Having a projector ensures large and immersive visuals, but the sound it produces leaves much to be desired. The built-in speakers are not good enough that produce high-quality audio.
This is where soundbars come into play. The right soundbar can provide powerful cinematic sound that enhances the viewing experience.
Although soundbars are convenient and cost-effective, you need to choose the right one. If you don’t choose the right soundbar, it might improve the sound but not be as immersive as it should be.
In this article, we will discuss the most important factors to consider when choosing a soundbar for a projector. We will also recommend the top soundbars on the market to make your decision easier.
Can you use a sound bar with a projector?
Yes, you can use a soundbar with a projector. There are multiple input options on a soundbar, including Bluetooth, HDMI, optical, and auxiliary inputs. Different devices, including projectors, can be connected using these options.
You simply need to connect the soundbar to the projector using the same port, ensuring the sound comes from the soundbar from the setting, and that’s it. You’re good to go.
Where to place the soundbar with a projector?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question since the placement of a soundbar with a projector depends on your space and preference.
Here are some general guidelines to follow.
The first step is to identify where the projector will be placed, whether it is mounted on the ceiling, the wall, or on a stand.
If you mount the projector on the ceiling, it is recommended to place the projector right below it at ear level. It will ensure audio and video synchronization, resulting in the best sound quality.
In the case of a projector mounted on a wall, you can place the soundbar beneath or above the projector. And again, it is recommended to set the bar near ear level.
Apart from the placement, ensure the distance between the projector and the soundbar is appropriate. Move away any object that causes cause interference or distortion in the sound.
5 Best Soundbars for Projectors 2023
1. Bose Solo 5
If you are looking for a compact and affordable option that provides better sound quality than your built-in projector Bose Solo 5 is an excellent option.
The Bose Solo 5 delivers impressive sound quality for its size and price point. And with multiple input options including Bluetooth, Auxiliary, Optical, and Coaxial you can connect with most devices including your projector. Additionally, if you are looking for the best Bluetooth soundbar for a projector this soundbar is for you.
In terms of design, the Bose Solo 5 has a sleek and minimalist look that should fit well with most TV and projector setups. It is a compact and lightweight soundbar and easy to place or mount with the projector. The front grille is made of metal and has a nice texture to it, giving it a premium feel. The soundbar also comes with Universal remote controls you can use to make adjustments and control the volume and different settings.
Not only that the Bose Solo 5 also features advanced technology Bose’s proprietary Dialogue Mode. The dialogue mode makes every word and expression more detailed and easy to hear, while your projector’s built-in speaker can’t. And that is one of the reasons Bose Solo 5 is a standout option when looking for the best soundbar for projector screen.
You sometimes need a bass punch to level up your listening experience, whether live music, gripping thrillers, or dramatic series. Bose Solo 5 soundbar features a bass control button on the universal remote controller, letting you adjust bass at one tap.
That said, the sound profile of Bose Solo 5 soundbar is neutral and balanced. The balanced mid-range can effortlessly deliver dialogue-heavy content, like TV shows, podcasts, and action movies. However, the built-in subwoofer struggles to deliver low bass.
If you use the Bose Solo 5 soundbar in a small room, you will be satisfied with the sound output. However, the outcome will be lacking if you use it in large rooms since the soundbar isn’t that loud to fill large rooms.
2. Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Dolby Atmos
Suppose you want a high-end soundbar with advanced features, including Dolby Atmos, built-in Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant voice assistant. In that case, Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is an excellent option.
Speaking of the design and build, the Bose 900 looks and feels premium. A sleek design with a tempered glass top and a metal grille that looks great in any living room setup. The low-profile and sleek design of the soundbar lures users with its charm.
The soundbar supports two custom-engineered dipole up-firing speakers with the Bose technology for a neutral and balanced sound profile. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the bar features HDMI and optical inputs, so pairing a projector with the soundbar is not much fuss.
That’s not all! The smart 900 soundbar features built-in voice assistants (Google Assistant and Alexa) with noise-cancelling microphones and Voice4Video technology for command over the voice in every direction.
You can download the Bose Music app from the Apple or Play store for hands-on control over the sound streaming mode. Using the app, you can modify bass with EQ balance and height of the up-firing speaker sound.
When it comes to sound quality, the Bose smart soundbar 900 also gains some positive feedback. The bar delivers powerful and clear sound. And the advanced technology, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, provides an immersive surround sound experience. The eight custom-designed ones also ensure balanced sound across different frequencies.
