Best for On-device controls
Sonos Beam (Gen 1)
5.0 feature score
Highest scored product for this feature based on supporting review evidence.
Best Soundbars for On-device controls
On-device controls Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Creative Sound Blaster GS5
4.7 feature score
Balances feature score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
LG Sound Suite H7
4 supporting reviews
Has the broadest review evidence for this feature.
Best overall product
Samsung HW-Q990F Soundbar
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this feature.
Narrow by product type
Showing Soundbars only. Switch back to all Speakers anytime.
On-device controls received limited but strong praise, with one review calling the top touch controls a joy to use.
Pros: Dynamic headroom, On-device controls
Cons: Video passthrough support, Bluetooth connectivity
The side volume knob and buttons are convenient, responsive, and cover the essentials. Their labels can be hard to see when the bar sits low beneath a screen.
Pros: Bluetooth range, optical
Cons: Home theater integration, Headphone output quality
On-device controls cover the essentials and add convenience alongside the remote, app, and voice options. The only real concern is the feel of touch-sensitive buttons.
Pros: On-device controls, Dynamic headroom
Cons: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Inter-speaker connectivity
On-device controls received positive but limited evidence as useful when the remote is unavailable.
Pros: Soundstage height, Surround sound simulation
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google
On-device controls were praised in one review for working well directly on the unit.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Voice recognition accuracy
Cons: Bluetooth connectivity, Video passthrough support
Physical controls are straightforward and convenient for volume, input, playback, and switching speaker modes. They reduce dependence on the app for basic operation.
Pros: Chromecast compatibility, Spotify Connect reliability
Cons: Rear speaker cable length, Gaming HDMI passthrough
On-device and overall control options are considered clear and convenient where reviewers judged them.
Pros: Inter-speaker connectivity, Stereo imaging accuracy
Cons: Status indicators, Distortion at high volume
On-device controls were considered basic but useful and cleanly implemented.
Pros: Bluetooth connection stability, Value for money
Cons: Smart assistant integration (Alexa, Video passthrough support
On-device controls are useful as backup basics, with reviewers appreciating physical buttons, though fuller control still depends on the remote.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Weight convenience
Cons: Smart features, Rear speaker cable length
On-device controls are useful and accessible, though the strongest control praise tends to shift toward the app.
Pros: Multi-speaker pairing reliability, Gaming HDMI passthrough
Cons: Google, Cabinet construction / bracing
On-device controls are minimal but functional. Reviewers note the clean touch layout, while most deeper control still happens in the BluOS app.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Loudness / maximum volume
Cons: Chromecast compatibility, Google
On-device controls received limited but positive evidence, with one reviewer calling the touch controls nice.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Voice clarity
Cons: Spotify Connect reliability, Chromecast compatibility
On-device controls were described positively as discreetly placed on the side of the soundbar.
Pros: Setup simplicity, Value for money
Cons: Design and build quality, Low-volume performance
On-device controls were split: basic buttons were liked in one review, while another criticized missing direct controls for key modes.
Pros: Inter-speaker connectivity, Audio format support
Cons: optical, Gaming HDMI passthrough
The controls are easy to learn through the remote, but there are no physical controls on the soundbar itself.
Pros: Stereo imaging accuracy, Subwoofer
Cons: Wi-Fi streaming reliability, Dolby Atmos height effects
On-device controls drew a usability complaint from one reviewer who disliked that any button could turn the unit on.
Pros: Spotify Connect reliability, Setup simplicity
Cons: On-device controls, HDMI 2.1 gaming
On-device controls are consistently limited, with reviewers noting few controls and missing playback buttons.
Pros: Chromecast compatibility, Spotify Connect reliability
Cons: Google, Privacy and data
One reviewer disliked relying on on-bar buttons for Bluetooth pairing.
Pros: Distortion at high volume, Setup simplicity
Cons: Dolby Atmos height effects, On-device controls