Not long ago, I was convinced that no soundbar could match the audio quality of a good set of home theater speakers paired with an amplifier. However, the likes of Samsung, Sonos, LG, and others in the soundbar industry took this challenge to heart. Today, their soundbar systems have transformed the audio landscape, offering exceptional sound quality without the complexity of a full home theater setup. Whether you're looking for a high-powered Dolby Atmos system or a sleek, all-in-one solution, there's a soundbar to meet every need.
With the plethora of soundbar options available, choosing the right one for your preferences can be daunting. As a tech journalist who has tested and reviewed numerous soundbars, I've curated a list of the top soundbars for 2025 to help you find the perfect match.
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
0See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart
### Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
0See it at Amazon
### Sonos Beam
0See it at AmazonSee it at SonosSee it at Best Buy
1. Samsung HW-Q990D
Best Overall
Our Top Pick### Samsung HW-Q990D
3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Samsung
Samsung has hit a home run with the HW-Q990D. This flagship soundbar system is widely regarded as the best on the market, earning accolades from experts and enthusiasts alike, including those on the r/soundbars subreddit. The Q990D features 11 front-facing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers, creating a truly cinematic experience. Action scenes are dynamic and immersive, dialogue is crystal clear, and the Dolby Atmos effects enhance the sense of immersion.
Beyond its stellar audio performance, the Q990D is packed with advanced features. It includes built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Chromecast, as well as support for Apple AirPlay. Samsung's SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the sound to your room's acoustics, while Adaptive Sound fine-tunes audio based on the content, enhancing voices or boosting bass as needed. Additionally, it supports HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz passthrough, ideal for gamers.
Priced at $2,000, the Q990D often goes on sale, offering significant savings. For immediate needs, the previous model, HW-Q990C, provides similar audio performance at about $400 less, making it a smart choice for those looking to save without sacrificing quality.
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 builds on the success of its predecessor, the Arc, with a significant upgrade to a 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers. It introduces SoundMotion technology, which optimizes performance within the soundbar's compact design. The Arc Ultra boasts double the bass output of the original Arc, delivering an impressive audio experience.
Its Dolby Atmos capabilities are particularly noteworthy. With four dedicated up-firing drivers, the Arc Ultra creates a comprehensive soundstage that envelops you in sound. My review of the Arc Ultra highlighted its excellent music playback and features like Speech Enhancement for clearer dialogue. As part of the Sonos ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers for a whole-home audio solution. While it doesn't offer the same value as the Samsung HW-Q990D, the Arc Ultra excels in delivering top-tier Dolby Atmos sound.
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, offers a compelling audio experience with 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel. This soundbar strikes a perfect balance between lows, mids, and highs, ensuring a versatile soundstage.
Its bass performance is particularly impressive, thanks to a hefty 22lb subwoofer. Whether you're watching action-packed movies or enjoying music, the S95TR delivers deep, resonant bass. The soundbar also features AI Room Calibration for room-specific sound tuning and supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. The S95TR stands out as a high-end option that excels in bass while maintaining overall audio excellence.
4. Vizio V21-H8
Best Cheap Soundbar
### Vizio V21-H8
0See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart
For those seeking a budget-friendly soundbar, the Vizio V21-H8 offers solid stereo sound in a compact package. It's perfect for enhancing movies, TV shows, and music without the need for a complex setup. While it lacks a center channel, which can affect dialogue clarity, the V21-H8 still provides a noticeable upgrade over TV speakers.
The V21-H8 is straightforward, with basic controls for bass and treble, and a few sound modes. It doesn't include Wi-Fi or Dolby Atmos, focusing instead on delivering a simple yet effective audio solution. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to improve your TV's sound, the V21-H8 is a reliable 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 excellent value for a surround sound system. Despite its age, it features a sleek design and delivers detailed, distortion-free sound. The 6-inch subwoofer provides robust bass, which can be adjusted to your preference.
As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it's a bargain under $400. While it can't compete with higher-end models, it includes upfiring drivers that enhance three-dimensional sound. The lack of Wi-Fi and the need for wired rear speakers are minor drawbacks, but the M-Series 5.1.2 remains a strong contender for those seeking affordable surround sound.
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 offers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass, despite lacking a separate subwoofer. The Beam uses advanced processing to simulate height channels for Dolby Atmos content, enhancing the audio experience in smaller spaces.
Like other Sonos products, the Beam integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it a versatile choice for smart home enthusiasts. It's also expandable, allowing you to add other Sonos speakers or a subwoofer later. The Beam is an excellent entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, perfect for those with smaller rooms who want quality sound and future scalability.
How to Pick a Soundbar
Choosing the right soundbar from the many available options can be challenging. Here are some tips to guide your decision:
Soundbars come with various channel configurations to simulate surround sound. For casual TV viewing and music listening, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbar with a subwoofer should suffice. A 3.1 channel soundbar includes a center speaker for enhanced dialogue clarity, ideal for shows with lots of talking.
For a more immersive experience with movies and games, consider a 5.1 channel or higher soundbar. These often come with additional speakers and subwoofers, though some models offer all-in-one systems with excellent sound.
When evaluating a soundbar, check its connectivity options. HDMI ARC or eARC is standard and simplifies setup by using a single cable for audio transmission from your TV. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential if you plan to stream music from other devices. If you use voice assistants, ensure the soundbar supports them.
For the latest in audio technology, look for a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support. This format provides three-dimensional sound, enhancing the cinematic experience. Ensure the soundbar includes up-firing drivers, a subwoofer, and rear speakers for the best results. Other notable formats like DTS:X and Sony's 360 Reality Audio are also worth considering.
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) but no subwoofer, offering stereo sound suitable for general TV viewing and smaller spaces.
2.1 Soundbars: These add a subwoofer to the two channels, enhancing bass and depth 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. Some use additional speakers or virtual surround technology for a more immersive experience.
How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?
Most modern soundbars connect via HDMI ARC or optical audio cables. Ensure your TV has one of these ports to be compatible with most soundbars. Some also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional connectivity options.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
While not necessary, a subwoofer enhances the audio experience by adding deep bass. It's particularly beneficial for action movies, music, and gaming. Many soundbars come with a built-in or wireless subwoofer for rich sound without extra speakers.
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 essential, it significantly enhances the cinematic feel, making it seem like sound comes from all directions, including above.
Can I stream music through my soundbar?
Yes, many soundbars support 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.
