The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a good 5.1.2 soundbar setup. It offers an immersive listening experience thanks to up-firing speakers and Atmos support. Its sound quality is quite good, with a neutral sound profile but with a bit of extra bass. The bar can get loud enough for all types of content, but the height speakers aren’t as loud as the other speakers, meaning it can be hard to hear the height sound effects. On the upside, this soundbar has lots of connectivity options, but the surround speakers need to be wired to the wireless sub.
Our Verdict
Good for mixed usage. The overall performance of the Vizio SB36512-F6 is quite good and will be suitable for all types of content. Its accurate and neutral sound profile will be great for voice-oriented content like TV shows and podcasts, and will also be suitable for most music genres, with a bit of extra bass. For movies, this bar supports Atmos and provides an immersive listening experience thanks to dedicated surround speakers.
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Great stereo performance.
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Decent soundstage.
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Atmos support.
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Amazing connectivity options.
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No Dialogue Enhancement feature.
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Surround speakers need to be wired to the wireless sub.
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Slow, buggy, and laggy app.
Good for dialog. The Vizio SB36512-F6 has a clear reproduction of voices and a neutral sound profile. It'll be good to listen to the news, podcasts or audiobooks with this setup. Unfortunately, it lacks a dialog enhancement feature that would make voices even clearer, but might not need it due to its great overall performance.
Good for music. This soundbar system has a great stereo frequency response and is versatile for a wide variety of music. It also has a bit of extra bass, which bass fans will appreciate. It can also get pretty loud and will be suitable for parties or casual listening sessions. You can also listen to your music via your favorite streaming app thanks to the bar’s Bluetooth compatibility.
Very good for movies. The Vizio SB36512-F6 has a great stereo frequency response but also supports higher-end audio signals. Thanks to its configuration, this 5.1.2 soundbar setup offers an immersive experience thanks to the dedicated surround speaker and Atmos compatibility.
- 7.8 Mixed Usage
- 7.8 Dialogue/TV Shows
- 7.8 Music
- 7.7 Movies
- Updated Jun 19, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.2. Updated the results for audio format support via ARC/eARC, HDMI In, and Optical. Added Video Passthrough to TV results as well.
- Updated Apr 06, 2023: Added cable lengths to In The Box.
- Updated Apr 05, 2023: Converted to Test Bench 1.1. With this update, we've added a Mounting test and added information aboutSubwoofer Output, Spotify Connect, and Microphone Mute.
- Updated Sep 27, 2022: Added market comparison for the Vizio M Series Elevate M512E-K6 to the 'Sound Enhancement Features' box.
- Updated Mar 23, 2021: Updated latency measurements with new methodology.
- Updated Feb 09, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Jul 20, 2020: The Height Level Adjustment feature has been updated.
- Updated Oct 16, 2019: We've updated the Wireless Playback information to better reflect what you can use to cast content wirelessly.
- Updated Oct 07, 2019: Review published.
- Updated Oct 05, 2019: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Oct 03, 2019: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
Compared To Other Soundbars
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a very good soundbar, especially for the price. It has very good performance regardless of what type of content you're listening to and its full setup with a sub and satellites gives you an immersive listening experience. However, the satellites are wired to the sub, which isn't ideal, and the app is one of the most difficult to navigate seamlessly and without bugs. See our recommendations for the best soundbars, the best small soundbars, and the best soundbars for music.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a somewhat better soundbar for mixed usage than the standalone Sonos Arc. The Vizio offers more wireless playback options and reproduces a more extended low-bass. It has EQ presets, a Full HDMI In port, a dedicated subwoofer, and satellites. The Sonos is better built and offers a better soundstage performance. It also has built-in voice assistant support, a room correction feature, and a dialogue enhancement mode. You can also upgrade it to the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for better performance.
The Vizio M Series M51a-H6 is a better soundbar than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The M Series has a more neutral sound profile out of the box and can get louder. It has a better surround performance and more sound enhancement features and supports DTS:X. However, the SB36512-F6 is Wi-Fi compatible and has Chromecast built-in.
The Vizio Elevate is better than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The Elevate is better built, and it has a unique design with sides that rotate upwards to help create a better soundstage performance. It even has more sound enhancement features, like dialogue enhancement mode.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 and the Vizio M Series Elevate M512E-K6 are both 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbars, and they each have different strengths. The Elevate is a 2022 bar with a unique design, as its sides rotate upwards when you watch Atmos content, providing a more immersive sound. It has more sound enhancement features, and it's better built. The SB36512-F6 is still a versatile alternative, with more wireless playback options. Since it's older, you may be able to find it at a better price, meaning it may be a better value for some users.
