How to choose the right soundbar for your room.

How to choose the right soundbar for your room (and place it correctly)

A poorly chosen soundbar can sound "lacking bass" in a large room or "overpowering" in a small bedroom. And a well-chosen soundbar can sound bad if it's hidden away in a piece of furniture.

1) Quick selection by room size (no complications)

  • Small room/living room → 2.1 (with subtitles) or 3.1 if you want strong dialogue.

  • Average room size → 3.1 / 3.1.2 (balance)

  • Large room / cinema → 5.1.2 (ideal with background music and subwoofer)

LG explains, for example, why 3.1 improves dialogue: it includes a center channel (voice) in addition to the subwoofer.

2) Subwoofer: when is it "mandatory"?

If you want impact in movies, music, and games, a subwoofer changes everything. In an apartment, simply controlling the volume/night mode is enough (many models have this feature).

3) Rear (surround) speakers — when they're really worth it.

If your goal is "all-around sound," real rear speakers (even wireless ones) make a big difference. RTINGS recommends keeping the soundbar/satellites symmetrical and the listening point centered.

4) Best placement: below the TV, centered, and at ear level.

Dolby is very straightforward: the best place for the soundbar is at ear level , directly in front of and aligned with the TV; avoid placing it behind or inside enclosed spaces.

If you're going to mount it on the wall, Yamaha recommends mounting it below the TV and keeping everything level/centered.

Classic mistake (and how to fix it)

If you need to place it above the TV, tilt the soundbar to "point" it towards the listener (many media players allow this). (This is one of the reasons for "muffled" sound.)

5) If you have a console (PS5/Xbox): consider HDMI before buying.

  • The soundbar connects to the ARC/eARC port.

  • The console goes to the TV's "best" HDMI port (often HDMI 2.1).
    Tom's Guide reinforces the importance of using the correct soundbar port (ARC/eARC) and the appropriate cable for what you want to do.

FAQ

Does a soundbar built into a piece of furniture work well?
It usually gets worse: Dolby recommends avoiding obstructions/enclosed spaces.

What is the ideal height for a soundbar?
Ideally at ear level (or slightly above) and aligned with the TV.

How to position rear satellites?
RTINGS suggests symmetrical and centered positioning at the listening point; satellites to the side or behind the listener, depending on the system.