2.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar – Which one is Best for You! (2023)

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

Image
VIZIO Sound Bar for TV, 28” 2.1 Surround Sound System for TV with Wireless Subwoofer and...
JBL Bar 5.1 - Soundbar with Built-in Virtual Surround, 4K and 10" Wireless Subwoofer...
Soundbar
2.1
5.1
Product
VIZIO Sound Bar 2.1
JBL Sound Bar 5.1
Features
More compact, Easier setup and placement, Comes with an affordable price, Support HDMI, Bluetooth connection is common
True surround sound, Center channel for clear dialogue, Has rear satellite speakers, Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi, Multiple connectivity options
Image
VIZIO Sound Bar for TV, 28” 2.1 Surround Sound System for TV with Wireless Subwoofer and...
Soundbar
2.1
Product
VIZIO Sound Bar 2.1
Features
More compact, Easier setup and placement, Comes with an affordable price, Support HDMI, Bluetooth connection is common
CHECK OUT
Image
JBL Bar 5.1 - Soundbar with Built-in Virtual Surround, 4K and 10" Wireless Subwoofer...
Soundbar
5.1
Product
JBL Sound Bar 5.1
Features
True surround sound, Center channel for clear dialogue, Has rear satellite speakers, Built-in Bluetooth and WiFi, Multiple connectivity options
CHECK OUT

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

Best Soundbar with Wireless Rear Speakers

VIZIO 2.1 Sound Bar SB2821-D6 with Wireless Subwoofer

VIZIO Sound Bar for TV, 28” 2.1 Surround Sound System for TV with Wireless Subwoofer and...
  • 2.1 Sound Bar System The 2.1 Sound Bar System features powerful speakers paired with a wireless subwoofer, delivering booming sound with crystal-clear audio quality. This combo brings an enticing home theater experience to the comforts of your home
  • Expansive Audio Upgrade to premium audio with VIZIO’s 28” 2.1 Sound Bar. Best in class audio performance delivers up to 95 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1% total harmonic distortion. (Sound Pressure Level measured using pink noise at 1 meter, C-weighted. Total Harmonic Distortion calculated as an electrical measurement of amplifier distortion.)
  • Wireless Subwoofer Rich, powerful bass transforms movies, music, and TV into an explosive experience. Wireless means your home stays free of clutter while you get great sound
  • Bluetooth Streaming Lose the wires and listen to your music with a tap of a finger from anywhere in the room. (Performance and compatibility among Bluetooth devices may vary.)
  • Dimensions

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

JBL Bar 5.1 - Soundbar with Built-in Virtual Surround, 4K and 10" Wireless Subwoofer...
  • 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:

SaleBestseller No. 1
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, Bluetooth, Wireless...
  • 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.
SaleBestseller No. 2
VIZIO V-Series All-in-One 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X, Bluetooth, Built-in...
  • 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.
Bestseller No. 3
Saiyin Sound Bars for TV with Subwoofer, 2.1 Deep Bass Small Soundbar Monitor Speaker Home Theater...
  • 【Enjoy Deep Bass from Dedicated Subwoofer】The deep rich bass from our new generation sound bar(20Watts*2 output)and subwoofer(30Watts) will activate every cell in your body.The large cavity space of the subwoofer makes the bass punchy and full of magnetic. The surround sound of soundbar and subwoofer collide with each other in every corner of your room like waves, which allowing you immersed in music, movie and gaming.
  • 【Multifunctional LED Indicator&Soft Light】Unlike other sound bars, The three-color LED lights help you better identify which the connection mode the sound bar is on(Optical-Purple, Bluetooth-Blue, Auxiliary-Green). Not only that, the volume progress bar below soundbar reminds you the volume level of total or bass.The soundbar's hidden LED indicator and soft lighting make it possible for you to watch TV without distractions.
  • 【3 Equalizer Modes】You can adjust soundbar to three different equalizer modes according to different TV shows like news, movie and music. It is an excellent sound bar for your TV. In addition, we provide replace remote control for free. (Remote control is not compatible with universal or TV remotes)
  • 【Wireless&Wired Connection】The Bluetooth chip can help you connect devices such as computers and cell phones to the sound bar. Auxiliary input model and optical input model are also available as an option for you to connect your computer, TV and speakers.(We also provide Auxiliary cable and Optical cable for free)
  • 【What's You Get! 】The package contains the following products:Soundbar*1, subwoofer*1, remote control*1, user manual*1, 3.5mm to 3.5mm auxiliary cable*1, optical cable*1, brackets*2 expanded plastic pipe*2 and screws*2. In addition, you will receive our product quality guarantee for more than one year and professional after-sales service.
SaleBestseller No. 4
VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar with 6 High-Performance Speakers, Dolby Atmos,...
  • 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.
SaleBestseller No. 5
Polk Audio Signa S2 Sound Bar & Wireless Subwoofer – Exclusive VoiceAdjust Technology, Ultra-Slim...
  • A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver beautiful rich sound with deep bass. Polk’s exclusive VoiceAdjust technology & Dolby Digital Decoding maximizes sound clarity & reduces voice delays
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At just over 2" tall, it fits most spaces — easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
  • UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & AUX
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology
  • SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV to the sound bar. Get set up and listening in minutes

