I remember it clearly. We were settled in for the premiere of a blockbuster sci-fi epic, the lights were dimmed, and the popcorn was ready. The opening scene was a visual masterpiece, but the sound was a complete letdown. Spaceships swooshed with the sizzle of frying bacon, explosions sounded like a dropped textbook, and worst of all, the crucial whispered dialogue was an indecipherable muddle. We spent the first twenty minutes rewinding and cranking up the volume, only to be blasted during the next action sequence. This frustrating dance between inaudible whispers and deafening booms is an experience all too common with modern flat-screen TVs. Their impossibly thin designs leave no room for decent speakers, turning a cinematic experience into a game of “what did they just say?” A dedicated soundbar isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessary fix to reclaim your home entertainment.
- Immersive Sound with Enhanced Mid & Low Frequencies: Dive into rich, detailed audio with this soundbar's superior mid and bass performance. Great for music rich in rhythm and depth, ensuring every...
- Compact 17-Inch Design, Big Sound: This sleek 17-inch soundbar for TV delivers powerful audio without taking up too much space, ideal for your smaller rooms or minimalist setups.
- Crystal-Clear Dialogue & Balanced Audio: Enjoy clear and natural dialogue for movies and TV shows, while the balanced sound profile ensures every detail shines through.
What to Consider Before Buying a Soundbar
A soundbar is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your listening experience from flat and lifeless to rich and immersive. It’s the simplest, most effective way to upgrade your TV’s audio without the complexity and clutter of a full multi-speaker surround sound system. The primary benefit is clarity. A good soundbar separates dialogue from background noise, making every word crisp and clear. It also adds dynamic range, introducing the low-end bass and detailed highs that your TV’s built-in speakers simply cannot reproduce. This enhancement brings movies, music, and even video games to life, creating a more engaging and enjoyable atmosphere in your living room, bedroom, or den.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact issue I described: they’re frustrated with their TV’s poor native audio and want a significant, affordable upgrade without a complicated setup. This includes apartment dwellers, students in dorms, or anyone outfitting a secondary space like a bedroom or basement. It’s perfect for those with small to mid-sized TVs (32 to 55 inches) where a massive, expensive system would be overkill. Conversely, a compact, budget-friendly soundbar might not be suitable for dedicated audiophiles or home theater purists who demand true Dolby Atmos surround sound, deep sub-bass from a dedicated subwoofer, and advanced connectivity like multiple HDMI inputs. For them, a more comprehensive and expensive home theater system would be a better investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: Measure the space below your TV. A soundbar should ideally be no wider than your television to maintain a clean aesthetic. The RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost, at 17 inches, is exceptionally compact, making it a perfect match for smaller TVs or even as a high-quality speaker for a desktop computer setup where desk space is at a premium.
- Connectivity & Performance: This is paramount. Does your TV have HDMI ARC, or only an optical output? The RIOWOIS model focuses on Optical, AUX, and Bluetooth, making it great for older TVs but meaning you’ll likely need its dedicated remote for volume. An 80-watt output is quite powerful for a bar this size, promising room-filling sound that far surpasses stock TV speakers.
- Audio Channels & Features: A 2.0 channel system, like this one, means two channels (left and right) for stereo sound. Features like “Bass Boost” are designed to electronically enhance low-frequency sounds without a separate subwoofer, which is a great space-saving compromise. Look for features that enhance dialogue clarity, as this is often the biggest complaint with TV audio.
- Ease of Use & Control: How simple is the setup? Are all the necessary cables included? Consider the control methods—on-unit buttons are a good backup, but a functional remote is essential. As many users note with optical connections, be prepared for the possibility of using two remotes: one for the TV and one for the soundbar volume.
Keeping these factors in mind, the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost stands out in several areas, particularly for its target audience. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
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- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound
- All-new acoustic architecture with Sound Motion technology fills every inch of the room and precisely place sounds all around you
First Impressions: Unboxing a Compact Audio Contender
Upon unboxing the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost, the first thing that struck us was its compact and minimalist design. It feels solid yet lightweight, with a sleek black finish that blends in discreetly below most TV screens. At just 17 inches wide, it’s significantly smaller than many mainstream soundbars, making it an immediate contender for bedrooms, offices, or smaller living rooms where space is a precious commodity. Inside the box, we were pleased to find a comprehensive kit: the soundbar itself, a remote control, a power adapter, an optical cable, a 3.5mm AUX cable, and a complete wall mounting kit with screws and brackets. This inclusion of everything needed for multiple setup scenarios is a thoughtful touch at this price point. One user rightly pointed out to have a pair of AAA batteries on hand for the remote, as they aren’t included. The initial setup was as straightforward as it gets—we simply plugged it into the wall and connected the optical cable to our test television, and we were ready to go in under five minutes.
What We Like
- Surprisingly powerful and loud audio for its compact 17-inch size.
- Excellent value, delivering a significant audio upgrade for a budget-friendly price.
- Versatile connectivity with Optical, AUX, and Bluetooth 5.3.
- Includes a full wall-mounting kit and all necessary audio cables.
