If you’re looking to understand the differences between a 5.1 vs a 3.1 vs a 2.1 soundbar, there are only a few things you need to know. A soundbar’s basic technology and software have seen a few changes over the years, with version 5.1 being the most recent. There are some differences in performance, use, and cost in even the best speakers of this type.
Key Takeaways_
- 5.1 soundbars are designed for surround sound, which is the main reason for their higher price points.
- 3.1 soundbars don’t necessarily offer inferior sound quality to comparable 5.1 models and excel at dialogue-heavy content.
- It’s probably not worth the greater cost to get a 5.1 soundbar if you don’t plan on watching or listening to content designed for surround sound.
While you’re at it, you might want to look into the pros and cons of soundbars vs bookshelf speakers. You may also want to read about more options, like in-wall vs. bookshelf speakers.
5.1 vs. 3.1 vs. 2.1 Soundbars – What’s the Difference?
- 2.1 Soundbar: Consists of two speakers (left and right) and a subwoofer. Ideal for smaller rooms and basic audio enhancement.
- 3.1 Soundbar: Adds a center channel for clearer dialogue, making it great for TV shows and movies. Includes left, right, and center speakers plus a subwoofer.
- 5.1 Soundbar: Expands to include rear speakers for a more immersive surround sound experience. Ideal for home theater setups and gaming.
3.1 soundbars were introduced several years ago as an upgrade to 2.0 and 2.1 soundbars, offering three channels of audio playback instead of stereo playback. More recently, 5.1 soundbars came on the market, offering five channels of high-quality audio and making them a good starting point for surround audio playback.
insider tip
Generally, 3.1 soundbars are great for dialogue-heavy content and are a good choice if that’s the kind of media you watch or listen to the most.
Currently, 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 models are all still widely available at various price points. However, there are differences in cost, performance quality, and usage between them. These are important to consider since not all users will benefit from or even want five-channel audio.
Performance
The biggest difference between 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 soundbars is the number of channels (and speakers) a soundbar has. 2.1 soundbars have two channels (left and right). All 3.1 soundbars feature 3 channels of audio, nominally considered stereo (left and right) and center. They’re designed specifically for the clearest reproduction of dialogue, making them great for dialogue-heavy content.
STAT: 5.1 sound was introduced by Kodak in 1990, but only in more recent years has it become common in home audio. (source)
Conversely, 5.1 soundbars feature 5 separate channels of audio, which include right and left surround channels. This makes them an excellent option as the top surround sound systems (though there are soundbars on the market with even more surround channels).
Theoretically, this makes audio quality on 5.1 models “better” because it’s more immersive. However, the quality of each channel isn’t better than comparable 3.1 models. If you’re not watching or listening to content designed for surround playback, the extra cost of 5.1 soundbars will be wasted. Still, the edge goes slightly to 5.1 models here.
Cost
The difference here is fairly straightforward; a 5.1 channel soundbar will generally be pricier, sometimes significantly so, than a comparable 2.1 or 3.1 soundbar, simply because it offers the extra functionality of surround sound. The cost of a “budget” 5.1 model will start at around $150, whereas budget 2.1 and 3.1 models can be found for well under $100.
warning
5.1 soundbars are designed for surround sound and aren’t worth the extra expense if you’re not planning on watching surround-capable content.
It’s well worth considering whether you’re going to use surround sound in the home before deciding between the two since those extra channels will significantly increase the price without upgrading the audio quality, per se.
Usage
Directly related to performance, the main difference between what you can use 2.1 or 3.1 soundbars and 5.1 soundbar for is that a 5.1 is the only one that can be set up for surround sound. Beyond that, 3.1 soundbars are explicitly designed for dialogue-heavy content, making them a little better for that purpose despite a 5.1’s larger number of channels.
It’s somewhat of a draw between the 3.1 and 5.1 here since it very much depends on your specific needs, but 3.1 probably has the edge since it’s the more general-purpose design.
3.1 vs. 5.1 for Gaming
If gaming is a priority or you’re looking to create an immersive home theater, a 5.1 soundbar is the better choice due to the added surround sound effect that enhances spatial audio. However, a 3.1 setup can still deliver impactful sound with clearer dialogue for story-driven games.
Best 5.1 Soundbar Under $500
- Roku Streambar Pro: Compact and feature-rich, with streaming capabilities.
- Polk Audio Signa S4: Affordable and great for movies and gaming.
- Vizio M-Series 5.1: Delivers Dolby Atmos support at a budget-friendly price.
Brand-Specific Recommendations
Bose
- Best 2.1: Bose Solo 5 – Compact with excellent voice clarity.
- Best 3.1: Bose Smart Soundbar 300 – Alexa-enabled, crisp audio.
- Best 5.1: Bose Soundbar 700 with Bass Module and Surround Speakers – Premium audio, rich bass.
LG
- Best 2.1: LG SN5Y – Affordable, DTS Virtual:X support.
- Best 3.1: LG SP7Y – Solid dialogue clarity and bass.
- Best 5.1: LG S90QY – Dolby Atmos and Meridian Audio.
Sonos
- Best 2.1: Sonos Ray – Compact and great for small spaces.
- Best 3.1: Sonos Beam Gen 2 – Dolby Atmos support, versatile for movies and music.
- Best 5.1: Sonos Arc – Expansive soundstage with rear speaker support.
JBL
- Best 2.1: JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass – Powerful bass, Bluetooth connectivity.
- Best 3.1: JBL Bar 300 – Compact, powerful center channel.
- Best 5.1: JBL Bar 5.1 Surround – Wireless subwoofer, rich surround sound.
Roku
- Best 2.1: Roku Streambar – Built-in streaming capabilities, budget-friendly.
- Best 3.1: Roku Smart Soundbar – Easy integration with Roku devices.
- Best 5.1: Roku Streambar Pro – Excellent for streaming and basic surround sound.
Klipsch
- Best 2.1: Klipsch Cinema 400 – Robust sound, dedicated subwoofer.
- Best 3.1: Klipsch Cinema 600 – Crisp dialogue, impactful bass.
- Best 5.1: Klipsch Cinema 1200 – Dolby Atmos, premium surround sound.
Polk
- Best 2.1: Polk Signa S2 – Great value, HDMI ARC support.
- Best 3.1: Polk MagniFi Mini AX – Compact, voice adjust feature.
- Best 5.1: Polk React Soundbar with Subwoofer and Rear Surrounds – Alexa-enabled, impressive surround experience.
