Looking for the best soundbar for projectors? Aim for one that delivers an immersive experience with crystal-clear dialogue. But watch out—the market is flooded with low-quality and fake expert reviews. Believe it or not, 91% of reviewers never actually test the soundbars they talk about, leading you to possibly make a costly mistake. That’s where we come in. We rigorously test over 140 soundbars, ensuring they’re genuinely worth it. Then, we narrow it down to the top 3, using our True Score system that combines real test data with expert and user feedback. Our comprehensive approach ensures that you get the best soundbar that enhances your projector setup and stands out in overall performance and value.
Here are the top 3 best soundbars for projectors from $251.00-$1270.00 for any budget and use.
How Did We Rank the Best Soundbars for Projectors?
We’ve redefined soundbar buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach leverages a comprehensive dataset from 200+ trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics (2 required, 2 nice to have) and 3 specifications to rank the top-rated best soundbar for projectors and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
🛠️ Minimum Specifications
- Must have an advanced equalizer
- Must have Dolby Atmos
- Must have subwoofer (independent)
🧪 Test Criteria
- Total Harmonic Distortion: A total harmonic distortion (THD) below 0.7% at 80 decibels to guarantee high-fidelity audio reproduction without unwanted frequencies.
- Volume Output: The soundbar should be able to deliver a powerful and immersive sound performance, exceeding 91 decibels in volume output.
👍 “Nice To Haves”
- Latency: With a latency under 100 milliseconds, it ensures minimal delay in data transmission or audio processing.
- Low-End Roll Off: A low-end roll-off of <45 Hz to ensure there is plenty of thump and rumble in the bass to enhance your music or movie-watching experience.
We’ve redefined Bluetooth speaker buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach leverages a comprehensive dataset from over 200 trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics (2 required, 2 nice to have) and 1 specification to rank the top-rated office chairs and ensure our recommendations meet your specific needs. Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
Latest Updates
- 04/03/2024: Published the list of the best soundbars for projectors based on our True Score system.
Top Soundbars for Projectors For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
In order to be featured on our list, a soundbar for projector must adhere to our rigorous standards for audio performance and quality. Failure to meet these criteria will result in exclusion from the list.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung HW-Q800A
Best For Gaming
Offering great value, the Samsung HW-Q800A pairs well with projectors, delivering robust sound and clear audio across volumes with HDMI ARC for easy integration, ideal for budget-conscious cinema enthusiasts.
True Score
88888Experts
93572Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $748$999.99$251.99Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Highly accurate sound quality.
- Clear, accurate vocals
- Smart features/connectivity
- Low latency
- Thumpy bass output
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor surround sound experience
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 4.5" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Energy Star Certified No Equalizer Settings Advanced HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.4" Number of Audio Channels 3.1.2 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X, DTS:X Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 29.5 lbs Width 38.6" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, SmartThings Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 34.62 High End Roll Off (Hz) 17.22k Max Volume Test (db) 95.1 Latency (ms) 31 THD @ 80dB 0.4 All Retailers
$251.99$1,000Save $748
$427.97
$499.00$900Save $401
Our Verdict
If you’re on a budget and looking for an easy way to bring room-filling sound to your projector setup, the Samsung HW-Q800A is the way to go. Thanks to its support for HDMI ARC, connecting the soundbar and projector is a snap, and helps you cut down on cable clutter by using a single HDMI cable.
It can also put out 95.1 dB, making it excellent for filling any space with rich, dynamic sound, ensuring that audio from films, games, or live performances is delivered with clarity and depth. This soundbar’s total harmonic distortion is also impressively low at just 0.40, meaning that even at high volumes, the sound remains crisp and undistorted, perfectly complementing the visual prowess of your projector. It’s not as loud or as clear as the other projectors on our list, but it’s also several hundred dollars less, and is only barely trailing the more premium options.
The sound profile of the HW-Q800A makes it great for just about any kind of content you throw at it. Its low-end roll-off at 34.62 Hz guarantees robust bass, adding a visceral impact to explosions and percussion instruments, while its high-end roll-off at 17221.56 Hz ensures that the finer details in the soundtrack are crisply conveyed, especially the fine details around heavy cymbal work.
If you use your project as a way to play games on a much bigger “screen”, the low latency of just 31 ms is wonderful. It’s low enough to keep audio and projected visuals in perfect sync, with basically no perceptible delay. However, if you’re a gamer chasing the smallest amount of latency possible, the HW-Q900T (also by Samsung) offers up better latency and more volume at the cost of a couple hundred dollars and an earlier top-end roll off.
