What are the best soundbars for gaming?

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Nov 22, 2017

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Here’s the Deal

3 Options Considered

Best soundbars for gaming	Price	Weight	Frequency Response
80 Creative SoundBlasterX Katana	$299.99	17.6 lbs	NA
-- Philips Fidelio B5	$699.99	4.18 kg	20 Hz - 20 kHz
-- Sony HT-CT390	$198	6.17 lbs	N/A

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score 16 · Answer 1

Creative SoundBlasterX Katana

Top Pro

Capable of overwhelming sound levels

While the device seems small, it can actually get really loud, without distortion. It uses good quality speakers and external components to maintain this quality. The soundstage is quite good and the subwoofer provides a deep rumble. See More

Top Con

Software is Windows-only

The Katana's companion software only works with Windows operative systems. See More

LovelyIxtab's Experience

Very crispy clear audio I say toooo good man go for it may Jesus be with you See More

Specs

Weight:17.6 lbs

Frequency Response:NA

Connections:Aux, Optical, USB, Mic-in, Headset-out, Bluetooth

Top Pro

Has a programmable RGB lighting system

This soundbar has a programmable lighting system called Aurora Reactive, which features 16.8 million colors. See More

Top Con

Subwoofer isn't capable of handling low frequencies well

Due to its small size, this soundbar's subwoofer doesn’t handle the lowest frequencies very well. See More

Top Pro

Handy companion software

If the soundbar is connected with a USB cable, you can use the downloadable SoundBlaster Connect software to tweak with some sound enhancing settings. You can choose from different presets or manually control the equalizer. The soundbar's RGB lighting is fully controllable via the app, letting you choose between various effects and more than 16 million colors. See More

Top Con

No HDMI support

The Katana doesn't support HDMI. See More

Top Pro

Wide variety of PC-oriented ports

As a PC-oriented soundbar, the Katana has an optical input, a USB input for external storage, a micro USB port, and a microphone and headphone port. See More

Top Con

Soundstage tapers off with distance

Since it’s designed to be used up close, the Katana's soundstage tapers off as you sit farther. See More

Top Pro

PC soundcard bypass

To take full advantage of this soundbar's capabilities, when it is connected to a PC via USB, it bypasses the computer's onboard soundcard. See More

Top Con

Subwoofer cable is too short

The subwoofer's cable is only 2 meters long, which can be too short for some setups. See More

See All

score 9 · Answer 2

Philips Fidelio B5

Top Pro

Impressive audio performance

This Philips soundbar is a stunning performer with an overall clear and balanced sound coming from its high quality speakers. The subwoofer can produce deep, rumbling bass and the highs and mids are well balanced and sound natural. See More

Top Con

No companion app

The Fidelio B5 doesn't come with a smartphone or tablet companion app. See More

Specs

Weight:4.18 kg

Frequency Response:20 Hz - 20 kHz

Connections:2 x HDMI 1.4 in; 1 x HDMI ARC out; 1 x Optical in; 1 x Coaxial in; 2 x Analogue in; 1x USB (for updates only)

Soundbar size:1035 x 70 x 156 mm

See All Specs

Top Pro

Loud enough for a large living room

With 210W of power (90W just for the subwoofer), its capable enough to use in a large living room. See More

Top Con

No Wi-Fi connectivity

This soundbar doesn't support Wi-Fi connectivity. See More

Top Pro

Convenient Bluetooth connectivity

Both the soundbar itself and each detachable speaker can be connected to other devices via Bluetooth. The soundbar supports NFC for easy Bluetooth connection and aptX standard that allows high-bitrate audio streaming using this protocol. See More

Top Con

Rear speakers sound quality is only average, when used separately

The rear speakers, when used separately from the rest of the system, offer only average sound quality. They're only suitable for things like quiet ambient music or podcasts. See More

Top Pro

Automatically switches between surround and stereo modes

The soundbar automatically switches between surround and stereo modes, depending on the speakers being detached from the rest of the system or not. See More

