The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is a budget, entry-level setup that comes with two built-in subwoofers. Thanks to its well-balanced and neutral audio reproduction, it performs well with dialogue-heavy content like TV shows. It also has some EQ presets, a virtual surround feature, and a lot of inputs for its price point. This soundbar can get loud, too. However, it doesn't support Atmos or surround content, and it doesn't support Dolby Digital or DTS, so it may not be ideal for movie fans. That being said, overall, this soundbar is still an acceptable upgrade over your TV speakers.
Our Verdict
The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is mediocre for mixed usage. Overall, this budget soundbar has a decently well-balanced audio reproduction that is suitable for dialogue-heavy content. However, it's a pretty barebones soundbar, so it doesn't have a center channel, and it doesn't support Atmos or surround content. It has limited connectivity options, and it only supports PCM 2.0 content, which may be disappointing for some users. However, there are some customization options, so it can still be a decent upgrade over your TV speakers.
- Built-in subwoofer.
- Gets loud.
- EQ presets.
- Only supports PCM 2.0 content.
- Doesn't support Atmos or surround content.
- No center channel.
The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is great for dialogue-heavy content like TV shows. Its sound profile is well-balanced, especially in the mid-range, which is ideal for reproducing voices. There's even a News EQ preset that works like a dialogue enhancement feature to help make dialogue sound more crisp. Overall, this soundbar can get loud, and you can even stream podcasts to the bar wirelessly using a Bluetooth connection. However, it doesn't have a center channel, so it won't reproduce voices as clearly as some of the other bars we've tested.
- Gets loud.
- EQ presets.
- Bluetooth compatible.
- No center channel.
The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is decent for music. Despite the two subs integrated into the bar, it struggles to reproduce low bass, but nevertheless it has a decently neutral sound profile. This bar should be suitable for many music genres, but fans of bass-heavy music like EDM and hip-hop may prefer a bar with a more extended bass. On the upside, this soundbar also comes with some sound enhancement features, including four EQ presets and bass and treble adjustments, so you'll be able to change the sound to your liking.
- Gets loud.
- EQ presets.
- Lacks a bit of sub-bass.
- No graphic EQ.
The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is poor for movies. It can get loud and it has a well-balanced sound profile. However, it's lacking a bit of sub-bass, and it struggles to reproduce the deep thumps and rumbles from action-packed scenes and movie scores. Also, this soundbar doesn't support surround or Atmos content, which may be disappointing for movie fans.
- Gets loud.
- Only supports PCM 2.0 content.
- Doesn't support Atmos or surround content.
Changelog
- Updated Apr 02, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 22, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
- Updated Aug 24, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Aug 19, 2020: Early access published.
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Popular Soundbar Comparisons
The Vmai 2.1 soundbar for TV is a decent entry-level bar that comes with two built-in subwoofers. While its sound is well-balanced, it can only support PCM 2.0 content. It doesn't have a center channel, and it can't support surround or Atmos content. It also has limited connectivity options, so it isn't very versatile. If you're looking for more soundbars, see our recommendations for the best budget soundbars, the best soundbars for dialogue, and the best soundbars for movies.
The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is a better overall soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK026. Both bars have integrated subwoofers and can only support PCM content, so they're best-suited for dialogue-heavy content like TV shows. However, the Vmai is better-built, and it has a better-balanced sound profile. It also has a more focused soundstage than the TaoTronics, so objects will sound more localized. Thanks to its bass and treble adjustments, the Vmai also offers more sound customization options. Finally, unlike the TaoTronics, it has an HDMI ARC port, though you can only use it for PCM content.
The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is a better overall soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. Both are entry-level 2.1 setups with an integrated subwoofer that lack center channels and surround and Atmos support. However, the Vmai is better-built, and it has a much more well-balanced, neutral sound profile compared to the AmazonBasics' dark sound profile. It also has a more focused soundstage, so objects seem to come from a pinpoint location instead of a general area. The Vmai has an HDMI ARC port and bass and treble adjustments, unlike the Amazon.
The Bose Solo 5 and the Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar are both entry-level, budget soundbars, and you may prefer one over the other depending on your listening habits. Overall, the Bose is better for watching movies, as it has a center channel and it supports surround content. That being said, the Vmai is better for dialogue-heavy content like TV shows. The Vmai also comes with EQ presets and treble adjustments, unlike the Bose, and it has an HDMI ARC port, though it can only be used to play PCM content.
The Sony HT-S100F is a slightly better overall soundbar than the Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar, but depending on your listening habits, you may prefer one over the other. Both soundbars have integrated subwoofers, but the Sony's more compact design may be preferred by some users. Unlike the Vmai, the Sony has a phantom center, can play surround content, and can support Dolby Digital via its Optical In port, which is good for watching movies. It also has a Night Mode feature, unlike the Vmai. However, the Vmai performs much better than the Sony with music, thanks to its better-balanced sound profile, more extended bass, and wider soundstage.
Test Results
