A soundbar can be an low-cost compromise between usingyour TV’sbuilt - in speakers and spending big money on a completesurround system . These days , soundbars are more powerful and feature - packed than ever ! FromDolby Atmosvirtualization to voice assistant compatibility , you ’ll be hard - bid to find a soundbar without a inclination of coolheaded capability ( other than make your TV sound better ) . There is an abundance of soundbar models to choose from on the market today , many made by popular boob tube brand and others made by ship’s company with a rich chronicle of audio excellence .
If you ’re in the market for a new soundbar or simply want to get up on all things audio , we ’ve put together this list of the good soundbars you could run out and buy ( or order online ) right now .
Best soundbar overall
Samsung HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos Soundbar
TheSamsung HW - Q990Dis a robust soundbar arrangement that comes with two rear speaker unit and a wireless subwoofer , delivering a over surroundings auditory sensation experience without the tussle of investing in anAV receiveror run for a bunch of speaker unit wire . Last year , we proudly featured the Samsung HW - Q990C as our top soundbar , and the HW-990D only made life story fresh by introducingHDMI 2.1 connectivityand 4K/120Hz capacity . But of course , the most pressing interrogative sentence is , “ How does it sound ? ” Utterly fantastic , really .
bill as an 11.1.4 setup , the HW - Q990D has two up - firing drivers built into the soundbar and two built into the rear speakers . This allows the system to shoot go up toward the cap and back down , creating the 3D immersion thatDolby Atmos and DTS : Xare known for . And thanks to Samsung ’s SpaceFit Sound Pro engineering , the HW - Q990D will mechanically adjust organization output based on your hearing surround , ensuring you get the serious audio recording for rooms both big and pocket-size .
The HW - Q990D swash an talkative soundstage with a whole Libra the Balance of high , mids , and lows and sport numerous audio customizations , as well as a pictorial EQ ( Standard preset only ) . You ’ll also get full Dolby and DTS backup , along with Bluetooth and Wi - Fi capabilities , the latter of which start the doors to servicing like AirPlay , Spotify Connect , and Chromecast .
Yes , it ’s a bit on the dear side , but if you ’re in the market for the infrangible best soundbar you’re able to plug in to your telly , you may as well go all in on surround sound emulation , too !
Best Dolby Atmos sound from a single speaker
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
If you need to get the most immersive and powerful sound possible from a soundbar — with no subwoofer or extra environs loudspeaker system — the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus is without equal . Its secret sauce is the Ambeo digital signaling processing that Sennheiser pioneer with its first soundbar , the recently renamed Ambeo Soundbar Max .
you could think of Ambeo as a turbo - charger for immersive , 3D audio recording . Using the Soundbar Plus ' nine drivers and amps , it cast sound around even large room in such a direction that you become convinced there must be Speaker hide behind your furniture or in your ceiling . It really bringsDolby Atmos , DTS :X , and even two - channel stereo to life in a way that is nothing shortsighted of mesmerizing . To get even close to this event , most soundbars need to add additional surround speakers , and even then , they do n’t always bring home the bacon .
With two HDMI 2.0a inputs ( plus optical and analogue ports ) and anHDMI 2.1 ARC / eARCinput / output , there ’s no pauperism to give up ports on your TV . And with the option to use Sennheiser ’s wireless Ambeo subs ( up to four ) or your own wiredsubwoofer , you ’re not lock in to a specific accessory for low - end power . Its documentation for AirPlay , Chromecast , and Bluetooth intend you ’re costless to stream euphony to the measure from any gimmick you own . And if you want to use it as a smart speaker , Amazon Alexa is work up - in and can be turned on at any time .
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
At $ 1,500 , it ’s one of the more expensive soundbars . And despite being able-bodied to add it to Google Home or Amazon Alexa , it ’s not a large alternative for multiroom sound . But when you take into account its remarkable carrying out as an Atmos loudspeaker , it ’s deserving every penny .
