Not too long ago, I was firmly in the camp that believed no soundbar could ever match the audio quality of a traditional home theater system with high-quality speakers and an amplifier. It seems that brands like Samsung, Sonos, LG, and others in the soundbar industry took this challenge to heart. The current lineup of soundbar systems has transformed what's possible, offering exceptional sound quality without the complexities of setting up a full home theater. Whether you're looking for a powerful Dolby Atmos experience or a compact all-in-one solution, there's a soundbar to meet virtually every need and preference.

With the plethora of soundbar options available today, the key question is: How do you choose the one that aligns best with your needs? As a tech journalist with hands-on experience testing and reviewing numerous soundbars, I've curated a comprehensive list of the top soundbars you can buy in 2025.

TL;DR: The Best Soundbars

Our Top Pick: 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

0 See it at Amazon | See it at Sonos | See it at Best Buy

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 has hit a home run with the HW-Q990D, their flagship soundbar system that's widely regarded as the best on the market. It boasts 11 front-facing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers that work together to create a cinematic movie-watching experience. The sound quality is exceptional, with deep action scenes, clear dialogue, and immersive Dolby Atmos effects.

Beyond its stellar audio, the Q990D offers a host of advanced features. With built-in Wi-Fi, you get access to Amazon Alexa and Google Chromecast, along with Apple AirPlay compatibility. Samsung's proprietary features like SpaceFit Sound Pro adjust the sound to your room's acoustics, while Adaptive Sound dynamically tunes the audio to enhance dialogue or boost bass depending on the scene. It also supports HDMI 2.1 for 4K at 120Hz passthrough, enhancing the gaming experience.

The Q990D often goes on sale, dropping significantly from its $2,000 retail price. If you're looking for a deal, consider the previous model, the HW-Q990C, which offers similar audio performance for about $400 less.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra

Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

1 See it at Amazon | See it at Best Buy | See it at B&H

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, the successor to the acclaimed Arc, pushes the envelope further with a 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers. It introduces Sonos' SoundMotion technology, designed to optimize audio performance within the constraints of a soundbar. The Arc Ultra's bass output is significantly enhanced, and its four dedicated up-firing drivers excel at delivering overhead effects for Dolby Atmos content, creating a comprehensive soundstage.

My review of the Arc Ultra highlighted its excellent music playback and features like Speech Enhancement for clearer dialogue. The Sonos ecosystem allows for seamless integration with other Sonos speakers, making it ideal for a whole-home audio setup. While it's a top performer, 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: 12.5 lbs

The LG S95TR offers a robust sound experience, featuring 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel. It delivers a well-balanced soundstage that excels with both cinematic and musical content. Its bass performance, driven by a hefty 22lb subwoofer, is particularly impressive, adding depth to action scenes and punch to music.

The S95TR also includes advanced technology like AI Room Calibration for room-specific sound tuning and compatibility with Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. It's a competitive high-end soundbar that doesn't compromise on bass while maintaining excellent overall audio quality.

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: 4.6 lbs

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Vizio V21-H8 offers solid stereo sound with a compact design. It's a straightforward soundbar system that significantly improves TV audio without the need for complex features. While it lacks a center channel, it still provides a good overall sound experience.

The V21-H8 is perfect for users who want a simple, set-it-and-forget-it solution that enhances their TV's audio without breaking the bank.

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

The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 remains a top choice for those seeking value in a surround sound system. It offers detailed, distortion-free audio with a powerful 6-inch subwoofer. Its Dolby Atmos capabilities provide an immersive experience at a sub-$400 price point, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers.

While it lacks Wi-Fi and requires wired rear speakers, the M-Series 5.1.2 still delivers impressive sound quality and value.

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: 6.35 lbs

The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that delivers impressive audio quality for smaller spaces. It provides clear dialogue and vibrant sound, with advanced processing for Dolby Atmos content. The Beam is compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it a versatile choice for smart home enthusiasts.

As part of the Sonos ecosystem, the Beam can be expanded with additional speakers or a subwoofer, making it an ideal starting point for building a comprehensive audio setup.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming with so many options available. 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 sufficient for basic TV viewing and music listening. A 3.1 system adds a center channel for clearer dialogue, ideal for shows with lots of conversation. For movies and gaming, a 5.1 or higher configuration offers a more immersive experience.

• Connectivity: Most soundbars use HDMI ARC or eARC for easy connection to your TV. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential if you want to stream music from other devices. Ensure the soundbar supports voice assistants if you use them.

• Audio Technology: For the best audio experience, consider soundbars with Dolby Atmos support. This technology creates a three-dimensional soundstage, enhancing the cinematic experience. Other formats like DTS:X and Sony's 360 Reality Audio are also worth exploring.

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 (front left, center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, offering a surround sound experience.

How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?

Most soundbars connect via HDMI ARC or optical audio cables. Ensure your TV has these ports. Additional connectivity options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay can enhance streaming capabilities.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

While not necessary, a subwoofer significantly improves the audio experience by adding deep bass, which is great for action movies, music, and gaming. Many soundbars come with a built-in or wireless subwoofer.

What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?

Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that adds height channels for a three-dimensional audio experience. While not essential, it can enhance the cinematic feel of your entertainment.

Can I stream music through my soundbar?

Yes, many soundbars support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming music from smartphones or streaming services. Look for soundbars with these features if music streaming is important to you.