Vizio M Series M51a-H6 vs SB2020n-J6

Which Soundbar Is Better?

Products

Vizio M Series M51a-H6
Vizio SB2020n-J6

Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated May 16, 2025 06:19 PM

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Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Apr 09, 2024 02:06 PM

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Our Verdict

Vizio M Series M51a-H6

Vizio SB2020n-J6

The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is better than the Vizio SB2020n-J6. They're two very different setups, and the M51a-H6 comes with a dedicated subwoofer and satellites. It can reproduce a more extended low bass. While the SB2020n-J6 only supports PCM content, the M51a-H6 supports surround sound like Dolby Digital and DTS, as well as Dolby Atmos content. However, if you want a budget-friendly model for dialogue-centric content like TV shows, the SB2020n-J6 is an okay choice.

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Variants

  • M Series M51a-H6 (Black)
  • SB2020n-J6 (Black)

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Black
M Series M51a-H6
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Black
SB2020n-J6
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Black
M Series M51a-H6
B&H
Black
SB2020n-J6
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Walmart.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
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Black
SB2020n-J6
B&H
Black
M Series M51a-H6
Walmart.com
Black
SB2020n-J6
BestBuy.com
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Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Style photo - bar Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Style photo - bar Sample

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Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Style photo - sub Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Style photo - sub Sample

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Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Style photo - satellites Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Style photo - satellites Sample

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Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

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Width  

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

Height  

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

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
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Dimensions - Subwoofer  

Dimensions photo - sub  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

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Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A
Show Text 

Dimensions - Satellites  

Dimensions photo - satellites  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

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Width  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Height  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A

Depth  

Lock" (Lock cm)
N/A
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Mounting 
 

Bar Mounting Holes  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

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Satellite Mounting Holes  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Build quality photo Sample

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In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 In The Box photo  Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 In The Box photo  Sample

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HDMI Cable Length 
 

N/A

Digital Optical Cable Length 
 

N/A
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Back - Bar  

Back photo - bar  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Back photo - bar Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Back photo - bar Sample

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Bar Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Back photo - sub Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Back photo - sub Sample

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Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Back photo - satellites Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Back photo - satellites Sample

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Mounting 
 

Locked
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Stereo Setup Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Stereo Setup Sample

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Raw Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

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Frequency Response Small  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Frequency Response Small Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Frequency Response Small Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Crosstalk Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

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SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ 90dB 
 

Lock dB

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
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Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 THD Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Center Setup Sample

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Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Frequency Response Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Frequency Response Sample

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
N/A

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
N/A

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
N/A
Show Text 

Surround 5.1 
 

N/A
N/A

Surround Setup  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Surround Setup Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Surround Setup Sample

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Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Frequency Response Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Frequency Response Sample

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
N/A

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
N/A

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
N/A

7.1 Rears 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Height (Atmos) 
 

N/A
N/A

Height Setup  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Height Setup Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Height Setup Sample

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H Frequency Response  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 H Frequency Response Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 H Frequency Response Sample

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Localization 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
N/A

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
N/A

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
N/A
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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

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Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 ARC Latency Video Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 HDMI Latency Video Sample

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Latency Video  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Latency Video Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Latency Video Sample

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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 
 

N/A

Optical 
 

Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

N/A
Show Text 

Audio Latency: Optical 
 

N/A
N/A

Optical Latency Video  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Optical Latency Video Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Optical Latency Video Sample

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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

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Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

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

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Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

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Physical controls satellites photo 1  

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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

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Sat Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Interface photo Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Interface photo Sample

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Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Controls photo Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Controls photo Sample

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Remote  

Remote photo  

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 Remote photo Sample

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 Remote photo Sample

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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

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Vizio SB2020n-J6 App image Sample

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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
SB2020n-J6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
B&H
Black
SB2020n-J6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
M Series M51a-H6
BestBuy.com
Black
SB2020n-J6
B&H
Black
M Series M51a-H6
Walmart.com
Black
SB2020n-J6
BestBuy.com

Vizio M Series M51a-H6

Vizio SB2020n-J6

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  1. Comparison

Vizio M Series M51a-H6 vs Vizio SB2020n-J6: Main Discussion

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