Blackweb Soundbar Review

People who buy Polk Soundbars like them because they are strong and make good-quality sound. There are many different types and models of Polk soundbars. Everyone can use them for movies, games, and TV. This brand makes soundbars that sound great even without surround sound speakers, so you don't have to buy them. There is also a good Bluetooth connection between them. Furthermore, the soundbars also have a lot of physical connections. People who buy Polk soundbars can be sure that they will last. Even so, sometimes the users may have problems with their computers or other things. For instance, the Polk soundbar turns itself off and on all the time. It breaks off from the source. The command for making things is to blame if it happens after a long time. More often than not, the soundbar turns itself off while you're watching a movie or after a short break. It's possible that there is a problem with the soundbar and it needs to be fixed. We have some very good ideas for you. Some Polk soundbars don't work well with them. Why Does Polk Sound Bar Keeps Turning Off? When you're trying to figure out what's wrong with your soundbar, you need to think about a lot of things. First, it is good to check the power supply and see if enough voltage is trying to reach your device. This is done now, so you can start moving on to troubleshooting the sound bar. It's important to see what other people have done to get into trouble: 1. There is a problem with a Power Source. A problem with your soundbar's power outlet or not enough voltage could cause your device to shut down at any time. 2. Remote Issue If your remote is running low on batteries, it could make the soundbar do things that aren't supposed to happen, like change the power state. 3. The Power Adapter Won't Work A problem with your soundbar's power adapter could be the source of the problem, not you. You can't rule out this chance until you change it. 4. Wireless Issue As long as your soundbar is connected to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, it could turn off if it was cut off. 5. Hardware Problem Finally, there could be a hardware problem with your soundbar that is making it turn off. As soon as you figure out what could be the problem, you can start the troubleshooting guide. Let's get started right away! Power Reset your Soundbar We think that powering down your soundbar will solve the problem. A power cycle would be a good idea if that problem is caused by a bug or glitch in your soundbar's software. This would restart all the services on your soundbar, so it would fix the problem. Check out this part on how to power reset your sound bar. Do not plug in your soundbar's power adapter to the wall outlet. When your soundbar is completely drained, wait for about 5 minutes. Connect the power adapter to the power source again. Run a test to see how well it works. Turn on your sound bar and then use it for a while to see if it still shuts down. Check the Power Outlet Take a look at the power outlet that the Polk soundbar is attached to. If the power isn't strong enough, it might not be able to turn on. It shuts off again and again if the power keeps going out. This is why we suggest plugging the soundbar into a different outlet to see if that helps. The steps to plug your Polk soundbar into another source are simple and easy to follow: Remove the power adapter for your soundbar from the power brick. When you find a new power source, you can plug your soundbar in. Place the device and link the power components in the same way they were before. It's time to turn on your device and see how it works out. Replace Soundbar Power Components The power source of your device is made up of two separate parts. It starts with a power adapter, which connects to the power brick. Then, the power brick connects to the soundbar. We think you should get a new power supply for the soundbar to fix the problem. Look at this 1SV AC/DC adapter. It's meant to replace Polk audio signals. Connect the power adapter to both the brick and the power source. Then, connect the power brick to the sound bar. Disable the Auto Shutoff Feature This trick works for 4 hours. Auto shut down can be turned off. Polk's soundbar won't turn itself off in 4 hours, and it won't. However, it will go into "standby mode" after the set time. For 10 seconds, press and hold the "Power" button and the "Volume Down" button at the same time. Auto shut-off won't happen for the next 4 hours. You can do this again. Always keep in mind that you must push these buttons on the soundbar itself rather than on the remote control. Change the Settings on Your TV This may be because your TV has some settings that aren't right. Try changing some settings on your TV to try and fix this. It's very easy. Open the TV menu. Go to the 'Sound' setting. Change the response time to 20mS by going to "Response time." Connect Soundbar to A Receiver It is conceivable that your Polk soundbar may shut down after a period of inactivity if it has lost connection with its receiver. Depending on the connection you're using for the soundbar, you should double-check to make sure everything is working properly. Using Wired Connection First, connect the First end of your soundbar's digital optical cable to the rear of your receiver before connecting the connection to the soundbar itself. Wait for your receiver to identify the source before proceeding. Using Wireless Connection On your receiver, go to the Bluetooth settings and make sure that your soundbar is there. Make sure that it is. In your receiver's options, look for the Bluetooth connection and start a connection with the device. Hold on a second. With the steps above, you ought to be able to connect your Polk soundbar to a receiver quickly. When it's connected, watch to see if it will disconnect and then shut down, or if it will shut down without disconnecting at first. Reset Your Polk Soundbar Resetting the soundbar is the best thing to do. A lot of problems will be solved by this solution, and it is very likely that it works. It's possible that your Polk soundbar is acting weird because of a software glitch. All the bugs will be removed if you do a "reset." The device is updated and starts working well again. In order to reset your Polk soundbar, you can do so by following these steps: Before anything else, turn off the sound bar. Press the "Stop" button for a few seconds. When the screen says "INIT OK," you can let go of the button. When it's a while, turn on the sound bar. You can now pair it with your TV or connect it to another device. This also works with older Polk soundbars that don't have a screen. Final Words If your Polk soundbar keeps turning itself off, you can try power cycling the device and plugging the device into a different outlet to fix it, so that it doesn't happen again. Then, you can change out the power adapter. If nothing else works, you can try to factory reset your Polk sound bar. You now know why the Polk sound bar keeps turning off. You should be able to figure out how to fix it. Thanks for reading, and we hope our article was useful in solving your issue. FAQs What is VoiceAdjust on Polk soundbar? VoiceAdjust technology has made it easier for you to hear all of the important dialogue you've been missing out on because of your hearing aids. Quick Control: This is how it works. At the touch of a button, you can change the volume of your voice. A lot of information about the sound. It doesn't matter what you're watching. You can enjoy a more immersive audio experience simply put. How do I reset my Polk Signa S2 sound bar? Find the "power," "source," and "volume up" buttons on your Polk Signa S2 soundbar and keep them down together. There are two ways to find these buttons. You can find them on the control panel or on the remote. In order to start over, press all three of eachother down together for 10 seconds. How do I reset my Polk Omni SB1 plus? Here's how to reset Polk Omni SB1/SB1+ to its factory settings Power on. Press and hold the power button until the lights go out. Press the Wi-Fi button until three chimes sound. Why is my sound bar not working? If you've connected your TV to the soundbar with a cable, but there's no sound, the most likely thing is that the cable isn't connected correctly or that it's broken. In the next step, make sure that the TV's speaker option is set to external as well as check again to see if you can hear anything. How do I sync my Polk soundbar? In order to sync your surround speakers, press and hold the SYNC button for three seconds on each one of them. The green LED on the back of the surround speaker will start blinking faster, which means that the sound bar and the speaker are connected. When the LED is connected, it stays green. How do you reset a soundbar? Here's how to set the soundbar back. Press and hold the + (volume up) button, the (power) button, and the (input select) button on the device for more than five seconds to start over. This will reset the device. Remove the AC power cord. It's time to plug the AC power cord back in. Press the (power) button to start the unit. Orange lights on Polk soundbars tell you what is going on with them. In this case, "source 1" is a PCM. An LED with just one green light means "source 1" is a Dolby Digital player. What does green light on Polk soundbar mean? If the soundbar is receiving an audio signal encoded using Dolby Digital, a single green light indicates that the soundbar is receiving the signal, and a single purple light indicates that one of the soundbar's four audio modes is active (movie, music, night effect, or voice adjust).

