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

Polk Audio React Review | 109 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:50 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Polk Audio React Review: Compare 109 technical specifications and 27 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Polk Audio React
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

95%

5.9

Technical score

5%

8.2

Reviews score ( 21 · 6)

Reviews score 5% · 8.2 · based on 27 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.
▲Better than 68% of soundbars
7.0

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

▲Better than 68%
5.9

Technical score

Technical score
5.9/ 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
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components

25%

5.0

Audio

18%

4.5

Formats

16%

6.5

Connectivity

14%

8.4

Controls

12%

5.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.2

Smart features

5%

6.2

Design

▲Better than 68%
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 (27)
21 reviews: 18 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 6 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.
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Polk Audio React

Technical score
Technical score
5.9/ 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
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components:

25%

5.0

Audio

18%

4.5

Formats

16%

6.5

Connectivity

14%

8.4

Controls

12%

5.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.2

Smart features

5%

6.2

Design

5.9
Reviews score
8.2
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 68% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.0
Brand name
Polk
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
50 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 50 W of audio output power, less than 61.5% of soundbars and equal to 2.3% 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 74.4% of soundbars and equal to 7% 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
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
yes
This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity. 68.6% of soundbars include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 5
This soundbar uses Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 5, which is newer than that of 78.7% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% of soundbars.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This soundbar supports Bluetooth connectivity. 3.7% of soundbars include this feature.
Bluetooth version
?
Show more
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
yes
This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility. 69.2% 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
1.4
This soundbar uses HDMI 1.4, which is newer than that of 39.4% of soundbars and the same as that of 18.1% 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
yes
This soundbar supports Spotify Connect. 77.1% 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
yes
This soundbar supports native Amazon Music. 79.3% support native Amazon Music.
Available via built-in Alexa.
Show more
Width
864 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 864 mm wide, wider than 63.3% of soundbars.
Height
56 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 56 mm high, shorter than 88.2% of soundbars and equal to 5.4% of soundbars.
Thickness
121 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 121 mm thick, thicker than 85% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Weight
2,900 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,900 g, more than 70.2% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% 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.
Fabric grille or wrap.
Show more

Polk Audio React vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMI & GamingSmart featuresControlsDesign
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, 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.
  • Multiroom ecosystem support
    This soundbar supports multiroom ecosystem support, the average soundbar does not.
    Alexa Multi-Room Music support.
  • App EQ customization
    This soundbar supports eQ customization (app), the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 4 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (4 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    4 vs 0
  • Supports wireless rear speakers
    This soundbar is compatible with wireless rear speakers, the average soundbar is not.
  • Bass boost
    This soundbar supports bass boost, the average soundbar does not.
  • 12 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (40 Hz vs 52 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 52 Hz.
    40 Hz vs 52 Hz
  • 1 more equalizer bands
    This soundbar offers more equalizer bands than the average soundbar (3 vs 2). The average soundbar offers 2 equalizer bands.
    3 vs 2
  • Broader music format support
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV vs MP3).
    AAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV 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
  • Wi-Fi connectivity
    This soundbar supports Wi-Fi connectivity, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports Spotify Connect
    This soundbar supports Spotify Connect, the average soundbar does not.
  • 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.
  • Supports Deezer
    This soundbar supports Deezer, the average soundbar does not.
    Available via DTS Play-Fi.
  • 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.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This soundbar supports voice assistant compatibility, the average soundbar does not.
  • Night mode
    This soundbar supports night mode, the average soundbar does not.
  • 4 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (4 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    4 vs 0
  • Far-field microphones
    This soundbar has far-field microphones, the average soundbar does not.
  • 11 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (56 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    56 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 (service only)
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for firmware updates/service only)
  • 35 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (121 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    121 mm vs 86 mm
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 900 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,900 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,900 g vs 2,000 g
  • 2.74x more expensive
    Polk Audio React is more expensive than the average soundbar (£260 vs £95).
    £260 vs £95
  • Narrower bass adjustment range
    This soundbar has a lower bass adjustment range than the average soundbar (-6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB). The average soundbar offers a bass adjustment range of -100 to 100 dB.
    -6 to 6 dB vs -100 to 100 dB
  • 28.6% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (50 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    50 W vs 70 W
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB audio input
    This soundbar does not have USB audio input, the average soundbar does.
    No (service only)
  • No AUX input
    This soundbar does not have AUX input, the average soundbar does.
  • No USB playback support
    This soundbar does not support USB playback support, the average soundbar does.
    no (The USB port is for firmware updates/service only)
  • 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
  • 35 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (121 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    121 mm vs 86 mm
  • 900 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,900 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,900 g vs 2,000 g
  • 102 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (864 mm vs 762 mm). The average soundbar is 762 mm wide.
    864 mm vs 762 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
My Unfiltered Reviews
≈ estimated
31/07/2022
Long-term review · five months of daily use
Verdict
Polk Audio React is very satisfying overall, despite occasional static that a reset fixes.
9.5
TotallydubbedHD
≈ estimated
15/09/2021
Full review · design, Alexa, remote, sound and subwoofer tests
Verdict
Polk Audio React impressed throughout and earned a best buy award for the soundbar with subwoofer.
9.0
Andrew Camm
≈ estimated
04/04/2021
Hands-on review · sound, Alexa, subwoofer and rear speakers
Verdict
Polk Audio React delivers great sound and a complete 5.1 system worth the money, though the remote and app are limited.
9.0
Andrew Camm
≈ estimated
14/03/2021
Hands-on review · setup, Alexa and sound comparison
Verdict
Polk Audio React offers strong value for the money, with built-in Alexa and room to expand later.
Not graded
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video
Brand video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
t3.com
✓ explicit
13/06/2021
Hands-on test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a punchy stereo soundbar with built-in Alexa, best for films and action, though it is not especially musical.
8.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
17/09/2021
Hands-on test · Stereo soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a compact soundbar with clean, powerful sound that fills large rooms, but it has only one eARC HDMI port.
8.0
avforums.com
✓ explicit
30/04/2021
Full review · Soundbar with subwoofer
Verdict
The Polk React is an excellent two-channel soundbar with built-in Alexa, but it needs the optional subwoofer for deep bass.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
29/11/2022
Living room test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a simple Alexa soundbar that improves TV audio and suits people who already use Amazon's smart home system.
8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
13/09/2021
Long-term test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a clear, dynamic soundbar for people wanting simple home audio with Alexa, though it lacks immersive sound and needs its optional sub for real bass.
8.0
musictech.com
✓ explicit
13/12/2021
Hands-on test · Expandable soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a low-profile soundbar that fits under most TVs and can grow into a 4.1 system, but it lacks immersive audio.
8.0
wired.com
✓ explicit
18/05/2021
Step-by-step test · Upgradeable soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a simple, elegant Alexa soundbar that grows into a full 5.1 system as you add the subwoofer and surround speakers one by one.
8.0
pocket-lint.com
✓ explicit
12/03/2021
Bundle test · Soundbar with sub
Verdict
The Polk React sounds much fuller with its React Sub, making it a strong living-room music speaker, though it has no overhead sound effects.
8.0
cnet.com
✓ explicit
12/05/2021
Comparison test · Hybrid soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React sounds very good for a single bar and suits anyone wanting Alexa in their TV speaker, though it has only one HDMI input.
9.0
techadvisor.com
✓ explicit
08/06/2021
Living-room test · Voice soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React sounds good even without a sub and is a fine choice for Alexa users, though it has limited inputs and no AirPlay or Chromecast.
7.0
tomsguide.com
✓ explicit
28/06/2021
Real-world test · Compact soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a slim Alexa soundbar with surprisingly strong bass for its size, but its sound stays narrow and it has no Dolby Atmos or virtual surround.
7.0
digitaltrends.com
✓ explicit
25/04/2023
Hands-on review · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a slim soundbar with clear speech and solid bass that grows into 5.1 with wireless add-ons, but Wi-Fi streaming needs the Alexa app.
7.5
hifipicks.com
✓ explicit
20/01/2025
Full review · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk Audio React is an easy-to-set-up soundbar with Alexa built in and clear dialogue, but deep bass needs the optional React Sub.
8.0
heise.de
✓ explicit
09/05/2022
Sound test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a solid soundbar for films, news, sport and talk shows, with voice control, but it lacks crisp treble and deep bass.
9.0
areadvd.de
≈ estimated
11/05/2022
Extended test · Alexa soundbar set
Verdict
The Polk React is a dynamic Alexa soundbar that holds up well at high volume, but it has no display and no Dolby Atmos.
9.0
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
15/03/2021
Full test · Alexa soundbar set
Verdict
The Polk React set is a clear, balanced Alexa soundbar that builds up to 5.1 with SR2 rear speakers and offers voice control and multi-room audio.
9.0
connect.de
≈ estimated
27/05/2021
Hands-on test · Modular 5.1 set
Verdict
The Polk Audio React is best as a full 5.1 set, with woofer and surround speakers adding depth the bar alone lacks, but it needs space for four parts.
8.0
clubic.com
✓ explicit
31/03/2021
Detailed test · Smart soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React gives a strong sense of space and good bass, and grows into a wireless setup with optional rear speakers and sub, but Alexa responds slowly.
9.0
on-mag.fr
✓ explicit
03/03/2021
Hands-on test · Alexa soundbar
Verdict
The Polk React is a clear-speaking Alexa soundbar that suits TVs of 55 inches and up, with a wide sound for music, though it lacks punch for games.
9.0
hablandodemanzanas.com
≈ estimated
04/05/2021
Several-week test · Expandable system
Verdict
The Polk React sounds good on its own, and adding the React Sub and SR2 speakers later brings strong bass and full surround.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Polk Audio React

  • Excellent dialogue clarity thanks to Polk's proprietary 'Voice Adjust' technology.
  • Seamless Amazon Alexa integration allows for easy voice control of volume and smart home devices.
  • Great value for money, offering premium sound quality at an affordable price point.
  • Compact, low-profile design that fits easily under most TVs without blocking the screen.
  • Clear upgrade path for users who want to add a wireless subwoofer or rear speakers later.
  • Quick and straightforward physical setup, especially for those already in the Alexa ecosystem.

What customers don't like about Polk Audio React

  • Heavily reliant on the Alexa app for initial setup, which can be frustrating for non-Alexa users.
  • Lack of deep bass when used as a standalone unit without the optional wireless subwoofer.
  • Limited connectivity options with only one HDMI (ARC) port and no HDMI passthrough.
  • Inconsistent Alexa performance, including occasional connectivity drops and loud voice responses.
  • Remote control buttons can be insensitive or difficult to use in low-light conditions.
  • The front LED light bar can be distracting and doesn't provide a clear numerical volume display.

Verdict

The Polk Audio React is a compact, 2.0-channel soundbar measuring 864 x 57 x 121mm, featuring dual mid-range drivers, tweeters, and passive radiators for a 100W maximum output. Its main characteristics include deep Amazon Alexa integration for voice control and messaging, proprietary Voice Adjust technology for dialogue clarity, and multiple EQ presets like Movie, Music, and Night modes. Primary pros are its impressive virtual surround sound, sleek low-profile design that fits under most TVs, and a clear wireless upgrade path to a 5.1 system via optional subwoofers and rear speakers. Notable cons include the lack of HDMI pass-through, no support for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, and bass performance that may feel insufficient without the additional dedicated subwoofer.

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