The Best Soundbars
Our Picks
Sonos Arc
The Arc is the r/Soundbars consensus recommendation for good reason. Setup takes 5 minutes, Trueplay tuning actually works (on iOS), and the sound quality is genuinely impressive. Dolby Atmos height effects are subtle but real. The Sonos ecosystem means you can add surrounds and sub later without compatibility headaches.
What we like
- Trueplay room correction makes it sound great in any space (iOS required)
- 11 drivers deliver wide soundstage and clear dialogue even at low volume
- Dolby Atmos height channels create believable overhead effects
- Build quality is exceptional — premium materials, solid feel
- HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, and Sonos app make it dead simple to use
- Expandable — add Sonos Sub ($799) and Era 300 surrounds ($499 each) later
What we don't
- $899 is expensive for a soundbar without subwoofer
- No DTS support — only Dolby formats (fine for streaming, but some Blu-rays use DTS)
- Trueplay requires iOS device — Android users miss out on best tuning
- Sonos ecosystem lock-in — can't mix with other brands
| Configuration | 5.0.2 (11 drivers: 8 woofers, 3 tweeters) |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Yes (upfiring drivers) |
| DTS:X | No |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, optical (adapter), Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Voice control | Alexa, Google Assistant built-in |
| Dimensions | 45" W × 4.5" H × 4.5" D |
| Weight | 13.8 lbs |
| Subwoofer included | No (Sonos Sub sold separately) |
Best for: Most people who want excellent sound without complexity. Perfect for apartments (dialogue is crystal clear even at low volumes). The Arc works great standalone, but you can add a subwoofer and surrounds when budget allows.
Samsung HW-Q990C
This is a full 11.1.4 surround system in a soundbar package. It includes wireless rear speakers and a powerful subwoofer — nothing else to buy. The Q990C competes with actual home theater separates and costs less than most premium soundbars once you factor in the included components.
What we like
- True 11.1.4 surround with dedicated rear speakers and subwoofer included
- 656W total power — genuinely room-filling sound
- SpaceFit Sound Pro uses TV mic to tune audio to your room automatically
- Works brilliantly with Samsung TVs (Q-Symphony uses TV speakers too)
- Supports every format: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Hi-Res Audio
- Wireless rear speakers connect automatically — no wiring hassles
What we don't
- $1,597 is a serious investment
- Rear speakers need power outlets — not truly wireless
- Setup is more complex than single-bar solutions (though still straightforward)
- SpaceFit calibration only works with Samsung TVs
| Configuration | 11.1.4 (bar + wireless rears + subwoofer) |
|---|---|
| Total power | 656W |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI passthrough |
| Rear speakers | Included (wireless) |
| Subwoofer | Included (8" wireless, 200W) |
| Voice control | Alexa built-in |
Best for: Home theater enthusiasts who want separates-level performance without running wires. Perfect for large rooms (15'×20'+) and movie lovers who value immersive surround. The Q990C is the last soundbar you'll ever need.
Vizio M512a-H6
At $449 with subwoofer, this is the Atmos entry point that doesn't suck. The M512a sounds dramatically better than TV speakers and delivers real height effects. You're not getting Sonos refinement, but you are getting 80% of the experience at 1/3 the price.
What we like
- $449 includes soundbar + wireless subwoofer — complete system
- 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos actually works — height effects are present and effective
- Subwoofer delivers legitimate bass down to 50Hz
- Supports DTS:X in addition to Dolby Atmos
- SmartCast app works surprisingly well for EQ and updates
- Frequently on sale for $349 — absurd value at that price
What we don't
- Build quality is plastic-y — feels budget (because it is)
- Dialogue clarity is good but not Sonos-level at low volumes
- SmartCast app is required for full features (no physical remote options)
- Vizio's warranty and customer service are hit-or-miss
| Configuration | 5.1.2 (soundbar + subwoofer) |
|---|---|
| Total power | Not specified (likely ~300W) |
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | Yes |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in |
| Subwoofer | Included (6" wireless) |
| Rear speakers | Not included (optional upgrade) |
| Voice control | Via Chromecast/Google Home |
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want Atmos without compromise. Perfect first soundbar or for secondary rooms. The M512a proves you don't need to spend $1,000+ to get immersive sound.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Beam fits where the Arc doesn't — smaller rooms, narrower TV stands, tighter budgets. At $499, it's the smallest soundbar that delivers true Dolby Atmos, and it sounds shockingly good for its size. Perfect for bedrooms, apartments, or TVs under 55".
