The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a 2.1 channel soundbar best suited for dialogue and TV shows. It can get loud enough for large rooms or house parties and comes with three presets, including a News preset that acts as a dialogue enhancement feature. However, although it has a slightly bass-heavy sound profile, it struggles to produce a deep, rumbly bass that some listeners may like. The soundbar itself doesn't have the most sturdy build, and its plastic body feels cheap. It also lacks an HDMI In input and can only support PCM-format content.
Our Verdict
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is disappointing for mixed use. It has a slight tilt in its tonal balance, which produces a more bass-heavy sound but at the same time, it struggles to produce thump and rumble. Its soundstage isn't very spacious or wide either and it doesn't sound focused. However, it does a better job with dialogue content, especially when using the News preset. It can also get loud enough to play your favorite music during a house party but there's slight distortion at max volume.
-
Can wirelessly play audio via a Bluetooth connection.
-
Text-display interface.
-
Cheap-feeling build.
-
No HDMI In port.
-
Only supports PCM-format content.
-
Lacks a thumpy sub-bass and has a dark, dull treble.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is good for dialogue and TV shows. It has a News preset that acts as a dialogue enhancement feature which may help improve vocal clarity and volume. It can also get decently loud, but there's still a little bit of distortion at max volume.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is mediocre for music. It has a slightly bass-heavy sound profile, which fans of EDM and hip-hop may enjoy. However, the treble is dark and dull, making most instruments and vocals lose detail and brightness while sibilants such as cymbals or S and T sounds lose their sparkle. This soundbar also struggles to create a soundstage larger than its own size. However, it can get loud enough for house parties or larger rooms.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is poor for movies. While it can get loud enough for a larger room, it lacks a rumbly and thumpy bass, making explosions in action movies sound less immersive. This soundbar also has a mediocre soundstage that's limited to the size of the bar itself and it also doesn't have height channels or support Atmos content.
- 5.3 Mixed Usage
- 5.5 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 6.4 Music
- 4.6 Movies
- Updated Sep 27, 2021: Changed RCA In from 'Yes' to 'No'.
- Updated Apr 06, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 23, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
- Updated May 14, 2020: Review published.
- Updated May 11, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated May 07, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Apr 14, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
- Updated Mar 19, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is an entry-level 2.1 channel soundbar. It has a balanced mid-range and a unique text-display interface. However, it has a cheap-feeling build which is common among budget soundbars, it only supports PCM-format content, and despite its integrated subwoofer, it still lacks deep, thumpy bass. If you're still shopping around, check out our recommendations for the best budget soundbars, the best soundbars under $200, and the best soundbars for dialogue.
The Sony HT-S100F is a slightly better soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK026. Although the Sony is a 2.0 channel soundbar, it has a better build, supports Dolby Digital, and has a shared HDMI ARC/out input. Unlike the TaoTronics, it can also support surround content, but it has to downmix it. On the downside, the Sony doesn't offer any EQ options.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a slightly better performing soundbar than the AmazonBasics 2.1 Channel Bluetooth. Although they're both 2.1 channel soundbars, the TaoTronics has a more balanced sound profile and it can get just as loud but it has fewer compression artifacts at max volume. However, the AmazonBasics can support Dolby Digital content and it has an auto-off timer.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a slightly better soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK023. The TT-SK026 has an integrated subwoofer with a more balanced sound profile and a text display interface. However, while the TT-SK023 is a 2.0 soundbar, it has a more sturdy build.
The Sonos Playbar is a better soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK026. The Sonos feels better built, can produce a wider stereo soundstage, and unlike the TaoTronics, can downmix surround content instead of not supporting it at all. You can also easily upgrade the Sonos' setup later if you decide you want a more immersive experience. However, you can wirelessly connect to the TaoTronics using Bluetooth while the Sonos can only support Wi-Fi.
The Sony HT-S200F is a better performing 2.1 channel soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK026. It has a more neutral sound profile, it can downmix surround content, and it also has a shared HDMI ARC/Out input. The Sony can even play Dolby Digital content and it has a power-saving mode.
The Samsung HW-Q80R and the TaoTronics TT-SK026 are different soundbar setups. The Samsung is a 5.1.2 setup that delivers a good dose of bass to your audio thanks to its wireless subwoofer. It has phantom surround and height channels to help create a more immersive listening experience, and you can tweak its sound using its graphic EQ. It even has an HDMI port to support most surround sound and object-based sound content. The TaoTronics, on the other hand, is an entry-level 2.1 soundbar. It doesn't have a subwoofer or satellites, and it also has limited connectivity options.
