If you have bought a Smart TV recently, chances are you have seen a soundbar or the dealer has offered one.
You see, the problem today is that TVs have gotten thinner, meaning there is no ample space to fit speaker drivers. But the drivers are weak or tiny, even for those sets with speakers.
Furthermore, most TV speakers either point downwards or away from you, thus reducing the sound quality. But another significant issue is that the space under your TV may be limited, so buying a large soundbar may not be ideal.
The best solution would be to consider purchasing one of the thinnest soundbars on the market today. If you don’t prefer running wires through walls, a wireless option will work great for you and eliminate the need for more equipment in your room.
The top 3 thinnest soundbars
- Best overall – LG 320W 4.1ch Slim Sound Bar (1.4 inches)
- Best value for money – Yamaha YAS-109 Sound Bar (2.08 inches)
- Best sound quality – Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar (2.15 inches)
Top 3 thinnest soundbars on the market – detailed reviews
If you are looking for ultra-thin soundbars, here are the top three options you should consider buying.
1. LG 320W 4.1ch Slim Sound Bar – 1.4 inches
LG 320W 4.1ch is the best ultra-slim soundbar you can buy. The device offers 4.1-channel sound, meaning it has four channels and one subwoofer. Thus, it will give you high-quality sound without adding options for surround sound speakers.
Furthermore, the LG 320W 4.1ch is an ideal premium audio solution for compact spaces. That is because its speakers are specially engineered to create a thrilling virtual surround effect regardless of the room size.
Although the subwoofer is pricey, the amount is justifiable based on its features. Furthermore, it is easy to set up and can provide a great experience when you stream movies and TV shows.
Why buy it?
- It comes with a one-year parts and labour warranty.
- Offers many connectivity options, including active wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, optical, and wireless sound sync.
- It has two individual brackets and a stencil for wall placement.
- The soundbar fits nicely beneath the TV.
- Offers better sound output.
2. Yamaha YAS-109 Sound Bar – 2.08 inches
While the Yamaha YAS-109 Sound Bar is the flattest soundbar you can find, it goes a long way to boost your TV’s audio quality.
It is a minimalistic device with virtual 3D surround sound, built-in subwoofers, and a slim profile suited for a TV stand or wall placement. Its subwoofers offer deep bass and ensure a clear voice for enhanced dialogue clarity.
The soundbar will also give you a theatre-quality sound for your favourite games, music, and movies. It will fit discreetly in front of your TV, or you can mount it on your wall.
Although the soundbar does not allow additional surround speakers, it will still produce high-quality sound from HDTV and other sources.
Why buy it?
- Easy to manage and control using Alexa voice control.
- Easy connectivity using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
- It offers an immersive 3D sound.
You can select the content you want to play, fine-tune your sound, and turn the system on and off using its smartphone app.
3. Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar – 2.15 inches
If you are looking for the narrowest soundbar to buy today, the Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim is worth considering. It is a premium device with Dolby Digital Decoding to maximise sound clarity and reduce voice delays.
The unit will deliver an incredible, room-filling home theatre experience far beyond anything you get from your TV’s built-in speakers.
Furthermore, the soundbar allows you to customise the voice levels to reproduce clear, crisp dialogue and never miss a single word of your favourite movie, TV show, or sporting event.
Although the soundbar is not compatible with some Samsung Smart TVs because of challenges with the HDMI-ARC connection, it still works well through Bluetooth technology.
Why buy it?
- It offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, Toslink Optical, and AUX.
- It works with 4K and HD TVs.
- Easy to set up.
- It has a low-profile design.
Factors to consider when choosing the thinnest soundbar
The market has some of the best, thinnest soundbars you can buy to boost the audio quality of your TV.
But before purchasing any of these devices, here are some factors you should consider:
Connectivity options
Connectivity is a crucial factor to consider before buying a soundbar. Today, most soundbars can interface with a USB port, HDMI, ARC, Bluetooth, AUX, optical link, and more.
Go for a soundbar with connectivity options that are convenient for you.
The number of channels
A super-slim soundbar should have at least three or more channels. While 2-channel soundbars are available in plenty, they work the same as mini stereos.
But if you have three or more channels, you’ll enjoy surrounding sound for an immersive experience.
Remote control and wireless streaming
Ideally, the smallest soundbar you can buy should come with a remote to allow you to control it from a convenient location.
You should also consider a soundbar with wireless streaming to listen to music or watch videos from your smartphone, PC, or tablet.
Subwoofer
A subwoofer is necessary for a soundbar because it offers better bass and boosts sound quality.
Budget
Another thing to consider is your budget. Soundbars can cost anywhere between $50 and over $2,000.
If the device is affordable, consider buying it if it satisfies the above factors.
Are soundbars worth it for small rooms?
Soundbars are better for small rooms because of different reasons. These include:
- They do not require a lot of equipment to install.
- Since they consume less space, they look better in small rooms.
- You can use them to improve the sound of your TV.
- They provide a small room with a theatre-like sound experience.
They are easy to connect and eliminate the need for passing many wires in a small room. In other words, soundbars give you an immersive audio experience without the clutter of cables that a home theatre would otherwise require.
Additionally, most of the thinnest soundbars come with Dolby Digital so you can be assured of better sound quality and clarity in a small room.
Does the width of a soundbar matter?
A soundbar’s size (width, length, height) does not matter in most cases. Instead, it is what is inside the system.
Generally, soundbars come in all shapes and sizes, and their function is to boost the audio quality in your room.
Ideally, you can buy one that is less than a foot long or broader than your TV. Larger soundbars often have more drivers, which means more extensive and better sound.
Rather than choosing a soundbar based on its size, buy one that comes with a subwoofer. The system will add a rumble and punch to the videos you watch and the music you listen to or stream.
Furthermore, it will create a fuller sound and project the audio to every corner of the room. The only time when the size of the soundbar matters is if you have a large room.
Even then, the limitations that come with soundbars will push you more towards a home theatre system or bigger speakers.
What size soundbar should I get?
The general rule for buying a soundbar is to go with a width between 40 and 50 inches long. But understand that the right size comes down to your personal choice.
First, however, you have to consider several factors:
Generally, most people prefer a soundbar that is reasonably close to their TV in terms of width. If you have a smaller TV, then a soundbar you can put your TV on top of it will be ideal.
If your TV Is 50 inches long, buy a soundbar that is at least 45 inches. A 75-inch TV or projector requires a soundbar whose width is 60 inches.
Can you hide a soundbar?
You can hide a soundbar in different ways in your room. However, that is not recommended because of various reasons.
For example, you can put a soundbar behind your TV. But by doing so, the TV will interfere with sound quality by obstructing the sound waves.
If you decide to put it in a cabinet, you must keep the cabinet open and face the listeners. If it remains closed, expect interference in sound quality.
Additionally, if you have a Smart Soundbar with Bluetooth connectivity and remote control, hiding it will block the IR signals when using the remote.
Finally, if you have a small soundbar with no subwoofer, the sound quality will reduce if you hide it. Therefore, instead of hiding, you need to get some of these thinnest soundbars that wouldn’t take up much space.
Conclusion
Consider LG 320W, Yamaha YAS-109, and Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim when shopping for a soundbar.
These three options are an ideal premium audio solution for compact spaces, easy setup with HDMI or optical connections, and compatibility with 4K, HDTVs, and streaming apps.
Furthermore, they are affordable and offer better value for your money.