But even though this new generation of Smart TVs seems to have it all, there is one thing that still seems to be missing from even some of the most premium options: good sound quality. Since most TV brands specifically focus on display and image quality, the speakers of the TV are somewhat lagging behind in terms of performance. Therefore, a lot of users go for a decent soundbar to pair with their TVs. If you are also searching for a soundbar, take a look at these factors before you buy one.
Power Output Capacity: The main reason behind relying on a soundbar rather than the built-in speaker of your TVs is the lack of power capacity on the default speakers. So, you would obviously want to go for a soundbar that can provide a powerful output capacity, ensuring loud sound output without compromising the sound quality at all.
Connectivity Options: Since a soundbar is usually paired with a TV in the living room, it also becomes a part of your decor and you obviously wouldn’t want it to look all messed up with cables and connectors. Therefore, it is necessary to find a soundbar that offers you the right connectivity options in order to create a clean setup. The best options available on the market right now are the ones that offer HDMI eARC ports for high-quality audio transmission. Surround Sound Feature: Apart from the sound output of the soundbar being loud and clear, you would also want it to sound realistic to ensure a perfect viewing experience, whether you are watching a movie or a TV show episode. For that, the soundbar must offer surround sound features. There are many options available for a soundbar in this regard like 2.1, 3.1, and even 5.1, each offering better results than the previous one.
Since a soundbar is essentially a speaker, you will have to consider all of the factors that you would usually think of while buying a standard set of speakers. Apart from that, there are some additional features that affect the compatibility and installation of a soundbar that should also not be missed while you are browsing the best options in your budget. If you are not sure how to pick up a soundbar, you are at the right place. Right after our picks for the best eARC soundbar, we will offer a “Buying Guide” for the best eARC soundbar to help you find the right one within your budget.
Best EARC Soundbar 2023
Best EARC Soundbar Reviews
1. Nakamichi Shockwafe Soundbar
A lot of buyers prefer to go with an all-in-one option for a soundbar, or a sound system in general to avoid further problems and get all the requirements fulfilled with one purchase. Therefore, we are starting our list with one such option from Nakamichi.
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The Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Soundbar is our first choice for today’s list of the best soundbar with HDMI eARC connectivity and also one of the most versatile options on the market right now. This is a 9.2.4 channel soundbar that offers an exceptionally high-quality sound output with 4 external rear speakers as well as dual 10 inches subwoofers to ensure the best bass response. In fact, Nakamichi is promising up to 20 Hz deep bass output from these subwoofers. So with the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Soundbar, you will be able to experience a true 360° surround sound experience for a lifelike listening experience. It also offers some powerful sound enhancement technologies such as Surround Sound Elevation (SSE Max), Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X surround sound for the best results. And for connectivity, the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Soundbar features an HDMI eARC connection along with 3 HDMI inputs in total. For wireless, you will get the aptX HD feature, offering 24-bit high-resolution wireless audio streaming. Best Features
It has RCA, Bluetooth, Auxiliary, HDMI connectivity options The power output capacity is 600 Watts It comes with a year of warranty It has SSE Max, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support
Pros
Most versatile option on this list Offers the best sound quality in comparison with other options Dual external subwoofers for strong and rich bass
Cons
Not suitable for compact installation spaces
2. LG S75Q 3.1.2ch Sound bar
We all are familiar with LG since it is one of the leading brands around the world when it comes to electronic products. Along with a fine selection of TVs, LG also offers similarly great options for soundbars that are perfect for such TVs. The LG S75Q 3.1.2 Channel Sound bar is our 2nd pick from this list, and also one of the budget options that we have for you today. Still, LG has managed to include various sound enhancement features on the soundbar such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound technology. The power capacity of the LG S75Q 3.1.2 Channel Sound bar also ranges up to 400 Watts, defeating many other options in comparison around this price range. And if you already own an LG TV, this will be a perfect match since all LG soundbars are designed to match the wide selection of LG TVs out of the box. With the 3.1.2 audio channel setup, LG S75Q 3.1.2 Channel Sound bar brings an external front-firing subwoofer so that you won’t have to compromise on the bass response of the audio system. It also has the Meridian Audio Technology to deliver high-res sound output without any tuning required. For connectivity, the LG S75Q 3.1.2 Channel Sound bar features both HDMI eARC as well as Bluetooth for a seamless connection. Best Features
It has Bluetooth, HDMI connectivity options The power output capacity is 400 Watts It comes with a year of warranty Meridian Audio Technology for high-res sound production
Pros
It comes with an external subwoofer Best option for LG TVs Power output is pretty good
