Choose a soundbar for a simple, space-saving upgrade; choose separate surround speakers for a bigger room and sound that comes from distinct directions. A soundbar needs one HDMI cable and a power cord. Surround needs a receiver, speaker placement and wiring. Pixl installs a soundbar for $50 and a 5-speaker setup for $150, before tax.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . Prices in Canadian dollars, before tax.
- Soundbar install $50, soundbar bracket $50
- Speaker installs from $90 for 3 speakers
- Same-day service available when we have an opening
- Pay after the job
- A soundbar suits smaller rooms, a quick setup and a single device. It needs one HDMI cable and a power cord.
- Separate speakers suit larger rooms and give sound from real positions around you, but need a receiver, placement and wiring.
- You can start with a soundbar and add a subwoofer or rear speakers later if the brand supports it.
- Plan the TV height, the soundbar gap and the wiring together, ideally before you drill.
What is the difference between a soundbar and a surround sound system?
A soundbar is one speaker bar that sits under the TV. A surround system uses separate speakers placed around the room, usually through a receiver. The soundbar is simpler and smaller, while surround gives sound from distinct directions.
| Factor | Soundbar | Surround sound system |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Simulates surround effects from one bar, using angled drivers that bounce sound off the walls and ceiling. | Sound comes from separate speakers, so effects really come from specific directions. |
| Setup | Quick: one HDMI cable to the TV and a power cord. | A receiver, careful speaker placement, speaker wire and a calibration step. |
| Wiring | Minimal. Cables stay behind the TV and the bar. | Speaker wire runs around the room, often hidden in walls or along the floor. |
| Room size | Suits smaller rooms and condos. | Suits larger rooms, where the separation is easier to hear. |
| Upgrades | Limited, usually a subwoofer or rear speakers from the same brand. | Component based: you can swap the receiver, speakers or subwoofer one at a time. |
Summary of manufacturer and retailer guides from Sonos and Mount-It, read 24 October 2026. Exact features differ by model.
Who should choose a soundbar, and who should choose surround?
Choose a soundbar if you mainly watch TV, want a simple upgrade and have limited space or budget. Choose a surround system if you have a larger room, want sound from specific directions and are happy with a longer setup.
| Your situation | What fits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Condo, bedroom or small living room | Soundbar | Fits under the TV with no speaker wire through the room. |
| Mostly TV and streaming | Soundbar | A single device that is quick to set up. |
| Basement or large living room | Surround speakers | More room for speakers around the seating, and the separation is easier to hear. |
| Movies and sound from specific directions | Surround, or a soundbar with rear speakers | Separate rear speakers give effects real positions. |
| You want to grow the system later | Component surround, or a soundbar from a brand with add-ons | Upgrade the receiver, speakers or subwoofer over time. |
How do you choose a soundbar?
Match the soundbar to your TV’s ports, your room and your budget. Check that the TV has an HDMI ARC or eARC port, decide whether you want a separate subwoofer, and confirm the bar fits under the TV or on the wall.
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| HDMI ARC or eARC on the TV | One cable carries sound from the TV and lets the TV remote control the volume. See how to connect a soundbar to a TV. |
| Subwoofer | A separate subwoofer adds bass but needs a power point and a spot in the room. |
| Width and height | The bar should sit centred under the TV with the front clear. Measure the gap between the TV and the stand or console. |
| Add-ons | If you may add rear speakers later, check that the brand supports them. |
| Wall mounting | A wall-mounted bar needs its own bracket and a screw into studs. A bracket is $50 to install with Pixl. |
Where should a soundbar go under a wall-mounted TV?
Centre it under the TV with a small gap, usually a few inches, and keep the front clear. Mount the TV first, then the soundbar. Make sure the bar does not cover the TV’s remote sensor, which is often along the bottom edge.
Plan the TV height and the soundbar together, because a wall-mounted bar needs space below the screen and may push the TV up slightly. Our guide on how high to mount a TV has a height chart, and how to hide TV wires covers cables.
What does soundbar or surround installation cost with Pixl?
A soundbar install is $50 and a soundbar bracket is $50. Speaker installs are priced per speaker: 3 speakers $90, 5 speakers $150, 7 speakers $210 and 9 speakers $270, and a subwoofer is $20 when you ask for it. The TV is priced separately.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Soundbar installation | $50 |
| Soundbar bracket | $50 |
| 3 speakers | $90 |
| 5 speakers | $150 |
| 7 speakers (Atmos) | $210 |
| 9 speakers (Atmos) | $270 |
| Subwoofer | $20 |
| Device setup | $15 |
| Hide wires: existing channel / raceway / in the wall | $25 / $60 / $99.50 |
Equipment is not included. We install gear you bought anywhere, and we do not sell equipment. Gas, new outlets, new water lines and hard-wired connections are not in the posted price. Ask for a quote. See the full home theatre installation cost and our home theatre installation page.
Soundbar vs surround sound: frequently asked questions
Is a soundbar as good as a surround sound system?
A soundbar simulates surround effects from one bar, which can sound wide and spacious. A surround system uses separate speakers, so sounds come from real directions. For a small room a soundbar is often enough. For a large room, separate speakers are more noticeable.
Which is easier to install, a soundbar or surround?
A soundbar. It usually needs one HDMI cable and a power cord. Surround needs a receiver, speaker placement, speaker wire and calibration, so it takes more planning and time.
Can I add rear speakers to a soundbar later?
Sometimes. Some brands sell rear speakers and a subwoofer that pair with their own soundbar. Check that the model you are buying supports add-ons before you choose it.
How much does it cost to install a soundbar?
With Pixl a soundbar install is $50 and a soundbar bracket is another $50, before tax. A subwoofer is $20 when you ask for it. The TV is priced separately, and you pay after the job.
How much does it cost to install surround speakers?
Speaker installs are priced by count: 3 speakers $90, 5 speakers $150, 7 speakers $210 and 9 speakers $270. The 7 and 9 speaker setups are Atmos. A subwoofer is $20. The TV is priced separately.
Do I have to buy my equipment from Pixl?
No. We install gear you bought anywhere, and we do not sell equipment. Send the model names or a photo of the boxes and we tell you what the job involves and what we quote.
Not sure which one fits your room?
Text a photo of the room and the list of gear to (587) 899-7495. We reply with a free quote, and you pay after the job. Same-day service is available when we have an opening.
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Sources and method. Comparison points summarized from Sonos, speakers vs soundbars and Mount-It, soundbar vs surround sound, read 24 October 2026. Features differ by model, so confirm them with the maker. Pixl prices are in Canadian dollars, before tax.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.