Honorable mentions : If you ’re looking specifically for a Sennheiser , a more brawny ( but considerably larger and more expensive ) choice is theSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max . Alternately , we can advocate theSony HT - A7000 , another one of Sony ’s capable soundbars that , for the same Leontyne Price chain as the Ambeo , features Dolby Atmos and DTS :X , sounds great for music as well as movie and TV ( with clear dialogue ) , and documentation for Apple HomeKit , Google Home , and Alexa .
Best no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object soundbar
Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 Surround Sound System
Call it the flying lizard ’s egg at the end of this best soundbars list , call it the beast that ’ll burn a hole right through your wallet , call it what you require but whatever you do , do n’t call the Nakamichi Dragon surround sound scheme for the deliquium of heart . We ’ll try our in effect to describe it here , but it ’s worth hire a few minutes for Caleb ’s Denison’svideo reassessment , orwatch him put it manoeuver to head with aSonos Arc systemto get the crowing picture about this $ 3,900 11.4.6 surround sound system .
First , though , the fundamental principle : the Nakamichi Dragon consists of a massive 58 - in soundbar whole that weighs around 40 pounds and features 14 speakers and seven digital amplifier . There are two 9 - pound wireless environment audio Speaker each with five drivers ( side , rearward , and up - firing ) , and two wireless subwoofers , each with two 8 - inch drivers in them . Yeah , the entire system yield is 3,000 watts peaking at 125 decibels . Translation : loud .
The Nakamichi Dragon excels in book , clarity , preciseness , soundstage , and just about every other audio - related full term used to say " it sounds incredible " for both music and movies . But where it skin is in its power as asurround system , with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS : X. Through audition several surround sound examples , Denison noted the Dragon ’s ability to immerse him in cavernous reverbs and pinpoint - exact object positioning around the room — sounds even seem to originate from place in the room where there are no speakers . Dialogue is percipient and comfortable to interpret ( count on the sound intermixture , of course ) , and explosive gang fight comes with simpleness spring the Dragon ’s woofer .
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
frame-up and standardization , while not for newbies , is pretty straightforward and i d guide by a well - designed on - screen presentation that lets you select room size , EQing for game , movies , and more , as well as forward-looking standardization tools to get the system perfectly tuned for your America .
Could you meet a comparable organization for less money ? Of of course you could . The $ 2,600 Sonos organization ( Arc soundbar , two Era 300s , one Sonos Sub ) , Denison compares the Dragon to in his video is roughly the same price ( if you impart a second wedge like the Dragon has , it ’s $ 3,400 ) , and there are obviously full Atmos telephone receiver / speaker setups you could get into for less . But if you ’ve get the money and are a little more serious about your home theater audio , few can compete with the impingement and uncloudedness of the Dragon at this price .
The best Dolby Atmos soundbar for less than $1,000
Vizio Elevate Soundbar
The Vizio Elevate is the troupe ’s flagship and it merit serious consideration by anyone who wants an elegantly contrive and powerful audio scheme for their television .
The Elevate ’s signature feature of speech is its rotating speaker module . They sit at the end of the soundbar and rotate from front - firing to up - liberation whenever Dolby Atmos or DTS :X content is being played . When combined with the up - firing equipment driver engraft in the environment speakers , you get four height channel , for overhead level-headed effects that rival those of more premium units . easily yet , all of those 5.1.4 channels are individually controllable , so you may well tune up the speakers to your space .
The included wireless subwoofer has a generous eight - column inch driver and can make as low as 30Hz , and has enough power to rattle your window , even if it ca n’t quite compare to the dedicated powered Cuban sandwich you ’ll find on more expensive portion system .
With two HDMI input signal and anHDMI ARC / eARCoutput , there ’s no trouble with being able to attach outside media source , and Bluetooth is on tap for streaming music from your phone . The only thing miss is Wi - Fi , so there ’s no financial backing for high - tone audio frequency streaming from music service , no compatibility with AirPlay , Chromecast , or Amazon Alexa , and no multi - room audio .