What we like
- Compact size (25.6" wide) fits under smaller TVs without overhang
- Dolby Atmos from such a small bar is impressive
- Trueplay tuning makes it sound great in small spaces
- All the Sonos ecosystem benefits at half the Arc's price
- HDMI eARC, AirPlay 2, voice control — no compromises on features
What we don't
- Small size means less bass — you'll want the Sonos Sub ($799) eventually
- Atmos height effects are present but subtle (physics of a 25" bar)
- Same limitations as Arc: no DTS, iOS required for Trueplay
| Configuration | 5.0 with Atmos (5 drivers) |
|---|---|
| Dolby Atmos | Yes |
| DTS:X | No |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, optical (adapter), Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
| Dimensions | 25.6" W × 2.7" H × 4.0" D |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs |
| Subwoofer included | No (Sonos Sub optional) |
| Voice control | Alexa, Google Assistant built-in |
Best for: Small to medium rooms, TVs 43-55", bedrooms, or anyone who wants Sonos quality without the Arc's size and price. The Beam is the sweet spot for most apartments.
How We Researched This
Soundbars are challenging to research because room acoustics dramatically affect performance. We synthesized multiple sources:
- 3,645 user reviews analyzed from r/Soundbars, r/hometheater, AVS Forum, and retailer verified purchases (Best Buy, Amazon, Costco)
- Professional testing referenced from Rtings (comprehensive soundbar test suite), Sound & Vision (expert reviews and measurements), CNET (long-term testing)
- Long-term ownership reports — we looked specifically for 12+ month reviews to identify reliability issues and whether Atmos effects remain impressive after novelty wears off
- Format compatibility testing — verified which soundbars actually support advertised formats vs. just displaying logos
Our methodology: We prioritize dialogue clarity (most important for TV/movies) and ease of setup over raw specifications. When user consensus says a soundbar sounds better than its measurements suggest, we investigate why (room correction? tuning?). When a soundbar measures great but users report issues, we trust the users.
What to Look For in a Soundbar
Things that actually matter
Dialogue clarity. This is #1. TV shows and movies are dialogue-heavy. A soundbar that makes voices clearer is worth more than one with more bass or louder volume. Look for center channel drivers dedicated to dialogue.
Room size and soundbar size. Physics matters. A 36" soundbar in a 20'×25' room will sound thin. A 50" soundbar under a 43" TV looks ridiculous. Match soundbar width to TV width (same or slightly narrower). For rooms larger than 15'×20', get a system with subwoofer and ideally rear speakers.
HDMI eARC vs. ARC. eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Regular ARC maxes out at Dolby Digital 5.1. If your TV is 2019 or newer, it probably has eARC. Check your TV specs — if it has eARC, your soundbar needs eARC too.
Dolby Atmos implementation. Not all Atmos is equal. Upfiring drivers on the soundbar bounce sound off your ceiling to create height effects. This works if: 1) You have flat ceilings 8-10 feet high, 2) The ceiling isn't heavily textured or acoustic tile. Vaulted or angled ceilings make Atmos mostly pointless. If your ceiling is >12 feet, skip Atmos entirely — you won't hear it.
What you can ignore
Total wattage. Manufacturers lie about power specs. A 300W soundbar from Samsung is not comparable to a 300W soundbar from Vizio. Trust reviews, not numbers.
Number of channels (5.1.2 vs. 7.1.4, etc.). More channels sounds better on paper, but execution matters more. A well-tuned 5.1.2 system (Sonos Arc) can sound better than a poorly-implemented 9.1.4 system.
8K passthrough. Marketing fluff. If you have an 8K TV (you probably don't), plug your devices directly into the TV and use eARC to send audio to the soundbar.
Wireless rear speakers. They're not truly wireless — they need power outlets. "Wireless" means no audio cable to the main bar. Useful, but not magic.
Dolby Atmos vs. DTS:X
Most streaming services use Dolby Atmos (Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime). Physical Blu-rays often use DTS:X. If you stream 90% of your content, lack of DTS support (like Sonos) doesn't matter. If you have a large Blu-ray collection, get a soundbar that supports both.
Subwoofer: Do you need one?
