Vizio’s Latest All-in-One Soundbar Sounds Great for Less

The AIO does support decoding for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with DTS Virtual:X, designed to create a sense of expansion for even stereo soundtracks via digital signal processing (DSP). Any virtualized 3D effects were minimal at best in my testing, but even baseline support for the two primary audio formats is a win at this price.

Simple Sonics

The AIO’s quick setup and simple operation make it a breeze to integrate into your TV room. You’ll first want to download the Vizio controller app shown in the quick-start menu. Next, connect the power and supplied HDMI cable between the bar and your TV’s HDMI ARC port, wait for the tone to add the bar in the app, and you should be in business. With just a single input and cable (along with a USB port that can play WAV files), there’s little chance for error. One drawback to the minimalist approach is that the AIO won’t connect to older TVs with a lone optical output.

Without a remote, Vizio’s app takes on the heavy lifting. You’ll find two basic (and very similar) sound modes in Music and Movie, the latter of which adds a bit more zhuzh. Tapping the Personalize tab enables basic EQ adjustments, while effects like Night Mode and Virtual:X can be accessed under Advanced Audio. Your TV remote should automatically control volume and power, though some older TVs may require turning on “CEC” in the TV settings. Some newer Vizio TVs let you access Vizio soundbar settings from the TV menu directly and/or attach the bar below the TV with Vizio’s QuickFit mount system.

The AIO offers streaming over Bluetooth 5.3, accessible by tapping the Bluetooth symbol in the app or on the bar itself and then selecting it in your phone’s Bluetooth settings. Once paired, you can wake the bar to stream audio by swapping from the TV input to Bluetooth in the app. That’s handy since the AIO’s lack of Wi-Fi support leaves out fancier streaming options like Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay.

Big Bang

When it comes to sound performance, the AIO packs a wallop. I was unprepared for how much dynamism and general punch it brings to the table for its size, especially during action scenes or dramatic moments where the sonic tension ratchets up. Bass is thumpy for a system without a separate subwoofer. High-register effects like strings and horns get loud and full, instantly adding more gravitas and verve to intense moments than your TV alone. All of this had me estimating the AIO’s cost at around $200 to $250 before I checked the price tag.

Photograph: Ryan Waniata