Soundbars are the best thing you can do to improve the sound on your TV or laptop. When you want to have surround sound in your home theater, soundbars are the main thing that helps. They make the sound seamless and natural with high clarity, deep bass, and rhythm that makes you want to dance. They take up very little space, which is a big help in the long run. A flat surface or even your table stand will do. They are easy to set up and don't take up much space. You can see your TV clearly because of their small size and low height. This is good news for people who are passionate about sound. In this article, we have talked about a lot of high-quality soundbars in terms of price, quality, and how well they work. As a soundbar user, you need to stay up to date on the most popular soundbars. Also, be aware that when you go shopping for soundbars, be sure to look for certain things in a soundbar. A lot of things could be going on, like how much it costs and what kind of soundbars it has. The first part of the article talks about the best soundbars on the market, both in terms of price and sound. You will be led through a buyer's guide that talks about everything you need to know before buying a sound bar. So, let’s proceed and fill your appetite! The Best Available Loud Soundbars Sonos Playbar Review If you ask somebody what is the best loud soundbar? Maximum of the people will name Sonos Playbar. Such is the fame and craze of this huge popular soundbar.  It has a fascinating, attractive look and a very strong configuration. The configuration incorporates 9 auto speakers associated with the Class-D digital subwoofer. 6 woofers along with 3 tweeters are its key to extraordinary loud sound production. The woofers and the tweeters blend to produce a well balanced sound with clear and deep bass. Keep note that the  soundbar is capable of using and modifying the loudness and bass level differently.  Another prominent feature that set the Sonos apart from its competitors is the advanced Wi-Fi technology, which is highly reliable and is capable of being connected with the speakers and other devices to be blended and provide an immersive home theatre experience. If you want, you may connect other media players operating under the same network.  There is an optical cable that enables the soundbar to be connected with your TV along with a single power cord. Connect it and let it play anything you ask for required that the connection with the TV is stable.  An added feature is that you get a remote controller that enables you to adjust the soundbar of your smartphones or any other devices with the mobile app. It is compatible with placing it on plain surfaces or even you can mount it on the walls.  What We Like Amazing sound Strong configuration Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection  What We Don’t Like High price Bose SoundTouch 300 Review Bose products perform as bosses. They don’t need extra introduction in terms of sound quality and user satisfaction. It incorporates the combination of Dolby Digital and DTS digital which result in producing an amazing surround sound experience. Additionally, the Alexa voice control gives you the chance to customize the sound with your voice.  It has an advanced level Bluetooth connection, which is 4k pass support by utilizing the HDMI input connection. The Wi-Fi connectivity is highly reliable and allows unlimited audio streaming from your smartphones or any other devices. You can enjoy unlimited music with the Bose SoundTouch app.  The Bose SoundTouch 300 is covered with a metal grille that gives it an amazing look with a powerful glass topThe input ports include HDMI, one optical input, ethernet and a  micro USB. It is an easily installable soundbar which you can place even on a table without blocking your TV . Also , you can mount it to the walls so that you turn it to be invisible.  What We Like Loud sound Amazing bass response Multiple input and output ports Advanced Bluetooth connection Attractive design Wi-Fi enabled Dolby Digital and DTS What We Don’t Like Price Polk Audio MagniFi 2 Review [ds]-417-[/ds] It’s a combo system combined by a soundbar and a subwoofer. Additionally, the MagniFi2 includes other accessories like AUX and optical cable, power cables and remote. It has got a standard dimension which measures 37.5 inches in width and 2 inches in height.  The look of MagniFi 2 is so elegant and enchanting although it’s built of plastic. With its versatility and voice adjustment option it’s pretty lucrative to sound passionate.  A special fabric covers the whole bar. You can manipulate and control the sound system by pressing the top places buttons on the bar and can adjust volume, select input and start pairing mode. However, for more modern adjustments you need to use the remote.  The MagniFi 2 incorporates quite a large number of ports. The ports are for various purposes which bring versatility to the system. There are 3 HDMI input ports, 1 HDMI ARC output port along with a 3.5 mm sound input.  Nevertheless, the Bluetooth connection is worth using to experience seamless and booming music wirelessly.  The soundbar houses four full-range woofers (3″x1″) and two .75″ tweeters. The subwoofer has one 8″ bass driver. The booming sound is produced by four high-range woofers which measure 3”x1’’ along with two .75’’ tweeters. The subwoofer consists one 8’’ bass driver that works relentlessly to produce loud sound. When it comes to special EQ modes, you have Polk’s VOICE ADJUST for clearer dialogs, night mode, 3D AUDIO (surround sound simulation), music, movie, and sports. In a nutshell, the MagniFi 2 is an extraordinary soundbar with amazing loud sound. Its midrange is worth mentioning, which produces deep and clear sound . The bass response is accurate, speedy and impactful.  What we like Priced under $400 Elegant look A strong 8’’ wireless subwoofer Exceptional versatility Efficient Bluetooth connectivity  Google Chromecast built-in What we don’t like Developed with plastic Surround sound not that great Klipsch Cinema 400 Review An affordable soundbar with an amazing sound and a look. This one sentence is not enough to describe the Klipsch Cinema 400 as it offers quite a large number of qualities to the sound enthusiasts. It’s comparatively a petite soundbar/subwoofer combination.  The other accessories include a remote and a HDMI cable. As it’s rated 2.1 so it doesn’t produce surround sound although it features surround sound mode. The dimension is 40 inches in width and 3 inches in height.  For primary sound and input selection controlling, you can use the top placed button and for more advanced settings like the bass range and sound mode you need to use the remote.  The physical ports include 1 HDMI ARC output, 3.5 mm audio input, USB port and SUB output which connects the wired subwoofers. Additionally, you are free to use the Bluetooth connectivity system and enjoy unlimited crystal clear streaming music. Now, what makes the soundbar produce such crystal clear sound so loud? Well, the answer remains in its built-in features. There are 4 strong drivers incorporated with 2 tweeters, which are 1’’ each and consist of a Tractrix horn. Two woofers and a 8’’ down firing subwoofer produce amazing bass response and are key to its booming sound production.  The overall sound is natural and balanced with its 3 sound modes (night mode, dialog enhancement and virtual surround sound). Enjoy immersive ,loud and clear sound with the Klipsch Cinema 400. What we like The price is affordable Amazing sound  Glamorous look 8″ wireless subwoofer HDMI ARC OUT, optical input, 3.5mm audio input Bluetooth connectivity (BT 4.0) What we don’t like No wi-fi connectivity Surround sound simulation is poor Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Review Nakamichi Shockwafe is a whole surround sound system soundbar with very strong configuration. It consists of 4 satellites and two advanced level 10’’ subwoofers. It provides a hefty amount of power clicking at a peak of 1000 w that leads to mounting audio experience.  Although the company advertises it as a 9.2.4 rather it’s a 7.2.6/7.2.2 version. An atmos module is installed into the system rather than ceiling speakers. It features backlit remote satellite speaker cables, required power cables and other cables to be connected to the ports like the HDMI, AUX and an optical cable.  It occupies an area of 45.5 inches and is encased by an ebony metal grille that makes it very attractive to look at. While operating you can control the primary features by manipulating the buttons placed on the top panel. Basically there are 5 buttons to be looked at. Keep note that, for an advanced level of settings you need to utilize the remote.  To a large extent, the Nakamichi soundbar can be referred to as a pivot that incorporates 3 HDMI, 1 HDMI ARC, USB input, 3.5 mm input along with a coax and an optical input. These ports are highly developed and hold up 4K pass-through along with Dolby technology.  With these excellent features add the 4.1 advanced Bluetooth connection and give it the best ride. However, the key drawback is the unavailability of Wi-Fi connection. The incorporated surround sound speakers are to be connected by cables and they are not wireless.  Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 supports a wide variety of surround sound formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.The Dolby Atmos technology takes care of your  sound experience and takes it to the next level.  The mentioned 8 drivers are distributed to 5 channels. Also, there are six 2.5 inches woofers that are incorporated among the left, right and center channels. Two 1’’ tweeters paves path to mounting audio with pinpoint accuracy and clarity.  To wrap it up, Nakamichi Shockwafe comes with diversity, variation and excellent surround sound performance. It gives an immersive, home theatre experience with a 110 dB loudness. The sound is extraordinarily clear, lound and you will definitely enjoy it to the best.  What We Like Affordable price An excellent backlit remote Great surround sound system incorporated with two subwoofers (soundbar, 4 satellites, 2 subwoofers) Amazing bass response Several sound modes(EQ presets) 4.1 Bluetooth connectivity Very strong sound (110 dB) What We Don’t Like No Wi-Fi connectivity feature Samsung HW-Q950T Soundbar Review If you are looking for a Wi-Fi feature incorporating a soundbar, then the newest version of Samsung soundbar HW-Q950T is your go to option. It’s basically a home theater surround sound system. It combines the configuration of one wireless subwoofer and two speakers which are wireless.  The associating accessories include one simple looking remote built of plastic, required power cables and equipment to mount the walls.  The Samsung HW-Q950T occupies a space of 48.4 inches so it is sleek in design and it doesn’t block your devices if placed in front of them be it your TV or Laptop.  The Q-Symphony exclusive feature makes it deliver amazing sound which fits with Samsung QLED TVs. Keep note that the soundbar is compatible with Samsung TVs.  It’s actually a 9.1.4 system. Here the last number designates the Atmos system rather than the ceiling speakers. To your surprise, the soundbar consists of a grand total of 20 speakers which are its key to producing booming sound.  The 7 channels can be mentioned as right, left, center, surround left, surround right, Atmos left and Atmos right.  Apart from the grilles all the accessories are built of plastic. The grilles are designed with a specialised fabric. You can be assured that the soundbar system is great but not the best ever that we can recommend.  For the basic controls you can utilize the buttons available at the top panel of the soundbar but for advanced settings try using the remote. Be advised that, unlike other premium soundbars, this Samsung bar is not that versatile as it possesses 2 HDMI input ports, one HDMI eARC output port along with an optical input. The HDMI ports hold up 4K pass with Dolby Vision. The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity features give the users a big relief. You can customise it with the SmartThings App. Also remember that as the soundbar executes Alexa built-in so there is every possible chance that you control it with your own voice.  A plethora of sound modes (EQ presets)are there to be adjusted- adaptive, surround sound, dialog, game pro and standard.  Interesting to note that the sound modes work differently. The adaptive sound pays attention to the particular content you are enjoying and adjusts the sound according to that. On the other hand, the Dialog enhancement enhances and makes the dialog more clear.  It controls a massive power of 546 w and produces loud, well balanced sound with great bass and thorough treble.  The surround sound experience is quite immersive. Height effects are not great, but that’s pretty much expected considering that the system only simulates height effects.  To sum up, the soundbar gives you an immersive surround sound experience . What We Like Slim and attractive design Best choice for Samsung QLED TVs Amazing surround sound speakers and great subwoofer with wireless connectivity option. Two HDMI inputs and one HDMI eARC output (all HDMI ports support 4K UHD pass-through) Optical input Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity  SmartThings app and Alexa built-in EQ presets (Various sound modes) What We  Don’t Like The price Built for only Samsung TVs No Airplay and Chromecast facilities JBL Bar 5.1 JBL Bar 5.1 is one of the most popular and comparatively a budget friendly soundbar option for sound enthusiasts.  It is the best sounding soundbar and as the name suggests it comes with a 5.1 system that comprises the soundbar along with two wireless surround sound speakers, a mammoth 10’’ wireless subwoofers , an elegant looking remote and all the required power and sound cables. Remember that the surround sound speakers are battery chargeable.  It’s a premium quality soundbar with a slim and elegant design (45’’ width )which relieves you of being concerned about the installation. If you place it on a stand it will not block your TV.The elegant design comes with the covered and extra protective aluminium grille.  