The most common soundbar problems, from 2,700 verified buyers

1. The most common soundbar problem owners report: “Sound thin, light on bass or underwhelming”, raised in 30% of the 1 to 3 star reviews, followed by “Hard to set up or connect, or app trouble” (25%).
2. What happy owners praise most: “Great, clear sound, far better than TV speakers”, in 59% of the 4 and 5 star reviews we read.
3. 91% of verified buyers rated their soundbar 4 or 5 stars, against 93% across every product type in our study; soundbars rank 25 of 37 for happy buyers.
4. 5% gave 1 or 2 stars, about 1 buyer in 20.
5. Across the 7 soundbars with 30 or more ratings, the share of happy buyers ran from 75% to 98%.
6. Paying more did not disappoint more buyers: the pricier half of these soundbars had a median of 97% happy buyers, against 89% for the cheaper half (up to £449).
7. Buyers in the UK were the happiest (95% at 4 or 5 stars), and buyers in the US and Canada the least (87%).

Share of the 246 reviews of 1 to 3 stars that raise each problem, grouped across models. What to check before you buy.

1. 1. Sound thin, light on bass or underwhelming30%
   Came up on 5 models
2. 2. Hard to set up or connect, or app trouble25%
   Came up on 4 models
3. 3. Broke down or developed a fault10%
   Came up on 4 models
4. 4. App, connection or software problems2%
   Came up on 2 models
5. 5. Hard to set up or use2%
   Came up on 2 models

The problems above, most common first, and how to avoid each one. Our advice; the order comes from the reviews.

1. 1. Sound thin, light on bass or underwhelming (30% of complaints)

   Small bars can't make deep bass: for films, look for one with a subwoofer, or one you can add later.

2. 2. Hard to set up or connect, or app trouble (25% of complaints)

   Connect it by HDMI eARC/ARC if your TV has it, and check the app supports your phone before you buy.

3. 3. Broke down or developed a fault (10% of complaints)

   Faults usually show in the first weeks, so buy from a shop with an easy returns policy, register the guarantee and keep the receipt. A longer maker's guarantee is worth paying a little for.

4. 4. App, connection or software problems (2% of complaints)

   Check whether the features you want need the app, and that the app supports your phone. Basic functions that work without an account are a plus.

5. 5. Hard to set up or use (2% of complaints)

   Look at the buttons, menus and app in photos or a video before you buy, and download the manual: a few minutes there saves a return.

Share of the 459 newest 4 and 5 star reviews we read that praise each point.

1. 1. Great, clear sound, far better than TV speakers59%
   Came up on 10 models
2. 2. Easy to set up18%
   Came up on 7 models
3. 3. Good value for the money12%
   Came up on 3 models
4. 4. Light, compact or easy to store6%
   Came up on 2 models
5. 5. Does its main job well3%
   Came up on 2 models

Regions with 30 or more ratings, by where the shop is. Shops in each region sell different models, so a gap can come from the models as much as from the buyers.