Sound & Audio
Great picture deserves great sound. Here's what Australian buyers need to know about soundbars and home audio.
Do I need a soundbar?
Modern TVs are thinner than ever — and that's part of the problem. Slim panels leave almost no room for decent speakers, so even a premium 4K OLED can sound flat or tinny straight out of the box. A soundbar is the most practical upgrade most Australians can make after buying a new TV.
Built-in TV speakers have real limits
Manufacturers fit small, downward- or rear-firing drivers into thin bezels. The result is dialogue that's hard to follow, bass that's almost non-existent, and a sound stage that doesn't match what you're watching. If you've ever turned the volume up and still felt like something was missing, the speakers are almost certainly the reason.
A soundbar makes a noticeable difference
Even a mid-range soundbar — think $300–$600 — will deliver clearer dialogue, more defined bass, and a wider sound stage than any built-in TV speaker. For movies, sport, and gaming, the improvement is immediate. You don't need a full home theatre setup to hear the difference.
When you might not need one
If your TV is in a bedroom or a small study and you mostly watch at low volume, built-in speakers may be perfectly fine. Some higher-end Sony and Samsung TVs also include Acoustic Surface Audio technology that vibrates the panel itself — these are genuine exceptions. For a main living room TV, though, a soundbar is almost always worth it.
What to look for in a soundbar
Not all soundbars are created equal. Here are the key specs and features that actually matter when you're comparing models at Australian retailers.
Channels: 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, or more
The numbers tell you how many speakers and subwoofers are included. A 2.1 system adds a separate subwoofer for bass. A 3.1 adds a centre channel for clearer dialogue — great for TV and movies. A 5.1 or higher system adds surround speakers for a more immersive experience. For most lounge rooms, a 3.1 or 5.1 setup hits the sweet spot between performance and simplicity.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
These are object-based surround sound formats that add height to the audio mix — sounds can move above and around you, not just left and right. If you're buying a mid-range or premium soundbar in 2026, look for Dolby Atmos support. Most streaming services including Netflix and Disney+ now deliver Atmos content, and it makes a real difference on action films and live sport.
HDMI eARC
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the best way to connect a soundbar to your TV. It carries high-quality audio formats including Dolby Atmos over a single HDMI cable, and lets your TV remote control the soundbar volume. Check that both your TV and soundbar have an eARC port — it's usually labelled on the HDMI socket itself.
Wireless subwoofer
A wireless subwoofer gives you deep bass without running a cable across the room. Most soundbars at $400 and above include one. Placement matters — a subwoofer in a corner or against a wall will generally produce more bass than one sitting in the open. Don't be afraid to experiment with positioning once you get it home.
Brand matching
Samsung, LG, and Sony all make soundbars designed to work seamlessly with their own TVs. Samsung's Q-Symphony lets the TV speakers and soundbar work together. LG's WOW Orchestra does the same. If you already own one of these brands, matching your soundbar to your TV brand can unlock extra features and simplify setup.
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