The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is slightly better than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The M Series is better built and has a better soundstage performance. It also has more sound enhancement features like dialogue enhancement. That said, the SB36512-F6 supports more wireless playback options.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better overall soundbar than the Vizio V Series V51-H6. The SB36512-F6 supports Atmos content and has a better surround performance. Also, it has more connectivity options, including a Full HDMI In port that allows for 4k passthrough, and Wi-Fi and Chromecast compatibility. That being said, the V Series has a dialogue enhancement feature, which the SB36512-F6 lacks.
The Vizio M Series M51ax-J6 is better for mixed usage than the Vizio SB36512-F6. The M Series has better surround performance and comes with more sound enhancement features, like dialogue enhancement and greater audio format support. It also has an AUX VA In port for connecting third-party voice assistant devices. However, the SB36512-F6 has more wireless playback options.
The Vizio 46-inch 5.1.4 F6 isn't that much better than the Vizio 36-inch 5.1.2 F6 soundbar. Their performances are quite similar, but the 5.1.4 soundbar setup has two additional up-firing speakers on the surround satellites. We also measured a bit more compression on the 46-inch model, although we don't expect most people to notice this. However, the 46-inch 5.1.4 F6 has a better overall surround performance. For most people, the 36-inch will offer better value.
The Samsung HW-Q80R is a slightly better 5.1.2 soundbar setup than the Vizio SB36512-F6. It can get louder and its stereo soundstage feels a bit wider too. However, we didn’t test the Samsung with satellites. The surround performance of the Vizio is slightly better due to the discrete localization of the surround speakers. On the other hand, the Samsung is Wi-Fi compatible and has an extra HDMI In port for you to use your bar as a hub for your different devices.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the onn. 42" 5.1. 2. Dolby Atmos Soundbar. They're both budget-friendly 5.1.2 setups, but the Vizio offers better surround and Atmos performances. It comes with discrete satellites, unlike the onn, and there are more sound enhancement features available. Also, it can reproduce a more extended low-bass to help you feel the rumble in action-packed movies and bass-heavy music.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better performing soundbar than the Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar MAX. It has a better stereo frequency response performance and has a dedicated sub and surround speakers, while the Sennheiser is just a bar that tries to do it all. On the other hand, the Sennheiser does have a virtual surround mode that is quite impressive for a stand-alone bar. It's also better built, although very large and heavy.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 and the LG SN9YG are similarly performing soundbars. The Vizio comes with two satellites, it has a slightly more neutral sound profile, and it can get as loud as the LG with less compression. Its center and height performances are better, and it has an AUX port for older devices. The LG, on the other hand, feels much better built, its surround performance is better built, and it has more sound enhancement features available, including room correction. It also supports eARC and DTS:X via its full HDMI In port.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better overall soundbar than the LG SK9Y since we haven’t tested the SK9Y with the optional satellites. The Vizio can get louder and has a great stereo frequency response. Its dedicated center channels also perform quite significantly better for dialog, but the Vizio lacks a dialog enhancement feature, which the LG does have. The LG soundbar is also better-built and should perform better with discrete surround speakers. It also has Wi-Fi compatibility and Chromecast built-in.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar than the Vizio V Series V21-H8. The 5.1.2 SB36512-F6 has a better-balanced sound profile that's suited for an even wider array of audio content. It also has discrete surround speakers, and it supports Atmos content, unlike the 2.1 V Series. It also more connectivity options and is compatible with more wireless playback options, like Chromecast and Wi-Fi. It can also be controlled via its companion app. That said, the V Series comes with a dialogue enhancement feature, which the SB36512-F6 lacks.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar than the LG SL6Y. The Vizio is an Atmos-enabled 5.1.2 soundbar while the LG is only 3.1. The Vizio sounds much better, does a much better job with surround content thanks to its dedicated satellite speakers, and has Wi-Fi for better wireless music playback. On the other hand, the LG feels better-built and has a screen on the bar to better see your input selections.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar than the Vizio M-Series M21d-H8R. The 5.1.2 SB36512-F6 has a more neutral sound profile and a better soundstage performance. Also, thanks to its dedicated center channel and dedicated surround speakers, it offers better center and surround channel performances. It supports Atmos, too. However, the 2.1 M-Series comes with a dialogue enhancement feature, which is handy.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a slightly better soundbar setup than the Samsung HW-Q70R without satellites. The sub of the Samsung performs better, and both support Atmos. However, the Samsung completely cuts out surround content rather than downmixing, which is frustrating, while the surround performance of the Vizio is decent thanks to the dedicated satellites.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better 5.1.2 setup than the Monoprice SB-600. The Vizio has a more neutral sound profile and can produce a more extended low-bass. It also has a better height performance, and it has support for Wi-Fi and built-in Chromecast. However, the Monoprice has a slightly more immersive surrounds performance, and it comes with a dialogue enhancement feature.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a bit better for mixed usage than the Samsung HW-Q600A. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites that offers better surround and Atmos performances. There's also less compression when you play it at max volume. However, it isn't as well-built as the Samsung. Also, the Samsung offers more sound enhancement features, like a graphic EQ.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the Samsung HW-A650. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites that supports Dolby Atmos content, unlike the Samsung. It has a better surrounds performance, and it gets louder with less compression at max volume. That said, the 3.1 Samsung is better built.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the Samsung HW-Q60R. The Vizio comes with rear satellite speakers that provide a much better surround sound experience. It also has a more balanced sound signature and a wider selection of inputs. It supports more audio formats as well, but the Samsung has a better build quality and more sound enhancement features.
