Vizio SB2020n-G6 Review (2025)

Tested using Methodology v1.0

Reviewed Jun 04, 2020 at 08:51 am

Latest change: Test bench update Apr 29, 2021 at 09:21 am

By Jake Thauvette, Vanessa McCuaig, and Olivier Gariepy

Vizio SB2020n-G6 Review (1)

5.3

Mixed Usage

5.3

Dialogue/TV Shows

6.8

Music

4.5

Movies

+ Create your own

overview test results deals 0 comments

This soundbar was replaced by the Vizio SB2020n-J6

Channels

2.0

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is a compact 2.0 soundbar. Although it can't be wall-mounted and it doesn't getloud enough to fill a large room, its compact size can be a good addition to a computer setup as it isn't very tall and it shouldn't obscure your screen, unless your monitor sits flush on the table.It has a balanced and neutral mid-range,which is alright for dialogue content, and its bass can packa punch. However, as it doesn't have a subwoofer, it lacks thump and rumble. At the same time, there's a little bit of distortionaudible from the bass range, even at a normal listening volume. While it offers severalconnectivity options, it lacks anHDMI In port, and it can only support PCM-format content.

Our Verdict

5.3 Mixed Usage

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is disappointing for mixed use. This soundbar is more suited for a computer setup and it shows in its performance. Its dark sound profile lacks a thumpy bass, which can affect your immersion into action films or music. It doesn't get very loud either, which may be a problem for house parties or large rooms. However, it should be more than enough if you're listening to vocal-centric content.

Pros

  • Compact size.

  • Auto-off power saving feature.

Cons

  • Only supports PCM-format content.

  • Distortion may be audible, even at a normal listening volume.

  • Can't be wall-mounted.

See our Mixed Usage Recommendations

5.3 Dialogue/TV Shows

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is alright for dialogue and TV shows. Although it has a neutral-sounding mid-range, which is suited for vocal-centric content, it lacks a dialogue enhancement feature to bring out vocals. It doesn't get very loud, either, but it should still be adequate if you're listening to your favorite TV shows. The auto-volume mode can also help balance the volume between different audio content such as between TV shows and commercials.

See our Dialogue/TV Shows Recommendations

6.8 Music

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is passable for music. It has a dark sound profile, so some detail and clarity get lost in your mix. The soundbar doesn't have a subwoofer either, and while the bass is still punchy, fans of EDM and hip-hop may find the thump and rumble lacking. There's some distortion in the bass-range that may be audible, even at lower volumes. You can adjust the bass and treble, which is nice, but this soundbar only has two EQ presets to choose from. It doesn't get that loud either, so it's not suited for house parties or large rooms.

See our Music Recommendations

4.5 Movies

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is poor for movies. Since it doesn't have a subwoofer, it lacks thump and rumble, which can make action movies less immersive. Although it can still produce a punchy bass, there's some compression that may be audible, even at more reasonable volumes. The soundstage is slightly wider than the bar itself but it also sounds both centered and diffused, depending on the sound. This soundbar can't decode or downmix surround sound content to stereo either.

  • 5.3 Mixed Usage
  • 5.3 Dialogue/TV Shows
  • 6.8 Music
  • 4.5 Movies

+ Create your own

  1. Updated Apr 29, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  2. Updated Sep 23, 2020: The Dynamics tests have been reconducted due to a value input bug.
  3. Updated Jun 04, 2020: Review published.
  4. Updated Jun 02, 2020: Early access published.
  5. Updated May 21, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  6. Updated May 19, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  7. Updated May 15, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Compared To Other Soundbars

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is a compact 2.0 channel soundbar. It's the smallest Vizio soundbar we've tested so far and it'ssimilarly compact asthe Bose Solo 5. Unlike 2.1 soundbars, it doesn't have a dedicated subwoofer, though,so it lacks decent thump and rumble. It can only support PCM-format content and it lacks some common sound enhancement features like a dialogue enhancement mode. If you're still shopping around for soundbars, check out our recommendations for thebest small soundbars, the best budget soundbars, and the best soundbars under $200.

Vizio SB3220n-F6

The Vizio SB3220n-F6 is a better 2.0 soundbar than the Vizio SB2020n-G6. Although they both have a similarly decent build, theSB3220n-F6 can be wall-mounted, and it also has a slightly better-balanced sound profile.It even supports Dolby Digital content thanks to its optical connection. However, theSB2020n-G6 has an auto-off feature.

