The Best Wireless Soundbars to Buy in 2022
09.05.2022 - 22:13
/ variety.com
Mike Fazioli If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. What, you still have wired speakers in your home theater setup? Do you also call it a Hi-Fi? Is it groovy? Do you use it to cue up “The Dark Side of the Moon” with “The Wizard of Oz”? (Don’t answer that – I’ve done it.
It works.)Point being, there’s really no reason to have a hardwired sound system anymore, with wires visible everywhere and occasionally fritzing out. Wireless soundbars are meant to go with smart TVs, and they deliver clearer and more immersive sound than those antiquated old systems, at a fraction of the size and often at less cost.
Plus, no wires!Also, don’t forget the other benefits of WiFi and Bluetooth — they’re not just for Smart TVs. The right wireless soundbars can effortlessly hook up with your phone, your laptop or tablet, even with your PS5 (with an inexpensive little Bluetooth adapter).
So now you’re ready to ditch the groovy Hi-Fi and get yourself a wireless soundbar. What should you be looking for? Sound, for starters: Dolby and DTS surround sound are good; Dolby Atmos surround sound is top of the line.
(But be sure your TV can support Atmos, if it’s from before 2016 it may not.) As connectivity goes, you’ll want as much as possible: WiFi, Bluetooth, Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast — pick the ones you need most.Beyond that, ease of function and setup, and even the aesthetics — it’s most likely going to be prominently displayed near your TV, so you don’t want a huge, ugly hunk of plastic on your mantel. And when it comes to price, check to see if it includes a subwoofer for rich, booming base — not all of them do, and if not you’ll
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