2024-08-29 04:25:40
Stiftung Warentest
Expensive soundbars dominate – a price tip also convinces
Updated on 21.08.2024Reading time: 6 min.
New test results from Stiftung Warentest show that expensive soundbars dominate in terms of sound. But cheaper models can also impress and offer affordable alternatives.
Modern televisions score points with sharp images and flat designs. However, they often do not shine with good sound. The thinner the television, the less space there is for a powerful speaker. This is where soundbars come into play: They offer a solution for high-quality sound and give the living room a touch of home cinema feeling.
Stiftung Warentest is updating the test from the “test” issue 08/2023 online. Soundbars with and without a separate subwoofer as well as sound plates are tested. We present the test results.
Stiftung Warentest regularly tests soundbars from brands such as Bose, Nubert, JBL, Sonos and Co. A total of 21 soundbars will be examined for the soundbar test in August 2024. These include one-piece soundbars and models with a separate bass box (subwoofer).
The testers primarily evaluate the sound, but also take into account handling and power consumption.
For the first time, a model has been rated “very good”. nuPro XS-8500 RC from Nubert is the new test winner and received the rating “very good (1.4)”. At around 2,000 euros, however, it is also one of the most expensive devices in the test.
There is also a new test winner among the soundbars with subwoofers: The LG DS95TR is in first place with the rating “good (1.8)”.
For soundbars without subwoofer, the Flexus Core 200 by Klipsch the verdict “good (2.2)” and is thus in second place just behind a luxury model for more than 2,000 euros. The price tip is the Denon DHT-S218 recommended, which received the test rating “good (2.5)” and remains reasonably affordable at around 250 euros.
You can read all the results of the Stiftung Warentest soundbar test online at test.de.
The test result: The Soundplate from Nubert is the first model in the test to receive an overall rating of “very good”. It also received a “very good” rating in the sound sub-rating, putting it at the top. The testers also praised the “good” handling and the low power consumption.
Product details: At around 2,000 euros, the test winner is anything but cheap. Nubert is one of the few manufacturers that produces not only slim soundbars but also bulkier sound plates. These models have more space in the housing for speakers and subwoofers. However, you also need this space under the television: The nuPro XS-8500 RC is 120 centimeters wide and 37 centimeters deep.
It has an output of 820 watts and is connected to the TV via HDMI. Audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported and you can transfer music via Bluetooth.
There are a total of eight speakers inside: four midrange speakers, two woofers and two tweeters. There is a cover for the front, which makes the soundbar look less technical.
The test result: The LG soundbar received a quality rating of “good” (1.8). It received “good” marks in all of the test points examined. The sound was particularly praised in the listening test for music, speech and films.
Product details: This test winner is also in the upper price segment at more than 1,000 euros. The soundbar comes with an external subwoofer and two rear speakers. This allows you to create real surround sound at home.
The model has an output of 810 watts and is also connected to the TV via HDMI. If you have an LG TV, you can also transmit the signal wirelessly. The soundbar also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. You can transmit music from your cell phone via Spotify Connect or AirPlay.
There are ten speakers in the soundbar, one in the subwoofer and three in each of the two rear speakers. The system therefore offers a total of 17 speakers. It also uses automatic calibration to adapt the sound to the conditions in the room.
The test result: The soundbar from Klipsch achieved the test rating “good (2.2)”. The test-winning speaker is supposed to produce thrilling sound with an integrated subwoofer and Dolby Atmos.
Product details: The Klipsch brand is relatively unknown in Germany. It comes from the USA and mainly builds large floor-standing speakers. The range now also includes soundbars: the Flexus Core 200 is the largest model.
The soundbar has an output of 185 watts and is connected to the TV via HDMI. Alternatively, an optical input is also available. You can also transfer music from your mobile phone via Bluetooth. Dolby Atmos is also supported.
There are nine speakers inside the soundbar. Four of them radiate upwards and are designed to provide better surround sound because the sound is reflected from the walls and ceiling. You can enhance the effect even further with optional rear speakers.
The test result: The Denon soundbar received a “test” quality rating of “good (2.5)”. It received praise for its low power consumption and “good” handling. It received a “satisfactory” rating for sound.
Product details: The Denon soundbar is significantly cheaper than the test winners. It does not have a separate subwoofer, which reduces the space required.
As with the other models, the soundbar connects to the TV via HDMI. There is also an optical input for signal transmission. The soundbar also supports Dolby Atmos. You can also stream music from your mobile phone via Bluetooth.
A total of six speakers are installed, with the two bass speakers facing downwards. The soundbar also supports audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS-HD Master Audio. The manufacturer does not provide any information on the output power.
Soundbars are good and space-saving alternatives to conventional surround systems. They improve the usually modest sound of the television. A separate subwoofer and additional rear speakers provide an even more cinema feeling.
The test winners are all expensive – but also impress with “good” grades for sound. The only model with an overall grade of “very good” is the Nubert nuPro XS-8500 RC for around 2,000 euros. If you particularly enjoy surround sound, with effects flying through the room, you should get the Soundbar from LG with a total of 17 speakers.
Depending on your preference and space, we recommend the price tip, the Soundbar from DenonIt offers a good overall package for around 250 euros and convinces with an overall rating of “good”.
The advantages of a soundbar: It is compact, easy to install and usually cheaper than a large 5.1 surround system. The surround system, on the other hand, offers more flexibility and an even better sound. However, the setup is mostly more complex and you need more space for the speakers.
With clever features such as voice enhancement and music streaming from your mobile phone, you can also experience an improvement over the thin TV sound with soundbars. Many brands also offer the option of expanding the system. Over time, you can buy additional speakers and build yourself a 5.1 system.
Our recommendation: If you want to quickly and easily improve the sound of your TV, a soundbar is the right choice. Experts who need first-class sound, can also do the setup themselves and have plenty of space in the living room will be happy with a surround system.
Connecting the soundbar to a TV is usually very easy: First, check which connections are available on your TV. The most common solutions are an HDMI connection or an optical audio output. Some models can also be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth. We recommend the HDMI connection. Connect the soundbar to the TV and pay attention to the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
HDMI ARC is a standard for transmitting sound from a television to a soundbar. ARC stands for “Audio Return Channel”. The advantage of the standard: the sound can be sent in both directions via the HDMI cable. This saves you additional cables and you receive the sound signal from a built-in TV tuner, an external streaming box or game console. With some models, you can also control the soundbar with the TV remote control.
The next generation is eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) and was introduced in 2017 with HDMI 2.1. The main advantage of eARC over ARC is the increase in bandwidth and speed. This means that much more demanding audio signals can be sent from the TV to a soundbar. Formats such as Dolby TrueHD or Dolby Atmos require eARC.