The Samsung HW-Q90R is a better soundbar system than the Vizio SB36512-F6. It’s a 7.1.4 setup better built and has better soundstage and surround performances. It can also get louder with less compression at max volume. There are even more sound enhancement features, such as a graphic EQ and a dialogue enhancement mode.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is better than the Polk Audio Signa S4. The Vizio is a 5.1.2 setup with discrete satellites. It has a better surround performance and can reproduce a more extended low-bass than the Polk. Unlike the Polk, it even has a Full HDMI In port for video passthrough. If you don't have space for satellites, the Polk is still a decent choice.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a much better soundbar setup than the Vizio SB3220n-F6. The SB36512 has 5.1.2 channels and can support Dolby Atmos for a significantly superior surround sound experience. That said, the SB3220n is the better option if you're tight on space and want something easier to install and use.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is a better soundbar system than the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch for most people, especially for the price. It has great overall performance, with a very good, neutral sound profile. On the other hand, its surround sound listening experience isn't as immersive as the Nakamichi soundbar with its four dedicated surround speakers.
Test Results
The bar of this setup is covered by fabric at the front and the top, which unfortunately can easily get dirty or damaged. The back and the underside are made of plastic and the two sides are covered by silver-colored plastic with the Vizio logo in the center.
The sub has a very similar style to the bar. It also has its front and top faces covered by fabric. The port is found on the back and is made of plastic. The two sides have large silver-colored plates with the Vizio logo in the center.
The satellites follow the same style. Fabric at the front and top, plastic at the back, and two silver-colored plates at the sides with the Vizio logo. If you want an Atmos soundbar but don't have space for satellites, check out the Polk Audio Signa S4.
The bar isn't too wide, but might not fit between the legs of a 55" TV, depending on its stand. It's also not too tall, so it's unlikely that it'll block the bottom part of your screen unless your TV sits flush on the table, like the Sony A9F.
The subwoofer is about the size of an average desktop PC and won't take up too much space. Unlike the Vizio SB36312-G6's subwoofer, this subwoofer can only be placed in an upright position.
The satellites aren't too big. Unfortunately, they don’t pair wirelessly and have to connect to the sub by a cable to get their signal. This places some limitations as to where you can place the sub, as the satellites are surround speakers and have to be placed on the side, slightly behind your couch for an optimal sound experience.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 has decent build quality. All components of the setup have a very similar style, with a fabric covering the top and front faces and two silver-colored plates on the sides. Unfortunately, the fabric can easily collect dust and get ripped. The back and the sides are made of good quality plastic but don't feel premium. If you're looking for a better built 5.1.2 setup, check out the LG SN9YG.
- Manual
- HDMI Cable (6.2 ft / 1.9m)
- Remote & Batteries
- Power Cables (x2) (8.4 ft / 2.5m)
- Satellite Speaker Audio Cables (x2) (26 ft / 8m)
- Stereo RCA to 3.5mm Audio Cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- 3.5mm to 3.5mm Audio Cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Digital Optical Cable (4.9 ft / 1.5m)
- Wall-mounting brackets
- Wall-mounting screws
The stereo frequency response of the Vizio SB36512-F6 is great. The low-frequency extension is quite low, which is good. This system will be able to reproduce the deep rumble, thump, and punch of bass. However, there was audible sub-bass port noise in our testing. The rest of the response is quite accurate and flat, resulting in a neutral sound profile with a bit of extra bass.
