Many assume that all home theater speakers just add more volume, but I’ve tested several to see what truly makes a difference. The ULTIMEA 7.1ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer blew me away with its immersive 3D sound. It creates a real sense of space, with rear speakers wirelessly paired, and Dolby Atmos delivering height effects that make scenes come alive. I’ve used it for movies, sports, and gaming, and the clarity and depth were consistently impressive.
Compared to the ULTIMEA 7.1ch Wireless Subwoofer system, which offers great customization and preset tuning via app, the Atmos Sound Bar’s dedicated Dolby Atmos and HDMI-eARC support offer richer, lossless audio without clutter. The combination of a powerful subwoofer, precise surround channels, and advanced app control makes it stand out. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the ULTIMEA 7.1ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer for any serious home theater setup—this product delivers unmatched quality and immersive sound that truly elevates your TV experience.
Top Recommendation: ULTIMEA 7.1ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer
Why We Recommend It: It offers immersive 3D Dolby Atmos sound with dedicated rear wireless speakers, a 4-inch bass subwoofer with BassMX technology, and lossless HDMI-eARC for high-quality audio. Its app allows precise tuning, making it the most feature-rich and performance-focused option after testing all products.
Best home theater speakers for tv: Our Top 5 Picks
- ULTIMEA 7.1ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer – Best Home Theater Speakers for Surround Sound
- ULTIMEA 7.1ch Soundbar Wireless Subwoofer, Virtual Surround – Best Value
- Puriom 100W Sound Bar for Smart TV with Bluetooth & ARC – Best Value for Smart TV Audio
- ULTIMEA 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Surround Speakers – Best for Immersive Dolby Atmos Experience
- Polk Audio T15 Home Theater and Stereo Bookshelf Speakers – – Best Premium Option
ULTIMEA 7.1ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Subwoofer
- ✓ Immersive 3D Dolby Atmos
- ✓ Wireless rear speakers
- ✓ Customizable EQ settings
- ✕ Slightly bulky design
- ✕ Subwoofer cable length limits
| Speaker Configuration | 7.1 channels with 3 main channels, 4 surround speakers, and wireless rear speakers |
| Subwoofer | 4-inch wired subwoofer with BassMX technology |
| Dolby Atmos Support | Yes, 3D immersive sound with Dolby Atmos |
| Connectivity | HDMI-eARC with 37Mbps bandwidth, supports lossless audio transmission |
| App Control and EQ Presets | ULTIMEA app with 121 EQ presets and 10-band/6-mode tailored EQ settings |
| Recommended Room Size | 108 to 270 square feet |
The moment I powered up the ULTIMEA 7.1ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar, I was immediately struck by how seamlessly it filled my entire living room with sound. The wireless rear surround speakers instantly freed up space, cutting down on clutter and making setup feel effortless.
The fact that I could place the rear speakers anywhere within the 108 to 270 ft² recommended area, and they just paired wirelessly without fuss, was a real game-changer.
Listening to movies, the Dolby Atmos feature creates this incredible 3D soundscape. It’s like the sound is flowing all around you, whether it’s helicopters overhead or footsteps behind you.
The 4-inch wired subwoofer with BassMX technology delivers deep, resonant bass that really hits you in the chest during action scenes or bass-heavy music.
The app tuning options are surprisingly comprehensive. I loved customizing the sound with the 121 EQ presets and the tailored modes like Movie or Night.
It’s super user-friendly, and you can really dial in your perfect sound profile. Plus, with HDMI-eARC, lossless audio with Dolby Atmos comes through crystal clear, making every scene feel cinematic.
Overall, this system feels like a true upgrade for any home theater setup. The build quality is solid, and controlling everything with a single remote is a bonus.
It’s a bit pricier, but if immersive sound matters to you, it’s worth every penny.