Still , for the price , it ’s very hard to beat the Elevate for pure TV and moving-picture show submerging . The only thing that comes nigh is Vizio ’s ownM - Series Elevate , which is $ 200 tacky and miss the flagship Elevate ’s rear up - firing drivers .
Best single-speaker soundbar under $500
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
If you ’re looking for a greatDolby Atmos soundbarthat wo n’t cost you more than $ 1,000 , your sights should be set on the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 . Not only is this a phenomenal soundbar on its own but when you bring a Flexus Sub 100 and Flexus Surr 100 rearward speakers to your setup , you ’ll have a pure Flexus surround system . Of course , these are optional hyperkinetic syndrome - ons .
What we ’d really like to rant about is how much might the Flexus Core 200 packs . Rated at 185 watts , we were blown forth by how gravid of the soundbar is for the price . Even without a subwoofer , the Flexus Core 200 drive home a ridiculous amount of sea bass , on top of excellent dialogue clearness and decent height - channel virtualization . No , it does n’t touch the output of a dead on target Atmos scheme , but it ’s far more than just a traditional stereo sound enhancer .
The Klipsch Connect app is another gravid summation to the Flexus Core 200 software . Intuitive from one screen to the next , you ’ll be able to do everything from EQ customization to volume control and palisade verbalizer form . And while the Flexus Core 200 is equip with an HDMI eARC port wine and digital optical , there ’s no way to connect the Flexus to the cyberspace . This just means that you ’ll need to do all your wireless medicine streaming via Bluetooth .
Best budget soundbar
Sonos Ray
So you ’ve wanted to get into Sonos for your boob tube elbow room , but your room ’s a bit too modest for the big sound and bigger price of its flagship Sonos Arc ( on our list above ) or even the middle - tierBeam ( 2nd gen ) . In 2022 Sonos finally addressed this penury and launched the Sonos Ray , and while it ’s still more high-priced than some of the pick on our tilt , this is Sonos we ’re tattle about , and should you prefer , the Ray can either sum to your exist multi - room Sonos system or be the showtime of one .
Similar in size and reckon to the Beam , the Ray comes in black and white finishes and looks keen anywhere , and it can also be wall - mounted with a angle bracket you could get from Sonos .
frame-up is key signature Sonos simpleton , and once it is it ’s easy to control with the excellent Sonos app , which you may use to controller volume , EQing , and group with other Sonos verbaliser . There are also touch controls on the top of the soundbar , too .
While the Sonos Ray is n’t aDolby Atmossoundbar like its Beam ( 2nd gen ) and Arc sib , optical connectivity to your TV allows forDolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround , if and when you desire to flourish your system with , for example , aSonos Sub Miniand a yoke ofSonos Era 100sor Sonos Ones as rearward surround .
And it kind of goes without say that it sounds good , too , with our reviewer Simon Cohen praise its ability to deliver vainglorious depleted - end and mids , as well as clean-cut highs , perfect for healthy effects in movies such as whizzing bullets , skreigh tyre , and bark dogs . Music , Cohen suppose , sound equally good , and , as per all Sonos speaker , you get accession to all your cyclosis services likeTidal , Spotify , Apple Music , and more .
Best expandable Dolby Atmos soundbar
Sonos Arc Ultra
It ’s been just over four years since the launch of theoriginal Sonos Arc soundbar , and it ’s been on this list of good soundbars ever since , for its excellent sound , sleek design , and ease of use . fortuitously , its successor , the Sonos Arc Ultra , has get in to take the rein , and although it ’s nearly superposable to the Arc , it holds its status as one of the in force , and with a few welcome melioration .
facial expression - wise , there very little remainder between the Arc and the Ultra — it ’s 2 column inch wider than the Arc , but a bit shorter a little shallower . It also has a new living accommodations that wrap around the back of the verbalizer and runs along most of its duration at the back . It ’s much more pronounced than the Arc , and it also now house the Ultra ’s touch controls , including a loudness slider that brings it up to speed with other new multiplication Sonos speakers like theEra 100,Era 300 , and theMove 2 .
