Modern soundbars are not one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, there are all kinds of systems and setups that span a vast range of budgets, spaces, and audio expectations. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a soundbar out there that will likely fit your needs.
The trick, then, is narrowing down the massive quantity of soundbars available to options that make the most sense for your situation. But don’t sweat it. Whether you’re after immersive Dolby Atmos sound, room-shaking bass, or a simple surround sound setup on a budget, we’ve got a lineup of today’s best soundbars that cover everything from the modest to the larger-than-life. Let’s dive in, and find the solution that works for you.
TL;DR - These are the Best Soundbars
- Sonos Arc
- Vizio SB36512-F6
- Klipsch Cinema 600
- Sennheiser Ambeo
- Vizio V-Series 5.1
- LG SN11RG
- Sony HT-A7000
- Klipsch The Fives
1. Sonos Arc
Best Soundbar
The Arc masterfully combines the easy wireless pairing and self-tuning audio that put Sonos on the map with powerful sound that completely transforms any home theater setup. Sonos’ newest soundbar features Dolby Atmos compatibility, which ushers in a new level of immersion when watching action-packed movies and TV shows.
At $799, this is not a cheap soundbar, especially if you want to add a Sonos Sub or pick up a pair of Sonos speakers to compile a full surround setup. But there’s no other soundbar that mixes audio quality and functionality better than the Sonos Arc.
2. Vizio SB36512-F6
Best Budget Soundbar
The SB36512-F6 was released three years ago at this point, which only shows how much this system continues to be an incredible value. For less than $500, Vizio constructed a 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos setup complete with Wi-Fi and multi-room streaming capabilities. No other soundbar since has been able to replicate that combination of qualities for a similar price.
Vizio itself did come close with its soon-to-be released M-Series 5.1.2 soundbar, though it notably lacks the Wi-Fi support that was part of its predecessor’s charm. Until Vizio takes it off the shelves, the SB36512-F6 is the best budget soundbar available if you have $500 to spend.
3. Klipsch Cinema 600
Best Soundbar For Bass
The Klipsch Cinema 600 may very well have the biggest wireless subwoofer of any soundbar on the market, and it uses every bit of that size to deliver wall-shaking bass. The soundbar itself is no slouch either, producing detailed sound through a stylish enclosure that emulates Klipsch’s classic horn tweeters found in its signature line of speakers.
4. Sennheiser Ambeo
Best High-End Soundbar
If you can stomach the massive price tag ($2,500!), there is no all-in-one soundbar as truly awe-inspiring as the Sennheiser Ambeo. If you can believe it, the Ambeo is a 5.1.4 soundbar that is compatible with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and can hit frequencies as low as 30Hz without an additional subwoofer.
5. Vizio V-Series 5.1
Best Ultra Cheap Soundbar
While the Ambeo may be one of the most expensive surround sound options, Vizio’s V-Series 5.1 is one of the most affordable. There’s no extra frills like Wi-Fi support or Dolby Atmos here. Just a complete surround sound system that sounds good no matter what you throw at it for a price that’s hard to beat.
6. LG SN11RG
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
The SN11RG may command a premium price tag, but it is the complete package. The system includes a 7.1.4 setup that delivers impressive Dolby Atmos sound, as well built-in Wi-Fi and a large assortment of sound enhancement features.
7. Sony HT-A7000
Best Standalone Soundbar
One of the big perks of soundbars is that you don’t have to set up and wire a bunch of different devices. That is, until you have to go with an additional subwoofer to get any oomph out of the sound because the smaller drivers in a soundbar just can’t quite cut it for the low end. Enter the Sony HT-A7000, a premium soundbar that packs a punch across the spectrum even without an added subwoofer.
The Sony HT-A7000 boasts X-Balanced speakers, side beam tweeters, up-firing speakers, and integrated subwoofers to get down and dirty. That speaker array isn’t just capable of covering a wide range of audio frequencies but also can provide the necessary positional audio for Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio. The soundbar sets up easily with your TV and can even serve as the host for some smart features with voice assistant compatibility and Google Chromecast built in. It’s also Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2 compatible. If you want even more sound down the road, the soundbar supports an optional subwoofer and rear satellite speakers.
7. Klipsch The Fives
Best Soundbar That Isn’t
Hear us out. The Fives may not be an actual soundbar, at least not in the traditional sense. But
The Fives have similar connections to comparative soundbars, and a built-in amplifier to power its drivers. More importantly, they create the kind of stereo separation that just isn’t possible with soundbars while also providing the option to add a powered subwoofer into the ensemble.
What to Look For in a Soundbar
As we’ve mentioned, there are a dizzying amount of soundbars on the market today, and it can be hard to whittle them down to find the right one. There are a few pieces of advice that we can offer, though, to help you come to a decision based on your preferences.
If you’re a music lover who watches the occasional TV show, a two-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer will likely suffice. If you find yourself having to turn up the TV speakers to hear the dialogue better, it may be a good idea to search for a 3.1-channel soundbar that has a center speaker dedicated solely to producing dialogue. And if you’re a true movie lover, full 5.1 soundbars with wireless rear speakers will typically offer the best bang for your buck.
Finally, if you’re after the latest and greatest, you’ll want to search for a Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar. There are some that create convincing virtual three-dimensional sound with added verticality. But for best results, a soundbar complete with upfiring drivers, a wireless subwoofer and rear surrounds will achieve the performance you’re after.
