5 Onn Soundbars: Ranked and Reviewed

Upgrading your TV‘s audio with an external soundbar can make a world of difference, allowing you to hear all the sonic details in your movies, TV shows and games. But with premium soundbars costing upwards of $500 or more, they aren‘t always an affordable upgrade option.

Enter Onn soundbars. As Walmart‘s exclusive house brand, Onn aims to deliver features and performance you‘d expect from bigger names, just at more accessible price points under $200.

In this guide, we‘ll be ranking the 5 current Onn soundbar models to reveal which is most worth your hard-earned dollar. You‘ll also get key buying considerations to choose the right one for your needs and budget.

What Are Soundbars and Why Onn?

Soundbars are long, slender speaker units designed to boost and enhance a TV‘s native audio output. They come in various configurations, from basic 2.0 stereo all the way up to 5.1 surround sound with wireless subwoofers included.

The main benefits of soundbars over relying solely on a TV‘s built-in speakers include:

• Better sound quality: More speaker drivers and amplification leads to clearer audio with more detail and dynamic range.
• Volume and bass: Soundbars play louder and deliver deeper low frequencies than small TV speakers.
• Dialogue clarity: Voices sound clearer so you won‘t miss key plot details.
• Sleek profile: Soundbars blend into modern décor better than a mess of wires and satellite speakers.

Onn soundbars aim to deliver these perks at budget price points between $36 to $169. They cut costs by targeting essential features most buyers need, rather than loading up on fancy flourishes.

You won‘t get the absolute best sound reproduction from Onn‘s lineup. But their streamlined focus on value for money makes them great starter soundbars if you simply want better audio than your TV can provide.

Now let‘s compare how Onn‘s five soundbar models stack up.

Onn Soundbars Lineup Comparison

Here is how Onn‘s soundbar models compare by price, configuration, inputs and key features:

With their capabilities and limitations in mind, let‘s rank each Onn soundbar from best to worst value.

Ranking Onn‘s Soundbars From Best to Worst

Here is how we rank Onn‘s soundbar lineup purely on overall value for money:

1. Onn 30-inch 2.0 Soundbar – The best balance of great sound and ultra-affordable pricing.
2. Onn 42-inch 5.1.2 Soundbar – Impressive surround sound at this price.
3. Onn 37-inch 3.1 Atmos Soundbar – Leading audio features meet budget pricing.
4. Onn 20-inch LED Soundbar – More about looks than sound quality.
5. Onn 36-inch 2.1 Soundbar – Too expensive given its limitations.

Now let‘s break down each model in more detail.

#1: Onn 30-inch 2.0 Soundbar

Priced at an incredible $36, the Onn 30-inch 2.0 Soundbar is our top overall pick.

It‘s a basic two-channel stereo model, but it‘s compact size and dead simple connectivity make it a great entry-level upgrade over your TV‘s built-in audio.

Key features:

• 120 watts total output
• Bluetooth and Roku TV wireless connectivity
• Optical and aux inputs
• Wall mountable

For such little money, it‘s impressive that the Onn 30-inch soundbar offers both wireless streaming and physical connections. Note Bluetooth streaming quality won‘t be as good as using the Optical or RCA inputs.

Pros:

• Incredible value
• Easy wireless setup
• Big sound in a small package

Cons:

• No HDMI input
• Sound quality limited by two small drivers
• Cheap build quality

The Onn 30-inch soundbar lacks premium features, but with smart connectivity and 120 watts of power driving two 2.5” speaker drivers, it easily outperforms your TV‘s sound.

For just $36, it‘s almost an impulse buy. But it could be just what you need to give older TV shows and movies the audio boost they deserve.

#2: Onn 42-inch 5.1.2 Soundbar

Shoppers wanting to improve upon plain stereo sound should consider stepping up to the Onn 42-inch 5.1.2 Soundbar.

Priced at a still-affordable $149, this beastly soundbar configuration includes a wireless subwoofer plus four satellite speakers for true surround sound.

Key features:

• 410 watts total output
• 5.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos surround sound
• Dedicated center channel
• 1x HDMI & 1x Optical input
• Wireless subwoofer included

With triple the speakers of cheaper models, the Onn 5.1.2 can actually emulate a surround sound speaker system. Voices come through clearer from the center channel while effects envelop you from all sides.

Pros:

• Great surround sound immersion
• Solid connectivity
• Wireless sub bolsters bass

Cons:

• Lots of wiring for satellite speakers
• Cheaper build than name brands
• Bass-heavy mix

There‘s no substitute for a true discrete surround system with amps and premium speakers. But for under $150, the Onn 5.1.2 soundbar delivers an impressively immersive experience once you run all its wires.

#3: Onn 37-inch 3.1 Atmos Soundbar

The Onn 37-inch 3.1 Atmos Soundbar sweetens the audio for $169 with Dolby Atmos decoding and a compact wireless sub.

Atmos is extra data encoded into soundtracks that lets sounds play from above you, not just side to side. It can make movies more immersive, almost like 3D audio inside your head!

Key features:

• 280 watts total output
• Dolby Atmos audio decoding
• Wireless subwoofer included
• 1x HDMI, 1x Optical, USB, RCA inputs

Like the 5.1.2 model, the wireless subwoofer helps the 3.1 soundbar produce rich, deep bass beyond TV speakers. Atmos support also unlocks more lifelike audio for suitably encoded movies.

