Audio quality is as important as picture quality when creating the perfect home theater experience. Even the best TVs often have subpar built-in speakers, making it difficult to hear dialogue clearly or enjoy deep, immersive sound, which is why many home theater systems include either a soundbar or a surround sound system to enhance audio quality.
Both options significantly improve over standard TV speakers but serve different needs. Choosing between the two depends on several factors, including room size, budget, ease of installation, and personal preference. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about soundbars and surround sound systems so you can make the best decision for your home theater.
Understanding the Basics: What Are They?
A soundbar is a compact, easy-to-install speaker system that enhances audio without taking up too much space. This slim, elongated speaker houses multiple drivers within a single unit. A soundbar is built to imitate the surround sound experience, even though it does not have multiple speakers around the room like a true surround sound system. Some soundbars have an external subwoofer to enhance bass, while others include rear speakers for a more intense experience.
A surround sound system consists of multiple speakers placed around the room, creating an immersive listening experience with sound coming from every direction. The most common configurations include 5.1 and 7.1 setups, where the first number represents the number of standard speakers, and the second represents the number of subwoofers. More advanced systems, such as Dolby Atmos setups (7.1.2 or 9.1.4), include upward-firing speakers for added height effects, making the sound feel like it’s coming from above.
Key Differences Between a Soundbar and Surround Sound
When choosing between a soundbar and a surround sound system, several factors set them apart:
- Audio Quality: A soundbar provides good sound quality but may lack depth. In contrast, a surround sound system delivers a rich, immersive experience with multiple speakers positioned around the room.
- Setup Complexity: Soundbars are simple to install, often requiring just a single connection to your TV. On the other hand, surround sound systems involve multiple speakers, a receiver, and wiring, making the setup more complex.
- Space Requirements: A soundbar is a compact and minimalistic option if space is a concern. A surround sound system, however, takes up more room due to multiple speakers and additional equipment.
- Cost: Soundbars are generally more affordable, making them a budget-friendly option. Surround sound systems can be expensive, especially high-end models with advanced features.
- Customization & Upgrades: A soundbar offers limited customization and upgrades. Meanwhile, a surround sound system is highly customizable and expandable, allowing you to add more speakers or upgrade components over time.
Considering these factors, you can determine which audio solution best fits your needs and preferences. Soundbars are great for those who want an easy setup and a noticeable improvement in sound quality, while surround sound systems are the best choice for full home theater immersion.
Sound Quality Comparison
Regarding sound quality, surround sound systems generally have the upper hand over soundbars. This is because surround sound systems use multiple speakers to create a more immersive audio experience, with sound coming from all directions. The surround sound speakers, including rear speakers and a center channel, ensure that you get a whole surround sound system experience, with audio that feels like it’s enveloping you from every angle.
Surround sound systems also offer better sound quality because they use dedicated speakers for each channel rather than relying on a single device to produce all the sound. This means that surround sound systems can produce a more detailed and nuanced sound, with better bass response and clearer dialogue. The separation of sound speakers allows for a more precise and high-quality sound experience, making every movie, game, or music track come to life.
That being said, soundbars have come a long way in recent years, and some high-end models can produce excellent sound quality. Advanced sound bars now include features like Dolby Atmos and optional rear speakers, which can significantly enhance the audio experience. However, they still can’t match the sound quality of a dedicated surround sound system, especially when creating a truly immersive audio environment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
1.Room Size & Layout
The size and layout of your room significantly impact which option is best for you. A soundbar will provide enough sound enhancement without overpowering the space if you have a small or medium-sized room.
In contrast, if you have a large room or open floor plan, a surround sound system will better distribute audio throughout the space, ensuring a more balanced and immersive experience.
2. Audio Experience, Immersion & Superior Sound Quality
A soundbar is an excellent choice for casual viewers who want to enhance their TV’s sound. It provides clearer dialogue, better bass, and improved overall audio clarity without requiring additional surround speakers.
However, if you love watching movies, playing video games, or listening to music at the highest quality, a surround sound system offers a deeper, more cinematic experience by delivering sound from multiple directions.
3. Ease of Installation & Setup
Soundbars are the easiest way to upgrade your home audio. They require minimal setup, usually just plugging in a single HDMI or optical cable. Some soundbars also include wireless subwoofers or rear speakers, making installing them even easier.
Surround sound systems, however, require more effort to set up. You’ll need to place multiple speakers around the room, connect them to an AV receiver, and possibly run speaker wires across the space. While this setup requires more work, it results in a much richer, more immersive audio experience.
4. Budget Considerations
Soundbars are generally more affordable, with prices ranging from $100 to $1,500, depending on the brand and features. High-end soundbars with Dolby Atmos can cost more, but they’re still cheaper and simpler than full surround sound systems.
Surround sound systems can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, especially for premium configurations with Atmos speakers, making a surround system a more significant investment. While they cost more upfront, they provide a true cinematic experience and can be expanded over time.
5. Expandability, Future-Proofing & Optional Rear Speakers
A surround sound system is the best choice if you’re looking for a long-term home theater setup. You can start with a basic 5.1 system and add more speakers later to upgrade to 7.1 or Dolby Atmos. Starting with a pair of stereo speakers allows for future expansion into a more complex surround sound setup.
A soundbar, however, has limited upgrade options. While some models allow you to add a subwoofer or rear speakers, they won’t match the flexibility of a dedicated surround sound setup. Here are more home theater accessories you can add to improve your experience.
Pros & Cons of Each Option
Pros & Cons of Soundbars
✅ Compact and space-saving
✅ Easy to install and set up
✅ More affordable than surround sound
✅ Great improvement over TV speakers
❌ Lacks true surround sound depth
❌ Limited customization and upgrades
Pros & Cons of Surround Sound Systems
✅ True surround sound for full immersion, with strategically placed surround speakers enhancing the audio experience
✅ Directional audio for movies and gaming
✅ Highly customizable and expandable
✅ Supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos
❌ More expensive upfront
❌ Requires more space and setup time
Which One is Right for You? (Decision Guide)
Choosing between a soundbar and a surround sound system depends on your needs.
Get a Soundbar if:
- You want an easy, space-saving solution.
- You live in an apartment or small room.
- You prefer a budget-friendly audio upgrade.
- You don’t want the hassle of wiring multiple speakers.
Get a Surround Sound System if:
- You want the most immersive audio experience.
- You have a large room where sound needs to be evenly distributed.
- You enjoy watching movies, gaming, or listening to high-fidelity music.
- You’re open to investing more for a long-term home theater setup.
Upgrade Your Home Audio With Home Theater Pros
Find an impressive sound system for your home with Home Theater Pros. We will help you choose and install your new system, recommending the best-possible fit. Whether you want a simple setup or complete cinematic immersion, contact us today, and we’ll help you select the best option.