If you’ve invested in a large TV and its speakers aren’t matching the quality of its images, you need one of the best sound bars. One of the best sound bars comes with larger, forward-facing speakers that enhance movie immersion and communication clarity. The best part is that they are small and elegant, frequently fitting on a cabinet or wall mounted beneath your TV.
While some TVs might not require one, many of the greatest models available today—especially the less expensive ones—need an external sound bar for improved audio. A lot of the greatest sound bars are available in three different styles: single-sound bar all-in-one units, sound bars with subwoofers, and sound bars that combine rear speakers and subwoofers for surround sound.

While less costly sound bars play the audio from your TV when connected via an HDMI or optical digital connection, more expensive sound bars have capabilities like wireless connectivity that may be used in multi-room speaker setups. Over the years, we’ve tested hundreds of speaker systems and sound bars, ranging from high-end models with Dolby Atmos 3D sound to inexpensive sound bars that enhance your audio quality.

QUICK LIST

Top 5 Best Soundbars In 2024

1. Sony HT-S2000

Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Five speakers total are used in the Sony HT-S2000 design: two woofers specifically designed for the bass and three speakers for the left, right, and center channels. Optical digital audio inputs and HDMI (with eARC/ARC) are among the connections. Additionally, a USB type-A connector is available for connecting USB drives to play music. The HT-S2000 lacks Wi-Fi or AirPlay support for music streaming, in contrast to some of the top soundbars, but it does offer Bluetooth 5.2, so you can stream music wirelessly from your phone. In the future, the HT-S2000 can also be used with Sony’s optional wireless surround speakers and subwoofers, for those wishing to increase the functionality of their soundbar.

The Sony soundbar is well-made and boasts a simple, elegant design. It’s simple to set up, and Sony offers its Home Entertainment app to assist with the process. This app allows you to customize the sound for your particular installation. Using the included Sony remote control software or another one, users can access a variety of Sound EQ options, such as automated volume leveling. In addition, the HT-S2000 has Sony’s in-house developed Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround processing, which both contribute to raising the quality of audio immersion produced by the soundbar’s modest 3.1-channel speaker array.

Overall performance of the HT-S2000 is excellent considering the cost. Even at high volumes, the conversation is constantly crisp, and the bass production is above average for an all-in-one soundbar. The Dolby Atmos soundtracks’ height effects can go beyond and above the screen borders of a TV that the soundbar is attached to thanks to Sony’s unique processing. When the S-Force Pro Front Surround feature is engaged, there’s also an excellent surround sound “wrap-around” effect.

SONY HT-S2000 SOUNDBAR REVIEW: FEATURES

Dolby Atmos and DTS: X support
HDMI and optical digital connections
Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround processing
The HT-S2000 is a 3.1-channel soundbar with support for the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive audio formats, which it delivers using virtual processing. It doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi for streaming, though you can stream music to it over a Bluetooth wireless connection.

Two Sony audio processing features found on the HT-S2000 are Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround. The first helps to elevate sound effects, music and dialogue to screen level or even above where they will sound more natural. The second provides a virtual ‘wrap-around’ so that surround effects sound like they are coming from the sides of the room.

2. Samsung HW-Q990C Channel Soundbar

Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Dimensions: 1309 x 59.5 x 277mm (W x H x D)

Speaker configuration: 11.1.4

Claimed audio power: N/A

Connections: x2 HDMI inputs, x1 HDMI output (eARC), optical input, wi-fi, Bluetooth

What you need to know: The Samsung Q990C is the greatest all-around soundbar set available. With a total of 11.1.4 channels distributed across the main bar, subwoofer, and two small rear speakers, the Q990C is a great choice for Dolby Atmos playback since it offers a rich and immersive sound quality for both music and movies.

Audio performance: The Samsung Q990C never distorts and continues to provide high-quality sound even when it is being stressed. Most trebles were able to maintain their clarity and crispness at increased volume levels, according to our testing results. Regarding bass, the dedicated subwoofer produces a deep, thrilling, and controlled sound; unfortunately, it has trouble playing music.

Design: The Q990C takes up a good amount of space in your living room because it comes with four components that are a little chunkier than earlier versions. It can, however, leverage the speakers in Samsung TVs to produce an even louder, bolder sound since it has access to Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology, and it is successful in doing so.

Value: Nevertheless, the cost of this magnificent package is expensive. Although its price has gradually decreased since its debut, it is still at the high end of the market, which is why it isn’t at the top of our list. For a less expensive Atmos substitute, check out the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, which is ranked #4 on our list. However, if you have a larger budget and want the full Dolby Atmos experience from your soundbar, the Samsung Q990C is the finest option available.

3. Sonos Arc

Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Dimensions: 1141.7 x 87 x 115.7mm (W x H x D)

Speaker configuration: 5.0.2

Claimed audio power: N/A

Connections: HDMI input (ARC), optical digital audio to HDMI converter, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, 802.11b,g Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, IR receiver

What you need to know: The Sonos Arc is not inexpensive, but if you already enjoy Sonos products, we believe you will be delighted with the amazing Dolby Atmos sound quality this soundbar offers. It’s one of the most stylish soundbars on this list, with excellent sound quality and a modern style.

