Best Soundbase Reviews

Updated January 15, 2021

Movie night, streaming music or simply watching TV can be a great experience, but when paired with less-than-satisfactory sound from integrated TV speakers the moment just isn’t quite the same.

Soundbases provide a huge sound impact while taking up minimal space and keeping your TV room tidy and clutter-free.

They are praised for their lack of external speakers and integrated subwoofers and speakers.

The result is an immersive sound experience at home, with almost inconspicuous devices producing it.

The issue is that the market for the best sound base is huge, so we have collected 6 top tv sound bases and included a buying guide to make your purchase as easy and fast as possible!

See Our Top Soundbase Reviews

#PREVIEWProduct
1 Canton DM 100 Soundbar 2.1 Virtual Surround System Canton DM 100 Soundbar
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2 Q Acoustics M2 Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer
Best Overall
Q Acoustics M2 Soundbar
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3
Best For Higher Budgets
3Sonos Wireless Home Cinema Sound Base
Sonos Wireless Home Cinema Sound Base
Best For Higher Budgets
Sonos Wireless Home Cinema Sound Base
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4 Zvox SoundBase 420 Audio Amplifiers Zvox SoundBase 420
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5
Best For Low Budgets
5Panasonic SC-HTE80 Sound Base
Panasonic SC-HTE80 Sound Base
Best For Low Budgets
Panasonic SC-HTE80 Sound Base
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6 Cambridge Audio TV5 Soundbase Cambridge Audio TV5 Soundbase
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1. Canton DM 100 Soundbar

Highlights
  • Luxurious black glass surface.
  • Includes a remote for easy control.
  • Bluetooth pairing.
  • Includes an ECO mode.

The luxurious black glass soundbar pairs style with functionality.

The sleek design turns a necessary device into an attractive feature of any room while bass and treble control allows the perfect sound output for a home soundbase.

Firstly, it works with DTS TruSurround, enabling the device to produce surround sound for your home, just like a movie theatre.

The soundbase has an integrated subwoofer, removing extra external subwoofer needs. Plus, it includes LipSync technology for perfect speech synchronization. The result is a compact soundbase with excellent sound.

This model includes a Voice Function, allowing for great speech levels in both the stereo and surround sound technology. It also includes 4 different output modes. Firstly, “hotel mode: which allows you to control the maximum volume. Second, an energy-saving “ECO mode.

Thirdly, the Bluetooth select allows you to pair with Bluetooth-enabled devices. Lastly, IR-Learn Function can be controlled with the remote.

Furthermore, the high-quality high-density fiberboard cabinet is a handy addition to a TV stand. The unit has a weight capacity of 40 kg, so your TV will likely be safe on top of it.

The downside is that the soundbase weighs almost 12 kilograms, making it a fairly heavy unit to move around.

An LED display sits on the front center of this device, indicating the mode and sound level. However, it could be a little bigger.

Specifications

Size:
15 x 75 x 45 cm
Weight:
11.8 kg
Wattage:
200 W

Pros

  • Voice function for crisp sound.
  • High-quality HDF cabinet.
  • Includes hotel mode.
  • LED display.

Cons

  • Heavier than other models.
  • It’s fairly long and requires a long surface.

2. Q Acoustics M2 Soundbar

Highlights
  • 180 degree sound.
  • Dedicated movie sound function.
  • Built-in subwoofer.
  • Connects via BlueTooth/NFC for music streaming.
Best Overall
Q Acoustics M2 Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer

This attractive black Q Acoustics soundbar boats 180 degree sound thanks to a powerful 80-watt amplifier.

The built-in subwoofer removes the need for multiple speakers and cables and instead produces an intense sound experience in your home.

The model comes with a dedicated MoviEQ function. This can be switched on to work well with movie soundtracks and even for gaming.

Plus, this soundbar works for movie streaming too, connecting via Bluetooth APTX or NFC for Android.

In terms of design, it’s a pretty attractive addition to your TV setup. The lightweight bar sits comfortably under a TV ad it is designed to shelf mount, rather than wall mount.

The all-black design works with any interior decor and won’t stand out too much. On top of the device are the simple on, plus, and minus buttons allowing you to alter the volume.

The rear of this unit features multiple inputs for versatility when it comes to pairing devices alongside the Bluetooth options.

These include HDMI and Optical ports.

Additionally, the bar works with your own TV remote and doesn’t require any other controls.

Lastly, the only downsides are that it has fewer modes than some other models, so if you are looking for a more complex version this may not be for you.

Specifications

Size:
60.96 x 44.45 x 16.51 cm
Weight:
5.8 kg
Wattage:
80 W

Pros

  • Built-in subwoofer
  • Designed to shelf mount.
  • Lightweight.
  • Powerful 80-watt amplifier.

Cons

  • Fewer modes than some other versions.
  • Control would be nice.

3. Sonos Wireless Home Cinema Sound Base

Highlights
  • Sleek, compact design.
  • Includes a touch interface.
  • Works with existing TV remotes.
  • Connects to Alexa, AirPlay, and AmazonEcho.
Best For Higher Budgets
Sonos Wireless Home Cinema Sound Base

This soundbase has a super sleek and modern black design which looks surprisingly attractive under your TV, unlike many sound systems which can be an eyesore.