The HW-Q800A is an excellent choice for projector enthusiasts looking for a soundbar that offers both quality audio performance and convenient features like HDMI ARC and wireless connectivity, all while ensuring an immersive, clutter-free home theater environment. It’s got a robust enough sound profile to handle any kind of content, and it comes at a price that’s impossible to beat.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung HW-Q950A
The Samsung HW-Q950A enhances projector setups with exceptional audio quality, deep bass, and crisp highs, facilitated by HDMI ARC and wireless options for a seamless, high-end home theater experience.
True Score
88908Experts
915kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$1,060.92Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive sound quality
- Immersive surround performance
- Incredible voice clarity
- Good bass response
- Excellent connectivity and smart integration
Reasons to Avoid
- The app has limited control
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 5.4" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Energy Star Certified No Equalizer Settings Advanced HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.7" Number of Audio Channels 11.1.4 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS:X Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 44.3 lbs Width 48.5" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, NFC, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, SmartThings Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 35.13 High End Roll Off (Hz) 13.28k Max Volume Test (db) 98.8 Latency (ms) 80 THD @ 80dB 0.18 All Retailers
- $1,060.92
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q950A brings excellent sound quality, punchy volume and crystal clear audio into your home theater. It simplifies the connection process thanks to its HDMI ARC support, which allows for a straightforward, single-cable connection between the soundbar and projector.
Boasting a maximum volume of 98.8 dB and a remarkably low total harmonic distortion of just 0.18, the HW-Q950A fills any room with clear, powerful sound, perfectly complementing the expansive visuals from your projector. Moments that look big and hit hard will also sound that way, thanks to its low-end roll-off at 35.13 Hz, which delivers deep bass. The high-end roll-off at 13279.64 Hz also captures the subtle details in the soundtrack, ensuring a fully immersive viewing and listening experience.
If you’d rather go wireless, the Q950A’s wireless connectivity options facilitate a sleek setup free from the clutter of excessive cables, ideal for maintaining the aesthetic of your home theater. The low latency of 80 ms guarantees good audio-visual sync, essential for an uninterrupted entertainment experience, whether you’re watching movies, streaming live concerts, or gaming.
Overall, the Samsung HW-Q950A is a premium priced addition to your projector-based home theater setup, offering rich, detailed audio that elevates the visual experience. Its blend of high-quality sound, minimal distortion, loud top volume, convenient HDMI ARC support, and wireless connectivity make it a superior choice for – as long as money is no object. If, instead, you’re looking to get similar performance on a budget at the cost of volume, distortion and features, the HW-Q800A is over a thousand dollars cheaper and still an excellent choice.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung HW Q900T
Perfect for gamers using projectors, the Samsung HW-Q900T boasts ultra-low latency, powerful volume, and deep bass, with HDMI ARC for simple setup, though limited in high-frequency clarity.
True Score
82823Experts
88227Customers
Absolutely Fresh
$897.95Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- “High-quality, versatile sound “
- Great voice clarity
- Deep and accurate bass
- Many smart features and wireless connectivity
- Outstanding latency
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited surround and height performance
- Frustrating display
Specifications
Bluetooth Enabled Yes Depth 5.4" Dialogue Enhancement Feature Yes Energy Star Certified Yes Equalizer Settings Advanced HDMI ARC Yes Height 2.7" Number of Audio Channels 7.1.2 Subwoofer Included Surround Sound Supported Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS Digital Surround, DTS:X Voice Assistant Amazon Alexa Wall Mountable Yes Weight 37.3 lbs Width 48" Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity Yes Works With Amazon Alexa, SmartThings Test Results
Low End Roll Off (Hz) 34.62 High End Roll Off (Hz) 8.99k Max Volume Test (db) 99.5 Latency (ms) 13 THD @ 80dB 0.18 All Retailers
- $897.95
- $897.95$1,300Save $402
Our Verdict
If you’re rounding out a projector-based home theater and are looking for a way to get fantastic audio from your games, the Samsung HW-Q900T is absolutely the way to go. Its exceptionally low latency of 13 ms is unparalleled by other soundbars on our list, ensuring that the audio remains perfectly in sync with the visuals, crucial for maintaining immersion in fast-paced action sequences like intense firefights in FPS games. Its wireless connectivity not only offers flexibility in placement but also contributes to a cleaner, more organized home theater setup – or you can take advantage of its HDMI-ARC capability and turn a mess of cables into a single HDMI cord.
The Q900T also delivers peak volume of 99.5 dB, making it an excellent choice for large spaces, especially if you’re seeking an immersive, theater-like audio environment at home. Coupled with a total harmonic distortion of just 0.18, it delivers clean, undistorted sound across all volume levels, complementing the visual spectacle provided by your projector with equally impressive audio performance.