Compare Side-by-Side

SEE OUR REVIEW

TaoTronics TT-SK023

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is a slightly better performing soundbar than the TaoTronics TT-SK023. The Vizio is slightly better-balanced, it has an auto-volume mode as well as bass and treble adjustments, and it has a USB input so that you can play files directly from your flash drive. However, the TaoTronics can get louder, and you can also wall-mount it.

Compare Side-by-Side

SEE OUR REVIEW

Bose Solo 5

The Bose Solo 5 and Vizio SB2020n-G6 are both similarly small soundbars, but the Bose Solo 5 has a better overall performance. The Bose has a better-balanced sound profile,and it supports Dolby Digital content by downmixing it via its optical connection.While it doesn't have a dedicated center channel, the Bose can also create a phantom center that still has a decent performance.However, even though the Vizio has limited sound enhancement features such as only two EQ presets, the Bose doesn't have any at all.

Compare Side-by-Side

SEE OUR REVIEW

Sony HT-S100F

The Sony HT-S100F is a better 2.0 soundbar than the Vizio SB2020n-G6. While the Sony hasa slightly less balanced sound profile,it can downmix surround content into stereo.It can also get louder than the Vizio, it has an HDMI In port,and you can wall-mount it. However, the Vizio hasa more neutral mid-range, and you can also adjust its bass and treble. If you're low on space, the Vizio is also very compact and can be a suitable choice if you're looking for a soundbar for your computer setup.

Compare Side-by-Side

SEE OUR REVIEW

TCL Alto 5

The TCL Alto 5 is a better stereo 2.0 soundbar than the Vizio SB2020n-G6. It supports surround channels while the Vizio can't, which makes a big difference for movie watchers. It's also slightly better built. On the other hand, if you only want to watch some stereo content, the Vizio has a better-balanced bass, although its overall sound profile lacks a bit of detail in higher frequencies.

Compare Side-by-Side

SEE OUR REVIEW

LG SK1

The LG SK1 is a slightly better soundbar than the Vizio SB2020n-G6 for some uses. The Vizio only supports PCM-format content, so it doesn't support Dolby Digital or surround content. As a result,the LG is a better choice for movie fans. The LG is better-built and it can be wall-mounted, unlike the Vizio.However, while both bars are lacking a bit of bass, the Vizio has a slightly more extended bass that may be preferred by some users.

Compare Side-by-Side

SEE OUR REVIEW

Vizio SB2020n-J6

The Vizio SB2020n-J6 is the updated version of the Vizio SB2020n-G6, and it offers better overall performance. Both bars have similar performance, and they only support PCM content. However, the J6 comes with an additional dialogue enhancement feature. Also, it reproduces more treble out-of-the-box, resulting in a more detailed sound.

Compare Side-by-Side

SEE OUR REVIEW

+ Show more

Test Results

Vizio SB2020n-G6 Review (2)

Design

Design

Style - Bar

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 may look similar to other Vizio soundbars such as the Vizio SB3220n-F6 or the Vizio SB3820-C6 but it's much more compact and rectangular. It's made from a dense plastic, including its silver plastic caps on other ends, giving it solid build. It also has a fabric cover but it can easily collect dust over time or rip.

Design

Style - Subwoofer

This soundbar doesn't come with a subwoofer.

Design

Style - Satellites

This soundbar doesn't come with satellite speakers.

Design

Dimensions - Bar

Width 20.0" (50.8 cm)

Height 2.2" (5.7 cm)

Depth 4.4" (11.3 cm)

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 is a very compact bar. Although it's slightly larger than the Bose Solo 5, it should still fit between the legs of most 55" TVs. It's also not very tall and it shouldn't block your screen unless your TV sits flush on the table.

Design

Dimensions - Subwoofer

Width N/A

Height N/A

Depth N/A

This soundbar doesn't come with a subwoofer.

Design

Dimensions - Satellites

Width N/A

Height N/A

Depth N/A

This soundbar doesn't come with satellite speakers.

Design

Back - Bar

Bar Mounting

No

The back of this soundbar is plastic and isn't designed to be mounted on a wall. Instead, it's meant to sit on your desk or table. The inputs are directly on the back of the bar and while there's a separate opening on the bar's right side, it doesn't have any inputs in it.

