The Ultimate Gaming Soundbar Guide: Unleashing the Top Picks of 2023

Content must be written in English:

With their increasing popularity, soundbars have become a popular choice for individuals seeking a middle ground between PC speakers and full surround sound systems. While TV viewers are the primary beneficiaries of this trend, gamers can also greatly benefit from integrating a soundbar into their gaming setups. Soundbars can vary significantly across different manufacturers and even within the same model category, offering various features such as subwoofers, remotes, voice control, RGB lighting, or a combination of these options.

Given the wide array of choices available, players may feel overwhelmed when trying to select the right soundbar. So, how can users determine what makes a soundbar good for their specific setup, whether it is for PC or console gaming?

Size is an important factor when choosing a soundbar as it determines where it will fit best and how effectively it will project sound throughout a room.

Connectivity is another key consideration. While wireless soundbars are widely preferred, they may not be suitable for all types of TVs. Bluetooth connectivity is available in most soundbars, catering to PC players and many TV owners. However, those without Bluetooth may need to rely on an HDMI connection.

The price of a soundbar should not exceed that of a full surround sound system unless the user prioritizes easy installation. Taking these factors into account, top-notch soundbars for gaming are available to swiftly enhance players' environments!

VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Sound Bar

Best Overall Gaming Soundbar See at Amazon

Redragon GS560 RGB Desktop Soundbar

Best Budget Gaming Soundbar See at Amazon

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Best Premium Gaming Soundbar See at Amazon

Razer Leviathan V2 X

Best RGB Gaming Soundbar $100 at Walmart

Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar

Best Gaming Soundbar for PC See at Amazon

See More

LG Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer S90QY

Best Gaming Soundbar for Consoles See at Amazon

VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Sound Bar

The VIZIO V-Series is the best overall gaming soundbar as it is designed to provide high-quality sound and is optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1. It delivers loud and clear audio, and the experience is enhanced with DTS Virtual:X, which provides a virtualized 3D sound that fills the room from floor to ceiling. Accompanying the soundbar are two satellite speakers and a 5-inch wireless subwoofer, which can be easily placed anywhere in the room. The VIZIO V-Series also supports integration with voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant. It has auxiliary and HDMI connectivity options and supports audio formats like Dolby Audio 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X. With 50 watts of power and a subwoofer output of 50 Hz, it offers a great audio experience. The dimensions of the soundbar are 3.2" x 36" x 2.2". One of the pros of this soundbar is that it includes six speakers across four devices.

Offers both HDMI and Bluetooth connections

Enhances 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio

Easy to install and control

Cons No app control

Not ideal for compact desks

See at Amazon

The VIZIO V-Series 5.1 soundbar offers a nearly complete surround sound experience. Equipped with two speakers and a subwoofer, this soundbar delivers exceptional sound throughout any room. Setup is effortless with the included HDMI and seamless bluetooth connectivity. The backlit remote allows for convenient control of the sound system.

The sleek black design of VIZIO's home theater set adds a stylish touch to TVs and large PC desks, while also delivering impressive performance. With Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround support, the sound is clear and the bass is deep and resonating. Players seeking to enhance their 4K HDR content will not be disappointed with the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar. Furthermore, priced at just over $200, it is one of the more affordable options available.

Introducing the Redragon GS560 RGB Desktop Soundbar: The Ultimate Budget Gaming Soundbar. Boasting an enhanced driver, this soundbar delivers impeccable audio quality accompanied by deep, resonating bass. With four mesmerizing backlit modes, players can indulge in dynamic or static LED illumination. Its compact 16-inch size allows for easy placement under any device, making it compatible with virtually any desktop setup. Powered by USB and equipped with 3.5mm audio and mic cables, the Redragon GS560 soundbar is the ideal choice for gamers seeking immersive experiences across PC, TV, Laptop, and Smartphone platforms.

