Soundbar Buying Guide
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What do soundbar channel numbers mean?

Get to know the soundbar channel numbers before purchasing a soundbar – each one signifies a different audio function.

If you're thinking of adding a soundbar to your setup, a good place to start is understanding soundbar channel numbers. They tell you the number of channels the soundbar has. The number can make a big difference for audio quality and surround sound immersion.

11.1.4ch - The latest innovation in soundbars

Introducing the latest innovation in the soundbar market: the 11.1.4ch configuration. Let's use this as an example to understand the meaning behind each channel number. The first number indicates the number of forward-projecting horizontal channels. The second number is for the subwoofer, while the third signifies up-firing channels. In the case of an 11.1.4ch soundbar setup, it breaks down like this: 11 primary standard audio channels, 1 subwoofer for enhanced bass, and 4 up-firing channels for overhead effects.

There is a bird's eye view of a livingroom TV-soundbar setup including a main soundbar unit placed on a console, a subwoofer next to the console on the floor, and two rear speakers behind a couch. There are sound waves coming from the main soundbar unit and the two rear speakers. In the center are three numbers: 11 for front and surround channels, 1 for subwoofer channel, and 4 for up-firing channels. There is a bird's eye view of a livingroom TV-soundbar setup including a main soundbar unit placed on a console, a subwoofer next to the console on the floor, and two rear speakers behind a couch. There are sound waves coming from the main soundbar unit and the two rear speakers. In the center are three numbers: 11 for front and surround channels, 1 for subwoofer channel, and 4 for up-firing channels.

Let’s dive into the various channel numbers

In a basic 2.1ch system, you'll find left and right channels along with a subwoofer. Another frequently used configuration is the 5.1.2ch, which includes 5 horizontal channels (right, left, center, and two side channels) along with a subwoofer and 2 up-firing channels. Similarly, in a 9.1.4ch soundbar setup, you'll find 9 horizontal channels, one subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels distributed across both the soundbar and the rear speakers.

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There is an illustration of a 2.1ch soundbar setup on a console in a livingroom. There are 2 arrows pointing forward from the main soundbar unit, indicating 2 forward-projecting channels. And there is one subwoofer next to the console with sound waves coming from the bottom. There is an illustration of a 2.1ch soundbar setup on a console in a livingroom. There are 2 arrows pointing forward from the main soundbar unit, indicating 2 forward-projecting channels. And there is one subwoofer next to the console with sound waves coming from the bottom.
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There is an illustration of a 5.1.2ch soundbar setup on a console in a livingroom. 5 arrows point forward from the main soundbar unit to indicate 5 forward-projecting channels. It also has 2 arrows pointing upwards to indicate additional 2 up-firing channels. And there is one subwoofer next to the console with sound waves coming from the bottom. There is an illustration of a 5.1.2ch soundbar setup on a console in a livingroom. 5 arrows point forward from the main soundbar unit to indicate 5 forward-projecting channels. It also has 2 arrows pointing upwards to indicate additional 2 up-firing channels. And there is one subwoofer next to the console with sound waves coming from the bottom.
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There is an illustration of a 9.1.4ch soundbar setup in a livingroom. 7 arrows point forward from the main soundbar unit to indicate 7 forward-projecting channels. It also has 2 arrows pointing upwards, indicating 2 upward-firing channels. There are two rear speakers, each with two arrows, one pointing upward and one pointing forward, indicating that 1 forward-projecting channel and one 1 up-firing channel on each side. And there is one subwoofer next to a console with sound waves coming from the bottom. There is an illustration of a 9.1.4ch soundbar setup in a livingroom. 7 arrows point forward from the main soundbar unit to indicate 7 forward-projecting channels. It also has 2 arrows pointing upwards, indicating 2 upward-firing channels. There are two rear speakers, each with two arrows, one pointing upward and one pointing forward, indicating that 1 forward-projecting channel and one 1 up-firing channel on each side. And there is one subwoofer next to a console with sound waves coming from the bottom.

The second number represents deep bass frequencies

When the second number is 0, that means there’s no subwoofer channel in the soundbar. But it’s best to opt for a soundbar with at least one subwoofer because they produce deep bass frequencies that add real depth to your audio. Subwoofer installation is also relatively straightforward.

There is a closeup of a subwoofer next to a TV console. There are sound waves coming from the bottom. Three numbers are on the bottom: 9, 1, and 4. There is a closeup of a subwoofer next to a TV console. There are sound waves coming from the bottom. Three numbers are on the bottom: 9, 1, and 4.

What does the third number stand for?

Like the 11.1.4ch setup, many premium soundbars have a third number. These channels are used to create incredibly immersive audio experiences by adding height to the sound, and making it feel like sound is coming from above you. These effects are among the most impactful aspects of virtual surround sound.

In a cozy, dimly lit livingroom, there are two rear speakers and a wall-mounted TV-soundbar pair. Three numbers are on the bottom: 9, 1, and 4. 4 is highlighted. The 4 up-firing channels in the setup are highlighted - 1 in each rear speaker and 2 in the main soundbar. In a cozy, dimly lit livingroom, there are two rear speakers and a wall-mounted TV-soundbar pair. Three numbers are on the bottom: 9, 1, and 4. 4 is highlighted. The 4 up-firing channels in the setup are highlighted - 1 in each rear speaker and 2 in the main soundbar.

Model recommendations by soundbar channels

11.1.4ch Q-series Soundbar

9.1.4ch Q-series Soundbar

5.1.2ch Q-series Soundbar

2.1ch B-series Soundbar

Jump to any quick-tip article below:

Highlights
What’s a soundbar?
What do soundbar channel numbers mean?
What are Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Does the soundbar's design matter?
What’s the best way to connect a soundbar to your TV?
Find out why Samsung soundbars are unique
The greater the number of channels in your soundbar, the more realistic and immersive your audio becomes. To recreate a cinematic atmosphere at home, consider starting with a 5.1ch soundbar as your foundation. If you’re already thinking about Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, it’s crucial to purchase a soundbar equipped with upward-firing channels to truly bring the audio to life.
  • The images shown are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.
  • The actual direction of sound projected from the channels may vary from the image.