Even withSonos ' app rollout woes last year , put up the Arc Ultra is still fantastically easy with the app , and the utterer still seamlessly incorporate itself into your larger internet of whole - home Sonos speech sound . This update model also adds Bluetooth sustenance , for decreased reliance on the app when play music .
As with the Arc , the Arc Ultra uses up - firing loudspeaker system drivers to re - create Dolby Atmos sound , adding a upstanding gumption of 3D blank to action films , sports , and more . But make no error , there have been some betterment . The Arc ’s 5.1.2 - channel array has been replaced with seven - tweeter , six - mid - woofers , 15 class - D amplifier , and Sonos ’ newfangled Sound Motion three-fold - membrane , quadrangle - motor , bi - amped woofer , make it louder , more powerful , and more articulated .
On its own the Ultra is impressive , but you’re able to easily expand its home field capableness byadding other Sonos speakersas surround satellites , such as a brace of Era 100s , Era 300s , or connect to a pair of Sonos’Sonos nail headphonesthat work with the Arc ( and Beam ( Gen 2 ) , Beam ( Gen 1 ) , and Ray soundbars ) to shriek Dolby Atmos spacial sound audio from the Arc to them .
Plus , you could also grow the scheme later by adding a pigboat , like the magnificent — if very expensive — Sonos Suband the new , smallerSub Mini . HDMI eARC connectivity makes the Ultra a zephyr to impart to your goggle box and set up .
The Sonos Arc is also a smart loudspeaker , with two choices of representative assistant : the mere - bones but super usefulSonos Voice Controlfor Sonos - only mapping , and Alexa , which can control Sonos mathematical product and much more , too . Google Assistant fan , woefully , can not apply it directly with the Ultra , but its function can still be controlled through older Sonos speaker that still sustain it , should you have them .
All around , the Arc Ultra will take your television to the next horizontal surface and deliver a fantastic medicine - listen setup as well , and it ’s only $ 100 more than the outgoing Sonos Arc — which you could still finduntil Sonos eat its stock .
ethical mention : If theSonos ecosystemisn’t your thing , Bose ’s latest flagship , theSmart Ultra Soundbar , is a peachy option from a company with more age of top - tier audio excellence than most . It ’s the same damage as the Sonos Arc , sportswoman Dolby Atmos , has up - firing drivers for that immersive all - around effect , and features an AI - driven negotiation modal value . The Bose SimpleSync feature of speech also lets you connect to other Bose verbaliser and headphones you have in your house .
The best small soundbar
Bose Smart Soundbar
When equate to Sonos , Bose still has a ways to go when it comes to multiroom sound and streaming music service desegregation , but thanks to the Bose Smart Soundbar ’s built - in up - firing height number one wood , it ’s the good small speaker for movies and TV — especially if Dolby Atmos is involve .
Bass and duologue clarity are two especially bright spots for the Smart Soundbar , but it ’s the sheer size of it of the speaker ’s soundstage that you notice the most . It projects sound upward , outwards , and to the sides so effectively , you ’ll aver there are additional speakers in your room . If the result is n’t muscular enough , you’re able to total the veridical raft — the Smart Soundbar is compatible with two models of wireless Bose subwoofers and two mannikin of wireless Bose surroundings speaker system .
Like its predecessor , the Smart Soundbar 300 , and theSonos Beam Gen 2 , the 600 can act as a smart speaker , but only using Amazon ’s Alexa AI . Google Assistant is still compatible , but it ’s no longer built - in . However , you do get Chromecast in addition to AirPlay and Bluetooth , making the Smart Soundbar a comfortably streaming pick for Android users than Sonos ( AirPlay only ) .
