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Most TVs come with mediocre built-in speakers that deliver muddy dialogue and weak bass. That's why we recommend investing in a soundbar. The best soundbars can be a game changer for your home entertainment setup, providing bigger bass, cleaner speech, and a wider soundstage.
Our team of technology specialists has spent more than ten years evaluating audio equipment and leveraged this expertise to choose the finest soundbars suited for different requirements. We primarily recommend the
Yamaha YAS-209
This adaptable soundbar is ideal for those seeking a budget-friendly option with excellent overall performance. However, enthusiasts looking for a complete Dolby Atmos setup featuring specialized surround sound speakers and upward-facing drivers might want to invest more in a robust system.
Samsung HW-Q990C
.
Here, you can explore our selections for the top soundbars of 2025. Our range includes models suitable for various budgets and purposes, ranging from basic stereo choices to high-end setups featuring 11.1.4 audio channels.
Our premier selections for the finest soundbars available
Best overall:
Yamaha YAS-209 -
See at Amazon
Top luxury Dolby Atmos setup:
Samsung HW-Q990C -
See at Amazon
Top choice for midrange in Dolby Atmos:
Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Channel Audio System -
See at Amazon
Best entry-level Atmos bar:
Bose Smart Soundbar -
See at Amazon
Best all-in-one option:
Sonos Arc Ultra -
See at Amazon
Best for budget shoppers:
Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 -
See at Amazon
Best premium bar:
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max -
See at Amazon
Best compact model:
Roku Streambar -
See at Amazon
Best overall
Our top choice as the best soundbar overall goes to the YAS-209. It offers solid audio performance without breaking the bank. Ideal for those seeking compact audio solutions, this model serves as an excellent enhancement over standard TV speakers.
The 2.1-channel setup features a 36-inch soundbar along with a wireless subwoofer designed specifically for low-frequency sounds. This configuration supports basic stereo reproduction through separate left and right channels yet incorporates DTS Virtual:X technology to generate an immersive surround sound experience. Although this might fall short compared to higher-end options we endorse, it still performs reasonably well. Regardless of whether you enable the virtual surround mode or stick to standard settings, the system ensures crisp and well-balanced audio across different media formats.
The YAS-209 connects to your TV using its HDMI ARC port, and the soundbar has a handy HDMI-in port that supports passing through video at up to
4K resolution
at 60Hz with
HDR
However, not including Dolby Vision, content can be streamed through a connected device such as a gaming console or Blu-ray player. Additionally, an optical audio port is included for compatibility with older TVs lacking HDMI ARC support. You have the option to wirelessly play music using either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi technology.
With its built-in microphones, the YAS-209 also has integrated support for Amazon Alexa, enabling voice control for functions like volume. All this at such a low price keeps the YAS-209 at the top of the list for many shoppers and reviewers alike, easily making it one of the best soundbars on the market.
Top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos setup
Samsung's 11.1.4-channel Q990C is the
best Dolby Atmos soundbar
We have reviewed this extensive multipart system, which doesn’t offer the same level of compactness as some of our other recommendations. However, it completely immerses you in an uninterrupted audio experience.
The Dolby Atmos technology disperses audio effects in every direction, even overhead, and the Q990C excels at this function. Featuring four upward-facing drivers to reflect Atmos sounds off your ceiling, along with four lateral drivers, a set of dedicated back speakers, a robust subwoofer, and numerous extra drivers, the HW-Q990C is a formidable device that immerses you completely in the scene.
However, this setup doesn’t merely focus on strength. Our tests revealed that it also excels in maintaining balance and smoothly switching between different audio sources, thereby improving various types of content ranging from sitcoms and action movies to jazz and hip-hop.
The system comes packed with features, including integrated Alexa voice control along with compatibility across all key audio formats. Besides supporting Dolby Atmos, the Q990C also works seamlessly with competing technologies like DTS:X and numerous high-resolution audio file types. It offers various input options such as HDMI eARC, an optical port, plus two HDMI ports capable of 4K HDR pass-through; however, these do not reach HDMI 2.1 standards necessary for smooth 120Hz gaming experiences.
Accessories come with an easy-to-use remote control, or alternatively, you can utilize the Samsung SmartThings app to adjust settings such as equalizer and each channel’s volume. Additionally, this soundbar is compatible with numerous devices from the same brand.
best Samsung TVs
, like the
S95D 4K OLED
, through Q-Symphony. This functionality enables you to utilize your TV’s speakers as part of an integrated sound setup with the Q990C.