Audio performance: To reproduce the highest caliber lossless audio available on state-of-the-art Blu-ray discs and some of the top streaming services, the Sonos Arc uses Dolby’s most recent TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus sound codecs. Importantly, it also supports Dolby Atmos. The reflected height and side channels are still remarkable even though they aren’t as prominent as some of the soundbars here may be, and the range of precision of the Arc is superb.

Design: We adore the way Sonos audio products feel and look. The soundbar features minimum cable connections and controls on the bar itself, and it is also easy to set up—just a few clicks on the smartphone app will do the trick. Its sleek appearance and all-in-one system design are enhanced by its simplicity, albeit it’s unfortunate that HDMI passthrough isn’t supported. It’s also significantly higher than the majority of Sonos soundbars, so before you buy, be sure it won’t interfere with the height of your TV!

Value: Without a question, the Arc is the best member of the Sonos family. The Sonos Arc boasts an amazing soundscape in a single bar that the other Sonos bars can’t quite match, despite the fact that the Sonos Ray and Sonos Beam (ranked #7 on our list) each have their own advantages. However, as previously said, in order to receive this quality differential, you will have to pay more for the Arc.

4. JBL Bar 1300X

Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

You have to give it to JBL. The illustrious audio brand truly excels at design innovation. The shape-shifting Bar 1300X, the company’s expensive new flagship soundbar, is the best example of this. The system has independent surround speakers that magnetically attach and detach from the main bar like Star Trek shuttlecraft, in addition to 11.1.4 channels of powerful Dolby Atmos sound. The innovative architecture, exclusive to JBL soundbars, enables various sound combinations and completely wireless surround sound—no outlets needed.

The system’s amazing ability to flood your space with exhilarating Dolby Atmos sound is unquestionable. Only a select handful of the dozens of soundbars I’ve tested out can match the Bar 1300X in this regard. Although the system is pricey and may not be suitable for everyone, JBL’s Bar 1300X can be the solution if you’re searching for an alternative method to add some real cinematic immersion to your life.

The Bar 1300X’s setup and controls can be a bit challenging at first, in part because of its peculiar appearance and in part because a comprehensive owner’s manual is missing. JBL provided the latter on the website for download after we contacted them, which could help with some of the trickier details.

The Bar 1300X, like most bars at this price point, is practically crammed with speakers to bounce music forward and to the sides, including five tweeters and six racetrack drivers in the bar itself. However, JBL also includes two more tools that work with the system to create a sound storm in your listening area.

Despite how exciting the Bar 1300X is, I can’t help but believe that I should stick with the surround speakers as they are. It’s the ideal setup for almost any type of video, albeit it might be difficult to plug in and unhook the unexpectedly powerful magnetic connectors. Fortunately, each speaker includes a USB-C connector for stand-alone charging as a backup option, even if they don’t come with charging cords.

Go detachable for a few reasons: to remove trip wires for an open floor layout, or as a compromise for people who don’t want gear clutter. Even while the surround speakers may be utilized as temporary Bluetooth speakers, I would still advise most people to look at more practical waterproof solutions, such as JBL’s Flip or Pulse speakers.

You’ll probably prefer Samsung’s HW-Q990B or the new Q990C (whichever is on sale) if you don’t require breakaway speakers because they both have a warmer overall sound profile and more tweaking choices. However, the Bar 1300X is not only the greatest shapeshifting soundbar available, but it’s also among the best Dolby Atmos soundbars ever made.

5. Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

Last update on 2024-05-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Smart Ultra is fairly thin, measuring 2.3 by 44.1 by 4.2 inches (HWD), and is available in black or white. It has a flat black top with a transparent, reflecting glass panel running across it, and a metal grille that encircles the front and sides. Two perforations along the sides of the panel reveal grilles for the built-in Amazon Alexa voice assistant, a touch-sensitive microphone, and upward-firing drivers. Its understated and elegant form should fit beneath the majority of TVs.

Although it’s unlikely you’ll use it for music discovery, the Bose Music app (available on iOS and Android) is required to completely configure the Smart Ultra. It guides you through setting up Google Cast, pairing the soundbar with your Amazon account for Alexa, and connecting the soundbar to your Wi-Fi network (all three can be accessible simultaneously and function by default with Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect). Along with grouping the soundbar with other Bose speakers on your network, pairing it directly with Bose accessory satellites and subwoofers, and performing the AdaptiQ room calibration, it also allows you to enable features like AI Dialogue Mode. Although the app does not have any equalization (EQ) modes, it does have separate controls for the center channel, bass, treble, and the height channel.

