Until recently, I believed superior sound quality was exclusive to dedicated home theater systems with high-end speakers and amplifiers. However, Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers have dramatically altered this perception. Today's soundbars offer exceptional audio quality without the complexity of a full home theater setup. From powerful Dolby Atmos systems to compact all-in-one solutions, there's a perfect soundbar for every need.

With the vast array of soundbar options available, choosing the right one can be challenging. This guide, compiled by a tech journalist with extensive experience testing and reviewing soundbars, presents the best options for 2025.

TL;DR: The Best Soundbars

Our Top Pick: Samsung HW-Q990D
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Sonos Arc Ultra
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LG S95TR
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Vizio V21-H8
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Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
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Sonos Beam
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1. Samsung HW-Q990D: Best Overall

The Samsung HW-Q990D, the brand's flagship soundbar, is widely considered the best on the market. Its 11.1.4 channel system, featuring 11 front-facing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers, delivers a truly cinematic audio experience. Action scenes are impactful, dialogue is clear, and Dolby Atmos creates immersive sound. Beyond superior audio, the HW-Q990D boasts Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, SpaceFit Sound Pro, and Adaptive Sound. It also supports HDMI 2.1 for enhanced gaming. While retailing at $2,000, significant discounts are often available. The slightly older HW-Q990C offers similar performance at a lower price point.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra: Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

The Sonos Arc Ultra surpasses its predecessor with a 9.1.4 channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers. Its SoundMotion technology optimizes performance within the soundbar's compact design. The four up-firing drivers create a remarkably immersive Dolby Atmos experience, even without rear speakers. The Arc Ultra excels in music reproduction and includes features like Speech Enhancement. Its integration with the Sonos ecosystem is a significant advantage. However, building a complete home theater system with Sonos speakers adds to the overall cost, making the Samsung HW-Q990D a more valuable option for some.

3. LG S95TR: Best for Bass

The LG S95TR, a strong competitor to the Samsung HW-Q990D, boasts 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel. It delivers a well-balanced soundscape suitable for diverse content. Its 22lb subwoofer provides powerful, impactful bass for action scenes and music. AI Room Calibration technology optimizes sound for your room, and it's compatible with Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. The S95TR is a high-end option that prioritizes impactful bass while maintaining excellent overall sound quality and user-friendly features.

4. Vizio V21-H8: Best Cheap Soundbar

The Vizio V21-H8 is an excellent budget-friendly option. Its compact design and solid stereo sound make it ideal for users who don't require an immersive surround sound experience. While lacking advanced features like Wi-Fi and Dolby Atmos, it provides a noticeable upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Its simplicity and ease of use are key selling points.

5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2: Best Surround Sound Value

Despite its age, the Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 remains a strong value proposition for a surround sound system. Its sleek design and balanced audio, complemented by a surprisingly loud 6-inch subwoofer, offer impressive immersion for its price point. Its Dolby Atmos capabilities, though not as sophisticated as higher-end models, add a three-dimensional audio element. The lack of Wi-Fi and wired rear speakers are minor drawbacks.

6. Sonos Beam: Best for Smaller Rooms

The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that delivers exceptional sound quality for its size. It offers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and surprisingly decent bass. Its "advanced processing" simulates Dolby Atmos height channels. Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2 adds versatility. The Beam serves as an excellent entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for future expansion.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Soundbars offer various channel options to simulate surround sound. 2.0 systems provide stereo sound, while 2.1 adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. 5.1 and higher channel systems offer more immersive surround sound. Consider connectivity options like HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. Support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or Sony 360 Reality Audio enhances the audio experience. Up-firing drivers, subwoofers, and rear speakers are crucial for Dolby Atmos.

Best Soundbars FAQs

What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars? 2.0 has two channels (left and right); 2.1 adds a subwoofer; 5.1 includes five channels and a subwoofer for surround sound.
How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV? Check for HDMI ARC/optical audio connections. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay are additional options.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar? A subwoofer enhances bass response, particularly beneficial for movies, music, and gaming.
What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it? Dolby Atmos adds height channels for a three-dimensional audio experience.
Can I stream music through my soundbar? Many soundbars support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for music streaming.