Audio T Verdict
The WiiM Bar combines a properly specified 3.0.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar with the flexible streaming, multiroom and sound-adjustment platform that has made WiiM products so popular.
Its dedicated centre channel, upward-firing height drivers, 135W system output, RoomFit room correction and support for Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and DTS:X make it a meaningful television upgrade rather than simply a louder replacement for built-in TV speakers.
The 2.1-inch colour touchscreen is a particularly useful addition for music listening, displaying artwork, playback information, sources, presets and sound settings without requiring the WiiM Home app every time.
It works as a complete standalone soundbar, but its strongest long-term advantage is expandability. Add a WiiM Sub Pro for a 3.1.2 system, two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers for 5.0.2, or combine all three additions to create a full 5.1.2 WiiM home cinema system.
WiiM Bar Dolby Atmos Streaming Soundbar
The WiiM Bar is designed for customers who want clearer television dialogue, more convincing film sound and high-quality music streaming without filling the room with separate amplifiers, speakers and cables.
Its 3.0.2-channel architecture combines dedicated left, centre and right front channels with two upward-firing height channels for compatible Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks.
HDMI eARC, optical and analogue inputs make it suitable for modern and older televisions, while the WiiM Home platform adds music services, internet radio, network libraries, Bluetooth, multiroom playback, RoomFit correction and extensive EQ adjustment.
True 3.0.2-Channel Architecture
Unlike basic stereo soundbars that create a virtual centre image, the WiiM Bar contains separate left, centre and right front channels.
The dedicated centre channel helps anchor speech to the screen, making dialogue easier to follow during films, television programmes, sport and gaming.
Two upward-firing drivers reproduce compatible height information by directing sound towards the ceiling, where it can reflect towards the listening area and create a greater sense of vertical space.
Dolby Atmos Performance Depends on the Room
Upward-firing height speakers normally perform best with a reasonably flat, reflective ceiling and suitable distance between the soundbar, ceiling and listening position.
Very high, vaulted, absorbent or irregular ceilings may reduce the strength and precision of the reflected height effect.
Eight-Driver Acoustic System
The WiiM Bar uses eight actively driven speakers together with four passive radiators to provide front-channel separation, dialogue clarity, height information and low-frequency support from one cabinet.
Three 110 x 52mm mid-woofers and three 52 x 52mm tweeters reproduce the left, centre and right front channels.
Two additional 52 x 52mm full-range drivers are positioned on top of the cabinet to reproduce Dolby Atmos and DTS:X height information.
Four 115 x 50mm passive radiators, positioned at the front and rear, reinforce lower frequencies without requiring a separate bass-reflex port.
135W System Power
The internal amplification provides up to 135W of total system power across the soundbar's active driver array.
Because the amplifiers, drivers, digital crossover and signal processing are designed together, WiiM can control each channel directly and apply protection, equalisation and room correction as part of the complete system.
135W Is the Complete System Rating
The quoted 135W figure is the maximum output of the complete soundbar rather than a per-channel rating.
It should not be compared directly with the watts-per-channel specification of an AV receiver or separate power amplifier.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
HDMI eARC supports compatible LPCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Atmos, DTS, DTS-HD and DTS:X audio from a suitable television or connected source.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X use additional spatial information to place compatible effects around and above the listener rather than limiting them to fixed conventional channels.
The result can provide greater scale and atmosphere during films, television, concerts and games, while the dedicated centre channel keeps speech focused on the screen.
HDMI eARC Television Connection
HDMI eARC is the preferred connection for a compatible television because it supports the widest range of audio formats and allows television volume and power commands to be shared through HDMI-CEC.
Connect the supplied HDMI cable between the soundbar and the television socket labelled ARC or eARC, then enable ARC, eARC and HDMI-CEC in the television settings where required.
The television's digital audio setting may need to be changed to Auto, Pass Through, Bitstream or a similar option before Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD or DTS:X reaches the soundbar.
Use the Television's ARC or eARC Socket
A standard HDMI input will not send television sound back to the WiiM Bar.
The cable must be connected to the television socket specifically labelled ARC or eARC.
ARC and eARC Compatibility
The WiiM Bar can be used with televisions offering either HDMI ARC or the newer HDMI eARC connection.
HDMI eARC provides greater bandwidth and is normally required for lossless Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and compatible high-bitrate Dolby Atmos or DTS:X soundtracks.
A television with standard ARC may still carry stereo PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and compressed Dolby Atmos, depending on the television and connected source.
The Television Must Pass the Format
Format support depends on the television, source equipment, streaming app and selected television audio settings as well as the soundbar.
Some televisions convert incoming audio or do not pass DTS formats from external HDMI sources.
Optical Digital Input
The optical input provides a useful alternative for televisions without HDMI ARC or eARC.
WiiM currently lists support for compatible PCM, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and DTS through the optical connection at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Optical does not provide the full bandwidth needed for lossless Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD or their highest-quality object-based soundtracks.
Television Remote Volume Control Is Limited with Optical
An optical cable carries audio but does not provide the HDMI-CEC control available through HDMI ARC or eARC.
Volume will normally need to be adjusted through the WiiM Bar remote, touchscreen or WiiM Home app.
3.5mm Analogue Line Input
A 3.5mm line-level input allows a suitable television, CD player, computer, portable music player or turntable system to connect without HDMI or optical audio.
Analogue sources can benefit from the soundbar's volume control, EQ, RoomFit processing and compatible WiiM multiroom distribution.
A Turntable Normally Requires a Phono Stage
The analogue connection is a line-level input rather than a dedicated moving-magnet or moving-coil phono input.
A conventional turntable requires a suitable external phono stage. A turntable with a built-in phono stage should be set to line output.
USB Storage and Configurable USB Audio
The USB connection can accept a compatible storage device containing a local music library.
Stored music can be accessed through the WiiM Home platform and may also be shared with suitable WiiM and DLNA devices on the same network.
WiiM also describes configurable USB audio input or output operation through software, providing additional connection flexibility where supported by the current firmware and attached equipment.
Check Current USB Firmware Support
USB audio input and output functions may depend on the currently installed WiiM Bar firmware.
Confirm the required USB mode and compatibility before relying on it as the primary connection for a computer, DAC or other USB audio product.
Expandable 5.1.2 WiiM Home Cinema
The WiiM Bar provides 3.0.2 channels by itself and can form the centre of a larger wireless WiiM home cinema system.
Adding a WiiM Sub Pro creates a 3.1.2 arrangement with a dedicated low-frequency effects channel.
Adding two matching WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers as wireless surrounds creates a 5.0.2 configuration.
Combining the WiiM Bar, one WiiM Sub Pro and two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers creates a complete 5.1.2 system.
3.0.2 System
- One WiiM Bar
- Left, centre and right front channels
- Two upward-firing height channels
- No separate subwoofer or rear speakers
3.1.2 System
- One WiiM Bar
- One WiiM Sub Pro
- Dedicated low-frequency effects channel
- No rear surround speakers
5.0.2 System
- One WiiM Bar
- Two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers
- Dedicated left and right surround channels
- No separate subwoofer
5.1.2 System
- One WiiM Bar
- One WiiM Sub Pro
- Two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers
- Complete front, surround, height and bass system
Surround Speaker Compatibility Is Specific
Current WiiM setup guidance specifies two WiiM Sound or WiiM Sound Lite speakers for the dedicated surround channels.
Do not assume that any WiiM streamer, amplifier or unrelated wireless speaker can be assigned as an individual rear surround speaker.
Network Quality for Wireless Surround Sound
Wireless surround speakers must remain closely synchronised with the television picture and WiiM Bar.
Weak Wi-Fi, network congestion or unsuitable speaker placement can result in interruptions, delayed surround effects or unstable channel synchronisation.
Ethernet can be used for the WiiM Bar where convenient, while the router should provide strong and consistent coverage for the wireless surround speakers and subwoofer.
RoomFit Room Correction
WiiM RoomFit measures how the soundbar and room interact at the listening position and creates a digital correction profile.
The process can reduce the effect of room-related peaks and uneven tonal balance caused by placement, furniture and room dimensions.
Run RoomFit after the soundbar, television, seating, surrounds and subwoofer have been placed in their intended positions.
RoomFit Does Not Replace Good Placement
Room correction cannot fully compensate for blocked drivers, unsuitable positioning or top-firing speakers placed inside enclosed furniture.
Keep the front and top drivers unobstructed before measuring the system.
Clear Voice and AI Dialogue Enhancement
Clear Voice and dialogue-focused processing help make speech easier to understand without requiring the whole soundtrack to be played at a higher volume.
