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Vizio SB36512-F6 vs M Series M21d-H8R

Which Soundbar Is Better?

    Top
    Main Differences
    Design
      Style - BarStyle - SubwooferStyle - SatellitesDimensions - BarDimensions - SubwooferDimensions - SatellitesMountingBuild QualityIn The BoxBack - BarBack - SubwooferBack - Satellites
    Sound
      Stereo Frequency ResponseStereo Frequency Response With Preliminary CalibrationStereo SoundstageStereo DynamicsStereo Total Harmonic DistortionCenterSurround 5.1Height (Atmos)Sound Enhancement Features
    Connectivity
      Inputs/Outputs - BarAudio Format Support: ARC/eARCAudio Format Support: HDMI InAudio Format Support: OpticalLatencyVideo Passthrough To TVWireless PlaybackConnectivity - SubwooferConnectivity - Satellites
    Additional Features
      InterfaceBar ControlsRemoteVoice Assistants SupportAppOther Features
    Comments

Products

Vizio SB36512-F6
Vizio M Series M21d-H8R

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Dec 03, 2025 07:17 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Updated Sep 04, 2024 08:46 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Vizio SB36512-F6 Picture

Track

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Picture

Track

Channels
5.1.2
Channels
2.1

Our Verdict

Vizio SB36512-F6

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R

The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar than the Vizio M-Series M21d-H8R. The 5.1.2 SB36512-F6 has a more neutral sound profile and a better soundstage performance. Also, thanks to its dedicated center channel and dedicated surround speakers, it offers better center and surround channel performances. It supports Atmos, too. However, the 2.1 M-Series comes with a dialogue enhancement feature, which is handy.

0 

Variants

  • SB36512-F6
  • M-Series M21d-H8R (Black)

Review

See Vizio SB36512-F6 Review
See Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Review
2 
0 

Check Price

Standard
SB36512-F6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEARCH
B&H
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEARCH
B&H
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEARCH
Vizio
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEARCH
Vizio
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Style - Bar  

Style photo - bar  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Style photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Style - Subwoofer  

Style photo - sub  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Style photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Style - Satellites  

Style photo - satellites  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Style photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Satellite Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dimensions - Bar  

Dimensions photo - bar  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Dimensions photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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 SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Dimensions photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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 SB36512-F6 Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Dimensions photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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 SB36512-F6 Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Bar Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Satellite Mounting Holes  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Satellite Mounting Holes Sample

SAMPLE

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for 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 SB36512-F6 Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Build quality photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box photo   

Vizio SB36512-F6 In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R In The Box photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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 SB36512-F6 Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Back photo - bar Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bar Mounting 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Back - Subwoofer  

Back photo - sub  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Back photo - sub Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Enclosure 
 

Locked
Locked

Back - Satellites  

Back photo - satellites  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Back photo - satellites Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Mounting 
 

Locked
Sound

Stereo Frequency Response 
 

N/A
N/A

Stereo Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Stereo Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Raw Frequency Response  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Raw Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response Small  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Frequency Response Small Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Tested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Channels 
 

Locked
Locked

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 SB36512-F6 Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Frequency Response Calibrated Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Suggested Preset 
 

Locked
Locked

Suggested Bass Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Suggested Treble Setting 
 

Lock
Lock

Slope 
 

Lock
Lock

Std. Err. 
 

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 SB36512-F6 Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Crosstalk Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Crosstalk Error 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Dynamics 
 

N/A
N/A

Dynamic Range Compression  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Dynamic Range Compression Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SPL @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB SPL
Lock dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

THD  

Vizio SB36512-F6 THD Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R THD Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weighted THD @ 80dB 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted THD @ Max Volume 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Center 
 

N/A
N/A

Center Setup  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Center Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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 SB36512-F6 Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Surround Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Frequency Response  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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 SB36512-F6 Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Height Setup Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

H Frequency Response  

Vizio SB36512-F6 H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R H Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

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 SB36512-F6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Physical Connections Bar Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Physical Connections Bar Photo 2  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Physical Connections Bar Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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 

Latency 
 

N/A
N/A

Latency Video  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Latency Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

ARC 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Optical 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Full HDMI In 
 

Lock ms
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 SB36512-F6 Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Physical inputs subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Physical controls subwoofer photo 1  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Physical controls subwoofer photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sub Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Connectivity - Satellites 
 

Physical inputs satellites photo 1  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Physical inputs satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Physical controls satellites photo 1  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Physical controls satellites photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Sat Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Additional Features

Interface 
 

Interface photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Interface photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Display 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Bar Controls 
 

Controls photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Controls photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Remote  

Remote photo  

Vizio SB36512-F6 Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R Remote photo Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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 SB36512-F6 App image Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R App image Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for 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

Standard
SB36512-F6
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEE PRICE
BestBuy.com
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEARCH
B&H
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEARCH
B&H
Standard
SB36512-F6
SEARCH
Vizio
Black
M-Series M21d-H8R
SEARCH
Vizio
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Vizio SB36512-F6

Vizio M Series M21d-H8R

Comments

  1. Comparison
 • Posted 2 years ago

Vizio SB36512-F6 vs Vizio M Series M21d-H8R: Main Discussion

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