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

Polk Audio Command Bar review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£240N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:260 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Polk Audio Command Bar Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 26 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Polk Audio Command Bar
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

35%

6.8

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.4

Reviews score

10%

6.6

Sentiment score

â–²Better than 78% of soundbars
8.0

Value for money

Value for money
8.0/ 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–² Better than 84% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

â–²Better than 84%
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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components

25%

7.0

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

7.7

Connectivity

14%

8.4

Controls

12%

7.2

HDMI

10%

6.1

Streaming

5%

6.0

Design

â–²Better than 78%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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–² Better than 80% of models

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

9.0

Popularity

Grades by review (26)
21 reviews + 5 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 80%
?

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
  • polk-audio-command-bar
polk-audio-command-bar
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 Polk Audio Command Bar

Based on 21 · 5

Reviewers like the voice control, solid bass and clear dialogue, but surround feels narrow and multiroom support disappoints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Soundbars model ranking

Ranked #60 of 324 models in Soundbars (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of soundbar Polk Audio Command Bar

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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 78% of models
Score components:

25%

7.0

Audio

18%

5.0

Formats

16%

7.7

Connectivity

14%

8.4

Controls

12%

7.2

HDMI

10%

6.1

Streaming

5%

6.0

Design

6.8
Reviews score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
8.0/ 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–² Better than 84% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.3

Price

8.0
N. of audio channels
2.1
This soundbar offers 2.1 audio channels, more than 42.2% of soundbars and equal to 27.6% of soundbars.
Audio output power
260 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 260 W of audio output power, more than 89.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
40 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, lower than 65.6% of soundbars and equal to 13% of soundbars.
Max frequency
22,000 Hz
Market range: <19k Hz – >20k Hz
This soundbar reaches a maximum frequency of 22,000 Hz, higher than 95.2% of soundbars and equal to 3.1% 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
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This soundbar has 2 HDMI inputs, more than 96.6% of soundbars and equal to 2% 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
4
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 4, which is less up to date than 88.2% of soundbars and equal to 5.9% of soundbars.
Show more
Smartphone app
yes
This soundbar has smartphone app. 57.7% of soundbars offer this feature.
Remote control
yes
This soundbar has remote control. 17.5% 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
2
This soundbar has HDMI 2, which is more capable than 57.2% of soundbars and equal to 14% of soundbars.
HDMI ARC type
ARC
This soundbar has ARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 24.7% of soundbars and the same as what 46.5% offers.
HDMI-CEC support
yes
This soundbar supports HDMI-CEC. 29.2% support HDMI-CEC.
HDMI pass-through resolution
4K
This soundbar passes through 4K, which is higher resolution than 74.5% of soundbars and equal to 23.8% of soundbars.
HDMI pass-through frame rate
60 fps
This soundbar supports HDMI pass-through up to 60 fps, higher than 79% of soundbars and equal to 16.2% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 79.5% of soundbars include this feature.
Requires Spotify Premium.
TIDAL Connect
no
This soundbar does not support TIDAL Connect. 9.2% of soundbars include this feature.
Amazon Music native support
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 87.4% support native Amazon Music.
Available via built-in Alexa.
Show more
What reviewers say
Width
1,091 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 1,091 mm wide, wider than 91% of soundbars.
Height
51 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 51 mm high, shorter than 97.3% of soundbars and equal to 1.1% of soundbars.
Thickness
102 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 102 mm thick, thicker than 68.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Weight
2,250 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,250 g, more than 56.1% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% 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.
Fabric grille or wrap.
Show more
What reviewers say

Polk Audio Command Bar vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 2 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (2 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    2 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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 Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
    Requires Spotify Premium.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (4K vs none).
    4K vs none
  • 18.3% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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–² Better than 80% of models

