By Matt Bolton
Contributions from Michelle Rae Uy
We've tested everything from elite Dolby Atmos soundbars to cheap and simple TV sound upgrades, and these are the best
PRICE
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
Editor's note: March 2023
A lot of soundbars dropped dramatically in price towards the end of last year, and have now come back up in price post-sale season. Thankfully, though, the soundbar mid-range is healthier than it's ever been! You can get great Dolby Atmos effects from compact and affordable units – and if you want to get big and elaborate, the sense of immersions available now is just mind-blowing.
Matt Bolton, Managing Editor – Entertainment
The best soundbars are a must-have if you’ve invested in a big TV and its speakers don’t deliver the same level of immersion that you get from the visuals.They add bigger, forward facing speakers that deliver more clarity to speech and excitement in movies – but they can be sleek and slim, and positioned below your TV or wall-mounted.
Some TVs may not need a soundbar. But even the best TVs on the planet tend to need an external soundbar for better audio, especially cheaper TVs. We've tested many soundbars and speaker systems, from elite units with Dolby Atmos 3D sound, to cheap soundbars that provide a simple boost to your sound, and we've whittled down our favorites for you here.
Soundbars come in three main forms: all-in-one units where there's just a single soundbar unit; soundbars with subwoofers; and soundbars with rear speakers for surround sound. The first kind is ideal for people who want the most minimal setup, the second kind is great for big sound on a budget, and the third kind is ideal for those who want a real home theater experience. We've got options for all three kinds here.
More expensive soundbars will have extra features such as wireless connectivity so they can be used as part of multi-room speaker setups, while cheaper soundbars will just focus on the audio from your TV. And when you're choosing, think about connectivity too: our soundbar picks connect over HDMI ARC, which means they take all the sound from your TV automatically, and can be controlled from your TV's remote control without any extra setup.
But this means one of your TV's HDMI ports is used up by the soundbar, so some bars come with HDMI 'passthrough' ports, so you can connect a console/set-top box/etc to the soundbar, and it passes the visuals back to your TV. If your TV has few HDMI ports, you'll want a soundbar with this feature.
The best soundbars for 2023: our top picks
1. Samsung HW-Q930B
The best soundbar for most people
Specifications
Dimensions: 1110.7 x 60.4 x 120.0mm (W x H x D)
Speaker configuration: 9.1.4
Claimed audio power: N/A
Connections: HDMI input (eARC), optical in, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Reasons to buy
+ The most immersive Dolby Atmos sound for the price
Powerful but also nuanced and balanced sound
+Expansive channel count
Reasons to avoid
- Not great with music Shrill trebles can very occasionally sound a touch harsh
Samsung’s best flagship soundbars are great things, but its slightly less expensive models haven't always been quite so brilliant. This one bucks the trend, not least because it includes the rear speakers that previous models didn't. That makes an enormous difference to the soundstage, and with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding it delivers extremely impressive and immersive audio in movies and TV shows.
The HDMI loopthrough supports the HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats as well as 4K resolution at frame rates of up to 60Hz. There’s no support for the 4K/120Hz orvariable refresh rate (VRR)features now delivered by thePS5,Xbox Series Xor highish-end PCs, but the same is true of almost all other current soundbars too. The soundbar also supports Q Symphony in compatible Samsung TVs, intelligently pairing its speakers with those of the TV to provide a bigger soundstage.
This soundbar isn't ideal for music, but it absolutely excels in home cinema: it’s the most immersive sub-four-figure soundbar we’ve ever heard. That's quite the statement when the top-tier Q990B was so impressive, but the savings to make here will be best matched for most people looking for an epic surround system with little compromise. If you're mad about movies, this is the best soundbar that won't break the bank.
Read our full Samsung HW-Q930Breview
2. Sony HT-G700
The best affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar with a subwoofer
Specifications
Dimensions: Soundbar: 980 x 64 x 108mm (W x H x D); Subwoofer: 192 x 387 x 406 mm
Speaker configuration: 3.1
Claimed audio power: 400W
Connections: HDMI eARC x 1, HDMI input x 1, optical digital x 1, Bluetooth
Reasons to buy
+ Impressively wide and tall sound Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support 4K HDR HDMI passthrough
Reasons to avoid
- Can't manage true height Not as dynamic as higher priced options
We think the Sony HT-G700 hits an excellent sweet spot for features, price and the scale of its sound. It's a soundbar and wireless subwoofer combo, and the soundbar is a good size for TVs of 48 inches and up.
