the TV viewing experience of your life. It is important, therefore, to consider precisely what you want your soundbar to do before making a purchase. With that idea in mind, here are the top models from 2017.

Premium soundbar picks: Sonos and LG

Sonos Playbar

Masters of crisp sound, it’s safe to say that the Sonos Playbar is a resounding success. Its easy installation, Alexa integration, and excellent music playback make this £649 offering a great investment.

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LG Atmos SJ9

Existing in the same premium domain as the Sonos, the Atmos has an added subwoofer which envelops you in a rich and deep audio experience that arguably can’t be bettered. With in-built Chromecast technology, streaming from your tablet or smartphone is a breeze, but at 47 inches it’s best suited to larger TV setups.

More top picks: Bose, Sony and Samsung

Bose SoundTouch 300

Effortlessly sleek and with impeccable audio, this offering from Bose more than keeps up with the competition. You can even integrate it with Bose multiroom speakers and an additional wireless subwoofer for an amped-up audio experience to impress.

Sony HT-MT300

At under £200, this Sony offering is budget-friendly and ideal for smaller TVs. You won’t be able to control it using your main remote, but this is just a minor issue that shouldn’t impact your overall enjoyment of this smart little soundbar.

Samsung HW-MS650

Impressively elegant, this 41-inch soundbar is powerful and delightfully base rich which means you shouldn’t have to even consider an additional subwoofer because it’s already got all your needs covered. If you have a curved TV, don’t worry because Samsung again has you covered with this model available in two styles with something to suit everyone.

Summary

This article explains why investing in a soundbar can transform the TV viewing experience, noting that many people still rely solely on built-in TV speakers. It advises considering connectivity before buying, then runs through five 2017 picks: the premium Sonos Playbar and LG Atmos SJ9, the sleek Bose SoundTouch 300, the budget-friendly Sony HT-MT300, and the bass-rich Samsung HW-MS650 for curved or standard TVs.

Questions this article raises

  • How much difference does a soundbar actually make compared with built-in TV speakers?
  • Which of these soundbars works best for a smaller living room?
  • Is a separate subwoofer worth adding to a soundbar like the Sonos Playbar?
About Hannah Reeves 101 Articles
Hannah Reeves is a technology consultant with a particular interest in the point where technology meets everyday life. She writes about AI, cybersecurity, smart-home gadgets and consumer technology, with a preference for explaining what things actually do rather than simply repeating the manufacturer's sales pitch.