Top Con

No input or setup information displayed on the TV

It does not display any input or setup information on the TV screen, via HDMI. See More

Top Pro

HDMI 1.4a and ARC support

The Fidelio B5 has two HDMI 1.4a inputs that can passthrough signal to the TV, and one HDMI ARC output that can receive sound and remote commands from the TV. See More

Top Con

Takes up a lot of space

The main unit takes up a lot of space, as it is longer and wider than most of the soundbars. The subwoofer is considerably taller compared to those of competitors. See More

Top Pro

Useful signal processing features

Signal processing offers many enhancements including treble and bass control, auto volume level, listening modes, and voice clarification. See More

Top Con

Only controllable via remote

The soundbar has no control buttons on the unit itself, only a power button on the main unit and Bluetooth/surround buttons on the detachable speakers. See More

Top Pro

Clear dialogue and accurate positioning, despite not having a central speaker

It doesn’t have a central speaker, but it can emulate it pretty well, for clear dialogue and accurate positioning. See More

Top Con

No HDMI 2.0 support

This soundbar has no HDMI 2.0 support, so it cannot passthrough more modern formats, such as 4K HDR. See More

Top Pro

Easily updatable via USB

Philips provides software updates that can be installed via USB. See More

Top Con

Insufficient surround standards support

Even though this soundbar supports Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS sound standards for surround sound, it does not support the latest DTS:X and Dolby Atmos standards. See More

Top Pro

Wide bass response

The subwoofer has a 6.5-inch downwards firing woofer that can produce frequencies between 20hz and 150hz, allowing for a much wider bass response than many of its competitors. See More

Top Pro

Easy to set up and use

The system is easy and quick to set up, since the rear speakers and the subwoofer are wireless. You only need two power cords and a signal wire to connect to your TV. The easy-to-use remote lets you easily calibrate everything, as well as change the sound properties, sound modes, sync time and rear volume. See More

Top Pro

Variety of input options for connecting most devices

This soundbar has HDMI, optical connection, coaxial, a 3.5mm jack and an RCA input to choose from, so the vast majority of devices can be connected using at least one of these inputs. See More

Top Pro

Using the remote control is easy and intuitive

The remote is easy to use and clearly labeled. It has convenient dedicated buttons for each input. See More

Top Pro

Comes configured with preset modes for different use case

This soundbar comes with preset modes for listening to music or watching movies. There's also a night mode that decreases the overall loudness for when you don’t want to disturb the neighbors. See More

Top Pro

Automatic calibration depending on speaker placement

It’s possible to automatically calibrate the soundbar, depending on speaker spatial placement, with just the press of a button, on the remote. See More

Top Pro

Dust and liquid resistant and stylish surface finish

This unit has a cloth finish that is dust and liquid resistant, with a brushed metal stripe in the center that gives it a premium finish look. See More

Top Pro

Full surround effect

The separate rear surround speakers create a full surround cinematic effect that is much better than the virtual surround created from soundbars without rear speakers. See More

Top Pro

Detachable speakers can act as wireless rear surround speakers

On each side of the soundbar there are removable speakers that, once detached, can act as rear wireless surround speakers, allowing you to enjoy real surround sound. The speakers can work wirelessly for 8 hours and they take about 2-3 hours to fully recharge. Each of the rear speakers can be used separately as a Bluetooth speaker for music streaming, without having to use the soundbar itself. See More

Top Pro

All the importation information is conveniently visible

A dimmable front display provides all the necessary information regarding input, sound mode, volume, and sound levels. See More

Top Pro

Suitable for hanging on the wall

The soundbar comes with included wall mounts. The rear speakers are completely wireless and have holes in the back that allows them to be easily hung on the wall. See More

Top Pro

Near listening mode

The Fidelio B5 has a near listening mode where you can place the surround speakers near you and sound will play only from them, disabling the main unit. See More