The primary control buttons are available on the top panel . The input and output system is excellent. It has 3 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI ARC output and a single optical input. It also incorporates a USB port. Remember that all the HDMI ports are able to 4K pass.The Bluetooth connectivity is the 4.2 version.  The best thing that has happened to the soundbar is the digital audio format like Dolby and DTS formats. To my regret, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are not supported by the soundbar.  The bar houses six 2.5″ woofers and three 1.25″ tweeters. The subwoofer has one 10″ downward-firing woofer and a rear-firing bass reflex port. The loudness and accuracy of the sound is also determined and controlled by the 6 woofers and 3 tweeters. The woofers measure 2.5’’ each and the tweeters measure 1.25’’ each. Add another 10’’ down firing subwoofer that manipulates the bass response providing amazing clear and natural sound.  Many EQ sound mode options are available which you can customise by yourself. The power controlling capability is 510 W.  What We Like Versatile and excellent sound output Elegant design 4.2 Bluetooth connectivity and EQ sound modes Affordable price Modifiable bass and treble Amazing surround sound performance What We Don’t Like Lacks wi-fi connectivity  No support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology Q Acoustics M4 Soundbar The Q Acoustics M4 is a powerful soundbar which has incorporated a subwoofer. The subwoofer dimension measures 58x58 mm BMR driver to manipulate and reproduce the frequency response and the midrange to produce booming, seamless sound. The dual voice coil subwoofer provides you amazing bass response.   The BMR technology is a special feature that aids the soundbar to provide loud room filling sound. The Q Acoustics M4 is Bluetooth-ready and can be used as a wireless music speaker for Bluetooth compatible media players.  In case of input and output systems it offers one HDMI input port which is a plug and play system and also a HDMI ARC port for that lessens the burden of plethora of cables and makes the system look simple and disciplined. Additionally, it also provides an amazing surround sound experience that is your key to an amazing sound experience.  We also liked the fact that the M4  has Optical, RCA and AUX 3.5mm input ports. It also comes with a remote controller. The M4 also consists of the optical input system. The RCA and AUX input ports made it more versatile . You will get a remote with the soundbar. In terms of installation, you can place it on a stand without being concerned of blocking your TV or even mount it to the wall for a better look. That all depends upon you.  What We Like Excellent design Amazing sound with clarity and deep bass High configuration with subwoofer and driver Multiple digital input system Affordable price What We Don’t Like Only one colour design available  Buyer’s guide to the Best Loud Soundbar This part of the article discusses the pros and cons of the things you need to keep in mind and be well aware of while outing to buy your desired soundbars. It includes the size, type, quality, subwoofer, configuration and vice versa.  Soundbar Types A very important question arises: what type of soundbar should you look into? It blends quite a few aspects like your room size, the quality you are looking for and vice versa. Generally, for smaller rooms 2.0 and 2.1 speakers are okay but they are not highly efficient. This speaker system consists of only right and left speakers and one subwoofer. So, it is understandable that they don’t provide surround sound experience.  For a larger room, you should go for a 5.1 or 7.1 sound system. These sound systems have surround sound effects which are great for hearing in a big room. Some of these speakers also support Atmos, DTS, technologies for improved sound quality. You Can Read: Built-in Subwoofer For larger rooms and to get surround sound experience it is highly recommended that you opt for 5.1 or 7.1 sound systems. They distribute the sound to each and every corner of the room with an adequate number of speakers thus fulfilling your desire for an immersive sound experience.  Most modern versions of these speakers have features like Atmos, Dolby and DTS which are a must for a surrounding sound and immersive sound experience.  So, while making choices, go for higher channels soundbars. That’s it.  Sound Quality There is the availability of multi-functional soundbars which can be used for different functions simultaneously. For example, these soundbars will enable you to watch movies, play games, listen to music, Drama series or whatever you opt for. You can adjust the volume according to your need.  Best quality audio is ensured by advanced technologies like Dolby and DTS. So, if you can enhance your budget it is highly recommended that you choose one of the soundbars with Dolby and DTS technologies to take your sound experience to the next level.  Try opting for a soundbar which has a strong power controlling ability of at least 300 W and more and 96 dB. In terms of soundbar sound quality a lot depends on the purpose you will be using the soundbar for. For instance, If you are looking to buy a soundbar to watch movies or drama series, it’s recommended that you pay heed to buying a soundbar with better sound and dialog clarity.  Look at the EQ presets (Sound modes) before you buy a soundbar so that the ones with the best sound enhancement facility provides you seamless, loud and clear sound.  However, for music and movies the soundbars with strong bass response are the best. The bass response is required for your better enjoyment.  If you are in a conundrum about making a choice, I would recommend that you just look for soundbars that have the best performances in terms of lows, mids and highs.  Subwoofer Subwoofers are the part and parcel of the best sound experience. It enhances the bass response, keeps it accurate and thus makes your sound experience amazing and satisfactory. Generally, subwoofers are required for mammoth rooms.  If you don’t like bass that is another point but for bass lovers, it is highly advised that you make a combination of a subwoofer and a large driver so that you gain the amazing surround sound experience.  An excellent subwoofer has high power, a big driver, and good frequency response. It delivers distortion-free and heart-thumping bass. A resplendent subwoofer is your key to receiving undistorted, seamless, heart waving sound. It actually works relentlessly to produce you excellent sound with the strong power, large driver and better frequency response. Pro Tips: How to Add Subwoofer to Soundbar Price You could get a cheap-looking, plasticky sound bar made by some unknown brand for $50. But don’t do that. Price and quality are interlinked. But still there are a plethora of options for you. Although you have the option to buy a soundbar with a minimalistic budget of 50 USD, there are other mid and high level budget options available. Low price sound bars don’t possess all the premium features that a high budget soundbar may offer. Exceptionally, there are still some affordable soundbars which offer many exclusive features with reasonable budgets. All depends on your choice and budget but it is recommended that you don't lower your budget below 200 USD.  200 USD and above  (few are priced even 1,000 USD) are the best options for soundbars if you are looking for a versatile, loud and seamless sound producing bar.  Size The size for a soundbar actually refers to the space occupied by the soundbar system and the TV. A standard size is the requirement for best installation of the soundbar system. It sounds awkward if the soundbar occupies more space than the TV itself. So be concerned about that aspect.  It’s better if your soundbar is slim ( generally 5’’ shorter or taller compared to your TV) and doesn’t block the TV. In case of blocking , keep an eye on the height of your soundbar. The taller your soundbar the more it blocks your TV and thus creates problems for you.  Configuration Few of the soundbars come as single units while there are quite a few available which come as multi unit soundbars. They equip wireless subwoofers and the costly ones even associate wireless surround sound speakers along with subwoofers.  A soundbar configuration requires strong drivers to produce the best sound quality. Modern soundbars incorporate a higher number of  drivers which are further distributed to 2-7 channels.  The question here is what are you looking for and how much are you willing to pay?  Actually, it solely depends on you considering your choice and budget. Low budget soundbars consist of fewer drivers compared to the costly ones. They consist of one subwoofer but lack surround sound speakers.  Expensive sound bars consist of several drivers distributed to various channels which work relentlessly to provide you surround sound experience.  To some up, if you are looking for an immersive sound experience you need to pay a higher price that will ensure quality.  Inputs/Outputs Inputs and outputs are important to determine the connectivity of soundbars. Normal, low price subwoofers have fewer input options like they may only provide analog audio inputs but the most premium soundbars with high quality come with the most modern features like digital, optical and coaxial input system. Soundbars will also have HDMI inputs, multiple analog and digital inputs, etc. Modern soundbars have ample input systems like the HDMI, HDMI ARC output system. These are key to soundbar versatility, which depends on your choice and budget.  Wireless connectivity Concurrently, users are more frequent in using wireless fidelity to their devices. Bluetooth has been a common utilisation for many years and most of the soundbars support Bluetooth connection to that of advanced level. However, not all of the soundbars have Wi-Fi connection features. Only a few, expensive sound bars consist of this feature. So, if you are looking for a Wi-Fi incorporated sound bar you may need to have your purse heavy.  Wi-Fi connectivity is often accompanied by various additional features.  Wi-Fi connectivity brings quite a few features that are associated with it like Airplay, Chromecast, App support, FM tuner etc. Keep note that, these additional features are basically linked with the Wi-Fi setup. Almost all of the Wi-Fi featured sound bars have the Airplay and Chromecast technology available.  Power output Power output is something very important that you need to take into consideration as it refers to how loud and booming your sound bar may be. Sensitivity is another option but not all sound bars let you know the sensitivity range so you have to rely on the power rating.  Give a check to how many dB the soundbar is up to and how many watts it can control. A key feature regarding the power output is the max SPL which refers to the maximum loudness your sound bar can offer.  Remote Control Having a remote is a great option to adjust and customise the sound level to your own choice. So, better you have the remote with the soundbar. FAQs How do I improve the sound of my soundbar? If you have no intention to buy a new soundbar you can proceed by trying to improve the loudness and the whole sound quality of your old one. Just try following the steps: Try a little bit of adjustment to your room acoustics. You can try incorporating new acoustic panels. Additionally, try manipulating the audio settings of your soundbar. You can try setting the various sound modes or adjusting the bass, treble, frequency etc. What should be my budget for a soundbar? There are plenty of soundbar options for different budgets. However, keep note that don’t lower the budget below 200 USD. Lower budget soundbars lack many quality features that may hamper your overall sound experience.  They may be better than your TV speakers (in most cases, they are), but you can get a much better performance if you spend just a little more.   Why does my soundbar sound wrapped? Inappropriate or damaged wiring or malfunctioned connection are the main reasons for muffled or wrapped sound. So, to solve the problem check the connection first and try fixing it. If the problem is not still not solved, then buy a new brand of cable and try to solve the issue. Which connection is best for the soundbar? A better recommendation is that you use the HDMI ARC port to connect your TV with the soundbar but this type of port is not available for all the soundbars. So, the other options are optical and coaxial ports. Additionally, if your soundbar doesn’t support the digital inputs you may need to try the analog ones like the RCA. Is HDMI louder than optical? Actually, there are no glaring differences between the HDMI and the optical in terms of loudness. However, HDMI passess more audio signals to various channels and ends up giving better sound quality. HDMI is supported by different audio formats which optical doesn’t support. What is the difference between a 2.1 and 5.1 soundbar? To differentiate between a 2.1 and 5.1 soundbar we need to check the number of channels and speakers each configuration consists of. A 2.1 soundbar is relatively simple and provides two right and left channels along with one subwoofer.  On the other hand, a 5.1 soundbar provides surround sound experience with a larger number of drivers distributed to 5 channels. Final Thoughts So, now that we've talked about the best loud soundbars, it's time to come to a decision. For people who don't have a lot of money, Sonos Beam is the best soundbar for them. It's a high-quality soundbar with loud sound, a good design, and a lot of good features. As long as your money isn't too tight, you can try JBL Bar 5.1. It's a great soundbar that gives you a surround sound experience for a price that's not too high. In terms of price, Polk Audio and Sony S100F are the best choices for people who care about that kind of thing They are great for people who don't have a lot of money, but they still give you great sound even though they don't have as many features as the more expensive soundbars. I hope that this discussion has helped you find the best soundbar for your needs and wants.

