The VIZIO S3820W-C0 is a great option if you are looking for an affordable yet powerful sound bar. There are a couple versions of the same model: one with a wireless subwoofer, one that relies on integrated bass instead of a subwoofer, and a bluetooth model with integrated bass. These options come at different price ranges, so if you are tight on money, be sure to only get the one that has the features you need the most.

Note: We have also have a review for a similar Vizio soundbar to compare with.

Vizio S3820W Review

Sound quality across all units should be the same, but my VIZIO S3820W-C0 review is based on the soundbar with bluetooth capability. Below is my review and certain aspects I would like to mention in detail.

Crisp Sound Quality

Small and medium-sized televisions can have their audio increased tenfold thanks to the sound bar. When watching a movie or playing a video game, sound provides an immersive experience that makes you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.

Integrated deep bass technology allows for full range stereo output with low end frequency. If you’re worried about not having an external subwoofer, don’t be: the integrated bass still allows for great lows in sound quality minus the cumbersome subwoofer.

Even without a television hooked up, users can connect their sound bar to their smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth technology. Spotify or iTunes, among many other streaming music services, can be used while your television is off. This is useful if you’re doing chores around the house and want to listen to crisp audio when listening to your favorite music instead of the television.

Rear speakers aren’t needed thanks to DTS TruSurround technology, which simulates surround sound well in all my movie playbacks.

One aspect that I really loved about the S3820W-C0 sound bar is its DTS TruVolume. If you’re not a fan of commercials blasting the volume, the TruVolume technology will level out the volume, so loud commercials never force you to mute the station. This is an important feature also because it can be set up so you won’t have to change the volume between the loud parts of a movie and the more subtle parts when characters are speaking. I have had too many problems with previous televisions (though I did not attach a sound bar to them) where constantly changing the volume because I couldn’t hear the dialogue was existent.

Overall, from the sound perspective, this is one of the better sound qualities you can get for the price.

— If you’re looking for an extremely budget-friendly headset to play video games with, consider this pair of headphones by Sades. We wrote a full review on it for you —

Easy Hook Up and Mounting

Two brackets are included so that you can mount the soundbar to the wall, and there are only two screws that go into the back of the soundbar. There is a nifty paper template that shows you how to attach the unit to the wall and the amount of space needed between the unit and television.

Once mounted, the setup process is a breeze. All you need to do is:

• Plug the unit into your television
• Plug the unit into the wall
• Change your television’s audio setting

Your television will recognize the Vizio soundbar as an external audio source.

However, if mounting the bar to the wall isn’t your strongsuit, you don’t need to. You can:

• Place the unit on a shelf
• Hang the unit on the wall instead
• Put the unit on an entertainment center

There is an external remote included, but the unit integrates with your cable and television remote, so you don’t need 3 remotes – just one. Alternatively, there are also apps on Google Play and the iOS App Store that permit you control of your soundbar.

S3820W-C0 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Optimal sound quality
• Easy installation
• Easy mounting option
• Rich bass, even without a subwoofer

Cons

• Remote range is not the best compared to other sound systems
• VIZIO TV remote did not work with my soundbar

I was surprised that my remote for my VIZIO television was not compatible with the soundbar, but other television remotes were. Even the included remote’s range is subpar, but this should not be much of an issue unless your television is very far away from your couch. If anything, extra remote controls can be purchased.

This unit is ideal for casual movie and audio, but audio snobs will notice that the lower octave bass is not as good as a higher-end unit. The majority of people, however, should feel right at home with the bass quality. Alternatively, there are also models with subwoofers included that provide an extra thump.

The VIZIO S3820W-C0 is a great choice for anyone wanting a low-priced soundbar that provides powerful audio and doesn’t take up much room in the process. Yes, the lower bass might bother someone coming from a high-end unit, but most users won’t notice the difference. When your television’s built-in sound is simply unacceptable, the S3820W is a very good system in this price range.