The very best soundbars to spice up your TV audio in 2024

The built-in audio system in most TVs aren’t sufficient to fill your front room with immersive sound that adequately showcases the finer particulars of flicks and TV exhibits. Fortunately, you do not have to splurge for a five-speaker (or extra) surround-sound system to enhance your audio expertise. Generally, a single soundbar and possibly a subwoofer can usually drastically enhance the standard of Dolby Atmos content material. To help with your property theater buying, I’ve compiled a listing of one of the best soundbars in premium, mid-range and finances value ranges, together with a abstract of what units them other than the competitors. Simply know getting into that the extra you pay, the extra you’re going to get — each by way of extra options and efficiency.

What to search for in a soundbar

Options

With regards to options, the extra you pay the extra you are going to get in your new audio system. Most inexpensive choices ($150 or much less) will enhance your tv’s audio high quality, however that is about it. Step into the $300 to $400 vary and you will find a sensible soundbar with issues like built-in voice management, wi-fi connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and even Android TV. They’re all useful if you need to keep away from on the lookout for the distant management, however one of the best sound high quality is often solely within the high tier and the codecs these premium soundbar programs help. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements. These are what you will need to search for if really immersive sound is what you crave to your front room setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you will want to take a look at the finer particulars rigorously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. If you happen to’re after one of the best small soundbar, dimension and high quality turn out to be vital elements, however do not overlook streaming services help for a well-rounded expertise.

Ports

It is a massive one. Quite a lot of the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted in terms of connectivity choices. They both supply an optical port or one HDMI jack and, should you’re fortunate, each. Issues get barely higher within the mid-range part, however that is not all the time the case. The Sonos Beam, for instance, is $449, however solely has a single HDMI port. Even on the higher-end, the $899 Sonos Arc nonetheless solely has one HDMI port. If you wish to join your set-top field, gaming console and extra on to your soundbar for the absolute best audio, you will possible need to search for an choice with at the least two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are important for issues like Dolby Atmos help, DTS:X and different high-res and immersive audio codecs. And with the HDMI 2.1 spec, soundbars can help HDR, 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to make these speaker programs a fair higher companion for a sport console.

Channels

One other massive factor you’ll need to take note of when on the lookout for one of the best soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that firms embrace in product descriptions. The primary determine corresponds to the variety of channels. A two would simply be left and proper whereas a extra sturdy Atmos system, particularly one with rear {surround} audio system, may very well be 5 or seven (left, proper, heart and upward). The second quantity refers back to the subwoofer, so in case your new soundbar comes with one or has them in-built, you’ll see one right here. The third numeral is up-firing audio system, vital for the immersive impact of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled items have them, but when they do, the third quantity will let you know what number of are in play and the way they contribute to the general soundstage.

Wi-fi

Most soundbars today supply both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. With regards to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate system), Chromecast, Spotify Join and AirPlay 2. Relying in your preferences, you may be capable to stay with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remainder I can stay with out. These two give me the power to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or wrestle with — a Bluetooth connection. For example, Sonos audio system usually supply seamless integration with iOS units, making it straightforward to attach and stream music wirelessly. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a wi-fi speaker that may improve your TV setup whereas additionally providing flexibility for audio all through the home, it is price contemplating a multi-room system.

Dimension

This one may appear apparent however humor me for a minute. Nothing is extra soul-crushing than getting a dear soundbar in your front room solely to find you must rearrange all the things to discover a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Sure, that speaker is absurdly giant (and heavy), and most soundbars aren’t almost as massive. I discovered a worthwhile lesson: Be certain that the house the place you need to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend a whole lot (if not hundreds) of {dollars} on.

Principally, all of it comes right down to the TV you’ve gotten (or are planning to get) and what the first purpose is to your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Would you like the absolute best sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you simply need to have the ability to truly hear your TV higher? Or do you need to flip your front room into an immersive residence theater system with {surround} sound?

By taking note of every of these areas, you need to have a good suggestion of what to search for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo or a extra sturdy setup. With that stated, we have put quite a few merchandise by their paces at Engadget and have a number of favorites for greatest soundbar at numerous value factors to get you began.

The very best soundbars for 2024

SAMSUNG

Dimensions: 48.5 x 2.7 x 5.4 inches (essential unit) | Ports: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Optical | Channels: 11.1.4

Learn our full Samsung HW-Q990D review

Samsung’s Q990D is my high choose largely due to its spectacular, immersive sound high quality. However, I additionally put it forward of the pack as a result of it’s an entire residence theater setup. For $2,000, you get the soundbar, subwoofer and rear {surround} audio system all in the identical field. Whereas that’s dear, placing collectively a comparable bundle amongst the competitors will price the identical, or in some circumstances extra.

Throughout the entire numerous items, Samsung packs in 22 whole drivers that create an 11.1.4-channel speaker setup. The audio is crisp and detailed for Dolby Atmos content material, making motion pictures and TV exhibits as near a theater expertise as you’re more likely to get out of a soundbar setup. The Q990D additionally has extra options like Non-public Rear Sound that solely use the rear audio system when it’s good to hear at a a lot quieter stage. It is a nice choice for music too, with the subwoofer offering booming bass when wanted and elevating finer components of tracks alongside the best way.

Execs

• HDMI 2.1
• All-in-one {surround} setup
• Glorious, immersive audio
• Helpful options

Cons

• Expensive
• Not an enormous replace over final 12 months’s mannequin

$1,059 at Walmart

Sony

Dimensions: 51 x 3 x 5 inches (essential unit) | Ports: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Optical, 1 x Anologue, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.2

Sony has a protracted monitor document of wonderful high-end soundbars and its latest is one other great-sounding product. The A7000 is a sturdy Dolby Atmos soundbar, able to immersive 7.1.2 audio due to Sony’s 360 Sound Mapping, Sound Discipline Optimization, vertical {surround} know-how and S-Drive Professional entrance {surround}. There’s a number of tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each useful in terms of listening to music. Talking of audio, you’ll have the choice of utilizing Chromecast, Spotify Join or Apple AirPlay 2 to ship your tunes to the A7000. The general soundstage is immersive, with glorious readability for each TV exhibits and music.

Two HDMI eARC inputs imply you may hook up a number of streaming containers or gaming consoles. And due to HDMI 2.1 help, you may anticipate 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your tv, so the A7000 is a good choice for players. This soundbar is pricey at $1,198 and it doesn’t include a separate subwoofer (although it does have one in-built). Nevertheless, Sony does provide you with a number of choices for each a sub and rear satellite tv for pc audio system. The SA-SW3 sub is $298 whereas the SA-SW5 is $699. For rear audio system, the SA-RS3S is $350 whereas the really wi-fi speaker (and significantly better trying) SA-RS5 set is $598. If you happen to’re trying to avoid wasting cash on the soundbar itself, Sony gives the HT-A5000 for $999 (though we’ve seen it on sale for $798 not too long ago). It packs nearly all of the same bells and whistles because the A7000, solely in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.

Execs

• Dolby Atmos help and 360 Sound Mapping
• Works with AirPlay 2
• Consists of two HDMI eARC ports

Cons

• Costly
• Does not embrace a separate subwoofer

$998 at Amazon

Sennheiser Client Audio

Dimensions: 70 x 10 x 6.5 inches (essential unit) | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.4

Learn our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini review

Whereas that is probably the most compact of Sennheiser’s Ambeo soundbars, the Mini stays within the premium class for 2 causes. First, you’ll have so as to add a subwoofer to maximise its potential, which provides one other $600. Secondly, the Mini is already $700, so an entire package deal places you at a comparable place to flagship items from the competitors. After you have each although, the Ambeo Mini is really spectacular for a small soundbar.

The primary characteristic is Sennheiser’s spatial Ambeo know-how that first debuted on the huge Ambeo Soundbar Max in 2019. With it, the corporate supplies extra immersive sound with a mixture of driver placement and 3D virtualization. On the Mini, the audio profile is extra reliant on virtualization than the larger Ambeo soundbars due fewer audio system inside. Nevertheless, you’ll nonetheless get a virtualized 7.1.4-channel speaker setup that works nicely for motion pictures and music. That’s, as long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.