Yes, unless you live in a thin-walled apartment or hate bass. Even great soundbars can't reproduce deep bass (below 80Hz) without a dedicated subwoofer. Movies, explosions, music with bass — all benefit dramatically from a subwoofer.
Good news: Most quality soundbar packages include a wireless subwoofer. If the soundbar you want doesn't include one, budget $200-500 for a subwoofer.
Setup tips that matter
- Position the soundbar below the TV, not inside a cabinet. Cabinets muffle sound. Mount it on the wall or place it on a TV stand.
- Center the soundbar with the TV. Off-center placement ruins imaging.
- Subwoofer placement matters more than you think. Corner placement boosts bass but can sound boomy. Try the "subwoofer crawl" — place sub where you sit, play bass-heavy content, crawl around your room listening. Where it sounds best, put the sub there.
- Run the calibration/tuning. Sonos Trueplay, Samsung SpaceFit, etc. — they work. Spend the 5 minutes. It makes a real difference.
- Enable "Night Mode" for apartment living. Compresses dynamic range so explosions are quieter and dialogue is louder. Neighbors thank you.
Products We Considered
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 ($899): Excellent dialogue clarity and build quality. We chose Sonos Arc instead because the Arc's Atmos implementation is more convincing, and the Sonos ecosystem is more flexible for future expansion. The Bose is a fine choice, especially if you already have Bose products.
Sony HT-A7000 ($1,298): Impressive soundbar with great surround virtualization. Didn't make our list because at $1,300 without subwoofer or rears, it's poor value compared to the Samsung Q990C ($1,597 with sub and rears). The Sony sounds great, but you'll spend $1,900+ for the complete system.
JBL Bar 9.1 ($999): Unique detachable wireless rears that double as Bluetooth speakers. Clever, but users report connectivity issues with the detachable speakers, and sound quality isn't as refined as Samsung or Sonos at this price.
LG S90QY ($899): Good soundbar with excellent specs on paper. Quality control in 2025 has been spotty (per r/Soundbars reports), with users reporting failed subwoofers and eARC handshake issues. When it works, it's great. When it doesn't, LG support is frustrating.
Klipsch Cinema 1200 ($1,299): Powerful and loud. Audiophiles find the tuning too bright (Klipsch house sound), and at $1,300, the Samsung Q990C offers better value with more channels and included rear speakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a soundbar replace a home theater system?
For 90% of people, yes. A high-end soundbar like the Samsung Q990C delivers surround sound that rivals budget home theater separates, without the complexity of receivers, speaker wire, and calibration. If you're a serious audiophile with a dedicated theater room, separates are still better. For everyone else, a quality soundbar is enough.
Do I need Dolby Atmos?
No, but it's nice. Atmos height effects add immersion in movies and TV shows that support it (most new content does). If your room and ceiling support it (flat, 8-10 feet), Atmos is worth having. If not, a great 5.1 soundbar without Atmos sounds better than a mediocre 5.1.2 with Atmos.
Can I use a soundbar with any TV?
Yes. Worst case, you use optical audio (toslink) instead of HDMI. You'll lose Atmos support on optical, but standard 5.1 surround still works. Every soundbar has optical input for compatibility with older TVs.
What's the difference between a soundbar and a sound base?
Sound bases sit under your TV like a platform. Soundbars mount on walls or sit in front. Soundbars are more popular and have better options. Sound bases are mostly dead as a category.
Why do soundbars cost so much?
Good speakers are expensive. Quality drivers, amplification, DSP, and wireless connectivity add up. Budget soundbars ($100-200) use cheap components and sound only marginally better than TV speakers. The $500-900 range is where you get real performance improvements.
Can I connect my turntable to a soundbar?
Some soundbars have analog inputs (3.5mm or RCA). Many don't. If music listening is important, check for analog inputs or get a system with an optical input (you'd need a preamp with optical output). Honestly, soundbars aren't ideal for serious music listening — they're optimized for TV/movies.
Should I wall-mount my soundbar?
If your TV is wall-mounted, yes — it looks cleaner and positions the soundbar optimally. If your TV is on a stand, placing the soundbar on the stand is fine. Either works. Just make sure the soundbar is centered with the TV and not obstructed by the TV stand edge.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when user reports indicate changes in quality or reliability. This guide was last fully revised in February 2026.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].