Scored using Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Soundbars Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v3.0

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£880N. of audio channels:3.1.2Audio output power:400 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications, 35 expert and video reviews and 4 best-of lists to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3
7.6/10

Overall score

Score
7.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

35%

6.8

Technical score

30%

8.1

List score

25%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

▲Better than 82% of soundbars
7.1

Value for money

Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

▼Worse than 85%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

6.6

Audio

18%

7.4

Formats

16%

6.6

Connectivity

14%

7.1

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

8.0

Streaming

5%

3.6

Design

▲Better than 77%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

9.2

Popularity

Grades by review (35)
29 reviews + 6 videos, average 8.1/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 72%
8.1

List score

List score
8.1/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (4)
List score: in 4 of 100 lists (4%)
▲Better than 89%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

Based on 29 · 6

Reviewers like the stylish design and broad soundstage, but criticize the limited HDMI, weak height effects and no expansion options.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

6.6

Audio

18%

7.4

Formats

16%

6.6

Connectivity

14%

7.1

Controls

12%

6.7

HDMI

10%

8.0

Streaming

5%

3.6

Design

6.8
Reviews score
8.3
List score
8.1
Value for money
Value for money
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the soundbar's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a soundbar with a good balance between audio quality, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

7.6

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

7.1
N. of audio channels
3.1.2
This soundbar offers 3.1.2 audio channels, more than 88.6% of soundbars and equal to 3.6% of soundbars.
Audio output power
400 W
This soundbar delivers 400 W of audio output power, more than 93.7% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Max SPL
98.1 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 98.1 dB SPL, higher than 81.1% of soundbars.
Min frequency
43 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 43 Hz, lower than 63.8% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Max frequency
?
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 70% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83.9% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 7.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI inputs
0
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 41.5% of soundbars and equal to 58.5% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 71.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar has Wi-Fi 5, which is more advanced than 85.2% of soundbars and equal to 12.8% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is more up to date than 38.7% of soundbars and equal to 47.9% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
no
This soundbar does not have remote control. 82.8% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 5.5% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 63.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 93.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
HDMI version
eARC
This soundbar has HDMI eARC, which is more capable than 71.6% of soundbars and equal to 16.3% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 71.5% of soundbars and the same as what 28.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar passes through none, which is lower resolution than 27.2% of soundbars and equal to 72.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 21.4% of soundbars and equal to 78.6% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
AirPlay
yes
This soundbar supports AirPlay. 80.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 11.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 79.5% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
yes
This soundbar supports TIDAL Connect. 91.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 87.4% support native Amazon Music.
Available via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
Show more
What reviewers say
Width
1,210 mm
This soundbar is 1,210 mm wide, wider than 96.3% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
65 mm
This soundbar is 65 mm high, shorter than 54.8% of soundbars and equal to 4.3% of soundbars.
Thickness
140 mm
This soundbar is 140 mm thick, thicker than 94.7% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Weight
6,500 g
This soundbar weighs 6,500 g, more than 95.2% of soundbars.
Build material
aluminum
This soundbar is built from aluminum, which is less premium than 97.3% of soundbars and equal to 2% of soundbars.
Fabric mesh front and perforated metal top grille.
Show more
What reviewers say

Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 9 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (13 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    13 vs 4
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1.2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    3.1.2 vs 2.1
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • 16.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    9.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (35)
    29 reviews + 6 videos, average 8.1/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.1
  • 11.0% higher list score
    List score
    8.1/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
    How we count it
    Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
    Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
    Lists with this model (4)
    List score: in 4 of 100 lists (4%)
    8.1 vs 7.3
  • Dedicated center channel
    This soundbar has center channel driver, the average soundbar does not.
  • 9 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (13 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    13 vs 4
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (3.1.2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    3.1.2 vs 2.1
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • 5.71x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (400 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    400 W vs 70 W
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • More music formats supported
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3
  • AptX support
    This soundbar supports aptX, the average soundbar does not.
    aptX Adaptive over Bluetooth.
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aptx
    2 vs 1
  • 4 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (6 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    6 vs 2
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This soundbar has more RJ45 ports than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports AirPlay
    This soundbar supports AirPlay, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Bowers & Wilkins Formation ecosystem.
  • Supports TIDAL Connect
    This soundbar supports tIDAL Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air, app-based vs USB).
    over-the-air, app-based vs USB
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2.06 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (3.9 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    3.94 in vs 6 in
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB-C port is for service connection only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.
  • 447 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,210 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    1,210 mm vs 763 mm
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • 8x more expensive
    Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£880 vs £110).
    £880 vs £110
  • 7.5% worse value for money
    Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.08 vs 7.6).
    7.08 vs 7.61
  • 2.06 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (3.9 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    3.94 in vs 6 in
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB-C port is for service connection only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (USB-C port is for service connection only)
  • No night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.
  • 447 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,210 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    1,210 mm vs 763 mm
  • 4,500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (6,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    6,500 g vs 2,000 g
  • 54 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (140 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    140 mm vs 86 mm
  • Less premium build materials
    This soundbar has a less premium build than the average soundbar (aluminum vs plastic).
    Fabric mesh front and perforated metal top grille.
    aluminum vs plastic

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
Audioholics
≈ estimated
15/10/2022
Hands-on review · sound, Atmos tests, app and Alexa
Verdict
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 offers refined all-in-one sound and build, worth considering if you can live with the price.
7.0
Audiofied
≈ estimated
07/09/2022
Hands-on review · sound, app and EQ tests
Verdict
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a decent single soundbar for movies and music, though it won't excel at both at this price.
7.0
NeverEnoughTech
≈ estimated
28/06/2022
Hands-on review · app, build and sound comparison
Verdict
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is well built and easy to use, but its highly textured sound won't suit every listener.
9.0
Andrew Robinson
≈ estimated
08/05/2022
Hands-on review · movies, music and Atmos tests
Verdict
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a good-sounding soundbar that won the reviewer over, especially with Dolby Atmos music.
4.0
GYMCADDY
≈ estimated
08/04/2022
Review · design, ports and sound tests
Verdict
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a large, shallow-sounding bar that is hard to recommend at this price.
8.0
hxos plus
≈ estimated
07/05/2022
Unboxing and setup · brief sound and app check
Verdict
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is very good and high-end, with many app features, though no subwoofer is included.
Shop video
Shop video
Brand video
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
31/03/2022
Review · All-in-one Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 sounds full and detailed for movies and music, but its overhead Atmos effect is subtle and multi-room support is still to come.
8.0
whathifi.com
✓ explicit
01/04/2022
Test-room review · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 fills a room with weighty bass and fits under most TVs, but dialogue lacks clarity and the tone varies.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
09/06/2022
Review · Streaming Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 sounds detailed and spacious with films and music, but its single HDMI input and lack of rear speakers hold it back.
8.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
28/06/2022
Review · Wireless Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 sounds big and punchy with movies and is excellent with music, but its overhead Atmos effect falls short of true 3D.
8.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
09/06/2022
Review · All-in-one Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 has excellent bass and easy setup in one slim box, but its sound is very front-heavy.
6.7
rtings.com
✓ explicit
31/05/2022
Lab test · Dolby Atmos bar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a good-looking standalone bar with built-in Alexa, but its dark, muddy default sound and lack of low bass hold it back.
9.0
soundandvision.com
≈ estimated
23/06/2022
Listening test · Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 sounds hi-fi grade for music and films without a subwoofer, but it has no voice boost to lift dialogue.
9.0
hometheaterhifi.com
≈ estimated
28/09/2022
Hands-on review · Single-unit design
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a slim, self-contained Atmos bar with an easy-to-use app, but Android users can't reach a local music server through it.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
22/04/2022
Hands-on review · Standalone Atmos bar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a sturdy, well-finished Atmos bar that works without a subwoofer, but its single HDMI port and missing multi-room support hold it back.
9.0
homecinemachoice.com
≈ estimated
19/08/2022
Listening test · Music and movies
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a sizeable bar that excels with music and movies, but it needs a 65-inch or larger TV and wide furniture.
8.0
soundstagesimplifi.com
≈ estimated
01/02/2023
Hands-on review · Family room test
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is an all-in-one bar with wide, clear sound that shrinks back to the bar when you move off-center.
9.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
01/06/2022
Hands-on review · Single-unit soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a sleek soundbar with wide, room-filling sound for TV, films and music, but it can't take rear speakers or a subwoofer.
9.0
zdnet.com
✓ explicit
30/03/2022
Hands-on test · Atmos TV soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a sleek, Atmos-capable soundbar with clear dialogue and overhead effects, but slow app pairing and an unclear volume display hold it back.
8.0
ohhifi.com
✓ explicit
14/06/2026
Hands-on review · All-in-one Atmos bar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is one of the best-sounding all-in-one bars, with clean bass and musical sound, but its height effect and deep bass fall short.
8.0
techfi.nl
✓ explicit
05/05/2022
Hands-on test · All-in-one soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 sounds balanced and detailed for TV, music and films, and most people won't miss a subwoofer, though the stereo width is limited.
9.0
hifi.nl
✓ explicit
17/06/2022
Listening test · Hi-fi soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is an elegant, detailed music soundbar for everyday listening, though film bass lacks punch.
7.0
hificorner.be
≈ estimated
09/09/2022
Personal review · Music-first soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a music-first soundbar with clean, detailed sound, but its bass falls short for big action films.
8.0
nl.mashable.com
≈ estimated
05/12/2022
Product review · Dolby Atmos soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a slim, handsome soundbar with punchy bass for its size, best matched to a TV of 55 inches or larger.
8.5
fwd.nl
✓ explicit
14/04/2022
Listening review · Music-focused soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a warm, wide music soundbar that works straight from the box, but film sound lacks rumble and rear speakers can't be added.
8.0
techfi.nl
✓ explicit
05/05/2022
Listening test · All-in-one soundbar
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is an all-in-one bar with balanced, detailed TV and music sound, but its Atmos effect is weaker than the Sony HT-A7000.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

