Subj : The best soundbars for all budgets, all tested by us (1/2) To : All From : TechnologyDaily Date : Tue Nov 25 2025 16:00:10 The best soundbars for all budgets, all tested by us Date: Tue, 25 Nov 2025 15:43:30 +0000 Description: From budget-friendly bars to Dolby Atmos wonders, the best soundbars make it easy to get a serious TV audio upgrade. FULL STORY ====================================================================== One of the best soundbars is essential if youve invested in a big TV and its speakers arent living up to its visuals. With one of the top soundbars, you get bigger, forward-facing speakers that deliver better speech clarity and immersion in movies. The best bit is theyre sleek and slim, often fitting below your TV on a cabinet, or mounted on the wall. Some TVs may not need a soundbar, but plenty of the best TVs you can buy today benefit hugely from an external soundbar for better audio especially cheaper ones. The best soundbars tend to come in three styles: all-in-one units with just a single soundbar, soundbars with subwoofers, and soundbars with subwoofers and rear speakers for surround sound. The first is ideal for people who want a minimal setup, the second is great for big sound on a budget, and the third is perfect if you want a real home theater audio experience. Weve tested a huge number of soundbars and speaker systems over the years, and review on average more than 20 soundbars each year. These range from elite units with Dolby Atmos 3D sound, through to bargain soundbars that boost speech and add depth for very little cash. We're looking for natural sound in all cases that doesn't come across as overblown, and where individual effects can stand out from the overall mix. We want to see ease of use too, no matter how many different speakers are included and in the case of higher-end soundbars we're looking for extra features such as wireless support and HDMI passthrough (including at 4K 120Hz) to justify the pricing. Some soundbars include extra features when used with a particular TV, so we'll highlight those where appropriate, and we do test them but they don't make or break our recommendations. We test soundbars as if you're buying them as a neutral, so you can get a great upgrade no matter what TV brand you have. The quick list In a hurry but need to find the best soundbar for you? Take a look at our quick list below which covers a soundbar that will suit every budget and situation. You can still check out more detailed reviews of each soundbar below. Best overall 1. Samsung HW-Q800D The best soundbar for most people The Samsung HW-Q800D offers great cinematic sound, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support at a strong price, for a great range of screen sizes, with HDMI passthrough. A great all-rounder. Read more below Best budget 2. Sony HT-S2000 The best budget soundbar If you're looking to get immersive Dolby Atmos support on a budget, the Sony HT-S2000 is a no-brainer a high-quality soundbar for a low price. It's also compact, and doesn't need space for a separate subwoofer. Read more below Best all-in-one soundbar 3. Klipsch Flexus Core 300 The best one-box soundbar This is the best option for an all-in-one soundbar with Dolby Atmos. It has a big, cinematic sound with solid bass, Dirac Live room correction, and can be expanded on with optional surround speakers and subs. Read more below Best Atmos surround 4. Samsung HW-Q990F The best soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround The Samsung HW-Q990F delivers real power and immersion and is the best soundbar for the full Atmos experience, with rear speakers and hefty bass from its newly designed, compact subwoofer. Read more below Best budget Atmos surround 5. Hisense AX5125H The best budget soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround Hisenses system packs a pair of wireless surrounds and a subwoofer, and it delivers real Dolby Atmos using up-firing speakers all for a stunningly low price. Try fantastic value for a budget home theater. Read more below Best super-cheap surround 6. Ultimea Poseidon D50 The best super-cheap surround sound If you're looking to get surround sound for as low a price as possible, the Ultimea Poseidon D50 is our top-choice, providing decent quality sound in a no-frills system that's also super-compact. Read more below Load more products Best super-cheap 7. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar The best super-cheap soundbar Anyone looking to upgrade their TVs sound without spending much money will be pleased with Amazons soundbar. The sound quality is decent, and with limited features, its easy to set up and use. Read more below Best premium for LG TVs 8. LG S95TR The best premium soundbar for LG TVs If you have an LG TV and want the best soundbar for it, then this is the best choice. With full, immersive spatial audio and exceptional power, we found it a real treat to listen to. Read more below Best compact Atmos 9. Bose Smart Soundbar The best soundbar for compact Dolby Atmos If you're looking to get Atmos sound but are tight on space, this Bose is a soundbar that packs powerful sound into a small package. Read more below Best for flexibility 10. JBL Bar 1300X The best soundbar for sheer flexibility With four HDMI ports to connect other sources and rechargeable, wireless surround speakers, the JBL 1300X really adapts to what you need. Read more below Best for expandability 11. Sonos Arc Ultra The best soundbar for expandability The Arc Ultra provides great sound for an all-in-one soundbar, and it can be easily expanded with other Sonos speakers to add surrounds channels and subwoofers. Read more below Best for wall-mounting 12. Samsung HW-QS700F The best soundbar for wall-mounting This Samsung soundbar automatically optimizes its speaker setup based on whether its placed horizontally or vertically. In vertical mode, it has a flatter profile perfect for pairing with a wall-mounted TV. Read more below Best for desktops 13. Creative Stage Pro The best soundbar for desktops The Creative Stage Pro is an affordable soundbar/subwoofer combo that isn't packed with features but is versatile enough to work just as well on your desk as it does alongside your TV. Read more below The best soundbars you can buy The best soundbar overall Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future) 1. Samsung HW-Q800D The best soundbar for most people Dimensions: Soundbar: 1111 x 60 x 120mm / 43.7 x 2.4 x 4.7 in ; Subwoofer: 210 x 403 x 403mm / 8.3 x 15.9 x 15.9 | Speaker configuration: 5.1.2 | Claimed audio power: 360W | Connections: 1x HDMI input, 1x HDMI eARC support, digital optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Punchy, imposing