Are you in the market for a new audio system? There are many options on the market, so it’s important to make sure you’re making a wise choice.
One of the most popular options today is wireless surround sound like Bluetooth surround sound. This is especially true because wireless technology continues to improve and become more popular among many consumers. Today’s smart homes include more Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless appliances, so, this option has become quite popular.
Surround sound is a method of improving the sound quality of an audio system by adding extra audio channels through speakers that are around the listener. The technology was first used in movie theaters but is now quite common among home audio systems.
As with other types of audio systems, both surround sound and wireless audio systems can include a wide variety of different features. So, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of different products in order to make the best choice for your particular needs whether the audio system is for your home, office, or other location.
Best Wireless Surround Systems: Quick Comparison.
Invalid table id.Top Benefits of Surround Sound
Why should you consider a wireless surround sound system? Before you start your search it’s important to keep in mind some of the main benefits of surround sound. They include the following ones:
Immersion
When people use video/audio systems like home theater systems, they want to have an immersive experience like they are at a movie theater or music concert. In fact, this helps to explain why devices like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) headsets are becoming more popular with gamers.
You can have that sort of experience when you listen to surround sound. That’s because today’s movie systems are equipped with them. So, if you want your home to have visual and audio quality like movie theaters this is an excellent option. The same is true if you want your audio system to be as possible as an indoor or outdoor live concert. When you attend that kind of event, the music originates from several speakers around the venue. While it’s tough to get that exact experience in your home if you have to surround sound, you can get a lot closer than in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Clarity
One of the big benefits of today’s surround sound systems is that the audio quality has improved significantly since the technology was first available. So whether you are listening to music or watching movies, if you select speakers with solid quality you can enjoy good quality audio, which will improve your experience whether you’re listening to rock or rap, or watch drama or action movies.
This is a major issue for various reasons. One of the main ones is that the system includes multiple speakers. So if each of the speakers offers crisp and clear audio then the overall quality will be exponentially good. That, in turn, will provide an outstanding overall experience when you switch on the speakers.
Installation
As when installing other audio systems, you have the option to install it yourself or hire a professional to handle it. There’s no right or wrong answer about which one is best. What’s important is to consider is your know-how about electronics to determine if it’s a good option for you. The installation process can take a few hours or a whole weekend depending on how much know-how you have about such issues.
As a word of caution, it’s important to note that these systems don’t just include one speaker. So if you don’t really have the knowledge, time, or patience to install the audio system it’s highly advisable that you hire a trained professional to handle it for you. It can help to make the entire process a lot easier, which is always a plus.
Control
Today’s consumers want more control over their audio systems. This is one of the key benefits of a system with surround sound. You can tweak the bass, treble, and other settings based on your personal preferences and the genre of music you’re listening to, for example.
Some music/movie fans don’t pay much attention to these issues. However, if you’re a big fan of audio systems then you’ll certainly want the most control possible of your system in order to get the precise sound quality you want. That, in turn, will help to produce the exact audio quality you want.
Experience
You might or might not be used to making big investments in your entertainment systems. However, if you want to provide your household or company with the best audio experience possible then you should definitely consider a high-quality system like surround sound. That’s because it’s an investment in your home or office. You can’t really put a monetary value on the experience of watching a movie in a theater or listening to a concert in an outdoor arena. In a similar way, the experience you can get from listening to crisp, clear music via surround sound is priceless.
Affordability
Like other technologies, surround sound has existed for quite a while now and you can find affordable systems that include basic components like speakers. This gives you the ability to purchase a basic system if that’s what you’re looking for. You can still pick a mid or high-range system if you want to spend extra money. This gives you more flexibility to select an audio system that not only includes the features you want but also the price tag you can afford.
Customization
Another big benefit of systems with surround sound is that they’re usually installed by professional installers. As a result, they can inspect your living room or wherever you’re installing the system to determine the best system and components for your needs. Another plus is that you can also get more customization base on the preferences you want like the components, features, etc. you want the system to have.
In the past, the customization of audio systems wasn’t as major as it is today. However, it has become more of an issue today in part because today’s smart homes are becoming more connected. As a result, there are more Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the home that are linked to the Internet. That said, you’ll likely want to have as much customization as possible in any case, so that the audio system will meet the audio needs of your home or office to a tee.
