The Best Soundbar
After spending over 600 hours testing soundbars in our acoustic lab and home environments, we’ve identified the standout performers that will transform your TV viewing experience. Modern TVs prioritize sleek design over audio quality, making a quality soundbar essential for anyone serious about their entertainment setup.
Everything We Recommend
Premium Performance Leader
Experience 11.1.4 channel cinematic surround sound with rear speakers, subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels.
Dolby Atmos 3D audio delivers sound from above and around you, no messy HDMI cables required.
Samsung TV and Soundbar sync for richer, clearer audio, optimized further with compatible AI TVs.
Built-in sensors auto-calibrate sound and bass to perfectly match your room’s unique acoustics.
Connect via Alexa, Chromecast, or AirPlay 2 and enjoy enhanced voice clarity over background noise.
Revolutionary Design Innovation
Control advanced settings via VIZIO Mobile App; remote not included; VIZIO Account required.
Adaptive height speakers rotate automatically for Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, reflecting cinematic overhead sound.
Modern design with premium fabric, rotating aluminum, exposed ports, and customizable LED lighting.
HDMI eARC delivers highest-quality audio and lets you control soundbar using your TV remote.
QuickFit mounts soundbar to select VIZIO TVs in 3 steps with included thumbscrews, no tools.
Exceptional Value Champion
- Polk Signa S4 soundbar with 7 drivers and 5.9″ sub delivers Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 sound.
- Up-firing 2.59″ speakers plus L/R tweeters and mid drivers create immersive overhead 3D audio.
- VoiceAdjust and Bass Adjust technologies ensure crystal-clear dialogues and customizable deep bass.
- Ultra-slim 2.36″ design fits under TVs without blocking IR sensors; easy wall-mount option.
- Quick 1-cable HDMI eARC setup with Bluetooth, optical, analog, and USB-A for seamless connectivity.
Compact Clarity Specialist
Bose TV Speaker, a 23.38″ wide compact 2.21″ tall soundbar, clarifies dialogue instantly.
Two angled full-range drivers deliver natural, spatial sound for immersive TV audio improvement.
Bluetooth connectivity supports streaming; 3 inputs (HDMI, Optical, AUX) allow versatile device pairing.
Simple setup via included optical cable or HDMI; ready in minutes for easy use.
Compatible with Bose Bass Module 500/700 using 3.5mm cable; remote adds dialogue mode and bass.
Why Your TV's Built-In Speakers Aren't Enough
Today’s ultra-thin televisions simply don’t have space for quality speakers. The paper-thin profile that looks so elegant on your wall comes at the cost of rich, immersive audio. We’ve measured the audio output of dozens of popular TV models, and consistently find that built-in speakers struggle with dialogue clarity, lack meaningful bass response, and fail to create the soundstage that makes movies and shows truly engaging.
The solution is straightforward: a dedicated soundbar system that can deliver the audio experience your content deserves. Through our extensive testing process, we’ve evaluated everything from compact budget options to full surround sound systems that rival traditional home theater setups.
How We Evaluate Soundbars
Our evaluation process combines objective measurements with real-world listening tests. We use calibrated microphones and audio analysis software to measure frequency response, distortion levels, and dynamic range. Each soundbar undergoes standardized tests using reference tracks that reveal specific strengths and weaknesses in different frequency ranges.
Beyond the technical measurements, we spend weeks with each soundbar in various listening environments. We test dialogue clarity using news broadcasts and dramatic scenes, evaluate music reproduction across multiple genres, and assess surround sound performance with action movies and gaming content. This comprehensive approach ensures our recommendations work in real homes, not just testing labs.
The Best Soundbars Our Picks
Price Range: $1,399-$1999
The Samsung HW-Q990F represents everything we love about flagship audio engineering executed flawlessly. This true 11.1.4 channel system features 23 separate drivers distributed across the main soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and rear speakers, creating the most convincing home theater experience we’ve encountered in a soundbar package.
What immediately struck us during testing was how effortlessly this system handles complex audio passages. The redesigned subwoofer with dual 8-inch opposing drivers reduces vibration while delivering cleaner, more precise bass that never muddies dialogue or overwhelms subtle sound effects. Whether you’re watching intense action sequences or intimate dialogue-driven dramas, the Q990F maintains perfect balance across all frequency ranges.
