Our TVs have grown leaner over the year and there simply isn’t much room to fit in speakers that can faithfully reproduce audio or bass. Consequently, Soundbars have emerged as a popular alternative.
In fact, Soundbars are hugely popular and audio equipment manufacturers are upgrading their soundbars more frequently as compared to full-blown audio systems.
If you are considering buying one, we have a list of best soundbar options that you can directly pick from.
Which one to buy: Soundbars or a home theater?
Soundbars can’t match a home theater system when it comes to audio output or pleasing audiophiles, but they have their own set of advantages. They don’t take much space, are easy to install and are relatively less expensive.
Besides, more consumer interest in the segment has driven innovation, and Soundbars have remarkably improved in a short time. These days soundbars have multiple speakers, subwoofers, and some can also create virtual surround sound using top-firing speakers (denoted by the extra number in their name)
Things to consider before buying a soundbar:
- Audio channels and speaker power
- Connectivity (HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 5.0, etc.)
- Audio formats supported
- Size of your room
- Option to pair extra speakers
Also Read: Best Home Theater Systems To Buy In India
List of best soundbars to buy in India in 2020
We have tried to include options that are currently relevant and have tried to include good soundbars in affordable, mid-range, and premium segments. We have first added premium options, followed by mid-range and then affordable soundbars.
List of best soundbars to buy in India in 2020
| Soundbar | Price |
| Bose Soundbar 700 | Rs. 79,000 |
| LG SL10YG | Rs. 79,990 |
| Sony 3.1 Ch HT-Z9F | Rs. 64,900 |
| JBL Bar 3.1 | Rs 37,990 |
| Samsung Soundbar 340W 2.1Ch HW-T550 | Rs. 35,900 |
| Sony 2.1 Ch HT-X8500 | Rs. 30,990 |
| Samsung Soundbar 340W 3.1Ch HW-R650 | Rs. 26,900 |
| Sony 2.1 HT-S350 | Rs 18,990 |
| Yamaha YAS-109 | Rs. 23,990 |
| Xiaomi Mi Soundbar | Rs. 4,999 |
1. Bose Soundbar 700
Bose Soundbar 700 and 500 are high-end soundbars that support all latest connectivity options including HDMI eARC and can also be wirelessly paired with other Bose audio systems and soundbars like Bose Bass module 700 or Bose surround speakers.
A lot of proprietary Bose technology goes in the Soundbar 700 and it’s designed to deliver spacious audio with a wide soundstage. The Soundbar doesn’t support Dolby Atmos. It does support Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound.
It has a glass top and also integrates Alexa and Google Assistant (coming soon with an update). There are 8 microphones and also an Alexa light bar to facilitate assistant conversations
Other Bose options
- Bose Soundbar 500 – Rs. 59,000
- Bose Solo 5 TV sound system (compact soundbar) – Rs. 22,000
| Model | Bose Soundbar 700 |
| Speakers | 4 |
| Subwoofer | Separate |
| Channels | 5.0 |
| Connectivity | HDMI CEC, HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, Optical, USB |
| Accessories | Remote |
| Price | Rs. 79,000 |
2. LG SL10YG Soundbar
LG has a diverse Soundbar ecosystem and you can find options in all price segments. The LG SL10YG is the top model that has LG’s Meridian sound technology, 2 upward-firing speakers, support for high-resolution audio, and it comes with a powerful sub-woofer.
This is a 5.1.2 channel system that also integrates Google Assistant, built-in Chromecast and supports 4K HDR pass-through. Users may add extra rear channels and complete 7.1.2 system.
Other LG Soundbars:
- LG Soundbar SL6Y – Rs. 29,990
- LG Sound Bar SJ3 – Rs. 19,990
| Model | LG SL10YG |
| Output power | 570W |
| Subwoofer | Yes, 7” driver |
| Speakers | 6 |
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD high resolution, FLAC, WAV, OGG, MP3 |
| Connectivity | HDMI in, HDMI Out with ARC, CES, Bluetooth 4.2, USB, dual-band Wi-Fi, Optical, Chromecast |
| Accessories | Remote, wall mount bracket |
| Price | Rs. 79,990 |
3. Sony 3.1 Ch HT-Z9F
Sony’s premium 3.1 Ch HT-Z9F has diverse audio format support. Also, Sony is really pushing the bar with connectivity options. The HT-Z9F has full Dolby support, can be connected directly to other accessories and media devices and, and even has Chromecast Built-in.
The HT-Z9F can upscale audio to 7.1.2 ch. The HT-Z9F comes with a subwoofer and sony also offers additional rear speakers in a discounted bundle.
Sony has an extensive portfolio of audio equipment in India, and as far as soundbars go, this one is at the top rung of the ladder.
| Model | Sony 3.1 Ch HT-Z9F |
| Output | 400W |
| Subwoofer | Wireless subwoofer |
| Audio | Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS X MP3, WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, AIFF |
| Connectivity | 4K HDR pass-through, HDMI (ARC), Optical-audio input, Analogue USB type A, Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, NFC, Chromecast built-in |
| Accessories | Remote, wall mount bracket |
| Price | Rs. 64,900 |
4. JBL Bar 3.1
JBL Bar 3.1 comes with a wireless subwoofer and delivers rich sound that should be appealing to consumers who prefer thumpy bass. JBL Bar 3.1 is more about power and thus is a great soundbar for movies playback and for games.
It also has a display on the front and comes with a thoughtfully designed remote control.