Top Benefits of Wireless Speakers
Why should you consider a system with wireless surround sound? One of the general benefits is that the system includes speakers without wires like wireless speakers for TV. Why should you consider these speakers over wired ones? There are several key benefits and here are some of the main ones:
Flexibility
One key benefit of wireless speakers is that they’re quite flexible. So you could use them with different devices including DVD players, computers, TVs, and so on. This is definitely important today because consumers tend to look for more flexibility in their electronics products. That includes video/audio products. There are times when you’ll want to connect the speakers to your TV. In other cases, you might want to connect them to your desktop/laptop. If you have wireless speakers not only can you do that, but the entire process will be easier since you won’t have to deal with a bird’s nest of wires. So the process will cause you a lot fewer headaches, which is always a plus.
Installation/Setup
When picking a wireless audio system, this is definitely one of the main issues to consider. It’s based on various factors like how much know-how and time the installer has. You might actually have the knowledge and time to install the speaker system yourself. In that case, it won’t be too difficult to complete the task. In fact, you can save a lot of time, effort, and money by doing the work yourself.
However, there’s also the option of having a trained professional install the wireless audio system for you. There’s nothing wrong with that option. They can definitely provide a high-quality job since the installer has probably installed tons of similar systems in the past. There’s the issue that you’ll have to pay a fee to have a professional install the system. However, it’s certainly worth it, if it means the system will be installed properly and you can save yourself a lot of hassles related to installing a speaker system.
Whether you install the audio system yourself or hire someone to do it, one of the main benefits of installing a system of the surround system type is that these wireless systems are relatively easy to install compared to other systems. That means that the installer will be able to complete the job with more ease than other speaker systems. This makes the system an excellent option.
Durability
Wireless speaker systems tend to be quite durable. This is certainly a key feature you’ll want to look for in a system. There are several reasons. One of the main ones is that the speakers will be able to withstand everyday taps and bumps. This is critical when you have speakers set up around your living room or other rooms. In that case, it’s important for the speakers to be durable because there will likely be some inadvertent bumps from time to time. In that case, it’s a plus when the speakers are durable enough to withstand them.
Another issue is that wireless speakers are more likely to be moved around the room from time to time in order to get the best audio effects. When that’s the case it’s also critical for the speakers to be as durable as possible. As a result, there will be less chance that the speakers will be damaged and as a result, they’ll last longer.
Quality
This might be surprising. People often make the assumption that the sound quality of wireless speakers is usually lower quality than wired speakers. However, the truth is that that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, you can find wireless speakers including ones with surround sound that are quite close to the same quality as wired speakers. That’s definitely a plus since the audio quality of speakers is definitely one of the most critical features to consider when selecting speakers for your home or office.
Wireless
This might seem like a case of stating the obvious but it’s definitely one of the main features. It’s especially helpful in the case that your audio system has several speakers like for surround sound. In that case, it’s easier for the wires to turn into a bird’s nest of wires. There are tons of wires for different functions like connecting the speakers, connecting them to a receiver, etc.
If you’ve ever dealt with audio equipment and especially a multi-speaker system, then you know that having lots of wires to deal with can be quite annoying. It’s highly likely that it’s a situation you’ll want to avoid as it can cause a lot of headaches for the setup of the speaker system itself. After that, there’s also the issue of dealing with all the wires in the system. You can avoid that annoying situation by picking a wireless speaker system. It’s important to note that the system probably won’t be completely wireless but will certainly contain a lot fewer wires than a wired system.
Mobility
Here’s another key benefit of using wireless speakers over wired ones. Let’s say that you want to transfer your audio system to another room or even another location. In that case, you’ll likely want the process to be as fast and easy as possible. There are various factors that can affect mobility and one of the main ones, is whether the system is wired or wireless.
If you have to deal with a wired system, then the number of wires will be high based on the system having several speakers. Do you really want to deal with the bird’s nest of wires? Unfortunately, there’s no choice if you have a wired audio system. However, the process is much easier if you’re using a wireless system. There’s a significantly lower number of wires. As a result, it’s much easier to transfer the system whether it’s to another room or other building. In both cases, the process will be much more convenient. That, in turn, will help to save you time and effort so you can use them for other purposes.
Key Feature When Picking No-Wire Surround Sound Speakers
When you are in the market for wireless speakers with surround sound, what should you look for? There are many features to keep in mind to make sure you pick the right unit for the needs of your home or office. There are many issues to weigh, but here are some of the most important ones to keep in mind to make sure that you pick the right speaker system for the right situation:
Power
The number of watts produced by the stereo system is certainly one of the most important factors to consider when picking a system. This is one of the most important issues in terms of the juice it can provide your audio system. There are other factors to consider, more wattage isn’t necessarily an automatic plus. However, it can certainly help to ensure that you’re getting enough power for the speakers.