The soundbar’s audio prowess is further highlighted by its low-end roll-off at 34.62 Hz, which allows it to reproduce deep and impactful bass. This feature enhances the realism of action-packed scenes and musical depth, providing a physical dimension to the audio that matches the visual grandeur of projector images. However, its high-end roll-off starting at 8992.01 Hz limits the reproduction of the highest frequencies, which makes the soundbar less attractive to audiophiles hoping for incredible treble performance. If you’re looking to get a much more well-rounded experience that sacrifices an imperceptible amount of volume, the premium HW-950A is a much better choice, but it’s also much more expensive.
Still, the Samsung HW-Q900T is an excellent match for gamers and projector enthusiasts seeking a mid-range soundbar that doesn’t compromise on power or clarity. Its blend of high-volume capability, minimal distortion, and convenient features like HDMI ARC and wireless connectivity make it a comprehensive, immersive home entertainment system without a big ticket price.
Did you know 92% of soundbar reviewers are
untrustworthy?
Our research found 10 of 122 soundbar reviewers as of April 2024 can be trusted. To do this, we give every soundbar review site a Trust Score, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Score with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
391,328Soundbar Reviews Analyzed
151
Total Products Analyzed
Our Approach to Evaluating Soundbars for Projector
We’ve redefined soundbar buying guides, setting us apart from any other site on the planet. Our unique approach uses a comprehensive dataset from trusted sites, focusing on key testing metrics like volume output, total harmonic distortion, latency, and low end roll off.
We aggregate and analyze data to ensure our recommendations align with specific needs. Particularly concerning soundbars, this entails selecting models that offer exceptional audio quality for watching movies, TV shows or playing video games. Explore our data-driven approach for accurate and dependable soundbar recommendations.
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Soundbars for Projector?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required, 2 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these soundbars and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a soundbar that will sound great.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Harmonic Distortion | < 0.7 | Yes | The amount of distortion introduced by the soundbar when it processes an audio signal at a given volume (typically 80, 85 or maximum dB output.) |
| Max Volume | > 91 dB | Yes | The maximum volume that a soundbar reaches when it’s output it turned up to 100%. |
| Latency | < 100 ms | No (nice to have) | The time it takes for a soundbar to process audio signal from a source and output it through the speakers. |
| Low End Roll Off | < 45 Hz | No (nice to have) | The point at which bass begins to sharply fall below the target response point on a frequency response graph, making harder to hear. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
(Publication category Score is 80%+)
We looked at 120+ soundbar reviewers and while 10 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Score), we only use data from the testers that are “very trusted” which means a Trust Score above 70%. The three we have listed below are our most trusted for soundbars.
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every soundbar review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Scores from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Soundbars Test Data & Results
1. total harmonic distortion test result
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) measures the fidelity of soundbars by indicating the percentage of unwanted harmonics added to the original audio. A THD under 0.7 ensures minimal distortion, critical for preserving audio quality across music, movies and games. This low distortion level enhances clarity, maintains detail, and ensures a high-fidelity listening experience, crucial for understanding dialogues, appreciating music nuances, and immersing in game sounds.
We believe soundbars should have less than 0.7% THD because this helps confirm their ability to accurately reproduce a wide range of audio without perceptible distortion. We say “perceptible” because it’s impossible to remove all distortion, but you can reduce it to the point it’s impossible to notice. Low THD also helps improve your comfort by preventing fatigue during extended use, making it an essential for anyone that marathons movies, games or music.
harmonic distortion
< 0.7
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The amount of distortion that exists in an audio signal when it is played back at a target volume.
Units of Measurement: None or %
Tools to Measure: Audio Analyzer
Why It’s Important:
High levels of distortion ruin audio quality. Keeping distortion low helps keep music accurate and high-fidelity.
Total Harmonic Distortion (lower is better)
2. max volume test result
Maximum volume is the easiest aspect of a soundbar to understand: it’s just how loud the soundbar itself will actually get. What’s less clear is why a soundbar getting loud is so important. While higher max volumes give you the ability the fill rooms with sound or use a soundbar as makeshift party speakers, they’re also responsible for helping ensure that audio stays clear when listening at normal listening levels.
This is commonly referred to as “headroom”, and having enough headroom on a soundbar means that the soundbar is able to play back sounds at a high enough level (and with good enough clarity) that the volume level you’ll normally listen to music, movies or games with will sound perfectly clear and distortion free. We recommend your soundbar have no less than 91 dB of maximum volume and the higher you go, the better your soundbar is at filling larger and larger rooms.
max volume
>91 dB
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The maximum volume that a soundbar is able to hit when the output is turned all the way up.
Units of Measurement: dB (Decibels)
Tools to Measure: Sound level or decibel meter
Why It’s Important:
Max volume is how you ensure you’ve got enough volume to fill large rooms and helps ensure clarity at normal listening levels.
