Best Soundbars 2025: Upgrade Your TV with Our Top Picks

Elevate your home entertainment with the best soundbars of 2025, delivering stunning audio quality that beats built-in TV speakers.

Why Your TV Deserves a Soundbar Upgrade

Over the years, TVs have transformed dramatically, boasting gorgeous displays and smart features. Yet, if you’re like me, you’ve probably noticed one thing hasn't kept pace: the audio. Built-in TV speakers still leave much to be desired, often sounding tinny and flat. That’s where a soundbar steps in — a compact powerhouse that can make binge-watching or gaming a whole new experience.

Soundbars are perfect if you’re not ready to invest in a full home theater system or simply want a sleek, space-saving upgrade. But not all soundbars are created equal — some offer mind-blowing surround sound at a steeper price, while others are budget-friendly and still sound way better than your TV’s speakers.

Choosing the right soundbar for your room and needs can feel overwhelming, so I’ve rounded up the best soundbars I’ve had the pleasure to test and enjoy. Whether you crave booming bass or crystal-clear dialogue, there’s a model here for you.

What’s the Best Soundbar Right Now?

After testing dozens of models, the Sonos Arc Ultra emerges as the top pick for most users. It delivers exceptional sound quality with deep, powerful bass, all without needing an external subwoofer. Plus, it supports Dolby Atmos, Apple AirPlay, AI-powered dialogue enhancement, and a customizable equalizer.

But if the Arc Ultra feels like overkill or a bit too pricey, there are other fantastic options. For instance, the Bose Smart Soundbar offers Dolby Atmos in a more compact package, while LG’s S95TR brings DTS:X support to the table. No matter your budget or space, there’s a soundbar on this list that suits your vibe.

Top Soundbars of 2025

1. Sonos Arc Ultra

Sonos has long been a go-to for stellar soundbars, and the latest Arc Ultra takes that legacy even further. Building on the beloved Sonos Arc, the Ultra packs a bigger internal subwoofer, delivering rich, room-filling bass without needing an extra sub.

One of the biggest pleasures with Sonos is its expandability—you can add Era 100 or Era 300 speakers for a fuller surround experience. In my experience, though, the Arc Ultra’s bass is so solid, you might not even want to bother with the Sub Mini.

This soundbar seamlessly integrates with Sonos’ multi-room system and even pairs with the Sonos Ace headphones for private listening (sold separately). Wireless connections abound, including Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Bluetooth.

The Arc Ultra boasts Dolby Atmos spatial audio, Alexa voice control, AI-driven speech enhancement, and Trueplay room-tuning tech that tailors sound to your space. The Sonos app lets you stream from your favorite music platforms smoothly. Wired options include HDMI eARC and optical input.

Who’s it for? If you’re ready to invest around $1000 for a premium sound experience and want future-proof expandability, this is your champion. Fans already in the Sonos ecosystem will find it especially appealing.

Who might want to look elsewhere? If your budget is tight or your room is small, this big, powerful soundbar might be too much. It’s designed to fill larger spaces with sound.

Specs: Channels: 9.1.4 | Inputs: HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical | Voice Assistants: Sonos Voice Control, Amazon Alexa | Wireless Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Sonos app | Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos

2. LG S95TR

The LG S95TR is a 9.1.5-channel all-in-one home theater system. Buy it once, and you get the main soundbar, wireless rear speakers, and a powerful subwoofer. No messy wires trailing across your living room!

It supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive surround sound, thanks largely to its three upward-firing central channels that add height and crisp dialogue clarity.

I loved the AI-driven room calibration feature—it noticeably tuned the sound to my space’s unique acoustics. The soundbar offers HDMI IN, eARC, optical inputs, plus wireless options like Apple AirPlay and Chromecast.

Who’s it for? LG TV owners, particularly those with the latest OLED models, will enjoy exclusive features like Wowcast Ready (wireless TV-soundbar link) and Wow Orchestra, which syncs your TV’s speakers with the soundbar. LG’s unified remote control and sound customization via the LG Soundbar app are icing on the cake.

Who might want to look elsewhere? If you’re not rocking an LG TV or don’t care for LG’s exclusive audio perks, you might want to explore other brands.

Specs: Channels: 9.1.5 | Inputs: HDMI, eARC, Optical | Voice Assistants: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Wireless Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect | Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

3. Samsung HW-Q990F

Ready to splurge? The Samsung HW-Q990F is a beast, featuring 23 drivers across an 11.1.4 channel system with Dolby Atmos support. It’s a full surround sound setup with satellite speakers and a subwoofer that packs impressive punch.

This soundbar offers an expansive, room-filling soundstage that had me completely immersed, even in my cozy viewing nook. Its high-frequency detail is remarkable, delivering precise, clear highs — perfect for audiophiles.