One X-factor to consider is that the system will be powering multiple speakers. As a result, it’s more important than ever to make sure that the system has enough power for each of the individual speakers and the overall system. That, in turn, can help provide a better experience for consumers.
Reviews
At sites like Amazon, you can find reviews and ratings from customers. This is a plus because it will help you to pick a unit after reading what past customers have to say about the product. Amazon has a 5-star rating system and you can see the average of all reviews so you can determine if the general consensus on the product is good, bad, or somewhere in the mushy middle.
Make sure to read several reviews. There’s bound to be at least one negative review. However, there are many situations that could cause the person to write a negative review about the speaker system and they might not all be justified. Reading some reviews can help you to learn about the specific pros/cons of the unit based on the customer’s experience. That will help you to make a better decision when determining if the unit is right for your needs.
Price
What affects the price of a wireless speaker system with surround sound? Well, keep in mind that the surround sound and wireless features of the system will boost the overall cost companies to a single wired speaker, for example. However, the functionality is better for no-wire speaker systems so you’ll have the chance to experience a better audio system. That’s definitely a plus in terms of the investment you’re making.
There are tons of factors that affect the price of the system. What’s the brand, quality, features, model, etc.? These are some of the many factors that can affect the price of the unit. There are also other factors including shipping, warranty, discounts, etc., the bottom line is that purchasing a speaker system is a major investment. So, it’s advisable to make sure you do your homework and shop around in order to find the best price after you find a particular system you want to use in your home or office.
Make sure to remember the old adage to “shop around.” A good rule is to compare prices at a minimum of three physical/online stores before you purchase a particular speaker system. It will help to make sure that you don’t pay the highest price. The more you shop around the more likely you’ll be able to find the best price possible.
Warranty
A speaker system with surround sound is quite a big investment and especially if you pick a high-end product. So it’s highly recommended that you consider buying the product with a manufacturer’s and/or retailer warranty.
It’s also critical to learn the details about the warranty. Check if it’s full or limited so you’ll know exactly what the warranty includes and excludes. As a general rule, you should consider investing in a full warranty since it will cover more than a limited warranty. Another important issue is to learn how long the warranty is valid. This is another important matter so you’ll know how long you can get the speaker system replaced if necessary.
Brand
You can find wireless speakers from companies ranging from high-end multi-national corporations to off-brands. There’s no right or wrong brand to pick, but you should definitely consider issues like the overall quality you want the system to have. If you want top-notch quality, then you should go with established brands. Meanwhile, if you’re willing to settle for low-end quality, then an off-brand would probably be good enough for your speaker system needs.
As word of caution, you should definitely consider the fact that you’re making an investment in your home/office, so, you should arguably consider a wireless system that provides at least mid-level quality. If you pick an off brand’s speaker system, you can save a ton of money but you also might have to deal with various unwanted situations including low-quality audio and durability.
Shipping
Shipping is a major factor that can affect the overall cost of the surround sound system product. Some programs like Amazon Prime offer free shipping while others offer free shipping if your total order hits a minimum amount. Other factors that will affect the shipping costs is whether you order the product internationally and want to express shipping.
The good news is, you can find discounts on shipping that can help to reduce the total cost of your wireless speakers. This is a plus because it can save you money on your purchase.
Features
This is one of the most important factors that affect which speaker system you pick. Surround sound and wireless functionality are included in all of them but you can also find several other features included in them. That includes Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, DTS/Dolby Digital, Input/Output, etc.
The number of features for the wireless speaker system is almost unlimited. What’s most important is to consider your particular needs based on the applications of your home or office. Once you take that step, it will be much easier to match up your needs with a particular surround system that meets your needs. It might be a unit with all the latest bells and whistles or it might be a basic unit with few features. What’s most important is to select a unit that best meets your needs in terms of audio equipment.
1. Sonos 5.1 Home Theater System PLAYBAR
If you’re looking for the ultimate sound system for your home, you’ll definitely want to check out the Sonos 5.1. This system is a little expensive, but it is downright comprehensive and excellent in terms of performance. This home theater sound system will definitely take your home’s entertainment system to a whole new level. In fact, it is going to put you right into the center of the action and make you feel like you’re a part of the movie, music or game that you’re enjoying. What else sets it apart from its competition? You’ll find out below.
No products found.
