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Not long ago, I believed that no soundbar could match the audio quality of a well-equipped home theater system with dedicated speakers and an amplifier. However, brands like Samsung, Sonos, LG, and others have proven me wrong by revolutionizing the soundbar landscape. Today's soundbars offer a range of options from powerful Dolby Atmos systems to compact, all-in-one solutions, catering to various needs and delivering exceptional sound quality without the complexity of a full home theater setup.
With the plethora of soundbar options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. As a tech journalist who has tested and reviewed numerous soundbars, I've compiled a comprehensive list of the best soundbars you can find in 2025, tailored to different preferences and budgets.
TL;DR: The Best Soundbars
Our Top Pick
Samsung HW-Q990D
3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Samsung
Sonos Arc Ultra
1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at B&H
LG S95TR
0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at LG
Vizio V21-H8
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Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
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Sonos Beam
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1. Samsung HW-Q990D
Best Overall
Our Top Pick
Samsung HW-Q990D
3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Samsung
Samsung's HW-Q990D is hailed as the top soundbar system on the market, earning accolades from experts and enthusiasts alike. With 11 front-facing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers, it delivers a cinematic experience that brings depth, clarity, and immersive Dolby Atmos effects to your home. The HW-Q990D also offers advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity, integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay support. Samsung's SpaceFit Sound Pro and Adaptive Sound technologies fine-tune the audio to your room and content, enhancing dialogue and bass as needed. With HDMI 2.1 support, it's also a great choice for gamers. While it retails for $2,000, it often goes on sale, and the previous model, HW-Q990C, offers similar performance at a lower price.
2. Sonos Arc Ultra
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Sonos Arc Ultra
1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at B&H
The Sonos Arc Ultra, an upgrade from the original Arc, boasts a 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers, delivering exceptional sound quality. Its SoundMotion technology optimizes performance within the soundbar's cabinet, and it offers double the bass output of its predecessor. The Arc Ultra excels in Dolby Atmos playback, creating a comprehensive soundstage with four up-firing drivers. It also supports music playback and features like Speech Enhancement for clearer dialogue. As part of the Sonos ecosystem, it can be integrated with other Sonos speakers for a whole-home audio solution. While it's a premium choice, it may not offer the same value as the Samsung HW-Q990D when considering the full system cost.
3. LG S95TR
Best for Bass
LG S95TR
0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at LG
The LG S95TR, while not as immersive as the Samsung HW-Q990D, is a formidable soundbar system with 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel. It excels in balancing lows, mids, and highs, making it versatile for various content. Its bass performance, driven by a 22lb subwoofer, is particularly impressive, adding depth to action scenes and delivering punchy bass for music. The S95TR also features AI Room Calibration technology and supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, making it a competitive high-end option with robust bass capabilities.
4. Vizio V21-H8
Best Cheap Soundbar
Vizio V21-H8
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For those seeking an affordable soundbar, the Vizio V21-H8 offers solid stereo sound with a left and right speaker and a subwoofer. While it lacks the immersive experience of a full surround system and a center channel for dialogue clarity, it significantly enhances TV audio. Its simple design, devoid of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Dolby Atmos, makes it a straightforward, set-it-and-forget-it option. If you're looking for a budget-friendly upgrade over your TV's speakers, the V21-H8 is an excellent choice.
5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
Best Surround Sound Value
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
0See it at Amazon
The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 offers great value for a surround sound system. Despite its age, it features a sleek design and delivers detailed, distortion-free sound with a powerful 6-inch subwoofer. As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it provides a commendable three-dimensional audio experience at a sub-$400 price point. While it lacks Wi-Fi and has wired rear speakers, its overall performance and affordability make it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a surround sound experience.
6. Sonos Beam
Best for Smaller Rooms
Sonos Beam
0See it at AmazonSee it at SonosSee it at Best Buy
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that punches above its weight. It delivers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass without a separate subwoofer. Using advanced processing, it creates phantom height channels for Dolby Atmos content, enhancing the audio experience in smaller spaces. The Beam is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, and can be expanded with other Sonos speakers for a more comprehensive setup. It's an ideal starting point for those looking to build a Sonos ecosystem gradually.
How to Pick a Soundbar
Choosing the right soundbar can be challenging given the variety of options. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Soundbars come in different channel configurations to simulate surround sound. For basic TV viewing and music listening, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbar with a subwoofer should suffice. A 3.1 channel soundbar adds a center speaker for improved dialogue clarity, ideal for shows with lots of conversation. For movies and gaming, a 5.1 channel or higher system with additional speakers and subwoofers offers a more immersive experience.
When selecting a soundbar, consider its connectivity options. HDMI ARC or eARC is standard and simplifies setup by allowing your TV to send audio to the soundbar with a single cable. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for streaming from other devices, and compatibility with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri can enhance your experience.
For the latest in sound technology, look for soundbars with Dolby Atmos support, which provides virtual three-dimensional sound. Ensure the soundbar has up-firing drivers, a subwoofer, and rear speakers for the best Atmos experience. Other notable sound formats include DTS:X and Sony's 360 Reality Audio.
Best Soundbars FAQs
What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?
2.0 Soundbars: These have two channels (left and right) without a subwoofer, ideal for stereo sound in smaller spaces.
2.1 Soundbars: These add a subwoofer to the two channels, enhancing bass for movies, music, and gaming.
5.1 Soundbars: These include five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, providing surround sound and an immersive experience.
How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?
Most modern soundbars connect to TVs via HDMI ARC or optical audio cables. Ensure your TV has one of these ports. Some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional streaming options.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
While not essential, a subwoofer enhances the audio experience by adding deep bass, which is particularly beneficial for action movies, music, and gaming. Many soundbars come with a built-in or wireless subwoofer for richer sound.
What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?
Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround sound technology that adds height channels for a three-dimensional audio experience. While not necessary, it significantly enhances the cinematic feel of your home entertainment.
Can I stream music through my soundbar?
Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or favorite streaming service. Look for soundbars with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay for the best music streaming experience.
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