WiiM continues to expand its audio lineup with its first soundbar, called the WiiM Bar, which was previewed at the High End show in Vienna. After developing network players and then launching the WiiM Sound speaker and the WiiM Sub subwoofer, the brand is now entering a particularly competitive market. For its entry into the world of home theater, WiiM is banking on a comprehensive solution combining Dolby Atmos, DTS, music streaming, multi-room functionality, and expandability—all at an affordable price. Is it capable of shaking up the industry’s established players?
WiiM Bar: key specifications
- 3.0.2 channel soundbar
- 8 drivers + 4 passive radiators
- 135 watts of power
- 5.3 cm touchscreen on the front
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X compatible
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth
- HDMI eARC, optical, and RCA inputs
- AirPlay 2 and Google Cast
A 3.0.2 design tailored for home theater
The WiiM Bar soundbar features a 3.0.2 configuration. It supports the three standard front channels while adding two height channels designed to reproduce the vertical effects of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.
The system features three tweeters, three woofers, and two drivers dedicated to the vertical channels. Four passive radiators round out the system to extend the low-frequency response. The total power output is 135 watts.
In terms of compatibility, WiiM supports all Dolby formats up to Dolby Atmos, as well as DTS formats up to DTS:X. Users also have access to an equalizer built into the WiiM Home app, as well as the RoomFit calibration system. The AI Dialog Enhancement mode improves dialogue clarity by automatically isolating voices.
A first-of-its-kind touchscreen display on a soundbar
The WiiM Bar features the circular touchscreen already seen on the WiiM Sound speaker. Located on the front panel, it remains visible from the listening position and displays various pieces of information, such as the volume level and details about the audio stream currently playing.
This interface provides quick access to the main controls without having to use the mobile app every time. This design choice also offers better readability than some displays built into the top of soundbars, which can be difficult to see from the couch. The system is completed by a remote control with a built-in voice assistant, designed to simplify day-to-day control.
Streaming, multi-room, and 5.1.2 expansion
Beyond its home theater capabilities, the WiiM Bar Atmos soundbar integrates into the brand’s connected ecosystem. It supports Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, Google Cast, AirPlay 2, DLNA/UPnP, as well as the Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon protocols.
The connectors include HDMI eARC, optical, analog RCA stereo, and USB audio inputs, all of which can be configured via the app. This feature is quite rare in the world of soundbars.
The WiiM Bar can also be upgraded to a full 5.1.2 setup. Simply pair it with two compatible WiiM Sound speakers for the surround channels and a WiiM Sub subwoofer. This modular design lets you start with just the soundbar and then gradually expand your system.
An ambitious offer for €499
With the WiiM Bar, the brand is directly competing with industry-leading products from JBL, LG, Samsung, Sonos, and Yamaha. The device offers most of the features expected in a modern soundbar: Atmos and DTS:X decoding, music streaming, multi-room functionality, acoustic calibration, a touchscreen display, and expandability.
The inclusion of just a single HDMI input is one of the few compromises found on this model, which is priced at €499. For many users, however, the TV’s eARC connectivity will be sufficient to centralize the various sources. The new WiiM Bar will be available starting next July in black or white.
