Scored using Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Soundbars Methodology v2.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Soundbars Methodology v2.0: technical specifications plus grades from 1,310 independent expert reviews and 1,704 video reviews, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Soundbars Methodology v2.0

Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£270N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:90 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 24 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the soundbar's quality, based on technical analyses and grades from independent expert reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best soundbars on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

95%

6.2

Technical score

5%

8.6

Reviews score ( 21 · 3)

Reviews score 5% · 8.6 · based on 24 independent reviews
Every model in this category gets the same split: reviews 5%, technical score 95%. This model has enough reviews, so its review score is the weighted average of their grades. 1 more review is not scored yet.
â–²Better than 77% of soundbars
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

â–²Better than 77%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components

25%

6.5

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

8.8

Controls

12%

6.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.8

Design

â–²Better than 76%
8.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.6/ 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.
Weighting: Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Share: Reviews are 5% of the overall score for every model in this category; each of the 2 needed reviews that is missing counts as 7/10.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Grades by review (24)
21 reviews: 10 with a printed score, 11 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Share in the overall score: 5%, the same for every model in this category.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
★Better than 90%
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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.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of the soundbar's technical performance, covering key areas such as audio quality, channel configuration, connectivity, HDMI and wireless features, and design.
When it matters
When you want to compare soundbars based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

25%

6.5

Audio

18%

4.8

Formats

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

8.8

Controls

12%

6.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

7.8

Design

6.2
Reviews score
8.6
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.1

Price

7.2
Brand name
Creative
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 56.9% of soundbars and equal to 19.2% of soundbars.
Audio output power
90 W
This soundbar delivers 90 W of audio output power, more than 59.8% of soundbars and equal to 2.3% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
50 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, lower than 51.2% of soundbars and equal to 13.4% of soundbars.
Show more
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 20.7% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 10.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 17.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS-HD Master Audio
no
This soundbar does not support DTS-HD Master Audio. 10.1% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby Digital Plus
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 32.5% of soundbars and equal to 67.6% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 31.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than that of 38.9% of soundbars and the same as that of 47.6% of soundbars.
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Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 65.4% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 26.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Control panel
yes
This soundbar has control panel. 9.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Voice assistant compatibility
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 31.4% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
yes
This soundbar has far-field microphones. 88.3% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
2.1
This soundbar uses HDMI 2.1, which is newer than that of 91.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 8.5% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 31.9% of soundbars and the same as what 46.3% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 37.4% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
none
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none, which is lower than that of 21.5% of soundbars and the same as that of 78.5% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
none fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to none fps, lower than 18.2% of soundbars and equal to 81.8% of soundbars.
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AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 20.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Chromecast built-in
no
This soundbar does not support Chromecast built-in. 12.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Spotify Connect
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 23.4% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 21.3% support native Amazon Music.
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Width
600 mm
This soundbar is 600 mm wide, narrower than 66% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Height
62 mm
This soundbar is 62 mm high, shorter than 71.1% of soundbars and equal to 4.8% of soundbars.
Thickness
95 mm
This soundbar is 95 mm thick, thicker than 59.4% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Weight
1,520 g
This soundbar weighs 1,520 g, less than 67.6% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic, aluminum
This soundbar uses plastic, aluminum for the build material, which is different from that of 94.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 0.5% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more

Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
    Smart Volume.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports upfiring speakers
    This soundbar supports upfiring speakers, the average soundbar does not.
  • More audio channels
    This soundbar has more audio channels than the average soundbar (2.1 vs 2). The average soundbar has 2.0 audio channels.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • 8 more equalizer bands
    This soundbar offers more equalizer bands than the average soundbar (10 vs 2). The average soundbar offers 2 equalizer bands.
    10 vs 2
  • 1.24 inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (5.2 inch vs 4 inch). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 4 inch.
    5.24 inch vs 4 inch
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    5 vs 4
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3).
    FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA vs MP3
  • 2 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (4 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    4 vs 2
  • 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.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
    Smart Volume.
  • Manual audio delay adjustment
    This soundbar supports manual audio delay adjustment, the average soundbar does not.
    Adjustment available in the brand app.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 2 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (2 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    2 vs 0
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • Premium build material
    This soundbar uses plastic, aluminum for build materials, while the average soundbar uses plastic.
    Metal grille.
    plastic, aluminum vs plastic
  • 5 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (62 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    62 mm vs 67 mm
  • 162 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (600 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    600 mm vs 762 mm
  • 480 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (1,520 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    1,520 g vs 2,000 g
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x0.75" & 2x2.48" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x0.75" & 2x2.48" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • 2.84x more expensive
    Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x is more expensive than the average soundbar (£270 vs £95).
    £270 vs £95
  • 9 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (95 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    95 mm vs 86 mm
  • 2.84x more expensive
    Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x is more expensive than the average soundbar (£270 vs £95).
    £270 vs £95
  • Smaller speaker drivers
    This soundbar uses smaller speakers than the average soundbar (2x0.75" & 2x2.48" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch). The average soundbar uses speakers of 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch.
    2x0.75" & 2x2.48" inch vs 2x2.25" & 2x2.5" inch
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    ARC vs eARC
  • 9 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (95 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    95 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

8.7
GearUP with Aaron
✓ explicit
07/06/2023
Hands-on review · app, sound and build tests
Verdict
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a gaming soundbar for compact desks, held back by slow wake and weak music sound.
9.0
Tech Nuovo
≈ estimated
13/11/2022
Hands-on review · sound, app and remote tests
Verdict
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a strong gaming soundbar with loud output, though the remote layout and slow wake are awkward.
7.0
APH Networks
≈ estimated
07/12/2022
Short review · build, sound and value
Verdict
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X is well built with a slim sub, but the audio is only passable and the price feels high.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
androidcentral.com
≈ estimated
28/12/2022
Hands-on test · Small-room gaming
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X suits small gaming rooms, matching the V2's sound in a smaller package, though the standard V2 is better for TV.
9.5
the-gadgeteer.com
≈ estimated
05/12/2022
Family test · Compact sound system
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a fun, compact system with excellent sound, easy setup and lighting effects, but the right app is hard to find.
9.6
impulsegamer.com
✓ explicit
22/11/2022
Hands-on review · Xbox and PC audio
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a smooth, well-balanced soundbar for gaming, films and music on PCs, consoles and Bluetooth devices.
8.0
cordbusters.co.uk
✓ explicit
08/11/2022
Full review · Compact gaming setup
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a clear, customizable compact system for gaming rooms and home offices, though its lower power limits it to smaller spaces.
7.0
aphnetworks.com
≈ estimated
Undated
Listening test · Sound analysis
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X gives solid bass and clear midrange, suiting everyday listening, but its tone is cool, with little warmth or depth.
8.8
basic-tutorials.com
✓ explicit
04/11/2022
Hands-on review · Gaming desk
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is an easy-to-set-up, well-connected gaming soundbar with plenty of volume, though its factory sound needs equalizer tweaks.
9.0
technuovo.com
≈ estimated
06/11/2022
Hands-on review · Gaming and movies
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a strong gaming soundbar with clear separation and virtual surround, though it offers little upgrade over the V2.
9.0
techbuzzireland.com
≈ estimated
25/11/2022
Overview review · Gaming and music
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a versatile soundbar for gaming, movies and music, with many connections, Bluetooth and an RGB light strip.
8.5
cgmagonline.com
✓ explicit
18/01/2026
Hands-on review · Gaming soundbar
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a compact gaming soundbar with big, adjustable bass for desks or TVs, though its headphone mode needs wired headphones.
8.0
hardware-helden.de
≈ estimated
13/01/2023
Hands-on test · Gaming bar with lots of features
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X offers plenty of connections, a handy remote and RGB lighting, though its factory sound is too subdued until bass and treble are raised.
9.0
play-experience.com
≈ estimated
26/11/2022
Hands-on review · Compact subwoofer
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X matches the bigger Katana V2's sound with a much smaller subwoofer, suiting desks and small rooms, though it has one HDMI ARC port.
8.8
basic-tutorials.de
✓ explicit
04/11/2022
Hands-on test · Compact gaming soundbar
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a compact, loud gaming soundbar that sounds good in stereo or virtual surround once tuned, but its display showed scratches after unboxing.
9.0
gamehope.com
≈ estimated
29/11/2022
Hands-on test · Bar with subwoofer
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a compact gaming setup with clear, deep sound for atmospheric games, though fast-paced action titles feel less impressive.
8.5
charlestech.fr
✓ explicit
01/08/2024
Hands-on test · Gaming soundbar
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a precise, distortion-free gaming soundbar with an intuitive app, though its default bass slightly smothers the mix.
8.0
metatrone.fr
≈ estimated
01/10/2023
Hands-on test · Desk gaming soundbar
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X fits a desk, gets very loud and handles games and films well, though sound needs tuning and its display showed scratches after unpacking.
7.0
es.gizmodo.com
✓ explicit
01/12/2022
Hands-on review · Compact gaming bar
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a clear, compact gaming soundbar whose positional sound suits shooters, though bass is weaker than the V2.
9.0
zonammorpg.com
≈ estimated
20 de noviembre de 2022
Hands-on review · Slimmer subwoofer
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a slimmer, more balanced take on the V2, with detailed sound for gaming and films, though Bluetooth sounds worse than a wired connection.
9.0
es.ign.com
≈ estimated
15 de noviembre de 2024
Hands-on review · Console audio
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a slim soundbar with a compact subwoofer, suited to TV and console setups needing clear night sound, though one output mode drops audio channels.
8.5
4news.it
✓ explicit
22/12/2022
Hands-on review · Desktop soundbar
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a narrow soundbar for PC desks, with plenty of sound presets and decent voice pickup, though monitor feet can push it forward.
8.5
cyberludus.com
✓ explicit
20/11/2025
Daily-use review · Gaming and films
Verdict
The Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a desk soundbar with clear dialogue, punchy bass and sharp gaming cues, suited to mixed PC and console use but not big rooms.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x

