OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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

Creative Stage SE Mini review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£45N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:12 WHDMI ARC type:none

Creative Stage SE Mini Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 6 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Creative Stage SE Mini
5.6/10

Overall score

Score
5.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models
Score components

35%

4.5

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

4.5

Reviews score

10%

?

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

â–¼Worse than 96% of soundbars
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 95%
4.5

Technical score

Technical score
4.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components

25%

3.6

Audio

18%

4.3

Formats

16%

5.2

Connectivity

14%

4.7

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

8.5

Design

â–¼Worse than 98%
4.5

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

4.5

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.8

Average grade

20%

8.1

Popularity

Grades by review (6)
2 reviews + 4 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 99%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 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 (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • creative-stage-se-mini
  • creative-stage-se-mini
  • creative-stage-se-mini
  • creative-stage-se-mini
  • creative-stage-se-mini
  • creative-stage-se-mini
creative-stage-se-mini
creative-stage-se-mini
creative-stage-se-mini
creative-stage-se-mini
creative-stage-se-mini
creative-stage-se-mini
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 Creative Stage SE Mini

Based on 2 · 4

Reliable Bluetooth in a tiny body, but sound quality divides opinion and it falls short on power, loudness and wired connection.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of soundbar Creative Stage SE Mini

Technical score
Technical score
4.5/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 98% of models
Score components:

25%

3.6

Audio

18%

4.3

Formats

16%

5.2

Connectivity

14%

4.7

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

8.5

Design

4.5
Reviews score
4.5
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

70%

5.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

6.9
N. of audio channels
2
This soundbar offers 2 audio channels, fewer than 58.1% of soundbars and equal to 41.9% of soundbars.
Audio output power
12 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 12 W of audio output power, less than 92% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
100 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 100 Hz, higher than 93.8% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Max frequency
20,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz, higher than 17.5% of soundbars and equal to 76.8% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Atmos. 30.3% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X
no
This soundbar does not support DTS:X. 16.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Dolby TrueHD
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby TrueHD. 16.5% 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
no
This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital Plus. 25.3% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
N. of HDMI inputs
0
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs, fewer than 41.5% of soundbars and equal to 58.5% of soundbars.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This soundbar does not support Wi-Fi connectivity. 28.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 4.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
5.3
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5.3, which is more up to date than 88.2% of soundbars and equal to 11.8% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 42.6% 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
no
This soundbar does not support voice assistant compatibility. 36.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Far-field microphones
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
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 75.6% of soundbars and the same as what 24.4% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
no
This soundbar does not support HDMI-CEC. 71.2% 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
AirPlay
no
This soundbar does not support AirPlay. 19.9% 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
no
This soundbar does not support Spotify Connect. 20.8% of soundbars include this feature.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
no
This soundbar does not support native Amazon Music. 13% support native Amazon Music.
Show more
Width
410 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 410 mm wide, narrower than 84.1% of soundbars and equal to 2.7% of soundbars.
Height
63 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 63 mm high, shorter than 67% of soundbars and equal to 3.7% of soundbars.
Thickness
82 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 82 mm thick, thinner than 55.3% of soundbars.
Weight
730 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 730 g, less than 90% of soundbars.
Build material
plastic
This soundbar is built from plastic, which is more premium than 3% of soundbars and equal to 92.6% of soundbars.
Show more
What reviewers say

Creative Stage SE Mini vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 353 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (410 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    410 mm vs 763 mm
  • More up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a more up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (5.3 vs 5).
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • 1,270 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (730 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    730 g vs 2,000 g
  • 2 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2023 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 12, 2023
    2,023 vs 2,021
  • More music formats supported
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (FLAC, MP3 vs MP3).
    FLAC, MP3 vs MP3
  • 4 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (63 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    63 mm vs 67 mm
  • 2 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2023 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    October 12, 2023
    2,023 vs 2,021
  • More music formats supported
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (FLAC, MP3 vs MP3).
    FLAC, MP3 vs MP3
  • More up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a more up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (5.3 vs 5).
    5.3 vs 5.0
  • 353 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (410 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    410 mm vs 763 mm
  • 1,270 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (730 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    730 g vs 2,000 g
  • 4 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (63 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    63 mm vs 67 mm
  • 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
  • 36.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    4.5

