Thinking of buying a Smart TV? Check the back for this feature

When shopping for a new Smart TV, many of us focus on screen size, design, or the presence of HDR and 4K support. But there’s a key element that often goes unnoticed — the placement of the speakers. Specifically, whether the TV includes rear-facing speakers, which can dramatically impact audio quality.

Why rear-facing speakers matter

Most modern TVs place their speakers at the bottom, pointing downward. This trend, driven by the push for thinner designs, leads to flat, muffled audio with weak bass. But models that include rear-facing speakers can transform your everyday viewing experience, especially when watching movies or listening to music.

These speakers can handle lower frequencies more efficiently, delivering a deeper and more powerful bass response. They also relieve the smaller, front-facing drivers from reproducing bass, which results in cleaner sound with reduced distortion, even at high volumes.

Placement is key to sound quality

However, rear-facing speakers rely on wall reflection to amplify bass, so placement becomes critical. TVs with this design perform best when placed 30 to 50 cm from the wall, allowing low frequencies to bounce back effectively. If the TV is too close or too far, you may lose depth or experience unwanted echo and rumble.

Installing the TV on a wide TV stand — rather than mounting it tightly against the wall — can help maintain the ideal acoustic space. Materials of the wall and furniture can also affect sound clarity, making positioning an important factor to consider.

In short, if you’re buying a Smart TV and want good sound without a soundbar, check the back for rear-facing speakers— they might be the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.