58

Vizio SB2020N-G6 Review

True Score

81
78
3

Experts

87
2,638

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The attractively priced Vizio SB2020n G6 offers low latency and clear vocals but not much else, making it a value only for the budget-conscious with minimal audio quality expectations. The narrow soundstage, missing Dolby Atmos, and uneven sound signature are big drawbacks.

$78.00

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Product Snapshot

Overview

The Vizio SB2020n G6 is a basic 2-channel soundbar first made available in late 2019. The soundbar is one of the best speakers for buyers who are short on space because it is very compact, measuring only 20 inches wide.

Still, its soundstage isn’t as wide enough. Its lack of support for Dolby Digital and missing subwoofer may also scare movie lovers away, but it does come with an auto-off power-saving feature, which is also common among the best soundbars in the industry.

The Vizio soundbar ships with a Digital Optical Cable for added convenience, but it is limited to Bluetooth for Wireless playback. This means users looking to stream audio content through Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, or Apple AirPlay will have to look elsewhere.

Its selection of inputs is limited to an Optical Audio In port, an AUX port for old devices, and a USB port.

Consensus

our Verdict

The Vizio SB2020n G6 misses out on all HDMI inputs, restricting connectivity options to an Optical-in for TVs, while audio connections include Bluetooth, an audio jack, and USB. Audio is disturbance-free, and the tested latency via Optical cable is impressive (64ms).

The marginally wide soundstage, coupled with no surround channels, results in minimal immersion, especially during intense action sequences, and the lack of Dolby Atmos and a subwoofer further compounds this issue.

Nevertheless, its bass injects some thump, and mids are accurate for good dialogue delivery, although the dark treble reduces overall clarity. You get an EQ-enabled remote and an average all-plastic build.

While input commands respond well, the bar only offers two EQ presets (music and movie) and lacks compatibility with the Vizio Smartcast app for streamlined control access.

Reason to Buy

  • Crackle-free audio
  • Low latency
  • Accurate mids (clear dialogues)
  • EQ-enabled remote
  • Average build

Reason to Avoid

  • Limited connectivity options (no HDMI)
  • Somewhat narrow soundstage
  • No surround channels
  • No Dolby Atmos
  • Lacks a subwoofer
  • Dark treble
  • Limited EQ presets
  • No app compatibility

Vizio SB2020N-G6 Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth4.4"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureNo
Energy Star CertifiedEnergy Star CertifiedYes
HDMI ARCHDMI ARCNo
HeightHeight2.2"
Number of Audio ChannelsNumber of Audio Channels2.0
SubwooferSubwooferOptional (sold separately)
Surround Sound SupportedSurround Sound SupportedDTS TruVolume
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantNo
Wall MountableWall MountableNo
WeightWeight3.7 lbs
WidthWidth20"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer Connectivityna
Works WithWorks WithBluetooth, Remote Control

All Specs

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Product Comparison

Vizio SB2020N-G6 Review

TCL Alto 5 Review

True Score

81
77
62
NR

Ranking

#

58

/

149

#

106

/

149

#

145

/

149

#

/

Market Context

The Vizio SB2020n G6 is a basic 2-channel soundbar first made available in late 2019. The soundbar is one of the best speakers for buyers…

The Vizio SB2020n G6 is a basic 2-channel soundbar first made available in late 2019. The soundbar is one of the best speakers for buyers who are short on space because it is very compact, measuring only 20 inches wide.

Still, its soundstage isn’t as wide enough. Its lack of support for Dolby Digital and missing subwoofer may also scare movie lovers away, but it does come with an auto-off power-saving feature, which is also common among the best soundbars in the industry.

The Vizio soundbar ships with a Digital Optical Cable for added convenience, but it is limited to Bluetooth for Wireless playback. This means users looking to stream audio content through Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, or Apple AirPlay will have to look elsewhere.

Its selection of inputs is limited to an Optical Audio In port, an AUX port for old devices, and a USB port.

While the Vizio SB2020n G6 and the Vizio SB2020n J6 appear very similar in design, the SB2020n G6 includes a Digital Optical Cable, while the…

While the Vizio SB2020n G6 and the Vizio SB2020n J6 appear very similar in design, the SB2020n G6 includes a Digital Optical Cable, while the SB2020n J6 does not. However, the SB2020n J6 has a dialogue enhancement feature, which is missing on the SB2020n G6. If you’re interested, feel free to find out what else the J6 has to offer by going through our Vizio SB2020n J6 review.

Even though the Vizio SB2020n G6 and the TCL Alto 5 are both 2-channel speakers, the Alto 5 can be connected to other satellite speakers…

Even though the Vizio SB2020n G6 and the TCL Alto 5 are both 2-channel speakers, the Alto 5 can be connected to other satellite speakers while the G6 cannot. The Alto 5 also has a dialogue enhancement setting that is missing on the G6; however, the Vizio soundbar can auto-adjust its volume when switched to night mode, something the Alto 5 cannot do.

A few of the differences between the Vizio SB2020n G6 and the Vizio SB3220n F6 are that, unlike the G6, the F6 can be wall…

A few of the differences between the Vizio SB2020n G6 and the Vizio SB3220n F6 are that, unlike the G6, the F6 can be wall mounted, and the F6 also has a wider soundstage compared to the G6. The most significant difference is in their max volume since the F6 can get much louder than the G6.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

4.4"

4.4"

3.3"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

No

Yes

Yes

Energy Star Certified

Yes

Yes

n/a, No

HDMI ARC

No

No

No

Height

2.2"

2.2"

2.6"

Number of Audio Channels

2.0

2.0

Subwoofer

Optional (sold separately)

Optional (sold separately)

Optional (sold separately)

Dig Deeper

Vizio SB2020N-J6 Review →

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  • $78.00

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    Yes
  • Availability

    Free Shipping

Score Card

E

Expert Score

78

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

87

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

81

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    103

    Category Trust Score

    53
    The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is disappointing for mixed use. This soundbar is more suited for a… read more

    By:

    Jake Thauvette
  • CNET
    54.51

    Category Trust Score

    74
    The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is an enjoyable and easy-to-use sound bar but it’s worth spending more… read more

    By:

    Ty Pendlebury
  • Consumer Reports
    40.86

    Category Trust Score

    NR
    The Vizio SB2020N-G6 is part of the Soundbars test program at Consumer Reports. In our… read more

    By:

    Unknown

Customer Score Breakdown

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