While choosing the best portable speaker for dance class, look for a one that shows undistorted sound at loud volume and has longer battery life. If you want a microphone in your portable speaker, check Bose S1 Pro or JBL PartyBox 300. They are expensive but have powerful performance with loud sound. If you want a portable speaker with high battery life you can check the ION Pathfinder 280. This portable speaker is affordable and produces excellent sound quality. It is versatile as it supports radio, has a bottle opener, etc. You can also consider portable PA speakers if you have larger dance classrooms and tend to move from one place to another. How to choose the best portable speaker for dance class? Some of the important criteria to have in mind as you shop for the best portable speaker for dance class are listed below. Audio quality Above all, the audio quality matters. Speakers for dance classes should be able to deliver crytal clear and loud sound throughout the room. Search for a speaker based on room size. SPL specs will give you a rough idea of how loud a speaker can be. Auto EQ or adaptiq EQ option in any speaker will analyze the room shape and adjust the sound. Loudness As already mentioned above, loudness is important in a portable speaker. Higher SPL indicates louder volume. Along with being loud, make sure the sound remains undistorted, pure and clean. Bose S1 Pro is ideal for large rooms. Portability In case you move from one place to another, a small and lightweight speaker is ideal. A built-in handle or carrying strap make it quite easier to carry.  If it is a portable PA speaker, chances are that it will be heavy. However, with a handle it will be easy to move. Battery life Portable speakers come with good battery life. Some have a high lifetime, others have higher. ION Pathfinder 280 has a battery life of 100 hours. Marshal Emberton II has a battery of 30+ hours. Best 5 Portable Speakers for Dance Class: Detailed Review The following reviews top 5 portable speakers for dance class. They vary in terms of price, features and performance. Bose S1 Pro Review [ds]-839-[/ds] Bose S1 Pro is an expensive portable speaker for dance class. Although the speaker weighs around 7kg, it is normal for a PA speaker and is portable with a built-in handle. It is a mid-sized speaker that can produce powerful sound. Made of plastic and steel grille build quality is good. Controls are good but they are located on the rear side. It doesn’t have a play/pause option which is a bit disappointing. Each input port comes with reverb, bass, and treble knob. You can place the speaker in 3 different positions: vertical, horizontal, and tilted. The Auto EQ feature will detect the speaker position and optimize sound accordingly. You can place it on a surface or mount it on speaker stand. This all-in-one Bluetooth speaker for dance class has a microphone jack so you can easily instruct the students. There is also a guitar port and with ToneMatch switch, microphone and guitar outputs will sound quite balanced. There is also a 3.5mm port and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. It has a battery life of 11 hours and with Quick Charge option, you can quickly charge it within 2.5 hours. With Party mode, you can connect another Bose speaker for bigger sound. This will allow you to create a stereo pair. The Bose Connect app is quite handy but lacks EQ presets. Bose S1 Pro can produce wider and even sound dispersion throughout the room. It has a balanced sound profile and handles music, movies, or live music very well. However, it doesn’t have stereo sound and has decent soundstage. With high SPL, the speaker is ideal for large spaces or parties. There is no noticeable distortion at high volumes. It is one of the best portable PA speakers for dance class. Along with dance classes, you can also use them in parties or events. It can deliver bigger sound for both indoor and outdoor uses. JBL PartyBox 300 Review [ds]-742-[/ds] JBL PartyBox 300 is a large portable speaker. It is tall and heavy but with the built-in handle, you can carry it from one place to another. It has two RGB light rings and there are multiple light modes from which you can choose. With plastic and metal grille, the build quality is good. Controls are located on the top of the speaker. JBL signature sound feature produces immersive audio. It has crisp-clear highs, mids are balanced and lows are average. There are two Bass Boost levels for the bass section. It has a good soundstage and overall, the sound has clarity and details. It can get very loud while maintaining clarity and depth in sound. You can place the speaker horizontally or vertically. The speaker doesn’t come with any mobile app. There is a Bass Boost option for boosted low ends. You can also add echo effect to your microphone. Other than these, there are no modes or EQ options. It has a battery life of 18 hours with a charge of 5 hours. The speaker is versatile in terms of connectivity. There is Bluetooth and you can use the TWS option to connect two 2 party speakers.   Bluetooth connectivity allows you to connect up to 2 devices. This is useful if you want to switch between them. Connectivity includes an aux in, USB, stereo 2RCA input and output and 2 1/4" TS jack. This means you can connect a microphone and guitar to the speaker. Whether you teach line dance or others, this is one of the best portable speakers for dance class. Although it is portable, it doesn’t have any IP rating so make sure to use it safely. Overall, the cost is high, the speaker is heavy, but the performance is powerful and satisfying. Ultimate Ear Hyperboom Review [ds]-782-[/ds] If you want a portable speaker for dance class that you can also use at home, then UE Hyperboom is best for you. UE Hyperboom is a tall and heavy speaker. It is easy to carry with a carrying strap. With an IPX4 rating, it is resistant to sudden spills and splashes. It is made of plastic and has a fabric covering which feels quite sturdy. Adaptiq EQ analyzes the room shape and layout to optimize the sound. The sound quality is excellent and amazing for a portable speaker. It has clear highs, well-defined mids and blasting low ends. Bass is rich, deep, and warm which will certainly please bass heads. With a balanced sound profile, movies, music or shows sound very well. You can also connect it to your TV and use it as a soundbar. It has Bluetooth, aux in and optical port so connecting to TV via optical port is quite easy. Bluetooth connectivity can remember up to 8 connected devices. It allows you to connect two devices at the same time. This model comes with a mobile app which you can use to connect another speaker (Boom, Megaboom or Hyperboom) for bigger sound. The speaker can play in stereo and has impressive soundstage. It can get quite loud and is best for large spaces. Sound remains clean and undistorted at high volumes. The mobile app also includes EQ presets including Bass Boost', 'Game/Cinema', and 'Podcast'.With a charging time of 2.6 hours, it has a playback time of 24 hours which is very high. So, if you forget to charge it, you can still use the speaker the next day without any hassle. The speaker supports both AC and battery so if you wish you can simply plug it in and play on. Sound quality remains the same in both types of power supply. Marshal Emberton II Review [ds]-762-[/ds] Marshal Emberton II is an affordable portable speaker for dance class. It is a small retro looking Bluetooth speaker. Weighing less than 1 kg, it is very easy to carry in one hand. It is a rectangular shaped speaker with a golden button on top of it which acts as a joystick. Use this button for choosing different control options. The drivers are protected by metal grille, and it feels quite durable. Marshal Emberton II uses True Stereophonic feature which means it produces sound in stereo mode. It delivers 360-degree room-filling sound. The soundstage is spacious and outstanding. Audio sounds the same no matter where you are in the room. It has a balanced sound profile that sounds rich and clear for all contents. Low ends packs a punch but you might still find it weak, which is expected from a portable speaker. It can produce clearer vocals so podcasts, audiobooks or news will be enjoyable. Since the speaker doesn’t get very loud, it is ideal for compact spaces. It has a high battery life of 30+ hours which means it is usable for multiple days even without charging. Designed for outdoors, it has an IP rating of IP67. This means you can use it roughly while the speaker protects itself from dust and water. With Stack Mode, you can connect to another Emberton II speaker. The mobile app also offers multiple EQ presets (Marshal, Push and Voice) that you can use to tweak the sound. It doesn’t support any voice assistants or any microphone nor does it have any wired ports. For connectivity, you need to rely only on Bluetooth. Overall, it is a classy Bluetooth speaker that sounds best at moderate volumes. ION Pathfinder 280 Review [ds]-812-[/ds] ION Pathfinder 280 is an all-weather portable Bluetooth speaker. It has a square-like shape with a RGB light border around it. inside the grille there is 3 3” tweeter and an 8” woofer. For portability, it comes with a built-in handle and wheels. Carry the speaker easily by dragging it. The build quality is good with plastic and metal grille. Unlike conventional speakers that can deliver sound at 90-degrees, this speaker produces sound at 280-degrees wide-range. It has crystal clear sound with clear vocals and lead instruments. Low ends are great, and you can always improve it. Use the Boom button to boost the bass and activate the lights. It plays audio in mono mode but if you pair another speaker, a stereo pair is created. With high SPL, the speaker can get very loud so it can easily be used in large dance classrooms, studios, or any space. Connect another ION Audio speaker with Wireless Stereo-Link feature. Along with Bluetooth, it has 2 aux inputs for connecting devices. With an IP rating of IPX5, it can easily be used outdoors. There is a water-resistant box in which you can keep your smartphone or wallet. Charge your phone instantly with the USB-charging port. Unlike other portable speakers, it has a huge battery life. With a charge of 10 hours, it will give you a playback time of 100 hours. It has some unique features like FM radio with 16 built-in station presets and a built-in bottle opener. ION Sound XP mobile app makes it easier to control the speaker along with other features like lighting effects. You can adjust bass and treble settings as well. The app has 3-band graphic EQ along with 7 EQ presets (Normal', 'Rock', 'Classical', 'Jazz', 'Country', 'Pop', and 'Bass'). Conclusion: In case you prefer a speaker with 360-degree design, see Marshal Emberton II. It is very lightweight and easy to carry in one hand. Along with that, it has a long battery life of 30+ hours and can be used outdoors. If budget isn’t an issue, Bose S1 Pro is one of the best portable speakers for dance class. If you don’t want to carry these heavy speakers, see the ION Pathfinder that comes with wheels.   EQ presets and sound modes help to change the tune based on your preference. We love the Adaptiq EQ feature in UE Hyperboom. With this, you can place the speaker in any room without worrying how the room structure may affect the sound. All these portable speakers support Bluetooth. Some of them have additional ports like aux, USB or optical. FAQ Why should you choose a portable speaker for dance class? Portable speakers don’t have any wires. You won’t have any wires running though the class. Which would otherwise cause anyone to accidentally trip over or fall. Is IP rating important for a portable speaker? If you want to use it in the classroom always, then an IP rating isnt important. That said, an IPX5 will come in handy in case there is an accidental spill. If you have plans to use it outdoors sometimes, IPX7 rating in speakers is a good choice.

