When you’re seeking the best small soundbar, the key is finding a compact model that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. These soundbars are designed to fit seamlessly into most setups, offering convenience without sacrificing performance. A common pain point with small soundbars is that they may struggle to deliver room-filling sound or deep bass. However, the right model will provide a balanced audio experience with clear dialogue and crisp treble, ensuring your favorite shows and music sound great even in smaller spaces.
Our buying guide for the best small soundbars highlights three outstanding models that excelled in our rigorous testing. We analyzed over 140+ soundbars, certified many as tested, and scrutinized 394,661 reviews. Remarkably, 92% of experts were untrustworthy or produced fake reviews. Our process filters out these unreliable sources using our unique True Score and Trust Rating systems, ensuring only the top-performing soundbars make the cut. These winning models stood out for their impressive sound quality and compact design.
How Did We Rank the Best Small Soundbars?
Finding the best small soundbars is now easier with our expert buying guide. We’ve analyzed testing methods, expert reviews, and customer feedback from over 200 websites. This rigorous evaluation highlights the 2 essential test results, 2 nice-to-have features, and 1 crucial specifications that matter most. Our True Score system distills this data to help you choose the perfect small soundbar.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Less than 63″ wide and no taller than 3″
? Test Criteria
- Total Harmonic Distortion: A total harmonic distortion (THD) below 1% at 80 decibels to guarantee high-fidelity audio reproduction without unwanted frequencies.
- Volume Output: The soundbar should be able to deliver a powerful and immersive sound performance, exceeding 85 decibels in volume output.
? “Nice To Haves”
- Latency: With a latency under 100 milliseconds, it ensures minimal delay in data transmission or audio processing.
- Low-End Roll Off: A low-end roll-off of < 45 Hz to ensure there is some rumble in the bass to enhance your music or movie-watching experience.
Latest Updates
- 04/05/2024: Published the list of best small soundbars based on our True Score system.
Top Small Soundbars For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
To secure a spot on our list, a small soundbar must meet our stringent criteria for audio performance and quality. If it doesn’t meet these standards, it won’t be featured!
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung HW-Q800C
For audiophiles and versatile users alike, the Samsung HW-Q800C combines exceptional sound clarity with advanced features, making it perfect for immersive movie, gaming, and music experiences in any room size.
True Score
85853Experts
90874Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $430$997.99$567.99
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Amazing sound quality
- Impressive sound customization
- Good connectivity
- Great design and build quality
- Helpful smart features
Reasons to Avoid
- Lacks satellite speakers
- Limited clarity in very low bass
- Lacks advanced gaming features
- No 4k 120 HDMI passthrough means high-quality gaming on 4k devices experiences degraded quality.
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes 
Depth 4.7" 
Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes 
Energy Star Certified No 
HDMI ARC Yes 
Height 2.4" 
Number of Audio Channels 5.1.2 
Subwoofer Included 
Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS:X 
Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa 
Wall Mountable Yes 
Weight 11.2 lbs 
Width 43.7" 
Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes 
Works With Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Remote Control, SmartThings, Wi-Fi All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 35.13 High End Roll Off (Hz) 16.97k Max Volume Test (db) 97.2 Latency (ms) 49 THD @ 80dB 0.23 All Retailers
$567.99$998Save $430Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
$799.00Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No
$999.99Availability
Free Shipping
No
Our Verdict
If you’re an audiophile looking for maximum sound quality and minimum distortion in a package that will fit under your TV without issue, the 43.7” Samsung HW-Q800C is the way to go. The low and high-end roll-off points at 35.13 Hz and 16974.66 Hz, respectively, mean that you’ll have deep bass and sparkling highs in all the music you listen to.
Plus, with a total harmonic distortion of just 0.23, the soundbar provides excellent clarity at any audio level, all the way up to 97.2 dB. It’s not the loudest, but it’s not far off and offers up enough power to fill any room you put it in, big or small. If you need even more audio output, Bose’s Smart Soundbar 600 breaks 100 dB without getting distorted, and it’s cheaper too, but it trades away top end and sells its subwoofer separately.
This incredible audio clarity and detail are perfect for other types of content, too. Movies, TV shows, and games can all take full advantage of the soundbar’s capabilities and the Dolby Atmos technology it comes packed with. Combined with the unmatched low latency of 49 ms, the soundbar makes delay unnoticeable, which is especially good for competitive-minded gamers.
