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These top-rated sound bars can really enhance your TV audio
You don't have to be an audiophile to enjoy good sound. The truth is that many TVs today just do not have the best sound, meaning you are sacrificing your audio every second that you skip using a soundbar. A soundbar can bring your program to life and transform your favorite song with heavy bass and clear detail.
With most TVs sacrificing great audio today, a soundbar can be your answer to better audio that will keep you right in the moment. These are the best soundbars for your home.
Also: Read more about the best TVs!
- Phenomenal sound
- Dolby Atmos
- Discreet design
- No HDMI pass-through ports
- Lacks DTS/DTS:X support
Tech Specs: Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Type: Dolby Atmos | Dimensions: 3.4 x 45 x 4.5 inches | Bluetooth: No | Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Sonos Arc is hands-down the best soundbar overall, thanks to its fantastic sound and reliable performance. To begin, you can connect via the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2 and enjoy Trueplay™ optimization with smart EQ adjustments for incredible sound. The Sonos Arc is also easily pairable, so you can add more Sonos speakers for a surround-sound effect. There is easy voice control with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built in, and when you are finished, you can turn it off with one easy tap.
Read the review: Best Sonos speakers
- Excellent connectivity
- 300+ free channels
- Dialogue enhancement
- Mediocre bass
- Limited volume
Tech Specs: Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI, USB | Dimensions: 14 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches | Bluetooth: Yes | Voice assistant: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Roku is already famous for its best streaming devices, so it makes sense that it would make one of the best soundbars, too. The Roku Streambar is not just a soundbar - it includes 4K streaming of all your favorite programs, including over 300 live TV channels and access to Roku Originals. Dolby Audio brings movies and shows to life with a 4K resolution for a better picture. Benefit from wide connectivity that includes Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, and WiFi connections. A remote control comes included in case you prefer that over voice control.
Read the review: The best Roku TVs
- Compact design
- Fantastic sound
- Exclusive Samsung features
- Mediocre music performance
- Pricey
Tech Specs: Connectivity: WiFi | Type: Dolby Atmos | Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.7 x 48.5 inches | Bluetooth: Yes | Voice assistant: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa
If you are looking for some serious bass, the Samsung HW-Q990B is the best soundbar with a subwoofer. This wireless soundbar provides Dolby Atmos sound with room-filling Q-Symphony audio and SpaceFit Sound+ for a more powerful experience that puts you right in the action. It includes 11 channels with four up-firing channels in addition to the subwoofer, and a rear speaker kit comes included with up-firing rear speakers to better project sound around the room. For greater convenience, use Alexa or AirPlay2 to control your soundbar.
- Phenomenal sound
- Excellent surround sound
- Crisp detail
- Oversized
- Very expensive
Tech Specs: Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI, RCA | Type: Dolby Atmos | Dimensions: 49.8 x 6.73 x 5.31 inches | Bluetooth: Yes
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar comes with a series of services already built in, such as Chromecast, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. Thirteen premium drivers mean better sound, which you can easily adjust using the built-in equalizer. There is also the option to tune your music using the three AMBEO 3-D technology modes. Use Bluetooth to get the music going and feel 3D surround sound with deep 30Hz bass. DTS:X and MPEG-H are compatible, as well. However, just keep in mind that this is a wired model and not wireless like some of the other best soundbars on our list.
- Dolby Atmos sound
- Smart capability
- Room correction for iOS
- No DTS:X support
- Limited bass
Tech Specs: Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Type: Dolby Atmos | Dimensions: 25.59 x 3.94 x 2.76 inches | Bluetooth: Yes | Voice assistant: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Here we have another option from Sonos, only the Sonos Beam has the smart features you want in a soundbar. Dolby Atmos is incorporated for superior, panoramic sound - a new addition to this second generation. Advanced audio processing makes for better-balanced sound, plus there is Speech Enhancement to enunciate dialogue. You also have the option of Night Sound in order to switch to a quieter volume when the rest of the house is sleeping.
What is the best soundbar?
The best soundbar is the Sonos Arc, offering the latest technology at an affordable price. To see how it compares, here is an overview of the size and cost of the best soundbars.
Best soundbar | Cost | Dimensions |
Sonos Arc | $900 | 45 x 3.4 x 4.5 inches |
Roku Streambar | $125 | 14 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches |
Samsung HW-Q990B | $1498 | 48.5 x 5.4 x 2.7 inches |
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar | $2500 | 49.8 x 6.73 x 5.31 inches |
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | $446 | 25.59 x 3.94 x 2.76 inches |
Which is the best soundbar for you?
Here we offer our expert recommendations to help you find the best soundbar for your home.
Choose this soundbar... | If you want... |
Sonos Arc | Overall value and performance |
Roku Streambar | Something that doesn't break the bank |
Samsung HW-Q990B | A subwoofer combo |
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar | The best soundbar money can buy |
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Smart technology with your soundbar |
How did we choose these soundbars?
In choosing these best soundbars, we keep a number of factors at the forefront.
Channels: Most soundbars have anywhere from two up to 16 sound channels. Those soundbars with five channels or more incorporate surround sound for a more immersive experience.
WiFi: The best soundbars offer wireless capability, which means that you can connect to music or TV via a Bluetooth or WiFi connection.
HDMI inputs: If you have additional devices, you may need to consider the number of HDMI ports available. Consider whether you will have any gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or other devices that will need a home in your soundbar.
Voice commands: Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homekit are all examples of voice command compatibility usually available with the best soundbars.
Price: Budget is an important factor to keep in mind when shopping.
Do all soundbars work with all TVs?
Most soundbars are compatible with all TVs, allowing you to connect using the HDMI ARC connection to channel audio. Before you decide on the best soundbar for you, check to make sure that it is compatible with the TV you plan on using.
How much do the best soundbars cost?
Soundbars can vary significantly in price, depending on the build and features included. The cost of the best soundbars ranges anywhere from $120 to almost $2,000.
Are there alternative soundbars worth considering?
While searching for the best soundbars, we also found these options that may be worth a second look.
For more options, check out our expert picks for the best speakers, the best Bluetooth speakers, and the best stereo speakers!