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Most TVs have built-in speakers, but they often suffer from poor audio quality, with muddy dialogue and weak bass. To improve performance, our tech experts recommend investing in a soundbar. The best soundbars can be a game changer for your home entertainment setup, making it easier to hear your favorite TV shows and movies while delivering deeper low frequencies and a wider soundstage.
Our team has been reviewing audio products for over a decade, and we've used that experience to select the best soundbars for a variety of needs. Our top recommendation for most people is the Yamaha YAS-209. This affordable soundbar is perfect for anyone who wants a simple yet versatile audio system, complete with a dedicated subwoofer. However, big home theater fans who want a full-fledged Dolby Atmos configuration with separate surround sound speakers should splurge for the powerful Samsung HW-Q990C.
Below, you can browse all of our picks for the best soundbars of 2025. We have models for every budget and use case, from entry-level stereo options to premium systems with 11.1.4 audio channels.
Our top picks for the best soundbars
Best overall: Yamaha YAS-209 - See at Amazon
Best Dolby Atmos system: Samsung HW-Q990C - See at Amazon
Best all-in-one option: Sonos Arc Ultra - See at Amazon
Best for budget shoppers: Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 - See at Walmart
Best compact model: Roku Streambar - See at Walmart
Best overall
The YAS-209 is our pick for the best soundbar overall. It delivers good audio quality at an affordable price and includes a wireless subwoofer for dedicated bass. This is the type of classic, space-saving audio setup many think of when shopping for a soundbar, and it makes for a great upgrade to built-in TV speakers.
The 2.1-channel system delivers native stereo playback with left and right channels but also has DTS Virtual:X processing to create a simulated surround sound effect. It's not as convincing as pricier systems that feature side-firing audio drivers or physical rear speakers, but it does a decent job. With or without virtual surround, the system provides clear and balanced audio for various types of content.
The YAS-209 connects to your TV using its HDMI ARC port, and the soundbar has a handy HDMI-in port that supports passing through video at up to 4K resolution at 60Hz with HDR (but not Dolby Vision) from a connected device, like a gaming console or Blu-ray player. An optical audio port is also featured for older TVs without HDMI ARC, and you can wirelessly stream music via Bluetooth or WiFi.
With its built-in microphones, the YAS-209 also has integrated support for Amazon Alexa, enabling voice control for functions like volume. All this at such a low price keeps the YAS-209 at the top of the list for many shoppers and reviewers alike, easily making it one of the best soundbars on the market.
Best Dolby Atmos system
Samsung's 11.1.4-channel Q990C is the best Dolby Atmos soundbar we've reviewed. This massive multi-piece system isn't as compact as some of our other picks, but it utterly submerges you in seamless sound.
Dolby Atmos technology is designed to spread audio effects in all directions, including from above your head, and the Q990C is perfectly equipped for the task. Armed with four up-firing drivers to bounce Atmos sound effects off your ceiling, four side-firing drivers, a pair of dedicated rear speakers, a brawny subwoofer, and an array of additional drivers, the HW-Q990C is a powerful machine that drops you directly into the action.
But this system isn't just about muscle. During our testing, it also provided excellent balance and fluid transitions between speakers, helping it enhance everything from sitcoms and action flicks to jazz and hip-hop.
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The system is loaded with features, from built-in Alexa voice control to support for every major audio format. In addition to Dolby Atmos, the Q990C is compatible with the rival DTS:X format and many high-resolution audio files. Inputs include HDMI eARC, an optical connection, and a pair of HDMI inputs with 4K HDR passthrough (though they stop short of HDMI 2.1 support for 120Hz gaming).
Accessories include an intuitive remote, or you can use the Samsung SmartThings app for fine-tuning settings like EQ and individual channel volume. The soundbar is also designed to pair with many of the best Samsung TVs, like the S95D 4K OLED, via Q-symphony. This feature lets you use your TV's speakers as part of a combined audio system with the Q990C.