Despite all of the good, there is always room to improve, and there is no exception with the Bose 900 bar. The soundbar’s bass could be more pronounced.
Overall Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a top-quality soundbar and, with the right setup, definitely works well with your projector. It is a good option for anyone looking for a premium soundbar with built-in voice assistants and support for advanced audio technologies.
3. Sonos Beam Soundbar
Compact size shouldn’t restrict the maximum sound output; the Sonos Beam soundbar proves it. This soundbar is affordable & features everything from Alexa voice assistant to advanced connectivity modes.
This compact and low-profile design can power small-to-medium size rooms with ease. It features Google Assistant and Alexa voice assistants for commands over voice. Using the HDMI port connection, you can connect projectors effortlessly.
Weighing 6.35 pounds and measuring 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches in dimension, the Sonos Beam soundbar is 60% smaller than the competitors. Moreover, the control buttons on the top are touch sensitive. Here, you can stop, play, and turn On/OFF the microphone.
For bass enthusiasts, the Sonos Beam soundbar is an absolute treat. The soundbar features a center tweeter, four full-range drivers, and three passive radiators that add punches to bass. Although the soundbar supports three channels, all perform like a genuine surround sound unit- thanks to the Trueplay software.
Setting up the soundbar with the projector or the TV is tricky, especially the HDMI-ARC setup. Moreover, the soundbar doesn’t support Dolby Atmos; this might be a big disenchant for music enthusiasts.
4. SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series Soundbar
The SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series soundbar is a worth-buying addition to the home theater, featuring a balanced mid-range for crystal-clear instrumental leads and vocals.
This dynamic soundbar delivers a cinematic and immersive experience thanks to its wide range of unmissable audio technologies, including Q-Symphony, DTS:X, True Dolby ATMOS, and SpaceFit Sound. In addition, the soundbar features a front-firing built-in speaker for true audio immersion.
That’s not all! It supports three built-in channels and one subwoofer that synchronizes perfectly for an immersive sound output. The SpaceFit Sound technology enhances the clarity of the sound to adapt it to your space.
You got covered with an Alexa voice assistant for hands-free control over the soundbar. The connectivity modes this soundbar supports are HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Digital Optical. While connecting the projector, HDMI connection should be your priority while connecting the projector, as it delivers uncompressed audio and video signals.
Overall, SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q700A Q Series soundbar is a versatile projector option. The classy black finish design makes aesthetics appealing, with an affordable cherry on top. However, the soundbar needs to work better on low-energy bass sound waves.
And if you are looking for a soundbar for a projector with a dedicated subwoofer and rear speakers, then what could be better than having something like Samsung 3.1.2 soundbar?
5. Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar
A great soundbar with a high-quality subwoofer is nerve-wracking to find in a limited price range. Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar delivers excellent music performance and crisp dialogues at this relatively modest price range.
The wooden enclosure measures 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches in dimension and is wrapped with a cloth-lined grille on the visible surfaces. Inside, the soundbar features three 1-inch soft-dome tweeters, four 3-inch cone woofers, and three drivers mated with Tractrix horns on either side.
The low-profile design of the subwoofer is tremendously stress-free to set up; you can mount the soundbar on the wall, on the table, or underneath the TV, per your liking. Your wired connecting input options include an HDMI ARC, 3.5mm AUX, and optical. While for wireless connectivity mode, you have Bluetooth.
The HDMI port connecting is highly secured and delivers uncompressed signals; you will adore the streaming quality with a projector. In addition, Klipsch Cinema 600 is also encoded with Dolby Digital for unparalleled dialogue channels and a theater-like listening experience.
At this price range, Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar is a picture-perfect match with a projector. However, if you are projecting action or thrilling movies, you might be disappointed with the low bass profile.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Soundbar for Projector
When choosing a soundbar for your projector, here are some factors to consider:
Compatibility with the projector
Not all soundbars are compatible with projectors. Before buying a soundbar, make sure it is compatible with your projector.
The compatibility can be determined by matching the ports on your projector with those on your soundbar.
Wired options include HDMI, Optical, and ARC cables. HDMI allows audio and video to be transmitted through one cable, making it the most popular and versatile option. The optical cable also ensures high-quality digital audio, but ARC is old and less popular and is still an option.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can also be used to connect a soundbar and projector. Again, make sure both components offer the same connectivity options.
