Soundbars vs Surround sound

Sometimes, your television’s audio just isn’t enough. Choosing what kind of upgrade you want can be overwhelming. Do you want surround sound or just a simple soundbar?

There are several reasons why either option is a good choice, but in the end, it all depends on what you want but also what would fit your setup.

A soundbar can mimic surround sound, but it’s limited. Surround sound can take up a lot of room but, it also is more costly. Let’s break down the pros of each one.

Soundbars

soundbar
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Most soundbars anymore are great. They still need a bit of research done before making a purchase. Keep in mind soundbars can range anywhere from $100 to over $2000.

Soundbars have easy installation.

Most, if not all, soundbars only need to be plugged into the TV and maybe the wall. Some TVs will sense the audio addition and automatically change, while others only need to be updated using the settings.

Soundbars are compact.

Whether they’re mounted on your wall, under your TV, or just sitting on your TV stand, they’re virtually out of the way. You can find soundbars of nearly any depth to fit your setup’s aesthetic.

Soundbars are slightly more affordable.

One soundbar is all you need, so you can be as cheap or as extravagant as you want. As I said above, soundbars range from around $100 to over $2000, with many being less than $1000.

Surround Sound

surround sound
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Surround sound isn’t always the best choice for your home or setup, but if you have the time and money to dedicate to these speakers, then it’s definitely recommended you do. Minus the receiver, sets of speakers can cost a couple hundred to thousands of dollars.

The sound quality is better.
Surround sound often offers a better audio experience. Because speakers are placed around the room, and you’re literally surrounded by sound, everything sounds better. If you’re an avid watcher of sports or movies, surround sound is the only way to go.

Ability to customize.

Since surround sound is composed of several different speakers, it’s much easier to customize your setup. They can be put in or on your wall, in the ceiling, or just sit on a stand. You can mix and match speaker brands. You can also upgrade slowly rather than all at once.

On another note, you can also connect them to a receiver and create “zones” with other speakers in your home. You can customize what speakers work when and control it all with a universal remote.

It can turn any room into a theater.
While soundbars are more for apartments and smaller rooms, surround sound is perfect for any size room while being ideal for larger rooms.

Make sure when you’re making a decision on upgrading to speakers or a soundbar you check out all of your options and see what each one offers. For example, not every soundbar, or many at all, have a subwoofer while surround sound systems do.

Whether it’s a soundbar or surround sound, it’s an improvement from your TV’s audio. If you’re interested in upgrading your audio, check out our indoor audio options. We offer both soundbar and surround sound installation. Before making any purchase, reach out to us and we’ll help you choose the best option.