OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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 Stage Air V2 Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£35N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:10 WHDMI ARC type:none

Creative Stage Air V2 Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 38 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Creative Stage Air V2
5.0/10

Overall score

Score
5.0/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

95%

4.8

Technical score

5%

8.2

Reviews score ( 13 · 25)

Reviews score 5% · 8.2 · based on 38 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.
▼Worse than 79% of soundbars
6.5

Value for money

Value for money
6.5/ 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
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

▼Worse than 81%
4.8

Technical score

Technical score
4.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components

25%

3.8

Audio

18%

5.1

Formats

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

4.8

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

8.2

Design

▼Worse than 81%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 70% of models
Grades by review (38)
13 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 25 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 70%
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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 owners say about the Creative Stage Air V2

Based on 20 owners sharing their experience in online comments

30%positive10%mixed60%negative

Owners praise the strong bass and sound, but loud-volume cutouts and battery failures cause the most frustration.

What owners dislike

  • It shuts off by itself when volume goes above 50% or during heavy bass; owners must switch it back on and keep volume near 50.5
  • The built-in battery wears out and the unit switches off when it drains, even while plugged into USB, and must recharge before it works again.4

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of soundbar Creative Stage Air V2

Technical score
Technical score
4.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components:

25%

3.8

Audio

18%

5.1

Formats

16%

6.2

Connectivity

14%

4.8

Controls

12%

4.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.0

Smart features

5%

8.2

Design

4.8
Reviews score
8.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.5/ 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
▼ Worse than 81% of models
Score components:

70%

5.0

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.5
Brand name
Creative
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 43.6% of soundbars and equal to 56.4% of soundbars.
Audio output power
10 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 10 W of audio output power, less than 93.7% of soundbars and equal to 4.6% of soundbars.
Max SPL
75 dB SPL
Market range: <75 dB SPL – >105 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 75 dB SPL, lower than 100% of soundbars.
Min frequency
80 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 80 Hz, higher than 84.3% of soundbars and equal to 5.2% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
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
5.3
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5.3, which is newer than that of 88.1% of soundbars and the same as that of 11.9% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 35.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
no
This soundbar does not have remote control. 73.9% 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
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 12.2% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
HDMI version
N/A
HDMI ARC type
none
This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is less advanced than what 68.6% of soundbars and the same as what 31.4% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
no
This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC. 63.1% 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.
Show more
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.
Show more
Width
410 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 410 mm wide, narrower than 84% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Height
75 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 75 mm high, taller than 73.3% of soundbars and equal to 3.7% of soundbars.
Thickness
75 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 75 mm thick, thinner than 63.6% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Weight
1,230 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 1,230 g, less than 75% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar uses plastic for the build material, which is different from that of 4.8% of soundbars and the same as that of 89.4% of soundbars.
Metal grille.
Show more