With its advanced equalizer, audiophiles will feel right at home tweaking the Q800C to sound exactly how they want it. But even if you aren’t an audiophile, it still delivers excellent performance no matter what you throw at it. From movie nights to gaming to podcasts to any kind of music under the sun, the Q800C delivers. It doesn’t get as loud as some of the other options on our list, but it’s unmatched for audio clarity at an upper mid-range price point.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Vizio V21X J8
Offering unbeatable affordability and compactness, the Vizio V21X J8 delivers quality audio in a small package, perfect for enhancing TV, music, and gaming experiences without breaking the bank.
True Score
82822Experts
899kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $30$159.99$129.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Bass and treble adjustments
- Dialogue enhancement feature
- Bluetooth-compatible
- Gets loud
- Incredible value
Reasons to Avoid
- Soundbar rattles with the bass turned up
- Poor surround performance
- No height channels
- Disappointing center channel performance
- No support for Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 7.68" Dialogue Enhancement Feature – Energy Star Certified Yes HDMI ARC – Height 2.28" Number of Audio Channels 2.1 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X Voice Assistant na Wall Mountable Yes Weight 3.84 lbs Width 24" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 35.13 High End Roll Off (Hz) 12.9k Max Volume Test (db) 94.5 Latency (ms) 45 THD @ 80dB 0.53 All Retailers
- $129.99$160Save $30
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $148.74
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $158.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
The Vizio V21X J8 offers unmatched affordability in a compact package without compromising audio quality where it counts, regardless of whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or playing games. At just 24” wide, it’s extremely compact and easy to fit just about anywhere you need to, and despite the small size, it can put out 94.5 dB. It isn’t the loudest soundbar on our list, but it’s still loud enough for small, medium, and large rooms. Thanks to a total harmonic distortion of 0.53, it also doesn’t become a distorted mess when you start cranking the volume on your favorite music.
With a latency of 45ms, the J8 is the fastest soundbar on the list, which puts it in a great position for movie buffs who love action movies and gamers who want to keep a competitive edge with as little audio-visual latency as possible.
The budget price point doesn’t impact bass either; the J8 features a low-end roll-off starting at 35.13 Hz and a high-end roll-off at 12901.59 Hz, making it capable of rendering clear dialogue and excellent, booming bass, which is perfect for video games. The compromise comes in specs: the J8 doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, so if you’re looking for the “surround sound” effect Atmos can create, this isn’t the way to go. Plus, the basic equalizer means you’ll be limited in what you can tweak on the soundbar if you’re an audiophile.
Despite these shortcomings, the soundbar stands as a testament to the brand’s commitment to providing quality sound solutions that are both affordable and reliable. This soundbar exemplifies how entry-level devices can still offer a satisfying upgrade from standard TV speakers, catering well to movies, TV shows, and background music, and can even manage to compete with devices that cost several hundred dollars more.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 offers room-filling, powerful audio with minimal distortion and deep bass, ideal for large rooms and users who prioritize sound quality and loudness in a compact design.
True Score
797915Experts
862kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
$499.00Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Low latency
- Wide soundstage
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Clear dialogues
- App compatibility
Reasons to Avoid
- Comparatively low bass attack
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 4.1" Dialogue Enhancement Feature na Energy Star Certified No HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.2" Number of Audio Channels 5.1 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 6.9 lbs Width 27.2", 6.9 lbs Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant All Specs
Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 34.62 High End Roll Off (Hz) 12.53k Max Volume Test (db) 101.8 Latency (ms) 50 THD @ 80dB 0.2 All Retailers
- $499.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes - $499.99
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
No - $499.00
Availability
In StockFree Shipping
Yes
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a solidly mid-range priced soundbar that gets extremely loud and has a very compact footprint, Bose’s Smart Soundbar 600 offers Bose’s signature sound quality and outstanding power. The 27” soundbar can reach an extremely impressive 101.8 dB, which is unmatched by any other soundbar on our list, and pairs it with a total harmonic distortion of just 0.20, the very best in its class. No matter how big the room you set it up in is, the 600 can rise to the occasion without becoming distorted.
