Astelevision technologycontinues to evolve , many of the best models now come equip with improved built - in strait systems . However , despite these advancement , we are still quite a way from idiot box providing a sound experience that can compete with dedicated audio frequency equipment . For this ground , we highly urge that novel TV buyers look at investing in a soundbar to enhance their rest home viewing experience , whether it ’s for movies , television set shows , or sporting events .

To address this need , we ’ve created a comprehensive guide on how to prefer theideal soundbarfor your home frame-up . Soundbars have been in the market place for several years now and have significantly transmute the elbow room we have audio frequency . If you ’re looking for choice , palpate free to check out our curated list of thebest soundbars , including a usher dedicated to model that feature built - in subwoofers for those who crave rich bass tones .

Choosing a soundbar can be a intimidating undertaking , commit the plethora of options available , each boasting unparalleled features and specification . To help simplify your decision - make process , we ’ve put together this guide that highlights the most authoritative criteria you should consider when selecting a soundbar .

What size soundbar do I need?

Since soundbars come in a variety of shapes and sizes , you require to determine the good size for your TV . Some people prefer that their soundbar is the same width as their television , while others are on the hunting for bigger . And while it ’s a personal preference in the conclusion , the size of a soundbar is largely square up by how many drivers and/or channel there are in any given soundbar — the more driver there are , the bigger it can be , but not always ( it ’s complicated ) .

We get into this in more detail below , but it ’s up to you to check that that whatever soundbar you grease one’s palms has the best residuum between the bit of number one wood for the features you want , and that will gibe under your TV , either mount on the bulwark or on your media console table .

Do I need a subwoofer?

disregardless of which soundbar you choose , it ’ll be a major advance over the internal speakers of just about any telly . Still , there are decision to be made , and one of them is extra of import : Should you get a soundbar with a subwoofer , or without one ?

Subwoofers are speaker drivers dedicate to the reproduction of low - frequency sound recording — think rumbling bass part , explode bombs , the whump - whump of a whirlybird ’s sword . A soundbar with a subwoofer will add slug and rumble to television shows and moving-picture show , create a fuller auditory sensation and more in effect contrive audio frequency throughout the way . If you design on see lots ofaction moviesor film with epic music , you ’ll likely want a subwoofer .

Some soundbars come with dedicated subwoofers ( most connect wirelessly , though some require a direct - wire connection ) , but in some cases , you ’re better off purchasing them individually . verify to do some research — oursubwoofers buying guideis one resource . If you settle to buy a third - party dedicated subwoofer , verify your soundbar supports it — not all soundbars have a dedicated subwoofer output .

In other case , likethe Sony HT - S2000 , the subwoofer contained in the soundbar itself are potent enough to give up all but the most couch - shaking humble frequency . Even theSonos ArcandKlipsch Flexus Core 200are arguably able of harbor their own sans - subwoofer .

Connections

For the most part , you ’ll necessitate just one cable to connect a soundbar with your TV . Some soundbars rely on optical cables , which work delicately . Still , HDMIis preferred . The HDMI interface supports more audio formatting than the opthalmic , which effectively means you ’ll get higher timbre sound that ’s more immersive with HDMI . Here ’s a basic chart for what audio formats are supported by Optical , HDMI ARC , and HDMI eARC .

Dolby Digital

But HDMI connections are n’t all equal , particularly when it comes to soundbars . To link a soundbar to a goggle box over HDMI , your TV needs to supportHDMI ARC ( Audio Return Channel)or HDMI eARC ( Enhanced Audio Return Channel ) — some older TVs do n’t have this feature . If your TV does n’t have it , you ’ll need to stick with an opthalmic connection .

Keep in thinker , if you connect your soundbar via HDMI , you ’ve now got one less HDMI port on your goggle box for devices like swarm medium players , Blu - ray player , or cable boxes . To compensate , some soundbars offer an HDMI remark , and some offer more than one , which effectively turn them into mini Ab receivers . But some soundbars , like theSonos Arc , do n’t have any HDMI input . If you ’re already running low on HDMI interface , that ’s something to keep in judgement .

The only solution ( other than bribe a soundbar with multiple HDMI inputs ) is to buyan HDMI whipper , which can wrick one HDMI port wine into two , three , four , or more — but this increase the complexity of your setup , something which a soundbar is meant to prevent .

checker out our guide onhow to connect your soundbar to a TVfor a detailed look at all of your choice .

Mounting options

One of the best part about owninga modern TVis the abilityto climb it on the paries . And guess what ? You ’ll be able-bodied to mount your soundbar on the bulwark too , but there are a few important affair you should think about before doing so .

