Buying Guide for the Best Soundbar With Optical Input
Choosing the right soundbar can transform your home audio experience, whether you want clearer movie dialogue, better music playback, or a more immersive TV setup. When picking a soundbar, it's important to balance your space, listening habits, and the features most useful for your needs. Before you buy, consider where you’ll place the soundbar and what devices you’ll connect. Since you specifically want a soundbar with an optical input, understanding the key features and how they relate to your setup will help you make a smart choice.Optical InputAn optical input on a soundbar allows you to connect to your TV or other audio sources using a digital optical (Toslink) cable. This is a reliable connection for high-quality audio that is not affected by electrical interference. It's especially useful if your TV or device lacks newer connection types like HDMI ARC but has an optical out. When considering this, make sure the soundbar's optical input matches the output of your TV or device, and check if you plan to run other devices through your TV to the soundbar using this port.
Sound ChannelsSound channels describe how many separate audio paths the soundbar uses, such as 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, or 5.1. A 2.0 system only has left and right speakers, while a 2.1 system adds a separate subwoofer for bass. Systems with higher numbers, like 3.1 or 5.1, add more channels for clearer dialogue and surround effects. If you mainly watch TV or listen to music, a basic 2.0 or 2.1 may be enough. If you love movies and want more immersive sound, consider a soundbar with more channels.
Subwoofer (Built-In or Separate)A subwoofer is the speaker that produces deep bass sounds, giving your music or movies a richer, fuller sound. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, while others come with a separate, often wireless, subwoofer unit. Built-in subwoofers save space but might not offer deep bass. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or action movies, a soundbar with a separate subwoofer can make a big difference.
Size and PlacementThe size of the soundbar should generally match the width of your TV and fit comfortably in your chosen spot, whether that's on a stand or mounted on a wall. A longer soundbar may offer a broader sound field, but make sure it doesn't block your TV’s sensors or screen. Consider your room size and layout—smaller rooms might only need a compact soundbar, while larger spaces can benefit from bigger models.
Audio Features and ModesMany soundbars offer special sound modes or features such as voice enhancement, virtual surround sound, or night mode. Voice enhancement makes dialogue clearer, while virtual surround sound tries to create a more immersive experience without extra speakers. Night mode reduces volume spikes for late-night watching. Choose a soundbar with the features that match your main use—for example, voice enhancement for lots of TV dialogue or surround sound mode for movies.
Connectivity OptionsBesides the optical input, soundbars often come with other connections like HDMI, Bluetooth, AUX, or USB. HDMI ARC allows for higher-quality sound and easy control with your TV remote, Bluetooth lets you play music wirelessly from your phone, and USB can let you play audio files directly. Think about what devices you'll want to connect and make sure the soundbar supports them.
Control OptionsSome soundbars come with their own remotes, while others can be controlled by your TV’s remote if using certain connections. Some also have smartphone apps or support for voice assistants. If you value simplicity, a soundbar that syncs with your TV remote or offers easy app control can make things smoother.