What is the difference between a 5.1 and a 7.1 soundbar?

A 7.1 soundbar is more suited for immersive surround soundstage well suited for bigger rooms and entertainment areas, these come with additional back speakers that helps create an expansive area of audio coverage, a 5.1 soundbar system on the other hand is more suited for a large size from home entertainment needs.

Do I need a separate AV receiver for a 5.1 soundbar?

There is not a necessity to get an AV receiver specifically for a 5.1 soundbar, it is more suited for home theater systems as opposed to single unit soundbars with multiple channels.

How do I choose the right 5.1 soundbar for my room size?

The room dimensions and acoustics play a major role in deciding which soundbar system would be a right fit, A 5.1 soundbar system with a subwoofer, rear speakers would be sufficient enough for late to medium sized rooms, while a single soundbar with subwoofer better for a medium sized and smaller rooms.

Premium Picks Of 5.1 Soundbar: Options From Top Brands Like Sony, JBL, Bose And More

5.1 channel soundbars with a premium price point and design from brands like JBL, Sony, LG, Bose and more would best suit an expansive TV screen size. Since the 5.1 channel configuration is known to offer an immersive soundstage for clarity filled listening to transform home entertainment into cinematic experience.

By : Humaira Salim
Last Updated on Aug 22, 2025 13:59 IST

Premium 5.1 Soundbars From JBL, Sony, Bose And More

Soundbars are the modern upgrade to enhance a TVs audio system, especially the premium models from top soundbar brands like Sony, JBL and Bose that engineer their soundbars with advanced audio coding and processing technology. A 5.1 soundbar with a premium design and build is best suited for large TV screens, these oftentimes feature Dolby Atmos backing which makes them perfect for dialogue clarity and sound enhanced, well tailored for high octane listening. Apart from expensive options there also comes premium Dolby Atmos soundbars under Rs. 30,000 for budget conscious users. JBL soundbars with 5.1 channel configuration are easy to set up and install while 5.1 Sony soundbars have a heavy duty build and processes audio for depth and well defined listening. Bose offers some of the best premium soundbars that offer high fidelity audio for a surround sound experience. Your gadget zone should get an upgrade for high quality music play for the ultimate audio experience.

