Polk Audio Command Smart Home Soundbar
Last updated: October 25, 2021
We looked at the top Soundbars and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Soundbar you should buy.
Product Details
In our analysis of 56 expert reviews, the Polk Audio Command Smart Home Soundbar placed 14th when we looked at the top 17 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.From The Manufacturer
The Polk Command Bar – The home theater sound bar system with Alexa built-in. • Integrated far-field microphones and Alexa voice services • Automatically updates itself as new features are made available • Use your voice to control the sound bar • Control your smart home devices and stream music — “Just Ask” • Patented Voice Adjust technology for crystal clear dialogue • Wireless subwoofer for deep bass • 4K HDMI ports • Fully compatible with Fire TV (sold separately) • Includes HDMI and Optical cables for quick and easy setup
Expert Reviews
What reviewers liked
The soundbar also includes a powered USB port, which is extremely handy for connecting the USB cable that provides power to an Amazon Fire TV or Google Chromecast. The Command Bar comes with a remote, which includes buttons for volume, bass and voice levels, as well as ways to switch sound modes (Movie, Music or Sports). However, you can also just ask Alexa to make the change for you.
The Command Bar sounds good, with a subwoofer that doesn’t try to overpower you even when cranked to the max. Instead of a treble control, there’s a “voice” control that accents the frequencies of the human voice, seemingly applying some cut to the surrounding frequencies.
- TechHive
The Polk Command Bar offers built-in Alexa control that "hears" your voice more reliably than in competing Sonos speakers. With the help of a wireless subwoofer, sound quality is better than the Beam for both music and movies. A feast of connectivity options includes dual HDMI and the ability to mount a Fire TV Stick onboard.
That ring of light will pop on when you call for Alexa, so you know you’re being listened to. It works well on a smart speaker, but can prove distracting whilst watching a movie. The light ring is a good way to show that updates are happening.
This sound bar has an Alexa smart speaker built-in. In addition to the helpful voice control options, the Command Bar also has the best physical remote in our test group. It has separate volume controls for overall volume, subwoofer level and the Voice Adjust feature that allows you to adjust the volume of midrange frequencies such as movie dialogue and vocals in music.
Good sound for the $300 price. Wireless subwoofer included. Alexa setup and operation is a little easier than some speakers, and adds a lot of value if you use Fire TV.
- Wired
Adding a hands-free voice assistant to a soundbar seems like a natural step, considering any soundbar will likely be the main (or only) speaker system in your living room. Sonos pulls it off admirably with the Alexa-equipped Beam, though it lacks an included subwoofer for real low-end thunder. The Polk Command Bar also features hands-free Alexa voice assistance, along with a wireless subwoofer and a very reasonable $299.95 price tag.
The Polk Command Bar and Sonos Beam are the first soundbars to eliminate the middleman through their built-in microphones and Alexa support. Of the two, the Command Bar delivers a more dynamic, full-range sound. Its inclusion of a wireless subwoofer, Bluetooth, and multiple input options gives it the edge.
Less expensive than the Sonos Beam, two HDMI inputs work with many TV setups and Alexa integration works well.
What reviewers didn't like
However, I found that I sometimes needed to say, "Alexa," twice before it started listening, and occasionally it would freeze when trying to execute a command. When the soundbar froze, it would take about a minute to become responsive again.
It can be difficult to get Alexa's attention when the speaker is being used for movies or music. Needs more granular EQ capabilities.
- TechHive
The Polk has a narrower soundstage than Sonos Beam and lacks its ability to add rear speakers. It isn't (yet) compatible with Alexa multiroom. It's big, and not the most attractive sound bar on the market.
No multiroom support, yet
It doesn’t sound as good as the best performers in our audio tests.
Sound isn’t as expansive or crisp as some soundbars. Sub can thud a bit. Alexa has limitations and lacks some key Echo features.
- Wired
Average high frequency response. Doesn't produce a very large or dynamic sound field.
Annoying lights and awkward with a Fire TV 4K.
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