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Best Soundbars

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These picks span the range from a simple bar that fixes muddy TV dialogue to full Dolby Atmos systems with wireless subwoofers and rear surround speakers. None of these are the absolute cheapest bar you can find — we skipped bars with no eARC support or no dedicated subwoofer option, because those are the two features that most affect whether a bar actually sounds better than a TV's built-in speakers.

We've grouped these by use case rather than strict price order, since 'best' depends heavily on your room and whether you want a simple two-piece system or a full surround setup with rear speakers.

How we picked: We prioritized bars with HDMI eARC, a genuine wireless (or included) subwoofer, and real-world app and firmware support from established brands, then split picks across budget tiers so there's a sensible option whether you're spending $150 or $900.

Sonos Arc

Best overall for a Sonos or whole-home audio setup

  • Genuinely wide, immersive Dolby Atmos presentation from a single bar
  • Expands cleanly into a full surround system with Sonos Sub and rear speakers later
  • Tight integration with the Sonos app and multi-room ecosystem

Con: No HDMI inputs for other sources — it only accepts audio via your TV's eARC connection, and it's expensive once you add the sub and surrounds.

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Samsung HW-Q990D

Best full Atmos system with wireless surrounds included

  • 11.1.4 channel layout with included wireless rear speakers and subwoofer
  • Excellent separation and height effects for the price versus buying components separately
  • Q-Symphony syncs with compatible Samsung TV speakers for extra fill

Con: It's a large multi-piece system, not a simple single-bar install, and works best specifically with Samsung TVs for its extra sync features.

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Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Best for clear dialogue and simple voice control

  • Excellent dialogue clarity, which is the most common complaint with TV speakers
  • Built-in voice assistant support and simple setup via the Bose app
  • Upward-firing drivers add a real sense of height without extra speakers

Con: Bass is noticeably thinner without adding the separate Bose Bass Module subwoofer, which costs extra.

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Vizio Elevate

Best for a dedicated home theater on a mid-range budget

  • Rotating up-firing speakers physically redirect for Atmos content vs. stereo/surround content
  • Included wireless subwoofer with real low-end output
  • Strong channel count and separation for the price versus premium brands

Con: The companion app and firmware have historically been less polished than Sonos or Bose, and setup takes more patience.

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Yamaha YAS-209

Best budget bar with a real wireless subwoofer

  • Included wireless subwoofer at a price where many competitors only offer a mono bar
  • Built-in Alexa voice control without needing a separate smart speaker
  • Simple setup with clear, uncluttered remote and app controls

Con: No true height channels or Dolby Atmos decoding — surround effects here are virtual, not object-based.

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Polk Signa S4

Best budget pick with wireless surround speaker option

  • Genuinely affordable while still supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding
  • Optional wireless rear surround speakers can be added later rather than all at once
  • Compact wireless subwoofer doesn't dominate the room

Con: Height effects are modest compared to pricier bars with dedicated upward-firing drivers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate subwoofer with a soundbar?
Not strictly, but it makes a big difference. Slim soundbar cabinets can't move enough air for real low-end bass, so movies and music will sound noticeably thinner without one. Most bars worth buying today include or offer a wireless subwoofer for this reason.
Is Dolby Atmos worth paying extra for in a soundbar?
If most of what you watch is dialogue-driven TV, the difference is smaller. For movies and action content, Atmos-capable bars with upward-firing or added height drivers create a noticeably more immersive, three-dimensional sound field, provided your ceiling is a normal flat height for the reflection to work.
Can I add rear surround speakers to a soundbar later?
Many current soundbar lines sell matching wireless rear speakers as an add-on purchase, so you can start with just the bar and subwoofer and expand later. Check that the specific model you're buying supports rear speaker expansion before assuming it does.

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