7 Versatile Ways to Use a Sound Bar

If you’ve considered bringing a sound bar into your home audio setup, or have already incorporated one, you’re most likely familiar with their reputation for being a high-quality source of audio. Using a sound bar for TV audio is one of the more common ways to enjoy their sound-enhancing capabilities. But have you considered how to use a sound bar in more creative ways?

What else is a sound bar good for?

A sound bar, also simply known as a soundbar or a speaker bar, is fairly portable and lightweight, so there are plenty of potential uses for one. Of course, a sound bar with subwoofer technology or a high-end model that’s heavier might offer less portability, but these still leave a lot of flexibility in how you use them. On the other hand, a Bluetooth sound bar or a wireless sound bar can be transported anywhere, giving them even more potential.

A sound bar for TV watching is a great addition to a home theater setup. Learn how to connect a sound bar to a TV with Bluetooth and you can even use it for compatible TVs in other locations.

Additionally, you might be surprised at how much the audio quality of a sound bar can increase your appreciation for the media soundscapes you enjoy beyond watching TV and movies. It might even help you uncover new layers of sound in your favorite music and games.

The following is a guide to some of the more unique or versatile ways you can put a sound bar to use. By the time you’re done reading, you may even feel compelled to add multiple sound bars for every occasion.

Sound bars for gaming

Sound bars are also an excellent addition if you’re thinking about how to enhance your gaming setup. Just like with a home theater setup, they also enhance and amplify the sounds in a game to create a more immersive gaming experience. The spatial audio capabilities of some sound bars can also give you an advantage by allowing you to locate in-game sounds more accurately.

Connect the sound bar to your gaming console or PC for a next-level gaming experience. Bonus points if you have a sound bar, surround sound and a subwoofer to maximize the experience. The enhanced audio quality will provide realistic sound effects and can make you feel like you’re actually in the game environment.

Sound bars for home office

Sound bars can also be used to enhance the audio quality of your computer or desktop setup. They offer better sound reproduction compared to typical computer speakers, making them a key component to consider if you are setting up a home office for multimedia or video conferencing purposes.

You can use a sound bar as a speaker during virtual meetings or presentations. The improved audio clarity will ensure that you can hear everyone clearly, enhancing communication and eliminating the need for external microphones.

Sound bars for outdoor use and entertaining

Some sound bars are designed to be portable and rugged, making them a great option for outdoor use. You can bring them to picnics, beach parties or on camping trips to enjoy music while you relax or recreate outside. Many sound bars come with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can use the sound bar as a standalone speaker system for enjoying music with enhanced audio quality when you are outside. Consider mounting a sound bar in your outdoor kitchen or patio living space for a more permanent source of audio for a TV or to play music. However you plan to use it outdoors, choose a weather-resistant sound bar to keep it safe from the elements.

Another idea is to set up a large outdoor screen and connect your sound bar to create an immersive movie experience in your backyard. The sound bar will enhance the audio quality and reach, making it feel like you're at a real drive-in cinema.

Sound bars for home karaoke and party music

You can connect your sound bar to a karaoke machine or a smartphone app and plan a karaoke night at home. The sound bar will amplify your voice and provide a more enjoyable karaoke experience, and the backing tracks will sound better with higher clarity and more fidelity.

For other types of parties, sound bars keep you from relying on a small Bluetooth speaker or having to locate a central place to ensure music can be heard. Instead, you can connect a sound bar to your music device and use it to play background music during parties or gatherings. The improved audio quality and wider sound dispersion will make sure that everyone can enjoy the music no matter where they’re hanging out at the party.

Sound bars for ambient or atmospheric soundscapes

You can also use a sound bar to deepen your sleep and relaxation. Many sound bars come with built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Utilize sound bars with Bluetooth to connect your smartphone and play calming, ambient sounds, such as rain, ocean waves or bird chirping. Learn how to use white, pink or brown noise to create an atmosphere that promotes sleep and rest. You might install a sound bar in a meditation or relaxation room, bedroom or home office to fully enjoy the soothing soundscapes.

Sound bars for an at-home gym

You might even motivate yourself to work out more often by installing a sound bar to blast music or podcasts in your home gym or workout area. A sound bar can become a staple of your smart home, as it connects to your smartphone or fitness app to accompany your exercise routines. Play your favorite energizing music or follow along with workout videos while enjoying enhanced audio quality, making your workouts more enjoyable and motivating. You might even look forward to them knowing you can indulge in such cinematic sound.

Sound bars are versatile and easy to use

The sky’s the limit on the number of purposes and places you can use a sound bar. Imagine having one in your bathroom to enjoy an audiobook while soaking in a bubble bath after a hard day of work or mounted in your garage to crank up tunes while you work on a project. You can even pack one in your suitcase so you can get the full experience of your favorite reruns you like to watch in your hotel room. Just remember to check the compatibility and features of your specific sound bar model to make sure it can be supported in all of your desired uses.