When mounting a soundbar, you have two options. It can be attached to the bottom of your TV or installed directly on the wall. The choice mostly comes down to preference, but each has its pros and cons.
This guide explains how to choose the method that works best for your setup, both functionally and visually. It also covers universal vs model specific mounts, and whether to DIY or hire a professional.
The type of mount you choose matters just as much as how you install it.
Mounting a soundbar to your TV, is the most common method and usually provides the cleanest result, especially for cable management. It’s also the best option with full motion mounts, since the soundbar moves with the TV and avoids cable strain when the TV is adjusted.
When you mount a soundbar under your TV, it allows you to control the spacing between the TV and soundbar. Cables can be routed up the back of the TV instead of down the wall, and if there’s an outlet behind the TV, everything can be hidden. We offer cable management as a service and we’ve also put together a helpful guide if you want to take the DIY route.
Another consideration is access behind the TV. Once a soundbar is attached, you’ll have additional power and HDMI cables, so access becomes more important.
Most people assume this means they need a full motion mount. While that does make access easier, it’s not the only option and it comes with tradeoffs. Full motion mounts sit farther off the wall, cost more, and can be harder to keep perfectly level over time. If you’re not sure which mount type makes sense, see our guide on how to choose the right TV mount for your setup.
Some tilt mounts are designed to extend slightly from the wall, such as the MSTR BRKTTLT4390EXT-LVL, which gives you enough space to reach behind the TV and manage soundbar connections without removing it. These mounts retail for $449 but we get dealer pricing and are able to pass that savings on to our customers. This is often a better balance between access and a clean look.
This method works best when:
Mounting the soundbar directly to the wall is another option and is often used with fixed or low profile TV mounts.
In many cases, this comes down to clearance. With low profile mounts, the TV sits very close to the wall, which can leave little room for the soundbar’s power and HDMI cables if it’s attached to the TV.
Another limitation is that the soundbar does not move with the TV. If the TV is shifted left or right on the mount, the soundbar stays in place, which can throw off alignment.
The bigger issue with wall mounting is power. The soundbar still needs to plug into an outlet, and the power cable has to go somewhere. Unlike low voltage cables, power cords are not rated to be run inside the wall. Running them through the wall is a code violation and a fire risk. Even though we see this all the time here in Austin, it’s a dangerous solution and should never be done. If you’re wondering is it safe to run power cords behind the wall, the answer is no.
That leaves a few alternatives. A cable raceway keeps everything up to code, but it leaves visible conduit on the wall. Installing an outlet behind the soundbar can help, but most soundbars aren’t tall enough to fully cover it, so you often end up with part of the outlet visible and extra cable tucked behind it.
If having no visible cables is important to you, or if you’re using an art TV, there are better solutions than a soundbar. See our guide on soundbars vs center channel speakers for a clean setup and code compliant wiring.
In most cases, wall mounting creates more challenges for cable management and requires more planning to get a clean result.
Once you decide how to mount the soundbar, the next step is choosing the type of mount.
Model specific mounts are designed for a particular soundbar and use its exact mounting points. This makes installation simpler, more secure, and cleaner looking. These are most common with higher end brands like Sonos.
Most soundbars do not have model specific mounts available, so a universal mount is often required.
Universal mounts are designed to fit multiple soundbars. They offer more flexibility, but that adjustability makes them more complicated to install and generally less clean in appearance.
Soundbars mount in a few different ways. Some use threaded screw holes, others use keyhole mounts, and some rest on support arms. The more generic the mount, the harder it can be to get everything to line up properly.
Lower cost universal mounts, especially common ones found on Amazon tend to have fewer hardware options and lower build quality. They can be harder to align and may not hold their position over time.
Some are also wider or taller than the soundbar itself, which means you’ll see the mount sticking out past the edge of the soundbar.
Model specific mounts are generally easier to install, more stable, and result in a cleaner final appearance.
We only sell professional grade mounts designed for better fit and long term stability. If you provide your own mount, especially a lower cost universal option, installation can take longer due to alignment and quality issues. In those cases, additional labor may apply. In most situations, it ends up being more cost effective to start with a higher quality mount.
Samsung Frame and other art TVs like the LG Gallery Series require a different approach.
These TVs are designed to sit flush against the wall, which leaves very little space for cables or mounting hardware. Because of that, attaching a soundbar directly to the TV isn’t an option and the soundbar will have to be mounted to the wall instead.
These TVs are meant to look like artwork. Adding a soundbar below them can take away from that effect and make the setup feel less intentional.
Wall mounting also brings back the same power and cable challenges, which are harder to solve cleanly in these setups.
If maintaining a clean, minimal look is important, there are better alternatives. We cover those in our guide on soundbars vs center channel speakers.
Mounting a soundbar can be straightforward depending on the setup, but there are a few details that make a big difference.
The type of mount, cable management, and spacing all affect the final result. Small issues with alignment, clearance, or wiring are easy to notice once everything is installed.
DIY installation can work well for simpler setups with compatible mounts.
Hiring a professional makes more sense when:
Both TV mounted and wall mounted soundbars can work well when installed correctly. The best choice depends on your setup, your preferences, and how clean you want the final result to look.
We’re happy to help you choose the right setup and answer any questions, whether you’re planning to do it yourself or just want a second opinion. If you’d rather keep it simple, we can provide the equipment and handle the installation to make the process easy and convenient.
For soundbar sales and mounting in Austin, just call, text, or fill out the request form on our website, and we’ll take care of the rest.
It mostly comes down to preference, but mounting a soundbar to the TV is usually the cleaner option for cable management. Wall mounting can make sense with fixed or low profile TV mounts when there is not enough clearance behind the TV for the soundbar’s power and HDMI cables.
No. A full motion mount can make access easier, but it is not the only option. Some tilt mounts are designed to extend slightly from the wall, which can give you enough space to manage soundbar connections without removing the TV.
No. Power cords are not rated to be run inside the wall. Running them through the wall is a code violation and a fire risk, even though it is something people still do.
Model specific mounts are designed to match one soundbar and usually provide a cleaner and more stable result. Universal mounts fit multiple soundbars, but they are often more complicated to install and can be harder to line up properly.
Art TVs are designed to sit flush against the wall, which leaves very little room for cables or mounting hardware. In most cases, the soundbar has to be mounted to the wall instead, which brings back the same power and cable management challenges and can take away from the clean art-like look.
Yes. We can help you choose the right setup, answer questions if you are doing it yourself, or provide the equipment and handle the installation to make the process easy and convenient.
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