One of the best cheap soundbars I've tested performs as well as models twice its price, and it's on sale

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE system is offered for $250.
• It has immersive {surround} sound at an reasonably priced worth due to customizable EQ settings and sound modes.
• The Bluetooth connection can generally be spotty, and be ready to cover a lot of wires.

What is the deal? 

Get $80 off the Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE whenever you buy it at Finest Purchase, making it value simply $170. 

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One of many best methods to improve your movie- or TV-viewing expertise is by upgrading your TV’s sound with a soundbar. Nonetheless, not all soundbars are created equal. Your resolution relies on what you are on the lookout for. Do you like a extra surround-sound really feel? Do you want punchy bass to your sound? Most significantly, how a lot are you keen to spend?

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The Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE is a compromise on all these necessities, particularly with its price ticket of $250. It is a fantastic price range soundbar with immersive {surround} sound and customizable options. I went hands-on with this soundbar for just a few months and watched sports activities video games, scary films, actuality TV reveals, and listened to hours of music; general, I used to be impressed by this setup.

Vizio’s 5.1 Soundbar SE comes with a 33-inch soundbar, a wi-fi subwoofer, and two {surround} sound audio system to put behind your sofa (that is the place the {surround} sound is available in). The soundbar additionally has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and a listed frequency response of 45Hz-16kHz +/- 5dB.

Whereas Vizio says this soundbar is “our easiest setup ever”, I discovered getting it up and operating just a little difficult, particularly since my TV is not a Vizio TV. A Vizio TV lets you regulate soundbar settings simply via an built-in menu.

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As soon as arrange, you should use the accompanying Vizio app to decide on between three EQ modes: film, music, or direct. You may as well personalize your sound and play with the treble, bass, and subwoofer settings.

The soundbar’s sound shines via in film mode, due to the 2 {surround} sound audio system. Whispering dialogue is well heard, and detailed seems like footsteps or shuffling leaves immerse you into the plot.

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A few gripes I had with this soundbar are the variety of wires. The cables are lengthy and just a little pointless, so it took some configuring to cover them and make them look good in my room’s setup. Additionally, the Bluetooth on the soundbar steadily goes out and in, so you need to reconnect along with your cell app as a rule, which is usually just a little irritating.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Nonetheless, for $250, the Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE permits the form of sound I’ve solely heard in higher-end and costlier soundbars, such because the Philips FidelioFB1 soundbar. I like to recommend this soundbar for these on the lookout for a price range soundbar, particularly if {surround} sound pursuits you.

Having a Vizio TV would positively make utilizing this soundbar simpler, however those that are extra tech-inclined should not have a difficulty setting it up.