Editor’s Note: Last updated on January 16, 2025

Sound bars come in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, each tailored to suit different listening environments and preferences. At their core, sound bars are all-in-one speaker systems designed to enhance your TV’s audio output. They typically consist of multiple speaker drivers housed within a single, slim enclosure that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a TV stand.

One of the major advantages of sound bars is their ability to simulate surround sound without the need for multiple speakers placed around the room, thanks to advanced audio processing technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X.

Sleek and powerful, these devices are designed to deliver immersive sound, whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. As the market expands, some models also offer smart features such as built-in voice assistants and Bluetooth connectivity, adding greater versatility to your home audio experience.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the best one? Here’s a list of our top pick performers for every budget and need.

Best Overall Soundbar

Sonos Arc

For those seeking top-of-the-line performance, the Sonos Arc is often hailed as the best overall soundbar of 2024. With its sleek design and powerful audio capabilities, the Sonos Arc delivers an immersive sound experience that brings movies, music, and games to life.

It features Dolby Atmos support, which provides a three-dimensional soundscape, making every scene more vivid and realistic. It is popular among audiophiles and casual users because of its user-friendly interface and easy interaction with other Sonos products.

Apart from its outstanding sound quality, the Sonos Arc offers sophisticated connection choices. While the Trueplay tuning technology modifies the sound depending on the acoustics of your home for a flawlessly balanced audio experience, HDMI eARC guarantees high-quality audio transmission from your TV. The Arc integrates seamlessly with the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to expand your sound system with additional speakers and components over time.

Voice control is another key feature, with built-in support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it convenient to manage your music, check the weather, or control smart home devices hands-free. The Sonos Arc also supports Apple AirPlay 2, enabling easy streaming from iOS devices.

Overall, the Sonos Arc offers a comprehensive and adaptable audio solution that fits both high-end home theaters and simpler setups.

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Read our full review: Which Sonos Speakers Are Right For You? Our comprehensive buying guide

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Best Value Soundbar

Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE

Notable for those seeking a low-cost device without sacrificing quality is the Vizio 5.1 SE.. It features a wireless subwoofer for deeper bass and excellent sound clarity with DTS Virtual:X compatibility and enhanced bass.

I was genuinely surprised at how quickly it transformed a living room into a mini home theater. It’s one of those soundbars that makes you wonder why you didn’t upgrade your sound system sooner. The sleek design blended effortlessly with TV setup, and the wireless subwoofer and rear speakers were so easy to position — it felt like the room came alive with sound in minutes.

What I like most about this soundbar is how immersive it makes everything feel. When I’m watching an action-packed movie, playing into my favorite games, or just streaming a playlist while relaxing, the audio really comes alive and feels so rich. The deep bass from the subwoofer and the clarity of the surround sound really make a difference — it’s not just hearing the sound but feeling it.

Another win is how versatile it is. Connecting it to my TV and phone was super simple thanks to HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and optical inputs. And because of its minimalist design, it doesn’t overpower the room visually—just audibly, in the best way possible.

If you’re like me and want a sound system that’s straightforward to use but doesn’t compromise on performance, the Vizio 5.1 Soundbar SE is an easy choice. It’s affordable, intuitive, and makes everything you watch or listen to so much more enjoyable.

Best Budget-friendly Soundbar 

Saiyin Soundbar for TV

The Saiyin Sound Bars for TV with Subwoofer present an affordable solution for enhancing your home audio experience. Designed with budget-conscious consumers in mind, this system balances cost-effectiveness with quality sound output. The sound bar delivers clear and immersive audio, while the included subwoofer provides deep bass to complement the overall sound profile. The Saiyin Sound Bar aims to elevate your entertainment experience without stretching your finances.

The Saiyin Sound Bar system boasts several features that make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. Firstly, it offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, AUX, USB, and optical inputs, providing versatile ways to connect to various devices.

The installation process is simple and user-friendly, making it accessible for individuals who might not be tech-savvy. With its sleek and compact design, the soundbar can easily fit into different home decor styles without occupying much space.

There is also a remote handle that comes with the system, so users can easily change the sound settings from their couch. The Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer sticks out as a useful and cheap choice for people who want to improve the sound in their home without giving up important features.

Best Premium Soundbar

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max

The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar is the epitome of high-end audio performance. It delivers an unparalleled surround sound experience with its 13 high-end drivers and advanced 3D sound technology. Ideal for audiophiles and those seeking the best sound quality possible.

The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar, with its elegant form and sturdy construction, is not just a beautiful treat for the ears but also a functional addition to any living area. This premium soundbar is distinguished because it can provide a complete 5.1.4 sound experience from a single device, eliminating the need for extra speakers or subwoofers. Its innovative 3D sound technology, driven by Ambeo Audio Virtualization, offers an immersive, lifelike soundscape that puts you right in the thick of the action.

It also supports the newest audio standards for high-definition sound, including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H. Ensuring that every note and effect is heard precisely as the authors intended is made possible by the user-friendly interface and customisable sound settings. Offering an exceptional, all-encompassing audio experience, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar genuinely redefines what a home audio system can do.