First and first , it ’s a good idea to know what kind of wall mount you ’re break down to buy for your goggle box , or what character of mount an existing paries - mounted set is using . This is because flat bulwark mounts ( the character that point your TV as closelipped to the wall as potential ) and tilting bulwark mounts ( the kind that let you tilt your tv set up and down a few grade ) are not going to pull off the paries . So if you decide you ’d wish to habituate the maker - furnish mounting ironware to mount your soundbar right below your goggle box , you ’ll just want to make certain you ’re centering it below your TV .

And if you ’re a stickler for telegram - liberal aesthetics ( we totally get it ) , you may need to invest ina telegram coverto hide the HDMI or ocular connection that run from the soundbar to your TV .

Now . if you ’re going to be using afull - move wall mount(the kind that pull off the wall , turn unexpended and right , and tilt up and down ) , it might be a better idea to buy a soundbar mounting outfit , instead of mounting directly to the rampart .

Soundbar mounting kitsactually attach to your television ’s wall - bestride hardware , so when you decide you ’d like to move your TV to look a different part of your support room ( or another room exclusively ) , your soundbar will move with it . This is n’t to say that youhaveto utilize a soundbar mount outfit if you ’re using a full motion wall - mount for your idiot box . Even if your goggle box is faced aside from your typical viewing surface area , most soundbars are subject of present audio to an intact room , or else of just a numb - on hearing space .

Channels and Dolby Atmos

When browse for soundbars for your household theater , you ’ll probably total across some puzzling numbers . Labels like “ 2.0 , ” “ 3.1 , ” or “ 5.1 ” are there to let you know A ) how many channels a soundbar has and B ) whether or not it has asubwoofer .

The first turn ( before the time period ) refers to the act of channel , and the number after the menstruation tell you whether there ’s a subwoofer ( 1 ) or not ( 0 ) . If a soundbar has only two duct , that entail a left and a right channel . If it has three channel , the third is a center TV channel , which meliorate dialog clarity . Five adds channels for rearward or surround sound speakers .

Often , a soundbar system will add up with a wireless subwoofer or freestanding subwoofer and , in some cases , even wireless satellite loudspeaker . These do n’t necessitate to connect physically with the soundbar itself , but they ’ll need a power source , so you ’ll have to position them near wall issue ( or get creative ) .

But here ’s where it can get a small guileful : A soundbar can claim to be 2.1 , 3.1 . or even 5.1   — even if it does n’t come with a subwoofer . As long as the soundbar has dedicated low - absolute frequency driver , it can still claim “ .1 ” status .

If there ’s a third number — i.e. , 5.1.4 — that means the soundbar supportsDolby Atmos surround soundand / or DTS : X. The final act name to the number of consecrate drivers that give the sack upwards at the ceiling , bouncing sound down to create an enveloping effect . other Dolby Atmos model were moderately effective at simulatingdedicated height - channelspeakers , butthe newfangled Atmos soundbarsare incredible . Atmos is the most popularsurround strait technology , capable of sue 128 distinct objects in a chip in scene .

But look , why do I see some soundbars arrogate to offer Dolby Atmos audio , yet with as few as two channels ? This is the singular affair about Dolby Atmos . It can be reproduced using dedicated driver within a individual speaker ( e.g. ,Sonos Arc ) , or it can be reproduced using separate speakers , or it can be reproduce “ virtually ” using as few as two channels in a single speaker .

Naturally , there ’s a wide range of calibre in these place . We ’d debate that if you ’re a Dolby Atmos rabid , there ’s simply no substitute for dedicated speakers placed right around your room . However , it ’s noteworthy just how good virtualized Atmos can be .

Whole-home audio and Bluetooth

Soundbars are increasingly being used for listening to music as much as for listening to your boob tube . This is particularly truthful in smaller houses or condos . Most young soundbars supportBluetoothconnectivity and streaming from your smartphone , pill , or computer , making it super - childlike to get wind yourSpotifyor other music on a bigger loudspeaker system . However , more sophisticated alternative exist .

Sonos , Bluesound , Bose , Yamaha , and many others volunteer soundbars that can be linked to whole - habitation wireless music systems over Wi - Fi . If you recollect you may want to expand into a enceinte wireless medicine system in the time to come ( or if you already own other Wi - Fi audio components from these brands ) , it makes mother wit to consider one of these models before you buy .

Smart soundbars

Soundbars are no longer all about speech sound . The latest fashion model fromAmazonandRokunow let in smart software , such asRoku OS , and even vox help like Google Assistant andAlexa . These are a salutary selection for those who require to give their mature telly the latest in streaming services and home plate automation , without complicating their setup with additionalstreaming devicesand cables . These smart soundbars are very convenient but do n’t forget : your main deputation should be to get yourself best phone . It ’s not worth purchase a smart soundbar that does n’t adjoin your expectation for healthy quality .

IR sensors and placement

take for granted you desire to insure your TV ( you do ) , you ’ll take to be careful with where you place a soundbar . Typically , soundbars sit direct below your TV — even mount on the wall , if that ’s where the telecasting is . But if you ’re using an entertainment pedestal , you do n’t require the soundbar sitting on it stymy your television set ’s infrared ( IR ) sensing element , which is where the remote ascendence sends its signal .

