Best Soundbars of 2025 – Top-Rated Soundbar Reviews

Explore the ultimate soundbar options of 2025 to amplify your TV audio with clarity, power, and style.

Elevate Your TV Sound with the Best Soundbars of 2025

Let’s be honest: built-in TV speakers often leave much to be desired. If you’re hunting for a soundbar that transforms your living room into a cinematic sound haven, you’ve landed in the right spot. After nearly a decade of testing and chasing the perfect audio setup, I’ve gathered the cream of the crop soundbars that promise to elevate your TV’s sound to the next level.

Whether you’re assembling a home theater or just want a simple, budget-friendly upgrade, this lineup offers something for every ear and every wallet.

Quick Picks: Best Soundbars at a Glance

Best Overall

Sonos Arc Ultra

If you crave top-tier sound quality and smart features, the Sonos Arc Ultra is your go-to. Delivering breathtaking Dolby Atmos sound, crystal-clear dialogue, and a slew of clever tech, it’s the luxury soundbar that will truly impress. Just keep in mind—it comes with a price to match.

Best Under $130

Sony HT-S100F

Looking to upgrade without emptying your wallet? This budget-friendly marvel offers fantastic sound for TV shows, sharper dialogue, and a solid build—often available for under $130. It’s a steal for clear, balanced audio.

Best for Movies

Polk Audio Signa 4

Movie buffs rejoice! This setup includes a subwoofer and supports Dolby Atmos, delivering a surround sound experience that won’t break the bank. Expect rich bass and immersive audio that'll pull you right into the action.

Best Premium

JBL Bar 1300X

Get the full package with the JBL Bar 1300X: subwoofer, satellite speakers, and a sleek soundbar that work together to craft epic soundscapes. The satellites can be placed around the room, making your movie nights feel larger than life.

Best Value

Sony HT-S2000

This soundbar packs a built-in subwoofer, saving space without compromising on bass. It’s an excellent all-around performer for those seeking quality sound without extra clutter.

Best Compact

Sonos Beam Gen 2

Small but mighty, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 surprises with rich sound and Dolby Atmos support. Perfect for TVs 55 inches and below, it offers smart features in a neat package.

Deep Dive: The Best Soundbars of 2025 Reviewed

Sonos Arc Ultra: The Ultimate Sound Experience

This is not just a soundbar—it’s a full-fledged audio powerhouse. The Sonos Arc Ultra dazzles with Dolby Atmos that creates a three-dimensional soundstage, perfect for movies, TV, and music streaming from services like Qobuz and Tidal.

Specs and Features:

• Surround Sound: Yes
• Smart Features: Yes
• Subwoofer: Optional (sold separately)

Why It Rocks:

• Clear dialogue like never before
• Sleek top controls
• Exceptional Dolby Atmos performance
• When paired with the Sub 4, bass hits new depths

What’s Not So Great:

• Full setup can get pricey

Setting it up is straightforward—plug into power and HDMI ARC on your TV, tweak a few sound settings, and you’re off. For the best immersive experience, use the Sonos app for room tuning and add extra speakers if you want that true surround feel. Just a heads-up, the room correction needs some phone-waving action around your space, so not for the faint of heart.

This soundbar is a beast, about 47 inches long, ideal for TVs 55 inches or larger. Its slim 3-inch height fits nicely under most screens without blocking your view. The base package doesn’t include a subwoofer, but the bass it delivers alone is impressive. Add the Sonos Sub and additional Era speakers for a home theater vibe that’s hard to beat.

The audio journey with Arc Ultra is mesmerizing. Whether it’s the crisply spoken dialogue on a news show or the immersive cosmic battles in Star Wars: Episode III, the sound pulls you right into the story. Even music sounds fuller and richer than typical soundbars.

Sony HT-S100F: Budget-Friendly TV Sound Boost

For those who want decent sound without splurging, the Sony HT-S100F delivers clear dialogue and balanced audio for under $130. It doesn’t have surround sound or a subwoofer but makes TV viewing more enjoyable.

Specs:

• Surround Sound: No
• Smart Features: No
• Subwoofer: No

Pros:

• Great sound for the price
• Sleek design
• Handy remote control
• Simple setup

Cons:

• No Dolby Atmos or surround sound
• Occasional tinny tones
• TV auto power-on can be glitchy

Setup is plug-and-play with HDMI ARC, and it typically powers on with your TV. Its 35-inch length suits TVs from 32 to 48 inches, though it might feel small on larger screens. At only about 2.5 inches tall, it won’t block your TV’s sensors or screen.

A compact, no-fuss option for clear TV sound, especially for those who struggle with hearing dialogue.

Polk Audio Signa 4: Best for Movie Lovers on a Budget

This soundbar packs a punch with Dolby Atmos and a wireless subwoofer that brings deep bass to your film nights without emptying your wallet.

Key Details:

• Surround Sound: Yes
• Smart Features: No
• Subwoofer: Included

Highlights:

• Immersive Dolby Atmos sound
• Wireless subwoofer convenience
• Clear voices even with background noise
• Multiple voice modes and a cinema setting

Drawbacks:

• Some vocal warmth lost in certain modes
• No smart home integration

Easy to set up—just plug in, connect the soundbar to eARC HDMI, and power on the subwoofer. No apps, just physical controls on top and a simple remote. The 41-inch length suits TVs 32–48 inches, with a slim 2.3-inch height to fit under most screens.