Execs

• Compact design
• Glorious readability
• Nice bass
• Straightforward setup

Cons

• Costly
• No bundled sub
• Ambeo impact is restricted
• One HDMI port

$800 at Macy’s

Engadget

Dimensions: 25.63 x 3.94 x 2.68 inches (essential unit) | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 5.0

Learn our full Sonos Beam review

Strong sound high quality? Test. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and simple to arrange? Uh huh. Appropriate with different Sonos audio system for a extra sturdy system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been considered one of our favorites since it arrived in 2018, however there was one factor it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the large addition to the 2021 model, although it’s a bit restricted because the Beam doesn’t have any upward-firing audio system. Sonos manages to make issues appear extra directional by tweaking audio timing and frequency as an alternative of including extra drivers. The new Beam nonetheless solely has the one HDMI port which implies you received’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top field on to this. It additionally signifies that in case you have an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll want an adapter.

Execs

• Comparatively compact design
• Good sound for its dimension
• Helps Dolby Atmos

Cons

• One contains one HDMI port

$449 at Sonos

Engadget

Dimensions: 21.93 x 3.66 x 2.76 inches (essential unit) | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 2.0 (non-surround), 5.1 ({surround})

Learn our full Sonos Ray review

Sonos’ newest bid for greatest soundbar could also be its most inexpensive to this point, however at $279, it’s not precisely a finances choose. Particularly when you think about there are cheaper choices that include a subwoofer. Nonetheless, the compact design doesn’t command a number of house in entrance of your TV or in your TV stand, making it an excellent choice for smaller dwelling areas. The Ray is straightforward to arrange and supplies nice sound high quality for each TV and music, and it pairs seamlessly with iOS units. There are some trade-offs in terms of the immersive nature of the audio, but it surely’s choice for upgrading your TV sound with minimal fuss.

Execs

• Superb sound high quality for each TV and music Good bass efficiency for such a small speaker
• Compact, unobtrusive design
• Straightforward setup
• Cheap value

Cons

• Sound isn’t as immersive as you get from bigger fashions
• Folks with massive dwelling rooms may need a louder speaker
• No voice controls

$279 at Sonos

VIZIO

Dimensions: 24 x 7.68 x 2.28 inches (essential unit) | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x USB | Channels: 2.1

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a means to enhance your TV sound on a finances, Vizio has some high-quality options. With the V21t-J8, you get a 2.1-channel setup in a compact soundbar and 4.5-inch wi-fi sub combo for $160. This may be an excellent selection should you don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up a number of house. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, however that’s actually the one sacrifice in terms of the fundamentals. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections hyperlink to your tv whereas a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth let you play music out of your telephone or one other system. DTS Digital:X compatibility gives a few of the impact of {surround} sound and not using a larger unit or extra audio system.

Execs

• Compact design
• Consists of wi-fi subwoofer

$102 at Amazon

Different soundbars we examined

Sonos Arc

There’s little question that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, but it surely’s additionally the corporate’s costliest. With a brand new mannequin based mostly on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s tough to suggest this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works nicely as each a soundbar and a speaker, and the system will slot in properly with different Sonos gear you may have already got for a multiroom setup. It solely has one HDMI port although, the place a lot of the competitors permits you to join streaming and gaming units on to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized model gives sufficient to face out from the extra highly effective Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is extra inexpensive and does a stable job with immersive audio in its personal proper. Like the remainder of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no choice for satellite tv for pc audio system as you may solely add a subwoofer to the soundbars. Nevertheless, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA enter, so you need to use it with a turntable should you’re into vinyl.

Soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar higher than audio system?

It actually will depend on what you’re after. A soundbar is unquestionably an easier, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. If you’d like higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t need to take care of a number of audio system and wires in all places, a soundbar might be the best way to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular {surround} sound results, due to options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio know-how.

Nevertheless, should you’re an audiophile or need true {surround} sound for an at-home theater expertise, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, {surround} audio system and subwoofer gives you a richer soundstage and extra management over your expertise.

What connection do I want for a soundbar?

Most fashionable soundbars hook up with your TV by way of HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the best and most suitable choice for attaining high-quality audio. In case your TV helps this, all you want is an HDMI cable, and also you’ll get not solely nice sound but in addition some further options like controlling the soundbar along with your TV distant.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an choice in your TV, you need to use an optical cable, which additionally delivers stable audio high quality. Some soundbars even supply Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and some nonetheless have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older units.

Do all soundbars include subwoofers?

Not all soundbars include subwoofers, however many do or at the least supply one as an non-compulsory add-on you could buy individually. A subwoofer is what provides you that deep, booming bass, so should you like motion motion pictures or need a fuller sound for music, having one could make a giant distinction. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, however these typically don’t present the identical punch as a separate one.