  • Compact design with a slimmed-down subwoofer that fits easily under monitors and desks
  • Excellent audio quality for gaming with clear separation, punchy bass, and detailed high frequencies
  • Wide variety of connectivity options including HDMI ARC, USB-C, Optical, and Bluetooth 5.0
  • High level of customisation through the Creative app, including full EQ settings and RGB lighting effects
  • Great value for money, offering a premium experience at a lower price point than the standard Katana V2

What customers don't like about Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2x

  • Not powerful enough to fill large living rooms; best suited for near-field desk setups or small rooms
  • Out-of-the-box sound can feel 'muffled' or 'muddled' without manual EQ adjustment via the app
  • Slow wake-up time from energy-saving/standby mode can be frustrating for multi-tasking users
  • Included remote control is often described as cluttered or confusing with too many buttons
  • Built-in microphones are only passable for basic calls and lack high-end recording quality

Verdict

The Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a high-performance gaming soundbar featuring a tri-amplified five-driver design that delivers up to 90W RMS (180W peak) power across a 50–20,000 Hz frequency range. Key characteristics include a 5.1 virtual surround sound system with a certified Dolby Audio decoder, a dedicated 133mm long-throw subwoofer that is 40% more compact than its predecessor, and comprehensive connectivity via HDMI ARC, USB-C, Optical-in, and Bluetooth 5.0. Main pros are its space-saving under-monitor design, highly customizable RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors, and specialized gaming features like Scout Mode and SXFI BATTLE Mode for enhanced directional audio cues. Notable cons include its lower power output compared to the standard V2 model, which makes it less suitable for large living rooms, a built-in microphone that is only passable for casual calls, and a noticeably slow wake-up time from energy-saving mode.

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