SaleBestseller No. 1
VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice...
  • 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.
SaleBestseller No. 2
VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE, Wireless Subwoofer, Surround Sound w/Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth Speaker -...
  • 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.
SaleBestseller No. 3
SAMSUNG HW-B750D/ZA 5.1 ch Soundbar w/Dolby Audio, Surround Sound Expansion, Bass Boost, Adaptive...
  • DOLBY AUDIO / DTS VIRTUAL:X: Enjoy enhanced surround sound with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X; Dolby Audio actively adjusts the volume to enhance content & DTS Virtual:X expands your listening experience–no need for extra speakers
  • BUILT-IN CENTER SPEAKER: The built-in center and side speakers are dedicated to delivering enhanced dialogue, so you don't miss a word, no matter how faint the conversation or how intense the background music or action is
  • SUBWOOFER WITH BASS BOOST: Get that big boom with our included subwoofer with bass boost; Elevate the action and take your listening experience to the next level
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND: Tired of missing dialogue? Hear voices better, even at low volume, with intelligently optimized audio; Scenes are analyzed in real time to amplify the most important audio based on type of content
  • BLUETOOTH MULTI-CONNECTION: Easily connect two smart devices simultaneously to share control of the Soundbar without having to disconnect every time; Conveniently play your favorite music from different devices¹
SaleBestseller No. 4
VIZIO M-Series 5.1 Premium Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer and...
  • 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.).Waterproof : No
  • Low-Profile Modern Design - Seamlessly blends into any environment and ingeniously attaches to select VIZIO M-Series TV stands for quick, clean tabletop or wall-mount installation.
  • Immersive Performance - Experience immersive, cinematic 3D surround sound powered by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
  • Advanced Connectivity and Control - The latest HDMI eARC connectivity enables state-of-the-art 4K Dolby Vision pass-through to the TV and lets you control the sound bar using your TV remote.
  • 5.1-Channel Sound - Experience a powerful room-filling, surround sound experience.
SaleBestseller No. 5
ULTIMEA 5.1Ch Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, 410W Peak Power, Surround Sound System for TV, Sound Bar...
  • Dolby Atmos Creates an Immersive 3D Soundscape: Elevate your home entertainment with the Ultimea soundbar featuring Dolby Atmos. Unlike standard Dolby Digital and Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos delivers a three-dimensional sound experience that makes you feel right in the middle of the action. With Ultimea, you’ll experience the same immersive sound quality as in a top-notch theater.
  • True 5.1 Surround Sound System: The Ultimea soundbar is engineered with a full 5.1 surround sound setup, including three main channels for crystal-clear dialogue, two surround speakers, and a powerful wireless subwoofer. Perfect for movie nights, gaming, or music sessions, this setup ensures every sound effect and dialogue is crisp and enveloping. Whether you're enjoying a blockbuster film or an intense video game, the sound bar’s Dolby Atmos technology makes it feel like the audio is coming from all directions, enhancing your overall experience.
  • Flexible Surround Sound with Adjustable Speakers: With its two surround speakers connected via a 20-foot cable, the Ultimea soundbar offers flexible placement options to suit your room layout. Whether you prefer a more immersive sound experience in a spacious living room or a focused surround effect in a smaller space, you can adjust the speaker placement to fit your needs. Plus, with easy controls on the remote, you can effortlessly adjust the surround and bass levels to match your preference, creating the perfect audio environment for any occasion.
  • Dolby Atmos Advanced Decoding Technology: Enjoy the full benefits of Dolby Atmos with Ultimea's soundbar, compatible with Blu-ray players, streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video, and more. If your content is Dolby Atmos-enabled, you’ll experience top-tier audio decoding that enhances your viewing experience with rich, dynamic sound. The exclusive BASSMX technology further boosts low frequencies, delivering powerful, pulse-pounding bass that makes every explosion, footstep, and musical note come alive.
  • Highest-Level Audio Transmission with HDMI-eARC: The included HDMI-eARC cable supports advanced audio transmission, providing high-resolution and Dolby Atmos multi-channel audio effects. This ensures you receive lossless sound quality that brings out the finest details in your favorite movies and shows. Note: While the Ultimea soundbar supports advanced Dolby Atmos decoding, it does not support DTS.

Last update on 2024-10-04

Lance Ulanoff is a renowned tech journalist, commentator, and on-air expert with over 36 years of experience. He has held esteemed positions including Editor in Chief of Lifewire and Mashable, where he delved into the impact of technology on daily life. Lance's expertise has been featured on major news programs globally, and he has made appearances on Fox News, CNBC, and the BBC.