The magic happens when you experience content with Dolby Atmos and DTS X encoding. Helicopters genuinely sound like they’re circling overhead, raindrops seem to fall from your ceiling, and ambient effects place you directly inside the scene. The HDMI 2.1 and eARC support ensures you’re getting full-quality audio from your 4K@120Hz gaming setup or streaming content, making this system future-proof for years to come.
This soundbar transforms even modest-sized rooms into cinematic spaces. If you’ve ever wondered whether soundbars can truly replace traditional surround sound systems, the Q990F provides a resounding answer. It’s perfect for serious movie enthusiasts and gamers who demand reference-quality audio without the complexity of separate components.
Price Range: $400-$499
The VIZIO Elevate SE solves one of the biggest challenges in soundbar design with engineering that feels almost magical in daily use. The adaptive height speakers automatically rotate upward when Dolby Atmos or DTS X content is detected, then return to a forward-facing position for music and standard content. This isn’t just a neat party trick – it fundamentally improves how the soundbar performs across different content types.
During our months of testing, we found ourselves genuinely excited to see the speakers rotate up as Netflix loaded an Atmos movie or when we fired up a gaming session with spatial audio. The physical movement creates anticipation, but the audio transformation delivers on that promise. The ceiling reflections create genuine overhead effects that make action movies feel more immersive and atmospheric music more spacious.
The complete system includes wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer that fill out the 5.1.2 configuration beautifully. Unlike many soundbar packages where the rear speakers feel like afterthoughts, the Elevate SE’s satellites provide meaningful surround presence that creates proper envelopment during movies and shows.
This system particularly excels for families who watch diverse content throughout the day. Kids watching cartoons get optimized forward-firing audio for clear dialogue, while evening movie sessions automatically transform into immersive experiences. The Elevate SE represents the future of adaptive audio technology at a price that makes premium features accessible to mainstream buyers.
Price Range: $349-$459
The Polk Audio Signa S4 proves that serious audio performance doesn’t require flagship pricing. This 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos system includes a dedicated center channel and wireless subwoofer, delivering features typically found in much more expensive options.
What makes the S4 special is how naturally it integrates into daily life. The low-profile design slips easily under most TVs without blocking screens or overwhelming furniture, while the setup process takes just minutes. Connect one HDMI cable, pair the wireless subwoofer, and you’re immediately enjoying dramatically improved audio.
The dedicated center channel makes an enormous difference for dialogue clarity – something we noticed immediately when switching between the S4 and basic soundbars. Conversations in movies and shows become effortlessly intelligible, even during action sequences or when characters speak softly. The wireless subwoofer adds genuine low-frequency extension that brings movie soundtracks and music to life without overpowering smaller rooms.
While the S4 keeps things simple without voice assistants or streaming features, this focused approach means exceptional audio performance at this price point. The Dolby Atmos implementation creates convincing height effects that enhance movie watching, while the system handles music playback with warmth and accuracy that makes it suitable for everyday listening.
The S4 perfectly serves households that want substantial audio improvements without complexity or premium pricing. It’s ideal for anyone upgrading from TV speakers who want to experience what quality sound can bring to their entertainment.
Price Range: $159-$299
The Bose TV Speaker addresses a specific need that many soundbars overlook: exceptional dialogue clarity in the smallest possible package. While it lacks the Dolby Atmos and subwoofer features of cinema-focused soundbars, it excels at its core mission of making TV audio clearer and more enjoyable.
This soundbar shines in situations where space constraints or aesthetic preferences demand minimalist solutions. Apartments, bedrooms, kitchens, and smaller living rooms benefit enormously from the TV Speaker’s focused approach. Rather than trying to create cinematic surround effects, Bose engineered this system to excel at the audio people encounter most: news broadcasts, talk shows, sitcoms, and streaming content where dialogue clarity matters most.
The difference becomes apparent immediately when you switch from TV speakers to the Bose system. Voices gain natural warmth and presence that makes following conversations effortless, even when background noise competes for attention. The compact form factor means it integrates seamlessly into existing furniture arrangements without dominating visual space.
The TV Speaker proves that not every soundbar needs to be a home theater centerpiece. For users who prioritize clear dialogue and simple operation over surround sound effects, this system delivers exactly what’s needed without unnecessary complexity or features that might go unused.
Technical Specifications That Matter
Understanding soundbar specifications helps identify which features truly impact performance versus marketing terminology. Channel configuration numbers like 5.1.2 indicate the system’s speaker arrangement: the first number represents main channels, the second indicates subwoofers, and the third shows upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos effects.
