Soundbars as a selling point: leveling up TV audio

by Arvi Marie Dacuba (Content Editor)

Image source: Getty

Today's smart TVs are sleek, modern looking and thin. The drawback though is that there isn't enough space to fit quality built-in speakers on such skinny devices. This is where the soundbar comes in, which levels up TV audio. Also known as a media bar or speaker bar, a soundbar is a slim device with built-in speakers composed of a loudspeaker, and speakers in the left and right channels. More premium models incorporate a subwoofer for deeper bass, plus additional left and right rear speakers for a surround sound cinematic experience. Thus, audio is crisp and clear, with no more muffled sounds. It’s also easy for the average consumer to setup – it's one compact elongated speaker bar that just needs one cable connection to the smart TV.

The soundbar market holds promising growth in the coming years, which is something positive for sourcing professionals to note. The market reached a value of US$ 3.18 billion in 2020. IMARC Group expects the market to grow at a CAGR of 9.5 percent from 2021 to 2026. Moreover, Mordor Intelligence estimates its value to hit US$ 8.30 billion by 2026.

Image source: Getty

The popularity of subscription-based stream platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max & Go is pushing consumers to invest in better sound systems such as soundbars. Recent advancements like their compatibility with voice assistants including Amazon Alexa and Google Home has propelled soundbars to be integrated into smart homes. Flagship models can control the lights, curtains or thermostat, network with wireless headphones and other smart speakers, plus stream music and audio to other devices without lags.

Audiophiles look for soundbars that have support for either DTS Virtual:X or Dolby Atmos for to get a cinematic surround sound experience. For instance, Sony's soundbar integrates a technology they call "vertical surround engine." Audio is transmitted in different directions and bounces off of surfaces in a room. The unit has built-in microphones that measure where surfaces are to optimize sound.

Asia-Pacific, especially India presents the highest market growth. Buyers who want to increase sales opportunities opt to target this region. India's media consumption is expected to grow almost 12 percent from 2019 to 2025, a remarkable above average growth. India, however, is a price-sensitive market, which is why vendors are releasing lower-priced soundbars in this country.

Look no further if you’re looking to source UTV soundbars, TV soundbars or the best budget soundbar in the market. Global Sources has more than 150 verified suppliers that you can easily source from.

The products in the gallery below have been selected by our Market Analyst for representing soundbar trends in today’s market.

With wireless subwoofer

Company: Shenzhen GIEC Digital Co. Ltd

Shenzhen GIEC Digital offers the LSP-801B-9836, a Bluetooth 5.0 Dolby soundbar with a 2.4G wireless subwoofer. This unit's wireless subwoofer emits deep bass, while its Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and produces 360-degree surround sound. The 120W unit has a frequency response of 40Hz to 20kHz. USB and HDMI connections are supported. The soundbar and subwoofer measure 860x65x68mm and 290x245x325, respectively. Accessories include a 15V, 2.4A power adapter, remote control, HDMI cable, manual, and wall mounting brackets & screws. For an MOQ of 1,000 each unit is priced at $55 to $60. Lead time is 30 to 35 days.

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5.1 speaker system

Company: Shenzhen HuayiHmovie Technology Co. Ltd

Shenzhen HuayiHmovie offers the 91K-SANSUI-001-5320, a 5.1 home theater system with Dolby Digital speakers. It includes a soundbar, subwoofer, left and right tweeters, and left and right full-range speakers. The unit has a total audio power output of 230W. Power requirement is 100 to 240VAC 50/60Hz, 1.5A. A minimum order of 1,000 sets is required for the price of $190. Lead time is 30 to 35 days.

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Integrates digital clock

Company: Kirin Enterprise Co. Ltd

The KE-SR-8100 from Kirin Enterprise is a 2.0 channel 34in soundbar with an integrated digital clock. The unit has a 60W main speaker with 40W DSP output, plus 15W full-range speakers. It connects via wire through its OPT, AUX, USB, COAX and DC15V ports, or wirelessly through Bluetooth. Signal-to-noise ratio is 83dB. Price is $30 for an MOQ of 100 units. Lead time is 10 to 20 days.

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With RGB lighting

Company: Guangzhou Reminis Technology Co. Ltd

Guangzhou Reminis’s G45L-3999 is a 40W soundbar with RGB lighting. Made of ABS and steel mesh, the device is powered by a 2,400mAh battery and measures 450x90x60mm. Frequency response is 50Hz to 20KHz. AUX in, Bluetooth and USB playback are supported. Each unit is priced at $10.50 at just one minimum order. Lead time is 25 to 30 days.

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Supports Hi-fi

Company: Huizhou Coomaer Technology Co. Ltd

This soundbar, the SB208-K1 from Huizhou Coomaer supports Hi-fi playback. The unit has 100Hz to 18KHz frequency response and 65dB SNR. Power is 12VDC, 2A. Product dimensions are 100x63.5x62.5mm. It has USB, coaxial, optical, and HDMI ports. FM radio is supported. For an MOQ of 300 sets, price is $21.90. Lead time is 20 to 30 days.

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Remote control, FM radio support

Company: Shenzhen Etistar Control System Co. Ltd

With CE, RoHS and FCC certifications, the ET-019S-01 2.1 channel soundbar from Shenzhen Etistar Control System has FM radio, Bluetooth 5.0, USB, line in, optical and coxial cable support. The 60W unit measures 870x75x 5mm. MOQ is 1,000 sets. Each set is priced at $ 24.50. Lead time is 40 to 45 days.

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