As we've come to expect from Sony, there's more to this soundbar than just stereo, as good as that is. It supports both the Dolby Atmos and DTS:X elite surround sound formats (which is not something that's guaranteed with even more high-end soundbars), and Sony uses its excellent sound processing and acoustic wizardry to create a real wall of sound that stretches way beyond the limits of your TV screen, but with convincing positioning and direction of specific sounds. It might not be quite as good as the Sonos, but it's definitely up there.
Sony hasn't forgotten about the basics, though. The subwoofer gives it depth in bass that something like the Sonos Arc can't match on its own, and speech is really clear even in busy action soundtracks – and that's without the speech-boosting mode turned on.
Downsides? There aren't any dedicated upfiring channels, so we found the Atmos performance a little lacking compared to our Sony AV amp with its dedicated Atmos speakers. And if we're being really picky we'd say that it's also slightly less dynamic for sudden explosions and swelling soundtracks than the likes of the Sonos Arc or Samsung HW-Q800A – but it's a lot cheaper than either. So for the price, it's the most cinematic experience you can get.
Read our full Sony HT-G700 review
3. Bose Smart Soundbar 600
The best budget soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Specifications
Dimensions: 56.1 x 694 x 104mm (h x w x d)
Speaker configuration: 3.0.2
Claimed audio power: Not listed
Connections: Optical digital HDMI ARC/eARC Subwoofer output (3.5mm)
Reasons to buy
+ Compact, attractive design Dolby Atmos with up-firing speakers Extensive streaming options
Reasons to avoid
- Single HDMI port Limited bass No DTS:X support
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a budget soundbar that can really deliver. It pumps out big Dolby Atmos sound, but all from a relatively small package. At 27 inches wide by 2 inches high and 4 inches deep, it’s a fairly sleek and compact design for an all-in-one unit and a perfect choice for smaller homes or screens.
During our review, we noted that dialogue clarity is excellent, and while it doesn’t hit the low bass notes that other soundbar systems with an included subwoofer manage, it offers up consistently exciting sound when watching movies and TV.
There’s lots more to love here, too. Onboard streaming features, including AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, are plentiful, app-based setup is a breeze, and everything is packaged here in an attractive all-in-one form factor. This soundbar impressed us during testing, but its price also makes it excellent value.
Read our full Bose Smart Soundbar 600 review
4. Samsung HW-Q990B
The best soundbar for high-end Dolby Atmos immersion
Specifications
Dimensions: Main soundbar 1232 x 69.5 x 138 mm / Subwoofer 220 x 413 x 410 mm / Rear speaker 129.5 x 201.3 x 140.4 mm (W x H x D)
Speaker configuration: 11.1.4
Claimed audio power: Not listed
Connections: 1x HDMI eARC, 2x HDMI input, 1x optical digital, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Reasons to buy
+ Astounding Dolby Atmos positioning Great connectivity
Reasons to avoid
- HDMI passthrough isn't 4K 120Hz Music isn't as strong as movies
The Samsung HW-Q990B is the high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar system from Samsung's 2022 range, and it's essentially the upgraded version of the Samsung HW-Q950A above. Like the HW-Q950A, it delivers 11.1.4 channels of audio that it directs around and above, delivered from a combination of soundbar, subwoofer and two wireless rear speaker units.
But it's made some refinements from the previous model. A new 'acoustic lens' on the subwoofer diffuses the sound better around the room, the rear speakers have been redesigned to better help the precision of the upfiring drivers, there's now 'Space Fit' automatic room compensation to help maintain detail in the sound as it reflects around, and the sound has generally been tweaked and re-engineered.
And the result is that, in the words of our review, "the Q990B creates the most fully rounded and immersive surround sound experience we’ve ever heard from even the best Dolby Atmos soundbars." They way it steers parts of movie round around and right above you is unparalleled. It's so really big and fulsome in its sound, without being overly heavy – it's a heavy sledgehammer and a deft fountain pen, depending on the need.
