Until recently, I was firmly in the camp that believed no soundbar could match the audio quality of a well-crafted home theater system with dedicated speakers and an amplifier. However, the likes of Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers have taken this challenge to heart, significantly enhancing their offerings. Today's soundbars have transformed the landscape, providing exceptional audio quality without the need for a full home theater setup. From robust Dolby Atmos systems to sleek, all-in-one units, there's a wide array of options to cater to different preferences and requirements.
With such a diverse selection of soundbars available, choosing the right one can be daunting. As a tech journalist who has extensively tested and reviewed numerous soundbars, I've curated a comprehensive list of the top soundbars for 2025 to help guide your decision.
TL;DR: The Best Soundbars
Samsung HW-Q990D
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LG S95TR
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Vizio V21-H8
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Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
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Sonos Beam
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1. Samsung HW-Q990D
Best Overall
Samsung HW-Q990D
3 See it at Amazon See it at Best Buy See it at Samsung
Product Specifications
- Channels: 11.1.4
- Sound support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS: X
- Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
- Size (WxHxD): 48.5" x 2.7" x 5.4"
- Weight: 17 lbs
Samsung's HW-Q990D is the epitome of soundbar excellence. As the brand's flagship model, it has garnered widespread acclaim from experts and enthusiasts alike, including rave reviews on the r/soundbars subreddit. The Q990D boasts 11 front-facing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers, creating a cinematic audio experience that brings movies to life. Action sequences are immersive with deep, impactful sound, while dialogue remains crisp and clear. The Dolby Atmos effects further enhance the sense of being enveloped in the audio environment.
Beyond its stellar sound quality, the Q990D is packed with advanced features. With built-in Wi-Fi, it supports Amazon Alexa and Google Chromecast, and is compatible with Apple AirPlay. Samsung's proprietary technologies like SpaceFit Sound Pro tailor the sound to your room's acoustics, while Adaptive Sound optimizes audio for different scenes, enhancing voices during dialogues and amplifying bass in action-packed moments. Additionally, the system supports HDMI 2.1, allowing for 4K at 120Hz passthrough, which is a boon for gamers.
The Q990D often sees price drops, making its $2,000 retail price more accessible. For those seeking immediate gratification, Samsung's previous flagship, the HW-Q990C, offers similar audio performance at a $400 discount, though it's last year's model.
2. Sonos Arc Ultra
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Product Specifications
- Channels: 9.1.4
- Sound support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD
- Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
- Size (WxHxD): 46.38 x 2.95” x 4.35”
- Weight: 13.01 lbs
The Sonos Arc Ultra builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Arc, with significant enhancements. It features a 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers, delivering a robust sound experience. The introduction of SoundMotion technology allows for optimal performance within the soundbar's compact design. The Arc Ultra boasts double the bass output of the original Arc, creating a more dynamic listening experience.
The ".4" in the configuration signifies four up-firing drivers that excel at rendering Dolby Atmos content, creating an immersive overhead soundstage. Even without additional rear speakers, the Arc Ultra's sound envelops the listener, providing a comprehensive audio experience.
In my review, I was impressed by the Arc Ultra's ability to deliver high-quality music playback and its Speech Enhancement feature, which clarifies dialogue. The Sonos ecosystem allows for seamless integration with other Sonos speakers, enabling a whole-home audio solution. While it doesn't match the overall value of the Samsung HW-Q990D, the Arc Ultra remains a top choice for Dolby Atmos enthusiasts.
3. LG S95TR
Best for Bass
LG S95TR
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Product Specifications
- Channels: 9.1.5
- Sound support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital/Plus, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD
- Connectivity: HDMI eARC/ARC, digital optical input, 3.5mm auxiliary input, one 3.5mm stereo input, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
- Size (WxHxD): 45” x 2.5" x 5.3"
- Weight: 12.5 lbs
LG's S95TR may not match the Samsung HW-Q990D's immersion, but it stands out as a formidable sound system. With 17 drivers, including a unique center height channel, the S95TR delivers a well-balanced soundstage that excels across various content types.
The S95TR's bass performance is particularly noteworthy. Whether you're watching action-packed scenes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Game of Thrones, the 22lb subwoofer adds significant depth and presence. For music, it offers punchy bass for pop and country tracks, and deep lows for bass-heavy genres.
The S95TR also features advanced technologies like AI Room Calibration, which optimizes sound for your room, and supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This makes it a strong contender in the high-end soundbar market, offering robust bass and a comprehensive feature set.