Design

Back - Subwoofer

Enclosure

No Subwoofer

This soundbar doesn't come with a subwoofer.

Design

Back - Satellites

Mounting

No

This soundbar doesn't come with satellite speakers.

7.0

Design

Build Quality

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has a decent build quality. It's mostly made of good quality plastic. However, the fabric covering can easily collect dust and can be ripped.

Design

In The Box

HDMI Cable Length

N/A

Digital Optical Cable Length

1.0 m (3.3 ft)

  • Manual
  • Remote
  • 2x AAA batteries
  • Power cable
  • Stereo RCA cable
  • Stereo RCA to 3.5mm audio cable
  • Optical cable

Sound

6.9

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response

Tested Preset

Music

Slope

-1.17

Std. Err.

3.17 dB

Channels

2.0

Low-Frequency Extension

55.8 Hz

High-Frequency Extension

14.5 kHz

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has an only okay stereo frequency response when on the Music preset. As it doesn't come with a subwoofer, it lacks thump and rumble. Although it still manages to pack a punchy bass, it can sound compressed and slightly distorted, even if you're listening to your favorite tunes at a lower volume. The treble is fairly dark, too, which makes your mixes lose detail and clarity. On the upside, the mid-range is pretty neutral.

LEARN ABOUT STEREO FREQUENCY RESPONSE

6.9

Sound

Stereo Frequency Response With Preliminary Calibration

Suggested Preset

Music

Suggested Bass Setting

0

Suggested Treble Setting

0

Slope

-1.17

Std. Err.

3.17 dB

Low-Frequency Extension

55.8 Hz

High-Frequency Extension

14.5 kHz

6.5

Sound

Stereo Soundstage

Crosstalk Error

3.54 dB

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has an alright stereo soundstage. Music and movies sound wider than the bar but not by a lot. Its focus is concentrated at the center of the bar but as it tries to separate sounds in space, the soundstage becomes diffused and objects sound like they aren't always coming from an accurate, pinpoint location.

LEARN ABOUT STEREO SOUNDSTAGE

7.0

Sound

Stereo Dynamics

SPL @ Max Volume

83.8 dB SPL

DRC @ Max Volume

0.98 dB

Update 09/23/2020: We've discovered a value input bug that would cause the Dynamics box results to be slightly off. All soundbars reviewed since January 30th, 2020 have been updated.

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has satisfactory stereo dynamics. While it may not get loud enough for a large room or house party, it should still be loud enough if placed in front of your computer. At max volume, there are a little bit of pumping and compression artifacts present, particularly in the bass range.

LEARN ABOUT STEREO DYNAMICS

7.2

Sound

Stereo Total Harmonic Distortion

Weighted THD @ 80dB

0.74

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

1.35

The Vizio SB2020n-G6's total harmonic distortion is alright. There's a little bit of distortion, both at a normal listening volume as well as at max volume. However, as distortion is relatively difficult to hear in comparison to pumping or compression artifacts, it may not be noticeable to everyone.

LEARN ABOUT STEREO TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

0

Sound

Center

Localization

Not Supported

Slope

N/A

Std. Err.

N/A

SPL @ Max Volume

N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB

N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

N/A

This soundbar lacks a center channel, and it can't decode or downmix surround sound content to stereo.

LEARN ABOUT CENTER

0

Sound

Surround 5.1

Localization

Not Supported

Slope

N/A

Std. Err.

N/A

SPL @ Max Volume

N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB

N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

N/A

7.1 Rears

No

This soundbar doesn't have any surround channels, nor can it downmix, or even decode, surround sound content to stereo. For a stereo 2.0 soundbar that can play surround files, check out the TCL Alto 5 or the LG SK1.

LEARN ABOUT SURROUND 5.1

0

Sound

Height (Atmos)

Localization

Not Supported

Slope

N/A

Std. Err.

N/A

SPL @ Max Volume

N/A

Weighted THD @ 80dB

N/A

Weighted THD @ Max Volume

N/A

This soundbar doesn't support Atmos.