Buyers should note that Samsung also sells updated versions of this soundbar, including the brand-new Q990F. The latest model adds a few features, including HDMI 2.1 support for 4K/120Hz passthrough when connected to a PS5, Xbox Series X, or Switch 2. The Q990F also has a more compact subwoofer with a revised design. The Q990F impressed us during a hands-on demonstration, but given the current price difference between models, we think the cheaper Q990C is a better value.
Read our Samsung HW-Q990C Soundbar review.
Best all-in-one option
In many ways, the Sonos Arc Ultra is the quintessential all-in-one soundbar. It offers a slick design, immersive audio performance, and a simplified setup that gets you up and running in minutes — all from a single bar that rests in front of your TV. The Arc Ultra doesn't come with a separate subwoofer or rear speakers, but it still manages to deliver impressive sound without them. This model is the successor to the standard Sonos Arc, and the Ultra offers a nice upgrade in bass and overall clarity.
To accomplish its beefier performance, the Ultra uses Sonos' new Sound Motion driver, which packs powerful woofers into a compact space while freeing up room to add additional tweeters in other parts of the bar. With 14 drivers total, including both side- and up-firing ones, the Arc Ultra provides a 9.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos experience that surrounds you in a dome of sound. With Sonos going all in on Dolby Atmos music, you can stream Atmos tracks from supported services like Amazon Music via the Sonos app.
The app also lets you tune the sound and connect other Sonos speakers. The Arc Ultra even supports the brand's "TV Swap" feature when paired with Sonos Ace headphones so you can transition to private listening. However, many users have run into issues with Sonos' software since it released a revamped app last year. Some of these problems have been corrected, but it's still not perfect. That said, our reviewer didn't encounter any major hiccups and didn't find the app's flaws to detract from the overall value of the soundbar.
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The Arc Ultra's minimalist design is appealing, but it does have some downsides. Like its predecessor, it has limited input options. There's no spare HDMI connection or optical port, though you can buy an optical adapter. And though standard DTS 5.1 audio is supported, the Arc Ultra does not support DTS' 3D surround sound format, DTS:X.
On the plus side, the Arc Ultra does add one notable feature that was missing from the original Arc: Bluetooth support. It also has a new Advanced Speech Enhancement mode that can emphasize dialogue without affecting the quality of other sound effects.
The Arc Ultra's $999 asking price is a bit high, but we think its performance justifies its cost. With excellent sound and many modern features, it is one of the best soundbars we've reviewed and a convenient way to upgrade your audio setup.
Read our Sonos Arc Ultra review.
Check out our guide to the best Sonos soundbars.
Best for budget shoppers
The Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 is a simple 2.1-channel soundbar built for buyers on a budget. It doesn't offer advanced audio performance or Dolby Atmos support, but this affordable bar still delivers a decent upgrade over the built-in speakers found on most midrange TVs.
The soundbar has built-in woofers, meaning you'll get two main channels for pure stereo sound and a little extra bass, even though the system doesn't have a separate subwoofer unit. Vizio also uses DTS Virtual:X processing to simulate surround and height effects. The tech employed here is nowhere near as advanced as what you'd get on a high-end soundbar like the Sonos Arc Ultra, but it still helps to expand the device's soundstage.
Standing out from the typical boxy design we see on most soundbars, the V-Series has angled sides that slope down to create a hexagonal profile. Buttons for various controls, including volume, source, Bluetooth audio, and power, rest on the side of the bar.
The soundbar has an HDMI ARC port for easy connection to modern smart TVs, and you also get an optical audio port if your TV doesn't have an HDMI connection. There's no HDMI video passthrough, but you can hook up older audio sources to the bar's 3.5mm auxiliary port.
The V-Series supports Bluetooth for wireless playback, making it easy to stream music from your smartphone, but you can't stream via WiFi. An included remote handles all your needs for adjusting volume, accessing basic equalizer options, and toggling various modes.
Check out our guide to all the best budget soundbars.