Pros:

• Dolby Atmos audio
• Good connection options
• Wireless sub for added bass

Cons:

• Subwoofer volume feels limited
• No smart assistant support
• Large size

If you want better spatial sound within a simpler setup, the Onn Dolby Atmos soundbar brings the crucial upgrades without costing a bomb.

#4: Onn 20-inch LED Soundbar

Frankly, the Onn 20-inch LED Soundbar‘s main selling point isn‘t its audio reproduction at all. It‘s the flashy colored LED lighting on its sides!

Priced at $59, think of this compact 2.0 stereo soundbar more as a cool visual accent for small spaces, less an audiophile upgrade.

Key features:

• 2 x 8 watt drivers
• Side-firing RGB LED lighting
• Optical and aux inputs
• Wall mountable

Don‘t expect amazing sound performance from just 16 watts of total power. But the LED lighting adds fun ambient flair suitable for dorm rooms or kids‘ bedrooms.

Pros:

• LED lighting sets a fun mood
• Compact size
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Sound quality isn‘t a focus point
• Few physical connectivity options
• Cheap build quality

The Onn LED soundbar puts flashy visuals before fidelity. But for less than $60, it can make your setup more lively and fun.

#5: Onn 36-inch 2.1 Soundbar

Rounding out Onn‘s lineup, the Onn 36-inch 2.1 Soundbar stuffs a subwoofer inside its 36-inch width chassis.

This helps bolster bass in a more compact footprint. However, its $128 price feels high given no wireless connectivity and just a basic stereo speaker configuration.

Key Features:

• 160 watt total output
• Built-in side-firing subwoofer
• 1x HDMI, 1x Optical input
• Wall mountable design

Pros:

• Saves space with built-in sub
• HDMI input included
• Rich bass presence

Cons:

• Basic 2.1 channel sound
• No Bluetooth/Wi-Fi wireless
• Pricey for what‘s offered

The Onn 36-inch model arguably tries to be a jack of all trades but master of none. With comparable models offering surround formats, streaming or Atmos for similar cash, its proposition falls flat.

What to Look for In an Onn Soundbar

Beyond mere model numbers, keep these characteristics in mind when choosing your soundbar:

Price – How much are you willing to spend? Onn soundbars range from just $36 to $169. Pay more for better sound and features.

Sound quality – More drivers and power will sound clearer, play louder and reproduce bass better. But skillful tuning matters too.

Surround sound – Models with ".2" or extra speakers help envelop you in sound for movies and games.

Subwoofer – Whether built-in or wireless, having a separate sub bolsters a soundbar‘s bass abilities.

Inputs – HDMI is best for lossless digital sound, while Optical/RCA work too. Having options is key.

Wireless connectivity – Modern soundbars have Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or both for cable-free streaming convenience.

Think about which features would benefit you most for the room and devices the soundbar will connect to before deciding.

What‘s It Like Using an Onn Soundbar?

From opening the box to daily use, here is what you can expect from an Onn-branded soundbar as your TV audio upgrade:

• Easy setup – Basic soundbars just need power, an audio cable to your TV and source remote. Surrounds take more plugging in for satellites and sub.

• Streaming connectivity – Hooking up over Bluetooth for wireless music requires pairing with phones/tablets. Optical or HDMI are more reliable for home theater use.

• Improved audio – More driving power and speaker cones than a TV can output leads to clearer sound with better bass.

• Independent volume – Onn soundbars have their own volume keys on the unit or remote. Levels won‘t sync to TV volume changes.

• Compact size – Even with multiple speakers, soundbars are designed for smaller media consoles and wall mounting.

Onn soundbars focus on simplifying the setup so you can better enjoy content. They leave out premium touches like HDMI 2.1 or smart assistants. But improved sound for your dollar spent remains the priority.

Summary: Should You Buy an Onn Soundbar?

Onn manages to stuff sought-after soundbar capabilities like wireless streaming, Dolby Atmos and even surround formats into extremely affordable packages.

You shouldn‘t expect premium build quality or audio performance at these low costs. But they deliver absolutely solid improvements over intrusive TV speakers for casual viewers.

If you want louder, clearer sound on the cheap, Onn has options to suit any budget. Their streamlined approach cuts out complexity without sacrificing the most essential features.

So audiophiles wanting reference-grade performance will still need to save up for those four-figure options. But for everyone else, Onn lets you affordably enhance what you hear from movies, music and games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an Onn soundbar with my computer or game console?

• Yes – Onn soundbars have RCA, Optical or HDMI inputs to connect with computers and game systems. Just ensure you choose a model with the right ports for your devices.

How do Onn soundbars compare to more expensive models?

• Generally, more costly soundbars from brands like Sonos, Samsung, LG and Sony deliver clearer, richer and more powerful sound reproduction thanks to superior internal components and tuning. But Onn models offer a solid core experience for much less.

Are Onn soundbars decent for gaming?

• Absolutely – the wider and more enveloping soundstage of a soundbar over TV speakers enhances immersion in games. Just don‘t expect true surround precision. For competitive gaming requiring pinpoint audio accuracy, a gaming headset is a smart buy.

Can I use Onn soundbars wirelessly if my TV doesn‘t support HDMI ARC or optical out?

• Yes – some Onn models with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity can pair directly with phones, tablets and computers over wireless if your TV lacks those ports. But for the best movie and TV show experience, a wired connection is recommended.

Do any Onn soundbars offer smart assistants or voice control?

• No – you won‘t currently find Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri compatibility on affordable Onn soundbars. For that, you‘ll need to step up to options from Bose, Sonos and others costing over $300.