The 5 Best Sound Bars For Gaming
No gaming setup is complete without a set of speakers capable of delivering audio in all its cinematic glory. But for those with limited space or budgets, investing in a full home stereo system just isn't realistic. If you're looking for high-quality sound in a compact form factor that won't break the bank, check out one of these sound bars. They come in various sizes and price ranges but still manage to produce the kind life-like audio that your favorite game designers intended, helping to make your gaming experience all the more immersive and enjoyable.
1. Sony HT-X9000F Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Sony HT-X9000F Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Though sound bars generally don’t come with a subwoofer, the Sony HT-X9000F does, giving it a full and richer sound that similar models. And not only that, but it’s also Dolby Atmos-compatible, making it great for watching movies. Those two features, when paired with its surprisingly low price tag — most Dolby sound bars alone cost twice as much, not including a subwoofer — make it an amazing value for anyone looking to upgrade their current sound system without shelling out a ton for it.
Pros:
- 4K HDR quality
- Voice enhancement isolates dialogue
- Bluetooth-compatible
Cons:
- Could be louder
2. Samsung Harman Kardon 3.1.2 Soundbar HW-Q70R
Samsung Harman Kardon 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar HW-Q70R
A good set of gaming speakers should not only faithfully reproduce audio, but also enhance it, helping to bring out every gun shot and laser blast amid the cacophony of background noise. The Samsung Harman Kardon HW-Q70R, one of the company’s most advanced sound bars, was designed to do just that. Not only does it feature a dedicated center channel that ensures character dialogue comes through crystal clear, but it also boasts a game mode that automatically detects when you’re playing and optimizes the sound in real time.
Pros:
- Adaptive sound further enhances voice clarity
- Optimized for OLED
- 4K pass-through
Cons:
- Wireless subwoofer could be punchier
3. Sonos Beam – Smart TV Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa
Sonos Beam - Smart TV Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa
For gamers who prefer smart tech over more traditional devices in their homes, the Sonos Beam is a worthy alternative to other options on this list. At just over 25 inches, it’s extremely compact, making it easy move around or fit in a cramped room, and also comes with Amazon Alexa built right in, so you can set alarms and perform other tasks without having to use a controller. Plus, its audio profile is particularly suited to gaming, since it was specially tuned to emphasize the sound of the human voice, which helps make dialogue sound clearer.
Pros:
- Very easy to set up
- Wall mountable
Cons:
- Bass could be fuller
4. Bose Soundbar 700 with Alexa voice
Bose Soundbar 700 with Alexa voice
If you’re looking for the best of the best in sound quality and features, the Bose Soundbar 700 might be it. Its the flagship model from one of the best-known players in the audio business, and in this case it lives up to the hype, thanks to powerful drivers and other proprietary technology that together are capable of filling up a whole room with clear, spacious sound. But it also offers a host of additional features that expand its utility, including built-in support for voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant and streaming services like Spotify.
Pros:
- Compatible with Bose surround speakers
- Easy Bluetooth connection
- Tempered glass top
Cons:
- Very pricey option
5. VIZIO SB3820-C6 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar
VIZIO SB3820-C6 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Sound Bar
You don’t have to give an arm and a leg to get decent sound for your gaming setup, as the VIZIO SB3820-C6 proves. Despite its rock-bottom price tag, this sound bar boasts clear and well-balanced upper and midrange sound, making it great for playing fast-paced action games. And while the bass may be lacking, it’s relatively easy to pair it with a separate subwoofer. Overall, it represents a very good value for the price, and is an ideal option for anyone on a budget.
Pros:
- 100dB sound
- Dolby Digital-compatible
Cons:
- May need to be broken in
Frequently Asked Question
What are the advantages of a sound bar over a speaker system?
While multi-channel speaker systems are the best way to enhance the sound of your home entertainment system, they can also be expensive and overly complicated. A sound bar is the opposite, offering cinema-grade audio in a compact form factor and at a price that is often more affordable. That also makes them a great option for pairing with gaming setups, since they don’t take up much space and are relatively easy to use.
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