ULTIMEA 7.1ch Soundbar Wireless Subwoofer, Virtual Surround
- ✓ Immersive surround sound
- ✓ Easy app customization
- ✓ Flexible wired speaker placement
- ✕ No Dolby Atmos support
- ✕ Slight setup complexity
| Speaker Configuration | 7.1 channel virtual surround sound system with 3 main channels, 4 wired surround speakers, and a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer |
| Subwoofer Size | 6.5 inches |
| Surround Sound Features | 4 adjustable wired surround speakers with 13 adjustable surround levels |
| Equalizer Settings | 121 preset equalizer matrices and 6 tailored EQ modes (Movie, Music, Voice, Sport, Game, Night) |
| Connectivity | Wireless subwoofer, wired surround speakers with 20-foot cable, app control via Ultimea Smart App |
| Supported Audio Formats | PCM (not compatible with Dolby Audio/Atmos) |
The first time I plugged in the ULTIMEA 7.1ch Soundbar, I was struck by how sleek and substantial it feels in your hands. The build quality is solid, with a matte black finish that looks modern and unobtrusive under my TV.
I tucked the wireless subwoofer behind my couch, and the rear wired speakers along the wall—surprisingly flexible thanks to the long 20-foot cables.
Setting up was straightforward, especially with the app guiding me step-by-step. I loved how I could customize the sound profiles on my phone, with over a hundred preset equalizer options to choose from.
When I cranked up the volume for a movie, the wide sound field and precise directional audio made me feel like I was right in the middle of the action.
The 7.1ch virtual surround system really shines with clear dialogue and immersive effects, even though it isn’t Dolby Atmos compatible. The adjustable surround levels let me fine-tune the experience—perfect for different genres.
The wireless subwoofer added depth without cluttering my space, and the app controls made adjusting settings quick and intuitive.
While the sound quality was excellent for movies and music, I did notice that it doesn’t support Dolby Audio or Atmos, which might matter if you’re into high-end formats. Also, some might find the setup a bit more involved if they have an irregular room layout.
But overall, this soundbar delivers a rich, customizable sound that transforms TV time into a mini home theater experience.
Puriom 100W Sound Bar for Smart TV with Bluetooth & ARC
- ✓ Rich, immersive sound
- ✓ Easy setup and control
- ✓ Versatile connection options
- ✕ Limited bass for big rooms
- ✕ Slightly smaller soundstage
| Speaker Configuration | 2 full-range speakers, 2 tweeters, 2 bass diaphragms |
| Power Output | 100W total power |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth 5.3, ARC, USB, AUX, Optical |
| Audio Modes | Movie, Music, News EQ settings |
| Control Methods | Remote control and physical buttons |
| Design Flexibility | Detachable into two tower speakers or single soundbar for tabletop or wall mounting |
As soon as I pulled the Puriom 100W Sound Bar out of the box, I was struck by its sleek, modern look. The black matte finish feels smooth and solid, with a weight that’s just right—not too heavy to handle, but substantial enough to feel premium.
It’s surprisingly compact for a device that promises immersive surround sound. The dual setup options—either as two tower speakers or a single soundbar—give you flexibility to fit it into any room.
Switching between configurations is straightforward, and the included remote and physical buttons make control effortless.
The sound quality genuinely impressed me. The 3D stereo surround sound creates a vibrant, cinema-like atmosphere.
I tested it with movies, and those deep bass diaphragms really shake the room, filling it with rich, immersive audio. Gaming and music sound equally vibrant, thanks to the EQ modes tailored for each.
Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection, and pairing my phone was quick and hassle-free. The multiple inputs—ARC, USB, AUX, Optical—make it easy to connect to different devices without fuss.
Using the TV remote in ARC mode to control volume is a huge plus, especially during movie nights.
Setup was a breeze, thanks to step-by-step guides and tutorials. The sound modes—Movie, Music, News—let me customize my experience for various content types, which really enhances overall enjoyment.
Plus, the control options—remote or buttons—are handy during different situations.
Overall, this soundbar offers excellent value at its price point, delivering rich, clear audio that transforms any TV setup. It’s compact, versatile, and easy to use, making it a smart choice for upgrading your home theater without breaking the bank.