  • Sleek and slim minimalist design that fits under most TVs without obstructing the screen
  • Impressive clarity and detail, particularly for music and dialogue-heavy content
  • Strong performance with music, often cited as more musical than many competitors in its price range
  • Reliable built-in Alexa support and a user-friendly B&W Music app for streaming
  • Solid all-in-one solution with 13 drivers including dedicated upward-firing units for Dolby Atmos
  • Excellent build quality using premium materials like perforated metal and acoustic fabric

What customers don't like about Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

  • No option to expand the system with a separate wireless subwoofer or rear surround speakers
  • Lacks support for DTS:X and IMAX Enhanced audio formats
  • Only a single HDMI (eARC) port, meaning no HDMI passthrough for external devices like consoles or Blu-ray players
  • Limited sound customisation options, with no room correction or advanced EQ beyond basic bass and treble sliders
  • Atmos height effects can feel underwhelming or less pronounced compared to rivals like the Sonos Arc
  • Occasional software glitches reported, such as signal lock issues and finicky Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a premium 3.1.2-channel standalone soundbar designed to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos audio from a sleek, single-box unit. It features 13 individual drivers—including two upward-firing Atmos units, two integrated 4-inch subwoofers, and three 19mm titanium dome tweeters—powered by a substantial 400W of Class D amplification. Measuring just 65mm in height, this low-profile bar supports high-resolution audio (up to 24-bit/96kHz), HDMI eARC, and wireless streaming via Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX Adaptive, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. Main pros include its powerful, room-filling sound, excellent build quality, and easy setup via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App. However, notable cons include its lack of DTS:X support, the inability to expand the system with external rear speakers or a dedicated subwoofer, and a limited selection of physical inputs with only a single HDMI port available.

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