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The Vizio V-Series 5.1 soundbar is a budget home theater system that pairs a 36-inch soundbar with a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers, and in 2026 it’s still a good value for true surround sound on a tight budget if you can find one. Vizio sold it as the V51-H6 in 2020 and the nearly identical V51x-J6 in 2021, typically for about $200 to $250. This Vizio V-Series 5.1 soundbar review covers what’s in the box, its features, what reviewers found about its sound, its successor, and the best alternatives on Amazon.
Quick verdict: Reviewers called the V-Series 5.1 a full surround system for very little money, with clear dialogue and satisfying movie effects. Its rear speakers are quiet, it lacks Dolby Atmos, and its soundstage sounds flat next to pricier systems. Buy it at a clearance or refurbished price, or step up to the newer Vizio 5.1 SE for Atmos decoding. Check the Vizio V-Series 5.1 price on Amazon.
Key takeaways
- What it is: A budget 5.1 soundbar system with a 36-inch bar, a wireless subwoofer, and two rear speakers, sold as the V51-H6 (2020) and V51x-J6 (2021).
- Price: The V51-H6 listed at $249.99, and TechRadar found the V51x-J6 for about $198 in 2021. Today it sells mainly refurbished or as leftover stock, and prices change often.
- Main strength: True rear surround channels and clear dialogue for far less than most 5.1 systems.
- Main weaknesses: No Dolby Atmos, weak rear speakers, and rear speakers that must be wired to the subwoofer.
- Successor: The Vizio 5.1 SE (SV510X-0806) adds Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding and has sold for $149 to $198 in Walmart deals.
Vizio V-Series 5.1 at a glance
| Spec | Vizio V-Series 5.1 (V51-H6 / V51x-J6) |
|---|---|
| Release and price | V51-H6: 2020, $249.99 list; V51x-J6: 2021, about $198 to $199 |
| Configuration | 5.1: a three-channel soundbar, two rear satellite speakers, and a wireless subwoofer |
| Audio formats | Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround from Digital Theater Systems (DTS), with DTS Virtual:X processing; no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X |
| Connections | High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) with Audio Return Channel (ARC), digital optical, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary, and Universal Serial Bus (USB) on the V51-H6 |
| Wireless | Bluetooth |
| Maximum output | 96 decibels (dB) sound pressure level |
| Frequency response | 50 hertz (Hz) to 20 kilohertz (kHz) |
| Soundbar size and weight | 36 x 2.24 x 3.18 inches; about 5 pounds |
| Rear speakers | Wired to the subwoofer; wall-mount brackets included |
Specs come from Reviewed, TechRadar, GamesRadar+, and Newegg’s listing.
Which model is it? V51-H6 vs. V51x-J6
Vizio sold two versions of the V-Series 5.1 Home Theater Sound Bar. The V51-H6 arrived in 2020 with a $249.99 list price, according to Reviewed. The V51x-J6 followed in 2021 for about $198, according to TechRadar, and GamesRadar+ described it as the 2021 version of the H6, saying that as far as its reviewer knew, they’re identical. Both use the same 36-inch bar, wireless subwoofer, and wired rear satellites, so the advice in this review applies to either one.
Design and setup
The soundbar measures 36 inches wide and just over 2 inches tall, so it fits neatly under 40- to 65-inch televisions (TVs) without blocking the screen. Reviewed called the design boring but practical. The bar holds three channels (left, center, and right), and the compact subwoofer handles bass.
Setup is simple. You connect the bar to your TV’s HDMI ARC port (or the optical port on older sets), and the subwoofer pairs with the bar wirelessly. The rear satellites then plug into the subwoofer with included cables, so the subwoofer works best near the back of the room, between the two rear speakers. GamesRadar+ praised the easy installation, the free wall-mount brackets for the satellites, and the long cables, but noted that the wireless subwoofer can lose its connection if you place it too far from the bar. If your TV sits on a stand, our guide to the best TV stands for 65-inch TVs lists options with room for a soundbar, and adhesive cable clips help hide the rear speaker wires.
Features
The V-Series 5.1 keeps things basic. It decodes Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround and adds DTS Virtual:X, which processes sound to simulate height and width without up-firing speakers. TechRadar noted that you can switch Virtual:X off. Bluetooth lets you stream music from your phone, and a second 3.5-millimeter jack can connect a smart speaker for voice control, according to TechRadar. The included remote is plastic and basic but lets you adjust the bar’s equalizer.
There’s no Wi-Fi streaming, no room calibration, and no HDMI input, so connect your streaming devices and game consoles to your TV. Our best gaming TVs for PlayStation 5 and Xbox guide covers TVs that handle that job well.
Sound quality: what reviewers found
Reviewed wrote that “the V-Series 5.1 sounds way too good for what Vizio is asking” and found the immersion impressive for the price, especially in battle scenes. Its reviewer added that the system “won’t replace movie theater audio, but it does an awful good job for what you’re paying,” while noting that the rear speakers added only modestly over Vizio’s cheaper 2.1 model.
