Kenn is a writer that’s fascinated by all things tech. Having been born curious about how everything works, he spends his time taking things apart to put them back together, and shares what he finds out through writing.
The budget-friendly Vizio V21-H8 soundbar offers an immersive experience with a boomy sound profile. Clear vocals, audio-visual sync, and four EQ presets enhance dialogue-focused content, however, it doesn’t suport Atmos content and distorts at max volume.
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 V21 H8 is an entry-level soundbar that was released in mid-2020. It offers four EQ presets to choose from, and even though its soundstage is wide enough for users to enjoy three-dimensional sound, the best speakers in the industry allow for more customization with graphic EQs that have up to 7 presets. Also worth noting is that the V21 H8 supports audio formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS:X, but misses out on higher-end formats such as Dolby Atmos.
The Vizio H8 has a fairly decent port selection, consisting of one Optical Audio In port, one HDMI ARC port, and an Analog AUX port. In contrast, the best soundbars have about three or four HDMI ports, and they allow for wireless playback through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay, while the H8 is limited to just Bluetooth.
Consensus
our Verdict
The budget-friendly Vizio V Series V21-H8 soundbar features a boomy sound profile that offers an immersive movie-watching or music-listening experience. Its low latency ensures that audio and visuals stay in sync, and it also reproduces vocals quite clearly, so listeners will be able to hang on to every word when listening to podcasts or other dialogue-focused content.
However, the soundbar has a 2.1 setup, so it’ll have to downmix surround sound content. This also boils over to its soundstage, as its 2.1 channel setup makes it sound only as wide as the bar. Nonetheless, it offers four EQ presets for sound customization, and it is compatible with Google Assistant, Alexa, and Siri if connected to a third-party device through its AUX port.
ReasonS to Buy
Great sound quality with a boomy sound profile
The H8 offers great sound quality with a boomy sound profile, without any distortion, but there are other alternatives that have even clearer vocal and instrumental reproduction.
Impressive 50Hz to 20KHz frequency range
The H8 has a wide frequency range for accurate sound reproduction and a clean, pure sound, placing it in the top 30% of its category in this regard.
Gets as loud as 95dB
The H8 gets loud enough to fill most rooms, with a max volume setting of 95 dB. This makes it among the loudest picks in its category, but unfortunately, there is a bit of distortion that occurs when listening at max volume.
Great latency for in-sync audiovisuals
Video content is very well synchronized with audio content on the Vizio V21 H8, as the soundbar has an impressive 59ms sound latency. This is, however, average compared to other soundbars that it is classified with.
Works with smart home services
The H8 can be configured to use voice commands issued through voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Siri, but only if connected to a third party device.
Reason to Avoid
Limited Wireless Connectivity
The H8 soundbar only features Bluetooth connectivity and cannot connect to devices through WiFi.
Distortion at max volume
The sound gets distorted when listened to at max volume.
Vizio V21-H8 Specs
Bluetooth Enabled
Yes
Depth
–
Dialogue Enhancement Feature
na
Energy Star Certified
n/a
HDMI ARC
Yes
Height
40"
Number of Audio Channels
2.1
Subwoofer
Included
Surround Sound Supported
–
Voice Assistant
–
Wall Mountable
na
Weight
4.6 lbs
Width
36"
Wireless Connectivity
Bluetooth
Wireless Subwoofer Connectivity
–
Works With
–
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Soundbars based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Low End Roll Off (Hz)
62.586
High End Roll Off (Hz)
12,901.592
Max Volume Test (db)
95.4
Latency (ms)
59
THD @ 80dB
0.45
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Soundbars based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
Can You Trust What You Read Online?
Fake reviews are taking over tech journalism—45% of sites are faking product tests. Don’t be misled.
Sign up now for exclusive access to Gadget Review’s bombshell investigation and uncover the truth about tech journalism.
Plus, stay ahead with our daily newsletter, packed with insights you can trust.
The Vizio V21 H8 is an entry-level soundbar that was released in mid-2020. It offers four EQ presets to choose from, and even though its…
The Vizio V21 H8 is an entry-level soundbar that was released in mid-2020. It offers four EQ presets to choose from, and even though its soundstage is wide enough for users to enjoy three-dimensional sound, the best speakers in the industry allow for more customization with graphic EQs that have up to 7 presets. Also worth noting is that the V21 H8 supports audio formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS:X, but misses out on higher-end formats such as Dolby Atmos.
The Vizio H8 has a fairly decent port selection, consisting of one Optical Audio In port, one HDMI ARC port, and an Analog AUX port. In contrast, the best soundbars have about three or four HDMI ports, and they allow for wireless playback through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay, while the H8 is limited to just Bluetooth.
The Vizio V21 H8 is a 2.1-channel soundbar that gets slightly louder than the Vizio V21x J8; however, the J8 features an AUX port that…
The Vizio V21 H8 is a 2.1-channel soundbar that gets slightly louder than the Vizio V21x J8; however, the J8 features an AUX port that can be used to connect other devices. You can see what else the J8 has to offer by reading through our Vizio V21x J8 review.
The Vizio V21 H8’s surround sound performance is nowhere as good as that of the Sonos Arc, and this is because the H8 is a…
The Vizio V21 H8’s surround sound performance is nowhere as good as that of the Sonos Arc, and this is because the H8 is a 2.1-channel soundbar while the Sonos arc boasts a 5.0.2-channel setup. The Sonos also supports Dolby Atmos and works with voice assistants, two more advantages it has over the V21 H8.
While the Vizio V21 H8 ships with a subwoofer, the Vizio M21d-H8R does not include one, and as a result, the H8’s sound profile has…
While the Vizio V21 H8 ships with a subwoofer, the Vizio M21d-H8R does not include one, and as a result, the H8’s sound profile has considerably more bass depth compared to the H8R. Another difference is that the H8 gets louder than the H8R at max volume.