It’s very easy to set up, with one wire plugged into the TV and another into the wall socket. Once on, the device will connect via WiFi.

Not only does it connect to a TV, but also to other devices through Alexa, AirPlay, and Amazon Echo, allowing you to control the device with your voice.

The paired app is used to control the device from your smartphone.

Furthermore, this soundbase is multi-functional. It connects via BlueTooth in order to stream music as well as TV sound.

It can also connect to additional SONOS speakers, providing the possibility of a 5.1 surround sound experience in your home.

TruePlay tunes this specific speaker to the room it’s in, outputting the sound at the right levels and directions to create an immersive experience.

Plus, the speech enhancement technology ensures you’ll hear every word.

An additional attractive feature of this model is the Night Mode.

This can be switched on via the app and will reduce sound levels and impact to not wake others up while you enjoy entertainment.

A striking part of this model is its high price point.

However, with the advanced technology, multiple features, and connections alongside an attractive external design, it’s worth it if it’s in your price range.

Specifications

Size:
72.00 x 38.00 x 5.80 cm
Weight:
8.6 kg
Wattage:
125 W

Pros

  • Very simple to set up.
  • Designed to fit under a TV.
  • Includes a speech enhancement setting.
  • Multifunction for both TV and music streaming.

Cons

  • Must use the app.
  • Very expensive.

4. Zvox SoundBase 420

Highlights
  • Hearing-aid grade technology for incredible sound.
  • Comfortably fits under a TV.
  • Surround sound quality.
  • Automatically adjusts noise levels of commercials.

First and foremost this soundbase delivers an incredible level of sound at hearing-aid grade technology. It doesn’t get much clearer than that.

The soundbar provides volume that fills the room thanks to the well-performing speakers and internal amplifier.

The design is pure black, with a small digital screen in the upper right corner. Just underneath that is the on/off power button alongside volume control buttons.

Although simple, it’s easy to use. The machine is very easy to set up using just one included wire. Plus, it can be used with your existing TV remote control.

In terms of sound levels, this device holds a Dialog Emphasis feature, allowing vocals and voices to be unbelievably clear just like a home-cinema.

It also includes a unique feature to quieten loud commercials.

This “output leveling” feature works automatically to turn down the loud and sudden volume of TV commercials.

The soundbase is designed to comfortably fit underneath your TV and bear the weight of it.

It is fairly compact and won’t require a huge cabinet to sit on top of, at just over 27 inches wide.

The lack of external wires and speakers allows for a compact and clean setup.

Lastly, it comes with an iPod port on the front, however, it does not connect to other devices through Bluetooth.

Specifications

Size:
71.12 x 36.83 x 8.59 cm
Weight:
7.71 kg
Wattage:
45 W

Pros

  • Built-in subwoofer.
  • Includes a digital display.
  • Works with your current remote.
  • Frontal iPod connection port.

Cons

  • No Bluetooth.
  • No-touch interface.

5. Panasonic SC-HTE80 Sound Base

Highlights
  • Includes a digital display.
  • Includes 6 sound modes.
  • Supports NFC connection to other devices.
  • Crisp sound.
Best For Low Budgets
Panasonic SC-HTE80 Sound Base

This is a well-built soundbase that supports a weight of up to 30 kilograms, which is more than likely to comfortably include your TV on top.

Its sleek rectangle shape does not take up excessive amounts of space and hides well into the base of your TV.

It includes a central digital display, indicating volume levels and which mode you are in.

The right-hand side of the unit has power, input, and volume buttons too.

A unique feature of this base is that it includes 6 different output modes. These are standard, stadium, news, cinema, stereo, and music.

With these combined, you’ll be able to find your perfect sound mode whatever you’re watching.

The sound itself is created with technology that ensures a harmonic bass to low-frequency audio, resulting in intense sound.

It includes 2 integrated subwoofers and multiple aero stream ports, ensuring sound is released from all angles.

The device connects with NFC one-touch technology as well as Bluetooth in order to stream music.

However, it does require you to download the Panasonic streaming app on your smartphone first.

Lastly, the design only features one HDMI input, so if you’re looking for multiple additions then this may not be for you.

The bass is not as strong as some other more expensive versions.

Specifications

Size:
6.1 x 45.97 x 27.94 cm
Weight:
3.2 kg
Wattage:
120 W

Pros

  • Lightweight.
  • It can support a TV on top.
  • The simple design is attractive.
  • Very easy to use.

Cons

  • The bass is not so strong.
  • Only one HDMI input.

6. Cambridge Audio TV5 Soundbase

Highlights
  • 2 integrated subwoofers.
  • Multiple connection options.
  • 4 different EQ settings.
  • Easy to set up.

This Cambridge Audio soundbase has a straightforward black design that is designed to sit underneath your TV, on top of a TV stand. It bears a weight of up to 30 kilograms.