TechRadar called it “a full 5.1 system for a pittance” and said it “amps up the mid-range to make dialogue very easy to hear.” The site’s main complaints were that the surround units “typically only put out a fraction of the sound” of the main bar and that, next to high-end systems, it “is going to sound a bit flat.” GamesRadar+ praised its “floor-thumping surround sound” but had to adjust settings because quieter dialogue sometimes got lost under louder effects and music. RTINGS found that Vizio’s pricier M-Series M51ax-J6 delivers deeper bass, stronger surround performance, and Dolby Atmos.
Successor: the Vizio 5.1 SE
Vizio’s old V51x-J6 product page now shows the Vizio 5.1 SE (SV510X-0806), according to Vizio’s product page. The 5.1 SE keeps the budget 5.1 formula but adds Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, an HDMI port with enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC), and Bluetooth 5.2 in a shorter 33-inch bar. It has no up-firing drivers and drops the optical input, so check your TV’s ports before you buy. Slickdeals has tracked deals on it at Walmart from $149 to $198. Walmart now owns Vizio, so you’ll find the widest Vizio selection there.
Pros and cons
Pros
- True 5.1 surround with rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer in the box
- Very low price for a full surround package
- Clear, easy-to-hear dialogue
- Simple setup with HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth
- Slim 36-inch bar fits under most TVs
Cons
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X decoding
- Rear speakers sound weak next to the main bar
- Rear speakers need wires to the subwoofer
- Modest bass and a flat soundstage compared with pricier systems
- Replaced by the Vizio 5.1 SE
Vizio V-Series 5.1 vs. other budget surround soundbars
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries budget 5.1 systems and step-up Dolby Atmos models from Vizio and its rivals. Here’s how they compare:
Compare similar budget soundbars on Amazon
| Soundbar | Configuration | Dolby Atmos | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vizio V-Series 5.1 (V51x-J6) | 5.1 with rears and subwoofer | No | Cheapest true surround | Check price |
| Vizio 5.1 SE (SV510X-0806) | 5.1 with rears and subwoofer | Yes (decoding) | Budget surround with Atmos support | Check price |
| Vizio M-Series M51ax-J6 | 5.1.2 with rears and subwoofer | Yes | Deeper bass and real height channels | Check price |
| Hisense AX5125H | 5.1.2 with rears and subwoofer | Yes | Affordable Atmos surround | Check price |
| Samsung HW-A650 | 3.1 with subwoofer | No | Clear dialogue for Samsung TV owners | Check price |
- Vizio 5.1 SE: The direct replacement, with Atmos and DTS:X decoding and eARC. See the Vizio 5.1 SE on Amazon.
- Samsung HW-A650: It skips rear speakers but focuses on clear dialogue. Read our Samsung A650 soundbar review.
- Vizio Elevate: If you can stretch your budget, Vizio’s premium 5.1.4 system adds rotating Atmos speakers. See our Vizio Elevate review.
Who should buy the Vizio V-Series 5.1?
The V-Series 5.1 suits renters, dorm rooms, bedrooms, and first apartments where you want real rear surround sound for about the price of a basic 2.1 bar. It’s also a big upgrade over built-in TV speakers for dialogue. Skip it if you want Dolby Atmos, strong rear effects, or a system without speaker wires running to the back of the room.
Frequently asked questions
Which model is the Vizio V-Series 5.1 soundbar?
The Vizio V-Series 5.1 soundbar is the V51-H6 (2020) or the V51x-J6 (2021), which share the same 36-inch design and 5.1 layout. GamesRadar+ described the V51x-J6 as the 2021 version of the V51-H6, and as far as its reviewer knew, the two are identical.
Does the Vizio V-Series 5.1 support Dolby Atmos?
No, the Vizio V-Series 5.1 doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. It decodes Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround and uses DTS Virtual:X processing to simulate height and width.
Are the Vizio V-Series 5.1 rear speakers wireless?
No, the Vizio V-Series 5.1 rear speakers aren’t fully wireless. The subwoofer connects to the bar wirelessly, but the rear speakers plug into the subwoofer with included cables, so place the subwoofer near the back of the room.
What replaced the Vizio V-Series 5.1?
The Vizio 5.1 SE (SV510X-0806) replaced the V-Series 5.1, and Vizio’s old V51x-J6 product page now shows it. The 5.1 SE adds Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding and an HDMI eARC port in a 33-inch bar.
Final verdict
The Vizio V-Series 5.1 delivered true surround sound and clear dialogue for around $200, and reviewers agreed it punched above its price. Its weak rear speakers, flat soundstage, and lack of Atmos show its budget roots, and the Vizio 5.1 SE has replaced it. Buy it only at a clear discount; otherwise, choose the 5.1 SE. Check the current Vizio V-Series 5.1 price on Amazon.