audio Effective Dolby Atmos Great value for what it offers No 4K 120Hz HDMI passthrough Limited changes over predecessor A little chunky in design Buy it if: You want the best-value soundbar: The Q800D delivers a dynamic and punchy sound with impressive Dolby Atmos positional effect for a very good price. You want a powerful sound: The Q800D is imposing, powerful and immersive, despite being limited to a soundbar and subwoofer in-the-box. Don't buy it if: You're after 4K 120Hz passthrough: If you have a next-gen console such as a PS5, you'll have to look at other soundbars for 4K 120Hz passthrough. You own the Samsung HW-Q800C: The Q800D doesn't offer much in the way of upgrades over its predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q800C, so if you own the latter, there's no point in upgrading. What you need to know: The Samsung HW-Q800D is the mid-range soundbar in Samsung's 2024 soundbar lineup, but it delivers a premium performance for the price. It delivers 5.1.2 channels, totaling 360W of power for a sound that's dynamic, engaging and downright impressive. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround formats as well as Samsung-centric features such as Q-Symphony, which uses the speakers of compatible Samsung TVs for extra immersion. It also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for audio streaming. It also has gaming features, but does unfortunately lack 4K 120Hz passthrough to make the most out of consoles. But this is one of the very few downsides to a fantastic soundbar, and it won't matter to everyone, anyway. Audio performance: When we heard the Q800D in action, we were blown away by just how sonically impressive it is. A rich, expansive and powerful sound comes through the Q800D, whether its movies or video games. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround is immersive, engaging and fully-fledged, which is impressive for a soundbar comprised of two units (a soundbar and subwoofer). Its wide soundstage also means it handles music well, which is no guarantee with soundbars. Design: In terms of looks, the HW-Q800D isn't very visually appealing, with a chunky design and angular look that some find dull. But, it does have a solid build quality and a metal mesh grille that make it feel more premium. While you can get better-looking soundbars, the Q800D is still a perfectly fine looking soundbar. Value: The Q800D is exceptional value and while it's not going to beat the likes of the more premium Samsung HW-Q990D in terms of sheer power, #4 on this list , or the Sonos Arc Ultra for looks, #3 on this list , it delivers a level of quality and performance way above its price range. So, it's no wonder that it's easily the best soundbar on the market for most people. Read our full Samsung HW-Q800D review ^ Back to the top The best budget soundbar Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 2. Sony HT-S2000 The best budget soundbar with Dolby Atmos Dimensions: 800 X 64 X 124 mm(31 1 / 2 in x 2 5 / 8 in x 5 in) | Speaker configuration: 3.1 | Claimed audio power: 250W | Connections: HDMI eARC x 1, optical digital x 1, USB x1, Bluetooth Affordable Impressive sound quality Supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Wireless streaming limited to Bluetooth No voice assistant support Buy it if: You want an affordable soundbar: The Sony HT-S2000 launched with a higher price than the next cheapest offering at #7 in this list but is now regularly reduced for less. You want immersive sound: The HT-S2000 offers 3.1 channels of surprisingly powerful sound, with support for virtual Dolby Atmos, for a reasonable price. Don't buy it if: You own a next-gen console like a PS5: Without 4K 120Hz passthrough, the HT-S2000 isn't the best for gamers. Instead look at #5 in this list . You want a home audio system: The HT-S2000 does not have Wi-Fi so you won't be able to link it up to a multi-room wireless speaker system. What you need to know: When it comes to sound quality and features vs price, we think the Sony HT-S2000 is the best budget choice around. Although it's a little basic in terms of connectivity, the sound you get from this soundbar is impressive for the money and is certainly a good choice for those looking for an upgrade to their TV sound without breaking the bank. Audio performance: While the Sony HT-S2000's sound isn't the biggest, the sound you do get for your money is impressive. Clear dialogue levels and a spacious, virtual surround sound are two of the HT-S2000's highlights. Bass levels are also punchy enough, but it's the Sony HT-S2000's ability to reproduce Dolby Atmos effects that's surprising. It's not going to beat a soundbar with height channels, but for a 3.1 soundbar, it offers plenty. Design: Design wise, the Sony HT-S2000 feels and looks more expensive than it is, with a solid, mesh metal grill on the front and a sturdy black plastic casing housing the speakers. The soundbar also produces visual feedback to remote control commands, something rare on budget soundbars. Value: Yes, the HT-S2000 isn't going to set the world alight with its sound and certainly isn't the best soundbar for sound on this list, but when you're paying roughly $349 / 299 / AU$695 for a soundbar with this good a sound quality, it's hard to argue against. Read our full Sony HT-S2000 review ^ Back to the top The best all-in-one soundbar Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 4 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 4 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 4 (Image credit: Future) 3. Klipsch Flexus Core 300 The best one-box soundbar Dimensions ((W x H x D)): 54 x 3 x 5 inches / 1371 x 76.2 x 127mm | Channel configuration: 5.1.2 | Claimed audio power: N/A | Connections: HDMI eARC, HDMI IN (passthrough), optical digital input, RCA Mono (sub out), USB-C, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Immersive sound Dirac Live room correction HDMI passthrough Pricey Large size Only supports Google Home Buy it if: You want uncompromised home theater sound: The Flexus Core 300 gives you a real Dolby Atmos home theater experience from a standalone soundbar, with height effects and enough bass that you can feel it. You want great sound in any room: This soundbars Dirac Live room correction processing provides clear and balanced sound even in a less-than-ideal room. Don't buy it if: You have a small room: This is a large soundbar, and its best suited to systems with a 65-inch or larger TV in a sizeable room. If your setup is more compact, there are plenty of other soundbars that will be a better fit. You dont use Google Home: If youre an Alexa or Apple HomeKit user, the Flexus Core 300s exclusive support for Google