Best Soundbars with Voice Assistant Support

The LG S80TR soundbar stands out for its realistic sound with a presence effect thanks to an extended set of speakers, unusual arrangement, and proprietary technologies. The manufacturer uses a non-standard placement of drivers and separate rear satellites to form a rich acoustic dome. The central channel is directed upward along with side high-frequency diffusers, which increases the efficiency and coverage area of the sound wave. Dolby Atmos and DTS technologies allow the audio panel to fully reveal its potential, with algorithms that enhance the volume of a musical composition through competent multi-channel distribution. Together with a wireless subwoofer, the model reaches a power of 580 W, which is enough for a full-fledged audio accompaniment of spacious rooms allocated for a home theater. To expand the sound palette, the company offers the WOW Orchestra LG TV and soundbar audio system synchronization mode. The proprietary AI Room Calibration Pro smart calibration optimizes the use of each individual channel, neutralizes delays in wireless signal transmission, and adapts the device to the room's features. Also noteworthy is the conversion of ordinary input stereo signals into multi-channel ones and the AI Sound Pro automatic adaptation system of the frequency range for content.

The soundbar is equipped with HDMI ports, allowing you to transmit not only audio but also video in 4K 120Hz resolution. At the same time, support for HDR10 / Dolby Vision technologies is implemented, which improve the balance of black and white shades, contribute to accurate detail transfer, and increase contrast. The model interacts well with game consoles and guarantees comfortable gaming with smooth images without delays thanks to VRR and ALLM. The equipment synchronizes frames and stabilizes FPS.

The sound panel supports modern trends in user interaction. The proprietary app with an extended set of functions and voice command input through compatible Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant modules is available for control. Using the built-in Wi-Fi, you can stream sound from mobile gadgets via AirPlay 2 or Chromecast. The interaction of all soundbar components also occurs wirelessly, which does not limit the user during installation. Although the subwoofer weighing 10 kg may create certain difficulties in this regard.

The JBL Bar 500 soundbar focuses on the quality and scaling of the content being played. The main highlight of the model is the proprietary MultiBeam technology, which uses side high-frequency diffusers to distribute sound throughout the room by reflecting the acoustic wave from the walls. The user receives spatial surround audio accompaniment without the need to purchase separate rear audio modules. Support for the popular Dolby Atmos codec is also implemented. A total of 7 speakers (4 midrange + 3 tweeters) with a total power of 290 W fit into the panel, and a separate wireless subwoofer with an impressive 300-watt emitter will set the necessary party tone and invigorate the neighbors. An emphasis on low frequencies guarantees the realism of effects when watching movies and gaming. Vocal and speech optimization is performed by PureVoice technology. Among other things, the company offers convenient solutions for sound calibration so that the system matches the user's habits and room features. Despite its advanced structure, the soundbar itself weighs only 2.8 kg, so it is easy to place on any shelf. This solution appears even more advantageous given the absence of wall mounting. However, the subwoofer weighs a substantial 10 kg and will require effort to move.

The device ensures comfort in all directions of operation. Synchronization of the audio panel with the subwoofer and TV is performed wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For connecting to various video signal sources and transmitting data in 4K resolution, a digital HDMI port is used. Extended access to settings and remote control is implemented through the JBL One smartphone app, which also includes support for Google, Amazon, and Apple voice assistants. Direct multimedia streaming from mobile gadgets is possible using AirPlay and Chromecast technologies.

The Samsung HW-Q800F soundbar offers an optimal 5.1.2 sound format that guarantees good detail for each instrument and immersion in an acoustic atmosphere. The company placed 11 physical speakers (front, side, top) in the panel for comprehensive room audio filling, creating a spatial effect and increasing realism. The formation of surround sound is carried out using DTS X or Dolby Atmos technologies, and the proprietary Q-Symphony solution allows the soundbar to synchronize with the TV's acoustics and significantly expand the musical composition. Achieving harmony in different usage modes is helped by the adaptive mode, voice enhancement is provided by the AVA Pro function, and gaming rich in special effects is possible with the Gaming Pro Hub activation. It is important to note that certain capabilities are available only when interacting with the company's TVs.

Thanks to wired and wireless interfaces, users receive many connection and management options. The HDMI eARC / CEC port supports two-way data exchange, 4K video transmission, and provides control of the sound panel and TV with a single remote. The availability of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth contributes to smart home integration with subsequent voice control (Google Assistant). The full functionality of the soundbar is implemented in the SmartThings app. A convenient and modern solution is the direct streaming of audio signals from mobile gadgets via AirPlay 2 or Chromecast technology.

The Philips TAB8507 soundbar creates bright and balanced acoustics suitable for home theater level in small rooms. The main block holds 6 speakers (2 central, 2 front, and 2 side tweeters) with a total power of 180 W, which are used for frequency range separation and precise reproduction of individual instruments. The model expands the sound stage, provides a sense of presence, and realism thanks to several modes of virtual surround audio accompaniment, as well as Dolby Atmos technology. The addition of low frequencies for implementing corresponding special effects (explosions, shots, engine roar) is ensured by the 120 W subwoofer. It should be noted that the subwoofer connects wirelessly, which makes it easier to find an optimal spot in the room. Overall, the system is quite compact and lightweight, so it does not require reinforced shelves and brackets.

The proprietary Play-Fi technology opens up prospects for synchronizing with compatible devices to implement the "Multiroom" concept. The soundbar can interact with several acoustic systems, TVs, and mobile gadgets, supports control via a smartphone app, and direct connection via AirPlay 2 or Chromecast technology. Another feature is the potential to integrate the model into a smart home with subsequent voice control using Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. For sports fans who want to feel like they are in the stadium during an exciting match, the manufacturer has provided a Stadium EQ mode. The inclusion of an HDMI input-output with the retransmission of a three-dimensional signal allows the playback of 3D content in 4K from various players, as well as from an external drive via a USB port.

The Samsung HW-QS700F soundbar ensures simple synchronization with the subwoofer and TV thanks to wireless Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies. This approach allows for getting rid of wires, implementing popular data streaming technologies AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, using the Spotify streaming service, and comprehensively managing the equipment via the SmartThings app. The model is oriented towards advanced users, compatible with the Google voice assistant to implement the "Hands-Free" concept. When interacting with the company's TV, the Q-Symphony technology is available, which unites two stereo systems into a single entity and competently distributes sound across channels. The audio panel can act as a video signal source when connected via HDMI. The video is transmitted in 4K resolution with HDR10+ color rendition optimization technology support.

The manufacturer offers a quality and well-thought-out stereo system with flexible room adaptation for forming surround audio accompaniment. Regardless of the connection method, the Dolby Atmos codec is used, all of whose features are fully revealed due to two upward-firing speakers. The main diffusers (right, left, and central) can automatically change their positions depending on the mounting method (tabletop / wall-mounted) based on gyroscope readings. The system processes and distributes data across channels considering spatial orientation, creating a realistic environment, complemented by low-frequency effects from the subwoofer. The latter can be turned off for comfortable movie viewing in the evening. It is important to note compatibility with the SpaceFit Sound Pro technology (supported by certain brand TVs), which analyzes the room's space to optimize the sound wave and complete immersion in the atmosphere. Among other things, there is an intelligent adaptation to the played content and a game mode.