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

Dell SB521A review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£?N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:?HDMI ARC type:none

Dell SB521A Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Dell SB521A
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 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 93% of models
Score components

35%

4.6

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

4.6

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 93% of soundbars
?

Value for money

Value for money
✕
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%

5.7

Overall score

30%

?

Price

Price not known yet
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 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 93% of models
Score components

25%

4.1

Audio

18%

4.4

Formats

16%

4.2

Connectivity

14%

5.5

Controls

12%

4.5

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

â–¼Worse than 93%
4.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.6/ 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. 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 96% of models

4.6

Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.0

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video: 7.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (7.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 96%
?

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
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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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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #194 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Dell SB521A

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 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 93% of models
Score components:

25%

4.1

Audio

18%

4.4

Formats

16%

4.2

Connectivity

14%

5.5

Controls

12%

4.5

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

7.5

Design

4.6
Reviews score
4.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.0/ 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 91% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

?

Price

7.0
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
?
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
180 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 180 Hz, higher than 99.1% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% 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
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.
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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
no
This soundbar does not support Bluetooth connectivity. 95.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
Smartphone app
no
This soundbar does not have smartphone app. 42.6% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
?
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.
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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
?
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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.
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Width
?
Height
?
Thickness
?
Weight
?
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

Dell SB521A vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 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
  • 35.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.6/ 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. 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 96% of models

    4.6

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 7.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (7.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.6 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 night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • 35.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.6/ 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. 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 96% of models

    4.6

    Mark 7.4 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.0

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 7.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (7.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 7.8. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.6 vs 7.1
  • 9% worse value for money
    Dell SB521A has worse value for money than the average soundbar (6.98 vs 7.6).
    6.98 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
  • 130 Hz higher min frequency
    This soundbar has a higher minimum frequency than the average soundbar (180 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    180 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 AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This soundbar does not support Bluetooth connectivity, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, 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 night mode
    This soundbar does not support night mode, the average soundbar does.
  • No dialogue enhancement
    This soundbar does not support dialogue enhancement, the average soundbar does.

Video reviews

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

7.0
Phil UK Net
≈ estimated
16/07/2024
Long-term use · monitor and soundbar, 9 months
Verdict
Dell SB521A has tinny but adequate sound for everyday listening, and a neat, compact mount.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Dell SB521A

  • The compact magnetic mount takes up little room on the desk.
  • Bluetooth connects to a phone or laptop without cables.
  • A control panel on the speaker works without an app.
  • Two drivers give a stereo split from a small box.
  • Sound is adequate for everyday listening.

What customers don't like about Dell SB521A

  • The bass stops at 180 Hz, so low sounds are missing.
  • Sound is thin and a little tinny.
  • The sound is noticeably weaker than older speakers.
  • There is no optical input for a TV connection.
  • There is no dialogue enhancement, so speech can be harder to pick out.

Verdict

A small desk speaker with a compact magnetic mount, the Dell SB521A suits someone who wants simple sound for a tidy workspace. The mount takes up little room, so the desk stays clear. It connects over Bluetooth, and a control panel on the speaker handles the basics without an app. Here is the catch. The bass stops at 180 Hz, so the sound comes across thin and a little tinny, and it sounds noticeably weaker than older speakers. It is fine for everyday listening, like podcasts and background music, but not for anything that needs body. There is no optical input, no dialogue enhancement and no HDMI-CEC, so it is strictly a standalone desk speaker. It fits a buyer who wants a neat box for background audio.

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