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Polk Magnifi Mini AX Review

Alex Barrientos Avatar
Updated Dec 14, 2023 8:45 PM

True Score

78
79
10

Experts

86
3,138

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The mid-range Polk Magnifi Mini AX excels for dialogue-centric and action movies, boasting a wide soundstage and rumbling bass. However, if size isn’t a primary concern, alternatives in the mid-range market with extra immersive Atmos, EQ presets, and a dedicated app provide superior value.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Polk Magnifi Mini AX is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar released in 2022, known for its thunderous bass and space-saving design. It has a five-speaker array and a down-firing subwoofer, and you can connect it to any TV through HDMI, eARC, or Optical cable. There’s Bluetooth 5.0 support, and music streaming options over WiFi include Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify.

Like the best speakers, it features a dedicated center channel for dialogue reproduction, and the Polk Voice Adjust technology lets you tweak vocal levels. It also offers advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Polk SDA 3D Audio Technology. While this model presents four sound modes (music, movie, 3D, and night), it lacks EQ. If that’s a crucial factor for you in a soundbar, check out our extensive list of the best soundbars with EQ options.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Polk Magnifi ensures secure connections through wired (HDMI, eARC, and optical) and wireless options (WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0) options, and its subwoofer links up wirelessly. The audio is disturbance-free, and latency is remarkably low over HDMI. While the soundstage is reasonably wide, its compact build limits surround immersion. The absence of upward-firing drivers minimizes height perception in Dolby Atmos, leaving you somewhat disappointed during action scenes.

Nevertheless, the powerful subwoofer generates deep rumbles, and while vocal clarity is sharp, there’s a slight hollowness in the mid-range. The handy remote facilitates easy switching between sound modes, among other things, and the sturdy and compact soundbar can withstand rough handling. Lastly, it provides responsive input commands but lacks EQ settings and a companion app for hassle-free control.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Reliable wired and wireless connection
  • Relatively wide soundstage
  • Deep bass
  • Clear dialogues
  • Compact and sturdy design

Reason to Avoid

  • Less immersion with Atmos
  • Hollow mid-range
  • No EQ settings
  • Lacks app compatibility

Polk Magnifi Mini AX Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth17.1"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedYes
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight10.4"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels3.1
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos, DTS:X
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableNo
WeightWeight22.27 lbs
WidthWidth23.9"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks With

All Specs

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    Product Comparison

    Polk Magnifi Mini AX Review

    True Score

    78
    81
    82
    78

    Ranking

    #

    61

    /

    149

    #

    26

    /

    149

    #

    18

    /

    149

    #

    65

    /

    149

    Market Context

    The Polk Magnifi Mini AX is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar released in 2022, known for its thunderous bass and space-saving design. It has a five-speaker…

    The Polk Magnifi Mini AX is a mid-range 3.1-channel soundbar released in 2022, known for its thunderous bass and space-saving design. It has a five-speaker array and a down-firing subwoofer, and you can connect it to any TV through HDMI, eARC, or Optical cable. There’s Bluetooth 5.0 support, and music streaming options over WiFi include Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify.

    Like the best speakers, it features a dedicated center channel for dialogue reproduction, and the Polk Voice Adjust technology lets you tweak vocal levels. It also offers advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Polk SDA 3D Audio Technology. While this model presents four sound modes (music, movie, 3D, and night), it lacks EQ. If that’s a crucial factor for you in a soundbar, check out our extensive list of the best soundbars with EQ options.

    The Polk Audio Signa S2 has two EQ presets that allow for sound customization, while the Polk Magnifi Mini AX offers four sound modes. The…

    The Polk Audio Signa S2 has two EQ presets that allow for sound customization, while the Polk Magnifi Mini AX offers four sound modes. The Magnifi Mini AX also supports Dolby Atmos, which the Audio Signa S2 does not, and the former provides better stereo surround than the latter. However, if you want superior vocal emphasis, read our Zvok Accuvoice AV157 review.

    When it comes to surround sound, the Sonos Beam outperforms the Polk Magnifi Mini AX, providing a more immersive experience. However, the Polk Magnifi Mini…

    When it comes to surround sound, the Sonos Beam outperforms the Polk Magnifi Mini AX, providing a more immersive experience. However, the Polk Magnifi Mini AX produces powerful bass thanks to its included subwoofer, which the Sonos Beam is missing. Also, the Polk Magnifi Mini AX offers Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music, which is unavailable on the Sonos Beam. If you want a soundbar with a subwoofer at a lower price point, read our Yamaha ATS 2090 review.

    Both the Polk Magnifi Mini AX and Bose Smart Soundbar 600 support Dolby Atmos, but the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 provides a more immersive experience…

    Both the Polk Magnifi Mini AX and Bose Smart Soundbar 600 support Dolby Atmos, but the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 provides a more immersive experience with its up-firing drivers. Moreover, you can control the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 through an app, but you can’t do the same with Polk Magnifi Mini AX. On the flip side, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 misses out on a compact design. For another option with a compact design, read our Yamaha SR C30A review. And for a bulkier and ultra-premium model, read our Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre review.

    Bluetooth Enabled

    Yes

    Yes

    No

    Yes

    Depth

    17.1"

    40.25"

    3.9"

    4.1"

    Dialogue Enhancement Feature

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    na

    Energy Star Certified

    Yes

    No

    No

    No

    HDMI ARC

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Yes

    Height

    10.4"

    16"

    2.7"

    2.2"

    Number of Audio Channels

    3.1

    2.1

    3

    5.1

    Subwoofer

    Included

    Included

    No

    Included

    Dig Deeper

    Polk Audio Signa S2 Review →

    Sonos Beam Review →

    Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Review →

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    Score Card

    E

    Expert Score

    79

    *.75

    We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

    C

    Customer Score

    86

    *.25

    We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

    True Score

    78

    Expert Scores

    • PC Mag
      51.6

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX offers powerful home theater audio with just a small… Read More

      By:

    • Tom’s Guide
      77.58

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      The MagniFy Mini AX delivers wide and bassy sound from a small package, but the… Read More

      By:

    • Trusted Reviews
      57.5

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      One of the more convincing attempts at an ultra-compact immersive soundbar, the Polk MagniFi Mini… Read More

      By:

    • Digital Trends
      48.7

      Category Trust Rating

      70
      With its tiny footprint but huge sound, the Polk MagniFi Mini AX is an excellent… Read More

      By:

    • Pocket Lint
      49.1

      Category Trust Rating

      90
      If you’re looking for a compact TV audio solution, we think the Polk MagniFi Mini… Read More

      By:

    • Expert Reviews UK
      43.7

      Category Trust Rating

      80
      Its Atmos effects could be better but the Polk MagniFi Mini AX packs a punch… Read More

      By: