Sound bargain: Groov-e Soundbar 75 review

A quality soundbar under £50? Surely that can’t be right. Well, Groov-e seems to have pulled it off with the Soundbar 75. Priced at just £44.99, this compact device might just be the cheapest we’ve encountered (that isn’t a gimmick). It's an impressively compact, pinch-yourself-priced soundbar that offers good quality speaker performance, ideal for upgrading your TV or PC’s audio without breaking or even scratching the bank. While Majority speakers are known for promising robust audio performance, the Groov-e Soundbar 75 stands out by delivering exceptional value at a fraction of the cost.

This soundbar packs a decent punch with its 75W peak power, two full-range drivers, and built-in subwoofers to give you that added bass. It’s not going to compete with high-end or mid-range systems, but for the price, it offers a respectable sound quality. Whether you’re connecting via Bluetooth, optical, RCA, AUX or USB, this soundbar can handle it all. Setting it up is beyond straightforward, and the included remote control lets you switch between three EQ modes – music, voice, and movie – so you can fine-tune your sound to suit your preference.

Of course, with a soundbar this affordable, there are some compromises. But despite its minor flaws, the Groov-e Soundbar 75 represents excellent value for money It’s an especially solid choice for those working with limited space and an even more limited budget.

Verdict: The Groov-e 75 is a no-frills, affordable soundbar that’s easy to use and delivers decent audio for casual listening.

What's good?

The Groov-e Soundbar 75 excels in offering an easy-to-use and cost-effective upgrade to your TV's audio. Its 75W peak power and two full-range drivers provide a clear and crisp sound experience, especially in Movie mode, which many users find perfect for everyday viewing. The built-in subwoofers deliver a decent bass response, eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer, which is a bonus for those with limited space. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, making it easy to stream music from your smartphone or tablet. The soundbar's ability to retain your audio settings even after being powered off is a small but valuable feature, ensuring a consistent listening experience each time you use it.

What's okay?

The Groov-e Soundbar 75 offers a decent overall sound, but the bass could be more robust, particularly for bass enthusiasts. While the soundbar is user-friendly and quick to set up, the small LED display can be hard to read, with only two characters showing at a time (e.g., "AU" for AUX). The remote control, although functional and offering complete control over sound modes and volume, is larger than necessary, which might be cumbersome for some users. Additionally, the soundbar performs adequately across various types of content, but it doesn't deliver the deep, immersive audio experience you might find in more premium models. Still, for its price, the soundbar provides satisfactory performance for everyday use.

Any negatives?

Despite its positive attributes, the Groov-e Soundbar 75 has a few drawbacks. The most noticeable is the overly loud start-up and shut-down sounds, which cannot be adjusted or muted, potentially disturbing others in the household. The bass, while present, isn't as deep or rich as some users might expect, particularly those accustomed to more premium audio systems. The LED display is small and limited in its information, making it challenging to see what mode or input is selected from a distance. Lastly, although the soundbar performs well for the price, it may not satisfy users seeking a high-end audio experience or those who are particularly discerning about sound quality.

More items to consider

Who tested it?

As one of our resident audiophiles, I've tested a wide range of speakers, soundbars, and home theatre systems, from budget-friendly models to higher-end studio setups. And with a few soundbars in my own home collection, I'm always on the lookout for products that offer the best value. My approach is practical and honest - I prioritise real-world testing over several weeks and provide insights that can help everyday users make better decisions.

How the product was tested

I tested the Groov-e Soundbar 75 over several weeks, connecting it to my TV and various mobile devices. I assessed its performance with music, movies, and podcasts using Bluetooth and AUX connections. I tested a diverse playlist, including electronic, alternative, and bass-heavy tracks from artists like Tame Impala ('My Life'), Radiohead ('Everything In Its Right Place'), Foals ('Neptune'), Fontaines D.C. ('Living In America') and IDLES ('Progress').

Throughout the testing process, I used the remote control to navigate the soundbar's features and my iPhone to stream music and control playback. This hands-on approach allowed me to best assess the sound quality and ease of use.

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How What's The Best tests products

Struggling to navigate the audio world? We provide unbiased reviews for real listeners.

At What's The Best, we ditch the technical jargon and deliver sound reviews for sound people. Our team of audio enthusiasts puts everyday speakers, headphones, and more through their paces in real-world listening scenarios. We don't waste your time with staged tests – we focus on how these products actually perform for everyday music lovers.

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Harvey Isitt is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's the Best. Harvey writes reviews, buyers and how-to guides, and listicles on a broad range of topics.

Besides writing, Harvey is an avid camera, turntable, and speaker enthusiast with a somewhat unhealthy obsession with movies. He is also a keen runner, cyclist, hiker, and swimmer.

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