Is it always desirable to have 5.1 channels instead of 2.1 channels for surround sound? 2.1 channel soundbars are less expensive and provide the same quality sound for your media. As we examine the differences between 2.1 and 5.1 soundbars, we’ll find out the answer to this and other questions.
Features Comparison: 2.1 VS 5.1 Soundbars


When it comes to soundbars, just how different can one be from the other? Take a closer look at the characteristics to better comprehend the difference.
Alternatively, you may read our evaluation of the model, particularly LG NB4543, with 4.1 channels and lies somewhere in the middle.
Design
Two channels are all that are included in a 2.1 channel soundbar, and they are on each side of the bar. The two side channels and the center channel of a 5.1 channel soundbar are supplemented with two speakers in the back of the device.
A soundbar becomes bigger as the number of channels increases. When upgrading from ordinary TV speakers, the 2.1 system is an excellent option for individuals who desire a visible improvement but don’t necessarily want fully engulfing sound,
In addition, because of their smaller footprint, 2.1 soundbars are a better alternative for apartments and other tiny places. They’re easier to place on the wall because of their reduced weight compared to the alternative. even soundbars with 2.1 subwoofers have thin subwoofers.
The 2.1 option’s tiny size and light weight make it easier to put and move about.
A 5.1 soundbar, on the other hand, might have several components and hence need a greater surface area. 5.1 soundbars are more appropriate for rooms with bigger TVs and larger sound systems as a result. People who need a lot of sounds may find that 5.1 soundbars are a better choice.
Customization for a home theater system is not an impossible matter to achieve, to achieve that all that one would need is a 5.1 soundbar, followed by an external subwoofer. It would be also required to have a back satellite speaker. They may play about with the positioning to see what works best.
For improved reading of your input settings, In certain cases, the outer design of a soundbar includes an LCD display screen or control panel. Although it’s not absolutely essential, we’ve found that it makes setup a lot faster and more straightforward.
Price
As you may imagine, a 5.1 soundbar costs significantly more than a 2.1 soundbar since it offers higher surround sound quality and clarity in conversation. There are soundbars worth a lot more than $1,000 that might be found on occasion.
If you’re not an audiophile, the difference between a 5.1 system and a 2.1 system with modern audio technology may be negligible. It may also help you save money.
Sound Quality
It’s possible that a single soundbar will not offer you the satisfying experience that you are looking for. However, with the extra subwoofer, several channels, and cutting-edge Tec, you might create your own personal theater in your house.
One soundbar may not be enough to meet your needs if your expectations are high. If you add a second subwoofer, a couple of more channels, and some cutting-edge Tec, you might turn your house into a home theater. The inclusion of a center channel for improved conversation clarity, as well as the two rear speakers, may result in a more immersive listening experience, whether or not extra technology is used.
If you have a 5.1 system with three exterior speakers (two satellites and a subwoofer), you can also add extra depth to the sound by playing with the location of the speakers in the room.
Sound perfection means one company in the industry which is Dolby Audio, we can call them the leader of the industry in the work of making sound to sound perfect. To find out the reason behind this success, we will see they are sustained with Dolby Atmos. Moreover, there are different versions of this technology. that are only available from one single manufacturer They also don’t have to be excessively expensive, as seen by our selection of the finest Dolby Atmos soundbars available at the most affordable pricing.
In addition to changing the placement of the speakers in the room if you have a 5.1 system with three outside speakers (two satellites and a subwoofer), you can also add more depth to the sound by experimenting with the placement of the speakers in the room.
2.1 and 5.1 soundbars may both have sound modes, in addition to the hardware and software that they use. In a soundbar, these are pre-tuned settings that are designed to enhance certain materials. Movie, news, music, gaming, and sports sound modes are some of the more common types of sound modes you may discover.
Connectivity
Both 2.1 and 5.1 soundbars may include an HDMI connection to enable high-quality video and high-tech audio decoders. When compared to other connections, HDMI can carry more data and accommodate 4K video passthrough.
If your soundbar, like the Sony HTCT180, does not have HDMI input, your next alternative is a digital optical connection. Digital optical can also pass through 4K content. Soundbars are more likely to have this port than televisions are to have HDMI.
In order to connect your gadgets, make sure your TV and soundbars have the same kind of input and output connectors.
Bluetooth
All soundbars include at least one kind of Bluetooth wireless connectivity. It may also be found in high-end 2.1 wireless speakers and soundbars that perform very well. It doesn’t matter if Bluetooth is turned on or off in a soundbar; users may stream material from mobile devices to hear frequencies they couldn’t hear before.
Voice Assistant
There is no need to worry about the performance of your soundbar while using a voice assistant like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. The soundbar can be easily controlled hands-free, and you’ll have quick access to things like weather and news headlines.
Control
Another important point to note is that the 2.1 and 5.1 remotes have been programmed to perform the role of universal remote control. It is possible to make minor modifications to the sound on soundbars that have a control panel integrated into the interface.
You may also use the TV remote to operate your soundbar.
Setup
Because they are plug-and-play, HDMI and digital optical cable connectors are simple to use. Additionally, the remote, cords, and user guide should all be included in the package. A wall mount kit may be included with the purchase of a soundbar.
Do you have an LG soundbar? If so, read on. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your LG soundbar.
Our Top Picks For 5.1 and 2.1 Soundbars

