If you’re a fan of Google Assistant and want to streamline your home entertainment, choosing a soundbar that’s compatible with it is essential. This integration offers convenient control and a seamless audio experience. Explore our selection of soundbars that not only deliver superb audio quality but also effortlessly sync with Google Assistant for an enhanced user experience.
What are the best soundbars with Google Assistant?
- Sonos Beam
- Sonos Playbase
- Bose Soundbar 700
- Bose Soundbar 500
- VIZIO SmartCast 5.1ch Soundbar with 5-1/4″ Sub
- VIZIO 5.1.2ch Soundbar with 6″ Sub (Dolby Atmos)
- LG – AI ThinQ 3.1.2Ch 440W Soundbar with Sub (Dolby Atmos)
- Polk 2.1Ch Soundbar with 6-1/2″ Sub
Leave it to the entertainment industry’s top brands like Sonos, Bose, VIZIO, LG, and Polk Audio to bring you the very best soundbars with Google Assistant. The hardest part will be deciding which one is perfect for you.
Soundbars With Google Assistant – Key Features
The table below provides a comparative overview of key features across various soundbars, helping you to quickly identify which model meets your specific audio and smart technology needs. We’ll look at each soundbar individually below!
| Soundbar Model | Surround Sound | Wall-Mounting | Voice Activation | Amazon Alexa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam | X | X | X | X |
| Sonos Playbase | X | X | X | |
| Bose Soundbar 700 | X | X | X | X |
| Bose Soundbar 500 | X | X | X | X |
| VIZIO M-Series 5.1 | X | X | ||
| VIZIO 5.1.2-Channel | X | X | X | |
| LG SP8YA Sound Bar | X | X | X | |
| Polk Audio 2.1-Channel | X |
Conclusion
Sonos Beam
Sonos soundbars are typically known for being top-notch speakers for home theater systems, with great audio components, speaker sets, accessories, and more.
The Sonos Beam (on Amazon) is a compact soundbar that is an all-in-one solution and a great option for all of your media playing needs by connecting with all of your devices.
PROS
- Compact Soundbar: The Sonos Beam is a mid-range, compact soundbar.
- Device Connectivity: Connects to various devices for playing podcasts, music, TV, and video games.
- Voice Control: Hands-free operation with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Multiple Control Options: Includes touch controls, an app, and TV remote connectivity.
- Easy Setup: Simple to install, can be mounted or placed on furniture (skim through our article on the best height for a soundbar).
- Ports: Features HDMI-ARC via HDMI port, along with Ethernet and power inputs.
- Audio Expansion: Compatible with wireless Sonos sub/speakers for 5.1 surround sound.
- Room-to-Room Media Play: Enables media playback in multiple rooms.
CONS
- Compatibility Restriction: Sonos brand for external speakers is required, limiting use with pre-owned non-Sonos speakers.
- Limited Sound Capacity: In larger rooms, the Sonos Beam’s sound may not match the immersive quality of traditional, more powerful surround sound systems.
- Considerations for Large Rooms: For expansive areas, the Sonos Beam might not be the most effective choice if seeking an encompassing, rich audio experience.
Sonos Playbase
The Sonos Playbase (in Amazon) is another winning soundbar with Google Assistant by the leading smart speaker and electronics brand Sonos.
It is a sleek, compact, and minimalist soundbar that boasts multi-dimensional sound through 10 amplified drivers. It is designed to meet all of your media needs and produce impressive sound.
PROS
- Amplified Drivers: Features 10 drivers (six mid-range, three tweeters, one woofer) for widescreen sound.
- Room Coverage: Suitable for any room size, offering full-range sound.
- Home Entertainment Base: It could be the foundation or the entirety of a home entertainment system.
- Expandable Sound System: Compatible with wireless Sonos sub and speakers for sound enhancement and multi-room audio.
- Easy Setup: Guided setup via the Sonos app; minimalist design with only two cords (power and optical).
- Voice Assistant and AirPlay: Supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple® AirPlay through a wireless connection.
- TV Stand Compatibility: Functions as a stand for TVs weighing up to 75 lbs.
