When it comes to Netflix bingeing, top-notch sound is an indispensable part of the experience. Whether it’s through the sorrowful swells of the Korean OST during tear-jerk moments or the deep rumble of Thanos’ grand entrance, we don’t want to be straining to hear the dialogue just to figure out what’s going on plot-wise.
To amp up your movie-watching experience, soundbars are your best bet to improve the overall sound quality in your living rooms. To start you off, here’s a quick guide on choosing the best soundbars in Singapore.
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Image credit: Samsung
Compact and thin, soundbars fit neatly beneath your TV and pack a punch by themselves. Most soundbars contain 2-3 front-firing speaker units for powerful stereo audio, but others come with even more speakers that can bounce audio from walls to trick you into hearing sounds coming from behind or around you.
But if you want the full experience, there are many options that offer separate subwoofer speakers for bass, or even satellite speakers you can place around the living room so you can experience that hair-raising “all around you” effect even from behind
Those who revel in that cinema experience should look for soundbars that support Dolby Atmos audio. This uses upfiring speakers that bounce audio off the ceiling, creating surround sounds that seem like they’re coming from above.
Nothing beats the booming “you have slain the enemy” announcement in League of Legends to mark your victory. Thankfully, with the Samsung Soundbar HW-T650’s Game Mode that boosts the directional sounds of gunshots and footsteps, you’ll have an edge over your foes in battle.
You’ll also be able to enjoy this enhanced audio whether you’re glued to a football match or a talk show. In addition to its directional stereo speaker, its built-in centre speaker focuses on important audio cues by giving extra clarity to dialogue, music and sports commentary.
Speakers: 3-speaker soundbar & subwoofer
Connection type: HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth
Price: $505
Get the Samsung Soundbar HW-T650
Image credit: JB Hi-FI
If you enjoy music, you would know that Bose is one of the more reputable brands for top-notch audio quality. Packed into a slim bar, the Bose Soundbar 700 delivers heart-thumping audio from movies and shows, and can even be zhng-ed with additional Bose speakers (from $372.90) and subwoofers (from $599) for a more potent setup.
Despite its simplicity, the soundbar can achieve an airy and spacious soundscape by projecting sounds to fill the room. It can even be used on its own for music, controlled via the personalised Bose Music app (Bose Music for Android, Bose Music for iOS) that lets you easily switch songs wherever you are.
Speakers: 3-speaker soundbar
Connection type: HDMI, Optical, WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth
Price: $1,199
Get the Bose Soundbar 700
Image credit: Sony
To keep you on the edge of your seat during tense scenes in horror movies, you’ll be right smack in the middle of the action with the Sony HT-Z9F Soundbar. With 5 adjustable modes and the vertical-firing speakers integral to Dolby Atmos audio, you’ll get a legit cinematic experience with spine-tingling details like ominously stirring leaves overhead.
If you’ve got a whole cinema set-up going at home, complete it with this soundbar that offers 4K HDR pass-through, allowing you to hook up your Blu-ray player to your TV through the soundbar. That way, you can bring Netflix movie-bingeing sessions to a whole new level without the cable clutter.
Speakers: 3-speaker soundbar & subwoofer
Connection type: HDMI ARC, USB-A, Ethernet, Optical-audio input, 3.5MM, Wifi
Price: $1,199
Get the Sony HT-Z9F Soundbar
Known for their high-quality music instruments, Yamaha launched their YAS-109 Sound Bar that shows off their capabilities with dual built-in subwoofers that provide shiok bone-rattling bass, enabling you to not just hear but to feel the audio when it makes your heart thump.
Within its sleek design, the soundbar has DTS Virtual:X tech to project sounds around the room, enabling the audience to fully immerse themselves in the crisp, encapsulating cinematic experience. Their Clear Voice function enhances dialogue so you won’t have to grumpily rewatch scenes to rehash vital plot points.
