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Vizio M215A-J6 Review

Nathan Rizzuti Avatar
Updated Dec 20, 2023 11:31 AM

True Score

83
82
2

Experts

90
1,138

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

Ultimately, the Vizio M215A-J6 offers a good package for music enthusiasts on a budget who want better sound than built-in speakers. It’s budget-friendly, but high latency can cause lip-synching issues, which isn’t great for movie lovers seeking premium sound.

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Vizio M Series m215a-J6 is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers next-level Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound for movie enthusiasts.

Unlike higher-end models, this system doesn’t have satellite speakers, so its surround soundstage is not very great. Check out our top-rated speakers if you desire more immersive sound.

However, it has a balanced sound profile that is great for music and TV shows. It also supports both HDMI and Optical inputs, and there is an auxiliary port for connecting to third-party voice assistants.

This device will only stream wirelessly over Bluetooth, and it has very high latency, so some users may notice some syncing issues between the audio and video feeds especially during dialogue scenes.

The sound system does that offer built-in voice assistants, though. This system lacks that deep extended low bass despite having a dedicated subwoofer.

Continue reading our Vizio M Series m215a-J6 review below, explore the best-rated soundbars on the market today.

Rankings (recommended in)

Best For

  • Dolby Atmos

Consensus

our Verdict

The Vizio M215A-J6 has a high-latency connection, leading to lip-synching issues between audio/video, which is distracting. It also only streams wirelessly over Bluetooth.

Its sound quality is good, offering a balanced sound that works well for music and dialogue-focused content though. The bass and treble adjustments add to the customization, allowing users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences.

The remote is simple but accessible and user-friendly.

While it supports Dolby Atmos, it lacks rear satellites and a discrete center limits its ability to deliver true surround sound and enhanced vocal clarity.

Moreover, it struggles reproducing deep rumble, making it less ideal for bass-heavy music genres. The stereo soundstage is also subpar due to the lack of satellite speakers and isn’t as accurate as more premium alternatives.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Bass and treble adjustments for customizable sound
  • Gets loud, filling larger rooms with sound
  • Supports Dolby Atmos for immersive audio experiences
  • Dialogue enhancement feature for clear and crisp voices
  • Balanced sound and detailed reproduction
  • Budget-friendly with versatile features
  • Nice stereo soundstage for good spatial perception
  • Simple controls on the bar for easy access
  • Remote accesses all features and customization tools
  • Easy setup and intuitive integration with TVs and devices

Reason to Avoid

  • Lacks low-bass, reducing the immersive feel
  • High latency causes lip-synching issues
  • Struggles with deep rumble in bass-heavy music genres
  • Downmixes surround sound formats to stereo,
  • Doesn’t come with rear satellites for improved surround sound
  • No discrete center to enhance vocal clarity
  • Reported remote issues
  • Dolby Atmos support doesn’t help audio quality
  • Limited sound extension

Vizio M215A-J6 Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth3.54"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureNo
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedNo
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCYes
HeightHeight2.24"
SubwooferSubwooferIncluded
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableYes
WeightWeight5.3 lbs
WidthWidth36"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer ConnectivityYes
Works WithWorks WithAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri

All Specs

Test Results

Low End Roll Off (Hz)54.17
High End Roll Off (Hz)14,421.547
Max Volume Test (db)96.9
Latency (ms)124
THD @ 80dB0.32

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Product Comparison

Vizio M215A-J6 Review

True Score

83
81
82
66

Ranking

#

26

/

149

#

42

/

149

#

33

/

149

#

138

/

149

Market Context

The Vizio M Series m215a-J6 is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers next-level Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound for movie enthusiasts. Unlike higher-end models, this…

The Vizio M Series m215a-J6 is an entry-level 2.1-channel soundbar that offers next-level Dolby Atmos and DTS: X sound for movie enthusiasts.

Unlike higher-end models, this system doesn’t have satellite speakers, so its surround soundstage is not very great. Check out our top-rated speakers if you desire more immersive sound.

However, it has a balanced sound profile that is great for music and TV shows. It also supports both HDMI and Optical inputs, and there is an auxiliary port for connecting to third-party voice assistants.

This device will only stream wirelessly over Bluetooth, and it has very high latency, so some users may notice some syncing issues between the audio and video feeds especially during dialogue scenes.

The sound system does that offer built-in voice assistants, though. This system lacks that deep extended low bass despite having a dedicated subwoofer.

Continue reading our Vizio M Series m215a-J6 review below, explore the best-rated soundbars on the market today.

Featuring a 5.1 surround setup with satellite speakers, the Vizio M Series m51ax-J6 produces a much better surround and Atmos soundstage than the Vizio M…

Featuring a 5.1 surround setup with satellite speakers, the Vizio M Series m51ax-J6 produces a much better surround and Atmos soundstage than the Vizio M Series m215a-J6, which has a 2.1 setup. You can learn more about the 5.1 soundbar in our Vizio m51ax-J6 review.

With the 5.1.2 setup that has wired satellites, the Vizio M512a-H6 produces more immersive movie content and better Dolby Atmos performance than the Vizio M…

With the 5.1.2 setup that has wired satellites, the Vizio M512a-H6 produces more immersive movie content and better Dolby Atmos performance than the Vizio M Series m215a-J6 with its 2.1 configuration. However, the Vizio M Series m215a-J6 is the lower-cost option. You can learn more about the higher-end speaker in our Vizio M512a H6 review.

The TCL Alto 9+ has a 3.1 setup, providing better center channel performance than the Vizio M Series m215a-J6, which is 2.1 soundbar. It is…

The TCL Alto 9+ has a 3.1 setup, providing better center channel performance than the Vizio M Series m215a-J6, which is 2.1 soundbar. It is also compatible with the Roku TV remote, unlike the Vizio M Series m215a-J6. That said, both speakers support Dolby Atmos content. Check out our TCL Alto 9+ review to learn more.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

3.54"

3.5"

3.54"

4.3"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

No

Yes

No

Yes

Energy Star Certified

No

No

No

No

HDMI ARC

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Height

2.24"

2.2"

2.24"

2.3"

Subwoofer

Included

Included

Included

Included

Surround Sound Supported

Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X

Dolby Atmos, DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X

Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS:X

Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD

Dig Deeper

Vizio M51AX-J6 Review →

Vizio M512A-H6 Review →

TCL Alto 9+ Review →

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  • Save $47
    $179.99
    $133.34

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

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    Free Shipping

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

82

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

83

Any product with a True Score above 80 is a Absolutely Fresh

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    75
    The Vizio M215A-J6 is good for mixed usage. Overall, this simple 2.1 bar is ideal… Read More

    By:

    Jake Thauvette
  • Digital Trends
    48.7

    Category Trust Rating

    80
    PROS: Great price., Good assortment of inputs., Easy setup., Very good sound quality., Dolby Atmos… Read More

    By:

    Simon Cohen

Customer Scores