CONS
- Design Limitation: Sonos Playbase is designed for a sleek, minimalist look but is not suitable for mounting; must be placed on a TV stand or furniture.
- Speaker Compatibility: Restricted to integration with only Sonos brand speakers and subs, excluding other brands.
- Connection Limitation: Lacks HDMI input; relies solely on optical connection.
Bose Smart Soundbar 700
The Bose Soundbar 700 (on Amazon) is an awesome choice, offering excellent sound quality and allows you to easily connect with Google Home.
PROS
- High-Quality Design: Bose Soundbar 700 offers powerful, spacious, multi-dimensional sound with a sleek exterior.
- Advanced Voice Technology: Features an eight-microphone array for superior voice pickup with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 for playing from any device.
- Expandable Sound System: Compatible with Bose surround speakers and Bose Bass Module 700 for enhanced surround sound.
- Multiple Control Options: Control via smart home assistants, Bose Music app, universal remote, or directly from your device.
- Premium Build: Boasts a premium glass top design.
- Connectivity Options: Includes HDMI-ARC and optical audio input.
- Color and Mounting Options: Available in black and white; suitable for stand placement or wall mounting.
- Audio Support: Supports Dolby Digital and DTS formats.
CONS
- Speaker Compatibility: Limited to Bose smart speakers for add-ons; incompatible with other speaker brands or types.
- Setup Complexity: Some users find the Bose Soundbar 700 challenging to set up.
- Premium Pricing: Higher cost compared to many other soundbars with Google Assistant, reflecting its premium status.
Bose – Soundbar 500
The Bose Soundbar 500 (on Amazon) is a top pick for soundbars with Google Assistant. This smart, mid-range soundbar provides all of the same premium integrations as the Soundbar 700 and is equipped with the classic Bose sound.
For more details on the comparison of Bose Soundbar 500 vs Bose Soundbar 700, take a look at our related article.
PROS
- Compact and Less Powerful: The Bose Soundbar 500 is smaller and slightly less powerful than the Soundbar 700.
- Design: Features a matte-finish top as opposed to the Soundbar 700’s premium glass top.
- Key Features: Includes HDMI-ARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay integrations.
- Voice Assistants: Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support.
- Audio Inputs and System: Offers optical audio input and an eight-mic array system; supports Dolby Digital and DTS.
- Control Options: Control hands-free, via Bose Music app, Bose Soundbar universal remote, or other devices.
- Expandable Audio: Compatible with Bose smart speakers like Bose Bass Module 500 and Bose Surround Speakers for enhanced sound.
CONS
Like the Soundbar 700, the Bose Soundbar 500 is limited to only specific additional external speakers: the Bass Module 500 or the Bose Surround Speakers.
You won’t be able to integrate any speakers outside of these products. Also, like the Soundbar 700, the Soundbar 500 is known to be challenging to set up.
VIZIO – VIZIO M-Series 5.1 Sound Bar System
It is privately held and headquartered in Irvine, CA. The sleek VIZIO M-Series 5.1 Sound Bar System (on Amazon) comes with a wireless subwoofer, surround sound, and a wide array of integrations for the ultimate entertainment experience.
PROS
- Affordable Option: VIZIO M-Series 5.1 is a cost-effective soundbar with impressive design and capabilities.
- Wireless Subwoofer: Includes a 5″ wireless subwoofer.
- Speaker Composition: Features 9 high-performance speakers with separate tweeters and woofers.
- Dolby Atmos: Supports wireless multi-room audio and Dolby Atmos technology.
- Bluetooth Streaming: Allows direct music play from phone to speaker without using TV.
- Connectivity: Offers HDMI input/output with HDMI-ARC compatibility, and optical digital audio cable.
- Audio Decoder: Equipped with Dolby 5.1 decoder for cinematic audio experience.
- Flexible Placement: Can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand.
CONS
The VIZIO M-Series 5.1 Sound Bar System is a truly great buy, but it is going to sound best in small rooms and/or apartments. If you’re looking for room-flooding sound for a large room, you may want to look at other soundbar systems with Google Assistant, which may be at a higher price point.
Also, we have an article on the best soundbars for big rooms, if you’re interested.