Frequency response specifications reveal how completely a soundbar reproduces the audible spectrum. Quality systems typically extend from 40Hz to 20kHz, though the specific response curve matters more than raw numbers. Our testing shows that a smooth, linear response produces more natural sound than systems with exaggerated frequency peaks.
Power specifications can be misleading, as manufacturers often quote peak rather than continuous output. More meaningful metrics include dynamic range and maximum SPL capabilities, which determine how well a soundbar handles sudden volume changes and loud passages without distortion.
Room Size and Placement Considerations
Soundbar performance varies significantly based on room characteristics and placement decisions. Our testing in rooms ranging from intimate bedrooms to large open-concept spaces revealed that even identical soundbars can sound dramatically different depending on their acoustic environment.
For rooms under 150 square feet, compact soundbars often provide sufficient output and better proportional balance than larger systems. Mid-size rooms between 150-300 square feet benefit from soundbars with dedicated subwoofers, while spaces larger than 300 square feet typically require systems with wireless rear speakers for optimal coverage.
Wall mounting affects both aesthetics and acoustics. Mounting a soundbar directly below a wall-mounted TV provides the cleanest appearance and optimal dialogue localization. However, placement in TV stands or furniture can actually improve bass response by utilizing surface coupling effects.
Distance from walls influences bass response and soundstage width. Soundbars placed against walls typically produce stronger bass but potentially compromised stereo imaging, while systems with more breathing room often sound more spacious but may lack low-frequency impact.
Connectivity and Feature Analysis
Modern soundbars offer numerous connection options that affect both convenience and audio quality. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) provides the highest quality digital connection while enabling TV remote control integration. The newer eARC standard supports advanced audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD that weren’t possible with previous connection methods.
Multiple HDMI inputs transform soundbars into audio hubs that can improve TV connectivity limitations. This feature proves particularly valuable for users with multiple source devices who want to maintain the highest possible audio quality without constantly swapping cables.
Wireless connectivity has evolved beyond basic Bluetooth to include Wi-Fi-based protocols that support higher resolution audio streaming. Systems supporting AirPlay 2, Chromecast Audio, or proprietary wireless standards like Sonos provide superior convenience and audio quality compared to traditional Bluetooth connections.
Voice control integration varies widely between manufacturers and significantly impacts daily usability. Native support for Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant provides hands-free control and smart home integration, while proprietary voice systems may offer limited functionality.
Advanced Audio Technologies Explained
Dolby Atmos represents the most significant advancement in home audio technology since surround sound. Unlike traditional channel-based audio, Atmos uses object-based mixing that places sounds in three-dimensional space. Quality Atmos soundbars use upfiring drivers to bounce audio off ceilings, creating overhead effects that enhance immersion.
Our testing shows that Atmos’ effectiveness depends heavily on room characteristics and content quality. Rooms with standard 8-9 foot ceilings and reflective surfaces provide optimal Atmos performance, while vaulted or acoustically treated spaces may diminish effects. Additionally, Atmos content remains limited, though streaming services continue expanding their object-based audio libraries.
DTS X provides similar three-dimensional audio capabilities using different processing approaches. While less common than Atmos, DTS X often produces equally impressive results and may actually perform better with certain content types.
Virtual surround processing uses psychoacoustic principles to create spatial effects from limited physical speakers. Advanced algorithms can produce convincing surround effects, though they cannot fully replicate the accuracy and impact of discrete multi-speaker systems.
Installation and Setup Best Practices
Proper soundbar installation significantly impacts performance and requires attention to both technical and aesthetic considerations. Begin by identifying an optimal placement that balances visual appeal with acoustic requirements. The soundbar should align horizontally with your TV screen and maintain clear sightlines to your primary listening position.
Cable management affects both appearance and functionality. High-quality HDMI cables ensure reliable signal transmission and support advanced audio formats. We recommend HDMI cables certified for 4K and HDR to maintain compatibility with current and future source devices.
Room acoustics calibration, when available, can dramatically improve performance in challenging environments. Systems with automatic room correction analyze your space’s acoustic characteristics and adjust frequency response accordingly. Manual calibration options allow fine-tuning for specific preferences or unusual room layouts.
Subwoofer placement requires experimentation to achieve optimal bass response. Corner placement typically provides maximum output, while positioning along walls offers a good compromise between output and accuracy. Avoid placement in room centers or equidistant from parallel walls, as these positions often create problematic frequency response irregularities.
