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The Vizio Elevate is the soundbar that made rotating speakers famous, and at today’s refurbished and clearance prices it remains a strong home theater value. When it detects Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content, motorized drivers at each end of the 48-inch bar swivel upward to bounce sound off your ceiling, then turn forward again for stereo music and TV. Vizio paired that bar with a wireless subwoofer and two rear satellite speakers for a full 5.1.4 surround system. This Vizio Elevate review covers how the original model performs according to major reviewers, what Vizio’s newer Elevate soundbars change, and which Dolby Atmos soundbars on Amazon deserve a look in 2026.
Quick verdict: The original Vizio Elevate delivers big, enveloping Dolby Atmos sound and powerful bass for movies, and its rotating height speakers really work. Reviewers found it bass-heavy and less refined for music, and its rear speakers need wires to the subwoofer. Vizio has since replaced it with newer Elevate models, so you’ll mostly find it refurbished, used, or on clearance, and at those prices it’s a strong home theater value. Check the Vizio Elevate price on Amazon.
Key takeaways
- What it is: A 2020 5.1.4 Dolby Atmos system with a 48-inch soundbar, a wireless 8-inch subwoofer, two rear satellites wired to the subwoofer, and motorized height speakers that rotate up for Atmos and DTS:X.
- Who it’s for: Movie fans who want real surround sound with height effects and don’t mind running cables to the rear speakers.
- Price: It launched at $999.99 in 2020, and in fall 2026 you’ll mostly find it refurbished, used, or on clearance. Prices change often.
- Main weaknesses: Bass-heavy tuning out of the box, rear satellites that need cables to the subwoofer, and no AirPlay, room calibration, or built-in voice assistant.
- Successor: Vizio’s newer 36-inch Elevate 5.1.4 Pro uses wireless surrounds, and Sam’s Club listed it at $399, but it offers only one High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) input.
Vizio Elevate at a glance
| Spec | Vizio Elevate (P514a-H6) |
|---|---|
| Configuration | 5.1.4 channels with 18 drivers |
| Components | 48-inch soundbar, wireless 8-inch subwoofer, and two rear satellite speakers (wired to the subwoofer) |
| Soundbar size | 48 x 2.64 x 6.5 inches (width x height x depth) |
| Height channels | Two motorized adaptive height speakers that rotate up for Atmos and DTS:X, plus up-firing drivers in the rear satellites |
| Audio formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital, and DTS |
| Inputs | Two High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) inputs, one HDMI enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) output, optical, and a 3.5-millimeter (mm) analog input |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Chromecast built-in (no Apple AirPlay) |
| Voice | Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa devices; no built-in microphone |
| Maximum output | 107 decibels (dB), according to Vizio |
| Launch price | $999.99 (released in 2020) |
Specs come from TechRadar, T3, Digital Trends, and Vizio’s 2021 lineup announcement.
Design: a soundbar that moves
The Elevate looks premium. Vizio built the bar from anodized aluminum, and at 2.64 inches tall, it sits low enough that it won’t block most TV screens. The magic happens at the ends of the bar. When the Elevate detects an Atmos or DTS:X signal, the end speakers rotate upward and reveal a Dolby Atmos logo. When you switch to regular stereo or 5.1 content, they rotate back to face you.
The rotation isn’t a gimmick. Pointing the drivers up lets them act as dedicated height channels for Atmos, while pointing them forward widens the front soundstage for music and dialogue. Most soundbars have to compromise with fixed drivers, so this design gives the Elevate the best of both modes.
The 48-inch width is the catch. It suits TVs 55 inches and larger, but T3 warned that it may not fit between the feet of some TVs, so measure the gap between your TV’s legs or plan to wall-mount the bar. The included brackets let you mount both the soundbar and the satellites. The subwoofer is large, at about 11 x 14 x 16 inches, and hard to hide in smaller rooms.
Setup
Setup is straightforward. Connect the soundbar to your TV’s HDMI eARC port with one cable, plug in the subwoofer anywhere near an outlet (it pairs wirelessly with the bar), and run the proprietary cables from the subwoofer to each rear satellite. Because the satellites draw power and signal from the subwoofer, it works best if you place the subwoofer toward the back of the room. If your TV supports eARC, as most recent models do, including budget Roku TVs like the Hisense R7G5, you can pass lossless Dolby Atmos from TV apps.
