Connectivity Tests and Scores
Soundbars
Updated Nov 06, 2019 at 11:47 am
Score components:
- 25% Audio Format Support - ARC
- 25% Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
- 25% Audio Format Support - Optical
- 25% Wireless Playback
Score distribution
Score distribution:
[Coming Soon]
Test results
Our tests
Physical Inputs - Bar
What it is:
All the physical inputs on the soundbar, except the power cable and service ports.
When it matters:
When playing sound through the soundbar using a high quality wired connection.
[Coming Soon]
Audio Format Support - ARC
What it is:
Whether the soundbar can decode and play audio sent in each specific format, over an HDMI ARC connection. Note that in many cases, if the TV detects that the soundbar doesn't support a specific audio format, it will transform it into something that the soundbar does support.
Here ARC refers to both standard ARC and the new eARC standard.
When it matters:
When playing surround sound from the TV, when the TV supports HDMI ARC. ARC has more features than optical (more possible formats, power on and off with the TV, etc).
Score components:
- 5% eARC
- 8% Dolby Atmos
- 61% Dolby Digital
- 5% Dolby Digital Plus
- 10% DTS
- 1% DTS:X (eARC only)
- 1% Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)
- 1% DTS-HD MA (eARC only)
- 8% 5.1 PCM (eARC only)
Score distribution
Score distribution:
[Coming Soon]
Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In
What it is:
Whether the soundbar can decode and play audio sent in each specific format, over a direct connection to its 'HDMI In' port.
When it matters:
When playing surround sound with the soundbar, using its 'HDMI In' input.
Score components:
- 9% Dolby Atmos
- 1% DTS:X
- 64% Dolby Digital
- 5% Dolby Digital Plus
- 11% DTS
- 1% Dolby TrueHD
- 1% DTS-HD MA
- 8% 5.1 PCM
Score distribution
Score distribution:
[Coming Soon]
Audio Format Support - Optical
What it is:
Whether the soundbar can decode and play audio sent in each specific format, over a digital optical audio connection. Note that in many cases if the TV detects that the soundbar doesn't support a specific audio format, it will transform it into something that the soundbar does support.
When it matters:
When playing surround sound with the soundbar, using its optical audio input. Optical has fewer features than HDMI or ARC but is a decent fallback when those two can't be easily used.
Score components:
- 60% Dolby Digital
- 40% DTS
Score distribution
Score distribution:
[Coming Soon]
Wireless Playback
What it is:
Whether the soundbar can play content wirelessly from your device.
When it matters:
When you want to play content on the soundbar without having a direct cable connection to it, such as when using a smartphone.
Score components:
- 60% Bluetooth
- 20% Wi-Fi
- 10% Chromecast built-in
- 10% Apple AirPlay
Score distribution
Score distribution:
[Coming Soon]
Other Input Specifications
What it is:
Any other connectivity specs and features the soundbar has that can impact your usage.
When it matters:
When using advanced connectivity features of the soundbar, such as video passthrough.
[Coming Soon]
Connectivity - Subwoofer
What it is:
How the subwoofer connects to other devices (usually just the soundbar).
When it matters:
When setting up the subwoofer.
[Coming Soon]
Connectivity - Satellites
What it is:
How the satellites connect to other devices (usually just the soundbar).
When it matters:
When setting up the satellites.
[Coming Soon]
Recommended Articles
Gain early access to all tests results for new products
Prices will now be listed directly in reviews and tables
Have 5 votes per product category to choose which product we’ll review next
Gain unlimited access to detailed test results in tools and results (no blurred results)
To access
and
Become an Insider
unlimited full product reviews,
product prices
other exclusive site features