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From what I’ve learned through my own experiences, diving into the world of content streaming and immersing myself in console games has become a cornerstone of my downtime. It’s amazing how much entertainment has shifted, becoming more accessible and enjoyable than ever before.
But let’s talk about TVs for a second. They’re typically the center of this entertainment universe, right? However, the built-in speakers often fall short of delivering the full audio experience. It’s like watching a blockbuster movie without surround sound – you’re missing out on so much! That’s where the magic of additional speakers or a top-notch soundbar comes in. It’s practically a rite of passage in upgrading your setup for that epic movie night or intense gaming session.
And when it comes to choosing the best soundbar for your setup, it’s like navigating through a sea of options. I’ve had my fair share of exploring and researching, and trust me, there are some standout choices that can truly elevate your audio game. Want to dive into some recommendations? I’ve got your back!
Why Look for Soundbars?
Getting a good soundbar will change the way you watch movies and TV at home. These devices are a big step up from the TV’s built-in speakers because they make the dialogue clearer, the bass more powerful, and the soundstage bigger. Soundbars make you feel like you’re in the middle of the action, whether you’re watching your favorite movie or playing the newest video game. They do this by simulating surround sound. Also, soundbars are made to match the style of your TV, giving your living room a bit of elegance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Soundbars
Before diving into the best soundbar options, consider the following factors to ensure you make the right choice:
- Audio Quality: Look for soundbars with advanced audio technologies and features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a more immersive experience.
- Connectivity Options: Ensure the soundbar has multiple connectivity options like HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for seamless integration with your devices.
- Size and Design: Consider the size and design of the soundbar to match your TV and fit into your entertainment setup effortlessly.
- Subwoofer: Some soundbars come with a separate subwoofer for enhanced bass. Evaluate whether you need one for a more dynamic audio experience.
Best Soundbars Comparison Table
The table compares the top 10 best soundbars, showing their most important features, audio technologies, and ways to join. From high-end models with Dolby Atmos support to cheaper options with built-in subwoofers, the table gives users who want a great audio experience a full picture of what’s out there. Think about how many channels it has, how much power it puts out, and how it looks to find the best soundbar for your home theater system.
Soundbar | Channels | Total Power Output | Audio Technology | Connectivity | Latest Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Samsung HW-Q700B | 3.1.2 | 330W | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Check Deal |
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 | 5.1 | 400 W | N/A | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Check Deal |
Sony HT-G700 | 3.1 | 400W | Vertical Surround Engine | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Check Deal |
Samsung HW-Q990C | 7.1.2 | 400W | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Check Deal |
Sony HT-A7000 | 7.1.2 | 800W | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Check Deal |
Sonos Ray | N/A | N/A | N/A | HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi | Check Deal |
Samsung HW-Q930B | 7.1.2 | 460W | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | N/A |
Yamaha YAS-209 | 2.1 | 200W | N/A | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Check Deal |
Sonos Arc | 5.0.2 | 270W | Dolby Atmos | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi | Check Deal |
Yamaha SR-C30A | N/A | 100W | DTS Virtual:X | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth | Check Deal |
Here is the list of Best Soundbars
When it comes to picking the best soundbar, it all comes down to your own needs and tastes. If you want a soundbar with modern audio technology and immersive surround sound, you can’t go wrong with the Samsung HW-Q700B, Samsung HW-Q990C, or Sony HT-A7000. On the other hand, the Sonos Ray or Yamaha SR-C30A are good choices if you want a small, flexible speaker with good sound quality. Below we have mentioned the best soundbars.