The two HDMI inputs let you connect a game console, Blu-ray player, or streaming stick directly to the soundbar. Newer Vizio soundbars dropped to one input, so this is one area where the original model still wins. Reviewers did note that getting the best sound takes some tweaking of channel levels, since the Elevate doesn’t offer automatic room calibration.
Sound quality
Dolby Atmos and movies
This is where the Elevate shines. TechRadar found its Atmos playback impressive, with effects that convincingly moved overhead, and T3 said it delivers true Dolby Atmos surround sound. Explosions, helicopter flyovers, and rain scenes fill the room in a way that single-bar systems struggle to match, thanks to the dedicated rear speakers and four height channels.
Bass
The wireless subwoofer hits hard, and Digital Trends’ early demo singled out the bass as a highlight. TechRadar, however, called the overall sound too bass-heavy, and some owners turn the subwoofer level down or use Night mode, which reduces bass for late-night viewing. Fans of action movies and hip-hop will love the punch, while listeners who want a neutral sound should plan to adjust the levels.
Music and dialogue
The reviews split here. T3 praised the Elevate’s musicality when streaming, while TechRadar said stereo and standard 5.1 content sounded flat and lacked fine detail. Dialogue comes through clearly, especially with the dialogue enhancement setting on, and the auto volume feature evens out jumps between quiet scenes and loud commercials.
Features and connectivity
- Chromecast built-in: Cast Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music, and other apps over Wi-Fi, and group the Elevate with other Google Cast speakers.
- Bluetooth: Stream from any phone or tablet.
- Voice control: The bar has no microphone, but you can control it through Google Assistant or Alexa speakers you already own.
- Sound modes: Equalizer (EQ) presets include Movie, Music, Game, and Direct, plus dialogue enhancement, Night mode, and adjustable channel levels.
- Remote: The included remote has a small display that shows settings, so you can adjust levels without guessing.
The Elevate skips a few things that rivals at its launch price included, such as AirPlay, room correction, and a built-in voice assistant. TechRadar listed its limited feature set for the price as a key drawback.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Rotating height speakers deliver convincing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- True 5.1.4 surround with dedicated rear speakers
- Powerful wireless subwoofer
- Two HDMI inputs plus eARC
- Chromecast built-in, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth
- Excellent value at today’s discounted prices
Cons
- Bass-heavy tuning out of the box
- Rear satellites need cables to the subwoofer
- No AirPlay, room calibration, or built-in voice assistant
- 48-inch bar may not fit between some TV feet
- Large subwoofer is hard to hide
The newer Vizio Elevate soundbars
Vizio has refreshed the Elevate name several times since 2020. The cheaper M-Series Elevate and the Elevate SE 5.1.2 came first. After Walmart bought Vizio in late 2024, the company rebuilt its lineup around a smaller 36-inch Elevate bar sold mainly through Walmart and Sam’s Club. According to Vizio’s current home theater soundbar lineup, the current Elevate models are:
- Elevate 5.1.4 (SL514Mw-1006): A 36-inch bar with rotating height speakers, two wireless surround speakers with up-firing drivers, and a 6-inch wireless subwoofer.
- Elevate 5.1.4 Pro (SL514Pw-1006): The same 36-inch bar with 10 speakers in total, two wireless surrounds, and a larger XL wireless subwoofer. Sam’s Club listed it at $399.
- Elevate 7.1.4 Pro (SL714Pw-1006): The flagship adds a second pair of wireless surrounds for 14 speakers in total, with rotating height speakers and the XL subwoofer, according to Vizio’s Elevate 7.1.4 Pro product page.
- Elevate SE 5.1.2 (SL512X-0806): A lower-cost 36-inch Atmos bar with a wireless subwoofer.
The new models fix one of the original’s biggest annoyances: the rear speakers are now wireless. They also share Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI eARC, QuickFit mounting for select Vizio TVs (such as the Vizio V4K65X-08), and control through the Vizio mobile app. However, Vizio’s Elevate 5.1.4 Pro product page lists only one HDMI input, no optical input, and no included remote, and Vizio’s spec pages don’t list Wi-Fi or Chromecast. If you stream music over Wi-Fi or want to connect several devices directly, the original Elevate still offers more connectivity. If you want a cleaner wireless setup and a lower price, the newer Elevate 5.1.4 Pro is the better buy.