This can be particularly useful with quiet dialogue, heavily mixed action scenes, news programmes and television viewed in rooms with distracting background noise.
The dedicated centre channel provides a solid foundation for these processing modes by reproducing dialogue separately from the left and right front channels.
Movie, Music, Voice and Night Modes
Four main Dolby sound modes allow the presentation to be adjusted for different material and listening situations.
Movie Mode
Emphasises cinematic scale, surround information and low-frequency impact for films, drama, sport and gaming.
Music Mode
Provides a presentation intended for streamed music, concerts, radio and general stereo listening.
Voice Mode
Prioritises speech clarity for news, documentaries, podcasts and programmes where dialogue is the main focus.
Night Mode
Reduces the difference between quieter and louder sounds for lower-volume evening and late-night viewing.
2.1-Inch Colour Touchscreen
A circular 2.1-inch glass-covered colour touchscreen is built into the front of the soundbar.
It can display album artwork, track information, time, source selection, playback controls, EQ settings, Smart Presets, recently played content, clock faces and dynamic wallpaper.
The display makes the WiiM Bar more useful as a standalone music system because everyday information and controls remain visible when the television is switched off.
Proximity-Lit Top Controls
Capacitive controls on the cabinet provide quick access to volume, play and pause, and source selection.
The controls illuminate as a hand approaches, keeping the surface discreet when the soundbar is not being adjusted.
Streaming Services and Internet Radio
The WiiM Home platform provides access to compatible music services, internet radio, podcasts, network libraries and USB storage.
Current published streaming technologies include Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast Audio, Amazon Music Cast, DLNA and UPnP, Qplay 3.0, LMS and Roon.
Service availability can vary by region, and some services require a separate paid subscription.
Check AirPlay Compatibility Before Buying
AirPlay 2 is not listed among the WiiM Bar's currently published streaming technologies.
Customers who rely on Apple AirPlay or Apple Home grouping should confirm current compatibility before purchase.
Music Listening Without the Television
The WiiM Bar can operate as a complete streaming music system when the television is switched off.
Music can be selected through the WiiM Home app, compatible Connect and Cast services, Bluetooth, the touchscreen, presets or the supplied remote.
The dedicated left, centre and right driver groups provide a wider presentation than a television alone, although a conventional pair of separately positioned stereo speakers can still provide greater physical channel separation.
WiiM Multiroom Audio
The soundbar can be grouped with compatible WiiM streamers, amplifiers and powered speakers for synchronised music playback around the home.
Individual rooms can play together or operate independently, with playback and volume managed through the WiiM Home app.
Multiroom music grouping is separate from assigning two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers as dedicated home cinema surrounds.
Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet
Wi-Fi 6E provides compatible 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz network operation, subject to router, firmware and regional support.
A 10/100 Ethernet connection provides a wired alternative and may improve reliability where the television area has weak or congested Wi-Fi.
Stable network performance is especially important for high-quality music streaming, multiroom playback and wireless surround synchronisation.
Bluetooth 5.4
Bluetooth 5.4 allows compatible phones, tablets, computers and other devices to play directly through the WiiM Bar.
Current specifications include A2DP receive and transmit functions, AVRCP, BLE and HID support.
WiiM describes Bluetooth LE Audio as available through software support, so current firmware and source-device compatibility should be checked where LE Audio is important.
Voice Remote 2 Lite Included
The supplied Voice Remote 2 Lite provides wireless control without requiring direct line of sight.
It offers volume, mute, playback, source selection and quick access to the WiiM Bar's Movie, Music, Voice and Night sound modes.
A push-to-talk microphone supports compatible Alexa voice commands after Alexa has been configured through the WiiM Home app.
Alexa and Google Assistant Control
Compatible voice control is available through the supplied push-to-talk remote and suitable external Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
Voice features, supported commands and music-service access can vary according to the selected assistant, account, region and connected equipment.
Smart Presets and Routines
Smart Presets provide quick access to favourite music, radio stations, inputs and routines through the touchscreen, remote or WiiM Home app.
Presets can reduce the number of steps required for everyday listening and allow household members to start frequently used content without navigating a streaming app.
Tabletop or Wall-Mounted Installation
The WiiM Bar can be placed on a television stand or wall mounted beneath the screen using the supplied brackets and screws.
When using a television stand, ensure the soundbar does not block the television's remote-control receiver or the bottom of the picture.
The front speakers, passive radiators and top-firing height drivers must remain unobstructed in either installation.
Check the Wall and Fixings
The supplied mounting hardware may not be suitable for every wall construction.
Use fixings appropriate for the wall material and seek professional installation where there is any uncertainty.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Improving dialogue and television sound without a separate AV receiver
- Films and games using Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
- Living rooms where a compact single-cabinet system is preferred
- Music streaming through the WiiM Home platform
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect users
- Google Cast Audio and Amazon Music Cast households
- Existing WiiM multiroom systems
- Customers who may add surrounds or a subwoofer later
- Televisions with HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC or optical output
- Wall-mounted or television-stand installations
Check Before Buying
- Dolby Atmos height performance depends on the ceiling and room
- Lossless formats require compatible HDMI eARC equipment
- The television must pass the required audio format
- Optical does not provide HDMI-CEC television control
- Two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers are required for dedicated surrounds
- The WiiM Sub Pro is required for the complete WiiM 5.1.2 system
- Reliable network coverage is important for wireless surrounds
- No dedicated turntable phono input
- AirPlay 2 is not listed in the current published specifications
- USB audio functions may depend on current firmware
- Only a Gloss Black launch finish is currently listed
Connection Guidance
- Use HDMI eARC where the television supports it
- Enable HDMI-CEC, ARC or eARC in the television menu
- Select Pass Through, Bitstream or Auto where required
- Use optical for older televisions without HDMI ARC
- Use a phono stage before connecting a conventional turntable
- Keep the top-firing speakers clear of shelves and televisions
- Run RoomFit after completing the physical installation
- Use Ethernet where Wi-Fi performance is unreliable
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Finish
Gloss Black
The Gloss Black finish gives the WiiM Bar a discreet appearance beneath most televisions, with the circular colour display providing the main visual detail.
Key Features
- 3.0.2-channel Dolby Atmos streaming soundbar
- Expandable to a complete WiiM 5.1.2 home cinema system
- Dedicated left, centre and right front channels
- Two upward-firing height channels
- Eight actively driven speakers
- Three 110 x 52mm front mid-woofers
- Three 52 x 52mm front tweeters
- Two 52 x 52mm upward-firing full-range drivers
- Four 115 x 50mm passive radiators
- 135W maximum system output
- Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD support
- Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus support
- DTS, DTS-HD and DTS:X support
- Multichannel LPCM support
- HDMI eARC with HDMI-CEC control
- Optical digital input
- 3.5mm analogue line input
- USB storage support
- Software-configurable USB audio input or output
- 2.1-inch glass-covered colour touchscreen
- Album artwork and playback information
- Touchscreen source, preset and EQ control
- Proximity-lit capacitive top controls
- WiiM RoomFit room correction
- Clear Voice and AI dialogue enhancement
- Movie, Music, Voice and Night modes
- Smart Presets and routines
- Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect
- Google Cast Audio and Amazon Music Cast
- Roon, DLNA, UPnP, Qplay 3.0 and LMS support
- Compatible WiiM multiroom playback
- Wi-Fi 6E with 2.4GHz, 5GHz and 6GHz operation
- 10/100 Ethernet connection
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Bluetooth receive and transmit support
- Bluetooth LE Audio through compatible software support
- Voice Remote 2 Lite included
- Push-to-talk Alexa voice control
- Tabletop or wall-mounted installation
- Wall brackets and screws included
- Gloss Black finish
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 3.0.2 mean?
The WiiM Bar contains left, centre and right front channels, no separate subwoofer channel as standard, and two upward-firing height channels.
Does the WiiM Bar support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. Compatible Dolby Atmos can be received through HDMI ARC or eARC, subject to the television, source, app, soundtrack and selected audio settings.
Does it support DTS:X?
Yes. HDMI eARC supports compatible DTS, DTS-HD and DTS:X soundtracks.
Does it have a dedicated centre channel?
Yes. The 3.0.2 layout includes a dedicated centre channel for dialogue and on-screen speech.
Is the 135W rating per channel?
No. The 135W specification is the maximum combined output of the complete soundbar system.
Should I use HDMI eARC or optical?
HDMI eARC is preferred because it supports more audio formats and HDMI-CEC television control. Optical is useful for older televisions but has lower bandwidth and normally requires separate volume control.
Can I use it with a television that only has HDMI ARC?
Yes. Standard HDMI ARC supports compatible television audio, although lossless Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD and their highest-quality Atmos or DTS:X versions normally require eARC.