The Samsung HW-Q90R and the TaoTronics TT-SK026 are completely different soundbar setups. The Samsung is a 7.1.4 setup that has a better-balanced sound that still delivers a thumpy bass. It also has surround and height channels that help create a more immersive listening experience, as well as an HDMI port that can support surround sound and object-based sound formats. The TaoTronics, on the other hand, is an entry-level 2.1 soundbar. It doesn't have a subwoofer or satellites, and it also has limited connectivity options.
The Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar is a better overall soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK026. Both bars have integrated subwoofers and can only support PCM content, so they're best-suited for dialogue-heavy content like TV shows. However, the Vmai is better-built, and it has a better-balanced sound profile. It also has a more focused soundstage than the TaoTronics, so objects will sound more localized. Thanks to its bass and treble adjustments, the Vmai also offers more sound customization options. Finally, unlike the TaoTronics, it has an HDMI ARC port, though you can only use it for PCM content.
Test Results
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a simply designed soundbar. It has a cheap, black plastic build with rounded edges, which help to make it look less blocky. There's also a tight fabric wrap on the front of the bar.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 is a fairly long soundbar and it may have problems fitting between the legs of most 55-inch TV stands. However, if you put it in front of your TV, it shouldn't block your screen unless your TV sits directly on the table.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 has an integrated subwoofer.
The back of this soundbar is plasticky. It has two holes on the back for mounting the bar but because of them, the soundbar won't be flush against the wall. It also has an opening for the input ports.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 has a mediocre build. Made mostly of plastic, it has a cheap feel that makes it seem fragile if dropped. The front of the bar is covered in a similarly cheap fabric that's tightly wrapped on the bar's body.
- Manuals
- Remote (batteries not included, requires 2x AAA)
- Optical cable
- Power cord
- Stereo RCA to 3.5mm audio cable
- Mounting screws
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 has an adequate stereo frequency response. On Music mode, this soundbar has a slight tilt in its tonal balance, producing a more bass-heavy sound, which can give you a more punchy and warm sound. However, it can't really produce full thump and rumble, so explosions in action movies sound shallow. The lack of treble also affects the detail and brightness of vocals and most instruments. It also makes higher-pitched sounds, like sibilants, dark and dull.
The stereo soundstage is mediocre. The soundstage is limited to about the size of the bar itself and isn't really focused.
Update 09/23/2020: We've discovered a value input bug that would cause the Dynamics box results to be slightly off. All soundbars reviewed since January 30th, 2020 have been updated.
The stereo dynamics performance of the TaoTronics TT-SK026 is great. This soundbar can get loud, which is suited for large spaces or if you're having a party. At max volume, there are some pumping and compression artifacts, particularly in the bass and treble range. However, it may not be noticeable to all listeners.
The THD performance of this soundbar is okay. At a normal volume, you should get a clean and pure sound. However, if you're listening to audio at max volume, there's some distortion, but this may not be noticeable to all listeners.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 only supports PCM content and can't even decode or downmix surround sound content.
This soundbar doesn't have surround channels.
This soundbar system doesn't have height channels and it doesn't support Atmos.
This soundbar has limited sound enhancement features. There's three EQ presets called Music, Movies, and News. The News preset acts as a dialogue enhancement feature and is a nice touch if you like to listen to more vocal-centric content like podcasts or TV shows. For a 2.1 setup with more sound enhancement features, see the Vmai 2.1 Channel Sound Bar.
Update 09/27/2021: We previously reported that this soundbar comes with an RCA In port. However, after reviewing the bar, we concluded that its Coaxial port isn't the same as an RCA In port.
This soundbar has very limited connections. While it has optical audio in, an aux input, and a coaxial in, it lacks everything else. Some may find the lack of an HDMI input especially disappointing. While you won't be able to use this soundbar as a hub for your other devices, these inputs should be enough if you're just listening to tunes from your mobile device or TV.
This soundbar doesn't have an HDMI connection and can't play content via an ARC connection.
This soundbar doesn't have a full HDMI In port which would allow it to connect to external devices that support the reproduction of more advanced sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.
This soundbar only supports PCM-format content. If you use this soundbar with a TV, the manual mentions that you need to change your TV settings to PCM.
This soundbar can connect to any device that supports Bluetooth such as a smartphone or tablet. However, you won't be able to use a Wi-Fi connection and you won't be able to stream music using Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 doesn't have an HDMI port and can't serve as a hub between your devices and your TV.
This soundbar has a subwoofer integrated directly into the bar.
The interface of the TaoTronics TT-SK026 is much easier to understand than the TaoTronics TT-SK023 as it can display text to let you know which settings you change. It can also show the volume level.
This soundbar has simple controls located on the top of the bar. There's a power button, a preset sound mode cycle, an input mode cycle, and volume up and down buttons.
The TaoTronics TT-SK026 has a remote with basic controls. You can switch between different inputs, cycle through EQs, and mute the soundbar. While there's also a play/pause and a skip track button, it only works if you're connected to the soundbar via Bluetooth.