Connectivity USB, 3.5mmPower 4WDimensions 25.2"x25.2"x7.48"Pros Extremely affordable

Bright, vibrant, and customizable RGB lighting

Easy to install

Cons Not as loud as other options

Discover on Amazon

Redragon is gaining popularity among budget-conscious gamers, expanding their range to include affordable soundbars for players. The GS560 RGB desktop soundbar is a fantastic choice for individuals seeking to enhance the audio experience in their vibrant gaming setup. With a sleek and compact design spanning only 16 inches, this soundbar fits perfectly underneath PC monitors. It boasts four distinctive lighting modes, and users can synchronize the backlighting with audio from USB or 3.5mm-connected devices.

The installation of the soundbar is incredibly simple. Users can effortlessly connect any desired device through the USB or 3.5mm ports. Controlling the soundbar is equally effortless, thanks to the touch control at the top, allowing users to easily cycle through various lighting options. Additionally, a large knob on the faceplate facilitates volume adjustments. While it may not boast the highest power, this soundbar offers an exceptional level of affordability without compromising on quality. It reliably produces immersive sound that is sufficiently loud, even for individuals seated at a desk-length's away.

Bose Smart Soundbar 900

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is an exceptional premium gaming soundbar that greatly enhances the audio experience of your TV. Featuring two specially engineered dipole speakers, this soundbar creates a fully immersive sound that emanates from all directions. It is equipped with advanced technologies such as Dolby Atmos, which provides a more lifelike audio experience. The sleek and stylish design is complemented by high-quality materials and a flawless finish that seamlessly integrates into any entertainment center. Additionally, this soundbar boasts modern smart features, including built-in voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

With Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 offers flexible options for audio streaming. Supporting audio formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Audio, this soundbar delivers exceptional sound quality. Its dimensions of 41.14"x 2.29"x 4.21" make it perfectly suited for use with larger TVs.

Sound quality is incredible

Compatible with multiple smart home systems

Cons Fairly expensive

See at Amazon

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a premium, sleek device that delivers exceptional sound quality. With its wireless connectivity and built-in Alexa and Google voice control, it seamlessly integrates into smart homes and entertainment centers. Users have the option of using HDMI or wi-fi connections for convenience. Equipped with custom-engineered, up-firing dipole speakers, this soundbar provides an immersive audio experience that emanates from all directions. Supported by Bose PhaseGuide and Dolby Atmos: TrueSpace spatial processing technology, the soundbar delivers high-quality, spatial audio. Despite being the most expensive soundbar on the market, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 remains affordable, priced well under $1000, without compromising on performance. With its premium features and top-of-the-line audio technology, this stylish soundbar enhances both the decor and sound of any home theater.

Introducing the Razer Leviathan V2 X: The Ultimate RGB Gaming Soundbar

Perfect for gamers living in small spaces, the Razer Leviathan V2 X is a compact yet powerful soundbar that will elevate your gaming experience to new heights. With its full-range drivers and two passive radiators, this soundbar delivers exceptional audio quality for not only gaming but also for watching movies and listening to music.

Featuring versatile connectivity options, the Leviathan V2 X can effortlessly connect to your PC or mobile devices via USB-C or Bluetooth. Plus, with a maximum volume level of 90 dBs, you can immerse yourself in the action without compromising the sound quality.

What sets the Leviathan V2 X apart is its integration with Razer's Chroma RGB ecosystem. The underglow lighting on the soundbar can sync with compatible games, creating a mesmerizing visual experience that reacts to gameplay events. Get ready to be blown away by the immersive combination of stunning visuals and powerful sound that the Razer Leviathan V2 X offers.

Connection USB-C, BluetoothNumber Included 1Brand RazerDimensions 15.8"x2.8"x 3"Pros Easy to install and control with Razer Synapse

Customizable RGB lighting can sync with games

Very affordable

Cons Overall sound quality isn?t great

Available on Amazon for $100, at Walmart for $100, and at Best Buy, the Leviathan V2 X by Razer is the perfect choice for gamers who prefer a coordinated setup. Offering outstanding sound quality, customizable RGB lighting, and compatibility with the Razer Synapse app, this gaming peripheral is a must-have. The installation process is incredibly simple, thanks to the USB-C cord that provides a convenient plug and play setup. Additionally, the Leviathan V2 X also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless connection to both PCs and mobile devices.

This Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar boasts two full-range drivers and two passive radiators, effectively balancing sounds and minimizing distortion. Don't be fooled by its compact design, as the Leviathan V2 can generate up to 90 decibels of powerful sound. Coupled with 18 zones of dynamic lighting, this soundbar creates an immersive audiovisual experience. It even synchronizes with certain games for customized lighting effects. For gamers with Razer-based setups, the Leviathan V2 X offers a significant upgrade from ordinary speakers. Those seeking superior audio quality can opt for the upgraded V2 version, which includes a subwoofer, albeit at a larger size and higher cost compared to the standard offering.

Best Gaming Soundbar for PC: The Sony HT-S400 soundbar is equipped with a wireless subwoofer, allowing for convenient placement and delivering deep, rich bass. With a 2.1 setup, it supports surround sound and clear dialogue, providing a complex cinematic-style surround experience thanks to its S-Force PRO Front Surround and Dolby Digital support. With a total output of 330 watts, this speaker system delivers powerful audio. The operation is simple and easy, with a compact remote and OLED display window. The soundbar also offers connectivity options such as HDMI and Bluetooth, and supports audio formats like Dolby Digital and S-Force PRO. With dimensions of 13.38"x38"x9.62", this soundbar is ideal for larger rooms.

Sound is well balanced between soundbar and subwoofer

Setup is plug and play

Cons No voice control or app

See at Amazon

Lucky gamers who have a dedicated gaming room can now enjoy their favorite titles at full volume. While headsets offer an immersive experience, the Sony HT-S400 soundbar is a great choice for those who want to be aware of their surroundings while gaming. This lengthy soundbar, measuring almost three feet, comes with a substantial subwoofer, providing a total power output of 330W.

The audio quality is excellent, with a perfect balance of rich and clear tones complementing the deep bass. It is enhanced by Dolby Atmos and S-Force Pro front surround sound technology, allowing even the faintest sounds like dialogue and footsteps to be reproduced authentically. The Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar is perfect for gamers and movie enthusiasts, as it adds depth and realism to their entertainment experience. Although it lacks extra features like voice control, setting it up is a breeze - just plug it in or connect via Bluetooth. PC gamers seeking a quick, effortless, and efficient way to enhance their audio will find everything they need in this soundbar.

Experience the ultimate in home theater sound with the LG Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer S90QY. With an impressive 570 watts of power, this soundbar delivers incredible audio without the need for a complicated setup. Immerse yourself in a surround sound experience with 5.1.3 channels, easily connected to your TV and other devices via Bluetooth 5.0. Utilizing IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X, this soundbar brings multidimensional sound to any room. Take control of your audio experience with voice commands or through the convenient smartphone app. The set includes a wireless subwoofer for deep, impactful bass, a remote control with batteries, wall mount brackets, and an HDMI cable. Upgrade your gaming experience with the best gaming soundbar for consoles, the LG Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer S90QY.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Supports audio formats such as IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. Power output is 570W, with subwoofer output at 40W. The dimensions of the device are 47.2"x5.3"x2.5". Notable advantages include its surround sound-like audio performance and compatibility with various smart apps.

Easy to install

Cons Only one HDMI port for consoles

Check out the LG Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer S90QY on Amazon. Despite sharing space, console gamers deserve amazing sound. This high-quality sound system is designed for convenience and delivers a surround sound-like experience at an affordable price. Boasting 420W of total power and three dynamic speakers in the soundbar, you might wonder why the subwoofer is included.