On the other hand, if you’re not concerned about maximum volume and just want a soundbar that works well at a more entry level price, the compact Vizio V21X-J8 is smaller and several hundred dollars less.
When it comes to audio fidelity, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 showcases its prowess with an exceptional low-end roll-off at 34.62 Hz and a high-end roll-off at 12534.31 Hz. It’s technically the best for bass, but only barely, and the sub-1 Hz difference between it and the other soundbars on our list is imperceptible. The high end is where the compromise comes in; if you value very high, sparkly audio, the 600 can’t quite keep up with other soundbars on our list.
However, it has a latency of just 50 ms, which cuts the delay between audio and video down to more or less nothing, and while it’s technically trailing the list on latency, it’s only a few milliseconds short. If you’re a gamer, the deep bass and low latency make the 600 an easy choice.
With support for Dolby Atmos, an advanced equalizer for tweaking sound to be “just right,” and truly loud audio, this soundbar is hard to beat in large rooms. If you want room-filling audio with minimal distortion, deep and rich bass, and great highs, it’s hard to go wrong with picking the compact Smart Soundbar 600.
Did you know 92% of soundbar reviewers are
untrustworthy?
Our research found 10 of 122 soundbar reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted. To do this, we give every soundbar review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
400,918Soundbar Reviews Analyzed
151
Total Products Analyzed
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Small Soundbars?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these soundbars and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a soundbar that will sound great.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 1 | Yes | The amount of distortion introduced by the soundbar when it processes an audio signal at a given volume (typically 80, 85 or maximum dB output.) |
| Max Volume | > 85 dB | Yes | The maximum volume that a soundbar reaches when it’s output it turned up to 100%. |
| Latency | < 100 ms | No (nice to have) | The time it takes for a soundbar to process audio signal from a source and output it through the speakers. |
| Low End Roll Off | < 45 Hz | No (nice to have) | The point at which bass begins to sharply fall below the target response point on a frequency response graph, making harder to hear. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ soundbar reviewers and while 10 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Rating above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for soundbars.
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every soundbar review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Soundbars Test Data & Results
1. total harmonic distortion test result
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the fidelity of soundbars by indicating the percentage of unwanted harmonics added to the original audio. A THD under 1 ensures minimal distortion, critical for preserving audio quality across music, movies and games. This low distortion level enhances clarity, maintains detail, and ensures a high-fidelity listening experience, crucial for understanding dialogues, appreciating music nuances, and immersing in game sounds.
We believe soundbars should have less than 1% THD because this helps confirm their ability to accurately reproduce a wide range of audio without perceptible distortion. We say “perceptible” because it’s impossible to remove all distortion, but you can reduce it to the point it’s impossible to notice. Low THD also helps improve your comfort by preventing fatigue during extended use, making it an essential for anyone that marathons movies, games or music.
harmonic distortion
< 1
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of distortion that exists in an audio signal when it is played back at a target volume.
Units of Measurement: None or %
Tools to Measure: Audio Analyzer
Why It’s Important:
High levels of distortion ruin audio quality. Keeping distortion low helps keep music accurate and high-fidelity.
Total Harmonic Distortion (lower is better)
2. max volume test result
Maximum volume is the easiest aspect of a soundbar to understand: it’s just how loud the soundbar itself will actually get. What’s less clear is why a soundbar getting loud is so important. While higher max volumes give you the ability the fill rooms with sound or use a soundbar as makeshift party speakers, they’re also responsible for helping ensure that audio stays clear when listening at normal listening levels.
This is commonly referred to as “headroom”, and having enough headroom on a soundbar means that the soundbar is able to play back sounds at a high enough level (and with good enough clarity) that the volume level you’ll normally listen to music, movies or games with will sound perfectly clear and distortion free. We recommend your soundbar have no less than 85 dB of maximum volume and the higher you go, the better your soundbar is at filling larger and larger rooms.
max volume
>85 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The maximum volume that a soundbar is able to hit when the output is turned all the way up.
Units of Measurement: dB (Decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound level or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Max volume is how you ensure you’ve got enough volume to fill large rooms and helps ensure clarity at normal listening levels.
Max Volume (in dB; higher is better)
3. latency test result
latency
< 100 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: Time it takes for the soundbar to process and produce the sound it receives from the source
Units of Measurement: milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Software
Why It’s Important:
Long delays create mismatches between audio and video, which breaks immersion and frustrates gamers.