Purchasers should be aware that Samsung additionally offers a more recent model of this soundbar, the
Q990D
The revised version keeps the original design intact while introducing several new features such as HDMI 2.1 compatibility for passing through 4K at 120Hz when linked with a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X. Although we believe the more affordable Q990C still offers greater value, the Q990D stands out as a solid choice particularly because of its enhanced gaming functionalities.
Read our
Samsung HW-Q990C Soundbar review
.
Top choice for midrange in Dolby Atmos
If your budget is around $800 for an Atmos-compatible audio setup, it’s hard to surpass the enveloping quality offered by Vizio's Elevate soundbar. While more expensive than basic stereo options, this model stands out as one of the least pricey routes to experiencing a complete 5.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos environment.
The Elevate includes left, center, and right channels within the soundbar, as well as two upward-facing drivers that reflect sounds off your ceiling for immersive overhead effects. Additionally, it comes with two wired satellite speakers featuring their own upward-firing drivers, plus an independently functioning eight-inch wireless subwoofer.
The innovative design of the Elevate includes front high-mounted speakers equipped with a rotational function that adjusts their angle based on your audio content. These speakers pivot upwards when playing 3D audio formats such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for immersive overhead sounds. In contrast, they direct themselves forwards for standard audio mixes, enhancing the overall width and strength of the frontal auditory field.
Elevate’s somewhat substantial dimensions and cabled back speakers render it bulkier and not as compact compared to many alternative soundbars. However, this setup won our admiration due to its exceptional audio quality. It provides an almost unparalleled immersive experience akin to what you’d expect from conventional home theater systems we’ve evaluated.
Read our
Vizio Elevate Soundbar review
.
Best entry-level Atmos bar
The Bose Smart Soundbar lives up to its title by combining both a soundbar and a smart speaker into one unit. Featuring integrated microphones for Amazon Alexa voice command capabilities, this device can work with Google Assistant through an additional connected gadget. Additionally, it stands out as one of the more affordable options available among Dolby Atmos-equipped soundbars.
The Smart Soundbar represents a minor update over its predecessor, which has been discontinued.
Smart Soundbar 600
. The refreshed model is physically the same device with the exact same driver configuration. But this revised option adds two new software features: an AI dialogue mode and support for using Bose earbuds as rear speakers.
Even though it’s small in size, the Smart Soundbar offers remarkable audio quality, which left us quite impressed with its robust sound output. What stood out particularly was the crystal-clear dialogue during movies, including intense action sequences, right from the get-go. For those who still find it challenging to hear spoken parts clearly, an advanced AI dialogue feature enhances intelligibility further without compromising other auditory elements. This sets it apart from comparable models.
Sonos Beam
Which employs virtualization technologies to create Atmos effects, this Bose model features genuine upward-facing speakers for delivering more authentic overhead sound.
Customers have the option to utilize the Bose Music App for straightforward installation, user-friendly management, and direct access to widely-used music platforms such as Spotify and Amazon Music. They can additionally broadcast content from services including Apple Music via AirPlay 2, Chromecast, or Bluetooth connectivity. Furthermore, this smart soundbar can be synchronized with other Bose speakers to establish either a whole-house audio network or include extra satellites for an immersive surround sound experience.
You can also use
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
As rear speakers equipped with the new personal surround sound feature. In our testing, this function performed quite effectively, enabling us to experience audio effects via the earbuds while simultaneously catching sounds from the soundbar. However, it comes across as a neat bonus rather than a major reason to purchase them.
On the negative side, the Smart Soundbar does not support DTS audio formats and has somewhat weak low bass frequencies. It can be paired with a Bose subwoofer, such as the
Bose Bass Module 500
, but that increases the cost twofold.
Nevertheless, even without an additional subwoofer, the Bose Smart Soundbar remains among the top choices in its price range at $500. It’s particularly outstanding if you desire Dolby Atmos support, crisp speech clarity, along with integrated Alexa intelligence within a single streamlined unit.
Check out our guide for everything about the subject.
best Bose soundbars
.
Best all-in-one option
The Sonos Arc Ultra stands out as an exemplary one-box sound system. With its stylish appearance, outstanding audio immersion, and straightforward installation process, this device can have you enjoying high-quality sound within just a few minutes. The Arc Ultra replaces the previous version.
Sonos Arc
, and the Ultra provides a significant enhancement in bass response and general audio clarity.
For enhanced performance, the Ultra employs Sonos’ advanced Sound Motion driver. This innovation allows for robust bass within a small form factor, enabling more tweeters throughout the speaker array. Featuring a total of 14 drivers—including those designed for side and upward firing—the Arc Ultra delivers a 9.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos surround sound experience, enveloping listeners in an immersive audio field. As Sonos fully embraces Dolby Atmos for music streaming, users can enjoy these high-quality atmospheric tracks through compatible platforms such as Amazon Music using the Sonos application.