Some soundbars come withIR repeaters ; these pass the signal through the soundbar itself to the TV ’s sensor . If yours has one , awesome — just ensure the soundbar is n’t obscuring the screen . loosely speak , you want a soundbar that ’s approximately the same breadth as your TV ; soundbar proportion are mostly an aesthetic broker , though , and should n’t be a deal - breaker .

When babble out about positioning , it is also authoritative to note if you want a soundbar with a front - jury display . While this is a skillful feature film , it is n’t needs a must - have . Not many soundbars have a rightful front display , so you do n’t get much in the way of visual feedback when you are reverse up the bulk .

Dialogue clarity

One of the most vulgar issues people have with the built - in speakers on TVs is the lack of crisp , clear dialogue . The habit of complex , multichannel surround strait is wee human speech progressively more difficult to listen . unluckily , some soundbars make this sorry , not beneficial .

There ’s been an increase style lately towardsmaller soundbarsand soundbar - format talker that focus on realize speech more understandable , such as the customizableSamsung HW - Q990D. Even speaker system without the HW - Q990D ’s speech - enhancement features , like theSonos Beam ( Gen 2)or theRoku Streambar , can help make dialogue exonerated but by directing more higher - frequency sound directly toward your viewing smear .

If you need improved dialogue clarity for everyone in the room , these television receiver speakers can do the trick . But if you ’re look for more personalization , you ’ll want soundbars like the Bose soundbar 300 , 500 , and 700 speaker system that allow joining to a set of Bluetooth headphones . Whether you use the headphones in tandem bicycle with the utterer or on their own , it ’s incredibly good .

How much can you expect to pay for soundbars?

The cost range for soundbars vary wide , reflecting the diverse features and sound quality uncommitted in the food market . Generally , you could expect to yield anywhere from under $ 100 to well over $ 1,000 for a soundbar . Several factors influence this cost range , including the brand , audio engineering , identification number of channels , connectivity options , and extra feature like smart capacity or included subwoofers and surroundings speakers .

Entry - level soundbars , typically priced below $ 300 , cater a significant acclivity over received television speakers and are a budget - favorable way to enhance your audio experience . These model often feature a 2.0 or 2.1 TV channel setup , deliver two-channel sound , and sometimes include a basic subwoofer for add bass .

Mid - chain of mountains soundbars , which wander from around $ 300 to $ 800 , commonly extend more advanced audio technology such as Dolby Atmos or DTS : X. They have a greater number of channel for a more immersive soundstage ( such as 3.1.2 or 5.1 constellation ) and often come with better build up timber and enhanced connectivity options like HDMI eARC .

gamey - death soundbars , priced above $ 800 , are project for audiophiles and home base theater enthusiasts . These premium models provide superior sound quality with dedicated tweeter , mid - range driver , and woofers , often in configuration of 7.1.4 or higher . They oftentimes admit wireless subwoofers and rear speakers for true surround sound , along with forward-looking features like room standardisation , multiple HDMI inputs , and unlined integration with smart home systems .

Ultimately , the amount you should look to pay bet on your specific needs , the size of your room , and the level of audio ducking you desire .

Some of the best soundbar brands to consider

Upgrading your TV ’s audio with a soundbar can importantly heighten your wake experience , and selecting the right brand is the first dance step in this process . Several maker consistently rate high up for sound quality , innovative features , and overall dependability .

Sonosis often praise for its seamless multi - room ecosystem and telling phone , especially from its relatively compact design . The Arc Ultra is frequently highlight as a top performer for immersive audio recording .

Boseis another premium brand recognized for its sophisticated sound engineering and substance abuser - well-disposed smart feature film . mannequin like the Smart Ultra Soundbar turn in fantabulous audio clarity and come with a sleek design .

Samsunghas emerge as a major actor in the soundbar market , offering a blanket variety of options that desegregate well with their TVs . Their applied science , such as Q - Symphony , synchronizes the TV and soundbar speakers . High - remainder manikin like the HW - Q990D are particularly praised for their comprehensive surround phone capacity .

Sonyalso has a inviolable reputation in sound , with soundbars like the HT - A7000 that excel in delivering in high spirits - resolution audio and immersive cinematic experiences .

For those looking for capital value , denounce likeVizioandPolk Audioprovide soundbars that offer a significant audio upgrade without strain your budget . Vizio ’s M - Series often includes Dolby Atmos backing at a more accessible price , while Polk Audio ’s Signa serial is do it for its clear dialog sweetening .

Other brands such asJBL , LG , andSennheiseralso tender compelling alternative , each with unique strengths — be it powerful basso , bright AI features , or surpassing audio fidelity . Ultimately , the best brand for you will count on your specific demand , budget , and the feature film you prioritize .