Limitations
- Lacks HDMI ARC, meaning the TV remote cannot control soundbar volume.
- Some users have reported intermittent connectivity issues or noise with optical connections on certain devices.
Deep Dive: Analyzing the RIOWOIS Soundbar’s Real-World Performance
A product’s spec sheet only tells part of the story. To truly understand its value, we put the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost through its paces across a wide range of content, from action-packed blockbusters and dialogue-driven dramas to diverse music genres and immersive video games. Our goal was to see if this compact unit could truly deliver on its promise of bass boost and crisp vocals, and ultimately, if it punches above its weight class.
Audio Performance: A Tale of Clarity and Surprising Power
Let’s be direct: the leap in quality from standard TV speakers to this soundbar is not subtle—it’s a night-and-day difference. Firing it up for the first time, we shared the experience of one user who “accidentally at full volume and was shocked at how much sound it puts out.” This little bar gets loud, easily filling our small-to-medium-sized testing room without distorting at higher volumes. We started with a dialogue-heavy political thriller, a genre notorious for mumbled lines. The RIOWOIS immediately proved its worth. The “Crisp Vocals” feature isn’t just marketing jargon; dialogue was pushed forward in the mix, becoming distinct and intelligible. We no longer had to strain to hear crucial plot points or ride the volume remote.
Next, we switched to an action movie with a thundering score and frequent explosions. This is where the “Bass Boost” feature came into play. While it won’t replicate the visceral, room-shaking rumble of a dedicated subwoofer, it adds a significant amount of low-end weight and punch that is completely absent from TV speakers. Explosions had a satisfying thump, and the musical score felt richer and more cinematic. This sentiment was echoed by numerous users, with one stating, “The sound is crisp and sharp with great bass.” For music playback, we connected a smartphone via Bluetooth 5.3, a process that was quick and painless. Streaming everything from rock to electronic to classical, we found the sound profile to be energetic and enjoyable. The mids and highs are clear, and the boosted bass gives pop and electronic tracks a lively foundation. It’s an ideal speaker for casual music listening or for powering a party in a smaller space.
Design and Usability: Simple, Flexible, with a Few Caveats
The physical design of the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost is one of its strongest assets. Its 17-inch width and low 2.5-inch profile mean it can slide under virtually any TV from 32 inches upwards without blocking the screen or the IR sensor. For our desktop computer test, it fit perfectly beneath a 27-inch monitor, replacing a pair of tinny PC speakers and dramatically improving the audio for gaming and video calls. The inclusion of a wall-mount kit is a fantastic bonus, offering a clean, floating look for those who have their TV mounted. The physical buttons on the unit itself are responsive and cover the essential functions: power, mode switching, and volume control. They provide a reliable backup should the remote go missing.
However, the user experience does have a learning curve, primarily centered around the remote and the limitations of its optical connection. As one user noted, it “took me a minute how to operate remote.” It’s a standard, functional remote, but the main drawback is its necessity. Because the soundbar lacks an HDMI ARC port—a feature that allows your TV remote to command the soundbar’s volume—you are tethered to the RIOWOIS remote when connected via optical. This is a common trade-off in this price category and for compatibility with older TVs, but it’s an important consideration for those who value the convenience of a single remote. We also confirmed another user’s observation: the soundbar does not power on or off with the TV. It remains in a low-power standby state unless manually turned off, which is a minor inconvenience but worth noting.
Connectivity: A Mix of Versatility and Potential Quirks
RIOWOIS equipped this soundbar with the three most essential connection types for its target market: Optical, Auxiliary, and Bluetooth. The optical port is a godsend for owners of older flat-screens that lack HDMI ARC, providing a high-quality digital connection. The 3.5mm AUX input allows for a simple analog connection to almost any device with a headphone jack, from a PC to a projector. For our tests, both wired connections delivered clean, stable audio. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was equally impressive, providing a robust and quick pairing process with our devices and maintaining a steady stream with no dropouts from across the room.
That said, we must address a specific issue reported by a user who experienced a “horrible noise” when using the optical connection for streaming apps, but not for music. While we did not encounter this specific problem in our testing, this type of issue often points to a TV’s audio output settings. For an optical connection to work correctly with many soundbars, the TV’s digital audio output format must be manually changed from “Auto” or “Dolby Digital” to “PCM.” This is a crucial troubleshooting step that can resolve compatibility problems. While some users mentioned Bluetooth could be “problematic,” we suspect this may be device-dependent, as our experience was smooth. For the most reliable, high-quality sound, we agree with the user who recommended the provided audio cable (optical) as the primary choice, provided your TV settings are configured correctly. Should you run into any issues, it’s reassuring to know the company’s support is responsive, as one user received a brand new unit after troubleshooting failed, highlighting excellent customer service.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the user feedback for the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost is overwhelmingly positive, especially concerning its value. A common thread is one of pleasant surprise. One owner stated, “I normally don’t write reviews… but this soundbar sound as good as an expensive soundbar. Little but powerful.” Another directly compared it to a premium brand, saying, “I own a Bose soundbar 300 and the subwoofer as well and it honestly sounds identical.” This sentiment highlights that for the average listener, the audio quality far exceeds expectations for its price point.
