WiiM Bar review: a worthy Sonos rival?

The WiiM Bar, WiiM's first-ever soundbar, offers a worthy rival to Sonos in the multi-room and Dolby Atmos soundbar market. It boasts virtual Atmos sound, a unique screen-equipped design, and a variety of connectivity options, such as HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, digital optical, USB, and even RCA for devices like turntables. The soundbar supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats and can pair with compatible WiiM subs and surround speakers.

Upon testing, the WiiM Bar proved to be a solid performer, delivering convincing sound effects and clear dialogue. In films like Godzilla Minus One and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, the soundbar showcased virtual Dolby Atmos capabilities, with precise vertical movement and well-separated dialogue. However, it lacked the dynamic sound and sheer impact some might expect at its price point. Adding a subwoofer could enhance the overall experience.

Musically, the WiiM Bar is adequate rather than exceptional. While the low-end wasn't as regimented as desired in tracks like First Night by Vitess, the deeper frequencies still had good weight, and the mid-range presented well-defined synths. The soundbar's loudness is impressive, reaching 135W maximum output for filling larger spaces with cinematic sound.

The WiiM app provides a user-friendly interface for customizing the soundbar's performance, including room calibration through RoomFit and various modes for different listening preferences.

The WiiM Bar's design, featuring a customizable display and sleek appearance, is both functional and visually appealing. However, it lacks HDMI passthrough and AirPlay 2 support, which could be drawbacks for some users. Overall, the WiiM Bar offers a compelling option for those seeking a versatile, high-quality soundbar with advanced features and a unique design, though it may not fully match the performance and connectivity of top-tier competitors like Sonos.