Read our full Samsung HW-Q990B review
5. Sonos Arc
The best soundbar for Sonos fans
Specifications
Dimensions: 1141.7 x 87 x 115.7mm (W x H x D)
Speaker configuration: 5.0.2
Claimed audio power: N/A
Connections: HDMI input (ARC), optical digital audio to HDMI converter, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, 802.11b,g Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, IR receiver
Reasons to buy
+ Dolby Atmos, TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus Discrete all-in-one soundbar Amazing surround sound and music playback
Reasons to avoid
- Needs TV of 55 inches or bigger No HDMI passthrough
Sonos has managed to cram an entire surround sound solution into its Arc soundbar. It isn't cheap, but if you're already a fan of Sonos then we think you're going to love the way this soundbar delivers really impressive surround sound.
The Sonos Arc draws on Dolby’s latest TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus sound codecs to deliver the best quality lossless audio found on cutting-edge Blu-ray disks and some of the leading streaming services. It then enhances the 3D soundscape using Dolby Atmos object tracks to bounce certain sounds off the walls around you so they feel like they’re coming at you from all angles. We thought the effect was pretty convincing in our tests, and while it's not as immersive as overhead speakers mounted on your ceiling it's a lot easier to install.
We also liked the simple setup, which involved just a couple of steps on the smartphone app, and as you'd expect it's easy to hook it up to otherSonos speakers. The minimalist cable connections and all-in-one system construction add to this no-fuss feeling and streamlined aesthetic – making it the best single-unit Dolby Atmos soundbar you can buy.
Read our full Sonos Arc review
6. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The best small soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Specifications
Dimensions: 69 x 651 x 100mm
Speaker configuration: 3.1.2
Claimed audio power: N/A
Connections: HDMI input (ARC), optical digital audio to HDMI converter, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, 802.11b,g Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, IR receiver
Reasons to buy
+ Wide soundstage with Dolby Atmos HDMI eARC support Hi-res audio compatibility
Reasons to avoid
- No upfiring drivers
No HDMI passthrough
If you're tight on space, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the best soundbar you can buy.Its compact size means it will easily slot beneath your TV, whether you pop it on a TV stand or mount it to your wall, and a sleek design means it won't look out of place with your decor.It's compact enough to work with 32-inch TVs (just about), but it's a perfect fit with 40-inch TVs up to 50-inch TVs.
It improves on the company’s original Sonos Beam soundbar with virtualDolby Atmos, HDMI eARC compatibility, and a refreshed design.
While it doesn't have the upfiring tweeters necessary for 'true' Dolby Atmos (and as a result, we found the sonic height isn't as impressive as the Sonos Arc), the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) boasts a wide soundstage and an immersive audio performance.It's very detailed, impressively dynamic for switching between loud and quiet suddenly, and is just as good with music as it is with movies.
In fact, you can stream music to it over Wi-Fi (AirPlay 2 or Sonos' own wireless system), and it works as a smart speaker – it has Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant built in (you can choose which).
Read our full Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review
Best soundbars 2022: FAQ
What connection do I need for a soundbar?
The best way to connect a soundbar to your TV is with an HDMI cable. You'll need to make sure you have an HDMI port on your soundbar and an HDMI ARC port on your TV. This allows you to use a cable to connect them.
An HDMI port means that the highest quality audio can pass from your TV to your soundbar, like Dolby Atmos.
If your TV or soundbar doesn't have HDMI ports, the second best option is an optical. This can still transfer digital sounds, but not the high-resolution ones you'd get with HDMI.
However, you will still get quality audio and an optical connection does work with soundbars and surround sound systems.
What size soundbar should I get?
You need to get a soundbar that fits in the space you have available. Some people have their TV mounted and a soundbar could happily be mounted underneath. Others have their TV on a stand and the soundbar can sit in front of it.
Consider the space you have free but also the size of your TV. A compact soundbar might look silly with a massive screen and vice versa. There are many different-sized soundbars available to suit your TV, so make sure you check the dimensions and match them up.
Can soundbars do surround sound?
True surround sound means speakers are positioned around you. Some soundbars on this list also come with a subwoofer and two smaller rear channel speakers, meaning you can place them around your room.
However, other devices with only one soundbar claim to offer surround sound. What this means is they deliver a stereo effect, which seems more like sound is coming from different directions, but isn't.
