The Vizio SB3220n-F6 32" 2.0 Channel Sound Bar is a simple 2.0 soundbar that performs fairly well with stereo content. Since it lacks a subwoofer, it doesn't produce any thump or rumble, which can be a bit boring during an action film, but its sound profile is otherwise well-balanced and neutral, making it great for movies with lots of dialogue or TV shows. The bar can get pretty loud, too. However, it doesn't have very many input options, like HDMI, and only supports Dolby Digital surround content. That said, it's still a great option if you mostly just watch shows on Netflix but still want something that'll be a likely upgrade over your TV's integrated speakers.
Our Verdict
The Vizio SB3220n-F6 32" 2.0 Channel Sound Bar is decent for mixed usage. It has a pretty neutral, accurate sound profile but lacks low-bass since it doesn't have a subwoofer. This makes it less ideal for watching movies and listening to bass-heavy music, but if you mostly just watch TV, listen to podcasts, or enjoy less bass-heavy music, then it's a solid choice.
- Compact design.
- Good stereo soundstage.
- Balanced sound profile.
- No HDMI inputs.
- Lacks sub-bass.
The Vizio SB3220n-F6 32" 2.0 Channel Sound Bar is great for dialogue and TV shows. While it doesn't have a dedicated dialogue enhancement feature, its neutral sound profile accurately reproduces voices, so your favorite sitcoms should still be easy to understand. You can also cast your favorite podcasts and audiobooks to this bar from your phone with ease via Bluetooth.
The Vizio SB3220n-F6 32" 2.0 Channel Sound Bar is alright for music. While it lacks the deep thump and rumble you'll find in bass-heavy music like dubstep or hip-hop, it should still sound alright. It'll be better-suited for pop or rock music though since it reproduces vocals and instruments well.
The Vizio SB3220n-F6 32" 2.0 Channel Sound Bar is mediocre for movies. While it has a well-balanced frequency response overall, it lacks the thump and rumble key to a good action movie. Its surround sound performance is also poor - it's limited to Dolby Digital files and, even then, downmixes to stereo anyways. On the upside, its stereo soundstage is good.
Changelog
- Updated Apr 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Jan 11, 2021: Audio Format Support - ARC updated from 'N/A' to 'No' to ensure consistency across reviews.
- Updated Sep 21, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
- Updated Mar 24, 2020: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
There's a 20-inch variant called the SB2020n-G6M, and a 29 inch variant called the SB2920-C6, although we don't know how these perform in comparison.
Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Vizio SB3220n-F6 is a simple budget soundbar that's quite a bit more versatile than many other 2.0 soundbars we've reviewed. Though it lacks a bit of sub-bass when compared to 2.1 systems with a dedicated subwoofer, it has an otherwise well-balanced, neutral sound profile that can make it a worthwhile upgrade over your TV speakers. See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best budget soundbars, and the best soundbars with subwoofer.
The Vizio SB3220n-F6 is a much better 2.0 soundbar than the Insignia NS-HSB318 2.0. It produces more bass, sounds better balanced, has a wider soundstage, and can play Dolby Digital files over optical. The Insignia feels more cheaply made and performs worse overall.
The Sonos Beam is a better soundbar than the Vizio SB3220n-F6. While both bars have fairly well-balanced, neutral sound profiles, the Sonos packs a bit more thump and rumble. It also has a dedicated center channel, which helps voices sound clearer, and an even wider soundstage. It doesn't support Bluetooth, unlike the Vizio, which also has a regular audio jack for better mobile device support and can play files from a USB key.
The Vizio SB3220n-F6 is a better soundbar than the Bose Solo 5 if you can go for something a little bigger. While the Bose feels better-built and gets a bit more bass thanks to the integrated subwoofer, the Vizio's soundstage is significantly better. You'll prefer the Bose if simplicity is your main goal, but the Vizio provides a more well-rounded experience.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a much better soundbar setup than the Vizio SB3220n-F6. The SB36512 has 5.1.2 channels and can support Dolby Atmos for a significantly superior surround sound experience. That said, the SB3220n is the better option if you're tight on space and want something easier to install and use.
Test Results
