10 Best Soundbars

Some high-end TVs have surprisingly good built-in speakers, but that’s not always the case. Most of the time, you’ll get an amazing picture with audio that leaves you wanting more. Like a soundbar.

If your sound is lacking, consider buying a soundbar to instantly boost the audio quality on your TV. These provide a compact sound solution that are simple to set up.

In this post, we’ll share the best soundbars currently available for your TV. We’ve included standalone soundbars, soundbar-subwoofer combos and even a streaming soundbar.

No matter what your budget is, you can improve your TV’s sound quality. Get ready to upgrade the audio output on your TV. 

Top Soundbars

These top soundbars are the missing link to your home entertainment experience. Each has its own distinct features to suit your needs, from booming bass to better vocal clarity.

1. Sonos Beam

Smart TVs need smart soundbars, and the Sonos Beam is at the top of its class. While it can be part of a home theater system, it sounds good all by itself as well.

It has design input from Oscar-winning sound engineers, built-in full-range woofers and an array of passive radiators and digital amplifiers.

Basically, it houses many fancy components that produce crystal clear dialogue, low-to-high multi-tonal sound and customizable bass and treble. 

Despite its slim profile, it delivers soundstage-level audio quality with excellent balance, whether you are listening to music or watching a movie.

One standout feature, TruePlay, calibrates the sound for the current room. It’s great if you can access it (you’ll need an iPhone), but the sound doesn’t suffer much if you can’t.

You’ll like the intuitive controls, including Alexa and Google Assistant built-in voice control and simplified setup and remote control over HDMI ARC compatible TVs.

It’s not true surround sound. However, for the price, it’s hard to beat if you want to buy a standalone soundbar.

Key Features

• 3.0 channel configuration
• 1 tweeter
• 4 full range drivers
• 5x class D amplification
• 1 HDMI port, LAN, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 wireless audio protocols
• ARC, eARC HDMI compliance 

2. Sonos Arc

The Sonos Arc is the premium-level soundbar for the ever-popular Sonos brand. It’s pricey, but the features are top-notch.

In spite of its price, this soundbar is less expensive than a high-end home theater system and manages to deliver impressive sound. 

You’ll get 3D cinematic sound with Dolby Atmos compatibility. But, if you want ease of setup and delivery of Dolby Atmos, your TV must have HDMI ARC or eARC. 

This soundbar has a speaker array with elliptical woofers and angled silk-dome tweeters with upfiring sound. Together, they create a sound that is more immersive than its smaller sibling, the Sonos Beam.

It also has excellent bass, even without a subwoofer. Plus, it works with Alexa and Google Assistant for convenient voice control.

Finally, the super slim design fits into any decor. It is a compact soundbar that offers big sound. 

Keep in mind that this is made for new, large TVs (50 inches or greater). It delivers the best quality when it plays with current tech, like 4K set-top streaming devices and Smart TVs.

Overall, if it fits your budget, this is one of the best soundbars you can buy. 

Key Features

• 5.0.2 virtual surround channel configuration
• 1 front firing-tweeter
• 2 side-firing tweeters
• 11X class D amplification
• HDMI – ARC/eARC inputs
• Dolby Atmos audio decoding
• CEC compliance
• AirPlay 2, Proprietary, Wi-Fi wireless audio protocols

3. Klipsch Cinema 600

The Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar is actually a compact home theater system.

It comes with a wireless subwoofer, the convenience of its own remote and offers a plug and play set up via HDMI ARC or optical cable.

Like all Klipsch Cinema Series soundbars, it uses a unique horn-loaded technology to deliver an honest, cinema-worthy sound experience.

It’s a 5.1 channel system with left and right speakers. This device has a dedicated center channel and features one of the largest wireless subwoofers in this category. 

You can choose from multiple sound enhancement modes. It also has a night mode when you need to tone it down without losing sound quality.

This soundbar is compatible with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, delivering multi-directional sound with minimal equipment. Gaming, movies and streaming music are instantly upgraded. 

As a bonus, it works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Spotify.

This option is best for those who want surround sound with a discreet setup and find wood-crafted subwoofers appealing.

