| Name | Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar | Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Image | ![]() |
![]() |
| MSRP | $1299 | $999 |
| Released | 2022 | 2022 |
| Availability | Available | Available |
| Current price | BowersWilkins, Amazon | BowersWilkins, Amazon |
| Speaker configuration | ||
| Audio channels | 3.0 | 3.1.2 |
| Expandable up to: | 5.1 (add rears, sub) | - |
| Woofers (mid or full-range) - total | 6: 6× 2.6″ midrange | 10: 6× 2″ midrange + 2× 2″ upfiring, 2×4″ woofers |
| Tweeters - total | 3: 3×1″ | 3: 3×0.75″ |
| Subwoofers | 0 | 0 (woofers play LFE) |
| Audio specifications | ||
| Watts RMS | 240 W | 400 W |
| Frequency range | 40 Hz - 28 kHz | 43 Hz - 48 kHz |
| DTS:X support | No | No |
| Dolby Atmos support? | No | Yes |
| Surround sound? | No | No |
| Other 3D audio formats? | None | None |
| Other (notable) sound features? | None | None |
| Sound calibration? | No | No |
| Connectivity & ports | ||
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.1 | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi |
| Ethernet port (RJ45) | ✔ | ✔ |
| HDMI (e)ARC out port? | ❌ | 1× eARC |
| HDMI in ports? (passthrough) | ❌ | ❌ |
| Optical port? (TOSLINK) | ✔ | ✔ |
| 3.5 mm AUX port? | ❌ | ❌ |
| USB-A port? | Service only | ❌ |
| Other audio ports | None | None |
| Wireless setup & control | ||
| Official app? | Music | Bowers & Wilkins | Music | Bowers & Wilkins |
| Voice assistant? | Yes | Yes |
| Chromecast built-in? | ❌ | ❌ |
| AirPlay? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Alexa cast? | ❌ | ❌ |
| Multiroom? | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wireless subwoofer(s)? | Optional: max 1 subwoofer: Formation Bass | ❌ |
| Wireless surrounds? | Optional: max 2 surrounds: Formation Flex | ❌ |
| Physical specifications | ||
| Speakers in set: | Soundbar | Soundbar |
| Size (cm W×H×D): | 124.0×10.9×10.7 | 121×6.5×14 |
| Size (inch W×H×D): | 48.8×4.3×4.2 | 46.6×2.5×5.5 |
| Weight (kg): | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Weight (lbs): | 12.1 | 14.3 |
| Wall mountable? | Yes, with included wall bracket | Yes, with included wall bracket |
| Color options: | Black | Black |
| Accessories in the box | Optical cable, wall bracket | HDMI cable, wall bracket |
| More info | ||
| Model number | - | FP42013 |
| User guide / manual | Manual | Manual |
| Official site link | BowersWilkins.com | BowersWilkins.com |
Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar vs Panorama 3
Legend:
Great/yes
Good
Not good
Bad/no
More soundbar comparisons:

