Best for Backwards compatibility
Klipsch Flexus Core 100
5.0 attribute score
Highest scored product for this attribute based on supporting review evidence.
Best Soundbars for Backwards compatibility
Backwards compatibility Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
JBL Bar 1300MK2
5.0 attribute score
Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Bose Lifestyle Ultra Soundbar
4 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this attribute.
Best overall product
KEF XIO
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this attribute.
Older wired subwoofers can integrate successfully, including models that are many years old, giving the Core 100 useful backwards compatibility for existing audio gear.
Pros: Overall sound quality, Value for money
Cons: Remote control usability, Detail retrieval
The Mk2 is viewed as a meaningful improvement over the original Bar 1300, with stronger sound, updated features and more polished modular behavior.
Pros: Rear speaker versatility, Overall product quality
Cons: Size and TV fit, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Backward compatibility was supported by praise for legacy optical and RCA input support alongside modern HDMI eARC.
Pros: Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use), Subwoofer
Cons: EQ customization, AI Room Calibration
Compatibility beyond Samsung is positive in limited evidence, with one reviewer saying it works fine with non-Samsung TV products.
Pros: Value for money, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Status indicators, Wi-Fi streaming reliability
Support for older DTS and lossless disc formats keeps legacy movie collections usable.
Pros: Home theater integration, Bass performance
Cons: Value for money, Design and aesthetics
One reviewer says its connection options make it useful with older and newer TVs.
Pros: Value for money, Dialogue clarity (for TV/soundbar use)
Cons: Frequency response balance, Home theater integration
Older TVs remain usable through the optical input, although HDMI eARC is preferred when available for the best performance.
Pros: Overall product quality, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, Video passthrough support
Backwards compatibility was a drawback because some older Sonos devices are not compatible with the S2-based Arc setup.
Pros: Value for money, Dolby Atmos height effects
Cons: Audio format support, Video passthrough support
Backward compatibility is poor: older Bose wireless surrounds and subwoofers generally cannot join the new Lifestyle system, with only limited wired exceptions.
Pros: Design and aesthetics, Overall sound quality
Cons: Value for money, App reliability