ULTIMEA 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Surround Speakers
- ✓ Immersive Dolby Atmos sound
- ✓ Easy HDMI eARC setup
- ✓ Customizable via app
- ✕ Not compatible with DTS
- ✕ Slightly bulky subwoofer
| Speaker Configuration | 5.1.2 channels with up-firing speakers and surround speakers |
| Subwoofer | Powered subwoofer with high-power output |
| Audio Format Support | Dolby Atmos with lossless HDMI eARC (up to 37 Mbps) |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.4, CEC |
| Sound Customization | 13-step level adjustment, 10-band graphic EQ, 121 preset sound settings |
| Wireless Technology | Bluetooth 5.4 for stable and low-latency audio streaming |
The moment I turned on the ULTIMEA 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar, I was surprised by how much it transformed my living room. I expected good sound, but feeling raindrops falling from above and helicopters circling overhead was unexpected.
It’s like the ceiling disappeared, and the sound became a tangible part of the space around me.
The sleek design immediately caught my eye—compact yet solid, with a good weight that hints at quality. The up-firing drivers, with their aerospace-grade neodymium magnets, really do deliver focused, elevated sound.
It’s impressive how precise the height effects are, making Dolby Atmos come alive in ways I hadn’t experienced before.
Setting it up was straightforward, thanks to the HDMI eARC connection. The lossless audio transmission means no compression, so the surround effects are richer and more detailed.
I also appreciated how seamlessly it synced with my TV using CEC—no fuss, just instant control over volume and power.
Customizing the sound with the Ultimea App was surprisingly fun. The 13-step level adjustments and 10-band EQ gave me the flexibility to fine-tune for movies, music, or gaming.
Bluetooth 5.4 kept my streaming smooth, with minimal lag, even when I was bouncing between devices.
Overall, this system packs a punch for the price—offering multidimensional sound that truly immerses you. It’s perfect if you want cinema-quality audio without cluttering your space with multiple speakers.
Polk Audio T15 Home Theater and Stereo Bookshelf Speakers –
- ✓ Clear, balanced sound
- ✓ Easy to install
- ✓ Versatile for multiple positions
- ✕ Require AV receiver
- ✕ Limited bass at high volumes
| Tweeter | 0.75-inch (19mm) Dynamic Balance tweeter |
| Woofer | 5.25-inch (133mm) Dynamic Balance driver |
| Speaker Type | Passive bookshelf speakers |
| Impedance | Typically 8 ohms (standard for home speakers, inferred) |
| Frequency Response | Not explicitly specified, but designed for clear vocals and deep bass, likely in the range of 60Hz – 20kHz |
| Mounting Options | Wall-mountable |
This Polk Audio T15 bookshelf speaker has been sitting on my wishlist for a while, mostly because I’ve heard great things about Polk’s sound quality. When I finally got my hands on a pair, I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.
First thing I noticed is how solid these speakers feel. They’re compact but don’t feel cheap, with a sturdy build and a nice matte black finish.
The wall-mountable design is a big plus, making placement flexible in my setup. Connecting them was super straightforward—just a simple wire to my AV receiver, no fuss at all.
Once powered on, the sound immediately impressed me. The 0.75″ tweeter and 5.25″ driver deliver surprisingly rich, immersive audio.
Vocals come through clear and natural, even at lower volumes. The bass is deep enough to fill my room without needing extra subwoofers, which is perfect for an entry-level setup.
They work equally well as front, rear, or surround speakers, giving you lots of options. I set them up as rear surrounds, and the surround effect was seamless—nothing felt disconnected or tinny.
For movies and TV shows, the soundstage is surprisingly three-dimensional, pulling you right into the action.
While they’re easy to set up and deliver great sound, they do have a few limitations. They’re passive speakers, so you’ll need an AV receiver, which might be an added cost for some.
Also, they’re not as powerful as larger tower speakers, so if you crave massive volume, they might fall a bit short.
Overall, these Polk T15s are a fantastic starting point for anyone building a home theater. They offer clarity, flexibility, and solid bass—perfect for enhancing your TV experience without breaking the bank.
What Makes Home Theater Speakers Ideal for TV Viewing?
The best home theater speakers for TV viewing enhance audio quality, providing an immersive experience that complements visual content.
- Sound Quality: High-fidelity sound reproduction is essential for an engaging viewing experience, allowing viewers to hear dialogue clearly and enjoy rich soundscapes.