Connections Wirelessly
You need to understand that this system is able to connect wisely. The SUB connects wirelessly. This helps you eliminate those annoying cords. The SUB also helps to add a much deeper base to the equation. When this system, you’re really going to be able to hear the fine details that you weren’t able to hear before. The two PLAY:1 speakers also connect wirelessly.
Humidity Resistant
In the past, you had to be cautious about installing your sound system in a humid location. This is no longer the case with the Sonos 5.1. This system is actually resistant to humidity. Therefore, it can be installed pretty much anywhere. Just remember that it is not weather resistant or waterproof. So, you’ll need to keep it out of the rain. However, it can handle the humidity without any problems whatsoever.
Overall Assessment
There is a lot to love about the Sonos 5.1 Playbar It sounds great and it’ll definitely prove to be well worth the money. If you’ve got the extra cash to spend, this one is well worth checking out! You will not be disappointed.
Pros
- Delivers excellent sound quality
- Capable of resisting humidity
- Sounds huge, but is compact
- Components connect wirelessly
- Very rugged and tough
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Expensive
2. Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1Ch 45” Sound Bar
Are you trying to create a sound system in your home, but do not know where the start? If so, you have probably never heard of the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1Ch Sound Bar. This sound, along with the included 8-inch subwoofer and rear satellite speakers, delivers a theater-like sound. According to the manufacturer, this is the only soundbar that can authenticate a movie theater sound without physical rear speakers.
- Meet SHOCKWAFE, TOP RATED TRUE, DISCRETE SURROUND SOUNDBAR. Experience true authentic movie theater sound just like how the directors intended, an experience that cannot be duplicated by other virtual surround soundbars without physical rear speakers.
- Immerse yourself in superior 7.1 Channel surround realism with exclusive Surround Effects Tweeters, 5 individually sealed speaker chambers and 5 DSP chipsets. With unprecedented acoustic wideness and true-to-life clarity, bring your favorite entertainment alive with DSP EQ modes.
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 13:36 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sealed speaker Chambers
What makes the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 Sound Bar is embedded with five speakers that are set into sealed chambers. This design allows the soundbar and speakers to deliver quality, true-to-life, crisp clarity. In addition to this, the soundbar is 45 inches in width, which enhances the sound throughout a large area significantly.
V1.4+ Firmware
The V1.4+ firmware is only available with the Pro 7.1 and other soundbars produced after May 2018. This software will guarantee that you will get the best results.
Bluetooth Enabled
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 supports Bluetooth devices. So, you can sync it with any mobile device embedded with a Bluetooth module. Play all of the songs you have stored on your MP3 music player, iPhone, tablet, and iPad and enjoy the Nakamichi experience.
Remote Control Adds Convenience
Models produced before May 2018 did not include a remote control. Without this device, users had to leave their seats every time they wanted to make an adjustment or turn the soundbar on/off. The Pro 7.1 comes with a convenient remote control to make your experience even more enjoyable.
Overall Assessment
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 is an excellent soundbar. It will turn your home into a theater as soon as it is turned on. The sound quality is superb and all the new features make it even that much better.
Pros
- Integrated with V1.4+ firmware
- Includes a remote
- Bluetooth enabled
- Satellite speakers have increased the volume control
Cons
- Does not support uncompressed multi-channel input
- Remote control must be within close range of the soundbar to work
3. Vizio 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar
Vizio has quickly become one of the most popular brands in the industry. The company is well known for producing high-quality products that will not break the bank. If you’re looking for a great soundbar and do not mind the cables, you’ll definitely want to check out the Vizio 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar. This product is going to provide you with everything that you need and then some. Additional details can be found below.
- SLEEK ELEGANT & FUNCTIONAL - Alphasonik Introduces the modern accent table. Standing 25 inches tall, this contemporary accent piece compliments any modern setting perfectly. Featuring sleek piano black finish wrapped in black fabric. This table features a powerful built-in Bluetooth speaker and wireless Qi charging for enabled smart devices. The table itself has a large rechargeable battery so you can move it around for wireless use
- 360° BLUETOOTH SPEAKER - 10 state of the art drivers! 4 speakers, 2 tweeters and 4 passive radiators (bass) are wrapped behind the fabric producing crystal clear audio. This table produces a 360° full stereo effect producing massive audio to fill any sized room
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 13:36 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bluetooth Connectivity
While this system isn’t completely wireless, it does offer Bluetooth connectivity. That is going to eliminate a cord. While you’ll have cords for the components, you won’t have to worry about plugging into your media device. Therefore, you’ll be able to use this system to stream your music from your iPod or iPhone directly. No cord is needed for this purpose.
