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Willie Greer - June 22, 2021
- True 5.1 surround sound
- Supports DTS Virtual: X
- Great clarity up to 101 dB
- PhaseGuide technology
- ADAPTiQ audio
- Wireless connectivity
- Dolby Digital 5.1
- Polk Patented Voice Adjust
- Works w/ HD, 4K & 8K TV
Reviews of the Best Soundbars with Google Assistant
Bose Soundbar 700
Bose’s highest performing product has Dolby Digital and DTS audio capabilities that allow you to experience realistic sound effects in your living room. Streaming content from your external devices wirelessly with built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities also goes smoothly, allowing you to enjoy fully enhanced audio.
It also has both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built-in for full compatibility with all devices. You can give commands to your soundbar successfully from a distance with the superior noise-rejecting eight microphone array.
Moreover, the Bose 700 soundbar is a buildable system, which means that you can add a base module or surround sound speakers to upgrade your home theater as you wish.
What We Like
- Dolby Digital and DTS capability
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Noise rejecting microphones
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- A buildable system
- Bose SimpleSync technology
- Compatible with the Bose Music app
- Beautiful glass top design
- Flexible placement
What We Don't Like
- No external subwoofer
- Can’t be added to Alexa speaker groups
VIZIO SB3651-F6 Sound Bar
This beautiful and sleek soundbar boasts a very luxurious but understated design. The Vizio SB3651-F6 was created with user convenience in mind. It features both Wi-Fi connectivity that offers a stabler connection compared to Bluetooth.
Furthermore, the soundbar has Chromecast built-in and works with Google Assistant devices for hands-free voice control. The SB3651-F6 is a package deal with a soundbar, rear satellite speakers, and a subwoofer, making it a true 5.1 surround sound system.
Finally, the sensitivity of 101 dB and Dolby and DTS Virtual:X audio format decoding will bring the cinematic experience into your living room. With all these features, this Vizio model really deserves its spot on our list.
What We Like
- A full system complete with sub and satellites
- Works with Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- DTS Virtual:X
- True surround sound
- Boosted dialogue
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connection
- Google Chromecast built-in
- Less than 1% total harmonic distortion
- Dolby Audio
- Bluetooth available
- Easy installation
What We Don't Like
- Components might fall out of sync
- Takes up more space
Polk Audio Signa S3
The Polk Audio Signa S3 soundbar can match the heavy bass output of higher-end counterparts at a more affordable price. With its sleek design, it can complement any interior setup.
It also works with Google Assistant and has Chromecast built-in for syncing all home systems and hands-free voice control. Moreover, the Polk soundbar connects easily to any device with an HDMI connection.
According to our experts, Polk’s proprietary Voice Adjust Technology proves effective in enhancing all speech on screen. When paired with Dolby Digital audio technology, you can have fully optimized sound effects and crystal clear dialogue. Additionally, the soundbar is also accompanied by a wireless subwoofer that delivers room-filling bass.
What We Like
- Voice Adjust Technology
- Dolby Digital
- Affordable price
- External subwoofer
- HDMI
- Bluetooth Streaming
- Google Chromecast built-in
- Works with Google Assistant
What We Don't Like
- Works better for a smaller space
- No Wi-Fi
Soundbars With Google Assistant Buyer’s Guide
Not every soundbar with Google Assistant will function equally. There are other factors to look for to ensure you get the best deal for your money. To help make sure you best soundbar with Google Assistant that also fits your needs, our experts have put together a helpful checklist.
Size
The size of the soundbar should be as close to your TV as possible. Ideally, they would be the same length, but if that’s not possible, we suggest looking for a soundbar a few inches shorter for compatibility.
You should also take into account the size of the room. In general, a small device will suit smaller rooms, while larger soundbars are better fitted for bigger spaces. How much room do you have to accommodate the soundbar? Think about your setup and where you will potentially place the soundbar to find the right size.
Controls
A soundbar with Google Assistant and other virtual helpers such as Amazon Alexa offers hands-free control. You can command it to perform menial to more elaborate tasks with the sound of your voice.
Others can also work with a remote control, including a universal one. Some soundbars even have a compatible app unique to the brand that can carry out adjustments and settings.
If your soundbar has a display, chances are there will be a control panel built onto the surface of the device. Through these buttons, users can turn the device on and off, control the volume levels, and mute the soundbar. Having an onboard control panel is still handy, just in case you lose the remote.
Mount
Soundbars that can be wall-mounted often come with the wall mount kit. Our experts suggest mounting the soundbar on the wall under the TV to save space. It’s also the best location for the audio to reach you uninterrupted.
Price
What is your budget for the soundbar? Depending on your needs, it’s possible to purchase one at a very affordable price that can offer satisfactory capabilities.
The price often reflects the functions and audio technologies a soundbar is equipped with. However, you could shell out more money for a full surround sound system compared to settling for a single soundbar.
Bass
The bass is what is responsible for the low rumbles we hear onscreen. A subwoofer is the part of the soundbar that propels the bass, but more on that later. Soundbars with adjustable bass levels will allow you to customize the bass output to your liking.
Connectivity
Even the most affordable soundbars nowadays have both wired and wireless connectivity. Our experts agree unanimously that HDMI is the best wired connection due to the ease of a single cable setup and its ability to transfer high-frequency loads for high-resolution audio.
Soundbars will feature Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or both for wireless streaming and setup. These wireless connectivity options can turn the soundbar into a speaker and play your favorite tunes on external devices.
We have a guide more specific to setting up Bose soundbars here.
Subwoofer
To really unlock the thumping bass in any content, a soundbar needs a subwoofer [1]. Soundbars with external subwoofers have more power as the driver and power input is separate from the rest of the system, resulting in more substantial bass tones.
A soundbar without an external sub can still have a subwoofer built-in. Even though it wouldn’t be as powerful, this small addition can still outperform the bass of regular TV speakers. It is also a great solution for those who are tight on space.
Channels
The channels on a soundbar indicate the points of sound emission. The more channels a soundbar has, the better chance it has at projecting true surround sound. If you really want a cinematic feel, the industry standard for surround sound on a soundbar or home theater system is 5 channels.
(Is adding surround sound speakers to soundbars advisable? Find out now.)
Easy Setup
Your purchase should include everything you need in the box including necessary cables, the wall mount (when applicable), a remote control, and an instruction manual for easy setup.
Some soundbars, including Bose Soundbar 500, have the Bose Music App that can be downloaded to walk you through the step-by-step setup.
FAQ
What soundbars work with Google Assistant?
The soundbars that work with Google Assistant are Bose 700, LG SN9YG, and the Polk Audio Signa S3, among many others.
Can I connect my Google Home to my soundbar?
Yes, you can connect your Google Home to your soundbar if it supports Google systems. Soundbars like the Bose 700, LG SN9YG, and Polk Audio Signa S3 soundbars are all great examples that work with your Google Home.
Our Top Pick For The Best Soundbar with Google Assistant:
Bose 700 Soundbar
The Bose 700 soundbar is deemed the best soundbar with Google Assistant by our experts. The luxurious exterior seems delicate, but there is nothing delicate about the powerful sound the Bose 700 is capable of.
With the help of Dolby Digital and DTS:X, the soundbar can create surround sound that envelops the room. The addition of Meridian Audio Technology also delivers accurate and crystal clear sound from the soundbar to elevate your viewing experience.
See how the Bose Soundbar 700 compares against the Sonos Playbar here.
Looking for the best soundbar in the market? Upgrade your viewing experience with any of these cream of the crop soundbars tried and tested in our very own listening room.