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (6)
    2 reviews + 4 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.5 vs 7.1
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • Fewer audio channels
    This soundbar has fewer audio channels than the average soundbar (2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    2.0 vs 2.1
  • 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 (Connectivity is limited to USB audio, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm headphone output jack)
  • 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.
  • 36.6% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.5/ 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
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    4.5

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.8

    Average grade

    20%

    8.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (6)
    2 reviews + 4 videos, average 7.4/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.5 vs 7.1
  • 9.6% worse value for money
    Creative Stage SE Mini has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.94 vs 7.6).
    6.94 vs 7.6
  • 2 fewer drivers
    This soundbar has fewer drivers than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    2 vs 4
  • Fewer audio channels
    This soundbar has fewer audio channels than the average soundbar (2 vs 2.1). The average soundbar has 2.1 audio channels.
    2.0 vs 2.1
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • 82.9% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (12 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    12 W vs 70 W
  • 50 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (100 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    100 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • No Dolby Digital
    This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital, the average soundbar does.
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • No optical audio input
    This soundbar does not have optical audio input, the average soundbar does.
    no (Connectivity is limited to USB audio, Bluetooth, and a 3.5mm headphone output jack)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
    No (headphones output only)
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    N/A (USB-C is for power and digital audio from PC/consoles only)
  • 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 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.
  • Less premium display type
    This soundbar has a less premium display type than the average soundbar (none vs LED).
    No built-in display.
    none vs LED

Video reviews

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

9.5
RaavMedia
≈ estimated
25/01/2024
Unboxing · sound, Bluetooth, USB and PS5 tests
Verdict
Creative Stage SE Mini is outstanding value at this price, with clear, balanced sound, though it isn't very loud at high volume.
9.0
Darren Gator
≈ estimated
29/10/2023
Hands-on review · sound, volume and connection tests
Verdict
Creative Stage SE Mini is good value as a laptop or desktop upgrade, but it's best kept below near-maximum volume.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

3.0
homestudiobasics.com
≈ estimated
18/11/2024
Hands-on review · USB-powered soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage SE Mini is a light, wired soundbar with thin, tinny sound and almost no bass, and it struggles with consoles and TVs.
9.0
videogiochitalia.it
≈ estimated
27/03/2024
Hands-on test · Under-monitor soundbar
Verdict
The Creative Stage SE Mini is a compact under-monitor soundbar that suits laptops and handheld consoles, though it has weak bass on large desks and no Creative software support.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Creative Stage SE Mini

  • Excellent value for money as a budget-friendly desktop audio solution
  • Highly compact and minimalist design that fits easily under most monitors
  • Simple one-cable setup using USB-C for both power and digital audio
  • Convenient dual connectivity supporting both USB-C audio and Bluetooth 5.3
  • Ease of use with a tactile side-mounted volume/power knob
  • Includes a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening
  • Sturdy build quality with rubber feet that prevent the unit from sliding

What customers don't like about Creative Stage SE Mini

  • Disappointing audio performance for music, often described as 'muddy' or lacking detail
  • Weak bass response and lack of depth due to the absence of a dedicated subwoofer
  • Maximum volume level may be insufficient for larger rooms or console gaming
  • Lacks a remote control, requiring manual adjustments on the device or via software
  • Noticeable audio latency or lag reported by some users when used with screens
  • Front speaker mesh material feels somewhat flimsy and prone to damage

Verdict

The Creative Stage SE Mini is a compact 2.0 under-monitor soundbar designed for desktop setups, featuring two custom-tuned full-range Neodymium drivers and a passive radiator to deliver a total power output of 12W RMS and a peak of 24W. It offers versatile connectivity through USB-C for digital audio and power, alongside Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless streaming, and includes a convenient 3.5 mm headphone output for private listening. Main pros include its space-saving 410 mm footprint, easy plug-and-play setup, and an accessible side-mounted volume knob that doubles as a source switcher. However, notable cons include its reliance on a wired power source due to the lack of an internal battery, a limited frequency response of 68 Hz to 20,000 Hz that may lack deep sub-bass, and potential audio distortion when pushed to maximum volume levels.

Compare Creative Stage SE Mini with other soundbars

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Creative Stage SE Mini and other soundbars

No results found