Home means you wont be able to link it with your smart home ecosystem. What you need to know: The Klipsch Flexus Core 300 is a fantastic option for an all-in-one 5.1.2-channel soundbar, and its also one that lets you expand to a full 7.1.4-channel system by adding Klipschs optional wireless surround speakers and subwoofers. With both HDMI eARC and HDMI 2.1 ports, the latter with 4K 120Hz passthrough, the Flexus Core 300 is ready to connect to the latest TVs and games consoles, and its Wi-Fi support means you can stream uncompressed music via Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect, or directly from apps using AirPlay or Google Cast. But the key feature of Klipschs flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar is Dirac Live room correction, which can make the Flexus Core 300 sound great in any room its set up in. Audio performance: The Flexus Core 300s basic sound quality is very good, with natural dialogue and enough bass to deliver oomph and physicality in action movie soundtracks. But once youve run the Dirac Live calibration, something thats done from within Klipschs control app and uses an included microphone, sound quality notably improves, with cleaned-up bass and enhanced mid-range clarity, especially with voices. In our review, we stated, No matter how complex the soundtrack or music was, I could hear everything with precision. Such high praise isnt something that normally gets applied to a soundbar. Design: At 54 x 3 x 5 inches (1371 x 76.2 x 127mm), this is a big soundbar, and one best paired with 65-inch or larger TVs. Available in black or walnut, both with an elegant woodgrain finish, the Flexus Core 300 features a bright alphanumeric LED display with a large readout so you can get visual feedback from remote control commands even at a far seating distance. An included remote has a solid feel and enough buttons to let you control most functions, and there are optical digital input and RCA subwoofer outputs on the back, along with the soundbars HDMI ports. Value: At $1,199.99 / 1,049.00, the Flexus Core 300 is pricey for a standalone Dolby Atmos soundbar, but its performance and feature set, which includes the option to expand out to a 7.1.4-channel system by adding wireless surround speakers and subwoofers, go a long way toward justifying that cost. Klipschs flagship is also the only soundbar with built-in Dirac Live room correction, making it a one-of-a-kind product. Read our full Klipsch Flexus Core 300 review ^ Back to the top The best soundbar for Dolby Atmos Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 4. Samsung HW-Q990F The best soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround sound Dimensions: 1232 x 70.8 x 138 mm (48.5 x 2.8 x 5.4 inch) | Speaker configuration: 11.1.4 | Claimed audio power: N/A | Connections: 1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetoothi-fi, Bluetooth Immersive and dynamic spatial audio Great power and detail Compact but capable subwoofer Pricey Obscured front LED display Only a minor upgrade over its predecessor Buy it if: You want immersive surround sound: The Q990F delivers a fully immersive, powerful, and tightly controlled sound that not many other soundbar systems can compete with. You want a compact subwoofer that doesn't compromise: The Q990F's newly designed compact subwoofer is easier to hide, but doesn't skimp on sheer power and control. Don't buy it if: You're on a budget: The Q990F is a premium soundbar system that unavoidably costs more than budget Dolby Atmos soundbars like #4 in this list . You own the Samsung HW-Q990D: While the Q990F's new subwoofer is great, elsewhere the Q990F is only a slight upgrade over its predecessor, the Q990D. What you need to know: Samsungs Q990F is a complete surround sound system in a soundbar package. It has 23 drivers spread across 11.1.4 channels and comprises four units: a soundbar, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers. It delivers engaging, expansive and punchy sound, as well as 4K 120Hz pass-through support for gaming consoles. Audio performance: Dolby Atmos soundtracks are reproduced with superb precision and pinpoint accuracy, putting you right into the heart of the action. Speech is clean and clear, and its newly designed, smaller subwoofer doesn't skip out on bass, delivering plenty of hefty rumble while still maintaining control and nuance. Q-Symphony is a bonus for Samsung TV owners, adding even more speakers to the action. Design: The headline here is the newly designed, compact subwoofer, which is sleeker, sharper and much more versatile in terms of space. The Q990F has a similar matte gray/navy finish to its predecessors for a minimalist look, but uses a grille design that isn't as appealing as its predecessors. Still, it has a premium look and feel with a reassuring heft. Its front display continues to be difficult to read, however Value: A soundbar system that's this powerful and complete necessarily comes with a high price tag. And while we think that the Q990F's performance justifies the price, you can save some money by picking up its predecessor, the Q990D. Or if you're looking for a budget alternative, check out the Hisense AX5125H at #5 in this list for a cheaper Atmos alternative. Read our full Samsung HW-Q990F review ^ Back to the top The best budget soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 5. Hisense AX5125H The best budget soundbar for Atmos and surround Dimensions: Soundbar: 36.2 x 18.8 x 3.5 inches (920 x 478 x 90mm) | Speaker configuration: 5.1.2 | Claimed audio power: 180W | Connections: HDMI Out (eARC), 1x HDMI in, optical, USB, 3.5mm AUX Immersive Dolby Atmos sound Clear dialogue and punchy bass Exceptional value No Wi-Fi music streaming No app for EQ adjustments Satellite speakers can get overwhelmed Buy it if: You want 'real' Atmos sound With 5.1.2 channels, including two surround and two up-firing Atmos speakers, you're getting actual immersive sound rather than virtual processing. You want to save money At around $350 / 350 / AU$449, youre getting a full surround sound speaker package with a subwoofer for the price of many standalone soundbars. Don't buy it if: You want high-quality music playback Hisenses budget bar uses Bluetooth exclusively for music streaming, and thats a lower-quality option than the Wi-Fi tech used by other soundbars like the Sonos Beam. You want to experiment with EQ While the Hisense has preset sound modes plus bass and treble controls, its sound adjustments are very basic compared to other soundbars that offer extensive EQ settings and room correction using apps. What you need to know: The Hisense AX5125H is a 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar system with a wireless subwoofer and surround speakers that sells for under $350 / 350 / AU$450. What youre getting here kit-wise for the money is pretty much unbeatable considering the systems punchy sound and real as opposed to virtual, Dolby Atmos effects delivery. Audio performance: Hisenses budget soundbar system punches well above its price class when it comes to sound quality, with clear dialogue, accurate effects placement and good surround immersion. Even music sounds good, though, streaming is limited to Bluetooth quality. The one complaint we have about its sound is that the compact rear speakers can occasionally get overwhelmed by aggressive surround sound mixes. Design: The AX5125Hs build quality falls short of premium something to be expected at this price though its metal mesh speaker grilles give it a somewhat upscale look. Importantly, the soundbar has a front panel alphanumeric LED display, which provides clear visual feedback when making volume or EQ adjustments with the systems remote control. Value: Given its low price for a 5.1.2-channel soundbar system, the Hisense AX5125Hs value is almost over the top. Youll pay more than four times as much for the Best soundbar for Dolby Atmos choice on our list, the Samsung HW-Q990D, and while that 11.1.4-channel system will undoubtedly provide a greater sense of sound immersion, many people will be satisfied with the Hisenses sound for the money. Read our full Hisense AX5125H review ^ Back to the top The best super-cheap soundbar for surround sound Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future) 6. Ultimea Poseidon D50 The best super-cheap surround sound soundbar Dimensions: Soundbar: 15.7 x 2.8 x 3.5 inches / 400 x 70 x 90mm | Speaker configuration : 5.1 | Claimed audio power : 320W | Connections: HDMI ARC, digital optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth 5.3 Decent overall sound quality Budget price Easy setup No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X Cheap-looking design Occasionally tinny audio Buy it if: You want surround sound for cheap: The Poseidon D50 offers 5.1 channels of clear, punchy sound for cheaper than most soundbars. You want a straightforward soundbar: The Poseidon D50 opts for a no-nonsense, plug-in-and-play approach over apps and features. Don't buy it if: You want the best quality sound: The Poseidon D50's sound can be tinny at times, and rear speakers can get lost in the mix. You want the best looking soundbar: Unsurprisingly, the Poseidon D50 has a plain, plasticky look due to its super-cheap price. The Ultimea Poseidon D50 is the best way to get surround sound for your living room for a low price. Its sound may not be the most dynamic and it's light on features, but at such a low price for a full 5.1 system, it's hard to argue against what it does deliver: clear, punchy and occasionally spacious audio. In our review of the Ultimea Poseidon D50, we enjoyed its clarity of speech and relatively punchy, powerful surround sound. While watching Top Gun: Maverick, we were "impressed at the three-dimensional sound of soaring aircraft", especially considering the lack of Dolby Atmos. While the Poseidon D50 doesn't deliver the most cinematic of experiences, with audio sometimes veering on tinny and the rear speakers sometimes struggling to keep up, we said "for the price you pay, the surround sound certainly surpassed expectations" and that's all we ask for from this cheap soundbar. Light on features due to its budget price, including a lack of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support (check out the Hisense AX5125H further up the list for a budget Atmos surround soundbar), the Poseidon D50 does still support Bluetooth streaming for music and come with HDMI ARC, optical and 3.5mm ports for connections. There are also three distinct sound modes Movie, Dialog and Music to cater to what you're watching. Ultimately, you get what you pay for, and the Ultimea Poseidon D50 delivers solid (but not mind-blowing) surround sound for under $150 / 150 (we've seen it as low as $119 / 139). At that price, it's difficult to be disappointed in the Poseidon D50. If you want surround sound for cheap, the Poseidon D50 should be on your list. Read our full Ultimea Poseidon D50 review ^ Back to the top The best super-cheap soundbar Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 7. Amazon Fire TV soundbar The best super-cheap soundbar Dimensions: 24 x 2.5 x 3.5 in (610 x 63.5 x 89mm) | Speaker configuration: 2.0 | Claimed audio power: 2 x 20W | Connections: HDMI eARC, optical digital, Bluetooth Affordable price Simple setup Good overall sound Wireless connections limited to Bluetooth No expansion options Occasionally bloated-sounding dialogue Buy it if: You want a cheap, but good soundbar: A 2.0-channel soundbar like this is an easy way to upgrade your TVs sound without incurring a high cost. You want easy setup: The limited features of Amazons soundbar are a benefit if youre looking for a super-easy model to connect, set up, and use. Don't buy it if: You want Dolby Atmos support: Dolby Atmos support generally isnt available on low-cost soundbars like Amazons. To get that feature, youll need to step up to the Sony HT-S2000, the best budget model on our list. You want bass: The Amazons compact design doesnt permit much in the way of bass, so if thats important, look for a different model with a separate subwoofer. What you need to know: Amazons first and only soundbar is a basic, compact model that delivers decent sound quality for the price. A 2.0-channel design, it keeps things simple by limiting wired connections to a single HDMI input for a hookup to a TVs HDMI eARC/ARC port, along with an optical digital connection. Bluetooth is additionally supported for wireless music streaming from a phone or tablet. Although Amazons soundbar lacks Dolby Atmos support, it has Movie, Music and dialogue-boosting EQ modes as well as DTS Virtual:X processing to add a spacious quality to surround-encoded soundtracks. Theres no front-panel alphanumeric display to provide visual feedback something you wouldnt expect to see in a soundbar at this price but ergonomics are otherwise good, and with limited connections and features, setup of Amazons soundbar is incredibly easy. The Amazon Fire TV soundbars main selling point is its price. Amazon lists it for $119.99 / 199.99 on its site, but regularly lets it go for under $100 in the US. If youre looking for a basic, super-cheap bar that does a decent job and is easy to set up, Amazons soundbar is the one wed recommend. Audio performance: While you cant expect a 2-channel soundbar like this to work magic with movie soundtracks, Amazons bar will provide an instant upgrade over your TVs built-in speakers, boosting dialogue clarity and adding heft to sound effects. In our review, we found it provided the best sound balance with the Bass setting at Medium, which made voices sound natural and not overly heavy. DTS Virtual:X processing was effective at amping up movie soundtracks and did so without any negative effect to other elements in the mix. Design: At 24 inches wide by 2.5 inches high and 3.5 inches deep, Amazons compact soundbar is a good match for smaller TVs. A row of control buttons is provided on top and a remote control is also included. The main design limitation is the LED indicator lights instead of an alphanumeric display for visual feedback, which is common at this price point. Value: Given the sound quality, effortless usability, and sturdy design of Amazons Fire TV soundbar, its a great value and easy recommendation. Youll have to spend several hundred more to get better performance and features, and many people will be perfectly satisfied with Amazons low-budget bar. Read our full Amazon Fire TV soundbar review ^ Back to the top The best premium soundbar for LG TVs Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future) 8. LG S95TR soundbar The best premium soundbar for LG TVs Dimensions: 49.2 x 2.5 x 5.3 inches (soundbar), 7.9 x 16 x 15.9 inches (subwoofer), 6.3 x 8.8 x 5.6 inches (rear speakers) | Claimed audio power: 810 watts | Speaker configuration: 9.1.5 | Connections: 1x HDMI out (with eARC), HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Full, immersive spatial audio Great power and detail Gaming features including 4K 120Hz pass-through Expensive LED display is a little too basic Some features require app Buy it if: You want immersive, home theater sound: With 9.1.5 channels here along with AI room calibration, you're in for a surround sound treat. You have an LG TV: It works well whatever you pair it with, but you get access to better features with certain models of LG TVs. Don't buy it if: You don't have much space: This soundbar system is large, so if you don't have room to spare opt for a smaller alternative like #5 in this list. You're saving money: This isn't a budget buy. You'll have to make sacrifices, but you can find a similar soundbar for less. Check out #2 in this list. What you need to know: The LG S95TR brings you the convenience and straightforward setup of a soundbar system but with the immersive power and performance of a home theater speaker setup. It works well with everything, but LG TV owners can unlock the best features. The only thing that lets it down a little is its high price. If you're on a budget but still want Atmos and surround sound, take a look at our cheap soundbar pick, the Hisense AX5125H at #4 in this list . But if you can afford it, the features, performance and design of the LG S95TR make it worth every penny. Audio performance: With this soundbar's 9.1.5 channels, along with some very impressive AI room calibration, you'll experience a great home theater setup with surround sound and spatial audio (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X). In our review, we described the sound on offer here as "immersive, engrossing, and engaging" and with 810 watts of power, the LG S95TR can reach great volumes. Design: This soundbar looks very basic with a subwoofer and two wedge-shaped rear speakers. Unfortunately, there's no LED display, just LED indicator lights, which is disappointing considering how many features are on offer here. You'll need to open LG's control app to find what you need, which is a little annoying. This is also a big system. So if you want to put it in a small room, it might not be the best choice for you. Value: The LG S95TRs $1,499 / AU$1,699 (about 1,200) price feels expensive, but when you compare it with the competition, the fact you're getting a 9.1.5-channel system and the performance on offer here, it's still good value. If you want real surround sound, check out #3 in this list , the Samsung HW-Q990D. Read our full LG S95TR review ^ Back to the top The best compact Atmos soundbar Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 9. Bose Smart Soundbar The best small soundbar for Dolby Atmos Dimensions: 27.34 x 2.21 x 4.01 inches (694 x 56 x 102mm) | Speaker configuration: 3.0.2 (plays back at 5.1.4) | Claimed audio power: Not listed | Connections: HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, USB, sub out, IR Compact, attractive design Dolby Atmos with up-firing speakers Extensive streaming options Personal Surround Sound feature Single HDMI port Limited bass A bit pricey Buy it if: You want great sound from a standalone soundbar: The Smart Soundbar delivers the Bose audio quality one expects. The bass and soundstage width are a bit light, but clarity and dynamics are good. You want real Dolby Atmos: The soundbars two upward-firing speakers let it deliver a real spatial audio experience. Also, a TrueSpace feature can upscale non-Dolby Atmos tracks for spatial audio. Don't buy it if: You want full surround sound: Adding Bose Ultra Open Earbuds can give a great surround sound experience, but just for one person. If you want full surround sound for around the same price, other options are available. Youre on a tight budget: The Smart Soundbar has a premium price for a single soundbar. You can find similar compact soundbars for less, but you will compromise on both sound quality and features. What you need to know: The Bose Smart Soundbar is a compact model with real upfiring speakers to properly deliver Dolby Atmos soundtracks. It has built-in Wi-Fi for streaming music, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast support, and can be paired with optional Bose wireless surround sound speakers and a subwoofer if you one day get an urge to upgrade your system. Alternatively, the Smart Soundbars Personal Surround Sound feature, which requires Boses Ultra Open Earbuds, can give you surround sound without having to muck with extra speakers. Audio performance: When we reviewed the Bost Smart Soundbar, we noted that it sounds about as good as a soundbar can. Dialogue is consistently intelligible, and there are level and EQ controls in Boses app that let you boost it on an as-needed basis. Because of its compact form factor, both bass and soundstage width are limited, but the Smart Soundbars upfiring Atmos speakers, which can also be engaged for non-Atmos movies and music using the TrueSpace feature, help quite a bit to expand the soundfield. Design : At 27 inches wide by 2 inches high and 4 inches deep, its a fairly sleek and compact design for an all-in-one unit and a perfect choice for smaller homes or screens. While it only has a single HDMI port, it