Samsung HW-Q700B
Model | Samsung HW-Q700B |
---|---|
Sound System | 3.1.2-Channel |
Power Output | 330W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Subwoofer | Wireless |
Dolby Atmos | Yes |
DTS:X | Yes |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 38.6″ x 2.3″ x 4.1″ |
Weight | 7.9 lbs |
The Good
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive sound
- Wireless subwoofer for powerful bass
- Adaptive sound technology for optimized audio
The Bad
- Limited channel configuration compared to higher-end models
The Samsung HW-Q700B is a powerful speaker with 3.1.2 channels, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support that gives you a truly immersive sound experience. This soundbar has a total power output of 330W and gives you crystal-clear speech and thunderous bass, making it perfect for movies and games. The wireless subwoofer gives the sound more depth, and its adaptive sound technology makes sure the sound is the best it can be for the material. With Bluetooth, you can stream songs from your devices without any interruptions.
Reasons to buy:
- Support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are supported by the Samsung HW-Q700B, which can make the sound more realistic.
- 3.1.2.1 surround sound. The Samsung HW-Q700B has a 3.1.2-channel surround sound system, which means it has 3 main speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 2 speakers that face up. This can make the music more immersive than a soundbar with only a few speakers.
- Subwoofer without wires. The Samsung HW-Q700B has a wireless speaker, so you can put it anywhere in the room without worrying about wires.
Reasons to skip:
- Pricey. The Samsung HW-Q700B is not cheap, and some people may not be able to afford it.
- No speakers that face up. Some soundbars in the same price range have speakers that fire upward, which can make the sound more realistic.
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3
Model | Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 |
---|---|
Sound System | 5.1-Channel |
Power Output | 400W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Subwoofer | External (included) |
Dolby Atmos | No |
DTS:X | No |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 41.3″ x 6.1″ x 4.7″ |
Weight | 17.6 lbs |
The Good
- Nine-speaker configuration for immersive sound
- Dedicated center channel for clear dialogue
- Sleek and elegant design
The Bad
- Expensive compared to other soundbars
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a high-end subwoofer that has nine speakers that work together to make great sound. It has a separate center channel for clear dialogue and uses advanced audio processing to create a wide soundstage. The sleek form and high-quality construction give any room a touch of elegance. This speaker is easy to set up and use because it can connect to both HDMI ARC and Bluetooth.
Reasons to buy:
- Support for Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is supported by the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3, which makes the sound more realistic.
- Design that is sleek and stylish. The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is a sleek and stylish speaker that will look great in any home theater.
- Simple to use. The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is easy to use. It has a simple remote control and a Chromecast built in so you can play music and movies from your devices.
Reasons to skip:
- No speakers that face up. Since the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 doesn’t have upfiring speakers, it can’t make a true Dolby Atmos experience.
Sony HT-G700
Model | Sony HT-G700 |
---|---|
Sound System | 3.1-Channel |
Power Output | 400W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth |
Subwoofer | Wireless |
Dolby Atmos | No |
DTS:X | No |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 38.6″ x 2.4″ x 4.5″ |
Weight | 7.8 lbs |
The Good
- Vertical Surround Engine for virtual surround sound
- Powerful audio performance
- Wireless subwoofer for deep bass
The Bad
- No support for advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X
The Sony HT-G700 is a 3.1-channel soundbar with a total power output of 400W, which makes for a strong and well-balanced audio experience. It has a technology called Vertical Surround Engine that makes fake surround sound, which is great for movie fans. The wireless subwoofer gives the bass more depth, and Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connections make it easy to play music from different devices.
Reasons to buy:
- Support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X can be used with the Sony HT-G700 to make a surround sound experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
- Subwoofer without wires. The Sony HT-G700 comes with a wireless subwoofer, which makes the sound experience more realistic.
- Set up is simple. The Sony HT-G700 is easy to set up, and it comes with a remote that makes it easy to handle the soundbar.
- Value for the money. The Sony HT-G700 is a good deal for the money, and for the price, it sounds great.
Reasons to skip:
- Some soundbars are more powerful than this one. The Sony HT-G700 is not as powerful as some other soundbars on the market, so it may not be the best choice for people who want the loudest sound possible.
