Soundbar vs. Portable Speaker: Which is the better choice?

Soundbars and party speakers are common audio devices designed to meet different usage scenarios and needs. They are the two most widely used consumer speakers. In recent years, sales of soundbars and party speakers have grown rapidly.
This article compares them in terms of appearance, manufacturing, specifications, and applications.

Appearance Comparison
Soundbar with Wireless Bluetooth
A long and narrow speaker system, typically used to enhance the audio quality of a television or home theater system; we can also call it wall-mounted audio.

It is placed in front of or below the TV to provide a better audio experience.
Soundbars can connect to smartphones or other audio devices via wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Portable Wireless Outdoor Party Speaker

Designed for parties, outdoor events, or situations requiring mobility.

Compared to soundbars, party speakers are larger, have higher audio output power, and are suitable for large parties or outdoor occasions.

Most models support wireless Bluetooth connectivity and can play music from various sources.

Manufacturing and Cost Comparison
The product structure, shape, and usage scenarios of soundbars are relatively simple.
The product is small, and the soundbar manufacturing process is simple.
Regarding manufacturing costs, taking the AUSMAN Soundbar As - hsb101 as an example, the factory cost per unit is approximately $10.

Compared to soundbars, party speakers are larger, have more parts, and the manufacturing process is more complex.
Ausman's production line produces approximately 600-1000 units per day.
The manufacturing cost of party speakers ranges from $10 to $100.

Parameter Comparison
Soundbars and Party Speakers are different types of audio products. We can compare and analyze their characteristics to understand their similarities and differences.

1. Sound Quality
Soundbars typically offer superior sound quality, especially in home theater environments.
Equipped with multiple channels and speaker units, soundbars utilize digital signal processing to deliver clear and immersive sound effects.

Party speakers prioritize loudness and bass, capable of covering a wide area, making them ideal for outdoor use, even in open spaces exceeding 100 square meters.

2. Connectivity Options
Soundbars are primarily designed for indoor use and offer various connection options, including HDMI, optical, and Bluetooth, making them easy to pair with TVs, smartphones, or other audio devices.

Party Speakers focus on wireless applications and offer options such as Bluetooth, USB, TF card, and AUX input, providing convenient music playback in outdoor environments.

Soundbar Bluetooth Wireless
Connecting a TV and soundbar using HDMI

3. Portability
Soundbars are not designed for frequent movement, as they are typically placed under the TV or mounted on the wall, lacking portability.

Party speakers are more portable, featuring handles, wheels, and built-in power supplies for easy transport and movement.

4. Power Output
Soundbars have lower power output (typically below 100W) because they are mainly used for home theater setups; 15W for a bedroom and 60W for a living room is usually sufficient.
Common power outputs include 15W/20W/25W/30W/40W/60W, etc.
Soundbars have two, three, four, and five channels.

Party Speakers offer higher power output, with many Models exceeding 100W, such as the AUSMAN Party Speaker series, meeting users' specific requirements.
They are 40W/50W/60W/80W/100W/120W/150W/200W, etc.
Party speakers generally have two channels, with a maximum of three channels; four or five channels are less common.

Application Scenario Comparison
1. TV with Soundbar
Suitable for home theater systems, placed in front of or below the TV, providing an immersive audio experience that complements movie and TV watching.
Soundbars can also be connected to smartphones, tablets, and other devices to enjoy personal music.

2. Outdoor Activities
Suitable for various scenarios, including parties, outdoor events, and various daily life activities.
Party speakers are designed with portability, waterproof features, and long battery life to ensure stable use in outdoor environments.

Which Sounds Better?
In indoor settings, soundbars provide clear and balanced sound, offering an excellent audio experience for watching TV shows and movies.
For movie enthusiasts and those seeking a comfortable viewing experience, soundbars are a better choice.

Party speakers excel in volume and portability, but their sound quality may suffer more distortion compared to soundbars.

Conclusion
From an audio experience perspective, soundbars are superior to party speakers, but soundbars are limited to indoor use and lack portability.

However, when choosing between the two, specific usage scenarios and personal preferences must be considered.