Why am I not getting Dolby Atmos?
Check that the source contains a Dolby Atmos soundtrack, the WiiM Bar is connected to the television's ARC or eARC socket, HDMI-CEC and eARC are enabled, and the television is set to Auto, Pass Through or Bitstream rather than basic stereo PCM.
Can the television remote control the volume?
Usually, yes, when HDMI ARC or eARC and HDMI-CEC are enabled. Optical audio does not carry HDMI-CEC commands, so the WiiM remote or app will normally be required.
Can it be expanded to 5.1.2?
Yes. Add one WiiM Sub Pro and two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers to create a complete 5.1.2 system.
Can I add only the subwoofer?
Yes. Adding a WiiM Sub Pro creates a 3.1.2 system while retaining the soundbar's left, centre, right and height channels.
Can I add rear speakers without a subwoofer?
Yes. Adding two WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers without the Sub Pro creates a 5.0.2 arrangement.
Which WiiM products can be used as surrounds?
Current WiiM Bar guidance specifies two WiiM Sound or WiiM Sound Lite speakers as the dedicated left and right surrounds.
Can the WiiM Mini or WiiM Pro be used as one surround speaker?
No. The current dedicated WiiM Bar surround setup requires WiiM Sound or Sound Lite speakers.
Does wireless surround sound require Wi-Fi?
Yes. The WiiM Bar and compatible wireless speakers must share a reliable network connection to maintain synchronised surround playback.
Does the WiiM Bar support RoomFit?
Yes. RoomFit measures the system and room response and creates a digital correction profile for the listening area.
What sound modes are available?
The main Dolby sound modes are Movie, Music, Voice and Night.
Does Night Mode reduce loud effects?
Yes. Night Mode reduces dynamic range so louder effects are less disruptive during lower-volume viewing.
Can it stream music without the television?
Yes. The WiiM Bar operates as a standalone streaming music system through the WiiM Home app, compatible Connect and Cast services, Bluetooth, USB storage and network libraries.
Does it support Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect?
Yes. All three are listed among the WiiM Bar's supported streaming technologies.
Is the WiiM Bar Roon Ready?
WiiM lists Roon support for the WiiM Bar. Customers requiring formal Roon Ready certification should confirm its current certification status before purchase.
Does it support AirPlay 2?
AirPlay 2 is not listed among the current published WiiM Bar streaming specifications. Confirm current compatibility before purchase if AirPlay is essential.
Can I connect a turntable?
Yes, through the 3.5mm line input, provided the turntable has a built-in phono stage or is connected through a suitable external phono stage.
Can I connect a CD player?
Yes. A CD player can connect through the optical or 3.5mm analogue input, depending on the outputs available.
Can I play music from a USB drive?
Yes. A compatible USB storage device can provide a local music library and may also operate as a media source for compatible network devices.
Can the USB connection be used with a computer or DAC?
WiiM describes software-configurable USB audio input and output operation. Check current firmware and connected-device compatibility before relying on a particular USB configuration.
Is the touchscreen always illuminated?
The display can show playback information, album artwork, clock faces and standby content, with appearance and behaviour managed through the available device settings.
Can the WiiM Bar be wall mounted?
Yes. Two wall brackets and screws are included, although fixings suitable for the particular wall construction may be required.
Is a remote included?
Yes. The WiiM Voice Remote 2 Lite is included.
What is included in the box?
The package includes the WiiM Bar, Voice Remote 2 Lite, HDMI cable, optical cable, power cable, two wall brackets with screws and the user guide.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- In-store demonstrations where available
- Advice on choosing a soundbar or separate television audio system
- HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC and HDMI-CEC setup guidance
- Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X compatibility advice
- Television audio output and pass-through configuration
- Optical and analogue connection guidance
- WiiM Home app and network setup assistance
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet installation guidance
- RoomFit measurement and EQ advice
- Dialogue, Movie, Music and Night Mode setup
- WiiM Sound and Sound Lite surround-speaker matching
- WiiM Sub Pro setup and bass-integration advice
- 5.0.2, 3.1.2 and 5.1.2 system-planning support
- Streaming-service and multiroom configuration
- Turntable and CD-player connection advice
- Tabletop positioning and wall-installation guidance
- Home demonstrations may be available
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing system and setup support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss building a WiiM television, music or home cinema system.