If you consider yourself a movie or TV show junkie, investing in your television setup is probably something you take seriously — the perfect sectional, a cozy throw blanket and, of course, a high-quality TV. What else could upgrade your TV-watching experience? A soundbar.
Sure, pixel-perfect video is a huge factor, but the audio is the other half of the puzzle.
“Sound is a powerful storytelling tool that can bring audiences closer to whatever they are watching – whether that’s an Academy Award-winning film or their favorite football team playing in the big game. While a great picture is important, sound is the other half of any entertainment experience,” Mathias Bendull, VP of Living Room at Dolby Laboratories, told the New York Post.
“Adding a sound bar is a great way to create a truly cinematic experience in your home that will unlock the ultimate audio experience for all your favorite entertainment.”
Best soundbars
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Great dialogue quality
- Base sounds clear, and the soundbar can be paired with the Ultra speaker for a surround sound setup
New York Post Review: “I recently had a chance to see this soundbar in action and loved its dialogue-enhancing feature, which produced clear audio in cluttered, loud scenes. The soundbar itself is also sleek and easy to set up with your smart TV.
“Bass sounds punchy and clear on this soundbar, and the design is slim and sleek, fitting neatly under your TV without disrupting your space. It is on the pricier end, but if you have the cash, Bose’s Ultra Soundbar is one of the best I’ve ever used.”
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, Wi-Fi | Weight: 14.8 pounds | Surround System: 5.1.2
Pros:
- Can be mounted or laid flat
- Optimizes sound in your space
- Comes with a remote that works with your Samsung TV
Cons:
- Expensive when not on sale
I’ve used Samsung products for years and love their durability and ease of use. The Samsung Q Series is no different, with built-in sensors on the soundbar that allow you to both mount it or place it on a table.
There’s Dolby Atmos sound for surround sound and AI-optimized bass, which the brand says reduces distortion and produces clear sound. Plus, you have multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to wirelessly connect your TV, reducing cable clutter. You’ll get a remote included, too, which can work with both your soundbar and Samsung TV.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, Wi-Fi | Weight: 14.8 pounds | Surround System: 7.1.2
Pros:
- Tons of connectivity options
- Room-filling sound
- Enhanced speech clarity
Cons:
- Need the Sonos app to fully take advantage of this soundbar
I’ve tried Sonos speakers in the past and loved their room-filling sound and ultra-portable design. The brand’s soundbar has a similarly sleek design and offers Dolby Atmos-enabled sound for full-room coverage.
With multiple ways to control this soundbar, including voice control, this is one of the most accessible options out there. Like other options on our list, it offers AI-powered speech enhancement and the ability to fine-tune audio for the size and shape of your room.
This is also the only 9.1 soundbar on this list, which helps make it feel like sound is coming from every corner of the room — not just from the front.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi | Weight: 12.7 pounds | Surround System: 9.1.4
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Lightweight compared to other picks on this list
- Connects easily, especially with Fire TVs
Cons:
- Not the best sound — it’s not built to create that immersive audio experience like the other picks on our list
If you need a budget soundbar and have a smaller living room, Amazon’s soundbar will work in a pinch — especially if you own an Amazon Fire TV.
It’s compact and works with the Fire TV remote, too. The device itself is a no-frills soundbar. It doesn’t work with Alexa directly and is advertised as an entry-level device. Still, there is Bluetooth connectivity, and it will definitely help boost your smart TV’s speaker.
No, it does not have any of the advanced AI features like the other soundbars on this list, but this one is currently just $100, making it a steal.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI | Weight: 3.97 pounds | Surround System: N/A (2 speaker channels)
Pros:
- Really good bass
- Less expensive than other premium options on our list
- Room-filling without the need for additional speakers
Cons:
- Users have had some difficulty connecting this soundbar to their TV
I saw this soundbar at CES in 2026 and was impressed with its sleek design and sound during the demo. It’s got big bass and offers sound clarity that puts many of its competitors to shame.
There are a few connectivity issues, as noted by Amazon customers, but nothing a quick software update can’t fix. Where this soundbar really shines, though, is in creating that cinema-like experience straight at home, especially if you pair it with LG’s M5 or M7 speakers.
There’s almost zero distortion, even at high volumes, and AI technology helps make sure that no matter where you’re seated in the room, the sound experience remains the same.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi| Weight: 16.9 pounds | Surround System: 9.1.6
How to install a soundbar
“Soundbar placement can make or break your sound experience. The following checklist will guarantee you’re getting the most out of your dedicated setup,” said Bendull.
- Is your soundbar flush against the wall? Mount it or place it on the edge of your entertainment center, so the audio is reflected outward into the room.
- Do you have any decorations or plants obstructing the soundbar? Ensure your system’s audio drivers, especially the side-firing and up-firing drivers, aren’t blocked by anything.
- Is your TV directly over the sound bar? Check that your TV isn’t directly over the soundbar, which can cause the soundbar to blast the audio into your TV, impacting sound performance.
Looking for more tech-related content? Check out our articles on the best streaming devices, portable Bluetooth speakers and an expert-based TV buying guide.
What qualities should I look for in a soundbar?
All of your questions, answered by an expert.
Keep the sound output in mind. You’ll see numbers like 9.1.2 or 5.1.2, but what do these numbers mean? The first number refers to the number of main speaker channels, the second refers to the bass or subwoofer channel, and the third refers to the number of upward-firing drivers. That third number is especially important, since upward-firing drivers help create a more immersive, room-filling effect.
Consider the type of solution that’s best for you. For those prioritizing simplicity, a “bar only” option (meaning a single sound bar) will do the trick. For those wanting a full entertainment setup, look for a system with dedicated rear speakers and a subwoofer for added bass. Additionally, access to the best Dolby Atmos height experience will require the device you are considering to have dedicated upward-firing drivers.
Make sure it supports Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a revolutionary audio experience that enables premium, multidimensional sound when enjoying your favorite entertainment that goes beyond the constraints of stereo or traditional surround sound.
Are soundbars worth it?
If you want better audio, soundbars are definitely worth buying. Most modern TVs are too slim to house powerful speakers, so a soundbar can help improve dialogue quality, add stronger bass and create a more immersive sound experience for movies, sports and everyday streaming.
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