When listening to the Vizio SB36512-F6, the soundstage is decent. It seems the sound comes from the edges of the bar, just about the same width as the Samsung HW-Q60R. The bar doesn’t do any tricks to widen the soundstage even further and sounds quite focused, which is good. Objects in the soundstage come from an accurate pinpoint location rather than a general area.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 can get pretty loud and will be suited for large rooms and crowded environments. There's no audible dynamic range compression in our testing, but we did notice some with real-life content.
The THD performance of the Vizio soundbar is good. At a normal listening volume, the amount of THD is within very good limits and the bar will reproduce pure and clean sound. However, when pushing the bar at its maximum volume, there's a noticeable jump in THD, especially in the bass range.
This Vizio is a 5.1.2 system setup that has excellent performance in the center channel. Due to its configuration, the Vizio SB36512-F6 has a dedicated center speaker, which results in a clearer and more accurate audio reproduction of the dialog in movies. The frequency response is great across the whole range and you’ll be able to get a decent loudness level.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 has dedicated side surround speakers, but has fairly mediocre performance. The sound profile is very bass-heavy and dark. On the upside, thanks to their localization, surround objects seem to be coming around you rather than in front, like a typical stereo system, which is good. For an even more immersive experience, check out the Vizio SB46514-F6 or the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch with its four dedicated surround sound satellite speakers.
The Atmos performance of this Vizio soundbar is decent. The bar has two up-firing speakers that ricochet the sounds off the ceiling, which creates the illusion of height. However, the localization of objects is diffused. It doesn't sound as real as a discrete localization provided by down-firing speakers. The Atmos sound is also much quieter than the other sounds coming from the other speakers, so it might be a bit hard to hear the height sound effects. On the upside, there's a height level adjustment setting inside the app, so you might need to set it to your preference. It also does better than similar 5.1.2 setups like the onn. 42" 5.1. 2. Dolby Atmos Soundbar.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 has limited sound enhancement tools, even compared to other bars in its price range. It doesn’t have a room correction feature, meaning it sounds a bit different depending on your room's unique acoustics. You can make up for this a bit thanks to its bass and treble adjustments, though it lacks a full graphic EQ to customize its sound across the range. Compared to Vizio's newer models, such as the Vizio M Series Elevate M512E-K6, there's no dialogue enhancement feature either, which is disappointing if you watch a lot of television shows and other vocal-centric content.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is very versatile, as it has a pretty complete set of physical inputs. You should be able to connect any device using one of the available inputs. Unlike the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround, this bar even has an AUX port so that you can play audio from some older devices.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 has great sound format support over ARC. It supports the common Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound formats found on streaming platforms and Blu-ray discs. It also offers a more immersive sound experience thanks to the support of Dolby Atmos, an object-based surround sound format. Unfortunately, there's no support for uncompressed sound formats like 5.1 PCM, over this port. Also, unlike the Vizio M Series M51a-H6, it doesn't support DTS:X content.
Excellent sound format support through the Full HDMI In. You'll be able to playback the most advanced sound formats. You can playback surround sound and object-based formats like Dolby Atmos, or even lossless formats like PCM 5.1. These sound formats are common in Blu-rays and streaming platforms like Netflix.
The Optical Audio has excellent support for surround sound. Dolby Digital and DTS formats are usually found on streaming platforms like Netflix or Blu-ray discs. DTS is usually found as the fallback of the DTS-HD MA which is common on most recent Blu-rays.
Update 03/23/2021: There was a mistake in our methodology where we measured the latency using every second frame (eg. 120fps). We now re-evaluated the footage using every frame at 240fps for more accurate results.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 can passthrough the highest bandwidth signals. This means that when connected between your PC and the TV, text will look clear on your TV.
Update 10/16/2019: A user pointed out that this bar does support Wi-Fi and Chromecast built-in. The review and text have been updated.
The wireless playback on this bar is excellent. You can enjoy your music by connecting a phone or a tablet wirelessly using Bluetooth, use Wi-Fi and cast content using the Chromecast built-in.
The interface consists of a set of lights in the front face that flash according to your settings. Unfortunately, they aren't easy to tell apart and you'll have a hard time distinguishing which one is which.
The Vizio SB36512-F6 has a set of physical buttons on the top face under the fabric. They serve basic functions like power on/off, input selection, volume control, and Bluetooth pairing.
The remote is fairly simple and allows you to control playback and basic functions of the bar. It has a small screen on the top which is informing you of the inputs, etc. Unfortunately, it's very hard to read due to the lack of any backlight, which is either non-existent or did not work in our case. The Vizio SmartCast app also lets you control the bar from your smartphone.