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The Onn 5.1 soundbar system is Walmart’s budget surround package (a 36-inch soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two satellite speakers), and it delivers real rear-channel sound for about $160 to $170, though owners say its surround effects can sound thin. Walmart sells it as the Onn 5.1 Channel Ultra-Slim Surround Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos (model 100135498), and it decodes Dolby Atmos and Digital Theater Systems:X (DTS:X) and connects to your television (TV) over High-Definition Multimedia Interface enhanced Audio Return Channel (HDMI eARC). This Onn 5.1 soundbar review covers its specs, what owners report, how it compares with Onn’s 5.1.2 model, and which 5.1 systems on Amazon offer more for similar money.
Quick verdict: The Onn 5.1 gives you a complete surround setup, HDMI eARC, and Atmos decoding for less than many 2.1 bars from big brands. Owners like its value but report quiet rear speakers, uneven volume, and short cables, and almost no professional reviewers have measured it. Buy it if you want surround sound on a tight budget and shop at Walmart; otherwise, compare the 5.1 systems below. Check the Onn 5.1 system price at Walmart, or check similar 5.1 soundbar prices on Amazon.
Key takeaways
- What it is: A 5.1-channel Walmart Onn system with a 36-inch bar (six internal speakers), a wireless subwoofer, and two satellite speakers.
- Price: Walmart listed it at $169 in November 2026, and Slickdeals spotted it at $162 in August 2025. Prices change often.
- Main strength: HDMI eARC, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, and real rear speakers at a very low price.
- Main weaknesses: Owners report quiet rear channels, fluctuating volume, and short or missing cables.
- Step up: Onn’s 42-inch 5.1.2 system adds two height channels for about $200 to $220 on sale.
Onn 5.1 soundbar system at a glance
| Spec | Onn 5.1 Ultra-Slim Soundbar System |
|---|---|
| Channels | 5.1 (soundbar, two satellite speakers, and a wireless subwoofer) |
| Soundbar drivers | Six internal speakers |
| Rated power | 175 watts (W) root mean square (RMS); 700W peak |
| Audio formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS Virtual:X |
| Inputs | One HDMI eARC/ARC, optical, auxiliary, Universal Serial Bus (USB), and Bluetooth |
| Wireless | Wireless subwoofer and satellites (2.4 and 5.8 gigahertz bands, per Walmart) |
| Soundbar size | 36 inches wide and about 1.4 inches tall |
| Smart features | Roku TV Ready, per Walmart; no Wi-Fi or voice assistant listed |
| Model number | 100135498 |
| Where to buy | Walmart only (Onn is Walmart’s house brand) |
Specs come from Walmart’s product listing and a second Walmart listing. Walmart doesn’t publish full dimensions or weights, and we found no lab measurements of this model, so sound impressions below come from owner reviews.
What Onn means in 2026
Onn is Walmart’s in-house electronics brand, and Walmart now owns Vizio, too. Onn TVs run either Vizio OS or Google TV, and Walmart sells Onn soundbars as low-cost add-ons for them. Our reviews of the Onn 50-inch TV and Onn 40-inch TV show how Walmart prices its house brand aggressively, and the 5.1 system follows the same plan. Onn has sold several surround bars over the years, so check the model number (100135498) and the 36-inch, 5.1-channel description before you buy.
Design and setup
The bar measures 36 inches wide and roughly 1.4 inches tall, so it fits in front of most 43- to 65-inch TVs without blocking the screen or the remote sensor. Walmart lists the subwoofer and both satellites as wireless, which means you don’t run speaker wire across the room, though each piece still needs power. Connect the bar to your TV’s HDMI eARC or ARC port for one-remote control through HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), or use optical for older TVs.
Several owners in Walmart’s reviews say the included cables run short or don’t arrive in the box, so order a high-speed HDMI cable along with the system if your TV’s ports sit far from the stand. If you wall-mount your TV, a soundbar mounting bracket keeps the bar centered below it.
Features and connectivity
For a budget system, the feature list looks strong. HDMI eARC lets compatible TVs pass Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks to the bar, and the system decodes both formats. DTS Virtual:X processing widens stereo and 5.1 content. Optical, a 3.5-millimeter (mm) auxiliary jack, a USB port, and Bluetooth cover older TVs, phones, and music files.
Keep expectations realistic about Atmos. Because this is a 5.1 system with no up-firing drivers or dedicated height channels, it can’t bounce sound off your ceiling, and it relies on processing for any sense of height. Owners of Onn’s larger 5.1.2 bar also report that its virtual surround mode can turn itself on and make music sound worse, so check the sound mode when something sounds off.
Sound quality: what owners report
We couldn’t find a professional lab review of the 36-inch 5.1 system, so owner reports are the best guide. On Walmart’s product listing, it holds a 4.0 out of 5 average from more than 560 ratings, with 69% five-star scores and 13% one-star scores, a split that suggests most buyers are happy but a meaningful minority hit problems. The most common complaints describe rear channels that sound barely audible and volume levels that fluctuate.
Owners of the related 42-inch Onn 5.1.2 system describe similar traits in a Slickdeals thread: a loud, bass-forward sound for the money, a subwoofer that isn’t very hard-hitting, surround speakers that sound quiet next to the front channels, and no dedicated dialogue setting. One buyer said Dolby Atmos made little difference. Expect the 5.1 system to beat your TV speakers easily and add some rear ambience, but don’t expect the precise surround effects of a Sony or Samsung system.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full 5.1 setup with a wireless subwoofer and two satellite speakers
- Decodes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- HDMI eARC plus optical, auxiliary, USB, and Bluetooth
- Slim 36-inch bar fits under 43- to 65-inch TVs
- Low price for a surround system
Cons
- No dedicated height channels, so Atmos is virtual
- Owners report quiet rear speakers and uneven volume
- Some buyers report short or missing cables
- Few professional reviews or measurements
- Sold only at Walmart
Onn 5.1 vs. Onn 5.1.2
Walmart also sells a 42-inch Onn 5.1.2 Surround Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos, six internal speakers, two wireless satellites, and a wireless subwoofer. Slickdeals posters found it at $199.99 to $218 in mid-2025, against a $300 regular price, and the original poster cited a 250W RMS rating. Its two extra height channels make it the better choice for Atmos movies, while the 36-inch 5.1 fits smaller stands for less money. For context, RTINGS tested an earlier Onn 42-inch 5.1.2 bar and rated Vizio’s M51ax-J6 better for Atmos, satellite speakers, and DTS support, which shows that Onn trades refinement for price.
Onn 5.1 vs. other budget surround systems
Amazon is our main affiliate partner. It doesn’t sell Walmart’s Onn brand, but it carries several budget 5.1 systems and Atmos bars worth comparing:
Compare similar 5.1 soundbar systems on Amazon
| System | Channels | Rear speakers | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vizio V-Series 5.1 | 5.1 | Yes | A familiar brand at a similar price | Check price |
| Hisense AX5100G | 5.1 | Yes | A deal-friendly 5.1 alternative | Check price |
| Sony HT-S40R | 5.1 | Yes (wireless amplifier) | Brand-name surround with a wireless rear amplifier | Check price |
| Ultimea Poseidon M4T | 5.1 | Yes | A compact Dolby Atmos system | Check price |
| TCL S55H | 2.1 | No | Atmos and room calibration without rear speakers | Check price |
- Vizio V-Series 5.1: A budget surround system from the brand Walmart now owns. Our Vizio V-Series 5.1 soundbar review covers it in depth.
- Hisense AX5100G: A 5.1 package that often drops to around $129 on sale, according to Slickdeals posts.
- Sony HT-S40R: Sony’s rear speakers plug into a wireless amplifier, which keeps cables away from the TV.
- Ultimea Poseidon M4T: The Gadgeteer praised its sound and simple setup at $135.99 in December 2025.
- TCL S55H: A 2.1 bar with Atmos and auto room calibration for people who’d rather skip rear speakers. See our TCL TS6 soundbar review for more on TCL’s budget bars.
Who should buy the Onn 5.1 soundbar system?
The Onn 5.1 suits renters, gamers, and families who want rear-channel sound for the price of a basic 2.1 bar, especially if they already shop at Walmart or own an Onn TV. It’s a natural match for budget sets like the Onn 50-inch TV. Skip it if you care most about crisp dialogue or real overhead Atmos effects; a Vizio, Sony, or Onn 5.1.2 system will serve you better.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Onn 5.1 soundbar have Dolby Atmos?
Yes, the Onn 5.1 Ultra-Slim system decodes Dolby Atmos, along with DTS:X and DTS Virtual:X. It has no up-firing drivers or dedicated height channels, so it creates Atmos height effects virtually rather than bouncing sound off your ceiling.
Are the Onn 5.1 satellite speakers wireless?
Yes, Walmart lists the Onn 5.1 system’s satellite speakers and subwoofer as wireless. Owner reviews say the rear speakers can sound quiet, so plan to raise their level in the settings and place them close to your seat.
Does the Onn 5.1 soundbar work with a Roku TV?
Yes, Walmart describes the Onn 5.1 Ultra-Slim system as Roku TV Ready. It also connects to any TV with HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC, or an optical output, so it works with Onn TVs that run Vizio OS or Google TV, too.
Is the Onn 5.1 or the Onn 5.1.2 better?
The Onn 5.1.2 is the better pick for Dolby Atmos fans, because it adds two height channels and a wider 42-inch bar. The 36-inch 5.1 system costs less and fits smaller TV stands, which makes it the better value for a bedroom or apartment.
Final verdict
The Onn 5.1 Ultra-Slim system packs HDMI eARC, Atmos decoding, a wireless subwoofer, and two satellites into a very low price, and most Walmart buyers seem happy with it. Quiet rear speakers, uneven volume, short cables, and a lack of professional testing keep it from being an easy recommendation. Buy it on sale if surround sound matters more than polish. See the current Onn 5.1 price at Walmart, or compare 5.1 soundbar systems on Amazon.