VIZIO – 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos
Also from leading TV, soundbar, and speaker manufacturer, VIZIO, is the VIZIO 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar System (on Amazon).
It is a compact, mid-range soundbar system that is equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, smart device compatibility, and both internal and external speakers to provide an impressive sound (the Samsung Soundbar HW-Q950T is another good one we’ve reviewed as well).
PROS
- Enhanced Sound System: VIZIO 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar System upgrades from the 5.1 system with more and higher quality speakers.
- Speaker Array: Includes two rear surround speakers, a 6″ wireless subwoofer, two upward-firing speakers, and three internal speakers.
- Advanced Audio Technology: Features DTS Virtual:X for multi-dimensional sound height and depth.
- Comprehensive Integrations: Offers Dolby Atmos, DTS, built-in Chromecast, VIZIO SmartCast app control, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and HDMI-ARC compatibility.
- Multi-Room and Voice Control: Supports multi-room streaming and voice controls via Google Assistant.
- Connectivity Options: Comes with USB, optical audio, HDMI input and output.
- Placement Flexibility: Suitable for wall-mounting or placement on furniture.
CONS
While the VIZIO 5.1.2-Channel Soundbar System is a great bang-for-your-buck soundbar with a celebrated Dolby Atmos surround sound experience, some users have run into issues with software bugs and have trouble with the setup.
LG SP8YA Sound Bar 440W Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
LG’s SP8YA Soundbar System (on Amazon) impresses with exceptional, powerful sound quality and clarity, plus provides integration capabilities that meet all of your needs.
PROS
- Powerful Output: LG SP8YA offers 440W of total power, ideal for large rooms.
- Included Subwoofer: Comes with a subwoofer for enhanced bass in media experiences.
- Advanced Sound Technologies: Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for superior sound quality.
- High-Resolution Audio: Features Meridian Technology for improved audio height, width, and depth.
- Built-in Google Assistant: Enables hands-free control of the soundbar, entertainment, and smart home devices.
CONS
- Higher Price Point: LG SP8YA SoundBar System is priced higher compared to many other soundbars on our list, reflecting its advanced features.
- Lacks Wireless Multi-Room Audio: Unlike Bose, Sonos, and VIZIO models, it doesn’t support wireless multi-room audio capabilities.
Polk Audio – 2.1-Channel Soundbar System with 6-1/2″ Subwoofer
The Polk Audio 2.1-Channel Soundbar System (on Amazon) is a budget-friendly, compact soundbar system that includes a wide range of capabilities and sound features, including six drivers, Dolby Digital decoding, Google Assistant compatibility, and controls however you want them.
PROS
- Affordable Quality: Polk Audio 2.1-Channel offers great quality at a lower price point.
- Compact and Powerful: Features a compact design with 150W total system power.
- Speaker Composition: Includes six drivers with Polk’s surround technology – two 1/2″ tweeters and four 2-1/4″ mid-range speakers.
- Wireless Subwoofer: Comes with a 6.5″ wireless subwoofer for deep bass.
- Dolby Digital Decoding: Ensures dynamic, top-quality sound.
- Connectivity and Streaming: Supports Bluetooth and Chromecast for Audio, enabling streaming from various devices.
- Sound Optimization Modes: Offers movie, music, and sports modes to tailor sound to media type.
- Polk Voice Adjust Technology: Enhances dialogue clarity.
- Inputs and Control: Includes 1 HDMI (with ARC), 1 optical audio, and 1 mini-jack input, plus a universal remote for easy control.
CONS
- No Wall-Mounting: The Polk Audio 2.1-Channel Soundbar System lacks the option for wall-mounting.
- No Wireless Multi-Room Audio: Doesn’t support wireless multi-room audio capabilities.
- Size vs. Sound Quality: While compact and impressive for its size, some believe there are often higher quality sound options available in the same price range.
Finding The Right Soundbar For Your Home Theater
When it comes to finding a soundbar with Google Assistant for your home entertainment, the options on this list are all great, and there is a fit for every need or situation. You will have to choose the best one for you depending on your budget, your current home media equipment (for compatibility purposes), your style, and the type of media you listen to.
No matter your needs, these soundbars all deliver high-quality sound with bells and whistles that impress. Happy hunting!