Although the appearance is simple, the sound packs a punch. It has 2 integrated subwoofers that down fire, releasing a sound that’s natural and not fuzzy. This is excellent for loud movies with a lot of bass sound.

Furthermore, it includes 4 different EQ settings: music, TV (enhances vocals), voice (restricts the treble and bass), and film (enhances vocals and the lower bass).

This makes it an excellent option for a soundbase that works for more than just the TV.

It also includes Bluetooth for connections to other devices. This way you can stream music directly from your phone to the soundbase, cable-free.

Additionally, it includes several different connections at the read. These are HDMI ARC, Optical input, and 3.5mm AUX making it a perfect option to connect different devices.

Although it doesn’t include a display, it does have an LED light that indicates when the machine is on. It’s also very easy to set up, with just one cable for the TV and one for the wall socket.

Lastly, bear in mind that this weighs over 10 kilograms so will not be suitable to move around.

Specifications

Size:
86.4 x 41.8 x 18.4 cm
Weight:
10.4 kg

Pros

  • Suitable as a TV stand.
  • Good detailed sound and bass.
  • Sturdy design.
  • Black color won’t disrupt a room’s decor.

Cons

  • A little heavy.
  • No display.

Sound Base Buying Guide

Technology

The basic design of a soundbase or a soundbar is creating housing that projects sound. Several speakers are put inside the one enclosure to create loud and intense sound, much like a surround-sound cinema.

Additionally, some include a subwoofer. A special speaker that is designed to sound low pitched frequencies.

Sound Quality

The quality of sound from a TV is generally pretty poor when compared to a soundbase. These are a few features that can affect the sound quality of your new soundbase.

Firstly, cone materials. Many are made from paper, aluminum, or polypropylene. The best quality sound comes from cones that flex the least.

Secondly, the shape and size of the enclosure. A larger enclosure can tend to distort the sound more than a smaller one will, due to the vibration it causes inside the box. That’s why manufacturers try to keep soundbase’s as compact as possible.

Although the technical details are important, listening to the speaker is the real way to determine the quality of the sound. The best way to know how it sounds before purchasing is to read reviews!

Also, if you want superb sound quality, take a look at home sinema systems and hi-fi systems.

Soundbar Vs Soundbase

Soundbar’s and soundbase’s are mostly the same in terms of technology and both work to enhance your home entertainment setup. 

A soundbar is pretty aptly named, as the shape is much like a long bar that usually sits across the base of your TV. 

Soundbars usually include their own subwoofer to enhance the bass due to their smaller speakers. If not, it will be quieter than a soundbase.

On the other hand, soundbase’s are more rectangular in shape, often functioning as an under TV speaker. 

They are also heavier than soundbars due to the w2eight they have to support. 

Soundbases can generally support a higher volume level due to their larger size allowing for larger speakers and integrated subwoofers.

As they both function in a similar way, the deciding factor would be how much space you have and the features you would like.

Connections

It’s important to check the connections of both your TV and sound base before purchasing. 

Includes connections can be HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, digital, and analog coaxial cables. 

Additional Bluetooth or Near Field Connection (NFC) makes pairing the device with a smartphone easy, therefore allowing you to stream music. 

If a soundbase that allows music streaming is essential to you, then make sure to purchase one with Bluetooth, NFC, or a specific USB or iPod port.

Soundbase With HDMI

Most modern sound bases and soundbars connect via HDMI cables, so make sure to check that first when choosing your model. 

Many HDMI connections are also kitted with an Audio Return Channel (ARC) allowing a two-way audio connection between your TV and the soundbase, plus other devices such as a DVD player.

Pricing Range

You will have seen above that sound bases aren’t cheap, but the price range varies so you can find one that’s more suited to your budget.

Different brands cost more or less, however more crucial factors include the number of internal speakers, the size of the device, materials used, and the features it has. Other features than can affect the price are:

  • Whether or not it has an integrated subwoofer. If it does, it’ll cost more.
  • If it has a display or not. Generally, versions with displays cost more.
  • The number of output modes, such as movie, music, or TV mode.
  • Whether it’s a soundbar or a soundbase. Soundbases tend to cost more due to more speakers.
  • Whether or not you can connect additional speakers, such as with the SONOS model.

Some brands such as SONOS, pair super-compact devices with incredible sound and a multitude of extra features, making them far more expensive. 

However, more straightforward versions with equally excellent sound quality will be at a lower price. 

To make things simple, the most budget-friendly option would be our Best for Low Budgets rated soundbar from Panasonic.

Our Verdict

With 6 soundbase covered, it should be pretty likely that you have an inkling of which model suits your style. 

Although their general functions are the same, you’ll have seen there is quite a variation in features, size, and price.

These pieces of kit can transform usual hard-to-hear home movie time into incredible movie experiences from your own sofa. 

Likewise, music and TV shows are given the proper sound quality they deserve.

If you’re still struggling with which version to buy, think about going for our Best Overall rated one; the Q Acoustics M2 Soundbar! 

It’s attractive, well-priced, and includes a bunch of extra features.

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