More from JBL:
JBL Bar 5.1 Audio system – Rs. 54,999
| Model | JBL Bar 3.1 |
| Output power | 450W |
| Subwoofer | Wireless, 10” |
| Speakers | 6 |
| Audio Formats | Dolby Digital, DTS digital |
| Connectivity | HDMI video input (3), HDMI Out with ARC, 1 Analog, 1 Optical, Bluetooth, USB |
| Accessories | Remote, wall mount bracket |
| Price | Rs. 37,499 |
5. Samsung Soundbar 340W 2.1Ch HW – T550
Samsung’s T-series premium soundbars are currently available only at offline stores. Soundbar 340W HW- T550 and T550/ XL can connect to multiple Bluetooth devices, support lossless codecs, and be paired to other speakers to form surround sound systems.
The audio is richer and fuller than what you’d get from mid-range HW- R series systems from Samsung.
| Model | Samsung Soundbar 2.1Ch HW-T550 |
| Output | 340W |
| Subwoofer | Active, 6.5″ Driver |
| Speakers | 5 |
| Audio | Dolby 5.1, DTS Digital 5.1 Ch, DTS Virtual: XMP3, WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, AIFF |
| Connectivity | HDMI CEC, Optical, Audio jack, |
| Accessories | Remote, wall mount bracket |
| Price | Rs. 35,900 |
6. Sony HT-X8500 2.1Ch Soundbar
Sony HT-X8500 2.1 Ch Soundbar is perhaps the easiest recommendation in this list. That’s because it sounds brilliant and retails for a very reasonable price.
If you are looking for a mid-range soundbar to go with your TV, the Sony HT-X8500 can fire a powerful cinema experience.
| Model | Sony HT-X8500 |
| Output | Not specified |
| Subwoofer | Yes, built-in dual sub-woofer |
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, DTS X, Verticle sound engine MP3, WAV, AAC, OGG, FLAC, AIFF |
| Connectivity | HDMI CEC, HDMI eARC, ARC, Bluetooth |
| Accessories | Remote, wall mount bracket |
| Price | Rs. 30,900 |
7. Samsung Soundbar 340W 3.1Ch HW-R650
Samsung’s HW – R-series have mid-range soundbars that can wirelessly connect to TVs or phones, come with a dedicated remote and can also be paired with extra satellite speakers for a more immersive sound experience. Samsung also has an Audio remote app that you may use to control the soundbar using your phone.
Samsung HW-R650 has 6 speakers that output 340W audio. Dolby 5.1 and DTS Digital 5.1 Ch are supported. In the same series, Samsung also offers two other options with similar features that you may consider if you are looking for something more affordable.
- Samsung Soundbar 320W 2.1Ch HW-R550 – Rs. 21,900
- Samsung Soundbar 200W 2.1Ch HW-R450 – Rs. 15,590
| Model | Samsung Soundbar 3.1Ch HW-R650 |
| Output | 340W |
| Subwoofer | Active, 6.5″ Driver |
| Speakers | 6 |
| Audio | Dolby 5.1, DTS Digital 5.1 Ch MP3, WAV, AAC, OGG |
| Connectivity | HDMI CEC, Optical, Audio jack, |
| Package Dimensions & Weight | 1130.0 x 460.0 x 280.0 mm; 10.85 Kgs |
| Accessories | Remote, wall mount bracket |
| Price | Rs. 26,900 |
8. Sony 2.1 HT-S350 Soundbar
HT-S350 is one of the affordable options from Sony that comes bundled with a wireless subwoofer.
It’s a 2.1 system with always-on surround sound with a decent soundstage and loud audio output. Audio quality won’t please audiophiles but should be good enough for generic consumers. We’d say HTS 350 is a decent value proposition overall.
| Model | Sony HT-S350 |
| Output Power | 350W |
| Subwoofer | Yes, Wireless |
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Audio | Dolby Digital |
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, HDMI CEC (1 OUTPUT), Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Accessories | Remote |
| Price | Rs. 18,990 |
9. Yamaha YAS-109
Yahama YAS 109 is a mid-range soundbar with a built-in subwoofer. Mids and highs are quite clear which makes it great for watching movies in small spaces. The YAS 109 has 5 sound modes and in-built Alexa support.
A proprietary app can be used to control YAS 109 as well.
| Model | Yamaha YAS 109 |
| Output power | 120W |
| Subwoofer | In-built |
| Drivers and tweeters | 6 |
| Audio Formats | DTS Virtual X, Dolby audioWAV, FLAC, ALAC, MP3, WMA, MPEG-4 AAC |
| Connectivity | HDMI in, HDMI Out with ARC, CES, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Optical, Subwoofer output |
| Accessories | Remote, wall mount bracket |
| Price | Rs. 23,990 |
10. Xiaomi Mi Soundbar
Xiaomi Mi Soundbar with 8 Speakers is quite popular and that’s because it’s extremely affordable. The bar is well built and looks decent, and can get very loud, but don’t expect too much in terms of audio quality.
You’d be missing on basics like remote control or HDMI ARC, but it feels unfair to complain at this price.
| Model | Xiaomi Mi Soundbar |
| Output power | Not specified |
| Subwoofer | No |
| Speakers | 8 |
| Audio Formats | Not specified |
| Connectivity | S/PDIF, Optical, Aux-in and Bluetooth |
| Remote | No |
| Price | Rs. 4,999 |
Wow this list seems cool. I had home theater system but its bit complext to setup and carry around too. I am looking to buy a Soundbar this diwali as there might be some decent offers too. I am considering Sony 2.1 HT-S350 to buy. Hope it is as described above.