makes up for this by packaging everything into an attractive all-in-one form. Value: This soundbar impressed us in several ways during our testing, and we also appreciated its Personal Surround Sound and TrueSpace features The Bose is also a good value as one of the few soundbars that sell for under $500 / 500 / AU$700, it offers a lot more features than the Sony HT-S2000 at #2 in this list and Amazon Fire TV Soundbar at #8 in this list . To save money on Bose products, check out our Bose discount codes . Read our full Bose Smart Soundbar review ^ Back to the top The best soundbar for flexibility Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 10. JBL Bar 1300X The best soundbar for flexibility Dimensions: 1376 x 60 x 139 mm (W x H x D) | Speaker configuration: 11.1.4 | Claimed audio power: 1170W | Connections: HDMI (eARC), Optical in, Bluetooth, USB Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing Rechargeable wireless surround speakers Four HDMI ports (one with eARC) Pricey No HDMI 4K 120Hz pass-through Surround speakers need regular recharging Buy it if: You need multiple HDMI ports: The JBL Bar 1300X comes with four HDMI ports so multiple devices can be connected. You want rear speakers with no wires: Supplied with wireless rechargeable speakers, there's no wires to keep things neat and tidy. Don't buy it if: You want to keep the rear speakers charged: The JBL Bar 1300X's rear speakers need regular recharging, unlike a more traditional setup like the HW-Q800D at #1 in this list . You want the cheapest soundbar: The JBL Bar 1300X is not budget-friendly, even compared to other soundbars in its price range. What you need to know: The JBL Bar 1300X provides a fantastic level of flexibility. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support and a big, beefy sound aided by its larger than average subwoofer, its the connections and features packed into this soundbar that make it so versatile compared to other soundbars on the market. The one downside? This soundbar isn't going to suit serious gamers. While there are multiple HDMI ports here, none of them have 4K 120Hz pass-through to support that resolution and frame rate when playing games on PS5 or Xbox Series X, a feature you can find on our choice on the best soundbar for gaming, the Sony HT-A7000 at #5 in this list . Audio performance: We think the JBL Bar 1300X would suit anyone looking for a powerful and immersive soundbar option, but particularly those who are after the visceral excitement that the best home theater systems effortlessly deliver, while also being relatively easy to setup and not becoming a burden on your living room. Design: Although the JBL Bar 1300X doesn't take up too much space, it is designed to fill larger rooms with sound so we wouldn't recommend it in smaller homes. There are also multiple HDMI inputs here, meaning you can connect a stack of extra sources without worry, and the systems rechargeable rear speakers can also be used as portable Bluetooth speakers. That might be a "so what?" feature for some people, but to us it's a design flex that heightens the Bar 1300X's overall value. Value: Priced in line with the likes of the Sonos Arc Ultra at #3 in this list , the JBL Bar 1300X is not cheap but does deliver a lot flexibility to make up for it. From the rechargeable rear speakers that can also be used as bluetooth speakers and number of HDMI ports to the easy setup and immersive sound, this is one of the most flexible soundbars we've found. (Note: in some countries, you get the JBL Bar 1300 without the X which has a smaller 10-inch subwoofer driver instead of the 12-inch in the X version. This is a relatively small difference, and doesn't alter our overall opinion.) Read our full JBL Bar 1300X review ^ Back to the top The best soundbar for expandability Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 11. Sonos Arc Ultra The best soundbar for future expansion Dimensions: 1178 x 75 x 110.6mm (W x H x D) | Channel configuration: 9.1.4 | Claimed audio power: N/A | Connections: HDMI input (eARC), Bluetooth, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Sonos multi-room Full sound and great speech clarity Very good Dolby Atmos effects Compact for such good sound No DTS-HD/DTS:X support No HDMI passthrough Not as immersive as surround options Buy it if: You want big and cinematic sound: The Arc Ultra's special bass driver sounds excellent, and its sound balance is excellent, especially the dialogue. You want an expandable soundbar: You get great Dolby Atmos effects from a single box here , and it can be easily expanded with Sonos surround speakers and subs. Don't buy it if: You want high-end DTS:X support: Fans of Blu-rays or streaming IMAX Enhanced movies may be annoyed by this you won't get the full power. You struggle to have enough HDMI ports on your TV: There's no HDMI passthrough here, so you simply lose the use of whichever port it's connected to. What you need to know: The Sonos Arc Ultra is the best soundbar for expandability. It sounds great on its own, but the flexible nature of the Sonos ecosystem lets you easily add surround speakers and a subwoofer as your needs and budget change. Other soundbars here deliver more immersion by filling your room with multiple boxes, but if you want deep, expansive, expertly balanced movie audio from one slender bar, with the option to add to it later, this is the way to go. Audio performance: The Sonos Arc Ultra is a very impressive piece of audio design, thanks partly to its 'Sound Motion' bass driver, which is a very small speaker that produces decent bass without a separate subwoofer. It helps the overall sound balance of the Arc Ultra to be absolutely superb, with great impact, very clear yet natural dialogue, and effects that jump right out of the mix. The Dolby Atmos 3D sound is excellent for a single-box soundbar as well, really adding motion and layers to individual sounds. A massive upgrade over any TV's built-in sound. Design: This is small for a powerful one-box soundbar but that's relative! It's pretty wide, though will work for TVs of 55 inches and up, but it's not too tall or deep (though may be too tall for some very low-slung TVs). It feels really well made, and the simple, hard-shell black or white design disappears nicely into your decor. The connections are in a recess in the back as is the Bluetooth pairing button, annoyingly (but you can use the Sonos app to pair too). It's wall-mountable, too. Value: This is strong value, simply because it sounds so good for under $1000 / 1000. It's also great that it works as part of the Sonos ecosystem, and can be expanded with Sonos' wireless speakers as rear speakers, or with a dedicated, more