Sound quality
Sound quality is the most important factor to consider when choosing a soundbar for a projector. You should look for a product that provides high-quality sound, an immersive audio experience, and clear dialog.
In sound quality itself, a number of factors play a key role in whether the sound quality will be good or bad.
Soundbar sound quality can be evaluated by considering the following factors:
- Number of channels/Speakers
- Size of speaker drivers
- Audio Formats
- Frequency response
- Power handling, and more
To better understand their importance, let’s discuss each point below.
Number of Speakers/Channel
The number of speakers on a soundbar is a key factor in sound quality. A soundbar can have 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, and more channels depending on the number of speakers installed.
Advanced soundbars like the SAMSUNG Q 700 is a 3.1.2 channel bar. They have a separate subwoofer and up-firing channel speakers to provide a more immersive audio experience.
So when considering the number of speakers you need to understand the configuration as well as your needs and your budget. The higher the number of speakers, the higher the price tag.
If you need a stereo soundbar to improve the sound quality of your projector, then a 2.0 or 3.0 soundbar will suffice. Alternatively, if you need deep bass, you can add a separate subwoofer, but if you want something that provides surround sound, look for something with 5.1 channels at least.
Size of driver
In addition to the number of speakers, the driver size inside the soundbar also plays a key role in determining its sound quality. As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the driver size, the better the sound quality. So along with the speaker number, consider the size as well.
Types of Audio Format Supported
Another factor to consider when choosing a soundbar for the projector is the type of audio format supported by it.
Look for a soundbar that supports the Dolby Digital and DTS formats, as they are industry-standard audio formats offering better sound quality and clear dialogue.
Power Output
The power output is another important factor when choosing a soundbar for your projector. The power output of a soundbar is the amount of sound it can produce.
This is a very important factor in determining the loudness of a soundbar. Generally, the higher the power output, the louder and more powerful the sound.
The power output of a soundbar is usually measured in watts (W). You’ll find two types of power output measurements in soundbar specs: RMS and Peak. RMS stands for Root Menu Square, which is the amount of power the soundbar can continuously output without overheating or damaging the speakers. On the other hand, a soundbar’s peak power output is its maximum output over a short period.
In addition to considering the power output, you should also consider the size of the room. You can choose a soundbar with a lower power output if you set up your projector in a small room, but you must get a soundbar with a higher power output if you set up your projector outside or in a large room. Otherwise, even the best soundbar will not be able to fill the room, and you will receive an unsatisfactory sound experience.
It is also important to consider the type of content when considering power output. Music or dialogue-heavy content may require less power compared to movies and television shows with explosive action sequences and loud sound effects.
Sound Modes and equalization
Sound modes are preset means they have already adjusted settings based on the type of content. Some soundbar features these sound modes and equalizations to make things easier. Different sound modes are available such as movies, music, dialogue, news, and more. All you need to do is to choose the mode based on the content you’re watching, and it will automatically set the tune of the sound quality to your liking.
Size and design
Another important factor is its size and design, which can affect its performance and how well it fits in your living space.
To determine the soundbar size, you need to know the size of the room and its acoustics. Larger soundbars feature more speakers and drivers, resulting in fuller and more immersive sound. For a small room, however, a large subwoofer might be overwhelming. There is a possibility that it won’t fit well with the projector setup.
If you have a large room, a small soundbar may not provide the same level of audio performance as a larger one.
Consider the size of the soundbar based on the size and acoustics of your room. It is also important to consider the soundbar’s design and build quality. Soundbars should be made of quality materials and last for a long time.
You can also consider additional features such as LED lighting, touch controls, or a built-in display.
Our Favourite Pick
All of the 5 mentioned soundbars for a projector are worth buying but as you have to choose one you need to consider your needs, room size, budget, and the type of content you listen to/watch.
Our top pick is the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 because of its, impressive sound quality, performance, advanced features, and technologies. These include built-in voice assistants, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology.
In addition, the soundbar is loud and powerful enough to fill any room. The soundbar and projector can be paired via wired connections (HDMI) and wireless connections (Bluetooth & Wi-Fi). Its sleek design and compatibility with other Bose products make it a versatile addition to your home entertainment system.
Bose 900 also allows you to connect separate subwoofers and bars to further enhance sound quality.