Until recently, I was convinced that no soundbar could match the audio quality of a setup with good home theater speakers and an amplifier. However, the soundbar industry, spearheaded by brands like Samsung, Sonos, and LG, has challenged this belief by delivering exceptional sound quality in compact, user-friendly packages. From high-powered Dolby Atmos systems to sleek, all-in-one solutions, the current market offers a variety of soundbars that cater to different needs and preferences.
With the plethora of soundbar options available, choosing the right one can be daunting. As a tech journalist who has tested and reviewed numerous soundbars, I’ve curated a list of the best soundbars you can find in 2025 to help guide your decision.
TL;DR: The Best Soundbars
Samsung HW-Q990D
3 See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at Samsung
1 See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at B&H
LG S95TR
0 See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at LG
Vizio V21-H8
0 See it at Amazon | See it at Walmart
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
0 See it at Amazon
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: 17lbs
Samsung's HW-Q990D has set a new benchmark in the soundbar market, earning widespread acclaim from experts and enthusiasts alike. This flagship model features 11 front-facing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers that deliver a cinematic audio experience. Action scenes are enriched with depth and impact, dialogue is crystal clear, and the Dolby Atmos effects create a truly immersive environment.
Beyond its stellar sound quality, the HW-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 SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the sound profile to your room, while Adaptive Sound optimizes audio based on the content being played. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 support ensures a superior gaming experience with 4K at 120Hz passthrough.
The HW-Q990D often goes on sale, offering significant discounts from its $2,000 retail price. For those looking for an immediate purchase, the previous model, HW-Q990C, provides similar audio performance at a lower cost.
2. Sonos Arc Ultra
### Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
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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: 13.01lbs
The Sonos Arc Ultra, an evolution of the original Arc, pushes the boundaries of soundbar technology with a 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers. It introduces SoundMotion technology, enhancing performance within the soundbar's compact design. The Arc Ultra boasts double the bass output of its predecessor, delivering a robust audio experience.
With four dedicated up-firing drivers, the Arc Ultra excels in creating a comprehensive Dolby Atmos soundstage, enveloping listeners in immersive audio. My review of the Arc Ultra highlighted its excellent music playback and features like Speech Enhancement, which boosts dialogue clarity. While it integrates seamlessly into a Sonos ecosystem for whole-home audio, its value proposition is slightly less compelling than the Samsung HW-Q990D when considering the additional cost of expanding the system.
3. LG S95TR
### Best for Bass
LG S95TR
0 See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at LG
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: 12.5lbs
The LG S95TR, while not as immersive as the Samsung HW-Q990D, offers a compelling alternative with its 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel. This soundbar excels in balancing lows, mids, and highs, delivering a versatile soundstage.
Its bass performance is particularly noteworthy, with a 22lb subwoofer that adds depth to action scenes and punchy bass to music. The S95TR also features AI Room Calibration for room-specific sound tuning and supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. It's a high-end soundbar that prioritizes powerful bass while maintaining overall audio quality and smart features.
4. Vizio V21-H8
### Best Cheap Soundbar
Vizio V21-H8
0 See it at Amazon | See it at Walmart
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: 4.6lbs
For those seeking an affordable soundbar, the Vizio V21-H8 offers solid stereo sound in a compact package. It's ideal for enhancing TV audio without breaking the bank, though it lacks the immersive experience of a full surround system and a dedicated center channel for dialogue clarity. The V21-H8 is straightforward, with minimal features, making it a set-it-and-forget-it option for those who prioritize simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
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: 5.53lbs
The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 remains a top choice for those seeking a budget-friendly surround sound system. Its sleek design houses detailed, distortion-free sound, and its 6-inch subwoofer delivers impressive bass. As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it offers a three-dimensional audio experience at a sub-$400 price point, though it lacks Wi-Fi and requires wired rear speakers. Despite these limitations, it provides excellent value for money.
6. Sonos Beam
### Best for Smaller Rooms
Sonos Beam
0 See it at Amazon | See it at Sonos | See it at Best Buy
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: 6.35lbs
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that punches above its weight, delivering clear dialogue and vibrant sound in smaller spaces. It uses advanced processing to create phantom height channels for Dolby Atmos content, enhancing the audio experience. The Beam integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems, supporting Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2. It's an excellent starting point for those looking to build a Sonos system, offering the flexibility to expand as needed.
How to Pick a Soundbar
Choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming given the variety of options. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Channel Configuration: Soundbars come in various channel configurations. A 2.0 or 2.1 setup is suitable for general TV viewing and music listening, while a 3.1 system includes a center channel for improved dialogue clarity. For a more immersive experience, consider a 5.1 or higher configuration, which can handle movies and games with additional speakers and subwoofers.
Connectivity: Most soundbars use HDMI ARC or eARC for easy connection to your TV. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for streaming music from other devices. If you use voice assistants, ensure the soundbar is compatible with your preferred system.
Advanced Audio Technologies: For the latest in sound technology, look for soundbars with Dolby Atmos support, which provides a three-dimensional audio experience. Ensure the soundbar has up-firing drivers, a subwoofer, and rear speakers for the best results. Other notable formats include DTS:X and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio.
Best Soundbars FAQs
What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?
- 2.0 Soundbars: These have two channels (left and right) without a subwoofer, ideal for stereo sound in smaller spaces.
- 2.1 Soundbars: These add a subwoofer to the two channels, enhancing bass for movies, music, and gaming.
- 5.1 Soundbars: These include five channels and a subwoofer, offering surround sound with 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 via HDMI ARC or optical audio cables. Ensure your TV has these ports. Some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional connectivity options.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
While not necessary, a subwoofer enhances the audio experience by adding deep bass, which is particularly beneficial for action movies, music, and gaming. Many soundbars come with a built-in or wireless subwoofer for rich sound without additional speakers.
What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?
Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround sound technology that adds height channels for a three-dimensional audio experience. While not essential, it significantly enhances the cinematic feel of movies and games.
Can I stream music through my soundbar?
Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or streaming services. Look for soundbars with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay support if music streaming is important to you.