Many users confirm our findings that it’s a massive upgrade over standard TV speakers, calling it a “bargain” and “perfect” for a small room. The ease of setup is another frequently praised aspect. However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques, which provides a balanced picture. The most common complaint, as we also noted, is the inability to use the TV remote for volume due to the lack of HDMI. One user summed it up perfectly: “The only downside is you can’t use your TV remote to change the volume, which is pretty typical with sound bars that use optical.” Another user’s experience with a defective unit that produced an “annoying noise” is also important, though their positive update that the seller promptly sent a replacement that “works great” turns a negative into a testament to good customer support.
How Does the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Compare to the Competition?
In the crowded market of compact soundbars, the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost holds its own, but it’s crucial to see how it stacks up against key alternatives. Each competitor offers a different set of features and appeals to a slightly different user.
1. Sonos Ray Compact Soundbar
- Experience clearer, more powerful sound than ever before possible by a small standalone soundbar.
- Dynamic sound that enhances the drama and creates a surprisingly wide soundstage.
- Zero-stress setup with only two cables and help from the Sonos app.
The Sonos Ray is the premium, brand-name alternative. Its primary strength lies in the Sonos ecosystem, offering seamless multi-room audio, intuitive app control via Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2 support. Sonically, it delivers exceptionally clear dialogue and a balanced sound profile tuned by industry professionals. However, it comes at a significantly higher price, lacks Bluetooth connectivity entirely, and like the RIOWOIS, relies on an optical connection without HDMI ARC. The Sonos Ray is the better choice for someone already invested in the Sonos ecosystem or for those who prioritize superior app control and Wi-Fi streaming over Bluetooth and are willing to pay a premium for it.
2. Wohome 2.1 Sound Bar with Subwoofer
- Built-in Subwoofer for Deep Bass: Sound bar features a powerful 2.25-inch subwoofer that delivers rich, immersive bass—perfect for movies, music, and more
- Compact Size, Big Sound: At just 15 inches long and 2.7 inches tall, this tv speaker fits easily under TVs (won’t block IR sensors) or mounts on walls. Ideal for small spaces like bedrooms and...
- 6-Level Voice Enhancement: Unique adjustable voice clarity with 6 levels, making dialogue easier to hear—great for older adults or those with hearing difficulties
The Wohome 2.1 soundbar presents a compelling feature-based challenge to the RIOWOIS. At just 15 inches, it’s even more compact, but its key advantages are a built-in subwoofer (making it a true 2.1 channel system for better bass) and the inclusion of an HDMI ARC port. That ARC connection is a game-changer for convenience, allowing you to control power and volume with your existing TV remote. It also offers multiple EQ modes and voice enhancement levels. The Wohome is the superior option for users who absolutely demand single-remote convenience and want slightly more defined bass from an integrated subwoofer, making it a very strong competitor in the same budget category.
3. Bluedee 16-inch TV Sound Bar
- 【50 Watts Bass Boost】Bluedee sound bars for TV feature 2 large bass radiator units releasing room-filling sound and deep impactful bass. Come and enjoy this feast for your ears.
- 【4 Ways To Connect】Bluedee soundbar for TV provide multiple ways to connect: Bluetooth, Optical, 3.5 mm Aux, 3.5 mm Aux to RCA(Included). Connection has never been this easier.
- 【3 Sound Effects】One piece TV sound bar design but not simple as it seen. Built-in DSP technology supports 3 EQ modes, optimize sound for various scenarios(movie, music, news).
The Bluedee 16-inch soundbar is a very direct competitor to the RIOWOIS, occupying a similar space in size, price, and features. It also boasts powerful sound for its size, Bluetooth connectivity, and a focus on cinematic sound with impactful bass. It connects via Optical and AUX, placing it in the same category of lacking HDMI ARC. The choice between the Bluedee and the RIOWOIS will likely come down to subtle differences in sound profile, aesthetic preference, and current pricing or promotions. It’s a solid alternative for someone looking for the exact same form factor and feature set but wants to compare against a similar rival.
Final Verdict: Is the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost Worth It?
After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is a resounding yes, with a few clear conditions. The RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost is an exceptional value proposition. It delivers on its core promises, providing a powerful, clear, and bass-enhanced audio experience that dramatically outperforms the speakers built into virtually any modern television. Its compact, 17-inch frame makes it incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly in smaller rooms, under desktop monitors, or in minimalist entertainment setups where a larger bar would be intrusive.
This is not a soundbar for the discerning audiophile chasing the perfect Dolby Atmos setup. Its primary limitations—the lack of HDMI ARC and the potential for setup quirks—are direct trade-offs for its accessible price. However, for the vast majority of users simply seeking a massive and affordable audio upgrade, these are minor hurdles. If you are tired of tinny TV sound, want to hear dialogue clearly, and desire a richer sound for movies and music without breaking the bank or cluttering your space, this soundbar is one of the best pound-for-pound champions on the market.
If you’ve decided the RIOWOIS Sound Bar Smart TV Bass Boost is the right fit for your home, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API