Best compact model
If you're in the market for an ultra-compact soundbar and a new streaming media player, the Roku Streambar could be the convenient all-in-one device you're looking for. Not only is the Streambar smaller than any other soundbar on our list, but it also includes integrated video playback support for all of the best streaming services. This makes the Streambar a perfect fit for smaller spaces that need an audio and media player upgrade, like a bedroom, apartment, or dorm.
When it comes to sound quality, the Streambar features four 1.9-inch full-range drivers for basic two-channel stereo playback. There are no fancy virtualization options for simulated surround sound, and there's no included subwoofer for extra bass, but the Streambar sounds surprisingly solid for a device its size.
To be clear, you won't get the range, accuracy, or separation you'd get on a bigger soundbar, but during our review, the Streambar still offered a nice upgrade over most built-in TV speakers. We also love how easy it is to upgrade the Streambar's performance by adding a wireless Roku subwoofer and wireless satellite speakers. For about $560, you can put together a complete 5.1 surround sound system that's simple to set up.
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As a media player, the Streambar provides access to Roku's extensive library of channels, including popular services like Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Hulu. It also supports up to 4K playback with high dynamic range using the standard HDR10 format. But while the device's navigation speed is decent, the Streambar isn't as snappy as the best streaming devices, like the Roku Ultra.
Roku's handy voice remote is also included, enabling easy content search. Though digital assistant functionality isn't built-in, the bar is compatible with separate Alexa and Google Assistant devices.
There are other ultra-compact soundbars on the market, but the Streambar's built-in video streaming and affordable $130 price tag make it our favorite.
Read our Roku Streambar review.
How we test soundbars
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To determine the best soundbars, our experts test various factors, including audio quality, format support, connectivity options, and smart features. We've been reviewing home theater products for more than a decade and use that experience to inform our testing parameters.
We also evaluate factors like overall value, build quality, aesthetics, and ease of use. After all, convenience is a big advantage of choosing a soundbar over a more traditional speaker system. The best soundbars should be simple to set up and integrate into your entertainment setup.
When reviewing soundbars, we evaluate low-, mid-, and high-frequency performance using a mix of test movies and shows across different genres. We also pay attention to how easy it is to hear dialogue using multiple settings, and we test audio at numerous volume levels to ensure the soundbar can get loud without losing quality.
We also listen to various music tracks that have been selected to showcase different frequencies. This helps us determine if the soundbar sounds tinny or distorted and maintains good sonic detail and instrumental definition for various styles, such as rock, pop, acoustic music, and hip-hop.
What to look for in a soundbar
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When shopping for a soundbar, pay close attention to various specs, including size and the number of audio channels supported.
Entry-level soundbars tend to be smaller and limited to basic two-channel stereo sound, while more expensive soundbars are larger and support more channels for surround sound effects. Some models consist of a single soundbar unit, others include a separate subwoofer, and some even have extra satellite speakers. Bigger, multi-speaker soundbar systems will deliver the best audio performance, but they'll take up more room.
All of the best soundbars support basic stereo PCM and Dolby Digital at the very least. But if you want a more immersive experience, you should look for soundbars that support DTS Virtual:X or true spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
The best soundbars use HDMI ARC or eARC ports to connect to your TV, but it's also nice when models include additional wired options like optical and 3.5mm to connect to older TVs or additional audio components. Extra HDMI ports to pass through video from connected devices like a Blu-ray player or gaming console are also great but shouldn't be expected on entry-level models.
Bluetooth music streaming is common on many of the best soundbars, but options supporting WiFi streaming will deliver even better sound quality. If you want a soundbar that can double as a smart speaker, you should find one with built-in microphones and Alexa or Google Assistant.
How do I connect a soundbar?
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Most soundbars we test connect to a TV with an HDMI cable via an HDMI ARC or eARC port. This is the most convenient connection type and the only way to source high-quality formats like Dolby Atmos from your TV directly. In most cases, the HDMI ARC connection also allows you to use your TV remote to control a soundbar's volume and power, reducing clutter.
