The cool thing about equalizers is that they allow you to customize the sound of your music to be precisely to your liking. For example, you want to hear more bass, or you want to hear the singer better, or maybe that little percussion part… With an equalizer, you can control your audio listening experience and tweak it to be just the right balance.

Equalizers come built-in on many modern audio units, and they can also be purchased as a stand-alone component that works with either your home theater system or your car stereo. See our buying guide below to get the scoop on the best equalizers on the market. 

Many sound systems have equalizer “modes.” These are presets of altered bass, mid, and treble frequencies that have been programmed to bring out the sound frequencies that you most want to hear while listening in different situations. For example, when watching movies, it’s ideal to have a lower bass level and bring out the mid range so that you can hear the dialogue well. With music, many people prefer to boost the low end to really feel the beat. So, preset modes on equalizers serve to play the audio with the optimal equalizer settings for each specific use.

Technically, all sound has a frequency measured in hertz (Hz) and kiloHertz (kHz), which is the number describing the length of its sound waves. For example, the lowest sounds in music are sub bass frequencies, which are classified as between 20 and 50 Hz. Above that is bass, which is 60 to 250 Hz. Mid and higher ranges are measured in kiloHertz (kHz), with most car’s treble settings controlling sound in the 4kHz to 6kHz range. So, sound frequencies exist on a continuum that goes from low to high. 

Equalizers have bands that adjust a specific range of frequency. For instance, a 7-band equalizer has controls that divide up the audible sound continuum into 7 sections that can each be adjusted up or down (made louder or quieter). Equalizers that are stand-alone components give you this advanced, precise manual control. On the other hand, many sound bars, stereos, and other units have settings that have been pre-programmed to optimize the sound of your music, video game, or television. Preset modes do not give band-by-band control, but some units might allow you to program your own modes. Modes are simpler and quicker to switch over to the best sound settings for each use.

Equalizers, with all of their technical jargon, can cause some confusion. If you’d like more customizable control over the audio in your life, there are a few things to think about before you make your final choice. Consider the following points while shopping for an equalizer:

There’s a lot of variety in the audio electronics on the market. From sound bars and speakers with equalizer settings to stand-alone equalizers for your car, there are a lot of options out there that will allow you to bring out the best sound. Here are our top picks for the best equalizers:  

Best Overall 

Customized Sound for Your Car 

You’ll have an amazing amount of control over the sound in your car with this equalizer from Skar Audio. With five different RCA plugs in back, you can adjust multiple amplifiers, and enjoy front, rear and subwoofer control.

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This equalizer from Skar Audio has everything you need to bring your car’s audio system up to speed and let you listen to your music just the way you want it.

Pre-Set Equalizer Modes

This sound bar from Hsoipn allows you to switch between game mode, movie mode, and music for equalizer settings that will bring out the best sound for whatever you’re doing. This unit can be hardwired or used with Bluetooth. Also, there’s no need to get up, because you can change the equalizer modes with a simple click of the remote.

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The beauty of Hsoipn’s soundbar with equalizer is that the audio is customizable with its equalizer modes, and also that it has different options for use and installations.

Small Sound Bar with 3 Sound Modes 

This soundbar from BESTISAN offers more control over the lows, highs, and mids in your audio with its three equalizer modes. This compact and space-saving unit is only about 21 inches long, but it delivers a big sound with minimal distortion.

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BESTISAN’s compact soundbar gives you an immersive audio listening experience as well as equalizer settings to clarify your sound.

Big, Punchy Bass on the Go

Pick up this powerful speaker from W-King and bring your jams anywhere. This speaker with equalizer has a carrying handle for easy transport, and includes two preset equalizer settings for either indoor or outdoor use. You can even make and receive calls through the speaker.

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This speaker from W-King delivers good sound for a low price, and its NFC compatibility pairs easily with your Android phone.