- No HDMI eARC support. The Sony HT-G700 doesn’t support HDMI eARC, so you can’t use it to send high-resolution audio from your TV to the speaker.
Samsung HW-Q990C
Model | Samsung HW-Q990C |
---|---|
Sound System | 7.1.2-Channel |
Power Output | 370W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Subwoofer | Wireless |
Dolby Atmos | Yes |
DTS:X | Yes |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 48.3″ x 2.4″ x 5.4″ |
Weight | 13.9 lbs |
The Good
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive sound
- Wireless rear speakers for true surround sound
- Wireless subwoofer for deep bass
The Bad
- Higher price point compared to other soundbars
The Samsung HW-Q990C is a 7.1.2 channel speaker that works with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to give you a cinematic sound experience. This speaker has a total power output of 400W and fills the room with rich sound and strong bass. The wireless subwoofer improves the low-end frequencies even more, and the wireless rear speakers make it sound like you’re in a real theater. With Bluetooth, you can easily stream songs wirelessly.
Reasons to buy:
- Subwoofer and rear speakers that are wireless. The Samsung HW-Q990C has a wireless subwoofer and back speakers that can make the sound feel more real.
- HDMI eARC support. The Samsung HW-Q990C works with HDMI eARC, which lets you send high-quality audio from your TV to the speaker.
- Voice helper support. mouth assistants like Bixby and Amazon Alexa work with the Samsung HW-Q990C, so you can use your mouth to control the soundbar.
Reasons to skip:
- Pricey. The Samsung HW-Q990C is not cheap, and some people may not be able to afford it.
- Large size. Since the Samsung HW-Q990C is pretty big, it might not be right for everyone.
Sony HT-A7000
Model | Sony HT-A7000 |
---|---|
Sound System | 7.1.2-Channel |
Power Output | 800W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth |
Subwoofer | Wireless |
Dolby Atmos | Yes |
DTS:X | Yes |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 47.2″ x 2.6″ x 5.1″ |
Weight | 24.3 lbs |
The Good
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for cinematic sound
- Sound Field Optimization for personalized audio
- Wireless subwoofer and rear speakers for an immersive experience
The Bad
- Large size may not fit all entertainment setups
The HT-A7000 is one of the best soundbars because it is built to last and has a lot of new technology. It’s not for people who love home theater and want to carefully choose and put together each part of their perfect surround sound system. It’s for people who already own a Sony A90J OLED and have enough money to add Sony’s better speaker to their shopping cart. The HT-A7000 is a 7.1.2 speaker when it is set up on its own. It has five front speakers and two tweeters, a subwoofer that is built in, and a pair of Atmos speakers that face up. For comparison, the Sonos Arc is a 5.0.2 speaker, and adding a subwoofer makes it a 5.1.2 speaker.
Reasons to buy:
- Tech is getting better. The Sony HT-A7000 can turn stereo audio into Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. This means that you can get a surround sound experience even if you’re not watching a movie or TV show that’s recorded in Atmos or DTS:X.
- Subwoofer and rear speakers that are wireless. The Sony HT-A7000 comes with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, so you don’t have to run any lines around the room.
- Set up is simple. The Sony HT-A7000 is easy to set up, and it comes with an app that makes it easy to handle the soundbar.
Reasons to skip:
- The Sonos Arc is better. The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar overall if you are ready to spend more money. It has a better soundstage than the Sony HT-A7000 and better image.
Sonos Ray
Model | Sonos Ray |
---|---|
Sound System | 5.1-Channel |
Power Output | N/A |
Connectivity | HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Subwoofer | External (included) |
Dolby Atmos | No |
DTS:X | No |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 45.3″ x 4.5″ x 2.8″ |
Weight | 13.4 lbs |
The Good
- Compact and versatile design
- Powerful audio performance
- Compatibility with other Sonos speakers
The Bad
- Lacks advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos
The Sonos Ray is a powerful speaker that is small and easy to move around. This soundbar has six high-excursion drivers that give you clear speech and deep bass. The slim form makes it easy to place in any room, and it can work with other Sonos speakers to make a bigger sound system. The Sonos app makes it easy to control the speakers and play music.
