Vizio SV210M Soundbar Review: The King of Value

In the crowded market of budget soundbars, it takes something special to stand out. Vizio has long been a contender in this space, offering impressive audio upgrades without the premium price tag. The Vizio SV210M 2.1 Sound Bar System aims to continue that legacy, promising a compact design, a wireless subwoofer, and immersive sound technology. But does it deliver? We put it to the test to find out.

Vizio SV210M 2.1 Sound Bar

4.0 / 5.0

A powerful and compact soundbar that offers a significant audio upgrade for any TV, especially in small to medium-sized rooms.

$149.64 $169.99

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Design and Build Quality

The first thing you'll notice about the SV210M is its incredibly compact size. At just 21 inches wide, it’s significantly smaller than most soundbars on the market, making it an ideal companion for TVs under 42 inches or for use in a bedroom or office where space is at a premium. The soundbar is wrapped in a dark gray fabric grille, giving it a clean and minimalist look that blends in well with most decors.

The wireless subwoofer is equally compact and discreet. Its slim profile allows it to be easily tucked away beside a media console or even under a couch. Despite its plastic construction, both the soundbar and subwoofer feel solid and well-built for the price.

Sound Performance: Punching Above Its Weight

For its size, the Vizio SV210M delivers a surprisingly powerful and room-filling sound. The 2.1 channel setup provides clear stereo separation, and the dedicated wireless subwoofer adds a substantial low-end punch that TV speakers simply cannot replicate.

Action scenes in movies feel impactful, with deep rumbles and explosions that you can feel. The soundstage is wider than the physical bar, creating a more immersive experience.

Dialogue clarity is excellent, thanks to Vizio's built-in Dialogue EQ feature. Voices come through crisp and clear, even during loud action sequences. For music, the soundbar performs admirably, offering a balanced sound profile that works well across various genres.

The inclusion of DTS Virtual:X is a major plus at this price point. While it can't replace a true Dolby Atmos setup, it does a commendable job of creating a virtualized surround sound effect, adding a sense of height and space to the audio.

Setup and Features

Setting up the SV210M is incredibly straightforward. You can connect it to your TV via HDMI ARC, optical, or a 3.5mm aux input. We recommend using HDMI ARC as it allows you to control the soundbar's volume with your TV remote. The wireless subwoofer pairs automatically with the soundbar once both are powered on, which is a seamless experience.

The included remote is simple and provides access to all the essential functions, including volume, input selection, Bluetooth pairing, and sound modes (Movie, Music, Dialogue). Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is also on board, allowing you to easily stream music from your phone or tablet.

Verdict

The Vizio SV210M 2.1 Sound Bar is an outstanding value proposition. It offers a massive audio upgrade over standard TV speakers in a compact and easy-to-use package. While it may lack some of the premium features of more expensive models, it nails the fundamentals with impressive sound quality, powerful bass, and clear dialogue.

If you have a smaller TV or are looking for a high-performance soundbar for a bedroom or apartment without breaking the bank, the Vizio SV210M should be at the very top of your list.