Our Verdict
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is disappointing for mixed use. It has a slight tilt in its tonal balance, which produces a more bass-heavy sound but at the same time, it struggles to produce thump and rumble. Its soundstage isn't very spacious or wide either and it doesn't sound focused. However, it does a better job with dialogue content, especially when using the News preset. It can also get loud enough to play your favorite music during a house party but there's slight distortion at max volume.
- Can wirelessly play audio via a Bluetooth connection.
- Text-display interface.
- Cheap-feeling build.
- No HDMI In port.
- Only supports PCM-format content.
- Lacks a thumpy sub-bass and has a dark, dull treble.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is good for dialogue and TV shows. It has a News preset that acts as a dialogue enhancement feature which may help improve vocal clarity and volume. It can also get decently loud, but there's still a little bit of distortion at max volume.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is mediocre for music. It has a slightly bass-heavy sound profile, which fans of EDM and hip-hop may enjoy. However, the treble is dark and dull, making most instruments and vocals lose detail and brightness while sibilants such as cymbals or S and T sounds lose their sparkle. This soundbar also struggles to create a soundstage larger than its own size. However, it can get loud enough for house parties or larger rooms.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is poor for movies. While it can get loud enough for a larger room, it lacks a rumbly and thumpy bass, making explosions in action movies sound less immersive. This soundbar also has a mediocre soundstage that's limited to the size of the bar itself and it also doesn't have height channels or support Atmos content.
Changelog
- Updated Sep 27, 2021: Changed RCA In from 'Yes' to 'No'.
- Updated Apr 06, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 23, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
- Updated May 14, 2020: Review published.
Check Price
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is an entry-level 2.1 channel soundbar. It has a balanced mid-range and a unique text-display interface. However, it has a cheap-feeling build which is common among budget soundbars, it only supports PCM-format content, and despite its integrated subwoofer, it still lacks deep, thumpy bass. If you're still shopping around, check out our recommendations for the best budget soundbars, the best soundbars under $200, and the best soundbars for dialogue.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a slightly better performing soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. Although they're both 2.1 channel soundbars, the TaoTronics has a more balanced sound profile and it can get just as loud but it has fewer compression artifacts at max volume. However, the AmazonBasics can support Dolby Digital content and it has an auto-off timer.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a slightly better soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK023. The TT-SK026 has an integrated subwoofer with a more balanced sound profile and a text display interface. However, while the TT-SK023 is a 2.0 soundbar, it has a more sturdy build.
The Sony HT-S100F is a slightly better soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK026. Although the Sony is a 2.0 channel soundbar, it has a better build, supports Dolby Digital, and has a shared HDMI ARC/out input. Unlike the TaoTronics, it can also support surround content, but it has to downmix it. On the downside, the Sony doesn't offer any EQ options.
The Sonos Playbar is a better soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK026. The Sonos feels better built, can produce a wider stereo soundstage, and unlike the TaoTronics, can downmix surround content instead of not supporting it at all. You can also easily upgrade the Sonos' setup later if you decide you want a more immersive experience. However, you can wirelessly connect to the TaoTronics using Bluetooth while the Sonos can only support Wi-Fi.
Test Results