Reasons to buy:
- Support for Dolby Atmos. The Sonos Ray works with Dolby Atmos, which can make the music experience more immersive.
- Design that is sleek and stylish. The Sonos Ray is a sleek and stylish speaker that would look great in any home.
- Simple to use. Setting up and using the Sonos Ray is simple. You can use the Sonos app, your voice, or the remote control that comes with it to control it.
Reasons to skip:
- None in the back. Since the Sonos Ray doesn’t have speakers in the back, it doesn’t really offer surround music.
- No HDMI eARC support. The Sonos Ray doesn’t support HDMI eARC, so you can’t get perfect audio from your TV.
Samsung HW-Q930B
Model | Samsung HW-Q930B |
---|---|
Sound System | 7.1.2-Channel |
Power Output | 406W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Subwoofer | Wireless |
Dolby Atmos | Yes |
DTS:X | Yes |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 48.3″ x 2.4″ x 5.4″ |
Weight | 13.9 lbs |
The Samsung HW-Q930B is a 7.1.2-channel soundbar that works with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to give you a surround-sound experience that is truly realistic. With 460W of total power, this soundbar fills your room with clear, strong sound. The wireless subwoofer boosts the low-end frequencies, and the wireless side speakers make it sound like you’re in the room with the music. Having Bluetooth makes it easy to play music.
The Good
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive sound
- Wireless rear speakers for true surround sound
- Wireless subwoofer for deep bass
The Bad
- Larger size may not suit all TV setups
Reasons to buy:
- Subwoofer and rear speakers that are wireless. The Samsung HW-Q930B has a wireless subwoofer and back speakers that can make the sound experience more immersive.
- Voice helper support. You can use your voice to handle the Samsung HW-Q930B because it works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
- HDMI eARC support. The HDMI eARC feature of the Samsung HW-Q930B lets you send high-quality audio from your TV to the speaker.
Reasons to skip:
- Pricey. The Samsung HW-Q930B is not cheap, and some people may not be able to afford it.
- The Sonos Arc is better. The Sonos Arc is a better soundbar overall if you are ready to spend more money. It has a better range, and it works better with Dolby Atmos.
Yamaha YAS-209
Model | Yamaha YAS-209 |
---|---|
Sound System | 2.1-Channel |
Power Output | 200W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth |
Subwoofer | Wireless |
Dolby Atmos | No |
DTS:X | No |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 37″ x 2.44″ x 4.25″ |
Weight | 6 lbs |
The Good
- Built-in subwoofers for decent bass performance
- Amazon Alexa voice control for hands-free operation
- Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connectivity
The Bad
- Limited channel configuration compared to higher-end models
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a 2.1-channel speaker that puts out a total of 200W of power and gives you clear, well-balanced sound. The built-in subwoofers work well enough that you don’t need a separate subwoofer. This soundbar can be controlled by mouth using Amazon Alexa, so you don’t have to use your hands. Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connections make it easy to set up and send music.
Reasons to buy:
- Support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are deep surround sound formats that the Yamaha YAS-209 can use. These formats can make the sound more real and interesting.
- A speaker is built in. The Yamaha YAS-209 has a built-in subwoofer that helps give deep bass frequencies that you wouldn’t get from a soundbar without a subwoofer.
- HDMI eARC support. The Yamaha YAS-209 works with HDMI eARC, which lets you send high-quality audio from your TV to the speaker.
- Voice control compatibility. You can use your voice to handle the Yamaha YAS-209 because it works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Reasons to skip:
- Some other music bars are better. If you’re willing to spend more money, there are other soundbars like the Sonos Arc or the Samsung HW-Q950A that work better.