Many of the high-end soundbars in this list also have Dolby Atmos built-in. Again, this isn't technically surround sound, but the audio tech is advanced and creates the illusion of immersive sound by bouncing sounds off the walls and ceiling around you.
Are Dolby Atmos soundbars really worth it?
If you can afford the high price tag that comes with the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, then it's worth investing in this technology. Especially if you love watching movies and want to recreate that cinematic atmosphere at home.
However, if you're on a budget or simply want to boost your TV's sound rather than create a high-end entertainment set-up, then you don't need Dolby Atmos to get good audio from a new soundbar.
Are soundbars worth it?
Absolutely. Even if you don't consider yourself a hardcore cinephile, the best soundbars make a world of difference to your TV watching experience—even the built-in speakers that come with the best TVs just don't do your favorite films, TV shows, and games justice.
How much should I spend on a soundbar?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you want the very best soundbar technology has to offer, you might be looking at prices of $800 / £800 / AU$1,000 and upwards.
However, there are lots of fantastic budget soundbars on the market, with some costing less than $100 / £100 / AU$150. Just bear in mind that you generally get what you pay for, and these budget models probably won't come with premium features like Dolby Atmos, included rear speakers, and hi-res audio support.
Where should I put a soundbar?
You generally have two options when it comes to soundbar placement: wall-mounting it, or placing in below your TV on your TV cabinet. If your soundbar is quite tall, wall-mounting may be the best option, as it could obscure the IR receiver on your TV, rendering your remote control useless.
How to buy the best soundbar for you
Why you can trust TechRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
There are several things to consider when you’re looking for the best soundbar.
The first is the size. You’ll want to make sure that your soundbar fits under—or next to, depending on your set-up—your TV. For example, the long Sonos Arc soundbar is designed specifically for large screens, so won’t look right with a smaller 50-inch TV. You’ll need to know the size of your current TV and the size of the space you have to fit it and compare those figures to the dimensions listed alongside the soundbar you want to buy.
You’ll also want to consider whether you need a Dolby Atmos speaker or not. Dolby Atmos is surround sound technology, placing sounds and voices all around you so that whatever you’re watching or listening to is more immersive. The thing is, Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars tend to be more expensive. You’ll need to weigh up whether Dolby Atmos sound is worth it for you. Otherwise, consider a capable but cheaper option, like the Sony HT-S400.
Another thing you’ll want to watch out for is the kind of connection you need. You’ll find most modern soundbars have HDMI connectivity, but there's also optical connectivity—so what's the difference? These are two ways that audio is passed from your TV to your soundbar, but HDMI passes high-resolution audio, including Dolby Atmos. If you want a premium, immersive listening experience you’ll want to be sure you have an HDMI connection to use from your soundbar and an HDMI ARC (that's audio return channel) port on your TV for it to connect to.
There’s more to think about, but getting the size, audio features and connectivity nailed down early on should make finding the best soundbar for you much easier.
TechRadar Newsletter
Sign up to receive daily breaking news, reviews, opinion, analysis, deals and more from the world of tech.
Matt Bolton
Managing Editor, Entertainment
Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Entertainment, meaning he's in charge of persuading our team of writers and reviewers to watch the latest TVs and movies on gorgeous TVs and listen to fantastic speakers and headphones. It's a tough task, as you can imagine. Matt has over a decade of experience in tech publishing, and previously ran the TV & audio coverage for our colleagues at T3.com, and before that he edited T3 magazine. During his career, he's also contributed to places as varied as Creative Bloq, PC Gamer, PetsRadar, MacLife, and Edge. TV and movie nerdism is his speciality, and he goes to the cinema three times a week. He's always happy to explain the virtues of Dolby Vision over a drink, but he might need to use props, like he's explaining the offside rule.
With contributions from
- Michelle Rae UyComputing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor
FAQs
Is a budget soundbar worth it? ›
A cheap soundbar is the perfect solution for when you aren't getting the audio you'd like out of your TV. Whether it's for watching movies and TV shows or streaming music over Bluetooth, you can make your TV sound better for less than $200 with the best budget soundbars.
What is the best soundbar to get for TV? ›- Sonos Arc. With its sleek design and impressive soundstage performance, the Sonos Arc is a great all-in-one speaker that won't crowd your space. ...