Key Features

• 3.1 channel configuration
• 4 x 3″ / 76.2 mm Front-Firing Cone
• 3 x 1″ / 25.4 mm Front-Firing Tweeter
• 35 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
• 103 dB maximum SPL
• 1 HDMI, ARC, Toslink and 1/8″ / 3.5 mm inputs
• 1 RCA subwoofer

4. Bose Smart Soundbar 900

If you want a soundbar that you can eventually expand into a full-fledged home theater system, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is worth considering.

Better yet, you can take your time with the expansion since it delivers amazing sound, even when flying solo.

The profile is sleek, with tempered glass on top and a wraparound metal grille. At 41 inches long, it takes up space. However, it’s designed to support living rooms and home theaters. 

Bose uses a proprietary PhaseGuide technology to deliver sound that feels like it is coming from everywhere. It also offers customized sound calibration with its AdaptiQ technology.

Besides having the Bose sound technology, it has a universal remote that lights up when you pick it up. It even offers built-in Alexa and Google Assistant voice tech.

This is the top-of-the-line soundbar in the Bose lineup. While most reviews from owners are good, there are a few sticking points. These include price, a shoddy app and frustrating connectivity and pairing issues.

All in all, it is a solid standalone soundbar. If Bose addresses the other issues, it has the potential to be the last home theater system you’ll buy for a while. 

Key Features

• HDMI eARC with CEC
• 3.5 mm bass output
• 1 x RJ45 Ethernet (LAN)
• Dolby digital, DTS audio format support
• 1 x optical TOSLINK
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity
• 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm IR (control)

5. Polk Audio Signa S4

The Polk Signa S4 is one of the most compact soundbars you can buy. It stands at only two inches tall, so it easily fits under your TV or on a mount.

The included wired subwoofer is compact but offers deep bass with minimal setup. It’s a true plug and play system compatible with multiple connection options via HDMI ARC, optical cord, or 3.5 mm audio jack.

This soundbar works with all TVs, large and small. It has built-in Polk voice-activated tech and is tuned for Dolby Digital playback in surround sound.

It’s Bluetooth-enabled and can enhance music playback from your favorite apps. Additionally, it can easily kick the sound up a notch for gaming or TV viewing.

This is an affordable, super compact system to improve your TV’s sound instantly.

Key Features

• 3.1.2 channel performance
• 4.7-inch oval mid-range drivers
• 2, 0.98-inch tweeters
• Bluetooth wireless connectivity
• HDMI, eARC
• Voice-adjust technology

6. JBL 5.0 MultiBeam

JBL has long been a major player and innovator in the audio space, so this offering checks a lot of boxes at a fair price point.

If you’re looking for a TV soundbar with Virtual Dolby Atmos, deep bass without a subwoofer and MultiBeam sound technology, this is the solution to pay attention to. JBL’s sound design delivers a 3D soundstage effect.

Many soundbars are Dolby Atmos compatible, but this one comes with the technology. With controls to calibrate the sound and an Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision, you get a stellar audio-video experience. 

Other bonuses include Bluetooth capability, built-in Chromecast, Airplay and Alexa MRM (multi-room music). You can even connect any device with Google Assistant, Alexa or Siri to stream your favorite songs.

This soundbar is perfect for audiophiles who enjoy streaming music as much as watching movies with cinematic sound. It’s easy to set up with HDMI eARC TVs and Dolby Atmos players.

Key Features

• 5.0-Channel virtual surround channel configuration
• 4 x 3″ / 75 mm passive radiators
• 5 x 1.9 x 3.1″ / 48 x 80 mm Elliptical Cone full range drivers
• 50 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
• 92 dBA maximum SPL
• 1 x HDMI, Optical TOSLINK input
• 1 USB port
• AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in wireless protocols
• A2DP 1.2, AVRCP 1.5 Bluetooth profiles 

7. Bose TV Soundbar

If you’re a fan of Bose and want a simpler soundbar than the Bose Smartbar 700, check out this option. It’s smaller, more affordable and offers the same Bose sound tech.

You can get up and running quickly with the included optical audio cable, but you can buy an HDMI cable if you prefer. Either option is simple to set up.

In addition to upgrading your TV sound, this device can pair via Bluetooth to stream your music or podcasts. It’s also certified to work with Roku TV via HDMI.