The application allows you to adjust the audio settings and link additional Sonos speakers. When used alongside a pair of Sonos Arc Ultras, this feature further enables their "TV Swap" functionality.
Sonos Ace headphones
So you can switch to private listening. Nonetheless, numerous users experienced difficulties with Sonos’ software the previous year when they launched an updated version of their application. While some of these issues have been resolved, it’s not entirely flawless yet. Still, our reviewer did not face significant glitches and found them insignificant enough not to diminish the overall worth of the Arc Ultra.
The Arc Ultra boasts a sleek, minimalistic design which is attractive, yet it comes with certain drawbacks. Similar to its forerunner, this model offers restricted connectivity choices. It lacks additional HDMI ports or an optical outlet; however, one might purchase an external adapter for the latter. Although it supports conventional DTS 5.1 audio, the Arc Ultra falls short as it doesn’t accommodate DTS’ advanced spatial audio technology, known as DTS:X.
Positively, the Arc Ultra introduces a significant addition not present in the initial Arc model:Bluetooth functionality. Additionally, it features an updated Advanced Speech Enhancement mode designed to highlight speech clearly without affecting the integrity of other audio elements.
The Arc Ultra comes with a steep $999 price tag, yet we believe its performance warrants the expense. Boasting superior acoustics along with numerous contemporary features, it ranks among the top soundbars in our reviews and serves as an effective method for enhancing your audio system.
Read our
Sonos Arc Ultra review
.
Take a look at our guide to the
best Sonos soundbars
.
Best for budget shoppers
The Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 is a straightforward 2.1-channel soundbar designed for cost-conscious consumers. Although it lacks sophisticated audio capabilities and Dolby Atmos compatibility, this budget-friendly option still provides a noticeable enhancement compared to the standard speakers typically included with many mid-range televisions.
The soundbar features integrated woofers, providing you with two primary audio channels for clear stereo sound along with some additional bass, despite lacking a dedicated subwoofer. Additionally, Vizio incorporates DTS Virtual:X technology to create simulated surround and overhead sounds. While this isn’t as sophisticated as the systems found in premium models such as the Sennheiser Ambeo Max, it does help broaden the overall auditory field of the device.
Unlike the usual rectangular shape common in many soundbars, the V-Series features sloped edges that form a hexagonal outline. The buttons for controlling functions such as volume, input selection, Bluetooth connectivity, and power are located along the side of the speaker bar.
This soundbar includes an HDMI ARC port for seamless integration with contemporary smart televisions. In case your television lacks an HDMI interface, an optical audio port is available as well. Although it does not support HDMI video pass-through, you can still connect vintage audio devices via the soundbar’s 3.5mm aux input.
The V-Series includes Bluetooth support for wirelessly playing audio from your phone, simplifying music streaming. However, it lacks WiFi streaming capabilities. A provided remote control allows you to manage settings such as volume levels, explore fundamental equalizer functions, and switch between different modes effortlessly.
Take a look at our guide covering everything about the
best budget soundbars
.
Best premium bar
Although the Sonos Arc Ultra offers excellent all-in-one sound at $1,000, the Ambeo Soundbar Max elevates the bar even higher. Featuring top-of-the-line parts and cutting-edge technology, this luxury soundbar delivers an unmatched virtual surround sound experience through one device. However, this superior quality comes with a hefty price tag; priced at $2,500, it stands as the priciest choice on our list.
The Ambeo Max is an imposing soundbar, measuring 50 inches in width and weighing 40 pounds, which can be challenging for certain living room arrangements. However, this robust build allows Sennheiser to incorporate five tweeters, six four-inch drivers at both the front and sides, along with a set of two 3.5-inch upward-facing speakers. These various drivers reflect sounds off your ceilings and walls, creating an immersive experience as though effects are originating from every direction within a complete 5.1.4-channel setup.
In our trials, the bar produced an enveloping audio environment that offered the most authentic surround sound experience we have encountered from a solitary soundbar. Although it doesn’t match the realism of using genuine rear and ceiling-mounted speakers, the Ambeo Max serves as a more practical substitute for installing a comprehensive multi-speaker home cinema setup.
Like one would anticipate from Sennheiser, the Ambeo Max shines particularly well with music streaming, delivering a lush and intricate audio experience spanning various genres. Despite lacking an integrated subwoofer, it offers robust mid-bass output. If you desire additional bass depth, consider connecting an external subwoofer of your preference.
Similar to most of our top choices for soundbars, the Ambeo Max comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from numerous devices.
best music streaming services
like Spotify and Apple Music.