Though the SmartThings app’s equalizer could be more refined, the ability to tweak subwoofer levels lets you tailor the bass nicely. One standout feature is how well it enhances stereo tracks with a wide soundscape.

Samsung also pioneered support for the emerging Eclipsa Audio spatial sound format, though it’s a bit of a ghost town content-wise for now.

Who’s it for? Audiophiles craving a cutting-edge, detailed sound experience with plenty of power. Expect to pay around $2000, which is a bit steep but justified for true home cinema lovers.

Who might want to look elsewhere? If your budget is limited or your room is small, this powerhouse might overwhelm both your wallet and space.

Specs: Channels: 11.1.4 | Inputs: HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical | Voice Assistants: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Bixby | Wireless Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Roon, Tidal Connect | Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos, Eclipsa Audio

4. Marshall Heston 120

When Marshall, the legendary guitar amp maker, entered the home audio scene, it brought style and substance with the Heston 120. This 5.1.2-channel soundbar combines rich Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound with a bold aesthetic that stands out in any room.

Its internal passive radiators beef up the bass, while the app lets you fiddle with the EQ and select modes tailored for music or movies.

Wireless streaming covers Apple AirPlay, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, while wired options include HDMI eARC, stereo and mono RCA, USB-C, and Ethernet—ideal for audiophiles with diverse setups.

Who’s it for? Those who want a soundbar with personality and plenty of wired connectivity for analog gear. Also great for fans who value music playback as much as movies.

Who might want to look elsewhere? If the Marshall’s distinctive look clashes with your decor or if you’re hoping for a full Marshall home theater system (which is still “coming soon”), consider other options.

Specs: Channels: 5.1.2 | Inputs: HDMI, HDMI eARC, Stereo RCA, Mono RCA, Ethernet | Voice Assistants: None | Wireless Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect | Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

5. Bose Smart Soundbar (2024)

For Bose fans after a sleek and compact soundbar, the Bose Smart Soundbar is a strong contender. Despite its small size, it packs Dolby Atmos support, AI-enhanced dialogue clarity, and the Bose TrueSpace tech that automatically boosts your viewing content’s sound quality.

It streams music wirelessly via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast. Plus, if you own Bose QuietComfort headphones, you can pair them through Bose SimpleSync to enjoy private listening sessions.

The soundbar’s wide soundstage is impressive for such a petite device, and it offers ultra-low latency via eARC.

Who’s it for? Anyone wanting a high-quality, compact Bose soundbar that shines for TV and music alike, especially if you already own Bose headphones.

Who might want to look elsewhere? If you crave deep bass, this 3.0.2-channel soundbar lacks a built-in subwoofer and won’t shake the room.

Specs: Channels: 3.0.2 | Inputs: HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical | Voice Assistants: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant | Wireless Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth | Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos

6. JBL Bar 1000

If you want immersive surround sound but don’t want to commit permanent space to satellite speakers, the JBL Bar 1000 has a clever solution. Its wireless rear speakers can attach magnetically to the main bar when not in use, charging their batteries. When detached, they sit behind you for true surround sound.

The 10-inch subwoofer delivers thunderous bass, while crisp highs make dialogue clear and detailed. The built-in room correction tool adapts sound depending on your room’s layout.

Compatible with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Wi-Fi streaming protocols like AirPlay, Alexa multiroom, and Chromecast, it’s a versatile setup.

Who’s it for? Those craving selectable, wireless surround speakers but wanting the option to tuck them away. Also great for users who like to fine-tune sound with the graphic EQ.

Who might want to look elsewhere? Budget-conscious buyers or anyone who prefers a permanent satellite speaker setup might consider other models. Batteries need charging, and forgetting that mid-movie is a bummer.

Specs: Channels: 7.1.4 | Inputs: HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical | Voice Assistants: Compatible with voice assistant devices | Wireless Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Chromecast, Alexa multiroom | Spatial Audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

Soundbar FAQs

• Are soundbars compatible with all TVs?
  Most soundbars on this list work seamlessly with modern TVs. Some brands like Samsung or LG offer exclusive features that only work with their TVs, but general compatibility is broad.
• What do soundbar channels mean?
  Channels refer to groups of speakers directing sound in different directions. A 9.1.4 system, for example, has 9 front channels, 1 subwoofer channel, and 4 upward-firing channels for height effects.
• Why do some soundbars have more speakers than channels?
  A soundbar can have multiple individual drivers per channel to create richer sound, so speaker count often exceeds channel count.
• How does Dolby Atmos work on soundbars?
  Dolby Atmos adds height and depth by bouncing sound off the ceiling using upward-firing drivers. Your content must also be Atmos-encoded to enjoy the full effect.
• Can I use a soundbar without external speakers?
  Yes! Many soundbars like the Sonos Arc Ultra or Bose Smart offer immersive sound without needing extra speakers, perfect for smaller rooms or minimalist setups.

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