Max Volume (in dB; higher is better)
3. latency test result
latency
< 100 ms
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: Time it takes for the soundbar to process and produce the sound it receives from the source
Units of Measurement: milliseconds (ms)
Tools to Measure: Software
Why It’s Important:
Long delays create mismatches between audio and video, which breaks immersion and frustrates gamers.
Large amounts of latency create problems when trying to sync up audio and video. While you’ve got a bit of wiggle room with how much of a delay can exist between the audio that comes out of your soundbar and the images on your TV, it’s not a ton. If there’s too much latency the mismatch starts to become obvious, and people start looking like they stopped talking while dialogue is still playing. This is especially concerning for gamers, who rely on audio and video to sync up well enough that the footprints you hear around the corner are accurately getting closer.
It’s for these reasons we recommend a latency less than 100 ms. For most content, this is a low enough delay that any mismatch is going to be largely unnoticed. If you’re a highly competitive gamer and don’t want to do calibration out of the box to line up the A/V, the lowest latency you can find is going to work best. For music and moves, though, 100 ms or less will work great.
Latency (in milliseconds; lower is better)
4. Low end roll off test result
When it comes to getting the most bass you can out of your soundbar, low-end roll off is a great indicator of just how deep the bass on it can get. If a soundbar doesn’t have a roll off that starts deep enough into the bass part of the audio spectrum, then it’ll result in quiet or even absent bass, which removes most of the punch and impact of not only music, but also movies and video games. the longer it takes bass to roll off, the better.
When it comes to most soundbars for most use cases, we recommend a roll off that doesn’t start until at least 45 Hz, but it only gets better the further you go down. It’s worth noting that the roll off will only get so low, so don’t expect to find soundbars hitting the teens for roll off, but it isn’t uncommon for very bass-forward options to hit 30 Hz before roll off starts. By aiming for at least 45 Hz, you have a much better chance of getting the deep, rumbling bass you’re looking for out of your music, movies or games.
Low end roll off
< 45 Hz
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: The point at which bass begins to sharply decline and becomes rapidly inaudible.
Units of Measurement: Hz (Hertz)
Tools to Measure: Oscilloscope
Why It’s Important:
If bass takes longer to start rolling off, it’ll generally be more present in the audible parts of the audio spectrum put out by a soundbar, giving sound “punch” and “depth.”
Low end roll off (in Hz; lower is better)
Best Soundbars for Projector: Mistakes To Avoid
- Neglecting Connectivity Options: One common mistake is overlooking the compatibility and connectivity options between your projector and the soundbar. Ensure that the soundbar you choose has the necessary inputs to connect to your projector. Common connection options include HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth. Additionally, consider whether you need features like wireless connectivity or compatibility with streaming devices to enhance your viewing experience. Learning how to connect a soundbar properly can significantly impact your audio-visual experience, ensuring seamless integration with your projector.
- Ignoring Room Acoustics: Another mistake is failing to consider the acoustics of the room where you’ll be using the soundbar and projector setup. The size and layout of the room can significantly impact sound quality. For instance, larger rooms may require a soundbar with more powerful drivers and a larger subwoofer to fill the space with immersive sound. Conversely, smaller rooms may benefit from a more compact soundbar to avoid overpowering the space. Take measurements of your room and consider factors like furniture placement and wall materials to choose a soundbar that delivers balanced audio throughout the room. Furthermore, proper soundbar placement is crucial for optimal sound distribution and clarity. Whether it’s below the projector screen or mounted on the wall, positioning can greatly enhance your listening experience.
- Underestimating Audio Performance: Don’t compromise on audio performance for aesthetics or price, especially if you are looking for the best soundbar for music. While sleek design and affordability are important factors, the primary function of a soundbar is to enhance your viewing experience with high-quality sound. Pay attention to factors like frequency response, driver size, and audio processing technologies to ensure that the soundbar delivers clear dialogue, immersive sound effects, and deep bass. Reading reviews and listening to demos can help you gauge the audio performance of different models before making a decision.
- Forgetting Future Compatibility: Lastly, don’t overlook the importance of future compatibility when choosing a soundbar for your projector setup. Technology evolves rapidly, and your audio setup should be able to adapt to future advancements. Look for soundbars with features like firmware updates, expandable connectivity options, and compatibility with emerging audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Investing in a soundbar that can grow with your needs will save you from having to upgrade prematurely. If you want a truly immersive audio experience, consider integrating the best in ceiling speakers with your soundbar and projector setup.
The Best Soundbar for Projector Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Low End Roll Off
|
High End Roll Off
|
Max Volume Test
|
Latency
|
THD @ 80dB
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
|  $251.99 $1,000 $748 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
|
|  $1,060.92 |
| 82 |
|
|
|
|
| $897.95 |