Cons
It does not have external tweeters or rear drivers
3. Denon DHT-S217 Sleek Home Theater Soundbar
If you have a rather smaller living room, then going with an excessively powerful soundbar might not be the right call. Instead, you should go with one of the cheaper options from Denon like the one preset here . In the 3rd place, we have the cheapest HDMI eARC soundbar on our list from Denon. The Denon DHT-S217 Sleek Home Theater Soundbar is not only cheap, but also the most compact soundbar that we have on our list today that simply solves the installation problem for many users. You will get 80 watts of power capacity on this soundbar so that you can still feel a massive improvement over your TV’s default speaker without spending a fortune. It also has a unique feature called Denon Dialog Enhancer that creates more emphasis on dialogues to enhance your movie-watching experience. Despite being a smaller option, the Denon DHT-S217 Sleek Home Theater Soundbar can still recreate the surround sound effect with the virtual surround sound technology. You will also receive a compact IR remote with the soundbar to offer remote access to the soundbar. As we mentioned before, the Denon DHT-S217 Sleek Home Theater Soundbar is the slimmest option that you can find today with only 2.6 inches height. Still, it has a built-in subwoofer so that you don’t miss out on the bass. Best Features
It has Bluetooth, HDMI connectivity options The power output capacity is 80 Watts Slimmest option with 2.6 inches height Comes with an IR remote control
Pros
Denon Dialog Enhancer for better movie-watching experience Built-in driver and subwoofer 4K UHD HDMI support
Cons
Power capacity is too low for larger rooms
4. Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar
Polk Audio is yet another popular name in the audio industry with tons of popular sound systems and speakers under its belt. Polk audio is also bringing the most popular and trusted option on our list for an HDMI eARC soundbar. The Polk Audio Signa S4 is also one of the slimmest and budget options available on our picks for the best HDMI eARC soundbars. But, unlike most other options, this soundbar features a 7-driver array along with a full-range center channel driver to deliver a true 3D sound experience. Along with that, it also has a 5.25 inches wide external subwoofer shipped alongside the soundbar for enhanced bass output. The complete audio channel configuration of the Polk Audio Signa S4 includes dual 1-inch L/R tweeters, dual Racetrack Mid drivers, and one 1-inch center driver. All of that is cramped under the 2 inches height of the speaker which is pretty great. For audio input, you can use the optical port, analog 3.5 mm port, USB-A port, HDMI port, or Bluetooth for wireless support. You can also customize the voice and bass levels coming from the device to personalize the performance of the setup. Best Features
It has Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB, HDMI connectivity options The power output capacity is 90 Watts It comes with a year of warranty Polk’s exclusive voice and bass adjustment settings
Pros
One of the most trusted options on the market Compatible with 4K as well as 8K TVs External subwoofer for best bass response
Cons
Power capacity is quite low for the price
5. Denon DHT-S517 Sound Bar for TV
Lastly, we have one more option to show you from Denon that offers a perfect middle ground between price and performance. This is arguably the most value-for-the-money option we have on our list considering its features. The Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar is our last pick for the best HDMI eARC soundbar. This is also a budget-friendly option that manages to deliver a premium-grade sound performance thanks to its specifications. It houses sound drivers with a collective output capacity of 180 Watts, including dual 1-inch tweeters, dual 4.7 inches midrangers, one 1-inch center driver, and dual up-firing speakers. So, generating a realistic surround sound is not a problem for this unit. You can also pair the Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar directly with your smartphone and laptop and use it as a wireless speaker for wireless audio streaming. This is also a rather smaller unit measuring only 3 inches in height. But even within that compact form factor, you get the benefit of Dolby Atmos sound enhancement for 3D surround sound. And on top of that, it has Denon’s exclusive Dialogue Enhancer feature which is something you would want to turn ON while watching a movie. Best Features
It has Bluetooth, HDMI connectivity options The power output capacity is 180 Watts It comes with a year of warranty Denon’s exclusive Dialogue Enhancer feature
Pros
Great features for the price It has 3 preset sound modes External subwoofer to ensure right bass output
Cons
Not an ideal choice for rooms above 1000 sq. ft. in area
Buying Guide For The Best EARC Soundbar
Soundbars are something that has been in the market for quite a long time. And since most users prefer these options to pair with a TV rather than a set of speakers or home theater, almost all major electronics brands offer a decent series of soundbars in their product lineup. As a result, you would come across hundreds of options while looking for one that can easily confuse you, especially if this is your first time buying one. But, you don’t have to worry about that since we have already shortlisted the best options for the eARC soundbar for you right here. Along with that, we are offering this helpful buying guide where you can learn all you need to know about a soundbar and its essential features that can affect its performance and longevity. So, we can assure you that you will be able to find the perfect soundbar for your home after you go through our buying guide.
