A soundbar is a speaker system housed in one piece that sits under or above your television. Its primary purpose is to provide excellent surround-style sound in a compact, cheap form rather than bulky speakers or headphones. However, this convenience comes at a cost—but why are soundbars so expensive?
Soundbars are so expensive because they take up less space, are easy to set up and use and provide decent sound quality. Also, soundbar technology is constantly improving, increasing production costs. Further, they’re considered a premium product, hence the high cost.
This article will explore several reasons soundbars are so expensive and if they’re worth it. Read on for more insights into how much you should spend on this audio equipment.
Also read: Are Atmos Soundbars Worth It?
Why Are Soundbars So Expensive?
Soundbars are expensive because they can provide impressive audio quality while also being portable. Their technology is also always improving, increasing their costs. Good marketing also highly influences their high price tags.
Let’s dive into the details.
Soundbars Are Premium and Portable
Soundbars are a premium product. They have the same sleek look and feel as premium television, computers, or other gadgets. In addition, they sit right under your TV— another added benefit over traditional speakers, which take up more space on your floor.
Further, soundbars are considered portable audio equipment since you can move them with you. That isn’t the case for traditional speakers, which are bulky and meant to stay in one place.
Soundbars Are Expensive Because of Technology Improvements
Technology is constantly improving—this means better technology, more features, and overall superior sound quality. As a result, manufacturers must keep up with the times or risk losing their customers to a competitor providing a better product.
Further, as the soundbar industry matures, production costs increase since it’s harder to keep up with consumers’ demands and expectations. For example, consumers now want voice control through their soundbars, which isn’t cheap to produce or implement into an existing product line.
Soundbars Are Expensive Due to Marketing
Soundbars are often marketed as luxury items, thanks to their sleek designs, high quality, and low profile form factor. All of these qualities make them seem superior to traditional speakers.
As a result, most customers are subconsciously willing to part with more cash to enjoy these features.
Also read: Soundbars And Room Size Explained (With 3 Examples)
Is a Soundbar Worth It?
A soundbar is worth it. It’s a great addition to your home entertainment system, providing a good alternative to bulky speakers and headphones. Some provide surround-style sound from units smaller than a traditional 5.1 speaker. Also, it’s compact and space-friendly.
In contrast, traditional speakers often require speaker stands and other equipment. The speakers are big, heavy, and hard to place in your home. As for headphones, they need specific cables. Therefore, the soundbar is a good alternative to both, providing quality sound and ease of use at a reasonable cost.
In a nutshell, here are the key reasons to use a soundbar:
- A soundbar replaces bulky and space-consuming speakers and headphones.
- It provides surround sound without the hassle of wiring.
- The device offers exceptional convenience and ease of use.
Are Expensive SoundBars Worth It?
Expensive soundbars are worth it. These units’ extra features and technology make them more functional, improving performance. For example, high-end ones can connect to wireless devices like your phone or computer.
Also, the more expensive soundbars are designed to produce immersive, high-fidelity sound—perfect for movie buffs who want that extra edge to their home theater experience.
These higher-end models are also equipped with subwoofers that produce low-frequency sounds right into your living room.
Here’s a roundup of the key reasons to buy a high-end soundbar:
- An expensive soundbar connects to wireless devices.
- It offers Intense, high-quality sounds.
- You can enjoy a fuller, immersive experience for movies and video games.
- It’s a proven, durable technology.
Caveat: It’s worth noting that not all expensive soundbars are better. As this article by the New York Times, some AV receivers deliver more dynamic, clear, and natural sound than some soundbars.
Therefore, the key is to find the right balance of price and features for you. As long as you’re getting what you need in terms of sound quality and performance, then do your best to save!
Is a Cheap Soundbar Worth It?
A cheap soundbar is worth it, especially if you’re on a budget. It provides you with an alternative to bulky speakers and headphones. However, it doesn’t have the features of higher-end ones. For example, most cheap soundbars don’t come with Bluetooth or wireless technology.
Also, they don’t have the same level of performance or durability as premium soundbars. Still, this isn’t necessarily bad— it’s just important to compare their features and find the best one for your particular needs.
Here are the key benefits of cheap soundbars:
- They produce quality sound.
- They’re more space-saving than traditional speakers and headphones.
- They’re less expensive than premium models without sacrificing too much performance.
Is a Soundbar Worth It for a Small Room?
A soundbar is worth it for a small room because it can fill the room with quality sound. It’s better to have a soundbar than a traditional speaker for a small room because you can enjoy quality surround sound without taking too much space.
In a nutshell, a soundbar is all about providing the best audio experience in an easy, compact, and affordable package. If you’re looking for a way to enhance your home entertainment system without sacrificing too much space or money, then it’s worth considering a soundbar.
How Much Should I Spend on a Soundbar?
You should spend around $200 to $600, on average, on a soundbar. However, how much you spend should match the quality of the purchase. Generally, the cheaper models offer more basic features, while midrange and expensive models may include wireless connection and voice control.
Therefore, the only way to know if a soundbar is worth it for you is to check out its specifications and what it offers. Here are a few considerations when selecting a soundbar:
- Specifications: It would help to consider the soundbar’s power output, along with its frequency range. Also, look for one that has a high dynamic range.
- Features: It’s also important to consider the soundbar’s connection ports, including HDMI or optical input. You may also want to check if it has Bluetooth compatibility.
- Design: How big is the soundbar? Does it fit in with your home theater setup?
- Warranty: It’s best to choose an extended warranty option if you can afford it.
- Audio performance: Is it well balanced when playing different frequencies? Does it have a surround sound effect? What about its bass response?
Remember, it’s all about finding the right balance of price and features for you. However, low-end models aren’t as powerful or immersive as high-end ones.
So if you’re looking to get the most out of your soundbar, then it may be best to look at more premium options. Here’s a video that rounds up a few things to know before buying soundbars:
That said, if you want an easy way to enhance your home theater system, I recommend trying out the Sonos Playbar from Amazon.com. It’s compatible with Alexa and several other smart devices, allowing you to control it using voice commands. Plus, it easily pairs with other Sonos devices for wider sound coverage.
Final Thoughts
Soundbars are typically expensive since they can produce quality surround sound, perfect for small rooms without much space. They also feature a sleek design, allowing them to sit below or on top of your TV. Plus, they’re easy to install, costing you less time and effort than traditional speakers or headphones.
However, not all soundbars beat the quality of traditional speakers. If you’re starting out looking for a soundbar, then consider checking out their specifications, features, design, audio performance, and warranty.
Sources
- Consumer Reports: Choosing the Best Soundbar
- The New York Times: Can a Good Soundbar Rival a True Surround-Sound System in a Blind Listening Test?
- Forbes: Are Soundbars Worth It?
- Reddit: Is a Cheap Soundbar Worth It (for Me)?
- Reddit: Is It Worth It To Buy a Sound Bar!
Jason is a home theater expert with over 10 years of experience in setting up home cinema rooms and systems. What started out as a hobby soon transformed him into an authority in the audio-visual field. He is passionate about providing readers with accurate and up-to-date information on the latest audiovisual technologies and their applications for home theaters. Read more about Jason.