What do you think of soundbars compared to speakers?


I'm interested to hear your thoughts about the benefits of modern day soundbars compared to the days of surround sound speakers and other inventions.

For me personally, growing up in the surround sound era, it was a neat little thing to have surround sound to show off to people when they came round to watch a movie or tv show. However, I think nowadays soundbars are my personal preference purely because of a lot less clutter and also multi functionality with the fact a lot of them can also play music etc through bluetooth. 

What do you guys think? Do soundbars create enough of a room filling audio for your tastes?
soundg159
The only soundbar I know that sounds ok by hi-fi standards is Naim Muso.

I have one in my office. I'm using it as an all in one solution.
Soundbars probably help keep the cost of TVs down but are essential to having decent sound for your TV. Other than that.....

Not long ago we moved our 75” TV and it’s sound bar into our listening room. I use the sound bar when watching movies, TV programs or listening to music while cleaning and such. The sound bar does a fine job at lowering the oppressive heat generated by my tube amps during the summer months and of course adds a little longer life to my pricy tubes and related components.
if I couldn't have surround for movies, to reduce clutter I would go 2.1 or 2.0 with an integrated amp