Vizio M Series M51a-H6 vs M Series M215a-J6

Which Soundbar Is Better?

Products

Vizio M Series M51a-H6
Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated May 16, 2025 06:19 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Nov 11, 2022 05:00 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Our Verdict

Vizio M Series M51a-H6

Vizio M Series M215a-J6

The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is a 5.1 soundbar that offers better overall performance than the 2.1 Vizio M Series M215a-J6. The 5.1 option has two rear satellites, dramatically improving its performance with Atmos and surround sound. Its discrete center channel means that it has greater vocal clarity, too. The 2.1 is a fair option if you just listen to stereo content, like most music, as it's a more affordable choice. That said, the 5.1 Vizio performs better overall.

0 

Variants

  • M Series M51a-H6 (Black)
  • M215a-J6 (Black)

Check Price

Black
M Series M51a-H6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
B&H
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
BestBuy.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
Walmart.com
Black
M215a-J6
B&H
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

0.0
0.0
Create your free account  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A
Show Text 

Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Mountable Bar 
 

Locked

Bar Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Mountable Satellites 
 

Locked

Satellite Brackets Included 
 

Locked

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build quality photo  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 In The Box photo  Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 In The Box photo  Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

HDMI Cable Length 
 

Lock m (Lock ft)

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

Lock m (Lock ft)
Show Text 

Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Bar Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Mounting 
 

Locked
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration 
 

N/A
N/A

Frequency Response Calibrated  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Standard Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

High-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock kHz
Lock kHz
Show Text 

Stereo Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Crosstalk  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

Lock dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

H Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Sound Enhancement Features 
 

N/A
N/A

Room Correction 
 

Locked
Locked

Dialogue Enhancement 
 

Locked
Locked

Auto-Volume/Night Mode 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Bass Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Treble Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

Surround Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Rear Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Height Level Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Inputs/Outputs - Bar 
 

Physical Connections Bar Photo 1  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Optical Audio In 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI Out 
 

Locked
Locked

HDMI 2.1 Class Bandwidth 
 

Locked

Full HDMI In 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux) 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA In 
 

Locked
Locked

USB for Files 
 

Locked
Locked

Ethernet 
 

Locked
Locked

Subwoofer Output 
 

Locked

HDMI ARC 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: ARC/eARC 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

eARC 
 

Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked

5.1 PCM (eARC only) 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Atmos 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Locked
Locked

Dolby TrueHD 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS:X 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS-HD MA 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked

5.1 PCM 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Format Support: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Dolby Digital 
 

Locked
Locked

DTS 
 

Locked
Locked

PCM Channels 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Audio Latency: ARC 
 

N/A
N/A

ARC Latency Video  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 ARC Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: HDMI In 
 

N/A
N/A

HDMI Latency Video  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 HDMI Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Latency Video  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

PCM-5.1 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby MAT (PCM) Atmos 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital Plus Atmos 
 

Lock ms

ARC 
 

Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Optical Latency Video  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Optical Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

PCM-2.0 ch 
 

Lock ms

Dolby Digital 
 

Lock ms
Show Text 

Video Passthrough To TV 
 

N/A
N/A

1080p Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

1080p @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

4k @ 120Hz @ 10-Bit 
 

Locked

4k @ 4:4:4 Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

8k Max Refresh Rate 
 

Locked

HDR10 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Locked

HDR10+ Passthrough 
 

Locked

Dolby Vision Passthrough 
 

Locked

HDMI Forum VRR Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough 
 

Locked

FreeSync Passthrough 
 

Locked

G-SYNC Passthrough 
 

Locked

ALLM Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough 
 

Locked

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Wireless Playback 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth 
 

Locked
Locked

Wi-Fi Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Chromecast built-in 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple AirPlay 
 

Locked
Locked

Spotify Connect 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Subwoofer 
 

Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Sat Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

Universal Remote 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Voice Assistants Support 
 

Amazon Alexa 
 

Locked
Locked

Google Assistant 
 

Locked
Locked

Apple Siri 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone Mute 
 

Locked
Show Text 

App 
 

App image  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 App image Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results
Vizio M Series M215a-J6 App image Sample

SAMPLE

Create your free account for limited access to pictures & test results

App Name  

Locked

iOS  

Locked

Android  

Locked

Acts As A Remote 
 

Locked

Controls Soundbar's Settings 
 

Locked

Casts Device Files 
 

Locked

Other Features 
 

Power Saving 
 

Locked

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control) 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Black
M Series M51a-H6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
B&H
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
BestBuy.com
Black
M215a-J6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
Walmart.com
Black
M215a-J6
B&H

Vizio M Series M51a-H6

Vizio M Series M215a-J6

Comments

  1. Comparison

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 vs Vizio M Series M215a-J6: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.


Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.

PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones