WiiM Bar: An Affordable Soundbar with Dolby Atmos Support
WiiM enters the home cinema market with a new, feature-rich soundbar.
WiiM, which has established itself as a serious competitor to Sonos in the multi-room audio market over recent years, has launched its first soundbar. Released in October 2026, the WiiM Bar offers users virtual Dolby Atmos support, a unique design featuring a built-in display, and a wide array of connectivity options. Priced at $479, the device aims to position itself as a compact and versatile solution for home cinema systems.
Sound Quality and Capabilities
The WiiM Bar is a 3.0.2 channel system, meaning it does not ship with a separate subwoofer or rear speakers. While it lacks physical upward-firing drivers for "true" Atmos, its virtual processing delivers a convincing result. During testing, the soundbar demonstrated good spatial audio and clear dialogue, which was particularly noticeable when watching films. However, dynamic effects such as powerful explosions or low frequencies occasionally require more punch, so connecting an additional subwoofer would significantly enhance the experience.
One of the device's key advantages is its volume. The 135-watt maximum output is sufficient to fill medium and large rooms. Furthermore, WiiM offers specific modes, including a "Night" mode for late-night listening and a "Voice" mode that makes dialogue in podcasts and films more distinct.
App and Connectivity
The WiiM app is one of the device's strongest features. It offers users detailed settings, including the RoomFit function, which calibrates sound based on the room's acoustics. Regarding connectivity, the system is equipped with HDMI eARC, an optical port, USB, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. Notably, it supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats, giving it an edge over some competitors. However, it is worth noting that the lack of HDMI passthrough and the absence of AirPlay 2 support may be inconvenient for some users.
Design and Verdict
The design of the WiiM Bar is subject to debate. The built-in display, which shows the time or musical information, is functionally useful but gives the soundbar a somewhat unusual appearance. Despite these visual nuances, it comes with a high-quality remote control, which improves the user experience.
In conclusion, the WiiM Bar is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact, multi-functional soundbar who are already interested in the WiiM ecosystem. Although there are alternatives on the market with more powerful bass, such as certain Samsung models, the WiiM Bar offers complete functionality for its price. It is a device that allows for future expansion with additional speakers, making it a sound long-term investment.