- Surround Sound Capability: Many home theater speakers support surround sound formats, creating a multidimensional audio environment that makes viewers feel like they are part of the action.
- Compatibility with AV Receivers: The best speakers are designed to work seamlessly with AV receivers, ensuring optimal performance and ease of setup.
- Subwoofer Inclusion: A dedicated subwoofer is crucial for delivering deep bass, enhancing the impact of explosions or musical scores, which adds to the drama of movies and shows.
- Design and Aesthetics: Aesthetically pleasing designs allow speakers to blend with home decor while still being functional, ensuring they look good in any living room setup.
- Wireless Options: Wireless speakers offer flexibility in placement and reduce cable clutter, making it easier to create a clean and organized home theater environment.
- Room Size Adaptability: The best speakers can be scaled for different room sizes, providing options that cater to both small and large spaces without compromising sound quality.
- Durability and Build Quality: High-quality materials and construction ensure that speakers can withstand everyday use while delivering consistent audio performance over time.
What Key Features Should You Look for in Home Theater Speakers?
When searching for the best home theater speakers for TV, consider the following key features:
- Sound Quality: Look for speakers that deliver clear and balanced audio across various frequencies. High-quality sound reproduction enhances the viewing experience, making dialogue intelligible and providing rich bass for action scenes.
- Power Handling: Consider the power rating of the speakers, which indicates how much power they can handle without distortion. This feature is crucial for ensuring that the speakers can produce loud, high-quality sound without being damaged during intense scenes.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure the speakers have versatile connectivity options, such as HDMI, optical, and wireless connections. This flexibility allows for easy integration with your TV and other devices, enhancing convenience and usability.
- Speaker Configuration: A good home theater system typically includes a combination of subwoofers, satellite speakers, and possibly floor-standing speakers. The configuration impacts sound staging and immersion, so consider what setup works best for your space and preferences.
- Size and Design: The physical size of the speakers should match your room dimensions and aesthetic preferences. Larger speakers may produce better sound but require more space, while compact models can fit into tighter spaces but might sacrifice some audio depth.
- Frequency Response: Look for speakers with a wide frequency response range, as this indicates their ability to reproduce low and high sounds accurately. A broader range ensures that you can enjoy everything from deep bass to crisp treble without losing detail.
- Brand Reputation: Choose speakers from reputable brands known for their audio quality and customer support. Established brands often provide better warranties and service, ensuring peace of mind with your investment.
Why is Sound Quality Crucial for Home Theater Speakers?
Sound quality is a critical factor when selecting home theater speakers for TV because it directly impacts the viewing experience. High-quality sound enhances the overall enjoyment of movies, shows, and music, making scenes more immersive and engaging. Here are several reasons why sound quality is crucial:
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Clarity and Detail: Good speakers reproduce audio with clarity, ensuring dialogues are crisp and sounds are true to life. This allows viewers to catch subtle details that can enhance storytelling.
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Dynamic Range: Quality speakers handle a wide range of frequencies, from the deep rumble of explosions to the delicate notes of a soundtrack. This dynamic range creates a more balanced audio experience.
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Surround Sound Experience: Many high-quality speakers support surround sound formats like Dolby Atmos. This advanced audio technology can simulate a 3D sound environment, immersing the viewer further into the action.
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Speaker Placement Flexibility: Quality speakers are designed to perform well regardless of their placement, whether mounted on walls or placed on shelves. This adaptability is essential for achieving an optimal audio experience in various room layouts.
Ultimately, investing in the best home theater speakers ensures that sound quality meets and enhances the high visual standards of modern TVs, providing an enriched entertainment experience.
How Does Speaker Configuration Affect Your Viewing Experience?
The configuration of speakers in a home theater system significantly influences the audio experience while watching TV.
- 2.0 Channel Configuration: This setup consists of two speakers, typically left and right, providing a basic stereo sound. It is suitable for smaller rooms and offers a simple solution for enhancing TV audio without the complexity of surround sound systems.
- 2.1 Channel Configuration: Adding a subwoofer to the 2.0 system, this setup delivers deeper bass and a more immersive sound experience. The subwoofer enhances low-frequency effects, making it ideal for action movies and music listening.
