Does Soundbar Length Matter? Exploring Soundbar Size

If you’re in the market for a soundbar, you might be wondering if soundbar length matters. 

Soundbar length matters for audio quality and room coverage. Longer soundbars generally have more space for speakers, providing better sound dispersion.

However, room size and personal preference also play a role, so choosing the right length for your space is essential.

Later on in this blog post I will go over the best soundbars based on your room size.

Does Soundbar Length Matter?

Soundbar length matters for things like sound quality especially.

It also matters when it comes to where you will place your soundbar. As longer models might not fit on small cabinets or underneath a TV.

Soundbar Length Correlates With Sound Quality

Soundbars tend to be long because they need to fit high-quality audio equipment in a small space.

As a general rule, the longer the soundbar, the better the audio quality.

This is because sound engineers have more room to fit all the drivers and sound components required for superior sound quality.

For instance, the Sonos Arc (affiliate link), which is the longest of the Sonos soundbars, is also the best in terms of audio quality. This also tends to be true for other brands and soundbar models.

However, there are some slimmer soundbars available that still pack a punch in terms of audio quality.

For example, the LG Eclair QP5 (affiliate link), which is just under twelve inches in width, is the smallest Dolby Atmos soundbar on the market.

It’s important to note that the length of the soundbar should not be your only consideration when selecting a soundbar.

You should also consider the size of your room and the type of content you will be watching.

For example, if you have a small bedroom, a 5.1 or 7.1 soundbar should suffice. I would not recommend getting a soundbar with more channels than that for a small room.

If you do not know what soundbar channels are, I recommend you read the following article.

Soundbar Length must be taken into consideration for proper placement

When deciding on the length of your soundbar, it’s important to consider where you plan on placing it.

As mentioned earlier, if you plan on placing the soundbar on a cabinet, the length of the soundbar matters.

If the soundbar is too long, it might not fit on top of a cabinet, and the ends of the bar will dangle off. This can be both an eyesore and a safety hazard.

Additionally, if you have a 43-inch TV and you get a soundbar that is wider than your TV, it can also be an eyesore. You want the soundbar to complement your TV.

As a general rule of thumb, a soundbar that is the same width as your TV or slightly smaller is a good choice.

Therefore, it’s important to take into consideration the size of your TV and where the soundbar will be placed.

To help visualize how a soundbar will look in your space, you can use a measuring tape to measure the length of the cabinet or the space where you plan on placing the soundbar. Y

You can then compare the measurements to the length of the soundbar you are interested in purchasing.

Room Size Matters when picking Soundbar Length

The size of your room plays a role in determining the optimal length of your soundbar. In a larger room, a longer, higher-powered soundbar may be necessary to fill the space with sound.

However, if the soundbar is placed too far away from the listener, the sound may become diluted and lose its impact.

In a smaller room, a shorter soundbar may be sufficient to provide the desired audio experience.

Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Soundbar

When it comes to choosing the right soundbar for your home entertainment system, there are several key features to consider.

In this section, we will explore some of the most important features that you should look for when choosing a soundbar.

Audio Quality

One of the most important features to consider when choosing a soundbar is the audio quality. A good soundbar should be able to provide clear and crisp sound that enhances your overall listening experience.

Look for soundbars with features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which can provide a more immersive and dynamic sound experience.

Connectivity Options

Another important feature to consider when choosing a soundbar is the connectivity options.

Look for soundbars that offer multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth, HDMI, and Wi-Fi.

This will allow you to connect your soundbar to a variety of devices and stream audio wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet.

Advanced Features

Finally, consider the advanced features that a soundbar offers.

Some soundbars come with built-in voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, which can make it easier to control your soundbar and other smart home devices.

Other soundbars come with additional features like built-in subwoofers or the ability to connect to a multi-room audio system.

Review of Top Soundbars Based on Size

In this section, we’ll review the best soundbars based on size, so you can find the perfect fit for your TV.

Best Soundbars for Small TVs/Rooms

If you have a small TV or room, you don’t need a big soundbar. Here are some of the best soundbars for a small room/TV.

All Links below are affiliate links. I will receive a commission if you decide to click through and purchase at no extra cost to you.

• Sonos Beam Gen 2: This soundbar is only 25.6 inches long, making it a great option for small TVs. It has excellent sound quality and supports Dolby Atmos, making it perfect for watching movies. I can personally attest to the beam as I own one and have it in my bedroom. And fills the entire space and has greatly enhanced my movie-watching!
• Vizio V Series: The Vizio V Series 5.1 surround kit is the ultimate soundbar for someone on a budget. It comes with two rear speakers and a subwoofer for an incredibly affordable price.

Best Soundbars for Medium-sized TVs/Rooms

If you have a medium-sized TV or room, you want to look for a soundbar with more than 5.1 channels and Dolby Atmos Sound. Here are some of the best soundbars for medium-sized rooms/TV’s

• Polk Magnifi Max AX SR: 7.1.2 soundbar, has 11 drivers built in, If you do not want to go with the Elevate then this is the best choice.
• Vizio Elevate: The Elevate is a 5.1.4 soundbar which is a great option to fill a living room space with immersive sound. In Fact, at its price point, there is no better option.

Best Soundbars for Large TVs/Rooms

If you have a large TV/room, you’ll want a soundbar that has more than 7.1 channels and a more pronounced bass response. Here are some of the best soundbars for large rooms/TVs:

• Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra: Probably the most immersive soundbar on the market with a 9.2.4 configuration. Comes with 2 subwoofers and 4 satellite speakers. No other soundbar comes with as many subs or speakers.
• Samsung Q990C: Incredibly popular choice for most people looking for a high-end soundbar. The Q990C has an impressive bass response and can fill very large rooms with immersive surround sound.