Speakers: 2-speaker soundbar with 2 built-in subwoofers
Connection type: HDMI, Bluetooth
Price: $399
Get the Yamaha YAS-109 Sound Bar
The Sonos Beam isn’t just an ordinary soundbar – it’s part of a large family of wireless speakers that let you seamlessly stream music via AirPlay, ChromeCast and Spotify all around your house. One of the most advanced options on this list, it features TruePlay that lets you optimise its tuning for your preferred sofa spot via the Sonos app for iOS.
With 4 woofers, the Beam offers ample bass, but you can take it to the next level with a dedicated subwoofer ($1,149) or extra Sonos speakers (from $329) – they all work wirelessly so you won’t have messy cables spider webbing around your house.
Speakers: 8-speaker soundbar (including 4 woofers)
Connection type: HDMI ARC
Price: $699
Get the Sonos Beam
For the occasional television-watchers who just want something to amp up their TV audio experience without having to sacrifice an arm and a leg, the Xiaomi Mi Soundbar will be the perfect solution for you. Even as the cheapest option on this list, its 8 speaker units provide solid bass, and it is a clear upgrade from the built-in speakers on most TVs.
This soundbar also checks off the aesthetic box as its unique fabric exterior gives off a sleek and elegant look to your television centrepiece. With its Bluetooth connectivity, you can now blast Cardi B’s “WAP” on loop as you work on your squat form.
Speakers: 8-speaker soundbar (including 2 woofers)
Connection type: Optical, S/PDIF, 3.5MM
Price: $79.90
Get the Xiaomi Mi Soundbar
The other Dolby Atmos-capable option on this list, the LG SN11RG Soundbar is the centrepiece of a full-sized surround sound system, containing 7 speaker units on its own. To augment your audio experience, it comes as a set with an external subwoofer and 2 satellite speakers to be arrayed around your sofa for the most realistic audio experience.
This soundbar also doubles up as the ideal setup for audiophiles with High Resolution Audio, while offering convenient wireless connections via WiFi or Bluetooth for a quick music fix. It also allows you to control compatible LG home appliances with your LG mobile app (LG AV Remote for iOS, LG Audio for Android) – without the extra effort of walking back to your kitchen just to switch off your washing machine.
Speakers: 7-speaker soundbar with external subwoofer & 2 satellite speakers
Connection Type: Dual HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wifi
Price: $2,499
Get the LG SN11RG Sound Bar
Image credit: Harman
Tech whizzes, this is as advanced as a soundbar can get. The Harman Kardon Citation Soundbar sets itself apart with its convenient colour LCD touchscreen, allowing you to easily operate it without using apps or remotes.
For designated movie nights, you can switch the soundbar to Movie Mode that focuses its audio onto the 3 front speakers. It will give you a tighter soundstage for intense Blockbusters that keep you at the edge of your seat.
Speakers: 3-speaker soundbar
Connection type: Ethernet port, HDMI, Optical, WiFi, Bluetooth
Price: $899
Get the Harman Kardon Citation Soundbar
If you spend more time at your computer than in front of the TV, the Creative Stage Air is your one-stop solution for a clutter-free and practical audio upgrade. At just 7CM in height, it slips easily below your monitor, and its low-profile and minimalist design gives off a polished air to up your desk game.
Designed to blast music and sound effects from your desk, it can be powered from your computer. But for a quick jam after hours, it features a built-in 6-hour battery to work just like a portable Bluetooth speaker, powering you through the night while hooked up to your phone wirelessly.
Speakers: 2-speaker soundbar
Connection type: 3.5MM, USB-A, Bluetooth
Price: $59
Get the Creative Stage Air
Nothing beats the ultimate surround sound experience of the audio system at cinemas. But with these best soundbars in Singapore, you’ll be able to enjoy the gripping dialogue and the deep rich bass effects just like those in the theatres.
So grab a tub of ice cream, snuggle under a blanket and get ready for an enriching cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home.
Before you go, check out our articles on home appliances:
Cover image adapted from: Oosteres Gadgets, Harman, Samsung and Sonos
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