Large amounts of latency create problems when trying to sync up audio and video. While you’ve got a bit of wiggle room with how much of a delay can exist between the audio that comes out of your soundbar and the images on your TV, it’s not a ton. If there’s too much latency the mismatch starts to become obvious, and people start looking like they stopped talking while dialogue is still playing. This is especially concerning for gamers, who rely on audio and video to sync up well enough that the footprints you hear around the corner are accurately getting closer.
It’s for these reasons we recommend a latency less than 100 ms. For most content, this is a low enough delay that any mismatch is going to be largely unnoticed. If you’re a highly competitive gamer and don’t want to do calibration out of the box to line up the A/V, the lowest latency you can find is going to work best. For music and moves, though, 100 ms or less will work great.
Latency (in milliseconds; lower is better)
4. Low end roll off test result
Low end roll off
< 45 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which bass begins to sharply decline and becomes rapidly inaudible.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Oscilloscope
Why It’s Important:
If bass takes longer to start rolling off, it’ll generally be more present in the audible parts of the audio spectrum put out by a soundbar, giving sound “punch” and “depth.”
When it comes to getting the most bass you can out of your soundbar, low-end roll off is a great indicator of just how deep the bass on it can get. If a soundbar doesn’t have a roll off that starts deep enough into the bass part of the audio spectrum, then it’ll result in quiet or even absent bass, which removes most of the punch and impact of not only music, but also movies and video games. the longer it takes bass to roll off, the better.
When it comes to most soundbars for most use cases, we recommend a roll off that doesn’t start until at least 45 Hz, but it only gets better the further you go down. It’s worth noting that the roll off will only get so low, so don’t expect to find soundbars hitting the teens for roll off, but it isn’t uncommon for very bass-forward options to hit 30 Hz before roll off starts. By aiming for at least 45 Hz, you have a much better chance of getting the deep, rumbling bass you’re looking for out of your music, movies or games.
Low end roll off (in Hz; lower is better)
Best Small Soundbars: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Size and Space Constraints: One of the main reasons for choosing a small soundbar is to save space. Make sure to measure the space where you plan to install the soundbar and ensure it fits appropriately. Ignoring this could lead to an ill-fitting soundbar that doesn’t look or sound right in your space. Sometimes, choosing the best soundbar without a subwoofer offers a sleek, compact design without sacrificing audio quality, making it an ideal choice for small rooms or setups where space is at a premium.
- Overlooking Audio Quality: Don’t sacrifice audio quality for the sake of size. While small soundbars may not have the same power as larger ones, they can still produce impressive sound. Look for soundbars with good audio quality reviews and consider factors like frequency range, wattage, and audio enhancement technologies. When deciding between a soundbar vs surround sound system, remember that a high-quality soundbar can rival the immersive experience of a surround system while occupying less space. For those seeking an optimal balance between simplicity and immersive audio, the best 5.1 soundbar systems provide a rich surround sound experience without the complexity of traditional home theater setups.
- Not Considering Connectivity Options: Make sure the soundbar you choose has the connectivity options you need. Whether you plan to connect via Bluetooth, HDMI, optical, or auxiliary cables, ensure the soundbar supports your preferred connection method. To see which connection is right for you, learn more about their differences with out comparisons of HDMI vs Bluetooth or HDMI ARC vs optical. Also, check for compatibility with your TV or other devices. Gamers should consider the best gaming soundbar, which offers specialized sound modes and features like low latency to ensure the audio is as responsive and immersive as the gameplay.
- Ignoring Soundbar Placement: Proper soundbar placement can significantly impact its performance. Avoid placing it too close to walls or corners, as this can affect sound quality. Additionally, consider whether you’ll mount the soundbar on the wall or on a shelf and choose accordingly. Don’t forget about the subwoofer placement as well. A top soundbar with a subwoofer can enhance your audio experience, adding depth and richness to music, movies, and TV shows.
The Best Small Soundbars Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Low End Roll Off
|
High End Roll Off
|
Max Volume Test
|
Latency
|
THD @ 80dB
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 |
|
|
|
|
|  $567.99 $998 $430 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
|  $129.99 $160 $30 |
| 79 |
|
|
|
|
| $499.00 |
