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

Portronics Decibel 23 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£9N. of audio channels:2.0Audio output power:16 WHDMI ARC type:none

Portronics Decibel 23 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 7 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Portronics Decibel 23
6.6/10

Overall score

Score
6.6/ 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 59% 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%

8.4

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 59% of soundbars
7.6

Value for money

Value for money
7.6/ 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 55% of models
Score components

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

â–¼Worse than 55%
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 94% of models
Score components

25%

3.8

Audio

18%

3.9

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

5.0

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

8.6

Design

â–¼Worse than 94%
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%

8.5

Average grade

20%

8.2

Popularity

Grades by review (7)
7 videos, average 8.7/10. 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
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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 reviewers say about the Portronics Decibel 23

Based on 0 · 7

Reviewers love the sound, the RGB lighting, the range of inputs and the design, with no real complaints raised.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of soundbar Portronics Decibel 23

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 94% of models
Score components:

25%

3.8

Audio

18%

3.9

Formats

16%

5.7

Connectivity

14%

5.0

Controls

12%

4.0

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

8.6

Design

4.6
Reviews score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.6/ 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 55% of models
Score components:

70%

6.6

Overall score

30%

10

Price

7.6
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
16 W
Market range: <10 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 16 W of audio output power, less than 85.1% of soundbars and equal to 6.3% of soundbars.
Max SPL
?
Min frequency
20 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 20 Hz, lower than 88.4% of soundbars and equal to 11.6% 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.
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
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
380 mm
Market range: <350 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 380 mm wide, narrower than 92.6% of soundbars and equal to 0.5% of soundbars.
Height
75 mm
Market range: <50 mm – >100 mm
This soundbar is 75 mm high, taller than 72.9% of soundbars and equal to 3.7% of soundbars.
Thickness
68 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >135 mm
This soundbar is 68 mm thick, thinner than 78.7% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Weight
750 g
Market range: <500 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 750 g, less than 87.3% 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.
Show more
What reviewers say

Portronics Decibel 23 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 383 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (380 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    380 mm vs 763 mm
  • 1 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 0
  • 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%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    7 videos, average 8.7/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.1
  • 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
  • Better water protection
    This soundbar has a higher IP rating than the average soundbar (IPX4 vs not rated).
    IPX4 vs not rated
  • 1,250 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (750 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    750 g vs 2,000 g
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air vs USB).
    over-the-air vs USB
  • 30 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (20 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • 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%

    8.5

    Average grade

    20%

    8.2

    Popularity

    Grades by review (7)
    7 videos, average 8.7/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.1
  • 12.22x cheaper
    Portronics Decibel 23 is cheaper than the average soundbar (£9 vs £110).
    £9 vs £110
  • 30 Hz lower min frequency
    This soundbar has a lower minimum frequency than the average soundbar (20 Hz vs 50 Hz). The average soundbar has a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
    20 Hz vs 50 Hz
  • 2 years newer release
    This soundbar is newer than the average soundbar (2023 vs 2021). The average soundbar was released in 2021.
    August 2023
    2,023 vs 2,021
  • 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 more microphones
    This soundbar has more microphones than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 microphones.
    1 vs 0
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air vs USB).
    over-the-air vs USB
  • 383 mm narrower width
    This soundbar is narrower than the average soundbar (380 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    380 mm vs 763 mm
  • Better water protection
    This soundbar has a higher IP rating than the average soundbar (IPX4 vs not rated).
    IPX4 vs not rated
  • 1,250 g lighter weight
    This soundbar is lighter than the average soundbar (750 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    750 g vs 2,000 g
  • 18 mm thinner design
    This soundbar is thinner than the average soundbar (68 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    68 mm vs 86 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
  • 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 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.
  • 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
  • 2 fewer sound modes
    This soundbar offers fewer sound modes than the average soundbar (2 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    2 vs 4
  • 77.1% less audio output power
    This soundbar has a lower audio output power than the average soundbar (16 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 70 W
  • No Dolby Digital
    This soundbar does not support Dolby Digital, the average soundbar does.
  • No PCM / LPCM
    This soundbar does not support PCM / LPCM support, the average soundbar does.
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • 1 fewer supported audio formats
    This soundbar supports fewer audio formats than the average soundbar (1 vs 2). The average soundbar supports 2 audio formats.
    1 vs 2
  • 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 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.
  • 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

8.0
TECHi TECHi
≈ estimated
13/06/2025
Hands-on review · sound test and desk use
Verdict
Portronics Decibel 23 is a decent desk speaker rather than a true soundbar, with fine sound that distorts near full volume.
9.0
TechnoAmmu
≈ estimated
06/12/2023
Unboxing and review · sound quality and RGB features
Verdict
Portronics Decibel 23 has good sound and clarity for the price and is clearly recommended for budget buyers.
9.0
Budget Product
≈ estimated
16/11/2023
Hands-on review · sound, mic and battery tests
Verdict
Portronics Decibel 23 gives good sound for movies and series at this price, though the microphone is only average.
9.0
Taurus Tech
≈ estimated
20/09/2023
Hands-on review · sound tests and battery use
Verdict
The Portronics Decibel 23 is a very good buy for its price, with a small caveat about charging.
8.0
WhySoTechie
≈ estimated
14/09/2023
Unboxing, review and sound test · bass, mic and drawbacks
Verdict
Portronics Decibel 23 has good clarity and sound for the price, worth a look if you want a portable RGB soundbar.
9.0
IT Voice
≈ estimated
02/10/2024
Unboxing and first look · features overview
Verdict
Portronics Decibel 23 is the best budget option for a portable soundbar with RGB lights and good sound.
9.0
Rajesh Arya Vlogs
≈ estimated
20/08/2023
First look · unboxing and sound check
Verdict
The Portronics Decibel 23 offers good sound and looks for the price, a pleasing compact soundbar.
Shop video
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Portronics Decibel 23

  • Impressive RGB lighting with 7-8 customizable modes that enhance the visual vibe
  • Clear HD stereo sound quality that is surprisingly loud for its compact size
  • Versatile connectivity options including Bluetooth 5.3, USB, and 3.5mm AUX
  • Lightweight and portable design, making it easy to move or carry
  • Excellent value for money as a budget-friendly audio solution
  • Good build quality and premium finish that looks sophisticated in home setups

What customers don't like about Portronics Decibel 23

  • Modest battery life, typically lasting only 2.5 to 5 hours depending on volume and RGB usage
  • Bass performance can be slightly weak or 'low' compared to higher-end portable speakers
  • Inability to permanently turn off the RGB lights, which contributes to faster battery drain
  • Bluetooth connectivity can be inconsistent ('hit or miss') particularly with older 5.1 devices
  • Reported difficulty in finding official service centres for repairs or support
  • The battery percentage indicator shown on connected mobile devices can be inaccurate or stop working

Verdict

The Portronics Decibel 23 is a portable 16W soundbar featuring 2.0 HD stereo sound and dual 55mm dynamic drivers for clear, loud audio. It offers versatile connectivity through Bluetooth 5.3, a 3.5mm AUX port, and a USB port for flash drives, alongside two customizable EQ modes (Bass and Music) and a built-in microphone for hands-free calling. Key pros include its stylish, compact 15-inch design with customizable RGB lighting, lightweight 750g build, and convenient Type-C charging that provides up to 5 hours of playtime. However, some users have noted that the bass can be relatively weak compared to larger systems, the battery life may decrease significantly with RGB lights on, and there is no dedicated remote control for distance operation.

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