Modern TVs often exclude the ‘audio port’, also known as RCA port. If so, how to connect external speakers to TV without audio port? Well, audio port isn’t the only way to add speakers. Along with different input options, you can always include a receiver in the system. Some of the widely used connections are HDMI, optical or headphone out. In case your speaker or soundbar is passive, a receiver is a must. For connecting soundbars to TV, HDMI is the best option. While connecting external speakers to TVs, in some cases, you might need additional device like HDMI switch or DAC. You may also need converter or additional cables. Although it might be a hassle if you are new into this, most of these devices and cables are cheap and affordable. We focus on widely used options but the connection procedure will vary from each model of TV and speakers. How to connect external speakers to TV without audio Output: Different connection types There are several ways on how to connect audio system to tv. Direct connection This type of connection doesn’t require additional device. HDMI HDMI is the best way to connect soundbars or speakers to TV. Modern TVs come with multiple HDMI ports but even if you have an older TV model, it still might have a single port. Simply connect one end of the HDMI port to the HDMI ARC In of TV and other end to the HDMI ARC out of audio system. TOSLINK TOSLINK is also known as optical, digital optical or fiber optic audio. If you own a HDTV, chances are that it has TOSLINK port. Check if your audio system has such port as well. If so, complete the connection.in case the TV has optical connection, but the external speakers need to be connected via RCA, then you can use an optical to RCA converter. You can check the Musou Digital to Analog Coaxial RCA Audio Converter [amazon box="B01AWBA8U8" title= " "] [/amazon] This type of fiber optic digital connection will allow Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. 3.5mm out 3.5mm port is available is TVs which is also known as headphone port. If the speakers also have this port, then there is no problem simply use the cable to complete connection. However, if the speakers have RCA ports, then simply purchase an affordable 3.5mm to RCA cable, see this Amazon Basics 3.5mm to 2-Male RCA Adapter Stereo Audio Cable [amazon box="B01D5H8JW0" title= " "] [/amazon] Wireless If you want to use Bluetooth speaker for TV audio, then you can avoid the use of audio port of you TV. In this case both TV and speakers should support Bluetooth. Wireless connection eliminates the hassle of learning port and cable names which might be confusing for a newbie. It also avoids several wires lying around the room. Receiver For Connecting TV to stereo receiver, you simply need to look out for other options except audio output. You can connect TV to receiver via HDMI, optical or coax connection. For pairing speakers with the receiver, use speaker wire. Set-top Box DVD or Blu-ray player comes with RCA audio port. Set-top DV-R or Digital Cable box can be connected to TV via HDMI or TOSLINK connection to the speakers. Other Devices: While completing direct connection between speaker and TV, you might need convertor or some other devices. HDMI switch: While we suggested to use HDMI cable to connect the speaker’s system to TVs, what if the audio system doesn’t have HDMI port. In that case you will need an additional device known as HDMI switch. You can check the PROZOR HDMI 2.0 5x1 Switcher [amazon box="B08C9KZQYN" title= " "] [/amazon] . With HDMI switchers, connect one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI port of the TV and then to the Switcher. Then if the speakers have other connections like RCA, then complete RCA connection between speakers and TVs. DAC: If you have chosen TOSLINK to connect TV to stereo system, you might need a DAC. This is specially in case the audio system has RCA ports. Simply use TOSLINK cable to complete connection between DAC and TV, then use RCA cable to connect DAC and speakers. You can see this FiiO D3 D03K Analog to Digital Audio Converter [amazon box="B005K2TXMO" title= " "] [/amazon] Connection of speakers to different TV brands: As we already mentioned, the best way to connect soundbar or speakers to TV is to use HDMI connection: Check: Best External Speakers for TV: Buying Guide with Example How to connect external speakers to Samsung smart TV? Samsung Smart TVs come with HDMI ports and the first choice of connecting external speakers to Samsung Smart TV is HDMI port. You can also use optical or Bluetooth connection instead of RCA. If you have Samsung Soundbar and a Samsung TV model manufactured after 2013, you can also use Wi-Fi connection. How to connect 5.1 speakers to LED TV? Connection with any type of TV remains the same. Simply note down the available ports on the TV and sound system. If you don’t prefer RCA connection, choose HDMI or optical. Connection of different speaker systems to TVs: Different speaker systems will need different type of connections. • Stereo How to hook stereo speakers to TV? Well, powered speakers support RCA ports, but others may have 3.5mm ports. If you are using passive stereo speakers, then you will need an amplifier or receiver. If the TV supports 3.5mm port, use a 3.5mm cable to make connection between TV and speakers. In case the speakers have RCA ports, use a 3.5mm to RCA cable. • Soundbar: Soundbars are very popular and widely used specially with TVs. How to connect soundbar to TV without audio output? The best way to connect soundbars to TVs is HDMI connection. It ensures the ultimate quality of audio along with images. This is also the option if you want to know how to connect soundbar to tv without optical output. You can also connect it via Bluetooth. How to connect JBL 5.1 soundbar to TV? You can connect JBL Bar 5.1 soundbar via HDMI or optical connection to the TV. Home Theater: If you want to connect TV audio to home theater, there are several ways. You can use a receiver or amplifier if the system is passive. In that case the receiver will have several options to connect the TV except the audio out. You are not bound to use a receiver; you can check several powered home theater systems. Use a RCA to Aux converter if you don’t want to use RCA ports of the TV. How to connect iLive 5.1 home theater system to TV? The iLive 5.1 home theater system is a decent powered home theater system can be connected to TV via 3.5mm ports. How to connect Logitech Z906 to Samsung TV? If your Samsung TV has optical port, you can easily connect this Logitech Z906 powered sound system to it. How to connect Vizio 5.1 soundbar to TV? if you want to connect the Vizio V51x-J6 soundbar to TV, you can use any one of the following connections: HDMI, optical or aux. Parting words: Most modern TVs don’t have analog RCA outputs, also known as audio output. But it comes with several other ports and ways through which you can connect tv audio to home theater. We have discussed several connection types on how to connect external speakers to TV without audio port. External speakers are often preferred to improve the TV audio. Modern TVs have slim and sleek look. But they have poor sound quality. A soundbar is often the best choice to connect with TV. Soundbars are designed with a sleek shape so that you can place them under TV. For prominent movie effects, include a subwoofer. If you completely want to skip the wiring and connection setup, choose soundbars that can connect to the TV wirelessly. If you want to avoid complication of receivers, go for computer speakers, powered speakers, or home theaters. For better audio quality, go for passive speakers and receivers. Receivers help when you have a 5.1 or 7.2 home theater system. With several speakers and subwoofers, receiver allows you to connect all speakers to the receiver and then, connect receiver to the TV. FAQ: 1. Which is better, soundbar or speaker for TVs? Soundbars are often preferred for TVs because they are engineered to perform quite well. Samsung, Polk or Sony soundbars are quite good. Bose and JBL are some other popular options. However, if you are a serious audio enthusiast, you can try going for a high-end passive 5.1 or 7.2.4 home theater system. This will give you powerful home theater and cinematic audio with overhead effects. 2. Which connection option is the best to connect external speakers to TV? Well, HDMI is the best option. The second best is optical. In case you want wire-free setup, Bluetooth connection is the best way to connect speakers to TV. Nowadays, Bluetooth speakers are quite powerful and have eye-caching aesthetics.

