Vizio is a renowned brand for manufacturing quality soundbars for home theater. The Vizio soundbars deliver an immersive audio experience and are an excellent replacement for your existing TV speakers, and keep releasing different soundbar lines and models with the latest features to keep the graph high.
M-series and V series are two soundbar lines introduced by Vizio, each with unique features, which may sometimes make it difficult to choose one. If you’re looking to optimize your sound experience further, you might want to check out the best Vizio soundbar settings. Let’s compare the two series in general and look into different models of these series to find out which one is better.
Which One’s Better?
Vizio M-series Soundbars are a better option for a better and more immersive sound experience. The M-Series soundbars are a bit expensive compared to their competitors; however, most soundbars from this series support high-end audio formats, provide virtual surround sound, and even come with a height channel to create a 360-degree sound effect.
Furthermore, these M-series soundbars have a better sound signature with enhanced, impactful bass and cover almost all frequency ranges, which makes them suitable for playing any kind of music.
Let’s look into a detailed comparison of the two series.
Vizio M-Series Vs. V-Series
Audio Quality:
Most M-series soundbars have more speakers, which can go up to 11, which allows them to have a better sound response than the V-Series soundbars. M-Series soundbars have a decent bass which goes down to 45 Hz, creating a thumping bass frequency to complement the clear mids and highs. These soundbars are suitable for playing music of all frequency ranges and perform well at higher volumes.
The M-series also supports high-end audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, which provides an unbeatable listening experience.
On the other hand, V-Series soundbars have lesser speakers, i.e., up to 6 speakers at most, compared to its competitor. These soundbars are great for a decent upgrade to the existing TV speakers and a good option for smaller rooms, but not a better choice if you’re looking for an immersive audio experience.
Most models come with a wireless subwoofer, just like the M-series; however, the frequency range of this series’ subwoofer goes down to 50 Hz. With this frequency range, the subwoofer can deliver a decent bass; however, the audio may start glitching or cracking for songs with heavy bass.
In addition, it doesn’t support high-end audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X; instead, it comes with virtual sound enhancement technology like DTS Virtual: X, and DTS TruVolume, which creates an immersive listening experience for the user.
So, in most cases, M-Series Soundbars have a better audio response than V-Series.
Frequency Range:
The average frequency range of M-series Soundbars is about 45 Hz- 20 KHz, which means they can support and deliver all types of audio and music content with clarity and precision.
On the contrary, the V-Series have a frequency range of 50Hz-20 KHz, which also covers most frequency audios; however, the audio with heavy bass content lacks clarity in V-series Speakers.
Connectivity:
Almost all M-series soundbars support HDMI ARC connection type, which is a win-win in every situation. These connections have a faster data transmission rate, and higher bandwidth to support high-end audio formats, comes with an audio return channel allowing the audio/video signals to travel in both direction, and has an amazing feature CEC, which allows the user to control multiple devices with a single remote control.
On the other hand, some V-series soundbars do not even have an HDMI input like the V-series 2.1 soundbar, which works on digital optical, AUX, or Bluetooth connection; some models support the HDMI ARC connection.
Both series support Bluetooth connection; however, the Bluetooth version of M-series soundbars is 5.0, better than V-series soundbars, which only have Bluetooth 4.1 for most of its soundbars.
Additional Features:
Both soundbar series have a remote to control the soundbar from a distance. Some V-Series soundbar remotes come with LCD displays, while quite a few soundbars have standard remotes without LCD displays. On the contrary, all M-series soundbar remotes have an LCD.
In addition, both the soundbar series have an integrated voice assistant, which allows hands-free control of the soundbar.
Comparison Of Some M-Series and V-Series Models
M-Series: 2.1 Immersive Soundbar Vs. V-Series 2.1 Soundbar
| Features | M-series 2.1 Immersive Soundbar | V-Series 2.1 Soundbar |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Immersive sound, full-featured audio system | A decent upgrade to existing TV speakers |
| Number of Speakers | 5 | 3 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz- 20KHz | 50Hz- 20KHz |
| Wireless subwoofer | Yes | Yes |
| Subwoofer Frequency | Down to 45 Hz | Down to 50 Hz |
| Dedicated Height Speakers | No | No |
| Remote Control Type | With LCD Display | Standard |
| Sound Enhancement Technology | DTS Virtual: X | DTS Virtual: X, DTS TruVolume |
| DTS: X/Dolby Atmos | Yes/Yes | No |
| Virtual Sound | DTS Virtual: X | DTS Virtual: X |
| HDMI | eARC | NO |
| Digital Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes |
| AUX input | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $199.99 | $129.99 |
Among the two series soundbars, the M-Series is better than the V-series because of its amazing frequency response and decent sound signature, with deep, impactful bass which can go down to 45Hz. If you’re a gamer and looking for a soundbar that can enhance your gaming experience, you might also be interested in our guide to the best soundbar for Xbox Series X.
In addition, this M-Series 2.1 soundbar has an HDMI eARC port, which has a faster transmission rate and higher bandwidth to support high-end audio formats, and comes with an audio return channel, which allows the audio to travel in both directions, reduces the wire clutter by cutting out the need of an extra audio cable.
On the contrary, the V-series 2.1 soundbar doesn’t support any HDMI input and works with a Digital Optical link, which is less efficient than its competitor.
Furthermore, the M-series 2.1 soundbar integrates Bluetooth 5.0, which is better and faster than the V-series 2.1 soundbar, which features Bluetooth Version 4.1.
The M-Series is slightly more expensive than the V-series 2.1 soundbar; however, if you want to enjoy immersive music and all the other cool features, the M-series 2.1 soundbar should be the one for you in this competition.
M-Series 5.1 Home Theater Soundbar Vs. V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Soundbar VS. M-Series 5.1.2 Home Theater Soundbar
| Features | M-series 5.1 Home Theater Soundbar | M-Series 5.1.2 Home Theater Soundbar | V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Soundbar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Speakers | 9 | 11, with two height channels. | 6 |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz- 20KHz | 45Hz-20KHz | 50Hz- 20KHz |
| Wireless subwoofer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Subwoofer Frequency | Down to 45 Hz | Down to 45Hz | Down to 50 Hz |
| Dedicated Height Speakers | No | 2 | No |
| Remote Control Type | With LCD Display | With LCD Display | With LCD Display |
| Sound Enhancement Technology | DTS Virtual: X | DTS Virtual: X | DTS Virtual: X, DTS TruVolume |
| DTS: X/Dolby Atmos | Yes/Yes | Yes/Yes | No |
| Virtual Sound | DTS Virtual: X | DTS Virtual: X | DTS Virtual: X |
| HDMI | eARC | eARC | ARC |
| Digital Optical | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Voice Assistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AUX input | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $328 | $368-$499 | $199-$209 |
Which One Should You Choose: M-Series Vs. V-Series?
The choice of the soundbar from either series depends on multiple factors. Suppose you’re looking for only a decent upgrade for your existing TV speakers. In that case, you can choose the V-series blindly, as it provides a great audio experience, has audio enhancement features, Bluetooth connectivity, supports voice assistants, and are budget-friendly.
On the other hand, if you’ve enough budget and want a serious upgrade in your home theater, you must choose a soundbar from Vizio M-series. It has an immersive audio experience, supports high-end audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offers Bluetooth 5.0 for better connectivity, and has a great frequency response which allows you to play all types of music content with clarity. If you’re still unsure about what to look for in a soundbar, our guide on selecting a home theater soundbar can help you make an informed decision.
However, in general comparison, the Vizio M-series Soundbars take the lead in all rounds than the V-series.
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.