The Smart Soundbar also has a lineament that ’s custom - tailored to bedrooms : you may connect any compatible Bose headphonesover Bluetoothfor individual listening . Bose’sPersonal Surround Soundtech lease you use a twosome of the company’sUltra Open Earbudsto augment the sound . " When the gadget are twin together , the earbuds act as a reliever for discrete surround loudspeaker system . Thanks to the earbuds ’ fully overt design , you could hear all form of surround sounds , including the soundbar ’s audio , " our reviewer Simon Cohen says about the feature .
good mentions : If go along things tight and sizeable under your TV is a priority , we can suggest a few more soundbars on the smaller side , including theSonos Beam Gen 2 , a Dolby Atmos - adequate to soundbar that s ’s great if you ’re wait to build or expand a multiroom wireless audio organisation ; theSony HT - S2000 , which excels at Dolby Atmos sound for around the same price ; and thePolk MagniFi Mini AX , a midget Dolby Atmos / DTS :X soundbar the deliver open dialogue and comes with a powerful subwoofer for under $ 500 .
Best soundbar alternative for Apple TV fans
Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)
HomePod , the little Apple saucy - speaker - that - could , made its triumphant recurrence to salt away shelves ahead of time this class after the Cupertino companionship discontinued the original in 2021 . It ’s an first-class - go speaker system that has improved upon the original in a number of way , it ’s packed with elbow room - sensing tech that adapt the speech sound to essentially anywhere you put it , and it ’s a top - notch smart speaker withMatter supportso it can work with and control all your home ’s touch base wise equipment , such as ignitor , thermostats , and more .
And while there are definitely some differences between the more expensive HomePods + Apple TV 4 K setup ( roughly $ 750 ) and a $ 500 Sonos Beam ( HDMI eARC is the expectant one miss from the HomePod ) , pairing a set of HomePods together declare oneself not only excellent stereo sound separation when listening to movies ( something that is harder to reach with a soundbar ) , but Spatial Audio for picture show and TV is awe-inspiring . " Dialogue is vitreous silica decipherable and perfectly concentrate , sound effects are roomy and enveloping — I decidedly fuck off the impression there were more utterer in the way , " Denison gush . Even the bass storm him for a two - channel system , and if you need for a system that also does music just as well ( or possibly you want to exploreDolby Atmos Musictracks , too ) , a set of HomePods might be worth a look .
Best soundbar alternative for everyone
Sony Bravia Theatre Quad
Imagine a home theater organization that transcend the limitations of your sustenance space , transform any room into an immersive cinematic asylum . Sony ’s Bravia Theatre Quad system predict to do just that . This innovative solution challenges the ceremonious impression of surround sound , birth a really trance audio experience that conform seamlessly to your environment .
At the center of the Bravia Theatre Quad lies a quaternary of compact wireless speakers , each engineered with four internal driver to generate a vivacious and nuanced soundscape . However , the unfeigned virtuoso of this system lies in its ripe spatial function engineering . utilize intricate algorithms , this intelligent system psychoanalyse your elbow room ’s unequalled dimensions , pinpointing the exact fix of walls , furniture , and even ceiling height . This detailed acoustical mapping allows the Bravia Theatre Quad to calibrate each speaker unit individually , optimizing level-headed dispersal for a genuinely immersive , three - dimensional audio experience .
This adaptability allow for freedom in speaker placement . Whether you favor a sleek , minimalist aesthetic with wall - mounted speakers , a really immersive overhead soundscape with roof - get on units , or the flexibleness of freestanding speaker positioned for optimal sound dispersal , the Theatre Quad adapts to your preferences and room layout .
Beyond its versatility , the Theatre Quad boasts exceptional audio fidelity . Reviewers , like our own Caleb Denison , and audiophiles praise its crystal - clear dialogue breeding , which see that you never leave out a Bible , even during explosive action sequence . The system ’s dynamical orbit captures the full spectrum of transonic detail , from elusive whispers to room - shake off plosion , allowing you to experience the true emotional impact of your favorite films . The Bravia Theatre Quad ’s impressive Atmos virtualization technology creates a convincing illusion of overhead phone , adding breathtaking realism and immersion .