LEARN ABOUT HEIGHT (ATMOS)

3.0

Sound

Sound Enhancement Features

Room Correction

No

Dialogue Enhancement

No

Auto-Volume/Night Mode

Yes

Subwoofer Level Adjustment

No

Bass Adjustment

Yes

Treble Adjustment

Yes

EQ

Presets

Surround Level Adjustment

No

Rear Level Adjustment

No

Height Level Adjustment

No

Virtual Surround

Yes

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has poor sound enhancement features. You can adjust the bass and treble, which is nice if you want to tweak the sound a little bit; however, there are only two presets: music and movie mode. While there's an auto-volume feature which can help if you like to watch TV at night, it doesn't have a dialogue enhancement mode like the Vizio SB2020n-J6. On the upside, this soundbar has a DTS virtual X surround sound feature, which could make your audio sound more immersive, but we didn't test this.

LEARN ABOUT SOUND ENHANCEMENT FEATURES

Connectivity

Connectivity

Physical Inputs - Bar

Optical Audio In

1

HDMI ARC

No

HDMI Out

No

Full HDMI In

No

Analog Audio In 3.5mm (Aux)

1

RCA In

No

USB for Files

1

Ethernet

No

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has a selection of inputs. There's a standard audio jack in addition to an RCA input. There's an optical-in too, and you can play content from flash drives thanks to its USB input. On the downside, there are no HDMI ports, so you won't be able to use this soundbar as a hub between your TV and other media devices.

0

Connectivity

Audio Format Support - ARC

eARC

No

Dolby Atmos

No

Dolby Digital

No

Dolby Digital Plus

No

DTS

No

DTS:X (eARC only)

No

Dolby TrueHD (eARC only)

No

DTS-HD MA (eARC only)

No

5.1 PCM (eARC only)

No

This soundbar doesn't have an HDMI ARC port.

0

Connectivity

Audio Format Support - Full HDMI In

Dolby Atmos

No

DTS:X

No

Dolby Digital

No

Dolby Digital Plus

No

DTS

No

Dolby TrueHD

No

DTS-HD MA

No

5.1 PCM

No

This soundbar doesn't have any HDMI ports.

0

Connectivity

Audio Format Support - Optical

Dolby Digital

No

DTS

No

This soundbar only supports PCM-format content. If you use this soundbar with a TV, it has a voice cue to let you know if you need to change your TV settings to PCM.

7.9

Connectivity

Latency

ARC

N/A

Optical

64 ms

Full HDMI In

N/A

LEARN ABOUT LATENCY

6.0

Connectivity

Wireless Playback

Bluetooth

Yes

Wi-Fi

No

Chromecast built-in

No

Apple AirPlay

No

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has passable wireless playback options. It only supports Bluetooth which is nice when you want to wirelessly stream music from your mobile devices, but that's about it.

Connectivity

Other Input Specifications

4k @ 60 Hz Passthrough

No

4k @ 60 Hz @ 10 bit Passthrough

No

4k @ 60 Hz @ 4:4:4 Passthrough

No

HDR10 Passthrough

No

Since this soundbar doesn't support HDMI, there's no video passthrough.

Connectivity

Connectivity - Subwoofer

Sub Wireless

No

This soundbar doesn't come with a subwoofer.

Connectivity

Connectivity - Satellites

Sat Wireless

No

This soundbar doesn't come with satellites.

Additional Features

Additional Features

Interface

Display

No

The Vizio SB2020n-G6 has a very limited interface. It uses one small light in the middle of the soundbar and it changes color depending on what inputs you're on. It also flashes when you change the volume and if the file you're playing isn't compatible with the bar.

Additional Features

Bar Controls

This soundbar has simple controls located on the top of the bar. You can turn the bar on/off, change inputs, pair a Bluetooth device, and adjust the volume.

Additional Features

Remote

Universal Remote

No

This soundbar has a simple remote. Just like the Vizio SB3220n-F6's remote, when you're connected via Bluetooth, you can control audio playback. You can also change inputs and activate sound enhancement features.

Additional Features

Voice Assistants Support

Amazon Alexa

No

Google Assistant

No

Apple Siri

No

Additional Features

App

App Name No App

iOS No

Android No

Acts As A Remote

No

Controls Soundbar's Settings

No

Casts Device Files

No

This soundbar isn't compatible with Vizio's SmartCast app.

Additional Features

Other Features

Power Saving

Auto-off

HDMI CEC (TV Remote Control)

No

This soundbar doesn't support HDMI so you won't be able to use your TV's remote to control it. On the upside, it has an auto-off timer after a few minutes of inactivity, which is nice if you want to save power.

Vizio SB2020n-G6 Review (2025)

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