Vizio Elevate vs. other Dolby Atmos soundbars
Amazon is our main affiliate partner, and it carries the Elevate along with the strongest Dolby Atmos soundbars from Sonos, Samsung, Bose, Polk, and Klipsch. Prices change often, so check the current listing.
Compare similar Dolby Atmos soundbars on Amazon
| Soundbar | Channels | What’s included | Best for | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vizio Elevate (original) | 5.1.4 | Soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and wired rear satellites | Full surround at a discount | Check price |
| Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Pro | 5.1.4 | Soundbar, wireless XL subwoofer, and wireless surrounds | The cheapest rotating-speaker system | Check price |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | 9.1.4 | Soundbar only (add a Sub and rears later) | Music lovers and Sonos homes | Check price |
| Samsung HW-Q990F | 11.1.4 | Soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers | The most complete surround system in one box | Check price |
| Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar | 5.1.2 (per reviewers) | Soundbar only | Clear dialogue and smart features | Check price |
| Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar | 5.0.2 | Soundbar only | Bose’s newest flagship and best upmixing | Check price |
| Polk MagniFi Max AX SR | Up to 7.1.4 | Soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers | A full Atmos system for less than Samsung | Check price |
| Klipsch Flexus Core 200 | 3.1.2 | Soundbar only (expandable) | Rich, room-filling sound from one bar | Check price |
- Sonos Arc Ultra: Reviewers rate it among the best single soundbars for bass and music, with app-based Trueplay tuning, but adding the Sonos Sub and rear speakers costs far more than an Elevate system. See the Sonos Arc Ultra on Amazon.
- Samsung HW-Q990F: Samsung’s 11.1.4 system includes wireless rears and a subwoofer, and it adds room calibration and wireless Dolby Atmos with Samsung TVs. See the Samsung HW-Q990F on Amazon.
- Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar: It’s a single bar with excellent dialogue clarity and Alexa built in. Read our Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar review for details. See the Bose Smart Ultra on Amazon.
- Polk MagniFi Max AX SR: Polk bundles a wireless subwoofer and rears with Atmos support, making it a close rival to the Elevate for buyers who want everything in one box. See the Polk MagniFi Max AX SR on Amazon.
If you don’t need Atmos and just want clearer TV sound on a budget, our Samsung C400 soundbar review covers a compact, affordable option.
Who should buy the Vizio Elevate?
Buy the original Elevate if you find it discounted, want real surround sound with height effects for movies and games, and don’t mind running cables to the rear speakers. It’s also a good pick if you need two HDMI inputs or Chromecast streaming. Choose the newer Elevate 5.1.4 Pro if you want wireless rears and a smaller bar for less money. If music matters as much as movies, look at the Sonos Arc Ultra or Klipsch Flexus instead. To keep cables tidy, a soundbar wall mount bracket and a certified high-speed HDMI cable are worth adding.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Vizio Elevate rear speakers wireless?
No, the original Vizio Elevate’s rear speakers aren’t wireless. The rear satellites connect to the subwoofer with cables, although the subwoofer itself connects wirelessly to the soundbar. Vizio’s newer Elevate 5.1.4, 5.1.4 Pro, and 7.1.4 Pro models use wireless surround speakers.
How big is the Vizio Elevate soundbar?
The original Vizio Elevate soundbar measures 48 inches wide, 2.64 inches tall, and 6.5 inches deep. It pairs best with 55-inch and larger TVs, but measure the space between your TV’s feet before you buy. Newer Elevate models use a shorter 36-inch bar.
Can I wall-mount the Vizio Elevate?
Yes, you can wall-mount the Vizio Elevate. The box includes wall-mount brackets for the soundbar and both satellite speakers, plus screws and a mounting template.
Does the Vizio Elevate support AirPlay?
No, the Vizio Elevate doesn’t support AirPlay. The original Elevate supports Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth, but not Apple AirPlay. iPhone users can still stream over Bluetooth or cast from apps that support Google Cast.
Final verdict
The Vizio Elevate proved that rotating speakers can deliver convincing Dolby Atmos height effects without ceiling speakers. Its full 5.1.4 layout, powerful subwoofer, and generous inputs make it a thrilling movie system, although its bass-heavy tuning, wired rears, and thin feature list held it back at $999.99. If you find it refurbished or on clearance, it’s a strong value, and Vizio’s newer Elevate 5.1.4 Pro brings the same rotating trick with wireless rears for even less. Check the current Vizio Elevate price on Amazon.