Soundbars are excellent additions to maximize the performance of your TV. However, you have multiple choices, each leading to a different experience.
Today, we will compare the 2.1 vs. 5.1 soundbar. Let’s follow our guide to determine which is better for your surround sound system!
What Is The Difference Between 2.1 Vs. 5.1 Soundbar?
A 2.1 soundbar consists of two channels on each side to deliver left and right audio output. The whole system works on 2.1-channel audio. Meanwhile, a 5.1 soundbar runs on the 5.1 channel audio. It includes five channel setups: three central, right, and left speakers and two additional side speakers as surround sound.
With different structures, these soundbars surely work differently. We will walk you through all the factors contributing to each soundbar’s performance.
Design
There are two channels in a 2.1 soundbar, while a 5.1 soundbar has up to five channels. As you can guess, the more channels, the larger the soundbar.
For people who need a noticeable improvement over their TV speakers but don’t necessarily want fully enveloping audio, the 2.1 system is an excellent choice. Besides, due to their more refined form, 2.1 soundbars are suitable for smaller areas. They are considerably simpler to mount on a wall since they are more lightweight than the alternative.
On the other hand, a 5.1 soundbar is better for larger TVs and rooms. Those who need more powerful audio may also find this option appealing. A 5.1 soundbar also has external speakers that allow you to customize your home theater setup. So feel free to experiment with the system.
Sound quality
A 5.1 soundbar delivers far more value than a 2.1 soundbar due to its numerous components. The extra channel for improved clarity, along with the rear speakers, will give you a rich listening experience.
Besides, you can get more depth in the audio when using the 5.1 sound system if you use three external speakers. However, it doesn’t mean that the 2.1 soundbar delivers poor audio quality. It has an impressive technology called Dolby to optimize your experience.
Dolby Audio is the leader in sound-refinement technology. Your 2.1 soundbar may feature this technology or similar software to boost its performance.
Those technologies are not too expensive. Adding them to your home theater system will immediately elevate the sound quality, no matter how many channels you have in your soundbar.
Connectivity
Both 5.1 and 2.1 soundbars may feature an HDMI ARC connector to accommodate high-definition material and advanced audio decoders. If your soundbar has no HDMI port, go for the digital optical cables. They can handle a 4K passthrough too.
Price
A 5.1 soundbar is often more costly than a 2.1 soundbar since it provides better dialogue clarity and surround sound quality.
Most 2.1 soundbars cost around $100, while the average price for their 5.1 counterparts is $200. Some models from both types may cost up to a thousand dollars, depending on the features they have.
Comparison Table
|
Criteria |
2.1 Soundbar |
5.1 Soundbar |
|
Design | 2 channels and 1 subwoofer | 5 channels and 1 subwoofer |
|
Sound quality |
Good |
Excellent |
|
Connectivity |
HDMI and optical cables |
HDMI and optical cables |
|
Price |
~$100 |
~$200 |
Which Should You Choose?
Both can be fantastic additions to your home theater setup. However, they will shine in a different way.
A 2.1 soundbar will give you more sound quality for your money if immersion is the only thing you need. Moreover, most songs are stereo-mixed. The 2.1 soundbars will suffice for music listening. You don’t have to break the bank just for this purpose.
On the other hand, when watching a movie or playing a game, 5.1 soundbars give the impression that sound is flowing everywhere you, which may help to maximize your experience.
As a bonus, vocals and dialogue in 5.1 soundbars work independently because they have different channels to handle each sound signal. As a result, you can control different sounds effortlessly.
Conclusion
So, which one do you choose? We highly recommend the 5.1 soundbars to bring out the best sound quality. However, if you just want to listen to music and are not willing to spend too much on the surround sound system, stick with the 2.1
Hopefully, this article can help you decide the ideal setup choice. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us. We are always ready to assist you.