VIZIO 2.1 Sound Bar SB2821-D6 with Wireless Subwoofer
As shown by this 2.1 soundbar, using fewer channels and more audio technology to create a great device is precisely what we planned.
JBL Bar 5.1 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Soundbar

- An impressive 550w of total system power
- 10"" wireless subwoofer delivers deep, thrilling sound
- Built-in chromecast, airplay2 and bluetooth
- Jbl surround sound brings an immersive virtual 5.1 sound experience for your tv without any extra wires or speakers
- 4k pass-through with hdr 10 and dolby vision provides the best resolution
The JBL Bar 5.1 is capable of enveloping viewers in high-definition sound since it supports 4K and Ultra HD content audio. All material played onscreen will come to life thanks to the use of Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, and DTS technologies.
You may also pick between 3.1 and 5.1 sound systems with the JBL Bar, which has been pre-tuned to provide exceptional audio quality as standard.
Best Seller List of 2.1 VS 5.1 Soundbars:

- Simple, Convenient 2.1 Design - Experience the performance and features of a larger, more complex home theater system in a simple solution designed to blend seamlessly into any home.
- Powerful Performance - Brilliant clarity, thunderous bass, and Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support combine for performance beyond its size.
- Simple Setup, Streaming & Control - Get setup and listening in minutes with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity for unparalleled ease of use, control, and access to your content.
- Minimal Modern Design - Clean, low-profile silhouettes, subtle textures, and matte finishes seamlessly blend into any environment.
- 2.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.

- Complete, All-in-One Design - Experience the performance and features of a traditional home theater system in a simple, all-in-one solution designed to blend seamlessly into any home.
- Striking Performance - Brilliant clarity, startling dynamics, and Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support combine for performance that defies its size.
- Simple Setup, Streaming and Control -Get setup and listening in minutes with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity for unparalleled ease of use, control, and access to your content.
- Minimal Modern Design - A clean, angular, low-profile silhouette seamlessly blends into any environment.
- 2.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, true stereo experience ideal for movies, music, and gaming.

- DTS VIRTUAL:X: Expand your listening experience; DTS Virtual: X creates spacious 3D sound putting you at the center of the action for an elevated and immersive home theater experience
- SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Get that big boom with our included subwoofer; Bring home intense sound with rich, powerful bass; Elevate the action and take things to the next level
- BASS BOOST: Bass you can boost with a tap; Feel the depth of distant thunder as your listening experience is taken to another level; Tap the button Feel the power
- ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE: Enjoy all your favorite video content with dynamically optimized audio and enhanced voice clarity so you can follow along with action packed games and blockbuster films
- GAME MODE: Optimize your gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio that moves with the onscreen action; Game Mode eliminates distractions so you can hear better and play harder

- America's Sound Bar VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and our sound bars just keep getting better. We are proud to provide our customers with top-tier audio products that bring movies, shows, podcasts, music, and more to life like never before. (Sound Bar Brand in 1H 2022 Source: The NPD Group/Retail Tracking Service, U.S., based on units, Jan. - June 2022 combined.).Mounting Type:Wall Mount.Waterproof : No
- Immersive sound, brought to you by people who love sound. - Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio technologies captivate your senses with realistic sounds above and behind you for performance that completely immerses you in the world of your entertainment.
- It’s psychoacoustics, but you can call it magic. - An optical illusion for your ears, DTS Virtual:X technology delivers the sensation of speakers placed throughout your room, above and behind you, for a sonic landscape that’s remarkably lifelike.
- Your favorites, the way they were meant to be heard. - Lean in and get lost in your favorite content with 98dB of premium audio powered by 6 high-performance speakers. With integrated tweeters and woofers, this sound bar delivers clarity, spaciousness, and impact down to an impressive 50Hz.
- Minimalist design. Maximum impact. - Thanks to built-in dual subwoofers and a fully integrated design, the M-Series All-In-One sound bar needs no external components to sound its best. And at just 36 inches in width, it’ll fit just about anywhere.

- 240W Output: 2 powerful speakers and a wireless subwoofer, erupting impressive 240W max audio power to upgrade your TV sound instantly.
- DTS Virtual: X: Whether you’re gaming, watching your favorite movie or show, or listening to that new track on repeat, DTS Virtual X enhances the entertainment you love across all of your devices. It goes beyond ordinary listening by transporting you with the breakthrough spatial sound experience that draws you in deeper, so you hear and feel more.
- Wireless Subwoofer: A wireless subwoofer delivers the robust low-end frequencies that punctuate your favorite movies, music, and games, without any messy wires. You’ll feel the “boom” while the two front- facing speakers project bright, clear high- and mid-range frequencies.
- Easy Connectivity: With HDMI ARC, the Hisense HS2100 can connect to your TV through a single HDMI cable (included), connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, and control both with one remote. You’ll be enjoying better TV sound in minutes.
- Wireless Music Streaming: Wireless Bluetooth technology easily connects to smart devices so the listener can enjoy their favorite playlists from their phone or other wireless devices.