The remote control is an important feature. Make sure to keep track of it since there are no manual controls on the device.

If you want to expand your sound profile later, this device pairs well with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700.

This soundbar is best for those who want to improve TV sound but aren’t looking for surround sound or thumping bass. It clarifies speech and delivers rich, realistic sound.

Key Features

• ARC, CeC HDMI compliance
• 1 UBS port
• 4.2 Bluetooth connectivity
• 3.5 mm – Subwoofer
• 1 x HDMI – ARC, Optical TOSLINK, 3.5 mm output
• 30 feet Bluetooth range 

8. JBL 500 5.1 Soundbar

If you upgrade the JBL 5.0 MultiBeam soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, Wi-Fi connectivity, and almost double the power output, you have the JBL 500 5.1.

You’ll enjoy the same proprietary JBL panoramic sound technology as the 5.0 system, but it will be enhanced with pure bass. This improves what you hear in everything from movies to music.

It’s compatible with 4K ultra HD audio codecs and integrates with Chromecast and Airplay 2. You also get Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music.

JBL has been a force behind movie theatre sound for over 75 years. This soundbar lets you bring the cinema home for a fraction of the price and a small footprint.

It’s a good pick if you want quality sound without a frilly, complex setup.

Key Features

• 5.1-Channel virtual surround channel configuration
• 2 x 1.25″ / 31.75 mm tweeter
• 5 x elliptical cone
• 590 watts amplifier output
• AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in, Proprietary wireless audio protocols
• 40 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response
• 103 dB maximum SPL
• A2DP 1.3, AVRCP 1.5 Bluetooth profile

9. Roku Smart Soundbar

The Roku Smart soundbar offers the best of both worlds, including 4K streaming content and upgraded sound for your TV.

In regards to the sound profile, the Dolby Audio-enabled soundbar has four internal speakers. You get a mix of dynamic bass and access to simple sound modes to adjust what you hear while you watch.

One voice-activated remote controls everything. Use voice commands to search for content, turn on captions and much more.

It’s compatible with Apple HomeKit, Alexa and Hey Google. You can expand it as well. Add on Roku speakers and a subwoofer for a higher level of sound.

Better yet, this soundbar delivers content on top of sound. Get 150+ free live TV channels on the Roku Channel, or activate streaming channels like Netflix, Hulu and Apple TV.

This is a smart choice for anyone who likes all-in-one technology. For one low price, you can get streaming content and better sound.

Key Features

• Up to 32W RMS power output
• Expandable design
• HDMI with ARC
• Wall-mountable with optional hardware
• Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa Control
• Spotify Connect
• Built-In Wi-Fi & Roku OS
• Bluetooth audio streaming
• Optical & HDMI Outputs
• 2-Channel configuration

10. Yamaha SR-B20A

The technology behind this soundbar is intriguing. It has built-in subwoofers, so there’s no need for a bulky setup if you don’t want one.

You get surprisingly good bass from a slim soundbar. Clear Voice technology gives you crisp vocals, so you won’t miss any details when your favorite character is speaking on movie night.

Choose from three sound modes, including stereo, standard, movie or game. These modes give you the best levels for playback, and the DTS Virtual:X audio provides a 3D-level sound experience at home. 

This Bluetooth-enabled soundbar will also connect to your favorite music streaming devices.

If you want voice assistants, it doesn’t support them. Instead, this is a simple all-in-one, plug and play sound solution for home theater newbies.

Key Features

• Wall-Mountable via Keyholes
• 1x HDMI ARC, 2x optical inputs
• Stereo configuration
• App Control via Bluetooth
• Up to 120W of total power
• Subwoofer output
• Bluetooth audio streaming

Summary

There are many great options out there to boost your TV’s sound. Adding a soundbar or soundbar with subwoofer combo is an easy way to get more out of your entertainment experience.

To choose the option best for you, think about what you need most. 

Are you all about the bass? You’ll need a subwoofer. Do you want to expand your system in the future? Choose a soundbar that integrates easily with additional components.

Thankfully, there are soundbars with impressive sound for every budget. With a simple placement under a wall-mounted TV, you can change your audio atmosphere in a flash.