soundbars · Head-to-head
ZVOX AV835 vs ZVOX AV855
The short answer
ZVOX AV855 comes out ahead overall with 8.1/10 against 7.9/10 for the ZVOX AV835. ZVOX AV835 is stronger on value. ZVOX AV855 is stronger on dialogue clarity and overall sound quality. At current verified prices, the ZVOX AV835 costs about $100.00 less.
- Choose the ZVOX AV835 if: Hard-of-hearing viewers with a smaller TV, or a bedroom or kitchen set, who want AV855-style voice boost and TV-remote control for less.
- Choose the ZVOX AV855 if: Anyone who struggles to follow TV dialogue on a mid-size or large TV and wants one bar the TV remote controls, with the widest voice-boost range.
Scores by criterion
| Criterion | ZVOX AV835 | ZVOX AV855 |
|---|---|---|
| Dialogue clarity | 7.8Same DSP as the AV855, but no independent test of this model. | 8.3Two independent reviews (TechRadar, Home Technology Review) praise the speech lift, but there is no lab test. |
| Dialogue boost range & controls | 8.820 levels plus Output Leveling. | 8.820 levels plus Output Leveling, the widest range in the pool. ZVOX's FAQ text is inconsistent ('6 modes'), but its spec page says 10+10. |
| Ease of setup & use for seniors | 8.5HDMI-ARC/CEC, large-button remote, no app. | 8.5HDMI-ARC/CEC, a remote with large buttons, no app, and a 60-day trial. |
| Overall sound quality | 5.5A small cabinet limits bass and width. | 6.5TechRadar calls it 'a bit boxy' with weak virtual surround. |
| Value | 8.0$249.99 for the full AccuVoice/SuperVoice range. | 7.5$349.99. The AV835 has the same DSP for $100 less, so this is fair rather than outstanding. |
| Safety, energy & repairability | 7.5Shared replacement remote and $199.99 certified-renewed units. | 7.5Replacement remotes, power supplies and certified-renewed units are sold. No recall found. |
Specifications
| Spec | ZVOX AV835 | ZVOX AV855 |
|---|---|---|
| Dialogue feature | AccuVoice + SuperVoice | AccuVoice + SuperVoice |
| Dialogue enhancement levels | 20 levels | 20 levels |
| Automatic volume leveling | Yes | Yes |
| Dolby Atmos | No | No |
| Separate subwoofer included | No | No |
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Yes | Yes |
| Optical input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Width | 17.6 in | 33.7 in |
ZVOX AV835
Pros
- 20 voice-boost levels (10 plus 10)
- Output Leveling for loud ads
- HDMI-ARC with TV-remote control
- Compact 17.6-inch size
- Lower price than the AV855
Cons
- No hands-on independent review yet
- No Bluetooth or Dolby Atmos
- Music sound is modest
- Owners note there is no customer-service phone line
The smart choice for small rooms and tighter budgets, with a home trial to confirm it works for you.
Full ZVOX AV835 review →ZVOX AV855
Pros
- 20 voice-boost levels (10 AccuVoice plus 10 SuperVoice)
- HDMI-ARC lets the TV remote control power and volume
- Output Leveling evens out loud commercials
- Large-button remote
- Replacement remotes and renewed units available, with a 60-day home trial
Cons
- Music can sound somewhat boxy
- No Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
- Some owners found the boost less dramatic than expected
The best fit for most viewers who want clearer speech without learning a new system. It trades music quality for dialogue tools, and that is the right trade for this guide.
Full ZVOX AV855 review →Both products are part of our guide The Best Soundbars for Dialogue Clarity and Seniors of 2026, where you can see every pick, how we score and current prices from each retailer.