The Smart Ultra soundbar has nine drivers, including two upward-firing drivers for height adjustment. It has five channels. Its primary purpose is to be used with TVs via eARC for spatial audio. It also has an optical audio input, however its 5.1 channel capacity is restricted. It is compatible with Spotify Connect Wi-Fi streaming, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Additionally, it has Bluetooth integrated into it, albeit it doesn’t seem to support sophisticated codecs. Since AirPlay and Google Cast enable higher-quality audio streaming from iPhones and Android phones, this Bluetooth constraint isn’t a major worry.

With the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, you can enjoy nearly all the features of a single speaker for your TV without the need for a separate subwoofer or satellites (although you can always add them to the system). Along with a ton of helpful features like built-in Amazon Alexa, Google Cast, and Apple AirPlay, it offers large, realistic sound that is suitable for both movies and music. Our Editors’ Choice for soundbars, it’s pricey but worth it as a stand-alone home theater solution for your living room.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST SOUNDBAR

When searching for the finest soundbar, there are a number of factors to take into account.

The size is the first. Make sure your soundbar can fit beneath your TV, or next to it, depending on how you have it configured. The lengthy Sonos Arc soundbar, for instance, isn’t going to look good on a smaller 50-inch TV because it was made primarily for big displays. It will be necessary for you to measure the size of the room in which your existing TV will fit and compare those measurements to the specs of the soundbar you choose to purchase.

You should also think about whether or not you require a Dolby Atmos speaker. With the use of surround sound technology like Dolby Atmos, you may experience a more immersive viewing or listening experience by having noises and voices all around you. The problem is that soundbars with Dolby Atmos support are often more costly. You must decide if Dolby Atmos audio is worth the investment for you. If not, think about a capable but less expensive option, such as our top pick for the best inexpensive soundbar, the Yamaha SR-C30A.

The type of connection you require is something else to be mindful of. The majority of contemporary soundbars feature optical and HDMI connections, so what’s the difference? There are two methods for sending audio from your TV to your soundbar: optical and HDMI. HDMI supports Dolby Atmos and other high-resolution audio.

To enjoy a high-end, immersive audio experience, make sure your soundbar has an HDMI port that can be used for connecting, as well as an HDMI ARC (audio return channel) connector on your TV.

However, this means that one of the HDMI ports on your TV is being occupied by the soundbar. Fortunately, some bars have HDMI ‘passthrough’ connectors, which allow you to connect a console, set-top box, or other device to the soundbar and have the pictures sent back to your TV. A soundbar with this capability is what you should choose if your TV has few HDMI connections.

Are Dolby Atmos soundbars really worth it?

A home theater system can capture Dolby Atmos better than any soundbar on this list, but more and more soundbars are supporting Dolby Atmos, making it accessible to consumers of all budgets.

Indeed, a complete home theater system yields a higher level of detail than soundbars with surround sound or “virtual” Atmos. However, Dolby Atmos soundbars are getting more advanced and offer an even greater degree of cinematic immersion.

Are soundbars worth it?

Indeed. Even if you’re not a die-hard movie buff, the greatest soundbars may dramatically improve your TV viewing experience; your favorite movies, TV series, and video games just don’t sound as well as they might with built-in speakers on the finest TVs.

HOW WE TEST THE BEST SOUNDBARS

The same criteria we use for our soundbar evaluations are applied when testing the top soundbars: audio performance, design, setup and usability, value for money, and features.

After the soundbar is connected to a TV, we use the TV’s HDMI eARC connection to play music via Bluetooth wireless pairing in addition to streaming and 4K Blu-ray sources (because 4K Blu-ray offers higher audio quality than streaming).

When testing, we consider a number of parameters related to audio performance. Since built-in TV speakers often have the most difficulty with conversation quality and loudness, soundbars are frequently utilized to improve built-in TV sound. We also listen to how each range fits into a mix and determine if the soundstage is broad or limited in order to assess the bass, mids, and trebles.

We’ll test the efficacy and spaciousness of the surround sound because some people may want a home theater experience that fills the room without requiring all the components of a full AV setup. Dolby Atmos spatial audio and surround sound (both virtually and physically through additional speakers) have become standard features on soundbars.

We anticipate 4K 120Hz passthrough on HDMI ports for more expensive soundbars, and we’ll test that capability if it’s available. Since some TVs lack the four HDMI 2.1 connections required to support both gaming consoles and a speaker, gamers expressly hunt for this capability.

Soundbars are increasingly being equipped with Bluetooth streaming as a way for manufacturers to provide a “all-in-one” solution for music and movies. We will thus make sure to test a soundbar’s performance with streaming music if it has that functionality. Wi-Fi streaming is something we anticipate seeing on more expensive soundbars, though it’s not always the case.

Another area we assess is setup and use; some soundbars are plug-in-and-play, while others need more precise calibration. An increase in soundbars with auto-calibration capabilities can significantly improve the sound quality by tailoring the sound to the space in which they are mounted. We will compare the soundbar’s performance before and after the calibration as part of our tests to determine the exact impact it has.

Even while we make an effort to keep testing environments consistent, some of our writers will be listening in on various configurations. All of our reviews, however, use the same testing procedures and standards.