powerful subwoofer. However, its lack of DTS-HD/DTS:X support and not having an HDMI passthrough port when all of its key rivals do mean it's less-than-perfect on value but if you don't care about those things, then they're not a problem! Read our full Sonos Arc Ultra review ^ Back to the top The best soundbar for wall-mounting Image 1 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 6 (Image credit: Future) Image 6 of 6 (Image credit: Future) 12. Samsung HW-QS700F The best soundbar for mounting on a wall Dimensions: 1160 x 51 x 120mm (W x H x D) | Channel configuration: 3.1.2 | Claimed audio power: 350W | Connections: HDMI input, HDMI output (eARC), Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, Airplay, digital optical input, wireless Dolby Atmos Genuine multi-position design Sounds excellent in either of its configurations Soundbar and subwoofer harmonize well No surround channel sound effect Small sound differences between setup profiles No true LED display Buy it if: You want a versatile design: Its our top choice for wall-mounting, but its just as happy on a tabletop. If you want flexibility for both, youll find it here. You want more powerful sound than a standard TV can muster: Youd be forgiven for thinking the low profile of this soundbar means it doesnt pack a punch, but no built-in TV sound is anywhere near this good. Don't buy it if: Youd prefer a full surround sound experience: Youll get a pleasingly large soundstage here, but with no rear speakers, it wont wrap sound around you like the best systems can. Wall-mounting is only a nice to have: Pretty sure you wont wall-mount it? Look elsewhere. Its still a great choice, but if itll always sit on your TV table, its versatility wont matter. What you need to know: The Samsung HW-QS700F soundbar blends the performance of Samsungs Q series with the sleek, lifestyle-friendly design of its S series. Its standout feature is the ability to automatically optimize its 3.1.2-channel speaker setup depending on whether its mounted horizontally or vertically. In vertical mode, its flatter profile pairs neatly with a slim, wall-mounted TV. Sound quality is solid for the price, with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS and Bluetooth. It comes with a Samsung wireless subwoofer and can also be paired with surround speakers but its the wall-mounting versatility that really sets this model apart. Audio Performance: Despite its affordable price, this soundbars 3.1.2-channel configuration delivers an impressive level of power, detail, and staging. Most of that top-performing sound holds up regardless of its orientation, though there are some minor niggles depending on how you use it. Then again, as we noted in our review, it still outperforms the vast majority of rivals. Youll also get to enjoy Dolby Atmos playback, DTS:X support and compatibility with a broad range of file formats. Design: The design is where the HW-QS700F truly shines. It features gyro sensors that automatically adjust the speaker configuration for optimal performance whether its placed on a table or wall-mounted. The long, angular bar and its compact, cubic wireless sub are surprisingly space-efficient for such a powerful system. Its slender enough to slide beneath most TV screens or can easily be mounted on the wall underneath one, yet long and deep enough to promise potent sound and a premium finish. Value: Considering its blend of performance and features, the Samsung HW-QS700F is a compelling choice. While many soundbars can either be wall-mounted or tabletop-set, few adjust their speaker configuration to optimize performance for both setups. Its a great option in its own right, but its our top pick for wall-mounting ideal if you want to take full advantage of that versatility or simply love the option to move it around. Read our full Samsung HW-QS700F review The best soundbar for desktops Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 2 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 3 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 4 of 5 (Image credit: Future) Image 5 of 5 (Image credit: Future) 13. Creative Stage Pro The best soundbar for desktops Dimensions: 115 x 265 x 420 (W x H x D) | Channel configuration: 2.1 | Claimed audio power: 160W | Connections: USB-C, HDMI ARC, optical-in cable, Bluetooth Affordable Near and far-field listening modes Solid range of ports Sound modes are overly subtle Limited features Narrow soundstage Buy it if: You want something that could work for your TV and your desk: Creative comes from the world of PC audio, so naturally this soundbar can switch between your computer and TV. You want a subwoofer without spending too much: For this price, the soundbar and subwoofer pairing is a bargain. Other brands would charge much more. Don't buy it if: You want top tier sound: It's an upgrade over your TV's speakers, but it won't impress more demanding ears. If you're fussy about audio quality you might want a higher-end soundbar option. You want lots of features: There are nice touches here, but overall it's quite bare bones, with no smart assistant integration or Wi-Fi support. What you need to know: The Creative Stage Pro is a rare find at this cheap price. It's a compact 2.1 soundbar with a subwoofer that works well under a TV or beneath a monitor. Creative's PC audio roots show here, not just in size and port selection but in near-field listening mode designed for desktop use. It's not packed with features, and its soundstage is narrower than premium bars. But at this price, it delivers a genuine step up from built-in TV speakers and a convincing desktop-friendly alternative to pricier systems. Its SuperWide processing offers a subtle sense of extra space, Bluetooth is onboard for music, and the HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, and USB-C ports give it the flexibility most cheap soundbars lack. Audio Performance: For the money, the Stage Pro turns in a surprisingly capable performance. Its 2.1-channel setup provides plenty of volume, a healthy dose of bass, and more detail than you'd expect from something this compact. Dialogue is clear, the treble has enough sparkle to keep things crisp, and the subwoofer while not earth-shaking adds welcome punch during action scenes and gaming. You won't get deep sub-bass or a wide, cinematic soundstage, and the built-in presets feel too subtle to make a real impact. But Creative's SuperWide mode is useful, with its Near setting pulling the sound closer for a desktop setup, and Far opening things up a bit for TV viewing. It's not Dolby Atmos and it's not pretending to be, but in the budget bracket it holds its own. Design: Compact, practical and more user-friendly