The Best Soundbars
A soundbar can make a huge difference in the quality of your TV’s audio, and choosing the right one is essential to getting the best experience. Our guide to the Best Soundbars will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect one for your needs. We’ll cover everything from the top brands like Bose and Samsung to important features like connectivity and sound quality.
Our Top Picks
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Best Overall: Bose Soundbar 700
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Best Budget: Samsung HW-T450
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Best Sound Quality: Sonos Arc
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Best Smart Soundbar: JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
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Best for Gaming: Vizio M-Series M512a-H6
Detail Reviews Of Top 5 Best Soundbars
1. Best Overall: Bose Soundbar 700
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 38.5 x 2.25 x 4.25 inches
- Weight: 10.5 pounds
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and Ethernet
- Voice Assistant: Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
Pros:
- Premium build quality
- Excellent sound performance
- Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
- Sleek design with tempered glass top
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- No built-in Bluetooth streaming
Product Summary:
The Bose Soundbar 700 is undoubtedly the best overall soundbar available on the market, with an impeccable sound performance that elevates your audio experience to new heights. The soundbar is stylishly designed and built with premium materials, making it a perfect fit for any living room setup. The built-in Alexa and Google Assistant make controlling the device easier, but the high price tag might not suit everyone’s budget. Overall, the Bose Soundbar 700 is ideal for audiophiles looking for the best sound quality and build quality in a soundbar.
2. Best Budget: Samsung HW-T450
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 33.9 x 2.1 x 2.9 inches
- Weight: 4.4 pounds
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and Optical Input
- Power Output: 200W
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Decent sound quality for the price
- Multiple connection options
- Sleek and slim design
Cons:
- Limited bass performance
- Lacks a dedicated center channel
Product Summary:
For those looking for a budget-friendly soundbar that delivers decent sound performance, the Samsung HW-T450 is a great choice. The soundbar is slim, sleek, and can easily fit under your TV without taking up much space. The multiple connection options make it easier to connect to your TV or other devices. However, the bass performance is limited, and the lack of a dedicated center channel can affect the clarity of the dialogue. Overall, the Samsung HW-T450 is a great option for those on a tight budget.
3. Best Sound Quality: Sonos Arc
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 45 x 4.5 x 3.4 inches
- Weight: 13.78 pounds
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and HDMI
- Voice Assistant: Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
Pros:
- Incredible sound performance
- Elegant design with a premium finish
- Easy setup and use with the Sonos app
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other options
- No Dolby Atmos support on all TVs
Product Summary:
The Sonos Arc is the perfect soundbar for those who value sound quality over everything else. It produces incredible sound performance, with a wide soundstage that immerses you in your music or movie. The sleek design and premium finish make it an excellent addition to any living room, while the built-in Alexa and Google Assistant make it easy to control the device. However, the high price tag might not suit everyone’s budget, and the lack of Dolby Atmos support on all TVs is a drawback. Overall, the Sonos Arc is a great choice for audiophiles looking for the best sound quality in a soundbar.
4. Best Smart Soundbar: JBL Bar 5.1 Surround
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 1148 x 58 x 93 mm
- Weight: 3.9 kg
- Total power: 510 W
- Number of channels: 5.1
Pros:
- Great sound quality with immersive surround sound and deep bass
- Wireless subwoofer and detachable speakers for more flexibility in setup
- Supports Bluetooth, HDMI, and USB connections for a wide range of devices
Cons:
- The surround speakers require power cables which can be inconvenient for some setups
- The setup process can be a bit complicated, especially for those who are not tech-savvy
- It’s relatively expensive compared to some other options on the market
Product Summary:
The JBL Bar 5.1 Surround is a fantastic option for those who want an immersive home theater experience with the flexibility of wireless speakers. The sound quality is exceptional, with powerful bass and clear dialogue, and the ability to detach the speakers means you can customize the setup to your liking. The only downsides are that the surround speakers require power cables, which can limit your placement options, and the setup process can be a bit complex. Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality soundbar, the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround is an excellent choice for movie lovers and audiophiles alike.
5. Best for Gaming: Vizio M-Series M512a-H6
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 44.13 x 3.15 x 2.61 inches
- Weight: 9.3 lbs
- Total power: 512 W
- Number of channels: 5.1.2
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with clear dialogue, immersive surround sound, and powerful bass
- Supports HDMI 2.1 with eARC and Dolby Atmos for a premium gaming experience
- Comes with a sleek and stylish design that can complement any home entertainment setup
Cons:
- The setup process can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to connecting it to your TV or other devices
- The remote control is not backlit, which can make it difficult to use in low-light environments
- The price point may be a bit high for some customers
Product Summary:
The Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 is an outstanding choice for gamers looking for a soundbar that can deliver a premium gaming experience. With Dolby Atmos support and HDMI 2.1 with eARC, you’ll get the most out of your games with clear dialogue, immersive surround sound, and powerful bass. While the setup process can be a bit challenging, the sleek and stylish design will complement any home entertainment setup. Overall, if you’re a serious gamer looking for an excellent soundbar, the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 is a great investment that won’t disappoint.
FAQs
Q: What is a soundbar?
A: A soundbar is a type of speaker system that is designed to enhance the audio quality of your TV or home theater system. It is a long, narrow speaker that can be placed above or below your TV, or mounted on a wall.
Q: Can a soundbar replace a home theater system?
A: It depends on your preferences and the size of your room. While a soundbar can provide excellent sound quality and a more immersive viewing experience, it may not be as powerful as a full home theater system with separate speakers and a subwoofer.
Q: Can I use a soundbar with any TV?
A: Yes, most soundbars are designed to be compatible with a wide range of TVs. However, it’s important to make sure that your TV has the right ports and connections to connect to your soundbar.
Final Thought
If you want to enhance your TV viewing experience with high-quality audio, a soundbar is a great investment. The best soundbars on the market today offer exceptional sound quality, easy setup, and a range of features to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line option or a more budget-friendly choice, there are plenty of great soundbars to choose from. Consider your specific needs and preferences, and choose the soundbar that best fits your lifestyle and budget.