2 best soundbars

Compared to conventional home theatre speaker systems, soundbars have a few advantages: they frequently cost less money and take up less room. There is a model for everyone, whether you want a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos or something you can plug your old MP3 player into. Certain soundbars, however, offer a greater listening experience than others; not all soundbars are made equal. Whether you want to connect it to your smart TV or prefer streaming directly from your smartphone, if you watch a lot of TV or listen to music at home, you'll want something that sounds excellent and is compatible with your existing devices. Your favourite programmes' dialogue is reproduced with the finest soundbars for TV.

We've tested over 170 soundbars; below, you'll find the best soundbars to buy. See our recommendations for the best budget soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best 5.1 soundbars.

Samsung HW-Q990C

The top soundbar we tested is the Samsung HW-Q990C. The Samsung HW-successor, Q990B's the premium 11.1.4 system, has even higher sound quality than the model it replaces. It contains a room correction capability, like the majority of high-end soundbars, to enhance audio reproduction based on the particular acoustics of your home. When it is turned on, the bar provides a crisp, clear sound that accurately reproduces voices and other musical elements in the mix. The sub offers all the thud and rumble to elevate action-packed moments, making it appropriate for music, movies, and TV shows alike.

This Dolby Atmos soundbar offers an immersive sound with advanced audio formats commonly found on streaming platforms and Blu-rays. You can set up the satellites around your couch to send sound effects all around your room, making it seem like you've been dropped in the middle of your favorite films. Its soundstage performance isn't as impressive as comparable premium models like the Sonos Arc with Sub + One SL Speakers or the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Speakers + Bass Module. Still, thanks to its bonus customization tools, it gives you more control over its sound than those models, making it a stand-out pick.

Vizio Elevate

For a more affordable option, check out the Vizio Elevate. This Dolby Atmos soundbar is a standout choice for everything from music to movies to TV shows, and it's available at a more wallet-friendly price. Plus, it boasts a unique design—the sides of the bar rotate when you watch height content like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. As a result, sound is fired toward your ceiling for a more immersive listening experience overall. You'll also find up-firing drivers built into the bar's two satellite speakers, so sound effects spread around your living room for a real-world feel. Given the popularity of Atmos content on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays, this bar is a great choice for taking advantage of these immersive audio formats.

This 5.1.4 setup is versatile enough for other types of audio content. Thanks to its discrete center channel, dialogue is clearly reproduced, and it's easy to follow along with the action on screen. Plus, its sub brings all the thump and rumble in the low-bass, which is great for action movies and chase scenes. You have to wire its satellites to the subwoofer to get them to work, adding pesky wires to your living space. Plus, without a room correction tool, you'll have to use the bar's bass and treble adjustments to accommodate the acoustics of your room. There's no graphic EQ like with the Samsung HW-Q930B, either. Still, given its balanced sound out-of-the-box, you may not need these extra tools.