Best Compact Soundbar

Bose TV Speaker 

The Bose TV Speaker is great for people who want a small option that doesn’t skimp on sound quality. Even though it’s small, it has built-in voice assistants and sounds clear and roomy.

This soundbar is designed to enhance the audio of your television. Its patented dialogue mode automatically intensifies speech to ensure dialogue is plainly understood. Bluetooth connectivity lets you wirelessly stream music and other sounds from your devices to the Bose TV Speaker, which adds to its versatility and user-friendliness.

Setup is easy; all you have to do is connect it to your TV in one step using the optical audio wire that comes with it or an HDMI-ARC cable. The sound bar comes with a remote control that lets you change the conversation mode and the bass boost. This lets you customize how the sound sounds to you. The Bose TV Speaker has a slim design, but it produces a powerful sound that fills the room. This makes it a great choice for anyone who wants to improve their home music without taking up too much room.

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Best Soundbar for Music

Yamaha Audio YAS-209

Without a doubt, the Yamaha Audio YAS-209 is a superb musician.  Yamaha Audio YAS-209 is a flexible soundbar that strikes an excellent balance of design, utility, and audio performance. Featuring DTS Virtual:X technology, it provides a stunning 3D surround sound experience that brings movies, music, and games to life. The wireless subwoofer improves bass response, resulting in a more complete and richer sound profile that increases your listening experience.

To further simplify voice management, the YAS-209 includes built-in Alexa, enabling you to effortlessly manage playback, change settings, and even operate smart home appliances with basic voice commands. For interconnection with a variety of devices, the soundbar also provides Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, and optical input as connectivity choices. Its elegant and contemporary style makes it an aesthetically beautiful addition to your home entertainment system, in addition to a high-performance audio option.

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Best Soundbar for Gaming

Samsung HW-Q700B

Fans of immersive gaming will value the newest model of Samsung HW-Q700B. A subwoofer and rear speakers combine to create a surround sound system that really makes games come to life.

The Samsung HW-Q950A stands out as a premium choice for gamers who demand high-quality audio performance. This sound bar system includes a total of 11.1.4 channels, providing an expansive and enveloping soundstage that enhances the gaming experience. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, the HW-Q700B ensures that sound is projected from all directions, creating a three-dimensional audio environment.

The included rear speakers and subwoofer contribute to a truly immersive audio setup. The rear speakers ensure that sounds from behind the player, such as footsteps or environmental cues, are accurately reproduced, giving gamers a tactical advantage. The subwoofer adds deep bass, making explosions and other low-frequency effects feel impactful and realistic.

Featuring adaptive sound technology, the HW-700B automatically analyzes the content and adjusts the sound settings to match, ensuring optimal audio performance whether you’re sneaking through a stealth mission or engaging in intense firefights. The sound bar also supports multiple connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth, allowing for easy integration with various gaming consoles and devices.

Overall, the Samsung HW-700B is a comprehensive audio solution that enhances the gaming experience through its exceptional sound quality and advanced features.

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Best Luxury Soundbar

Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage

The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage is a luxurious sound bar known for its elegant design and superior sound performance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this high-end audio device seamlessly combines form and function. Featuring a sleek aluminum or smoked oak frame, the Beosound Stage adds a touch of sophistication to any living space.

Underneath its stylish exterior, the Beosound Stage houses eleven speaker drivers, including four woofers, which deliver powerful bass, rich midrange, and crystal-clear treble. This setup guarantees an immersive, detailed listening experience that draws you into the heart of the sound.

The sound bar supports Dolby Atmos and its Beosound Stage offers a range of connectivity options such as HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, making it easy to integrate with various devices and smart home systems.

Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of the Beosound Stage, from its robust build to its advanced acoustic technology. While it comes with a higher price tag compared to budget-friendly models, the Beosound Stage justifies its cost with exceptional performance, durability, and a timeless aesthetic that complements any decor.

The Bottom Line

Soundbars have completely changed how we experience audio in our homes. We have seen its progress and how it switched into an essential component in enhancing media consumption by fusing ease, excellent sound, and stylish design. 

The best part about a soundbar is how simple and easy it is to use. Since it usually only needs one wire to connect to your TV, it’s easy to set up, and anyone can do it. This ease doesn’t come at the cost of sound quality; soundbars are made to give you an immersive sound experience that’s on par with more complicated systems.

For both casual listeners and audiophiles, the overall advantages of certain models make them a worthwhile investment, even if they may need integration into particular ecosystems for complete operation. Soundbars will surely get even more advanced as technology develops, solidifying their position in contemporary home entertainment systems.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs) 

  Sound bar vs. home theater system, which one is best?  

• • While soundbars are more compact and easier to install, home theater systems offer superior sound quality and customization options. Choose based on your space, budget, and audio preferences.

  Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

• • A subwoofer enhances bass response, making it beneficial for movies and music. Some sound bars include built-in subwoofers.

  Can I use a sound bar with any TV?

• • Most sound bars are compatible with any TV that has the appropriate connections (HDMI ARC, optical, etc.).

  Is Dolby Atmos worth it in a soundbar?

• • Dolby Atmos provides a more immersive sound experience by adding height channels, making it worth considering for a more cinematic experience.