How to Choose Good Gaming Soundbars

The subwoofer, along with a range of audio technologies, adds to the impressive performance of the entire set. By utilizing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the sound is distributed in such a way that it surrounds the room, creating a highly immersive experience. Furthermore, IMAX Enhanced and adaptive up-mixing by Meridian Horizon enhance the depth of the sounds, taking media to new levels of immersion. Moreover, the setup is effortless for smart homes, and the system is compatible with LG TVs, Alexa, Google, Apple, and other apps. Additionally, it offers seamless connectivity for consoles through the HDMI pass-through port, making it an ideal choice for gamers who share living spaces.

Size

When it comes to soundbars, not all are worth your investment. With the wide range of options available, it can be challenging to determine what to prioritize. However, opting for soundbars produced by reputable brands and those that have received positive customer reviews is an excellent starting point. Additionally, there are several essential features that should be carefully considered before making your purchase.

Soundbars come in various sizes, ranging from compact and portable to larger ones that can enhance the aesthetics of a TV setup. The size of a soundbar not only affects its convenience but also determines the breadth of the sound it produces. For spacious rooms, it is advisable to opt for larger soundbars, while smaller ones work perfectly for PC desks and bedrooms.

Connectivity

Typically, soundbars can be connected in three ways: via bluetooth, wi-fi, or a direct HDMI connection. Bluetooth is a suitable option for most PCs and TVs, although not all TVs support it. Wireless connections through wi-fi may not always be supported by TVs, and they can sometimes have noticeable lag or interference with other wireless devices. HDMI is the most reliable connection, but it may not be ideal for clean and minimalist setups. It should be noted that not all soundbars offer all types of connections, so users should double-check the compatibility of the soundbar they intend to purchase.

Price

Soundbars offer a convenient and efficient solution to enhance the audio quality of basic speakers connected to a TV or positioned near a PC. They serve as a bridge between subpar sound systems and surround sound. However, it should be noted that they do not serve as a replacement for surround sound setups, which typically have an average cost of around $700. Therefore, there is no compelling reason to invest $1000 or more in a soundbar, unless the primary concern is the ease of installation. In terms of performance, a surround sound system will consistently outshine a soundbar. Consequently, users should only consider spending a few hundred dollars on a soundbar, unless the effortless setup is the utmost priority for a particular space.

FAQ

Q: What do soundbars do?

Soundbars serve as compact speaker systems positioned beneath TV or PC screens, offering an immersive audio experience. Unlike the complexity of traditional surround sound setups with multiple speakers and wiring, sound bars present a simpler solution to enrich the audio in living rooms or gaming arrangements.

Q: Are soundbars good for gaming?

Enhancing the gaming experience, gaming soundbars offer immersive audio with robust bass and the flexibility of personalized sound settings. Moreover, soundbars are conveniently compact and simple to install, making them a perfect addition to any gaming setup.

Q: Is a soundbar or speakers better for gaming?

Soundbars are usually better for gaming because they come with better bass, can be connected via USB, and are more compact than speakers.

Q: Are soundbars as good as surround sound?

No, not exactly. Although a soundbar can simulate a surround sound experience using virtual surround sound technology, the sound ambiance produced by a dedicated surround sound system is generally more captivating and accurate, albeit being costlier.

Q: How do soundbars connect to TVs?

Soundbars connect to TVs using either bluetooth, wi-fi, or a direct HDMI connection.

Q: How long do soundbars last?

Soundbars can be expected to last between 7 and 10 years.

Q: What is the difference between a 2.1 and 5.1 soundbar?

In order to enhance the audio experience, a 2.1 soundbar incorporates two speakers positioned at opposite ends of the device. On the other hand, when it comes to 5.1 soundbars, they consist of five speakers, a few of which can be individual components that are strategically placed throughout the room to achieve a more captivating and enveloping sound effect.

Q: Do soundbars work for PC?

Yes, soundbars work for PCs.

Q: Does a soundbar work better with HDMI?

Yes, the direct connection to a TV or PC through HDMI is better for soundbar performance, however wireless connection look sleeker and have no issues most of the time.