than most budget bars, it's designed to slot into small spaces, especially on a desk. At just under 22 inches wide, it sits neatly beneath a monitor and its slightly angled front helps direct audio toward you. The LED display gives you instant feedback on sources and volume. Physical controls cover the basics, and the remote unlocks adjustments like bass and treble. With HDMI ARC with CEC, optical, AUX, and USB-C, the port selection is also complete for a compact bar. The subwoofer is slim enough to tuck bedside or under a desk, and while its fixed cable isn't ideal, the footprint is very desktop-friendly. Value: As a budget 2.1 soundbar, the Creative Stage Pro is exceptionally strong value, especially for anyone who wants a subwoofer without jumping to a much higher price bracket. Most alternatives at this price are single-bar setups with noticeably thinner sound. The Stage Pro delivers reliable performance, a proper port selection, near-field tuning and a decent amount of power, all while keeping the price low. It's not feature-rich and it won't satisfy true audio enthusiasts, but as a smart, versatile upgrade for a TV or desktop, it's a solid pick. Read our full Creative Stage Pro review ^ Back to the top Best soundbars: comparison chart Below, you'll find a chart showing the scores of every soundbar featured on this list, based on the criteria on which we review them: Features, Performance, Design, Setup & usability and Value. You can sort each column by clicking on its header. How to choose the best soundbar There are several things to consider when youre looking for the best soundbar. The first is the size. Youll want to make sure that your soundbar fits underor next to, depending on your set-upyour TV. For example, the long Sonos Arc soundbar is designed specifically for large screens, so wont look right with a smaller 50-inch TV. Youll need to know the size of your current TV and the size of the space you have to fit it and compare those figures to the dimensions listed alongside the soundbar you want to buy. Youll also want to consider whether you need a Dolby Atmos speaker or not. Dolby Atmos is surround sound technology, placing sounds and voices all around you so that whatever youre watching or listening to is more immersive. The thing is, Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars tend to be more expensive. Youll need to weigh up whether Dolby Atmos sound is worth it for you. Otherwise, consider a capable but cheaper option, like the Sony HT-S2000, our choice for best budget soundbar. Another thing youll want to watch out for is the kind of connection you need. Youll find most modern soundbars have HDMI connectivity, but there's also optical connectivityso what's the difference? These are two ways that audio is passed from your TV to your soundbar, but HDMI passes high-resolution audio, including Dolby Atmos. If you want a premium, immersive listening experience youll want to be sure you have an HDMI connection to use from your soundbar and an HDMI ARC (that's audio return channel) or eARC (enhanced audio return channel, a higher-resolution connection) port on your TV for it to connect to. But this means one of your TV's HDMI ports is used up by the soundbar, so some bars come with HDMI 'passthrough' ports, meaning you can connect a console/set-top box/etc to the soundbar, and it passes the visuals back to your TV. If your TV has few HDMI ports, you'll want a soundbar with this feature. Theres more to think about, but getting the size, audio features and connectivity nailed down early on should make finding the best soundbar for you much easier. What connection do I need for a soundbar? The best way to connect a soundbar to your TV is with an HDMI cable. You'll need to make sure you have an HDMI port on your soundbar and an HDMI ARC or eARC port on your TV. This allows you to use a cable to connect them. An HDMI port means that the highest quality audio can pass from your TV to your soundbar, like Dolby Atmos. If your TV or soundbar doesn't have HDMI ports, the second best option is an optical. This can still transfer digital sounds, but not the high-resolution ones you'd get with HDMI. However, you will still get quality audio and an optical connection does work with soundbars and surround sound systems. What size soundbar should I get? You need to get a soundbar that fits in the space you have available. Some people have their TV mounted and a soundbar could happily be mounted underneath. Others have their TV on a stand and the soundbar can sit in front of it. Consider the space you have free but also the size of your TV. A compact soundbar might look silly with a massive screen and vice versa. There are many different-sized soundbars available to suit your TV, so make sure you check the dimensions and match them up. Can soundbars do surround sound? True surround sound means speakers are positioned around you. Some soundbars on this list, like the Samsung Q990D and Hisense AX5125H, also come with a subwoofer and two smaller rear channel speakers, meaning you can place them around your room. However, other devices with only one soundbar claim to offer surround sound. What this means is they deliver a stereo effect, which seems more like sound is coming from different directions, but isn't. Many of the high-end soundbars in this list also have Dolby Atmos built-in. Again, this isn't technically surround sound, but the audio tech is advanced and creates the illusion of immersive sound by bouncing sounds off the walls and ceiling around you. Are Dolby Atmos soundbars really worth it? Although not all the soundbars on this list capture Dolby Atmos as well as a home theatre system, more and more soundbars are supporting Dolby Atmos, making it available to people with all budgets. Yes, the level of detail you get from a full home theater system compared to soundbars with 'virtual' Atmos or surround soundbars isn't quite as high, Dolby Atmos soundbars are becoming more sophisticated and provide an extra level of immersion to your cinema experience. Are soundbars worth it? Absolutely. Even if you don't consider yourself a hardcore cinephile, the best soundbars make a world of difference to your TV watching experienceeven the built-in speakers that come with the best TVs just don't do your favorite SEEN-BY: 1/100 3/100 102 103 104 105 106 108 113 115 119 123 127 129 130 132 SEEN-BY: 3/135 137 138 140 142 145 146 147 150 151 152 156 157 159 160 163 164 SEEN-BY: 3/165 170 172 174 175 176 177 178 180 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 SEEN-BY: 3/190 191 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 209 SEEN-BY: 3/210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 .