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    9.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (26)
    21 reviews + 5 videos, average 8.3/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.1
  • 4.8% better value for money
    Polk Audio Command Bar has better value for money than the average soundbar (7.97 vs 7.6).
    7.97 vs 7.6
  • Subwoofer included
    This soundbar has subwoofer included, the average soundbar does not.
  • 3.71x more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (260 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    260 W vs 70 W
  • 0.5 in inch larger subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a higher subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (6.5 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    6.5 in vs 6 in
  • 1 more drivers
    This soundbar has more drivers than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar has 4 drivers.
    5 vs 4
  • 2,000 Hz higher max frequency
    This soundbar has a higher maximum frequency than the average soundbar (22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average soundbar has a maximum frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    22,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz
  • 10 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (40 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • More music formats supported
    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
  • 2 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (2 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    2 vs 0
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports HDR pass-through
    This soundbar supports hDR pass-through support, the average soundbar does not.
    HDR10, and Dolby Vision pass-through.
  • Higher video pass-through
    This soundbar passes through higher-resolution video than the average soundbar (4K vs none).
    4K vs none
  • Higher HDMI pass-through frame rate
    This soundbar has a higher HDMI pass-through frame rate than the average soundbar (60 fps vs none fps). The average soundbar supports an HDMI pass-through frame rate of none fps.
    60 fps vs none fps
  • Newer HDCP support
    This soundbar has a more recent HDCP version than the average soundbar (2.2 vs none).
    2.2 vs none
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
    Requires Spotify Premium.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • Native Amazon Music support
    This soundbar supports native Amazon Music, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via built-in Alexa.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone 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.
  • 2 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (2 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    2 vs 0
  • 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.
  • 16 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (51 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    51 mm vs 67 mm
  • 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
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • Less up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a less up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (4 vs 5).
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • 328 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,091 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    1,091 mm vs 763 mm
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for powering streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick, not for playback from storage)
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • 3 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2018 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    April 1, 2018
    2,018 vs 2,021
  • 2.18x more expensive
    Polk Audio Command Bar is more expensive than the average soundbar (£240 vs £110).
    £240 vs £110
  • 8.3% lower sentiment score
    6.6 vs 7.2
  • 3 years older release
    This soundbar is older than the average soundbar (2018 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    April 1, 2018
    2,018 vs 2,021
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • Less up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a less up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (4 vs 5).
    4.0 vs 5.0
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for powering streaming devices like the Fire TV Stick, not for playback from storage)
  • 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
  • 328 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (1,091 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    1,091 mm vs 763 mm
  • 16 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (102 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    102 mm vs 86 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
Dad Verb
≈ estimated
14/08/2018
Hands-on review · sound, Alexa and design
Verdict
Polk Audio Command Bar isn't the year's best soundbar, but it's a good pick for smaller rooms and smart homes.
9.0
Dustin Vang
≈ estimated
09/08/2018
Unboxing and test review · setup and home theatre sound
Verdict
Polk Audio Command Bar is a clear upgrade over an old home theatre system, with fewer wires and better sound.
8.0
PCMag
✓ explicit
30/07/2018
Lab test · sound, Alexa and value
Verdict
Polk Audio Command Bar is a solid smart soundbar with strong bass, though it's not the crispest option.
9.0
Jeremy Siers
≈ estimated
01/07/2018
Hands-on review · sound, Alexa and setup
Verdict
Polk Audio Command Bar is a clear all-in-one fix for flat-screen TVs that the reviewer really likes, though it's not a full surround replacement.
9.0
That Dad Blog
≈ estimated
26/06/2018
Hands-on review · loudness test and features
Verdict
Polk Audio Command Bar is very loud and clear; the reviewer found it great and said it would be perfect.
Not graded
Overview video
Brand video
Overview video
Brand video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.1
cnet.com
✓ explicit
20/07/2018
Side-by-side test · Alexa soundbar with sub
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar hears voice commands well and beats the Sonos Beam on dialogue and bass, but lacks multiroom and sounds narrower.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
31/03/2022
Review · Smart soundbar, 2.1 channels
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar suits small or medium rooms that want built-in Alexa, though its sound is only average and the app is basic.
7.5
mashable.com
✓ explicit
17/11/2018
Hands-on review · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar is a clear TV upgrade with Alexa built in, best for people already using Alexa, though its surround effects are weak.
8.0
consumerreports.org
≈ estimated
[No date provided]
Lab test · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar is a clear step up from TV speakers, but its boomy bass, echoey midrange and unresponsive remote mute hold it back.
9.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
14/04/2019
Hands-on test · Soundbar with subwoofer
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar performs strongly, with wide front sound, easy setup and a wireless subwoofer, best matched to TVs up to 65 inches.
10
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
13/05/2019
Hands-on review · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar suits TV and movie fans who want Alexa built in, though it comes only in black.
7.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
26/07/2018
Hands-on review · Fire TV soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar suits anyone who wants better TV sound and a subwoofer in the box; its Alexa features are still held back by voice search errors.
8.0
the-ambient.com
✓ explicit
31/08/2018
Hands-on review · Movie soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar is a strong pick for TV and movies with a room-shaking subwoofer, but Alexa setup and voice control are still hit-and-miss.
9.1
toptenreviews.com
✓ explicit
09/10/2018
Hands-on test · Connected soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar suits buyers who want Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Alexa in one bar, but its bass and surround effects trail the best soundbars.
7.0
seriousinsights.net
✓ explicit
19/10/2018
Home test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar is best for TV sound and a neat Fire TV Stick hookup, while Alexa is secondary, hit by Wi-Fi drops and false wake-ups.
8.5
h-m-entertainment.com
✓ explicit
17/10/2024
Hands-on test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Audio Command Bar is a 2.1 soundbar with built-in Alexa and a wireless subwoofer, a practical pick if you want voice control in a single unit.
9.0
soundandvision.com
≈ estimated
01/10/2018
Review · Alexa-enabled soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Audio Command Bar is a 43-inch-wide Alexa soundbar with good sound and flexible inputs, suits buyers who want voice control and plenty of connections.
9.5
av-magazin.de
≈ estimated
No date provided
Expert review · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Audio Command Bar is a 2.1 soundbar with built-in Alexa and a powerful wireless subwoofer, but its soundstage feels less immersive in large rooms.
8.3
likehifi.de
✓ explicit
04/02/2019
Hands-on test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar sounds strong for TV, with clear dialogue and a meaty subwoofer, and suits buyers who want Alexa built in.
9.5
lite-magazin.de
✓ explicit
18/09/2018
Review · Low-profile soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Audio Command Bar is a low-profile 2.1 soundbar that pairs Alexa control with a wireless subwoofer, suited to everyday movies and music.
5.0
nextpit.de
≈ estimated
20/08/2018
Listening test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar is well made and easy to set up with Alexa, but its flat, woolly sound lets it down.
8.0
sounds24.com
✓ explicit
15/11/2018
Practical test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar is an easy-to-use 2.1 soundbar with clear, powerful sound and full voice control, though its Alexa wake word cannot be changed.
8.0
on-mag.fr
✓ explicit
01/03/2019
Full test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar suits anyone who wants TV sound and Alexa control in one bar, with a non-aggressive sound that doesn't tire the ears.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
11/03/2021
Hands-on test · Home theater soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar suits movie fans wanting wide front sound and Alexa control, but the subwoofer should sit close to the bar.
9.0
unsimpleclic.com
≈ estimated
06/06/2019
Unboxing test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Command Bar is a well-built soundbar with powerful film sound and easy Alexa control, though the Polk Connect app adds little beyond setup.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Polk Audio Command Bar

