103

Vizio SB2020N-J6 Review

Kenn Muguna Avatar
Updated Dec 14, 2023 8:22 PM

True Score

77
75
2

Experts

84
1,448

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

The Vizio SB2020n J6 offers good value for its entry-level price point, but it compromises on good surround sound. It is a compact alternative that should satisfy anyone looking for a basic, compact sound output.

$46.99

We’re reader-supported. Commissions finance our mission. Our ‘True Score‘ system independently powers ratings. Learn more

Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

The Vizio SB2020n J6 is an entry-level soundbar with a 2-channel setup. It was first released in late 2021 and has a very small and compact design. Its sound profile is also well-balanced, and its vocal reproduction is also quite good.

The soundstage is not as wide because object sounds feel like they’re coming from a general area, and the soundbar doesn’t support audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, or Dolby Digital.

The best speakers for movie watching have a wider soundstage and support for Dolby Atmos content, as well as a subwoofer for a deep bass output.

The soundbar only has an Optical Audio in port and an AUX port. Its wireless playback options are also not as varied because it can only stream content through Bluetooth, not Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.

Check out our list of top-tier soundbars for alternatives that have much better wireless streaming.

Consensus

our Verdict

The compact, 2.0 channel Vizio SB2020n J6 offers well-detailed vocals and instrumentals prior to any adjustments, and while connectivity is limited to Bluetooth, the soundbar also doesn’t get very loud.

Its entry-level price point means it misses out on surround sound, and there isn’t any support for Dolby Digital, DTS, or Dolby Atmos.

Its soundstage is slightly wider than the bar, but there aren’t any center or surround channels that would add to its width and depth.

Input options are limited to an Optical Audio In and a 3.5mm Audio out, but latency is ultra-low, at a tested 50ms for its Optical connection, resulting in in-sync audio-visuals.

The SB2020n J6 is a basic soundbar that will appeal to users who want a simple source for their audio needs.

ReasonS to Buy

  • Compact size
  • Good soundstage
  • Simple setup
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Remote Compatibility
  • DTS:X enhancement
  • Sleek appearance

Reason to Avoid

  • No sound customization through an EQ or preset
  • Wireless connectivity is limited to Bluetooth
  • Limited port selection
  • No support for surround sound
  • Many popular audio formats are not supported

Vizio SB2020N-J6 Specs

Bluetooth EnabledBluetooth EnabledYes
DepthDepth4.4"
Dialogue Enhancement FeatureDialogue Enhancement FeatureYes
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, DTS Virtual:X, DTS:X
Voice AssistantVoice AssistantYes
Wall MountableWall MountableNo
WeightWeight3.7 lbs
WidthWidth20"
Wireless ConnectivityWireless ConnectivityBluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer ConnectivityWireless Subwoofer Connectivityna
Works WithWorks WithAmazon Alexa, Bluetooth, Google Assistant, Remote Control

All Specs

Like what you’re reading? Get trustworthy, transparent product reviews and the latest tech news delivered to your inbox every morning.

Product Comparison

Vizio SB2020N-J6 Review

True Score

77
77
80
78

Ranking

#

103

/

149

#

95

/

149

#

62

/

149

#

85

/

149

Market Context

The Vizio SB2020n J6 is an entry-level soundbar with a 2-channel setup. It was first released in late 2021 and has a very small and…

The Vizio SB2020n J6 is an entry-level soundbar with a 2-channel setup. It was first released in late 2021 and has a very small and compact design. Its sound profile is also well-balanced, and its vocal reproduction is also quite good.

The soundstage is not as wide because object sounds feel like they’re coming from a general area, and the soundbar doesn’t support audio formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS, or Dolby Digital.

The best speakers for movie watching have a wider soundstage and support for Dolby Atmos content, as well as a subwoofer for a deep bass output.

The soundbar only has an Optical Audio in port and an AUX port. Its wireless playback options are also not as varied because it can only stream content through Bluetooth, not Wi-Fi, Chromecast, or Apple AirPlay.

Check out our list of top-tier soundbars for alternatives that have much better wireless streaming.

The Vizio SB2020n J6 is a 2.1-channel sound system that includes a subwoofer, while the Vizio V Series V21-H8 does not ship with one. However,…

The Vizio SB2020n J6 is a 2.1-channel sound system that includes a subwoofer, while the Vizio V Series V21-H8 does not ship with one. However, the V21-H8 gets a lot louder than the Vizio SB2020n-J6, so the H8 is more suitable for listening in large gatherings. The H8 also supports both Dolby Digital and DTS, which the J6 does not.

The Vizio SB2020n J6 comes with a dialogue enhancement feature that is missing on the Vizio SB2020n-G6. On the flip side, the SB2020n-G6 ships with…

The Vizio SB2020n J6 comes with a dialogue enhancement feature that is missing on the Vizio SB2020n-G6. On the flip side, the SB2020n-G6 ships with a Digital Optical Cable, which does not ship with the SB2020n-J6. Feel free to check out our Vizio SB2020n G6 review to see what else it has in store.

The Vizio SB2020n J6 does not get as loud as the Sony HT-S100F, so this makes the HT-S100F more fit for listening in a loud…

The Vizio SB2020n J6 does not get as loud as the Sony HT-S100F, so this makes the HT-S100F more fit for listening in a loud gathering. The HT-S100F also has two HDMI ports, while in contrast, there aren’t any HDMI ports on the SB2020n J6.

Bluetooth Enabled

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Depth

4.4"

4.4"

3.5"

Dialogue Enhancement Feature

Yes

na

No

na, Yes

Energy Star Certified

Yes

n/a

Yes

No

HDMI ARC

No

Yes

No

Yes

Height

2.2"

40"

2.2"

2.5"

Number of Audio Channels

2.0

2.1

2.0

Subwoofer

Optional (sold separately)

Included

Optional (sold separately)

na, No

Dig Deeper

Vizio V21-H8 Review →

Vizio SB2020N-G6 Review →

Sony HT S100F Review →

All Stores

Updated every 24 hours

  • $46.99

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No
  • $96.44

    Availability

    In Stock

    Free Shipping

    No

Score Card

E

Expert Score

75

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

84

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

77

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    101.4

    Category Trust Rating

    56
    The Vizio SB2020n-J6 is middling for mixed usage. It’s a suitable choice for listeners of… Read More

    By:

    Jake Thauvette
  • CNET
    52.25

    Category Trust Rating

    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

Customer Scores