Another great Dolby Atmos soundbar
Yamaha SR-B30A Dolby Atmos Sound Bar
lease ’s not beat around the bush : virtualizing a Dolby Atmos system just is n’t the same as wiring up the seven , nine , or eleven speakers it acquire to complete an Atmos shape . Still , not everyone can afford to go all - in on a 5.1.4 or alike frame-up . This is why soundbars like the Yamaha SR - B30A are in such high need . With its gentle - to - employment - with low - profile purpose and incorporated subwoofers , the 120 - James Watt SR - B30A save satisfying Atmos emulation butreallyflourishes when it comes to dialogue clarity .
Thanks to its build - in Clear Voice technology , the SR - B30A hones in on speaking parts and song , so even if the scene is tawdry , you wo n’t miss a syllable of what Dr. Grant is saying inJurassic Park . Other auditory sensation presets let in Bass Extension , Stereo , Standard , Movie , and Game . You ’ll also be able to take advantage of HDMI eARC connectivity , though the SR - B30A can also be hook up to your television receiver via digital optical . And should you decide you ’d wish to add a powered woofer for extra basso down the telephone line , the SR - B30A has an LFE turnout , too .
This is n’t the fancy or most powerful soundbar on our lean , but if you ’re looking to up the decibels in every room and do n’t want to expend more than $ 300 , the Yamaha SR - B30A is an excellent option .
Frequently Asked Questions
They offer a belittled footprint , they ’re affordable and wanton to jell up , and they voice much safe than the speaker establish into most TVs .
Virtually all modernsoundbars connect to your TVvia digital connection either with an optical or HDMI cable television . The latter is loosely favor for video withHDMI ARC or eARC , as it allow for better speech sound and control of introductory functionality with your TV remote control . For Dolby Atmos , an HDMI connection is a prerequisite .
Some of them can be , yes . See the above for information about HDMI ARC .
Yes , many get with mounting bracket in the boxful , but almost all have optional paries - mount solvent you could buy later .
Technically yes , but we usually advocate mounting them below the TV . In general , we urge you get them as stuffy to ear level as possible for the best sound .
Most new soundbars do have this sort of wireless functionality . This typically reserve you to swarm music from your smartphone or home net directly to the soundbar . If a soundbar is also a smart verbaliser ( e.g. Sonos Arc Ultra , Bose Smart Soundbar 600 ) it will be Wi - Fi equipped .
Wi - Fi is generally preferable toBluetooth for euphony streamingas its high bandwidth brook high quality data format like lossless FLAC , ALAC , WAV , and others . See the above question for wireless functionality with your TV or telephone receiver .
No , not always . Some are built without them purposefully to save space . If they containbuilt - in subwoofersthey can still deliver surprisingly warm basso , but most rely on a wire ( or wireless ) subwoofer for crushed - frequency phone .
Yes , but in slimly different ways . Some soundbars can replicate as smart speakers . The Sonos and Bose fellowship of soundbars give you a selection of Google Assistant or Alexa , with the former also allowing you to use Sonos’Voice Control .
Soundbars can also be voice assistant - compatible , which entail that you ’ll be able-bodied to utilise one or more representative helper to control the soundbar if you already own a smart loudspeaker system or some other path to issue voice command . Several soundbars can be add together to Apple HomeKit , which lets you hold them via Siri .
Still other soundbars , like Vizio ’s family of production , have give smart speaker inputs so you may telegraph a Google Nest Mini or Amazon Echo into the soundbar . This lets the soundbar read when you are trying to talk to your supporter , and it can lower the speaker loudness automatically while letting you learn the helper via the higher - tone soundbar .
No , but Apple’sHomePod Miniitsresurrected 2nd Gen HomePodcan act assoundbar replacementsif you also own an Apple TV 4K. you could pose up aset of HomePods as a stereo distich , which voice amazing and might just be a good soundbar choice .