Creative Stage Air V2 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3
  • 352 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (410 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    410 mm vs 762 mm
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 5.3 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • 5 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (7 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    7 vs 2
  • 770 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (1,230 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    1,230 g vs 2,000 g
  • 2.15x more popular
    Creative Stage Air V2 is more popular than the average soundbar (9.22 vs 4.3).
    9.22 vs 4.29
  • 2.15x more popular
    Creative Stage Air V2 is more popular than the average soundbar (9.22 vs 4.3).
    9.22 vs 4.29
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV vs MP3
  • 5 more supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports more audio formats than the average soundbar (7 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    7 vs 2
  • Bluetooth multipoint
    This soundbar supports Bluetooth multipoint, the average soundbar does not.
  • Newer Bluetooth version
    This soundbar uses 5.3 for Bluetooth version, while the average soundbar uses 5.0.
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • 352 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (410 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    410 mm vs 762 mm
  • 770 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (1,230 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    1,230 g vs 2,000 g
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • No Dolby Digital
    This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital, the average soundbar does.
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No remote control
    This soundbar does not have remote control, the average soundbar does.
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.
  • 18.1 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (75 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    75 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, the average soundbar does.
  • 3.7% worse value for money
    Creative Stage Air V2 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.51 vs 6.7).
    6.51 vs 6.75
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • 18.1 dB SPL lower max SPL
    This soundbar has a lower max SPL than the average soundbar (75 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL). The average soundbar reaches 93.1 dB SPL max SPL.
    75 dB SPL vs 93.1 dB SPL
  • 85.7% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (10 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    10 W vs 70 W
  • 28 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (80 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    80 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • No Dolby Digital
    This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital, the average soundbar does.
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • Less advanced HDMI ARC type
    This soundbar has none as its HDMI TV-audio return type, while the average soundbar has eARC.
    none vs eARC
  • No HDMI-CEC support
    This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC, 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.
  • Harder firmware updates
    This soundbar uses USB for firmware update method, while the average soundbar uses app-based, USB.
    USB vs app-based, USB
  • 8 mm higher height
    This soundbar is taller than the average soundbar (75 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    75 mm vs 67 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
Gamers' Clinic
≈ estimated
07/10/2024
Long-term test · 3 months of gaming and movie use
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is good value for gaming and movies, but not recommended for music listening.
9.5
Vrtuhub
≈ estimated
04/06/2024
Hands-on review · sound, cable and Bluetooth tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 offers excellent sound for the price and is a standout desk speaker, with a short cable and gaming latency as its drawbacks.
9.0
Dig into Tech
≈ estimated
05/01/2024
Hands-on review · sound, wireless and TV tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is an understated, great-sounding compact soundbar, and only the glossy finish is a gripe.
9.0
Darren Gator
≈ estimated
17/12/2023
Hands-on review · sound, device and TV tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is worth it for better sound in small rooms, though a big living room may need more volume.
9.0
Acy De Castro
≈ estimated
05/10/2023
Hands-on review · unboxing and sound tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 has strong sound for its size, suits under-monitor or under-TV use, and is portable enough to take outside.
9.0
Tech M.N.O
≈ estimated
18/09/2023
Unboxing and hands-on review · movie, music and desk use
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is a great upgrade for a basic desk setup, though it gets muddy and distorts at very high volume.
9.0
IE Tech
≈ estimated
26/08/2023
Review and unboxing · sound, bass and Bluetooth tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is recommended for small desks, with clear sound and strong bass that the reviewer considers worth the money.
9.0
Naresh Lal
≈ estimated
17/10/2022
Hands-on review · sound, Bluetooth and game tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is a very good desk speaker for its 20-watt output, performing better than the reviewer expected.
9.5
Geekanoids
≈ estimated
08/10/2022
Hands-on review · wired and Bluetooth sound tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is a great choice for desk use, with brilliant sound and looks; only the glossy finish is a gripe.
8.0
Anthony Barker (CarPlayLife)
≈ estimated
05/10/2022
Hands-on review · unboxing, connections and sound tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is good for a compact, minimal setup and portable use, though stereo width and bass are limited.
9.0
RaavMedia
≈ estimated
14/09/2022
Unboxing and hands-on review · sound and connection tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 is highly recommended for a home desk, with three connection options and strong sound.
8.0
Jim O Brien Tech techbuzzireland
≈ estimated
29/08/2022
Hands-on review · sound samples and connectivity tests
Verdict
Creative Stage Air V2 sounds pretty good for its small size, with simple setup and a sturdy build.
More graded video reviews (8)
creator’s own scoreestimated by us