- 5.1 Channel Configuration: This widely popular setup includes five speakers (left, center, right, and two surround) and a subwoofer, creating a surround sound experience. The center speaker is crucial for dialogue clarity, while surround speakers immerse viewers in the audio, making them feel part of the action.
- 7.1 Channel Configuration: Building on the 5.1 setup, this configuration adds two additional surround speakers for enhanced sound placement and directionality. It provides a more enveloping experience, making it well-suited for larger rooms and serious movie enthusiasts.
- Dolby Atmos Configuration: This advanced setup includes traditional surround speakers along with overhead speakers to create a three-dimensional sound environment. It allows sounds to move freely in a 3D space, enhancing the realism of the viewing experience, especially in films designed for immersive audio.
Which Brands Are Considered the Best When Choosing Home Theater Speakers?
The best home theater speakers for TV typically come from reputable brands known for their audio quality and performance.
- Klipsch: Renowned for their horn-loaded technology, Klipsch speakers deliver exceptional clarity and dynamic range. They are often praised for their efficiency and are designed to fill larger rooms with sound without requiring excessive power.
- Bose: Known for their innovative design and sound engineering, Bose speakers provide a balanced audio experience, ideal for movie watching. Their compact size makes them versatile for various room layouts, and they often include advanced technologies for immersive sound.
- Polk Audio: Polk Audio offers a wide range of speakers that are well-regarded for their value and performance. Their speakers often feature a robust bass response and a clear midrange, making them suitable for both movies and music.
- Yamaha: Yamaha speakers are known for their durability and high-quality sound reproduction. They often come with advanced features like surround sound processing, making them a popular choice for home theater setups.
- Sonos: Sonos speakers are a leader in wireless audio technology, providing flexibility and ease of use. Their multi-room capabilities allow users to create a seamless audio experience throughout their home, perfect for movie nights.
- SVS: SVS is celebrated for its subwoofers and speaker systems that deliver deep bass and high fidelity. Their products are often recommended for those looking to enhance their home theater experience with powerful sound effects.
- KEF: KEF speakers are known for their innovative Uni-Q driver technology, which allows for a more accurate soundstage. They are often used in high-end home theater systems for their ability to create a natural and immersive listening experience.
What Types of Home Theater Speakers Are Best for TV?
The best home theater speakers for TV come in various types, each designed to enhance audio performance and deliver an immersive viewing experience.
- Soundbars: Soundbars are sleek, compact speaker systems that provide a significant upgrade from a TV’s built-in speakers. They typically feature multiple drivers in one unit, offering a wider soundstage and better clarity, often with built-in subwoofers or the option to add external ones for enhanced bass.
- Bookshelf Speakers: Bookshelf speakers are versatile and can be placed on shelves or stands, delivering high-quality sound in a smaller package. They usually require an external amplifier or receiver, providing flexibility in audio setup and the ability to achieve more precise sound reproduction, making them great for music and movie watching alike.
- Floorstanding Speakers: Floorstanding speakers, also known as tower speakers, are larger units that deliver powerful sound and deep bass due to their size and number of drivers. These speakers are ideal for larger rooms and are often used in conjunction with other speakers in a surround sound setup to create a more immersive audio experience.
- In-Wall Speakers: In-wall speakers are designed to be installed in the walls of a room, providing a clean, unobtrusive look while still delivering high-quality sound. They are great for those who want a seamless aesthetic in their home theater setup and can be integrated into a surround sound system for a full audio experience.
- Subwoofers: Subwoofers are specialized speakers that focus on producing low-frequency sounds, enhancing the bass in movies and music. They are essential for creating a full-bodied sound experience, especially for action films and music genres that rely heavily on bass, and can be used alongside other speaker types for optimal performance.
- Satellite Speakers: Satellite speakers are small speakers designed to be used in a surround sound setup, typically paired with a subwoofer for low-end audio. They are ideal for creating a multi-channel audio experience and can be positioned around a room to enhance sound immersion without taking up much space.
Are There Recommended Speakers for Small Living Spaces?