Read our
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max evaluation
.
Best compact model
If you're looking for an ultracompact soundbar
and
A fresh addition to streaming devices, the Roku Streambar might just be the handy one-stop solution you've been searching for. Besides being more compact than any other soundbars we’ve reviewed, this gadget also offers built-in capabilities for video playback across various platforms.
best streaming services
This renders the Streambar ideal for compact areas requiring an enhancement in audio and media playback capabilities, such as a bedroom, apartment, or dormitory.
In terms of audio quality, the Streambar includes four 1.9-inch full-range drivers designed for standard two-channel stereo output. It lacks advanced virtualization settings for fake surround sound effects as well as an integrated subwoofer for additional low-end tones. However, considering its dimensions, the Streambar delivers commendably clear sound.
Sure thing! You won’t achieve the same level of range, precision, or clarity as with larger soundbars, yet throughout our assessment, the Streambar managed to provide a significant enhancement compared to typical integrated television audio systems. Additionally, we greatly appreciate just how straightforward it is to boost the Streambar’s output quality simply by incorporating additional components.
wireless Roku subwoofer
and
wireless satellite speakers
For roughly $560, you can assemble a full 5.1 surround sound system that's easy to install.
As a media player, the Streambar offers access to Roku’s vast collection of channels, featuring popular services such as
Disney Plus
,
Prime Video
, and
Hulu
It also enables up to 4K playback featuring high dynamic range through the HDR10 format. However, although the device’s browsing speed is adequate, the Streambar doesn’t offer the same quick responsiveness as the original.
best streaming devices
, like the
Roku Ultra
.
The convenient voice-controlled Roku remote is provided, making it simple to look for content. Although it doesn’t have an integrated digital assistant, the soundbar works well with standalone Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant devices.
While there are various ultra-compact soundbars available, the Streambar stands out due to its integrated video streaming feature and its reasonable price of $130, making it our top pick.
Read our
Roku Streambar review
.
How we test soundbars
Our specialists evaluate numerous aspects to identify top-tier soundbars, such as audio performance, supported formats, connection choices, and intelligent functionalities. With over ten years of assessing home entertainment devices under our belt, we leverage this insight to shape our evaluation criteria.
We similarly assess elements such as total value, construction quality, visual appeal, and user-friendliness. Convenience plays a significant role when opting for a soundbar instead of a conventional speaker system. Top-tier soundbars ought to be straightforward to install and blend seamlessly with your home entertainment configuration.
In evaluating soundbars, we assess their performance across low-, mid-, and high-frequencies through an assortment of test content from various movie genres and TV shows. Additionally, we examine the clarity of dialogues with several configurations and check audio output at multiple volume levels to confirm they maintain quality even when turned up loudly.
We play an array of music tracks chosen to highlight varying frequencies. This allows us to assess whether the soundbar produces a tinny or distorted sound and ensures clear audio with distinct instrument separation across genres like rock, pop, acoustic, and hip-hop.
What criteria should you consider when choosing a soundbar?
While purchasing a soundbar, make sure to carefully examine different specifications such as dimensions and the amount of audio channels it supports.
Lower-end soundbars usually come in compact sizes and offer only fundamental two-channel stereo sound, whereas pricier ones are bigger and can handle additional channels for immersive surround sound experiences. Certain designs feature just one soundbar component, some incorporate an independent subwoofer, and others might also provide supplementary satellite speakers. Larger setups with multiple speaker units generally produce superior audio quality; however, these configurations require more space.
Every top-tier soundbar includes fundamental stereo PCM and Dolby Digital capabilities as basics. However, for an enhanced auditory experience, seek out models equipped with DTS Virtual:X technology or genuine spatial audio standards such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Top-notch soundbars utilize HDMI ARC or eARC connections for linking with your television; however, it’s equally beneficial when these units come equipped with extra wired alternatives such as optical and 3.5mm inputs to interface with more dated televisions or supplementary audio equipment. Additional HDMI outputs to relay video signals from linked gadgets like DVD players or game consoles are advantageous too, though they might not always be present in budget-friendly versions.
Wireless music transmission via Bluetooth is prevalent among top-tier soundbars; however, those equipped for Wi-Fi streaming generally provide superior audio performance. Should your preference lean towards a soundbar that also functions as a smart speaker, seek out models featuring integrated microphones along with support for either Alexa or Google Assistant.
What steps should I follow to connect my soundbar?
