When it comes to gaming either on the PC or console games, two things that matter most are image quality seen from the screen, and the other one is sound quality. Which brings us to a piece of popular audio equipment; the soundbar, a device that’s capable of enhancing the existing sounds of your game.
Soundbars vs. speakers for gaming
Soundbars are named due to their elongated form factor resembling of a chocolate bar. They usually come with or without a separate subwoofer for added bass response. Moreover, soundbars are slim and do not take up much space in terms of design. Therefore they can easily fit on a bookshelf, desk and even mount on the wall - all that you can't do with typical speakers.
Also, soundbars are perfect for those who live in small apartments or do not have the budget to invest in the larger and bulkier home theatre speakers. Of course, that doesn’t mean speakers are not worth their price. In fact, theatre speakers are more customisable and provide different surround sounds systems to offer an even more unique, true-sounding experience.
Not to mention, the size of the speaker also means being able to hold better quality as they are built with more complex features inside. Serious audiophile-gamers may want to consider home theatre speakers if they are after quality that is just as imaginable by the game creators.
Otherwise, if all you need is something basic yet good, we have rounded up a list of the best soundbars for gaming.
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This all-rounder of a soundbar from Samsung comes with a total of 8 speakers at 360W that runs on Dolby 5.1 channel. The speaker is built with the brand’s Acoustic Beam technology to create a wider and more immersive 360-degree sound effect. Especially for gamers, they can look forward to its Game Mode feature, which optimises sounds specifically for games.
Own a Samsung TV? Lucky you as you can easily connect the soundbar to the television with minimal fuss with just simple plug-and-play connectivity. Streaming music from your smart devices is also easy as the soundbar allows for wireless Bluetooth connectivity.
Design-wise, the Samsung HW-N650’s sports a minimalist design with a low form factor. This actually allows you to easily fit the soundbar comfortably near your TV. Also, the accompanying wireless subwoofer is another win, offering flexibility when it comes to the placement of the devices. All in all, your overall sound system will definitely experience a boost regardless of gaming, watching movies or listening to music.
Looking to amp up audio when gaming on your PS4? Enjoy crisp surround-sound system with the Yamaha YSP-2700, which has a total power output of 107W together with Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD audio support. As it utilises 7.1 output channel, you can enjoy dynamic sound range coupled with 16 28mm beam drivers during your gaming sessions.
Connectivity is also easy as the Yamaha YSP-2700 offers options ranging from Bluetooth to WiFi and AirPlay. You can even tweak the soundbar’s CINEMA DSP feature and enjoy 3D sound effect created for different audio environments including Movie, Music and Entertainment modes.
On a budget for a gaming soundbar? Consider the Dell AC511M, a simple plug-and-play device. If you don't mind that this model is for PC use only, then enjoy its crisp stereo audio with an integrated volume knob for sound adjustment. Its minimalist compact design means you can have it on your desktop safe and sound. With an integrated headphone jack, you can enjoy late-night private gaming sessions without disturbing anyone.
Whether you want it for gaming or for movies, you can enjoy both as the Samsung HW-Q60R/XM boasts the brand’s Acoustic Beam technology to fill your room with an immersive 360-degree sound. Its Adaptive Sound feature basically works by optimising every sound on each scene for clearer audio. No more needing subtitles or rewinding a scene just because the main characters were mumbling.
With a built-in 4K pass-through and HDMI connection, enjoy lossless 4K quality content no matter if its visuals or audio. Moreover, the soundbar has a dedicated central speaker which offers well-balanced sound as well as a separate, wireless subwoofer a deep bass response.
For the ultimate audio quality that a soundbar can offer, you might want to look at the high-end Sony HTST5000. This powerful soundbar supports a three-dimensional 7.1 2ch S-Force Pro Front Surround technology, coupled with Dolby Atmos system to give you a spectacular 360-degree sound all around. Sounds like a match made in heaven for gaming in the living room!
For your convenience, the Sony HTST5000 offers multiple connectivity choices ranging from HDMI to AUX and USB. The soundbar also has wireless connections via NFC or Bluetooth that lets you stream music from your smart devices.