Older TV models might not have HDMI ports, in that an optical input is a must have in a speaker. Once you have decided that you need optical in port to connect devices, the next step is to choose the type of speaker you want. You can choose Bluetooth speakers, 2.1 or 5.1 home theaters. Soundbar is another excellent choice to include for home use. The next important factor is to make sure it sounds well. We have listed some of the best speaker with optical input available in different price range. Another way is to choose passive speakers and then choosing receiver with optical input. Choosing a receiver or amp means you will have versatile and multiple connection options. For medium sized rooms, Kanto Yu6 stereo speakers or Creative Stage V2 2.1 soundbar system is best. If you need the best affordable speaker with optical input, check the Edifier R1280DB or LG LHD657 5.1 system. List of speakers with optical input: This section lists the best speakers with optical input. They vary in performance, features and price. Bluetooth speaker with optical input: Bluetooth speakers are easier to use due to their wireless connectivity. Have a look at some of the best Bluetooth speakers with optical input. Edifier R1280DB Basic specs: [ds]-190-[/ds] Frequency response: 55Hz-20kHz 0.5” tweeter, 4” woofer 42W RMS power Edifier R1280DB is an active bookshelf speaker with a classy look. Along with optical inputs, it has coax and 2 RCA in. For wireless, it supports Bluetooth making it the best versatile speaker under $150. On the front side, you will see a flared bass reflex port and the enclosure is made of good quality MDF. This design material will minimize any acoustic resonance. On the rear side, use the EQ options like Treble, bass, and volume knobs. Use the wireless remote to choose input, adjust volume, mute sound. The speaker with optical input has a flat frequency response. Treble and midrange are well-represented with clarity. Along with home use, DJs can easily take advantage of this audio profile. Bass is clean and shows its presence, but it isn’t room shaking. Measuring only 146mm×234mm×196mm, the speaker sounds larger than its size. Clarity is one of its main attractions. Music will shine through these. With SNR of 85dB, this music system with optical input can get loud. This studio monitor gives impressive performance at an affordable cost. If you prefer louder music, then you might need to look into larger studio monitors, but they sound quite decent. Allow the speakers to go through break in period. While playing through Bluetooth, make sure to check the mobile’s volume. You can connect this speaker to TV, computer, or PC. There is a sub out port so you can boost the low ends. With adequate headroom, the speakers won’t show major distortion at high volumes.   Reason to buy this: R1280DB from Edifier is best for small rooms. This stereo system with optical input is a compact speaker at cheap price that gives plenty of connection options. Kanto YU6 Review Basic specs: [ds]-90-[/ds] 100W RMS power Frequency Response: 50 Hz – 20 kHz 1” tweeter, 5.25” woofer Kanto Yu6 Bluetooth speaker Class D amplifier runs the speaker efficiently. The following connection options are available, 3.5mm, RCA in with phono switch, 2 optical in, sub out. Connect TV and CD player into the digital optical inputs. For wireless there is Bluetooth v4.0. They are suitable for small to mid-sized spaces. With a sub out you have the option to include a sub in case you don’t prefer the bass. Measuring only 6.9”x 8.1”x 10.7”, this compact speaker can easily fit into tight spaces. Use it as home theater speaker or set it up on your desktop table. It comes with a Yu series remote control where you can choose inputs, adjust bass, treble and balance along with other basic options. It automatically detects source and starts playing. When there is no signal, it shuts off to save energy. You can use the USB of this PC speakers with digital optical input to charge smartphones. Treble region is clear and well refined.  Mids are decent and bass is ample. Mids are detailed and vocals are clear. The speakers are designed to deliver quality sound no matter where you sit in your room. Out of the box accuracy is very good and they can get quite loud. Music sounds crisp and clear. It has a bass reflex enclosure with a port on its back side so make sure to leave some gap from the wall. Reason to buy this: If you are a vinyl lover, then Kanto Yu6 is for you. Connections are flexible and they are powerful enough to fill up living rooms easily.   Audioengine HD6   Basic specs: Frequency Response: 50 Hz-22 kHz ±1.5 dB 50W RMS 1” tweeter, 5.5” woofer   Audioengine HD6 is made of MDF and has a dimension of 7.25″x 11.75″x 10″. High resin MDF walls ensure they aren’t any resonance or discussion to color the sound. It sits on rubber pad to minimize vibration. Customized build quality will give you a premium feel. It can produce clear and room filling sound with excellent dynamics. Instruments are well represented, and treble region has decent clarity. While watching movies you will be impressed by the amount of bass the speakers can produce. However, it will not shake your room. You can watch TV listen to music or play video games and while enjoying excellent sound quality. Midrange are clear and low ends are significant. It also gives you the option to connect an additional subwoofer if you want. Unlike other competitors it doesn’t use class D amps. Inside the speakers you will find class AB power amps that produce clean and clear sound. It produces room filling sound and you will be impressed by the powerful audio coming from these stereo speakers. At high volume the speaker sounds clear without any noticeable distortion. Use the remote control for adjusting volume or use the mute function. Set them on tables or put them on stands. You can use them with turntables or connect them to external pre-amps. Overall, you will be more than satisfied by the performance at this price point. The speaker delivers natural and balanced sound with clear vocals. It isn’t the cheapest model in the market but is worth buying. Reason to buy this: If you want monitors with powerful sound, then Audioengine HD6 is for you. You can place them on large desktop tables or pair them with TVs. Multiple connection ports are available. It has 3.5 mm, RCA L/R, digital optical inputs, Bluetooth, and RCA line out.   Soundbar with optical input Soundbars are preferred by many due to their sleek design. It goes well with TVs and are the best solution to upgrade TV sound. Creative Stage 2.1   Basic specs: 160W peak power 2 2.25″ Soundbar Driver, 5.25″ subwoofer driver Frequency Response: 55–20,000 Hz Creative Stage V2 is a 2.1 channel soundbar with an independent subwoofer. Sound Blaster technologies like Clear Dialog and Surround ensure all details are present. The subwoofer comes with a 2m cable so are bound to place it within this range. It measures 26.8 x 3.94 x 3” so you can easily place it under 40” TVs. Use the USB-A to USB-C cable to connect it to your PC. It includes few cables, but HDMI isn’t one of them. It has the following ports: Optical input, HDMI ARC, 3.5 mm in and Bluetooth 5.0. These connection options give you the flexibility to connect TV via multiple ways. Inside the grille, the bar shows 2-digit LED display to show which option you selected. It comes with a remote control. Use it to choose inputs, select Surround, Clear Dialog or adjust bass/treble. The soundbar produces wide soundstage, bass is clean and deep, midrange is clear. Use the Clear Dialog mode while watching movies or games. It ensures the vocals aren’t ‘drowned’ under music effects. This feature takes the vocals, makes them loud and clear so that users can easily comprehend. Along with TV, you can connect the speaker to PS4, Nintendo Switch, smartphones, etc. This 2.1 soundbar system will give a minimalist look but the glossy panel may attract dust. This clear sounding bar produces powerful and immersive surround sound. This is much needed for movies. It is one of the best speakers with optical input. Reason to buy this: If you need an affordable 2.1 soundbar for mid-sized rooms, Creative Stage 2.1 is for you. Connection options are quite good with optical in, HDMI ARC and others. It has the best value for money. Pyle 2.1 PSBV28HB   Basic specs: 120W RMS power Soundbar frequency response: Soundbar: 120Hz-20kHz 6.5” subwoofer   The amplifier inside it produces clear and loud sound. With length of 36”, you can easily pair it with large TVs like 55 or 65”. Independent subwoofer produces clean and punchier bass making movies enjoyable. Build quality is quite good and setup is easy. Use the remote control to adjust bass and treble. Although it will not sound like a high-quality home stereo, but it is still a solid performer. With precise frequency response, the speaker can produce detailed sound that will have quite an impact on the audience. It has 3.5mm aux input, optical input, USB input, and HDMI ARC input.You can connect it to TV, tab, mobile, laptop, PC, and other sources. Placement is quite easy simply place it under your TV or on a flat surface. Make sure to remove any sources like radiator or stoves that produce heat. It is suggested not to place any object like CD or magazine under the soundbar. The remote control has several buttons you can choose mode, movies, music, or news option. You can select menu or mute to the bar. Pair the subwoofer by pressing WPS auto pairing button. Check for the blue LED on the rear side of the subwoofer to become solid this means the pairing is successful. Reason to buy this: If you prefer wireless subwoofer with a large soundbar, Pyle PSBV28HB is best for you. Sony HT-S350   Basic specs: [ds]-446-[/ds]   Although Sony HT-S350 doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, it wins the heart of many. It has a neutral frequency response and out of the box accuracy is pretty good. With an independent subwoofer you will hear rumble in the low ends. The subwoofer is front firing so you can place it closer to walls. Instruments are well represented, and dialogues are clear. Use the S-Force Pro front surround technology that will create immersive surround sound as if rear speakers are connected. With a length of 35.5”, you can pair it up with 65 or 70” TVs. It supports Bluetooth version 5.0 but only SBC coded is available. Along with Bluetooth it has optical and HDMI port but there is no 3.5mm port.  Set up is easy, simply plug in the devices and the soundbar will be the subwoofer wirelessly. Simply sit back and use the remote to control the bar. You can choose different modes like cinema, auto sound, music, voice, night, game, news, sports, and standard. The modes are self-explanatory so simply choose them as per the type of content. Secure the remote control because you cannot choose EQ options from the soundbar. The speakers have balanced midrange. To deliver powerful surround sound, Sony HT-S350 uses Dolby Digital. It can get quite loud to fill up large spaces but there will be distortion. The treble region in sharp and satisfying, mids are clear. It is one of the best soundbar systems under $200.   Reason to buy this: It is best for users who prefer an upgrade over there TV audio. If you don’t need other connections like 3.5 mm pot or sub out, then you can choose this model. Place them in small spaces and you are good to go. Home theater system with optical input Home theater systems with optical inputs are available if you prefer powerful sound. While some are active, others require you to purchase a receiver with optical in. Bluesound DUO 2.1 Basic specs: 8” subwoofer Suggested amp power: 15-80 watts Bluesound Duo 2.1 is a comes with two speakers and a subwoofer. The bass reflex subwoofer is powerful and produces cleaner and punchier bass. On its back panel there are basic options like crossover setting (60-160Hz), phase and volume knob. Inside the satellite speakers you will find 1” aluminum dome tweeter and 4” metalized polypropylene woofer. Attach the adhesive backed bumpers on the bottom of the speakers.   Follow the image above for placement of the speakers and the sub. Create 2.1 home theater with optical input by pairing an amp or receiver, choose one with an optical input because this port will help you to connect several devices. From these compact speakers, you will hear room-filling sound. Music is detailed and instruments are clear. Vocals are loud and intelligible; midrange is detailed and clear. You will hear high-fidelity sound from these speakers with impressive bass. Bluesound Proprietary digital equalization works with DIRECTDIGITAL amp and enhances the performance. It is designed to work with for 24-bit audio and the result is ultimate clarity in sound. Reason to buy this:   If you prefer passive speakers, then Bluesound 2.1 is a good choice. It isn’t cheap but the performance is quite good. If you need optical input, simply make sure the amp or receiver have it.   