Even if you're using a TV that's several years old, there's a good chance it supports HDMI ARC. You can find out by checking your TV's input section and looking for an HDMI port labeled "HDMI ARC" or "HDMI eARC."
Check out our guide to the best HDMI cables for our top recommendations to use with soundbars and TVs.
If your TV does not allow for an HDMI ARC or eARC connection, you must use an alternative connection like an optical digital port. This still allows for good sound quality but doesn't support 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos. In that case, you may also want to consider upgrading your TV.
Entry-level 4K TVs with HDMI ARC can now be purchased for about $500 or less, depending on size. Check out our TV buying guides for top recommendations across different price ranges:
Soundbar FAQs
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Are soundbars worth it?
Generally, even cheap soundbars deliver better audio quality than the speakers you'll find built into most displays. To keep costs down and ensure that the speakers fit within a flat-screen design, TVs usually include small divers and poor placement that can result in thin, muddy sound. The best soundbars can add more dimension, clarity, and bass to your TV-watching experience.
Soundbars can also improve the definition of dialogue and other effects for those with hearing issues. That's especially true for soundbars with a dedicated center channel, where most dialogue and other important movie and TV sound effects are directed.
What size soundbar should I get?
Size is an important factor to consider when shopping for a new soundbar. Many compact, single-unit soundbars are built with a width of around 25 inches, while some models, like the Roku Streambar, can be as small as 14 inches wide. On the other end of the spectrum, high-end soundbar models can be as big as 50 inches wide.
Generally speaking, bigger soundbar models deliver better sound quality since they can incorporate more speaker drivers with larger dimensions. But smaller bars are often cheaper, more convenient, and easier to set up.
If you plan to put your soundbar on an entertainment console with your TV, you should measure that area before purchasing. This way, you can ensure that the soundbar you choose won't be too wide to rest on your TV stand and that its height won't block your display.
Can soundbars do surround sound?
The best soundbars can support multiple audio channels for surround sound. These channels refer to how many directions sound can be sent through the device.
Entry-level soundbars often support two channels for basic left and right stereo playback, but many midrange and high-end models can support surround sound with five or more channels. These channels generally include a center channel for dialogue and rear channels via extra audio drivers, satellite speakers, or virtualization techniques.
Channel specifications are listed as a string of up to three numbers separated by decimal points. The first number represents how many standard ear-level channels are included (left, right, center, surrounds). The second number indicates if the device includes a dedicated low-frequency channel or separate subwoofer for extra bass. The final number indicates how many height channels are included for Dolby Atmos support.
Buyers who just want a simple upgrade from their TV's integrated audio will likely be satisfied with a compact 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar system. But if you're looking for a more complete home theater experience, you'll want to opt for a 5.1 surround sound system or above.
For more recommendations, check out our complete guide to the best surround sound systems.
What is Dolby Atmos?
Dolby Atmos is an immersive surround sound format that uses object-based audio mixing. In practice, this means that sounds can be more precisely positioned around your room, with effects placed in all directions, including overhead. For instance, when rain falls from the sky, or a helicopter flies overhead, you can actually hear the sound coming from above.
Dolby Atmos soundbars can use one of two methods to create overhead sound effects. The first involves audio processing to create a simulated sense of height from regular ear-level speakers. The second method uses up-firing drivers angled up instead of forward to bounce sound effects off your ceiling. Generally, good up-firing drivers provide a much more convincing sense of overhead sound than audio processing can produce alone.
For more specifics, see our What is Dolby Atmos explainer.
Do I need a subwoofer?
A subwoofer can be an integral part of your cinematic and musical experience. Due to basic physics, soundbars alone can't offer the deep bass frequencies you'd get from a subwoofer. If you're looking for earth-rattling thunder, hefty boom from explosions, and powerful bass beats, you'll want to consider a soundbar that either includes a subwoofer or, at the very least, allows you to add one later.
For our top recommendations, check out our guide to the best soundbars with subwoofers.