Outdoor Soundbar FAQ

Most of us like our backyard barbecues with a little background music. Some go a step further and dedicate their outdoor get-togethers to watching live sports or settling in for a movie night. Whatever your audio pleasure, it’s best achieved with an outdoor soundbar. For those unfamiliar with these units capable of producing immersive sound, our experts have compiled the most frequently asked questions from consumers like you.

If you’re not seeing what information you need here, simply reach out to our outdoor audio experts at 1-877-743-2269, and you’ll have your answer in no time!

Do I need a soundbar for my outdoor TV?

While not typically required, most built-in TV speakers are relatively small and struggle to deliver the sound quality that a soundbar can. A soundbar will deliver upgraded sound, and if it includes a subwoofer you will get a much fuller soundscape thanks to the addition of low frequencies.

How close does a soundbar need to be?

To get the best results, you should mount your soundbar directly above or below your TV.

Do you leave TV sound on with soundbar?

Your TV will usually have separate audio controls that let you disable the built-in speakers so your audio will come through the soundbar or other speakers instead.

Can you add speakers to a soundbar or use it with existing outdoor speaker setups? Or are they designed to replace traditional speakers entirely?

Few soundbars support additional audio output such as speakers, so this is not done easily.

Can you add a subwoofer to a soundbar?

In many cases, your soundbar will have a wireless subwoofer included. Some models allow you to add a wired or wireless sub, while others don’t. Consult the owner’s manual or call one of our experts for more information.

Do you need a receiver if you have a soundbar?

Short answer: no. One of the many advantages of soundbars is that they come standard with an integrated amplifier.

What are Dolby Atmos soundbars?

These soundbars utilize surround sound technology that provide multi-dimensional audio, meaning that you can hear sound coming from every direction.

Can a soundbar be used as a center speaker?

This will depend on your overall system, but a soundbar eliminates the need for additional speakers.

How can I tell if a soundbar will connect with my TV?

Check to see what connections your TV requires and what connections the soundbar has. This will typically be HDMI, but some brands (including SunBriteTV) have alternate connections. As always, you should consult the owner’s manual to be sure. See outdoor soundbars with Dolby Atmos

What are the main advantages of using outdoor speakers or soundbars compared to indoor ones? How do they differ in design?

Outdoor-rated appliances are specially designed to withstand the elements— making them last longer—while indoor speakers lack the protection that makes them weather-resistant. Putting indoor speakers outside may also void your warranty.

Should I get a soundbar or a set of speakers?

Soundbars are easier to connect and install and will save you time and money as installing speakers typically involves a dedicated—and expensive—surround-sound system.

How does the range of an outdoor soundbar's wireless connectivity impact its usability in an outdoor setting?

If the soundbar is properly placed directly above or below the TV, there should be no issues with wireless range.

Are there any recommended maintenance and cleaning practices for outdoor sound bars to ensure long-term performance?

A little maintenance goes a long way with outdoor soundbars. Dust and clean it occasionally and check to be sure the grille is free of debris that could cause the audio quality to deteriorate.

What is the Bluetooth range of these outdoor speakers/soundbars?

Standard Bluetooth range is approximately 30 feet.

Are these outdoor speakers/soundbars completely waterproof or just water-resistant?

It will depend on the specific model and its IP rating, so be sure to check the owner’s manual.

What types of mounting options are available for these outdoor speakers/soundbars?

Most will include mounts that can be fixed to a wall or to the TV’s mount. It is uncommon for a soundbar to have a mount like a TV mount.

Are mounting brackets or hardware included with the purchase of these outdoor speakers/soundbars?

Most sound bars will come standard with the proper hardware necessary to mount it to a wall or TV mount.

Where should I put my subwoofer?

Most people place their subwoofer close to the soundbar, however, given that the origin of low frequencies is difficult to pinpoint and frequencies below 80 Hz are omni-directional, the physical location is not very important.