Choosing a new soundbar can be difficult. Should I go for a 2.1 channel or a 5.1? What are the differences, and which one is right for me? Even enthusiasts get overwhelmed by these seemingly easy numbers, so in this post, we will break down all the differences.
What is a 2.1 Channel Soundbar?
A 2.1-channel soundbar comes with two speakers – normally left and right channels and a subwoofer. This option is the most basic one as it allows for much better sound quality as compared to the speakers found on the TV.
Another example of a 2.1 channel is just a simple set of speakers that you see in the market; these speakers have a left and right unit and deliver stereo sound.
What is a 5.1 Channel Soundbar?
A 5.1-channel soundbar normally comes with five speakers. You get front right, front left, front center, surround right, and surround left. 5.1 channel soundbars deliver the most immersive sound experience. However, more speakers do not always mean better sound quality.
In a 5.1-channel soundbar, there are two main channels: front and surround. The front channels are the main speakers that direct sound to the listener, whereas the surround speakers are placed at the sides or the rear of the room, which allows the listener to have a more surrounding, immersive experience.
With more speakers in the 5.1 channel soundbar, you do not get a louder volume, but instead, you get a better, enhanced sound experience that delivers better immersion. Some 5.1-soundbars or speaker systems are virtual surrounds rather than true sound; these soundbars do not have additional speakers but they simulate the sound by using electrical components. As a result, the sound does feel like surround but it does suffer from a loss in quality.
We also have integrated 5.1-channel soundbars. In this system, you are looking at the surround speakers being integrated inside the soundbar itself and the subwoofer being a separate unit. This configuration is arranged in the surround left, left, center, surround right, and right speaker in the soundbar itself, and the subwoofer is separate.
Then we have soundbars like the Devialet Dione, in which the subwoofer, surround speakers, and front speakers are all packaged into a single unit. Devialet Dione and other similar soundbars are extremely expensive but they do deliver a premium sound at the same time.
5.1 channel soundbars may not always be the best solution for larger rooms, as the sound can have a harder time bouncing off the walls, causing the sound waves to get lost.
What Do Digits Mean in Channels?
When you are shopping for a soundbar or a speaker system, you often run into digits or channels. They start from 2.1 channel, 5.1, 7.1 and sometimes more numbers than the normal range. What do these digits mean? Let’s break it down.
- The first number is the number of channels or speakers in your soundbar.
- The second refers to the number of subwoofers included in the unit.
What Does the Extra Digit Mean in a 5.1 Soundbar?
There are times when a 5.1-channel soundbar has an additional number. These numbers are like 5.1.4. In a 5.1.4 soundbar, you get extra speakers that fire the sound upwards, making it bounce off the ceiling and creating a 3D surround sound.
5.1.4 channel soundbars are frequently more expensive than their 5.1 channel counterparts and may not be the best option in all circumstances.
What is Dolby Atmos in a Soundbar?
Some soundbars have Dolby Atmos technology implemented in them. These soundbars have upward-firing speakers that fire the sound toward the roof and allow it to bounce back to the listener, creating a more cinematic experience.
What is the Difference Between a 2.1 or 5.1-Channel Soundbar and Home Theater?
Whether you are buying a soundbar or a home theater system, channels are something that you are going to come across. So, what is the difference between a 2.1 or 5.1-channel soundbar and a home theater? The answer is a lot simpler.
The soundbars, in most cases, have all the speakers in the same unit. However, the same is not applicable to home theater systems, as a home theater system will have speakers separately.
So, a 2.1-channel home theater will have two speakers and a separate subwoofer, all placed separately instead of being in the same unit.
2.1 vs 5.1-Channel Soundbar – Which One Should I Pick Up
“If you are trying to pick the right soundbar for yourself, the choice ultimately comes down to your preference. For a more immersive sound experience, a 5.1 soundbar is better. However, if you are on a budget, then a 2.1 soundbar could potentially deliver a similar experience.
Both soundbars are going to be inherently better than the speakers on your TV.
also, read what is the difference between the 2.1 and 3.1 soundbars.
I’m Shaun Conroy, an audiophile & founder of HiFi Audios. Holding a Bachelor’s in Sound Engineering, I bring deep expertise in audio devices and offer insights & recommendations to fellow enthusiasts.