The majority of soundbars we evaluate hook up to a television using an HDMI cable through either an HDMI ARC or eARC port. These connections types are considered the most user-friendly and are necessary for transmitting superior audio standards such as Dolby Atmos directly from the TV. Typically, this HDMI ARC link lets you manage both the volume and power settings of the soundbar with your television’s own remote, thus minimizing unnecessary remotes around your entertainment center.
If you’re utilizing a television model from previous years, it’s quite likely that it still has support for HDMI ARC. To confirm this, examine your TV’s input options and search for an HDMI port marked as “HDMI ARC” or “HDMI eARC.”
Take a look at our guide to the
best HDMI cables
For our premier suggestions to pair with soundbars and televisions.
If your television lacks HDMI ARC or eARC capabilities, opt for an alternate connection such as an optical digital port instead. While this will maintain decent audio quality, it won’t handle advanced 3D audio standards like Dolby Atmos. You might then think about upgrading your TV set too.
Entry-level 4K TVs with HDMI ARC can now be purchased for about $500 or less, depending on size. Check out our TV buying guides for top recommendations across different price ranges:
-
Best TVs
-
Best 4K TVs
-
Best smart TVs
-
Best budget TVs
-
Best TVs under $500
Soundbar FAQs
Are soundbars worth it?
Typically, inexpensive soundbars offer superior audio quality compared to the speakers integrated into most screens. Manufacturers often reduce expenses and maintain slim designs for televisions by equipping them with tiny drivers placed inadequately, leading to weak and unclear sounds. High-quality soundbars enhance your viewing enjoyment by providing greater depth, sharper definition, and richer bass.
Soundbars can enhance the clarity of speech and various sounds for individuals who have difficulty hearing. This improvement is particularly noticeable in soundbars equipped with a separate center channel, as this is typically where most spoken dialogues and crucial audio elements from movies and television shows are channeled.
What size soundbar should I get?
Size is an important factor to consider when shopping for a new soundbar. Many compact, single-unit soundbars are built with a width of around 25 inches, while some models, like the Roku Streambar, can be as small as 14 inches wide. On the other end of the spectrum, high-end soundbar models can be as big as 50 inches wide.
Generally speaking, bigger soundbar models deliver better sound quality since they can incorporate more speaker drivers with larger dimensions. But smaller bars are often cheaper, more convenient, and easier to set up.
If you plan to put your soundbar on an entertainment console with your TV, you should measure that area before purchasing. This way, you can ensure that the soundbar you choose won't be too wide to rest on your
TV stand
and that its height won't block your display.
Can soundbars do surround sound?
The best soundbars can support multiple audio channels for surround sound. These channels refer to how many directions sound can be sent through the device.
Entry-level soundbars often support two channels for basic left and right stereo playback, but many midrange and high-end models can support surround sound with five or more channels. These channels generally include a center channel for dialogue and rear channels via extra audio drivers, satellite speakers, or virtualization techniques.
Channel specifications are listed as a string of up to three numbers separated by decimal points. The first number represents how many standard ear-level channels are included (left, right, center, surrounds). The second number indicates if the device includes a dedicated low-frequency channel or separate subwoofer for extra bass. The final number indicates how many height channels are included for Dolby Atmos support.
Buyers who just want a simple upgrade from their TV's integrated audio will likely be satisfied with a compact 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar system. But if you're looking for a more complete home theater experience, you'll want to opt for a 5.1 surround sound system or above.
For more recommendations, check out our complete guide to the
best surround sound systems
.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is an immersive surround sound format that uses object-based audio mixing. In practice, this means that sounds can be more precisely positioned around your room, with effects placed in all directions, including overhead. For instance, when rain falls from the sky or a helicopter flies overhead, you can actually hear the sound coming from above.
Dolby Atmos soundbars employ either of two techniques to generate overhead auditory sensations. One approach relies on audio processing to mimic a heightened perception using standard ear-height speakers. Alternatively, some models utilize upward-facing drivers positioned at an angle towards the ceiling rather than directly ahead, allowing sounds to reflect downwards for a three-dimensional effect. Typically, high-quality up-firing drivers deliver a significantly more realistic impression of elevation compared to what pure audio processing can achieve independently.
For additional details, refer to our
What is Dolby Atmos
explainer.
Is a subwoofer necessary for me?
A subwoofer can play a crucial role in enhancing both your movie-watching and music-listening experiences. Because of fundamental acoustic principles, soundbars cannot provide the low-frequency sounds that a subwoofer delivers. Should you desire intense rumbles during action scenes, robust booms from explosions, along with strong bass rhythms, then opting for a soundbar equipped with a subwoofer—or ensuring compatibility to integrate one down the line—is advisable.
To find our top picks, take a look at our guide to the
best soundbars with subwoofers
.
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