- Samsung HW-Q700A 3.1. ...
- Sonos Ray Soundbar. ...
- Yamaha YAS-209 Soundbar. ...
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) ...
- Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar. ...
- Hisense U5120G 5.1. ...
- Samsung HW-Q990B Soundbar.
Soundbars can be a good upgrade from your TV speakers, especially if you have trouble understanding voices in TV shows and movies. It's also a great way to enhance your listening experience when listening to podcasts or audiobooks, especially when you want to cast that content wirelessly.
What is the best soundbar for CES 2023? ›1. JBL Bar 1300X. JBL's offsite demo area at CES had a dedicated room to display its new soundbars, with the flagship Bar 1300X occupying the top spot. The Bar 1300X ($1,699) is a Dolby Atmos and DTS:X-compatible 11.1.
How much should I spend on a sound bar? ›There are also pedestal-style soundbars, called sound bases, that your TV can sit on, but they've become rare as TV sizes have become larger. Soundbar speakers are found in a wide range of prices. You can spend as little as $100 or more than $1,000. Many sell for $200 to $600.
Who makes a better soundbar? ›The best soundbar we've tested is the Samsung HW-Q990B. It's the upgraded version of the Samsung HW-Q950A, and it offers more features and better out-of-the-box bass reproduction for outstanding overall performance.
How can I hear dialogue better on my TV? ›First look for something called “Dynamic Range Compression” (some TVs have an option called “Night Mode,” which is similar). The idea of this setting is to even out (or compress) loud noises like explosions and softer ones like dialogue. By bringing them closer together in volume, you will be able to hear words better.
Are all soundbars better than TV speakers? ›Speaker sets offer better audio quality than soundbars. This is partly because of their size. But it's also because by placing speakers throughout a room, you can achieve genuine surround sound. Speaker sets are ideal for providing an immersive experience while watching movies or playing games.
Which TV has best sound quality? ›- Best Sounding TV. LG G1 OLED. SEE PRICE. Amazon.com. SEE PRICE. ...
- Best Sounding Upper Mid-Range TV. Sony X95K. SEE PRICE. Amazon.com. SEE PRICE. ...
- Best Sounding Mid-Range TV. TCL 6 Series/R646 2021 QLED. SEE PRICE. Amazon.com. ...
- Best Sounding Budget TV. Insignia F50 QLED. SEE PRICE. Amazon.com.
- Samsung HW-Q930B. The best soundbar for most people. ...
- Sony HT-G700. The best affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar with a subwoofer. ...
- Bose Smart Soundbar 600. The best budget soundbar with Dolby Atmos. ...
- Samsung HW-Q990B. ...
- Sonos Arc. ...
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Are LG sound bars better than Samsung? ›
Side-by-Side Comparison
The Samsung is better built with better center and Atmos performances. It can reproduce a more extended low-bass, and it comes with a graphic EQ. However, the LG has better soundstage and surround performances.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The LG soundbar is also better-built and should perform better with discrete surround speakers. It also has Wi-Fi compatibility and Chromecast built-in.
To connect your soundbar to your TV, plug one end of your HDMI cable into the ARC or eARC port on your TV and the end into the OUT port on your soundbar. Make sure that you have an HDMI 1.4 cable for an ARC connection or an HDMI 2.1 cable for an eARC connection.
Do smart TVs need a soundbar? ›Why do you need a soundbar for your smart T.V? A soundbar is a significant investment to enhance your entertainment experience. If you invest in a soundbar, your cinematic experience will amplify, and you will have a much more unique experience of the content you are watching.
Are Sonos better than Bose? ›Verdict: Bose definitely has the most choice, but there's also something to be said of the more streamlined offering from Sonos. The top-end soundbars from both brands are the same price, and while Sonos is more focused on home cinema with multiple speaker sets, Bose has a more substantial Bluetooth speaker range.
What should a good soundbar have? ›2.0 – two channels to improve your TV's sound (zero = a soundbar with no subwoofer ). 2.1 – two channels for better TV audio, plus it's a soundbar with a subwoofer for deep bass. 5.1 – five channels simulate surround sound better than a 2.1, plus there's a subwoofer for deep bass.