Sonos Arc
Model | Sonos Arc |
---|---|
Sound System | 5.0.2-Channel |
Power Output | N/A |
Connectivity | HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
Subwoofer | External (sold separately) |
Dolby Atmos | Yes |
DTS:X | No |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 45″ x 3.4″ x 4.5″ |
Weight | 13.78 lbs |
The Good
- Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound
- Trueplay feature for personalized audio
- Sleek design and build quality
The Bad
- Higher price point compared to other soundbars
By adding a portable subwoofer and surround satellites, you can easily turn this stand-alone soundbar into a Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers for an even more immersive experience. It is a flexible bar, but it lacks a bit of bass and has compression artifacts at the highest volume, which hurts the clarity of the sound. Even with the room correction mode turned on, the best soundbars sound a bit brighter. On the plus side, this bar is very well made and looks great. It also has Google Assistant and Alexa built in.
Reasons to buy:
- Design that is sleek and stylish. The Sonos Arc is a sleek and stylish speaker that would look great in any home theater. It also comes in black or white so you can match it to your decor.
- Simple to use. The Sonos Arc is easy to use because it has simple buttons and an app that is easy to use. You can also use your voice if you have an Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant gadget that works with it.
- Is compatible with other Sonos systems. The Sonos Arc can be linked to other Sonos speakers to make a system that plays music throughout the whole house. This means you can play the same music in every room of your house, or you can set up different areas for different tasks
Reasons to skip:
- No passthrough for HDMI. The Sonos Arc doesn’t have HDMI passthrough, so you’ll have to connect your Blu-ray player or other devices straight to your TV.
Yamaha SR-C30A
Model | Yamaha SR-C30A |
---|---|
Sound System | 2.1-Channel |
Power Output | 100W |
Connectivity | HDMI, Bluetooth |
Subwoofer | Wireless |
Dolby Atmos | No |
DTS:X | No |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 35.04″ x 2.6″ x 5.91″ |
Weight | 7.28 lbs |
The Good
- Compact and versatile design
- Decent bass performance with built-in subwoofers
- DTS Virtual:X technology for virtual surround sound
The Bad
- Lacks advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos
The Yamaha SR-C30A is a small, flexible speaker that does a great job with sound. This speaker has a total power output of 100W and makes sound that is clear and well-balanced. The built-in subwoofers make for good bass, and the DTS Virtual:X technology makes it sound like the speakers are all around you. Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connections make it easy to set up and send music.
Reasons to buy:
- Support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are immersive surround sound standards, can be played on the Yamaha SR-C30A. This means that you can hear movies and songs with more depth and a wider soundstage.
- Compact size. The Yamaha SR-C30A is a small soundbar that works well in small places. It’s also easy to connect to your TV and set up.
- The music is good. The Yamaha SR-C30A sounds good for how small it is. It has a clear, well-balanced sound, and it can get loud enough to fill a small to medium-sized room.
- HDMI ARC support. The Yamaha SR-C30A works with HDMI ARC, so you can use the remote for your TV to handle the soundbar. This is a useful tool that can help you save time and trouble.
Reasons to skip:
- There’s no bass. You won’t get the full bass experience with the Yamaha SR-C30A because it doesn’t come with a subwoofer. You’ll need to buy a separate subwoofer if you want a soundbar with deep bass.
- There’s no Bluetooth. The Yamaha SR-C30A doesn’t have Bluetooth, so you can’t stream music from your phone or other devices straight to the soundbar.
FAQs
Yes, many soundbars support wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream audio from your TV or other devices without the need for physical cables.
Not necessarily. Some soundbars come with built-in subwoofers, offering decent bass performance. However, for a more impactful bass experience, you may want to consider a soundbar with a dedicated wireless subwoofer.
Yes, some soundbars, like the Yamaha YAS-209 and Sonos Arc, support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control your soundbar and other smart devices using voice commands.