4. Vizio V21-H8
Best Cheap Soundbar
Vizio V21-H8
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Product Specifications
- Channels: 2.1
- Sound support: DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Volume
- Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.0
- Size (WxHxD): 36" x 2.28" x 3.20"
- Weight: 4.6 lbs
For those seeking a budget-friendly soundbar, Vizio's V21-H8 offers a compelling option. This compact system delivers solid stereo sound suitable for movies, TV shows, and music. While it lacks the immersive quality of a full surround sound system and may struggle with dialogue clarity due to the absence of a center channel, it significantly enhances audio over standard TV speakers.
The V21-H8 is refreshingly straightforward, lacking Wi-Fi and advanced features like Dolby Atmos. It focuses on simplicity with basic controls for bass, treble, and sound modes. If you're looking for a no-fuss soundbar that still offers a notable upgrade, the V21-H8 is an excellent choice.
5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
Best Surround Sound Value
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
0 See it at Amazon
Product Specifications
- Channels: 5.1.2
- Sound support: DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+
- Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth
- Size (WxHxD): 35.98" x 2.24" x 3.54"
- Weight: 5.53 lbs
Despite its age, Vizio's M-Series 5.1.2 remains a top value for surround sound enthusiasts. Its design transition to a sleeker cabinet enhances its appeal, while its audio performance is detailed and distortion-free. The 6-inch subwoofer provides ample volume, though you might need to adjust the bass to maintain balance.
As a Dolby Atmos soundbar in the sub-$400 range, it's a steal. While it can't compete with high-end models like the Sonos Arc Ultra or Samsung HW-Q990D, it offers effective three-dimensional sound through its up-firing drivers. The effectiveness of the Dolby Atmos experience depends on room acoustics and ceiling height, but overall, it delivers impressive value.
The main drawbacks are the lack of Wi-Fi and the need for wired rear speakers, yet the M-Series 5.1.2 remains a strong contender for those seeking affordable surround sound.
6. Sonos Beam
Best for Smaller Rooms
Sonos Beam
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Product Specifications
- Channels: 5.0
- Sound support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD
- Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
- Size (WxHxD): 25.63" x 2.68" x 3.94"
- Weight: 6.35 lbs
The Sonos Beam is a compact powerhouse ideal for smaller rooms. It offers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and surprisingly robust bass for a soundbar without a separate subwoofer. Utilizing advanced processing, the Beam creates phantom height channels to enhance Dolby Atmos playback, providing a notable audio experience despite its size.
The Beam is equipped with features like compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it a versatile choice for smart home enthusiasts. It can also be paired with other Sonos speakers for a more comprehensive setup, offering flexibility as your needs grow. The Beam serves as an entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, delivering excellent sound for small spaces while encouraging future expansion.
How to Pick a Soundbar
Choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming given the variety of options available. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Channel Configuration: Soundbars come in various channel configurations that simulate surround sound. For casual TV viewing and music listening, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbar with a subwoofer should suffice. If dialogue clarity is a priority, opt for a 3.1 channel soundbar with a dedicated center speaker.
Surround Sound: For a more immersive experience, consider soundbars with 5.1 channels or more. These systems are ideal for movies and gaming, often including additional speakers and subwoofers for enhanced sound.
Connectivity: Look for soundbars with HDMI ARC or eARC for seamless TV integration. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for streaming music from other devices. If you use voice assistants, ensure the soundbar supports your preferred platform.
Advanced Audio Technologies: If you're interested in the latest sound technologies, choose a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support. This format provides a three-dimensional audio experience, enhancing the cinematic feel. Other formats like DTS:X and Sony's 360 Reality Audio are also worth considering.
Best Soundbars FAQs
What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?
- 2.0 Soundbars: These feature two channels (left and right) without a subwoofer, offering stereo sound suitable for general TV viewing and smaller spaces.
- 2.1 Soundbars: These include two channels plus a subwoofer, adding depth and bass to enhance movies, music, and gaming.
- 5.1 Soundbars: These have five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, providing true surround sound. Some models use additional speakers or virtual surround technology for an immersive experience.
How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?
Most modern soundbars connect to TVs via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or optical audio cables. Ensure your TV has one of these ports to accommodate most soundbars. Additional connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay can enhance streaming capabilities.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
While not mandatory, a subwoofer significantly enhances the audio experience by adding deep bass. It's particularly beneficial for action movies, music, and gaming. Many soundbars come with a built-in or wireless subwoofer for a rich sound experience without additional speakers.
What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?
Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround sound technology that adds height channels, creating a three-dimensional audio experience. It's not essential but can greatly enhance the cinematic feel, making it seem like sound comes from all directions, including above.
Can I stream music through my soundbar?
Yes, many soundbars support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or favorite streaming service. Look for models with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay for seamless music streaming.