Top Five Products

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Sony Bravia Theatre System 6(HT-S60) Real 5.1ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar
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With a heavy duty build yet easy to set up installation process, this Sony soundbar system with 5.1 channel configuration provides a powerful audio output power of 1000W. The entire system consists of a subwoofer, 2 rear speakers and a soundbar with S-Force Pro Front sound for dialogue clarity and crispness. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio format the soundbar produces high resolution audio perfect for TV and a versatile entertainment hub. Multi stereo set up makes sound fill the entire room and creates a surround sound experience making this one of the best soundbar for TV. Simple and easy set up of the soundbar with guided colour coded connection ease and setting up the rear speakers with the help of the wireless amplifiers makes the sound system super easy to install. Additionally the Bravia Connect App would provide the needed guidance for the initial set up process, helping to understand how to adjust sound settings for enhanced audio listening.
Specifications
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Product Features: Dolby Enabled
- Number of Audio Channels: 5.1
- Item Dimensions D x W x H: 9D x 90.7W x 6.4H Centimeters
- Item Weight Unit of Measure: 2.61 kg
- Network Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical
- Brand: Sony
- Power Output: 1000W
Pros
- Wireless Bluetooth streaming.
- Voice Zoom 3 with compatible BRAVIA TV for enhanced audio clarity.
- Simple set up and installation process.
- Room filing high fidelity audio play.
Cons
- No major cons as such.
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JBL Bar 500 Pro Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer
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For a proper premium experience of listening to any type of audio this is the perfect soundbar for TV. It comes with a wireless subwoofer that makes low frequency sound feel rich, deep and immersive. A single HDMI cable connection with the soundbar system provides high quality audio with Dolby Atmos backing and makes sound feel truly optimized for a captivating experience of enjoying entertainment. Sound calibration feature with this 5.1 soundbar makes sound feel more tailored and customized for enhanced listening. This JBL soundbar is a complete audio set up for high fidelity sound and immersive audio play. It can be paired and controlled with a voice assistant device. Multibeam technology of the soundbar creates a wide and vivid soundstage for immersive audio play. The total output power of the sound system is 590W while the multi connection ease makes installation and set up of the sound system quite easy, simple and hassle free.
Specifications
- Brand: JBL
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 590 Watts
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, Wireless, Wi-Fi
- Input Voltage: 240 Volts
- Speaker Size: 10 Inches
- Woofer Driver Diameter: 1E+1 Inches
- Tweeter Driver Diameter: 1 Inches
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Number of Audio Channels: 5.1
Pros
- Chromecast built-in.
- Works with Apple AirPlay.
- Voice enabled control.
- Capable of offering surround sound experience with the room calibration feature.
Cons
- Mixed reviews on Amazon about functional efficiency of the soundbar.
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LG Soundbar S65TR, 600W, 5.1 Ch Soundbar
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With a complete audio set up this 5.1 channel soundbar by LG is super functional and comes with the capacity to offer optimized audio play for immersive audio listening. The wireless rear speakers of the soundbar in addition to the subwoofer makes it an all round audio set up for high resolution sound play. AI sound pro feature automatically adjusts the sound setting appropriate to the kind of audio that is being played. It is one of the best soundbars under a mid budget range and would be the perfect audio upgrade for an LG TV as its access to control can be achieved with the WOW interface. Wireless and easy set up with the soundbar system makes it an all round audio set up for high powered listening. HDMI ARC connectivity, and optical input options are also available with the sound system and makes sound feel great and immersive.
Specifications
- Brand: LG
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 600 Watts
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Audio Output Mode: Surround
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Speaker Size: 1 Inches
- Tweeter Driver Diameter: 1 Inches
- Audio Encoding: Dolby Digital
- Number of Audio Channels: 5.1
- Audio Driver Type: Dynamic Driver
- Item Dimensions D x W x H: 8.7D x 85W x 6.3H Centimeters
- Item Weight Unit of Measure: 12560 Grams
Pros
- Sturdy and strong build quality.
- Packs a solid punch with the bass.
- Audio play with music feels layered as sound and dialogue separation fills the entire room for immersive listening.
- Easy to install when you follow the proper instructions.
Cons
- Room calibration feature is not present with the audio set up.
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Bose New Smart Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
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This is a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar by Bose that is designed for a clean and aesthetic set up ease. It offers an AI dialogue mode feature that makes spoken words feel clarified and audible for precise listening. Engineered with six transducers and 2 upward firing dipole speakers the soundbar improves sound quality and makes it feel like a surround sound experience. Amazon Alexa compatibility with the soundbar makes it super convenient and easy to control. Dolby Atmos backing separates every sound frequency and ensures that you get to listen to the best sound play possible. With a super sturdy and stable structure with easy set up access this is one of the best soundbar choices in the premium and expensive category. Its structure looks quite clean and aesthetically pleasing while compatible with different multimedia devices such as Smartphone, Tablet, Television makes it the right choice for high octane music listening.
Specifications
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Product Features: AI Dialogue Mode, Adapt IQ, Dolby Atmos Plus, Simple Sync, TrueSpace
- Control Method: Voice
- Speaker Size: 11.6 Inches
- Tweeter Driver Diameter: 1 Inches
- Number of Audio Channels: 5.1
- Item Dimensions D x W x H: 10.9D x 104.9W x 5.8H Centimeters
- Item Weight: 5751.55 Grams
- Network Connectivity Technology: Airplay2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect
Pros
- Layered and clarified audio play.
- Comes with a premium and simple design aesthetic.
- Easy to control.
- Precise dialogue clarity.
Cons
- Steep pricing.
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Samsung 400 W 5.1 ch (HW-B750D/XL) Dolby Soundbar
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With a total power output of 400W this Samsung 5.1 channel soundbar delivers high quality audio for TV entertainment. The subwoofer comes with bass boot for enhanced and rich deep levels of bass, adaptive sound on the other hand makes sound feel well tailored and impressive for a good listening experience. Combination of Dolby Digital with DTS Virtual:X helps sound feel more advanced and perfectly tuned for high octane listening. The built-in side speakers of the soundbar make sound feel quite impressive and well optimized for enhanced listening. One remote feature of the soundbar makes control of the soundbar quite easy and convenient. HDMI connection helps the soundbar to be easily connected with external devices, while the Game Mode feature of the soundbar makes audio feel automatically optimized for immersive game play. Quick installation with 2 audio equipment makes this the perfect sound system for entertainment.
Specifications
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Product Features: Adaptive Sound, Built-in Side Speakers, Dolby Digital 5.1ch / DTS Virtual:X, Subwoofer with Bass
- Control Method: Remote
- Speaker Size: 103 Centimetres
- Tweeter Driver Diameter: 1 Inches
- Bluetooth Range: 1E+1 Metres
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 400 Watts
- Number of Audio Channels: 5.1
- Item Dimensions D x W x H: 10.5D x 103W x 5.9H Centimeters
- Item Weight: 3.2 Kilograms
- Compatible Devices: Android Device, Desktop, Laptop, Television, iPhone
- Audio Driver Type: Dynamic Driver
Pros
- Sturdy build quality.
- Super sleek design.
- Perfect audio play.
- Simple control systems.
Cons
- No major cons as such.
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Faq's

What is the difference between a 5.1 and a 7.1 soundbar?
+
A 7.1 soundbar is more suited for immersive surround soundstage well suited for bigger rooms and entertainment areas, these come with additional back speakers that helps create an expansive area of audio coverage, a 5.1 soundbar system on the other hand is more suited for a large size from home entertainment needs.
Do I need a separate AV receiver for a 5.1 soundbar?
+
There is not a necessity to get an AV receiver specifically for a 5.1 soundbar, it is more suited for home theater systems as opposed to single unit soundbars with multiple channels.
How do I choose the right 5.1 soundbar for my room size?
+
The room dimensions and acoustics play a major role in deciding which soundbar system would be a right fit, A 5.1 soundbar system with a subwoofer, rear speakers would be sufficient enough for late to medium sized rooms, while a single soundbar with subwoofer better for a medium sized and smaller rooms.