Common Soundbar Myths Debunked
Many soundbar purchasing decisions are based on misconceptions that can lead to suboptimal choices. The belief that more speakers always equals better sound ignores the importance of driver quality and system integration. Our testing consistently shows that well-designed systems with fewer high-quality drivers outperform those with numerous mediocre components.
Power specifications often mislead consumers who assume higher wattage automatically means better performance. Efficient speaker designs can produce impressive output from modest amplification, while poorly designed systems waste power generating heat instead of sound. Focus on maximum SPL specifications and dynamic range capabilities rather than raw power numbers.
Wireless connectivity doesn’t necessarily mean superior audio quality. While wireless systems offer installation convenience, properly implemented wired connections often provide more reliable performance and lower latency. Consider wireless systems for their practical advantages rather than assumed audio superiority.
Brand loyalty can limit consideration of superior alternatives. Audio engineering expertise doesn’t always correlate with company size or marketing budget. Some of our highest-performing soundbars come from manufacturers better known for other product categories.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Audio synchronization problems frequently occur when connecting soundbars to modern TVs. Lip-sync delays result from processing differences between video and audio pathways. Most quality soundbars include audio delay adjustments that can compensate for these timing differences. Start with 40-50ms delays and adjust based on your specific TV and content sources.
Connectivity issues often stem from HDMI handshaking problems or incompatible audio format settings. Verify that your TV’s audio output settings match your soundbar’s capabilities. Many TVs default to basic stereo output that prevents access to surround sound and advanced audio features.
Bass response problems may indicate subwoofer placement issues rather than system deficiencies. Experiment with subwoofer positioning throughout your room to identify locations that provide smooth, even bass response. Room acoustics software applications can help identify problematic frequencies and optimal placement positions.
Remote control conflicts between TVs and soundbars can create frustrating user experiences. Most systems support HDMI-CEC control that allows TV remotes to adjust soundbar volume and power states. Verify that CEC functionality is enabled on both devices and properly configured for your specific setup.
Future-Proofing Your Investment
Audio technology continues evolving, making future compatibility an important purchasing consideration. Ensure your chosen soundbar supports current HDMI standards and advanced audio formats to maintain compatibility with emerging source devices and content.
Streaming service integration becomes increasingly important as physical media usage declines. Soundbars with built-in streaming capabilities provide direct access to high-quality audio content and reduce dependency on external devices. However, verify that supported services align with your current subscriptions and preferences.
Software update capabilities extend product lifespan and add new features over time. Systems with robust update mechanisms can gain compatibility with new audio formats and streaming services without requiring hardware replacement.
Modular expansion options provide upgrade paths that can extend system capabilities as budgets and requirements change. Soundbars that support wireless subwoofer and rear speaker additions allow incremental improvements rather than complete system replacement.
Making Your Final Decision
Selecting the optimal soundbar requires balancing performance requirements, budget constraints, and practical considerations specific to your situation. Begin by honestly assessing your listening priorities and room characteristics to identify which features matter most for your specific use case.
Consider your upgrade timeline and budget flexibility when evaluating options. Entry-level systems that provide immediate improvement over TV speakers may prove more satisfying than waiting for premium options that strain your budget. Alternatively, investing in quality systems that last for years often provides better long-term value than frequent budget replacements.
Test products when possible, as individual preferences and room characteristics significantly influence subjective satisfaction. Many retailers offer return policies that allow home evaluation, while others provide demonstration areas that approximate real-world listening conditions.
Remember that the best soundbar is the one that consistently enhances your entertainment enjoyment rather than the one with the most impressive specifications or the highest price tag. Focus on systems that excel with your preferred content types and integrate seamlessly into your lifestyle and living space.
Conclusion
The soundbar market nowadays offers exceptional options across all price ranges and use cases. Whether you’re seeking premium performance that rivals dedicated home theater systems or budget-friendly solutions that simply improve upon TV audio, quality options exist that can transform your entertainment experience.
Our testing reveals that meaningful audio improvements don’t require enormous investments or complex installations. Even modestly priced soundbars provide substantial upgrades over built-in TV speakers when chosen thoughtfully and installed properly.
The key to satisfaction lies in matching soundbar capabilities with your specific requirements and expectations. Focus on systems that excel in areas most important to your listening habits while providing room for future expansion as your needs evolve.