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

Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£200N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:100 WHDMI ARC type:eARC

Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 5 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% 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%

8.3

Reviews score

10%

?

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

▲Better than 77% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.5

Price

▲Better 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components

25%

4.4

Audio

18%

8.9

Formats

16%

7.6

Connectivity

14%

9.1

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

5.8

Design

▲Better than 78%
8.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.3/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 72% of models

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

8.0

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
5 videos, average 8.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▲Better than 72%
?

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
    N/A~ £200
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 Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8

Based on 0 · 5

Reviewers praise the clear dialogue and good value, but the surround effect feels narrow and opinions on bass are split.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what

What owners say about the Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8

Based on 38 owners sharing their experience in online comments

50%positive11%mixed39%negative

Owners praise the strong sound and sale value, while audio dropouts and reliability problems cause the biggest frustrations.

What owners dislike

  • Owners say sound cuts out or stops mid-movie, especially over HDMI-ARC, and some say it keeps disconnecting.4
  • Owners hear no clear Dolby Atmos effect, with the virtual surround sounding unconvincing and immersive content on the low side.4
  • Owners say it worked fine for about six months, then died or would not power on, and one was refused warranty without a receipt.3
  • Owners say the bar gets quite hot and stays warm even when off, and one says it stays on and warms up unless unplugged.3
  • Owners find bass fades when the volume is turned up loud, and some feel it lacks bass, with one saying the subwoofer sounded poor out of the box.3
  • Owners report HDMI-ARC and eARC trouble, including eARC not working properly with an LG OLED and a difficult setup with a Google TV box.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of soundbar Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8

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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components:

25%

4.4

Audio

18%

8.9

Formats

16%

7.6

Connectivity

14%

9.1

Controls

12%

8.1

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

5.8

Design

6.8
Reviews score
8.3
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 84% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

9.5

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
100 W
Market range: <16 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 100 W of audio output power, more than 62.9% of soundbars and equal to 5.7% of soundbars.
Max SPL
98 dB SPL
Market range: <80 dB SPL – >101 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 98 dB SPL, higher than 73% of soundbars and equal to 5.4% of soundbars.
Min frequency
50 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >82 Hz
This soundbar reaches a minimum frequency of 50 Hz, lower than 44.6% of soundbars and equal to 12.5% 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
What reviewers say
Dolby Atmos
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos. 70% of soundbars include this feature.
Atmos is decoded and downmixed within the built-in 2.1 system.
DTS:X
yes
This soundbar supports DTS:X. 83.6% of soundbars include this feature.
DTS:X is decoded within the built-in 2.1 system.
Dolby TrueHD
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD. 83.9% of soundbars include this feature.
Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
DTS-HD Master Audio
yes
This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio. 92.8% of soundbars include this feature.
Support depends on the HDMI eARC path.
Dolby Digital Plus
yes
This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus. 75% of soundbars include this feature.
Show more
What reviewers say
N. of HDMI inputs
1
Market range: <0 – >1
This soundbar has 1 HDMI inputs, more than 58.8% of soundbars and equal to 37.4% 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
This soundbar uses Bluetooth 5, which is more up to date than 38.7% of soundbars and equal to 47.9% 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
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% 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
eARC
This soundbar has eARC as its HDMI TV-audio return type, which is more advanced than what 71.5% of soundbars and the same as what 28.5% 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
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
914 mm
Market range: <384 mm – >1.1k mm
This soundbar is 914 mm wide, wider than 74.1% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Height
54 mm
Market range: <56 mm – >89 mm
This soundbar is 54 mm high, shorter than 94.7% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% of soundbars.
Thickness
140 mm
Market range: <60 mm – >131 mm
This soundbar is 140 mm thick, thicker than 94.7% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% of soundbars.
Weight
2,500 g
Market range: <729 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,500 g, more than 62.4% of soundbars and equal to 2.1% 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-wrapped exterior.
Show more

Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
    Support depends on the HDMI eARC path.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Atmos is decoded and downmixed within the built-in 2.1 system.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
    DTS:X is decoded within the built-in 2.1 system.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Companion smartphone app
    This soundbar supports smartphone app, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • 16.9% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.3/ 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
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▲ Better than 72% of models

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    8.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    5 videos, average 8.6/10. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.3 vs 7.1
  • 5.4% better value for money
    Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 has better value for money than the average soundbar (8.02 vs 7.6).
    8.02 vs 7.6
  • 1 more sound modes
    This soundbar offers more sound modes than the average soundbar (5 vs 4). The average soundbar offers 4 sound modes.
    5 vs 4
  • 42.9% more audio output power
    This soundbar has a higher audio output power than the average soundbar (100 W vs 70 W). The average soundbar delivers 70 W of audio output power.
    100 W vs 70 W
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, the average soundbar does not.
    Atmos is decoded and downmixed within the built-in 2.1 system.
  • Supports DTS-HD Master Audio
    This soundbar supports DTS-HD Master Audio, the average soundbar does not.
    Support depends on the HDMI eARC path.
  • Supports DTS:X
    This soundbar supports DTS:X, the average soundbar does not.
    DTS:X is decoded within the built-in 2.1 system.
  • Supports Dolby TrueHD
    This soundbar supports Dolby TrueHD, the average soundbar does not.
    Lossless playback requires HDMI eARC.
  • Supports Dolby Digital Plus
    This soundbar supports Dolby Digital Plus, the average soundbar does not.
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • 1 more supported Bluetooth codecs
    This soundbar supports more Bluetooth codecs than the average soundbar (2 vs 1). The average soundbar supports 1 Bluetooth codecs.
    sbc, aptx-ll
    2 vs 1
  • AptX Low Latency support
    This soundbar supports aptX Low Latency, the average soundbar does not.
    Advertised aptX Low Latency support.
  • More music formats supported
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (MP3, WAV vs MP3).
    MP3, WAV vs MP3
  • 1 more HDMI inputs
    This soundbar has more HDMI inputs than the average soundbar (1 vs 0). The average soundbar has 0 HDMI inputs.
    1 vs 0
  • 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 (2.3 vs none).
    2.3 vs none
  • 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.
  • Auto volume leveling
    This soundbar supports auto volume leveling, the average soundbar does not.
    DTS TruVolume.
  • 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.
    Adjustment available from the remote.
  • More firmware update options
    This soundbar offers more firmware update options than the average soundbar (over-the-air, USB vs USB).
    over-the-air, USB vs USB
  • 13 mm lower height
    This soundbar is shorter than the average soundbar (54 mm vs 67 mm). The average soundbar is 67 mm tall.
    54 mm vs 67 mm
  • 3 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (3 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    3 in vs 6 in
  • 54 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (140 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    140 mm vs 86 mm
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • 151 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (914 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    914 mm vs 763 mm
  • 500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,500 g vs 2,000 g
  • 81.8% more expensive
    Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£200 vs £110).
    £200 vs £110
  • 81.8% more expensive
    Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 is more expensive than the average soundbar (£200 vs £110).
    £200 vs £110
  • 3 in inch smaller subwoofer driver size
    This soundbar has a lower subwoofer driver size than the average soundbar (3 in vs 6 in). The average soundbar uses a subwoofer driver size of 6 in.
    3 in vs 6 in
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, the average soundbar does.
  • 54 mm thicker design
    This soundbar is thicker than the average soundbar (140 mm vs 86 mm). The average soundbar is 86 mm thick.
    140 mm vs 86 mm
  • 151 mm wider width
    This soundbar is wider than the average soundbar (914 mm vs 763 mm). The average soundbar is 763 mm wide.
    914 mm vs 763 mm
  • 500 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,500 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,500 g vs 2,000 g

Video reviews

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

9.0
Find It On 100
≈ estimated
12/02/2024
Hands-on review · sound modes and dialogue tests
Verdict
Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 is good value for the money and is best bought when on sale.
7.0
MeTube GLVZ
≈ estimated
15/01/2023
First look · unboxing and listening tests
Verdict
Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 sounds good for the price in a small room, but it is too weak for a living room.
9.0
Digital Trends
≈ estimated
05/08/2022
Hands-on review · sound, dialogue, bass and Atmos tests
Verdict
Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 sounds strong for the money, but the Dolby Atmos effects are missing despite the claim on the box.
9.0
Golf Sky
≈ estimated
06/06/2024
Short review · sound, bass and setup
Verdict
Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 is a good budget choice for everyday sound, unless Dolby Atmos is a must-have.
9.0
Dave Banter
≈ estimated
30/07/2023
Short review · sound, HDMI CEC and Bluetooth check
Verdict
Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 is good value for a small room, but not the best choice if you want surround sound.
Overview video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8

  • 2.1 channels with eARC, Dolby Atmos and 100 W make it one of the stronger all-in-one options here
  • HDMI input, optical, AUX and USB keep source support broad
  • Dialogue enhancement, night mode, voice-assistant compatibility and a remote improve daily use

What customers don't like about Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8

  • No separate subwoofer or rear speakers despite the Atmos positioning
  • No Wi‑Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast or Spotify Connect
  • No room calibration or broader smart-platform features

Verdict

The Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar featuring six high-performance drivers, including integrated dual 3-inch subwoofers, designed to deliver a frequency response down to 50Hz and a maximum volume of 98dB. It stands out in its budget category by supporting premium audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, alongside advanced connectivity options such as HDMI eARC with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision pass-through, Bluetooth 5.2, and a dedicated Voice Assistant Input for smart speaker integration. Main pros include its space-saving, low-profile design that fits under most TVs, excellent dialogue clarity via a 'phantom' center channel, and surprisingly punchy bass for a standalone unit. However, notable cons include the lack of Wi-Fi, AirPlay, or Chromecast support, the necessary downmixing of Atmos content into stereo which limits true height immersion, and the inability to expand the system with external subwoofers or satellite speakers.

Compare Vizio M-Series M213ad-K8 with other soundbars

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