Creative Technology has launched the Stage Pro, a compact 2.1-channel soundbar and subwoofer system aimed at users who want better audio in small to mid-sized spaces. With support for Dolby Audio, multiple connectivity options, and two distinct sound modes, it’s built to handle everything from gaming at your desk to movie night in the living room.

On the surface, it might look like a standard mini soundbar, but Creative has packed in a surprising amount of flexibility and power. The Stage Pro delivers 160 watts of peak power, thanks to full-range drivers inside the soundbar and a separate wired subwoofer with a 5.25-inch long-throw driver. That combo is meant to give you more impact in movies, games, and music—especially when compared to basic TV speakers or desktop monitors.

One of the more interesting additions here is Dolby Audio support, specifically Dolby Digital Plus. It’s not the full-blown Dolby Atmos experience, but it can help improve clarity in dialogue-heavy scenes and bring more detail to your favorite streaming content or console games. If you’ve ever found yourself cranking up the volume just to hear what characters are saying, this might be a noticeable improvement.

Creative also introduces something new with this model: SuperWide technology. It’s an audio processing feature designed to expand the soundstage and give you a more immersive experience, even with a relatively small speaker bar. There are two modes to choose from—Near Field Mode for up-close use (like at your computer), and Far Field Mode for when you’re sitting farther back on the couch. Depending on your setup, switching between the two can help tailor the sound to fit your space better.

The Stage Pro is about 21.7 inches wide, so it won’t block the bottom of your TV or monitor. Its slim, matte black design is simple and unobtrusive, and the included subwoofer has a vertical shape that makes it easy to tuck beside a desk or entertainment center. Creative kept the overall look minimal, with a small LED display for showing inputs or volume levels.

In terms of connectivity, the Stage Pro checks off most of the boxes. You get HDMI ARC with CEC support, so if your TV supports it, you can use your existing remote to control volume and power. There’s also Bluetooth 5.3 for streaming from your phone or tablet, plus USB-C audio, Optical-in, and a 3.5mm AUX input. Whether you’re using a console, a PC, or just streaming music from your phone, there’s a way to plug in.

A remote is included too, which gives you easy access to different EQ modes—like Movie, Music, Gaming, and Vocals—as well as bass and treble controls. You can also switch between input modes and adjust basic settings without getting up.

This isn’t a high-end, feature-packed system with things like Atmos or rear speakers, but that’s not really the point. Instead, the Stage Pro is geared toward people who want a noticeable step up from built-in TV speakers, without having to deal with a bunch of components or wiring. Its ability to move easily between a desktop and living room setup makes it a solid all-rounder for mixed-use environments.

So how does it compare to Creative’s previous offerings? Well, the Stage Pro sits above the regular Creative Stage soundbar, which typically sells for around $100. The Stage Pro is priced at $169.99 in the U.S., £129.99 in the U.K., and €139.99 in Europe. It’s available now from Creative’s official store and should be hitting other retailers soon, with shipping expected to begin in August 2025.