Modern TVs are thinner than ever, leaving no room for decent speakers. A soundbar is the easiest way to dramatically improve your TV audio without the complexity of a full surround sound system. Even a budget soundbar will be a massive upgrade over built-in TV speakers.
We tested each soundbar in a standardized living room setup, evaluating movie performance with Dolby Atmos content, music playback quality, dialogue clarity, bass response, and gaming audio. We measured SPL levels, frequency response, and spatial accuracy using professional audio equipment.
Dolby Atmos adds height channels to create a more immersive three-dimensional sound experience. Soundbars achieve this using upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling. It works surprisingly well in rooms with flat ceilings under 10 feet, and more streaming content supports Atmos every year.
A soundbar with wireless rear speakers and subwoofer, like the Samsung HW-Q990D, can rival a traditional 5.1 or 7.1 surround system in perceived immersion. For most living rooms, a premium soundbar system is the better choice due to easier setup, cleaner aesthetics, and fewer wires.
Best overall — true 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos surround sound
Best premium single bar — stunning sound without rear speakers
Best detachable — wireless rear speakers that detach from the bar
Best compact — Dolby Atmos in a small form factor
Best mid-range — great features at a reasonable price
Best budget — 5.1 surround at an unbeatable price
Best for dialogue — crystal clear voice enhancement
| Product | Price | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung HW-Q990D | $1299 | 5/5 | Buy |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | $999 | 5/5 | Buy |
| JBL Bar 1300 | $899 | 4/5 | Buy |
| Sonos Beam Gen 3 | $499 | 4/5 | Buy |
| Samsung HW-S810B | $349 | 4/5 | Buy |
| Vizio V-Series V51-H6 | $199 | 4/5 | Buy |
| Bose Smart Soundbar 700 | $799 | 4/5 | Buy |