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
audiophile-heaven.com
≈ estimated
20/07/2024
Hands-on review · Gaming and music
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a clean-sounding desk soundbar with a wide soundstage, though it has little bass punch and needs to sit 1–2 meters in front.
4.0
homestudiobasics.com
≈ estimated
19/11/2024
Hands-on review · Desk and console
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is better built than the Stage SE Mini, but its metallic treble and random shut-offs make it hard to recommend.
6.5
geekculture.co
✓ explicit
25/07/2022
Review · Multi-device soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a passable, compact soundbar that suits gaming and daily use, but its bass-heavy tuning makes movies and music tiring.
9.0
balastech.com
≈ estimated
09/01/2024
Daily-use review · Compact desk speaker
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a compact desk speaker with balanced, punchy sound and easy connection to PC, PS5 or Bluetooth, but charging takes over an hour.
8.0
techtest.org
≈ estimated
28/09/2022
Hands-on test · Battery soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a battery-powered soundbar with bass better than expected for its size, suited to desk use and light portable listening, but not living rooms.
8.0
game2gether.de
≈ estimated
26/07/2022
Hands-on test · Desk soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a clean-sounding desk soundbar with clear left and right separation and quick Bluetooth pairing, but expect little bass pressure and keep it indoors.
8.2
toptechnews.de
✓ explicit
02/10/2022
Hands-on test · Desk soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a compact desk soundbar with full sound for gaming and office work, though its bass could be stronger.
8.0
gamalive.com
≈ estimated
12/09/2022
Hands-on test · Console and PC
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a compact, easy-to-use soundbar for films and series across PC, console and phone, but it can't match bigger models for music.
8.0
charlestech.fr
✓ explicit
26/07/2022
Hands-on test · Entry-level soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is an entry-level under-screen soundbar that suits films, series and games, but muddy treble and saturation above half volume hold it back.
8.0
es.gizmodo.com
✓ explicit
03/08/2022
Hands-on review · Laptop soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a simple, portable soundbar with clean, warm sound and quick source switching, best for a desk, a laptop or moving between rooms.
7.0
smartworld.it
≈ estimated
27/09/2022
Hands-on review · Compact PC soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a compact soundbar that suits films and games at moderate volume, though bass-heavy music can sound muddy over USB-C.
9.0
tecnorecensioni.com
≈ estimated
31/10/2022
Hands-on test · Gaming soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is a compact soundbar that works best for PC and Xbox gaming, and is less suited as a phone speaker.
8.0
mistergadget.tech
≈ estimated
26/09/2022
Hands-on test · Gaming soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage Air V2 is an entry-level soundbar that suits shooter games and is easy to carry, though films and series sound less balanced.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Creative Stage Air V2

  • Exceptional value for money at its budget price point.
  • Compact, low-profile design fits neatly under most computer monitors.
  • Versatile connectivity including USB-C audio, Bluetooth 5.3, and 3.5mm AUX.
  • Clear dialogue and well-balanced mids/treble for movies and podcasts.
  • Portable functionality with a built-in battery offering up to 6 hours of playtime.
  • Simple, 'plug-and-play' setup, especially via a single USB-C cable for both power and audio.

What customers don't like about Creative Stage Air V2

  • Multiple reports of the battery failing or dying after approximately one year of use.
  • Bass response is decent for its size but lacks power and can sound 'muddy' or 'metallic' at high volumes.
  • Frustrating user interface; it may not remember the last selected input or volume level after power-off.
  • The glossy finish on the top and bottom easily attracts fingerprints and dust.
  • Bluetooth mode may have noticeable latency, making it less ideal for gaming or movies compared to wired modes.

Verdict

The Creative Stage Air V2 is a compact, 2.0-channel under-monitor soundbar featuring dual custom-tuned full-range racetrack drivers and an oversized passive radiator that deliver a total peak power of 20W (10W RMS). Designed for minimalist desktop setups, it measures 410 x 94 x 75 mm and offers versatile connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3, USB-C digital audio, and a 3.5 mm AUX-in. Its main pros include a portable design with a built-in 2,200 mAh battery providing up to 6 hours of playtime, a significant audio upgrade over standard monitor speakers with clear mids, and a sturdy build with convenient side-mounted controls. Notable cons include limited stereo separation due to its narrow width, a glossy finish that easily attracts dust and fingerprints, and a lack of advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX or AAC, being limited to the standard SBC protocol.

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