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10 Best Soundbars

From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.

Buying Guide for the Best Soundbars

Choosing a soundbar can really enhance your TV experience by providing clearer, more powerful audio than most built-in TV speakers. The trick is to match your soundbar to your room, your viewing habits, and how much you care about things like surround sound effects versus simple volume and clarity. It’s also worth thinking about where you’ll place the soundbar and how you want to connect it to your devices. By understanding the main features, you can more easily select a soundbar that’s the right size and style for your home.
ChannelsChannels refer to the number of individual sound sources in the soundbar and are usually written as numbers like 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and so on. The first number shows how many main speakers there are, and the second tells you if there’s a subwoofer for bass. For example, a 2.0 soundbar has left and right speakers, while a 2.1 has left, right, and a separate subwoofer. More channels, like 5.1, add extra speakers for surround sound. If you mostly watch TV or news in a small room, 2.0 or 2.1 is usually enough. For movies or games and a more immersive experience, a soundbar with more channels can give a better surround effect.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to producing deep bass sounds. Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, usually wireless, subwoofer. Bass is important for making action movies, music, and games sound fuller and more exciting. If you enjoy watching movies with lots of explosions or listening to bass-heavy music, choosing a setup with a subwoofer makes a big difference. If your space is small or you don’t care much about strong bass, a compact bar without a subwoofer might be enough.
ConnectivityConnectivity means how the soundbar connects to your TV and other devices. Common methods are HDMI ARC, optical cable, Bluetooth, and sometimes Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC offers the easiest, highest-quality connection with most modern TVs, letting you control volume using your TV remote. Optical cables also provide good sound, but you may lose some control features. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi let you stream music wirelessly from your phone. Your choice depends on what connections your TV supports and whether you want to play music from your phone or other devices. Always check the ports on your TV and soundbar to ensure they match.
Size and PlacementThe size of the soundbar matters for both sound and appearance. A longer soundbar can provide a broader sound field and generally works best with larger TVs, but it also needs more space. Also, consider where you will place it: on a TV stand, mounted on the wall, or somewhere else. Make sure the soundbar doesn’t block your TV’s remote sensor and that it fits comfortably in your TV area. Pick a size that not only fits your space but also looks good with your TV.
Voice Enhancement and Surround FeaturesSome soundbars include special modes or technology that boosts dialogue clarity or simulates surround sound. Voice enhancement is especially useful if you struggle to hear speech over background effects or music. Simulated surround sound can make shows and movies feel more immersive, even when the soundbar is just one unit. If you mostly watch TV shows or news, a basic soundbar with voice enhancement is helpful. For movie lovers, a bar with virtual surround can provide a richer experience without needing lots of speakers around the room.
Smart FeaturesMany newer soundbars come with smart features like built-in voice assistants, integration with smart home systems, or the ability to stream music directly from the internet. These can make the soundbar easier to use and add convenience to your home entertainment setup. If you already use a voice assistant or want to control the soundbar with your phone or smart speaker, look for these features. If you just want better sound, a simpler soundbar may be all you need.