See All

score 5 · Answer 3

Sony HT-CT390

Top Pro

Can help avoid disturbing the neighbors

There is a Night Mode that softens the overall sound, to prevent disturbing the neighbors. See More

Top Con

No Wi-Fi support

The HT-CT390 has no Wi-Fi support. See More

Specs

Weight:6.17 lbs

Frequency Response:N/A

Connections:HDMI output, USB 2.0, audio line-in, digital audio input (optical)

Soundbar size:35.4 x 4.7 x 2 in

See All Specs

Top Pro

Sleek and compact design

Measuring 35 x 2 x 5 inches, this soundbar is thin and doesn’t take up a lot of space in front of your TV. The slim profile makes an especially good fit when mounted to the wall as it will not seem much thicker than an average TV. See More

Top Con

Remote control is easy to lose

The included remote is small and easy to lose. See More

Top Pro

Good wired connectivity

The soundbar has an HDMI ARC port, an optical port and an analog connection on the back. The inputs slots are easy to reach even when the soundbar is mounted on the wall. There is a USB port on the side of the soundbar that allows you to play music from an external USB storage. See More

Top Con

It noticeably lacks power

While its overall sound is clear and distinguishable, you may feel that this soundbar does not provide sufficient power and sound depth. Because of its slim speaker design, it struggles with mid-lows. Despite having a subwoofer, it still sounds subpar and lacks the power needed for a fully enjoyable experience. See More

Top Pro

Wall mountable

This soundbar comes with easy to install wall mounts included. See More

Top Pro

Wireless subwoofer

The included subwoofer is wireless and can be placed horizontally or vertically. See More

Top Pro

Bluetooth support

This soundbar supports Bluetooth, so you can stream music wirelessly. See More

Top Pro

Controlable via smartphone

You can download a smartphone app called Songpal that allows you stream music and control the soundbar. See More

Top Pro

Very well suited for dialogue

This soundbar's excellent central channels ensure spoken dialogue will always sound clear and well distinguished. This makes the HT-CT390 especially well suited for content with a lot of dialogue, such as talk shows, news or sports. See More

See All

What are the best soundbars for gaming?

3 Options Considered

Creative SoundBlasterX Katana

My Recommendation for Creative SoundBlasterX Katana

My Recommendation for Creative SoundBlasterX Katana

Capable of overwhelming sound levels

Software is Windows-only

Has a programmable RGB lighting system

Subwoofer isn't capable of handling low frequencies well

Handy companion software

No HDMI support

Wide variety of PC-oriented ports

Soundstage tapers off with distance

PC soundcard bypass

Subwoofer cable is too short

Philips Fidelio B5

My Recommendation for Philips Fidelio B5

My Recommendation for Philips Fidelio B5

Impressive audio performance

No companion app

Loud enough for a large living room

No Wi-Fi connectivity

Convenient Bluetooth connectivity

Rear speakers sound quality is only average, when used separately

Automatically switches between surround and stereo modes

No input or setup information displayed on the TV

HDMI 1.4a and ARC support

Takes up a lot of space

Useful signal processing features

Only controllable via remote

Clear dialogue and accurate positioning, despite not having a central speaker

No HDMI 2.0 support

Easily updatable via USB

Insufficient surround standards support

Wide bass response

Easy to set up and use

Variety of input options for connecting most devices

Using the remote control is easy and intuitive

Comes configured with preset modes for different use case

Automatic calibration depending on speaker placement

Dust and liquid resistant and stylish surface finish

Full surround effect

Detachable speakers can act as wireless rear surround speakers

All the importation information is conveniently visible

Suitable for hanging on the wall

Near listening mode

Sony HT-CT390

My Recommendation for Sony HT-CT390

My Recommendation for Sony HT-CT390

Can help avoid disturbing the neighbors

No Wi-Fi support

Sleek and compact design

Remote control is easy to lose

Good wired connectivity

It noticeably lacks power

Wall mountable

Wireless subwoofer

Bluetooth support

Controlable via smartphone

Very well suited for dialogue

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