How many watts soundbar do I need for TV? ›How many watts does a sound bar use? A sound bar uses 20-50 watts by itself. If you have subwoofers and rear speakers, the wattage increases because you have additional devices.
What size sound bar do I need for my TV? ›While you can always get the biggest one, it might not look so great if your TV is smaller than your soundbar speaker. Instead, you want a soundbar that is 5 to 10 inches shorter than your TV. For instance, your soundbar should ideally be up to 50 inches long if your TV has a screen size of between 55 and 65 inches.
Which is better 2.1 or 5.1 sound bar? ›Sound Quality
Just by looking at the numbers, a 5.1 soundbar is expected to offer much more in return than a 2.1. The additional center channel for dialogue clarity and the two rear speakers can provide a richer listening experience with or without added technology.
Yes, soundbars are worth it because they enhance your audio experience, far outperforming your TV speaker. They also come with a other convenient features that can incorporate other media devices in your home. Placed in front of your TV, a soundbar does an excellent job in improving the sound.
What is the best audio connection for a soundbar? ›
You'll get the best sound quality via an HDMI cable. Most soundbars and TVs have an HDMI port. Keep in mind you need to use an HDMI ARC or eARC cable and port. If you don't have this, you'll need an optical cable in addition to an HDMI cable.
What is the best soundbar for clear speech? ›Best dialogue for movie fans
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a compact Dolby Atmos speaker with dedicated height speakers in a compact soundbar, and its sound quality is top-notch. Especially for dialogue-heavy movies and TV shows. The soundbar also adds in features such as multiroom music and the Alexa voice assistant.
As with TVs in step 1, try setting the soundbar to a speech-enhancing mode, Movie or Standard. If your system has a subwoofer, it could be too loud compared to the rest of the system. While explosions are fun, they shouldn't be at the expense of a good story.
Why is it so hard to hear dialogue on TV? ›This can be due to several reasons. First and foremost, it could be due to hearing loss. If your hearing sensitivity is down, it makes it difficult to distinguish the different sounds of speech. Consonant sounds tend to be more soft in volume and can often be washed out if a person has some high frequency hearing loss.
Which is better soundbar with or without subwoofer? ›Whether you're a fan of watching action movies or listening to bass-heavy music genres, you may want a soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer. A subwoofer can generally deliver a deeper, more powerful bass than a standalone bar, which helps you feel the deep thump and rumble in bass-heavy content.
What is the lifespan of a soundbar? ›Soundbars: 6-16 years
A newer amplified soundbar, like a Sonos Arc, should not become obsolete anytime soon, though expect the hardware to operate for up to 7 years before needing a repair or a replacement.
It is not necessary to match brands for your soundbar and TV. With that being said, there are a handful of benefits to doing so, such as single-remote syncing, matching sound features, design compatibility, and possibly other special features.
Which TV has Dolby Atmos sound? ›- LG - 48" Class A2 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV. ...
- Samsung - 65” Class Q80B QLED 4K Smart Tizen TV. ...
- LG - 65" Class UN9000 Series LED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV. ...
- Sony - 65" Class BRAVIA XR X90K 4K HDR Full Array LED Google TV. ...
- advertisement.
- LG - 77" Class A2 Series OLED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV.
SAMSUNG 65-Inch Class QLED 4K LS03B Series The Frame Quantum HDR Smart TV with Alexa Built-in (QN65LS03BAFXZA, 2022 Model) w/HW-S801B Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos DTS:X 2022.
Is Samsung releasing a new soundbar in 2023? ›Samsung announced three new soundbars—HW-Q990C, HW-S800B, and HW-G60C—at CES 2023. The HW-Q990C is Samsung's new flagship soundbar and a successor to the HW-Q990B, which was launched in 2022.
Is Bose coming out with a new soundbar? ›
Dolby Atmos Meets Bose Spatial Technologies for the Ultimate All-in-One Wireless Speaker. September 7, 2021 — Today, Bose announces the new Smart Soundbar 900 — a Dolby Atmos® speaker that provides unmatched immersion for music and movies.
Does a soundbar replace an amplifier? ›In most cases, you do not need an amplifier or receiver for your soundbar. The exception is the case of a passive soundbar. However, most soundbars are active and therefore do not need the extra amplification provided by an amplifier or receiver.