1. Audio Channels
One of the most important reasons for choosing a soundbar over a standard set of speakers is its highly upgraded sound output quality. And you get that without spending a lot that would have to on a multi-unit home theater setup. But, if you want a similar performance from your soundbar, you will have to find the best options that offer multiple audio channels within the same unit. Therefore, companies offer soundbars with different audio channel configurations such as 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, etc. The nomenclature in this case is the same as a speaker setup where a higher number denotes more speakers paired with a dedicated woofer for bass production. And as the number of audio channels grows, its capacity to produce realistic surround sound also grows with it. So if you want to experience the best sound quality from your soundbar, we will suggest getting one with a higher number of audio channels.
2. Connectivity Options
Connectivity can create serious issues in terms of compatibility as well as the audio quality available with the soundbar. In a lot of cases, user’s notice a lower audio quality despite buying a high-end soundbar which is caused by using older connectivity ports. Such ports or cables can only carry so much bandwidth to provide a mid-range sound quality, even though the speakers of the soundbar are capable of so much more. Therefore, it is crucial to check all the connectivity options of a soundbar before making your choice. If you are planning to pair your soundbar with a TV, we will strongly suggest going for an HDMI eARC soundbar for the best results. As you may already know, HDMI ports or HDMI cables are capable of transmitting both audio as well as video signals. And with that, you get the advantage of higher bandwidth capacity over HDMI compared to other options. So, an HDMI connection can ensure uncompressed audio transmission from the source, enabling you to experience the sound in its perfect form. So, we have only included the options that feature HDMI eARC ports on our list today.
3. Output Power
If you seriously find yourself needing a soundbar for your TV, it probably means that the default built-in speakers of your TV don’t offer great sound quality, or they are not loud enough for your room. If you want to avoid such problems with your soundbar, you need to make sure that you are buying one that offers the right power output capacity according to the required listening area. There are a lot of options for soundbars in terms of power capacity since even a single brand offers multiple models where the power output capacity can range between 100 to 100 0 Watts, and even higher. But, you need to consider the square footage area of your room before finalizing the right option. To help you with that, we have created this helpful reference table where we will compare various wattage ratings of a speaker along with the suitable coverage area for the same. So, you can easily find the perfect option according to the square footage area of your living room.
4. Frequency Response
When it comes to the sound quality of a speaker, the one factor that matters the most is the frequency response of the speaker. The frequency response refers to the sound frequency to which the driver can respond and create sound. As you can imagine, the drivers feature a range for frequency response where a wider range indicates more capable sound drivers which in turn indicates the sound quality. Even though we cannot directly hear any frequency below 20 Hz or above 20000 Hz, you can easily tell the difference between 2 speakers that differ in terms of frequency response range, if the range is well outside our listening range. If you consider a song, there are many low and high notes present in the track that can only be portrayed correctly if the speaker drivers are capable of producing sound in response to these notes. The mid and high frequencies represent vocals and instrumentals of a song whereas the lower frequency range deals with the bass capacity. The bass output rating of a soundbar is also important when it comes to movies since the bass production is important for a lot of scenes. In conclusion, we will suggest you go with an option that offers a wide range of frequency response.
Conclusion
If you are tired of listening to the flat sound coming out of your TV’s default speakers and are looking for something more powerful and versatile, you should take a look at our list of the best HDMI eARC soundbars presented here. We have carefully hand-picked these options by comparing various parameters such as brand, audio quality, budget, technical specifications, compatibility, etc. Therefore, you can easily find out at least one perfect option for an HDMI eARC soundbar on our list. We have also specified all of the necessary information along with each of our picks to make your job even easier. And if you are not familiar with the technical specifications of a soundbar, you can refer to our buying guide for the best HDMI eARC soundbar before making a choice. Lastly, we will talk about some options that we personally liked and can be the right one for you too.
Finding a budget soundbar is getting easier and easier every day since there are new brands stepping into the market with a great option for a soundbar along with a competitive price tag. The Denon DHT-S217 Sleek Home Theater Soundbar is one such option from our list which is the most affordable pick that you can find today. This soundbar offers 80 watts output capacity which might be a little less compared to other options, but can still be a big upgrade over standard TV speakers. Plus, you will get the benefit of Dolby Atmos sound technology for a mesmerizing experience. As you may already know, smaller soundbars are no good when it comes to a large room. If you also have a large living room around 2000 sq. ft. in the area, we will suggest the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Soundbar. Since this is a premium option, you will get dual 10 inches subwoofers along with the soundbar for unparalleled bass performance. Nakamichi is promising up to 20 Hz bass response with this audio setup. It is also backed by various sound-enhancing technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and SSE Max for best results. Lastly, we will recommend the Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar since it is more of a value-for-the-money choice on this list. Being a budget option, the Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar offers 180 Watts power output capacity which is simply perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. The audio channel configuration of the Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar includes dual 1-inch tweeters, dual 4.7 inches midrangers, one 1-inch center-channel driver, and dual up-firing speakers to complete the set. Paired with the Dolby Atmos sound technology, you can easily get a 3D sound effect from the setup. It also comes with an external subwoofer to ensure a perfect bass response.
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