  • Integrated Alexa voice control works reliably and can control smart home devices
  • Wireless subwoofer provides powerful, deep bass that enhances movies and music
  • Excellent dialogue clarity thanks to proprietary Voice Adjust technology
  • Generous connectivity including dual 4K HDR HDMI inputs and a dedicated Fire TV Stick port
  • Slim, low-profile design (2 inches tall) fits under most TVs without blocking the screen
  • Simple 'plug and play' setup process for both the soundbar and wireless sub

What customers don't like about Polk Audio Command Bar

  • Lacks support for rear satellite speakers, limiting it to a 2.1 channel experience
  • Occasional Wi-Fi connectivity issues requiring device reboots
  • Alexa can sometimes be triggered accidentally by TV audio or nearby conversations
  • Narrower soundstage compared to competitors like the Sonos Beam
  • Some users reported software bugs, such as sound cutting out or unresponsive remotes
  • Inconsistent support for certain Alexa features like multi-room audio or voice calling

Verdict

The Polk Audio Command Bar is a 2.1-channel, 260W home theatre system featuring a low-profile soundbar and a wireless 6.5-inch ported subwoofer. It is equipped with two 1.25 x 3.25-inch full-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters, delivering a total frequency response of 40Hz to 22,000Hz with support for Dolby and DTS surround sound. Its primary characteristic is the built-in Amazon Alexa integration, which utilizes a far-field microphone array to allow voice control over volume, sound modes (Movie, Music, Sport, Night), and connected smart home devices. Major pros include its patented Voice Adjust technology for enhanced dialogue clarity, dual 4K HDMI 2.0b inputs with HDR/Dolby Vision pass-through, and a dedicated USB port designed to power a Fire TV Stick. However, notable cons include the lack of a true surround sound stage due to the absence of dedicated rear speakers, the potential for the Alexa light ring to be visually distracting during movies, and a large subwoofer design that may be difficult to place in smaller spaces.

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