- Soundbar remote control not included
- Use your existing TV remote to control volume on your soundbar when connected through your TV's HDMI eARC port. (HDMI eARC Output ONLY.) No TV HDMI port? No problem! Contact VIZIO customer support 844-254-8087 or visit support.VIZIO.com if your TV requires optical connection
- Receive the latest product updates and adjust advanced soundbar settings by downloading the VIZIO mobile app for your Android or iOS device (A VIZIO Account is required)
- When watching Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, this soundbar puts you at the center of your entertainment, creating an immersive audio experience
- Three full-range speakers inside the soundbar, two surround speakers, and one wireless compact subwoofer deliver 96dB of detailed and dynamic high-impact sound that’s perfect for medium to large-sized rooms.

- Feel every note with a 600W power output
- Get the best seat in the house with 5.1ch real surround sound
- Rear speakers deliver powerful surround sound to complete your home cinema experience
- Effortless setup with easy color-coded connections
- Wireless connectivity for music streaming

- DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X: Elevate your content; Dolby Digital 5.1 capable creates realistic surround sound by projecting it from all around you, while DTS Virtual: X expands your listening experience without having to add extra speakers
- BUILT-IN CENTER SPEAKER: The built-in center speaker is dedicated to delivering enhanced dialogue so you won't miss a word, no matter how faint the conversation or how intense the background music or action is
- BLUETOOTH TV CONNECTION: Set up is a breeze; Easily connect your soundbar to your TV wirelessly¹
- SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Experience the intensity of action movies or the excitement of sports with the rich, powerful bass coming from the included subwoofer²
- GAME MODE: Game Mode optimizes your gaming experience with synced, directional audio that moves with the onscreen action, and eliminates distractions³

- 5.1-CHANNEL SURROUND SOUND EXPERIENCE - Fully enjoys the thrill of DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS with the newest 5.1 Surround sound Engine, DSP technology, and impressive 400W of total system power. Dolby Audio adds room-filling excitement with floor to ceiling virtualized surround sound experience. Immerse yourself with 360° room transforming sound that adapts to your environment with included wireless rear speakers, taking TV, movies, and music into a whole new dimension.
- IMMERSIVE NEXT-GENERATION BASS - The premium sound bar with 16” wireless subwoofer blends seamlessly into your living room or bedroom. The robust and dynamic bass grabs your attention in every room corner down to 50 Hz. Unleash powerful bass to turn your living room into an IMAX theater. Enjoy remarkable clarity and room-filling 5.1 surround sound with Dolby Audio to create a realistic audio experience like planes flying overhead and rain falling from above.
- OPTIMIZE ENTERTAINMENT WITH UPGRADED EQUALIZER MODE - Personalize different equalizer modes: Music, Movie, News & 3D mode, and more advanced setting by using the Smart remote control for hearing and feeling every musical, explosion, dialogue, and detail with transparent and ear-pleasing loudness up to 120 dB. The remote also increases or reduces Treble and Bass Levels based on your sounding preference. So, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the best budget 5.1 surround sound system!
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY & CONTROL - Our 5.1 sound bar adopts Bluetooth 5.0 & DSP technology to ensure faster transmission speeds and stable connectivity up to 50 ft with low consumption from your Smartphones, Tablet, PC and other Bluetooth-enabled devices; You may also connect the sound bar to TV, Projector, Computer, XBOX, PS5, Amplifier, and more via HDMI ARC, RCA, or Optical input connection. All cables are included. You may control the sound bar using your TV remote in ARC input mode.
- ALL ACCESSORIES INCLUDED, EASY TO SET UP IN MINUTES - The 5.1 sound bar is ready to be used right out of the box! The surround sound system must only be plugged into separate wall outlet with no cable between each speaker. Press the button on the back of the speakers until the light stops blinking. Ensure all speakers have a solid red light on the back to remain connected. All accessories are included. Premium HDMI Cable, Optical Cable, RCA Cable, Smart Remote, and mounting kits are all included

- Low-Profile Modern Design - Clean silhouettes, subtle textures, and matte finishes seamlessly blend into any environment.
- Powerful Performance - Brilliant clarity, thunderous bass, and Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support combine for performance beyond its size.
- Simple Setup, Streaming & Control - Get setup and listening in minutes with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity for unparalleled ease of use, control, and access to your content.
- 5.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, surround sound experience.
- 6 Total Speakers - Full-range drivers deliver coherent sound and brilliant clarity.
Last update on 2025-02-06