The soundstage is surprisingly expansive for its price, with powerful bass and surround effects that make movies more exciting. Just steer clear of the night mode; it dulls the audio quality.

JBL Bar 1300X: All-In-One Dolby Atmos Powerhouse

The JBL Bar 1300X combines a full Dolby Atmos system with satellite speakers and a subwoofer—all designed to fit neatly together, saving space while delivering epic sound.

Features:

• Surround Sound: Yes
• Smart Features: Yes
• Subwoofer: Included

Pros:

• Immersive, cinematic Dolby Atmos
• Balanced loud and soft sounds
• Easy setup with detailed instructions
• Control via app

Cons:

• Brief delay restarting video after pause
• No HDMI 2.1 for 120Hz passthrough

You’ll need ample room for this setup—it stretches about 40 inches wide and is fairly deep at 6 inches, so make sure your TV stand can handle it. The rear surround speakers must be placed near your listening area for full effect.

Setup involves connecting everything to power and your TV’s eARC port, then spreading out the satellites as directed. Occasional wireless interference can be fixed by reconnecting the satellites. The JBL ONE app manages smart features, and I had a smooth experience getting everything working.

Sound-wise, it’s a knockout. Explosions and jets roar in Top Gun Maverick with vivid bass and spatial audio that truly surrounds you. Music playback is equally impressive, delivering a dynamic, detailed sound perfect for any living room centerpiece.

Sony HT-S2000: Best Value with Built-In Subwoofer

A solid mid-range choice, the HT-S2000 balances size, price, and performance. Its built-in subwoofer means no extra boxes to clutter your space, yet it fills the room with powerful sound.

Details:

• Surround Sound: Yes
• Smart Features: No
• Subwoofer: Built-in

Pros:

• Sleek, low-profile design
• Powerful bass and immersive sound
• Crystal-clear dialogue
• Plug-and-play simplicity

Cons:

• No voice assistant support
• Lacks Wi-Fi streaming

Setup is a breeze—just plug in, connect HDMI eARC, and enjoy. No app required, although you can tweak settings via Sony Bravia Connect if desired.

The 31-inch length fits nicely on most TV stands, though it may look small next to large 65-inch screens. The slim profile won’t block your view.

Dolby Atmos soundstage is convincing for the price, and dialogue clarity is a marked improvement over TV speakers. This soundbar also shines with music, making it a versatile pick.

Sonos Beam Gen 2: Compact Sound with Big Features

Small but packing a punch, the Beam Gen 2 offers Dolby Atmos and smart features in a package perfect for smaller rooms and TVs 55 inches or less.

Specs:

• Surround Sound: Yes
• Smart Features: Yes
• Subwoofer: Optional

Pros:

• Impressive bass for its size
• 3D Dolby Atmos sound
• TruePlay tuning
• Best for smaller TVs

Cons:

• Pricier than the original Beam
• Some new audio formats missing at launch

Easy to set up with power, eARC, and the Sonos app for smart integration. The app sometimes glitches, but it’s worth it for features like voice control.

At 25 inches long, it fits comfortably with smaller TVs. No included subwoofer, but you can add Sonos Era speakers or a mini sub for more oomph. No remote control; volume is handled through your TV remote.

Sound quality is surprising for such a compact unit—rich lows, clear mids, and immersive Atmos effects turn any room into a mini theater.

Also Worth Considering

• Vizio Series M M512a-H6: A reliable surround sound kit with 11 audio channels and rear speakers, great for movie fans on a budget.
• Yamaha True X Bar 40A: Stylish and neat with impressive Dolby Atmos, though you’ll want to add a subwoofer for best results.
• Sharp HT-SBW53121: A solid Dolby Atmos setup with subtle bass, perfect for smaller rooms.
• Samsung HW-S60D: Ideal for Samsung TVs with unique features but less suitable for other brands.

How to Pick the Perfect Soundbar for You

Ease of Use Matters

Most modern soundbars are user-friendly, but if you want simple plug-and-play, avoid models loaded with smart features that require apps. HDMI eARC allows your TV remote to handle volume, so you can keep it simple.

What’s Your Primary Use?

• Music lovers: Consider a pair of quality speakers over a soundbar for richer sound.
• TV watchers: Prioritize clear dialogue with budget-friendly options like Sony HT-S100F.
• Movie buffs: Look for Dolby Atmos support and subwoofers for deep bass, like Sonos Arc Ultra or JBL Bar 1300X.

Size Does Matter

Your soundbar should complement your TV size—not overpower or underwhelm. For TVs 50–75 inches, a sizable soundbar or full stereo system works best. Small rooms and TVs benefit from compact models to keep things balanced.

“Sonos Arc Ultra is more than just a soundbar—it's an audio entertainment hub that brings your movies and shows to life.”

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FAQ

• What makes Dolby Atmos soundbars special?
  Dolby Atmos adds height and depth to sound, creating an immersive 3D audio experience that traditional surround sound can’t match.
• