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 V-Series V21d-J8 review: 108 specs compared

Avg. price:~£110N. of audio channels:2.1Audio output power:80 WHDMI ARC type:ARC

Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Soundbars category and whether it is worth buying.

Vizio V-Series V21d-J8
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 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
▼ Worse than 75% of models
Score components

35%

5.6

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.6

Reviews score

10%

?

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

▼Worse than 75% of soundbars
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

▼Worse than 68%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

25%

4.2

Audio

18%

5.1

Formats

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

9.1

Controls

12%

5.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

5.8

Design

▼Worse than 57%
5.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 76% of models

5.6

Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (8.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.1. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
▼Worse than 76%
?

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
  • vizio-v-series-all-in-one-v21d-j8
vizio-v-series-all-in-one-v21d-j8
Where to buy
    N/A~ £110
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 Vizio V-Series V21d-J8

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

25%

4.2

Audio

18%

5.1

Formats

16%

6.1

Connectivity

14%

9.1

Controls

12%

5.7

HDMI

10%

4.0

Streaming

5%

5.8

Design

5.6
Reviews score
5.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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
▼ Worse than 68% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.9

Price

7.4
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
80 W
Market range: <16 W – >260 W
This soundbar delivers 80 W of audio output power, more than 51.4% of soundbars and equal to 7.4% of soundbars.
Max SPL
96 dB SPL
Market range: <80 dB SPL – >101 dB SPL
This soundbar has a max SPL of 96 dB SPL, higher than 62.2% 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
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 – >1
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
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
no
This soundbar does not have far-field microphones. 7.1% of soundbars offer this feature.
Show more
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
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
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
2,400 g
Market range: <729 g – >5.5k g
This soundbar weighs 2,400 g, more than 60.3% of soundbars and equal to 1.6% 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

Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 vs the average soundbar

246810TotalAudioFormatsConnectivityHDMIStreamingControlsDesign
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Supports DTS Virtual:X
    This soundbar supports DTS Virtual:X, the average soundbar does not.
  • More music formats supported
    This soundbar supports more music formats than the average soundbar (MP3, WAV vs MP3).
    MP3, WAV vs MP3
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 21.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models

    5.6

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (8.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.1. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.6 vs 7.1
  • Less up-to-date Bluetooth version
    This soundbar has a less up-to-date Bluetooth version than the average soundbar (4 vs 5).
    4 vs 5
  • No bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, 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
  • 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
  • 21.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Every review counts the same: written or video, short or full test.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.6 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    ▼ Worse than 76% of models

    5.6

    Mark 7.5 is below the typical mark 8.0 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video: 8.0/10. We use 3 reviews; the 2 missing count as the category's typical 8.2: (8.0 × 1 + 8.2 × 2) ÷ 3 = 8.1. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.6 vs 7.1
  • 3% worse value for money
    Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 has worse value for money than the average soundbar (7.38 vs 7.6).
    7.38 vs 7.6
  • 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 bass boost
    This soundbar does not support bass boost, the average soundbar does.
  • No AAC support
    This soundbar does not support AAC, 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 vs 5
  • 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
  • 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
  • 400 g heavier weight
    This soundbar is heavier than the average soundbar (2,400 g vs 2000 g). The average soundbar weighs 2000 g.
    2,400 g vs 2,000 g

Video reviews

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

8.0
URBAN TECH REVIEWS
≈ estimated
19/08/2024
Hands-on review · movie and music tests
Verdict
Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 is a good buy for movies at this price, though its music performance falls short.
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Vizio V-Series V21d-J8

  • 2.1 channels with 80 W give it more body than simple 2.0 budget bars
  • ARC, optical, AUX, USB and voice-assistant compatibility cover the main basics well
  • Night mode, dialogue enhancement and the remote support easy TV use

What customers don't like about Vizio V-Series V21d-J8

  • No HDMI input, Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
  • No Wi‑Fi, AirPlay, Chromecast or Spotify Connect
  • Still no separate subwoofer despite the 2.1 positioning

Verdict

The Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 is a compact 2.1-channel soundbar featuring four total speakers, including two 3-inch built-in subwoofers that eliminate the need for an external box. This 36-inch unit supports a frequency response of 50Hz–20kHz and includes advanced audio processing like DTS Virtual:X for a virtualised 3D soundstage, Dolby Audio, and DTS TruVolume to maintain consistent levels. Its main pros include exceptional dialogue clarity across its four listening modes (Movie, Music, Game, and Dialogue), versatile connectivity through HDMI ARC, Optical, and Bluetooth 4.1, and a dedicated AUX input for voice assistants. However, despite the dual built-in woofers, it lacks the deep, room-shaking bass of a dedicated external subwoofer, and the LED indicator system can be difficult to interpret without referencing the manual.

Compare Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 with other soundbars

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