Remote Included
Another great thing about this system is the fact that a remote is included. This is going to make your life significantly easier in the long run. After all, you won’t have to worry about getting up to increase the volume or make other changes. You can remain on your couch and change the settings in total comfort. The remote works exceptionally well and it can be used at pretty much any angle.
Great Sound Quality
Despite being more affordable than many of the alternatives, this system is still going to deliver a satisfying sound quality. It sounds great no matter what genre of music you’re playing.
Overall Assessment
The Vizio 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar isn’t perfect, but it is still worth the price. If you don’t mind tinkering with the subwoofer frequently, this soundbar will prove to be a great investment for you and your family.
Pros
- Comes with a remote
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Subwoofer is wireless
- Comes with the cables you’ll need
- Can be wall mounted
- Sounds great
Cons
- Subwoofer becomes distorted easily
4. Sony Z9F 3.1ch Sound Bar
There is no doubt that Sony is a leader in the industry. The company has been around for many years and they’re easily one of the best manufacturers of home entertainment equipment. You can guarantee that the company’s Z9F 3.1ch Sound Bar is going to be a hit with your family. It works exceptionally well and is moderately affordable. This soundbar can easily be installed on the wall. It comes with remote control as well. Further details can be found below.
- Ultimate Home Theater Upgrade with 3.1ch Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Sound Engine
- Seven sound modes for enhanced movies, music, gaming, news and sport
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 13:36 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Wi-Fi And Bluetooth
There is a good chance that you want to eliminate cords. If this is the case, you should definitely consider buying Sony. This system is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This combination allows you to stream your media wirelessly. It can be connected to pretty much any device with Bluetooth.
4K HDR Compatible
At this point in time, 4K HDR is a luxury. If you’ve got it, you want to take full advantage of it. The good news is that this soundbar is actually compatible with 4K HDR. It’ll get the job done right and it’ll work with your 4K high dynamic range television.
Five Sound Modes
For easier use, this system has five sound modes. You can choose between movies, music, news, sports, and gaming. Each mode is specifically designed to accommodate the media in question. This ensures that you’re able to get the best performance without having to tinker with the settings too much.
Overall Assessment
The Sony Z9F 3.1ch Sound Bar is great. It might not be perfect for music, but it is amazing for movies, television shows, and video games. Plus, it isn’t going to empty your wallet. This combination makes it a great investment for many households.
Pros
- Comes with five sound modes
- Compatible with 4K HDR
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility
- The wireless subwoofer is included
- Can be wall mounted
- Comes with a remote
Cons
- Could be better for music
5. VIZIO SB3821-C6 38-Inch 2.1 Channel Sound Bar
The VIZIO SB821-C6 Sound Bar is ideal for small and large homes. The soundbar is integrated with premium-grade components and state-of-the-art technology to deliver crisp, clear sounds that replicate a theater. In fact, the manufacturer says the soundbar delivers clear sound “with less than 1% total harmonic distortion. If you are accustomed to listening to music and movie sounds from a traditional speaker system, you are in for the experience of a lifetime.
- Enjoy 100 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1 percent total harmonic distortion
- Wireless subwoofer adds rich bass from anywhere in the room
Last update on 2023-06-03 at 13:36 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Bluetooth Enabled
The VIZIO 2.1 Sound Bar supports Bluetooth devices, such as an iPhone, tablet, iPad and MP3 player. Sync any device with Bluetooth with the soundbar and enjoy your stored music better than ever before.
Remote Control Adds Convenience
The included remote control will not only allow you to make adjustments whenever necessary but also it will allow you to do it without leaving your seat. The remote interface is very user-friendly and comes with everything you need to make adjustments with ease.
Extended Subwoofer Range
Unlike some soundbars, the VIZIO 2.1 comes with a wireless subwoofer that can be placed up to 60-feet from the soundbar. This range will provide more flexibility with placement, allowing you to create a fuller sound throughout any room in your home.
Overall Assessment
The VIZIO SB3821-C6 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is ideal for small and large rooms. The soundbar and subwoofer are extremely easy to set up and it can be paired with all Bluetooth-enabled devices with ease. The sound quality is excellent, providing a theater-like experience.
Pros
- Wireless range of subwoofer is about 60-feet
- Includes a remote
- Bluetooth-enabled
- Delivers up to 100 dB sounds
- Includes mounting hardware
- DTS TruSurround delivers realistic surround sound at a comfortable volume level
Cons
- Not really designed for wall mounting
- The only way to adjust the volume is with the remote