According to the source review from TechRadar, the WiiM Bar is the company's debut soundbar and offers a compelling mix of virtual Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue, and an innovative display design. Tested extensively, it demonstrates strong potential to rival established products like Sonos in the premium soundbar space.
- Virtual Dolby Atmos support with clear, spacious sound
- Unique display and a feature-packed companion app
- Limited bass dynamics, no AirPlay 2 or HDMI passthrough
Product angle
The source review highlights that the WiiM Bar is the company's first soundbar and offers virtual Dolby Atmos capabilities rather than true Atmos with up-firing drivers. Despite this, the soundbar produces a convincingly immersive audio experience, with precise virtual vertical sound placements. Its design incorporates a unique toggle-able display and a robust app, providing users with considerable control and customization. While not the loudest or most dynamically powerful soundbar at this price, it delivers a pleasantly wide soundstage and exceptional dialogue clarity.
Connectivity options are plentiful, though there is no AirPlay 2 support or HDMI passthrough functionality, which could be a drawback for some users seeking the widest compatibility. The soundbar’s output power is respectable, capable of filling larger rooms with cinematic sound. The inclusion of modes like Night and Voice further enhances usability across various content types such as movies, podcasts, and TV shows.
Best for / avoid if
The WiiM Bar is best suited for consumers who value a feature-rich soundbar with extensive connectivity and a strong virtual Atmos experience, particularly those who prioritize clear dialogue and a wide soundstage for movies and TV. It's a compelling option for users looking for scalability, as adding a subwoofer can improve bass depth, although this increases the overall cost. Gamers and movie enthusiasts who want precise virtual sound movement without full external speaker setups may find the WiiM Bar appealing.
Potential buyers should avoid this soundbar if they require physical up-firing speakers for true Dolby Atmos, demand AirPlay 2 for Apple ecosystem integration, or need HDMI passthrough for simplified device connectivity. Those seeking the most dynamic bass response directly out of the box without additional components might find the bass somewhat restrained. Additionally, buyers with smaller room constraints might not fully appreciate the soundbar's capabilities.
Pricing and alternatives to check
While specific pricing details for the WiiM Bar were not disclosed in the source review, the soundbar is positioned as competitive against established premium brands like Sonos. TechRadar’s evaluation suggests it balances price with features well, especially considering the quality of virtual Atmos and its loudness capabilities. Prospective buyers should factor in potential additional expenditure on a separate subwoofer to achieve the best low-frequency experience.
Alternatives to consider include Sonos soundbars, which offer integrated subwoofers and true Dolby Atmos setups at sometimes higher prices, and other brands like Bose and Yamaha that provide soundbars with similar multi-room and smart features. Investigating speakers with HDMI passthrough and AirPlay 2 support may be worthwhile depending on the buyer’s ecosystem needs.