HiVi-Swans M10 Plus   Basic specs: Frequency Response: 140Hz – 20kHz (speaker), 55Hz – 140Hz (sub) 15W RMSx2 (speaker)   HiVi-Swans M10 Plus has 0.787” tweeter and 3” midwoofer. Silk diaphragm in the tweeter ensure natural and clear highs. It has broad and flat frequency response. The following connection ports are available: Bluetooth 5.0, Optical, Coaxial, Line. You can connect TV, PC, gaming console or smartphones easily. Look at the subwoofer swan logo for a color change as you change the input. This 2.1 speakers with optical input produce clear mids and tight bass. They can get loud enough to fill up small spaces or you can also use them for near field listening. Included speaker cables are 4’ long so you need to place the sub within this distance. Figure out where you prefer your sub to be. We loved it when placed above the desk. Adjust the bass by tuning the knob at the back panel of the sub. Build quality is good and the matte finish is eye catching. There isn’t any speaker grille, so the beauty of the drivers is exposed. However, with pets or kids, this might be an issue. Play contents below 80% volume to hear clearer sound. You can use them as front stereo speakers or as desktop speakers. We played music through it from various sources and were more than satisfied. If connected to TV for watching movies, the subwoofer will play a vital role to improve the low ends.   Reason to buy this: If you want a good subwoofer at a low cost, this HiVi-Swans M10 Plus is for you. It doesn’t have any remote and if you don’t need one, this model will suit you.   Fluance Ai41 with DB10 sub Basic specs: 1” tweeter, 5” woofer 2x45W RMS Frequency response: 35Hz – 20KHz Fluance Ai41 is a 2.0 stereo system and we paired it with Fluance DB10 for punchier bass. These active speakers with optical input have the following ports: RCA L/R, Bluetooth v5.0.  Connect it to your turntable with built-in phono preamp or CD player via RCA and TV via optical. The 90W amp runs the speakers delivering clean and room-filling sound. Neodymium tweeters ensure better stereo soundstage with clear highs. Mids are natural with precise acoustic accuracy. MDF wooden cabinets sits on rubber feet, eliminate any resonance or distortion producing pure form of audio. On the back panel, there are ports so you can’t place them closer to walls. The ports are responsible for warm sound. It has excellent stereo imaging and dynamics. Along with premium drivers, it works with DSP ensuring balanced frequency response. For its size, the speakers can get loud without noticeable distortion. Although the speaker comes with 8’ cable if you need more, simply connect 18-gauge wire. Once you connect the DB10, the speaker will work with active 80Hz low pass frequency filter. Use the remote to control volume, bass, and treble. The sub has a 10” woofer driver so you can easily place this 2.1 speakers with optical audio input in mid-sized rooms. DB10 subwoofer produces clean and room shaking bass. This is needed while playing movies. It has a front firing port so you can place it near walls. Reason to buy this: If you want a powerful 2.0 or 2.1 system with optical input, Fluance Ai41 is for you. Vinyl lovers will enjoy sound from these as well.   LG LHD657 5.1 Basic specs 1000W total power 5 speaker 1 sub LG LHD657 is 5.1 speaker systems with optical input. It consists of 2 floorstanding, 2 rear, 1 center speaker and 1 subwoofer. The front and rear speakers have 3” woofer driver. In this package you will also find DVD player and an amplifier. The 167W subwoofer has 7” woofer driver in it. It produces clean and tight bass. This system supports multi-region DVD playback, you can play movies from USB drive.  The following ports are available: portable in, audio L/R, composite, USB, and optical in and 1 HDMI out. Speakers in this package gives a slim and sleek look. Subwoofer packs a punch and the overall sound quality is impressive. You can purchase this system at an affordable cost. Once installation is complete, you will hear clean and clear sound. General audio files who aren’t too picky about their sound will love this system. Setup is simple and straightforward. Surround sound is pretty good and impactful. Once you run this 5.1 speaker system with optical input you just can’t go back.   Reason to buy this:   If you want a powerful 5.1 home theater with optical input that is packed with several features, then this model is for you.   Parting words: Choosing a speaker with optical input isn’t everything, you need to have a look at other features as well. The following are some basic features many users prefer: Bluetooth, aux in, sub out, EQ presets, remote, etc. Build quality, driver material plays role in the sound performance. Driver size is important as well. For desktop speakers 4” woofer size is good. Place the speakers following an equilateral triangle with the user and at ear level. If possible, include a subwoofer. The speaker must sound crisp and clear at mid-volume levels. If you prefer louder volumes, make sure it doesn’t show distortion. Choose a soundbar with subwoofer or a 2.1 setups for small to mid-sized spaces. FAQ Is optical input a must have? While optical port isn’t a must have, it is still a major connection port many prefer. Along with HDMI, optical inputs are used to connect TVs or CD players. What other connection ports are popular? HDMI is quite popular as it is mostly used to connect TVs. Bluetooth is preferred by many users because it leads to wireless connectivity. Other basic options are aux, USB, RCA, etc.

Comparing IPX8 vs IP68, IPX8 doesn’t confirm the level of protection against dust, and this is indicated by the letter ‘X’. It can be any value, but we don’t know it. The second number is same for both IP ratings. Value 8 means highest protection from water. You can submerge it under 1 meter or more for 30 minutes. IPX8 depth starts from 1 meter but it could be more. This will be mentioned by the manufacturer. IP68 is dust resistant and comparing IPX8 vs IP68, IP68 is better than IPX8. However, this will entirely depend on what you circumstance you will use them. Users who need a product for swimming won’t need an IP68 product, IPX8 is best for them. On the other hand, mobiles often come with both dust and water proof rating. From IP68 smartphones, Apple lovers can easily choose iPhone 12 that can withstand water up to 6m. you can also buy a non-IP rated phone and purchase additional IP rated phone case so that you can easily take it under water to take crystal clear images. Let’s move along to learn more about IPX8 and IP68 products and their differences. IPX8 vs IP68: Explained IP rating determines the level of protection against solid and liquid. If a product has a rating of IPAB, the first letter A denotes the level of protection against dust particles. It can vary from 0 to 6. The second letter B denotes the level of protection against water and can be within 0 to 8. Take a look at the table below to understand what is the meaning of the numbers. First digit Mechanical protection Second digit Water ingress protection 0 No protection 0 No protection 1 Protected against solid objects over 50mm, e.g. accidental touch by hands 1 Protected against vertically falling drops of water e.g. condensation 2 Protected against solid objects over 12mm, e.g. fingers 2 Protected against direct sprays of water up to 15 ° from the vertical 3 Protected against solid objects over 2.5mm, e.g. tools & wires 3 Protected against direct sprays of water up to 60 ° from the vertical 4 Protected against solid objects over 1mm, e.g. wires, nails etc. 4 Protected against water splashed from all directions, limited ingress permitted 5 Protected against dust limited ingress, not harmful deposits 5 Protected against low pressure jets of water from all directions, limited ingress permitted 6 Totally protected against dust 6 Protected against strong jets of water e.g. on ships deck, limited ingress permitted n/a n/a 7 Protected against the effects of temporary immersion between 15cm and 1m. Duration of test 30 minutes n/a n/a 8 Protected against long periods of immersion under pressure   Comparing IPX8 vs IP68, each product is ideal under different circumstances. IPX8 has no dustproof rating or protection. However, the IPX8 waterproof test shows it is completely waterproof. IP68 has the highest level of protection in each category. IP68 rating products are fully dust and water proof and can be use under extreme conditions. Between IPX7 vs IP68, the IPX7 is limited within a distance of 15cm to 1m under water. IP68 protection is much higher in this case. IPX8 vs IP68: Product comparison IPX8 and IP68 rated products don’t only belong to audio equipment. There are smartphones, phone cases and headphones that come with such ratings. Let’s have a look. IPX8 products: There are varieties in IPX8 products. it could be a smartphone, earphone, phone case or others. H2O Audio Sonar [amazon box="B08NCHYNW3" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs: 8GB memory 100% waterproof Smart watch Built-in mp3 Review: H2O underwater headphones has an IP rating of IPX8. It uses bone conduction technology to ensure you receive crystal clear sound inside water. It has a small and compact design that will fit and stay put in your ears. The IPX8 waterproof earphones are easy to use. It comes with control options and the marks are designed in such a way that you can feel them and know what the mark is for without seeing. Press on the earbud to play/pause, mode, increase or decrease volume. With mode button, you can switch between Bluetooth and MP3. On the +/- buttons, double press to skip and go to the next track. Press and hold to fast forward. You can easily connect it with MAC or PC. It supports .mp3 and .m4a files. With an 8GB of storage capacity, you can keep thousands of songs. It will work with your Smart watch. The headphones support Bluetooth that will work within 4 inches under water and in air the range is 10 meters. IPX8 rating for this product is, you can submerge it underwater up to 3 meters. To make sure the headphones stay put, you can plug them into your glass. Battery life of 7 hours is praiseworthy. It will be more than enough even if you use them only for swimming. It is best for swimmers or surfers where you don’t need to worry about dust rating at all. Along with enjoying music, you can listen to audiobooks or podcasts. If you want to play content from Audible, try converting AAX files to mp3 first. Charge the headphone with USB charger. The red LEDs will turn off indicating the charge is full. It will need around 2 hours to charge. It comes with 1-year warranty so if you face any problem, you can easily contact their customer support. Overall, the sound is rich and loud underwater. The cost is also reasonable. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G [amazon box="B097CNBDX2" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs: Resolution (Main Display): 2208 x 1768 (QXGA+) Technology (Main Display): Dynamic AMOLED 2X Rear Camera - Resolution (Multiple): 12.0 MP + 12.0 MP + 12.0 MP RAM:12 and ROM 256 GB Bluetooth v5.2 Review: IP ratings are available not only in Bluetooth or portable speakers. You can find them in smart phones as well. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G smartphone supports dual sim in the size of Nano-SIM (4FF), Embedded-SIM. It has a foldable screen that opens up to give you an expansive view. Dolby Atmos with stereo speakers can deliver immersive sound. You can draw or write easily with S pen on the mobile which a handy feature. Use the pen to become creative in the massive 7.6” screen. You can easily split the screen in three parts to open three different apps. This IPX8 smartphone has 120Hz display that improves gaming experience with 5nm processor. The rating also assures you to be worry-free in case you are trapped in rain, or your kid drops the phone in water. You can drop it up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. It is very durable and strong with Armor Aluminum frame. With Multi-Active Window feature, it is best for multi-tasking. A broader and brighter display make it attractive to users. As you take photos, you will realize the images are vibrant, brighter and sharper. With a higher refresh rate, scrolling through the phone and its responsiveness is faster and smoother. In terms of audio, like playing songs from Spotify, Pandora, or taking calls, the sound is clear and loud. although the size is compact, once folded it will be a thicker than standard smartphones. Movies, music or games are enjoyable with this. With a 4,400mAh battery, the battery life is average that lasts around 8 hours or around 11 hours of video playback. Overall, the videos or images are brighter and sharper and it is an expensive smartphone with IPX8 rating. True Wireless Earbuds, TSKIS IT100  [amazon box="B09QG3DMVY" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs: Bluetooth v5.2 90 minutes charging time ENC call noise reduction Fast charging via charge pad Review: True Wireless TSKIS IT100 earbuds has 13mm graphene drivers. It comes with charging case and needs 90 minutes for full charge. You can also purchase a wireless charger and the earbuds will last around 8 hours after a single charge. It supports HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRCP. It has excellent transmission speed and low-latency that makes listening better. ENC call noise reduction will lower the outside noise by 90% so that calls are crystal clear. With three pairs of earbuds made from silicon, they are soft, durable and fits perfectly in the ear. Pair it with Bluetooth devices and the next time it will connect automatically. The treble and mid region of the frequencies are excellent and overall, the sound quality is pleasant. Bass is deep and clean, and it creates 3D surround sound. to adjust volume, give a long tap on the right earbud and to reduce it, press on the left one. Controls are simple and straightforward. You can give a single tap on left or right earbud to play or pause. In case you want to go to next track, give a double tap on right earbud and for previous track on left earbud. If you want to activate Siri, tap three times on R/L earbud. These IPX8 rated in-ear headphones are completely resistant against water or sweat. The TSKIS IT100 earbuds are best for workout or sports. in terms of performance, the sound quality is quite good and consistent. The small footprint of the earbuds is easy to carry in pocket. Connectivity remains strong and uninterrupted. It will deliver impressive stereo sound and you can easily use it outdoors without worrying about rain water. Punkcase Scuba Universal IPX8 Water Resistant Case  [amazon box="B084Z6K9JF" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs Crystal clear screen Built-in camera tripod port Lifetime warranty Review: Punkcase scuba case universal IPX8 certified waterproof case is an affordable product that you can use to protect your smartphone. It is compatible with most phones whether it is Android or iPhone: Apple iPhone 6/ 6 Plus/6s/6s Plus/7/7 Plus/8/8 Plus/X/Xs/Xs Max/XR/11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S6/S8/S8+/S9/S9+/S10/S10+/Note 8/Note 9/Note 10/Note 10+. Make sure whether your phone model is supported because it doesn’t support all phones, like the One Plus N10. The manufacturer claims to use it during diving, snorkeling, or snowboarding. It will remain fully protected from water and with anti-reflective screen you can view and take crystal clear images. Hexagon lock of this case ensures it locks the phone from all sides. The screen protector allows 99% light transmission and is scratchproof. It is designed with adjustable phone holder so that phones up to 6.8” size will fit. The handle on one end makes it easy to grip. It will work with camera pole so if you buy a stick, then you can take amazing photos of underwater creatures. The screen is touch-sensitive so you can easily use it. IPX8 rating for this phone is, it will remain protected against water up to 15m. This IPX8 rating is for professional use so you can rely on it. it is also shockproof, dustproof and snowproof. However, dustproof rating isn’t fully explained. IP68 products: Comparing IPX8 vs IP68, IP68 smartphones are widely available. Google Pixel 4 XL (128GB, 6GB) 6.3" 90Hz OLED, IP68 [amazon box="B09N7V9WL6" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs: Resolution: 1440 x 3040 pixels Nano-SIM and/or eSIM OS: Android 10, upgradable to Android 12 Video: 1080p@30fps Bluetooth v5.0 Review: Google Pixel XL is made of matte aluminum frame and has Gorilla Glass 5 on the front and back side. You can use this phone with Google Assistant due to Active Edge. A higher refresh rate of 90Hz is appraisable. It makes scrolling smoother and is best for games. It runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 platform. It has 6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB storage. You can choose from different display colors or simply select Ambient EQ which will adjust color and brightness based on your environment. With Soli radar unit, the phone has motion sensor that means you can unlock the phone by doing the motion above the phone but not touching it. It uses a 3,700mAh battery and the battery life is average. Video playback will last around 15 hours and the phone will survive a working day. With Adaptive Battery, the phone will detect app usage in order to save battery. A large screen and higher refresh rate make everything smooth and detailed on screen. Pixel 4 XL has digital camera zoom. It supports 12.2-megapixel (standard) and 16-megapixel (telephoto). Image quality is rich, colorful and detailed. Live HDR+ feature will show you accurate and colorful image before you take the shot. The front camera is 8 megapixels. You can adjust settings like shadow or highlights as per your preference. HDR support shows clear and vivid images. You can use Astrophotography feature to take images of night sky for long period of time. Google pixel 4 waterproof rating is the same as Pixel XL. You can submerge these phones under water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. Take it outdoors or by the pool without fearing water. For sound, it has two speakers on the bottom side. It has Face Lock feature along with other basic ones. There is a Recorder app that will listen what you say and write them in words. Although you can’t expand the storage with microSD card, use Google cloud feature for storage. Apple iPhone 12, 64GB [amazon box="B08PP5MSVB" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs: Dimension: 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm 1170 x 2532 pixels Hexa-core CPU Bluetooth 5.0 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM Review: Along with this model, iPhone 13, iPhone 11 are also IP68 waterproof. It has iOS 14.1 OS that is upgradable to iOS 15.4. The display is 6.1” in size and has brightness of 625 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak). It has scratch-resistant ceramic glass screen and supports Dolby Vision and HDR 10. Crystal-infused ceramic shield screen protects the display so if it falls, it will not crack. IP68 waterproof iPhone 12 will remain protected up to 6m under water for 30 minutes. Although you wont swim under water with it, it will remain safe in rain or accidental water splashes. A Li-Ion 2815 mAh battery gives you around 17 hours or playback. It needs around 30 minutes to charge by 50%. It doesn’t come with charger or headphone so you need to pay extra for that. The flat aesthetics and durable design are eye-catching. Watching videos or movies are enjoyable with rich and detailed images. Wide and ultra-wide optics are 12MP. Smart HDR and Deep Fusion improves the image quality. You can easily capture night time images with Night mode. Although daytime images are sharp, zooming the camera shows its limitations. Front facing camera takes impressive selfies. Unlike other phones that support 5G, iPhone 12 supports majority of the bands delivering broader coverage. Performance and graphics of this iPhone 12 IP68 smartphone is excellent. Games are displayed with decency but the smoothness would increase with higher refresh rate. OnePlus pro 9 [amazon box="B07XM7WVS8" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs: Dimension: 163.2 x 73.6 x 8.7 mm Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) Resolution: 1440 x 3216 pixels Android 11, upgradable to Android 12, OxygenOS 12 Octa core CPU Video: 1080p@30fps, gyro-EIS Review: OnePlus 9 Pro has aluminium frame and Gorilla Glass 5 on front and back. It has a large display of 6.7” and is a bit heavy. The design is classy and build quality is sturdy.OnePlus 9 pro IP68 is, you can put it in water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. Amoled display has a brightness of 1300 nits. It has a refresh rate of 120Hz and supports HDR 10+. Animations or gaming scenes are responsive and smooth. The 48MP Hasselbad Camera uses several features like Hasselblad Color Calibration, dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama. Images are vivid and bright, but accuracy is average. Optical image stabilization (OIS) clears out any haziness or blurriness in images. You can take videos in 8K 30 or 4K 120. In 8k, the videos become smoother than others and will give you cinematic experience. 6.7” display with 120Hz refresh rate, images or videos are realistic, scrolling is also smoother. Color accuracy of this phone is pretty good. OnePlus 9 Pro has an excellent camera so photographers can take advantage of this. It captures true to life images. With Li-Po 4500 mA battery, fast charging needs up to 50% need 15 minutes. You can buy a wireless charger separately. Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 ensures higher refresh rate, lower latency making is the best IP68 smartphone for games. The display works with optical fingerprint sensor, and it works most of the time. Hyper touch features ensure low touch latency, and this is another key feature for games. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra Smartphone  [amazon box="B09MVZH5RB" title= " "] [/amazon] Specs: Dimension: 163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM Android 12, One UI 4.1 1440 x 3088 pixel Bluetooth v 5.2 Review: Samsung Galaxy S22 has aluminum frame and uses Gorilla Glass Victus+ on front and back glass. It has a Dynamic AMOLED 2X display that supports 120 HX refresh rate and HDMI 10+. The frame can withstand sudden drops and it is scratch proof. It has a thin and slim look and the smartphone comes with a S pen. Better latency ensures the pen is 70% faster and works as if you are writing it on a paper. You can use it to draw, write or sketch. A 4nm chip makes the phone work better in every aspect. The use of AI makes it easier and makes you feel you are writing on paper. Performance of this IP68 smartphone is impressive with better efficiency. Gaming experience is pleasant and responsive as well. It has a 6.8” screen that can get as bright as 1750 nits. There is a Vision Booster feature that adjusts and increases brightness all day long. Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra IP68 rating is, it can withstand water at a depth of 1.5m for 30 minutes. It uses a Li-Ion 5000 mAh battery. Enhanced AI ensures the battery lasts from a day to the next. The Pro Grade Camera gives you professional vibes. Nightography helps to take clear images of night time. 108MP high resolution camera and Low noise processing eliminates any grains and ensures to achieve a clear and bright image. In terms of video, you can record at 8k. Use Secure Folder and Samsung Knox to protect your files and other information. Which is better? IPX8 vs IP68, which is better? Well, although it will depend on your use case, IP68 seems to be a better one. This is because you can tell or control whether you want waterproof product. You can simply stop any contact with water but you can’t control that with dust. Any level of dust protection seems to be a better choice in order for the product to last long. This opinion will change if you want an IP-rated swimming earphone, or want a speaker that you can specifically use in washroom. If you want a smartphone, it is better to go with an IP68 phone so that you can save it from dust or dirt along with being waterproof. This will ensure that product to last long. While choosing a smartphone, make sure it meets your criteria. Like, if you play games a lot, it should have higher image quality and refresh rate, and lower latency. If you are a photographer go with higher pixels and several features and options that you can tweak. Faster and responsive phone is a must have for every day use. Battery life and charging time is also important. FAQ This faq is here to solve some of your problem that may arise while learning the IPX rating of your soundbox. Why are IP ratings important? IP ratings are important so that the product you choose can have longer life time. Waterproof rating in phones save them with accidental water splashes which, in a non-IP rated phone can completely damage it. What's the difference between IP67 and IP68? From the name itself, you can tell the dust resistance of both IP67 and IP68 is same. It is completely protected against dust and has the highest level of protection. Waterproof rating is higher and better in IP68 than IP67. For level 7, you can go within 1.5cm to 1m whereas for 8 you can go from 1.5 to 6m, or as mentioned by the manufacturer.