3.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar: Let’s Differentiate Both Soundbars

Soundbars come in different channel options for an immersive sound experience, but a greater number does not always mean better sound, as depends on a variety of different things.

If you are confused about the 3.1 channel and 5.1 channel soundbars, then you have landed on the right blog post, as in this article, we have compiled all the details that you need to make an informed decision.

That being said, let’s jump right into the details.

3.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar – Comparison

There are a wide of differences between a 3.1 channel & 5.1 channel soundbars. These soundbars differ in design, sound, spacing, pricing, etc.

In order to make an accurate decision, you need to know all of the differences between these two monitors. Below, we have thoroughly discussed the differences between a 3.1 channel, and a 5.1 channel soundbar.

Design

The major difference between a 3.1 channel soundbar and a 5.1 channel soundbar is in the design. Both of these soundbars are very much different in the design factor.

The 3.1 channel soundbar has three speakers (one on the left side, the other one on the right side, and one on the center), and one subwoofer for the low-frequency response.

On the other hand, the 5.1 channel soundbar has five speakers (two on the left side, two on the right side, and one on the center channel), and one subwoofer.

Since there are two extra speakers in a 5.1 channel soundbar, so the design of a 5.1 channel speaker is different compared to the 3.1 channel, as it’s a bit more stretched due to two extra speakers.

Sound

No doubt, sound is one of the most important factors in a soundbar. The 5.1 channel has five speakers in total.

There are two left channel speakers, two right channel speakers, and one center channel speaker for dialogue clarity, while the 3.1 channel soundbar has three speakers, one is for the left channel audio, one is for the right channel audio, and the third one is accountable for the dialogue clarity.

The number of speakers is higher in the 5.1 channel soundbar, so is the sound quality. The 5.1 channel soundbars offer an immersive sound experience, with the two extra speakers they have. Although there is not much difference in the dialogue clarity, as both of them have an equal amount of speakers for dialogue clarity, still, the overall sound is much better in the 5.1 channel speakers.

Space

Spacing is another critical factor that you need to have in your mind before making the purchase decision of your next soundbar, as it would not be a wise idea to get a soundbar that does not fit right under your soundbar.

A 5.1 channel soundbar will require more space as compared to a 3.1 channel soundbar due to a very simple reason that there are two additional speakers in a 5.1 channel soundbar.

If the spacing is not an issue, then you should get the 5.1 channel soundbar, if you have limited spacing options, then we would recommend you to get a 3.1 channel soundbar.

Pricing

Last not least, money is another critical factor in the decision of your next soundbar. An entry-level 3.1 channel will cost you about 400$, while on the other hand, a 5.1 channel soundbar can cost you 600$.

So, you will need to have your budget aligned in place before making your purchase decision. However, in our opinion, the extra 200$ spent on the 5.1 channel soundbar is all worth the money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the Difference Between 3.1 Channel & 5.1 Channel Soundbar?

The main difference between a 3.1 channel, and a 5.1 channel soundbar is in the soundbar configuration. There are three speakers in the 3.1 channel soundbar (one on the right side, one on the left side, and one in the center channel), as opposed to the five speakers on the 5.1 channel soundbar. On the 5.1 channel soundbars, there are two speakers, on the right side, two on the left side, and then there is a center channel speaker for dialogue clarity.

3.1 Channel Vs 5.1 Channel Soundbar, Which One is Better?

Obviously, a 5.1 channel soundbar is better than a 3.1 channel soundbar for very obvious reasons. In a 5.1 channel soundbar, there are two additional speakers on each side of the side, which ultimately lifts the audio listening experience.

What Does 3.1 Channel, or 5.1 Channel Mean in a Soundbar?

A 3.1 channel soundbar means that there are three speakers and one subwoofer. On the other hand, a 5.1 channel soundbar means there are five speakers, and one subwoofer available on the soundbar.

You can also visits our guides on our 5.1 sound bars:

1. Best Settings for VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar
2. JBL 9.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar
3. 2.1 VS 5.1 Soundbar
4. Dolby Atmos VS 5.1 Soundbar
5. 5.1 vs 7.1 Soundbar

Conclusion

3.1 channel and 5.1 channel soundbars are two of the most popular soundbar channel options available in the market, and people often get themselves confused about what to get.

Thus, we have provided you with complete details that you need to have in your mind before pulling the trigger.

If you do not have budget issues and want better sound quality, then we recommend having the 5.1 channel soundbar. On the other hand, the 3.1 channel soundbars are the perfect choice for people, who have the budget, and spacing issues.

Read also: Best Settings for LG Sound Bar

<div class="saboxplugin-wrap" itemtype="http://schema.org/Person" itemscope itemprop="author">