Is LG or Sony soundbar better? ›The Sony HT-Z9F and the LG SK9Y are both decently versatile soundbars, so you may prefer one over the other. They both consist of the bar itself and a dedicated wireless subwoofer with no satellites. The Sony feels more premium and better-built, and it can reproduce a more extended low-bass.
Is Vizio better than Samsung sound bar? ›Our Verdict
The Vizio V Series V21-H8 is a somewhat better overall soundbar than the Samsung HW-T450. The Vizio is better-built, and it comes with more connectivity options, including an HDMI ARC port and two AUX ports. It also has more sound enhancement features, including dialogue enhancement.
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q80R is a better soundbar than the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 by itself, though the Bose can easily be upgraded into the Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module.
Side-by-Side Comparison
The Vizio Elevate is better than the standalone Bose Smart Soundbar 900 for most uses. The Vizio is a 5.1. 4 setup with a dedicated sub and satellites. It has a better surrounds performance and comes with some more sound enhancement features like EQ presets.
Our Verdict
The LG SN9YG is a better soundbar than the JBL Bar 5.1 Surround. The LG is a 5.1. 2 setup that supports Atmos and has a better-balanced sound profile.
The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 with Speakers + Bass Module is better for most uses than the LG SN9YG. The Bose comes with satellite speakers, so it has a better surrounds performance. It's also better-built, with a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box and a more immersive soundstage.
Is it really necessary to have a soundbar? ›Yes, soundbars are worth it because they enhance your audio experience, far outperforming your TV speaker. They also come with a other convenient features that can incorporate other media devices in your home. Placed in front of your TV, a soundbar does an excellent job in improving the sound.
Are cheap soundbars better than TV? ›It seems, in most cases, the answer to that question is a resounding yes. Are soundbars better than TV speakers? A high-quality soundbar will always exceed a high-quality television in terms of audio performance. Poor-quality soundbars may sound worse than TV speakers.
Do you need expensive sound bar? ›
Expensive soundbars double as great speakers in general.
The best soundbars also have built-in Wi-Fi and integrated technologies that allow it to play higher-resolution audio and be integrated in a multi-room audio system.
Speaker sets offer better audio quality than soundbars. This is partly because of their size. But it's also because by placing speakers throughout a room, you can achieve genuine surround sound. Speaker sets are ideal for providing an immersive experience while watching movies or playing games.
What size sound bar for 50 inch TV? ›| Speaker length (in inches) | Recommended TV screen size |
|---|---|
| 12 | Any |
| 38 to 45 | 42-inch to 50-inch |
| 50 | 55-inch to 65-inch |
| 60 | 70-inch and larger |
Does a soundbar need a subwoofer? A soundbar doesn't need a subwoofer to sound good. Soundbars include multiple internal speakers that can sound great on their own, but a subwoofer helps produce low frequencies that many soundbars cannot.
Are sound bars better than surround sound? ›The choice between a soundbar and surround sound system may come down to your living arrangements. If you have a small apartment, the compact design of soundbars make them the go-to choice. However, if you have the space, surround sound setups will almost always provide a better listening experience.
What is better than a sound bar? ›While a soundbar will definitely improve your TV's audio, surround sound speakers usually deliver the best audio quality. In most cases, speaker systems offer a much wider soundstage than even the most expensive soundbars.
How long should a soundbar last? ›Soundbars: 6-16 years
A newer amplified soundbar, like a Sonos Arc, should not become obsolete anytime soon, though expect the hardware to operate for up to 7 years before needing a repair or a replacement.
Whether you're a fan of watching action movies or listening to bass-heavy music genres, you may want a soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer. A subwoofer can generally deliver a deeper, more powerful bass than a standalone bar, which helps you feel the deep thump and rumble in bass-heavy content.
Does a soundbar sound better with HDMI? ›Both cables can be had pretty cheap. The biggest difference is that HDMI can pass higher-resolution audio, including the formats found on Blu-ray: Dolby TrueHD and DTS HD Master Audio. These formats can't get transmitted across optical. In terms of simplicity, HDMI also passes video signals.
Do you need an amplifier for a soundbar? ›In most cases, you do not need an amplifier or receiver for your soundbar. The exception is the case of a passive soundbar. However, most soundbars are active and therefore do not need the extra amplification provided by an amplifier or receiver.