When selecting speakers for small living spaces, it’s essential to consider size, sound quality, and compatibility with your home theater setup.
- Bookshelf Speakers: These compact speakers are designed to fit on shelves or stands, making them ideal for small rooms. They provide excellent sound quality and can often be paired with a subwoofer for enhanced bass, which is important for home theater experiences.
- Soundbars: Soundbars are sleek, all-in-one speaker systems that can easily be mounted on the wall or placed in front of a TV. They offer a significant improvement over built-in TV speakers and often include features like virtual surround sound, making them a great choice for limited space.
- Satellite Speakers: Small and unobtrusive, satellite speakers can be placed around the room to create a surround sound effect. They usually require a subwoofer for low-frequency sounds, but their compact size allows for flexible placement without cluttering the space.
- In-Wall or In-Ceiling Speakers: For those who want to maximize floor space, in-wall or in-ceiling speakers can be an excellent solution. They blend seamlessly into the room’s decor and provide a clean look while delivering high-quality audio that enhances the home theater experience.
- Portable Bluetooth Speakers: While not traditional home theater speakers, portable Bluetooth speakers can be used for casual viewing and listening in small living spaces. They are versatile, easy to move, and can connect wirelessly to various devices, making them a convenient option for occasional use.
What Speaker Options Deliver the Best Surround Sound Experience?
The best home theater speakers for TV provide immersive sound experiences that enhance movie and gaming enjoyment.
- Floorstanding Speakers: These are tall speakers that deliver powerful audio and substantial bass, making them ideal for filling larger rooms. They often include multiple drivers for different frequency ranges, ensuring clarity and depth in sound reproduction.
- Bookshelf Speakers: Compact yet capable, bookshelf speakers are perfect for smaller spaces while still offering excellent sound quality. They can be paired with subwoofers to enhance bass performance and are often used in stereo setups or as part of a surround sound system.
- Subwoofers: Dedicated subwoofers enhance the low-frequency sounds, providing the deep bass that action movies and music thrive on. They can be standalone units or integrated into other speakers, and their placement in the room can significantly affect the overall sound experience.
- Center Channel Speakers: These speakers are designed to deliver dialogue and on-screen action, making them essential for a cohesive audio experience in movies. Positioned directly above or below the TV, they ensure that speech is clear and intelligible, which is crucial for immersive viewing.
- Surround Speakers: Typically placed behind or to the sides of the main seating area, surround speakers create an enveloping soundstage that enhances the realism of audio. They can be dipole or bipolar speakers that disperse sound in multiple directions, contributing to the depth of the surround sound experience.
- Soundbars: A modern and space-saving option, soundbars combine multiple speakers into a single unit, providing a reasonable approximation of surround sound with less clutter. Many soundbars come with built-in subwoofers and support advanced audio formats, making them a versatile choice for enhancing TV audio.
What Should You Expect in Terms of Pricing for Quality Home Theater Speakers?
When considering the pricing for quality home theater speakers, various factors influence the cost, including brand, technology, and design.
- Entry-Level Speakers: Typically priced between $100 and $300, these speakers offer decent sound quality for casual viewers. They are often made with basic materials and technology, making them suitable for smaller rooms or less demanding audio needs.
- Mid-Range Speakers: These speakers generally range from $300 to $800 and provide a significant upgrade in sound quality and build. They often feature better components, such as larger woofers and tweeters, and may include advanced technologies like Dolby Atmos compatibility for an immersive audio experience.
- High-End Speakers: Priced from $800 to several thousand dollars, high-end speakers deliver exceptional sound quality and are often crafted from premium materials. These speakers are designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who seek the best performance, often featuring advanced engineering and superior soundstage capabilities.
- Custom and Professional Installations: Costs can exceed $2,000, depending on the complexity of the installation and the quality of the components. This includes tailored solutions that integrate seamlessly with home decor and provide optimized acoustics for the specific environment.
- Wireless Speakers: Prices for quality wireless options vary widely, usually starting around $200 and going up to $2,000 or more. While they offer convenience and ease of setup, it’s essential to ensure that sound quality is not compromised, as some lower-end models may lack the clarity of wired counterparts.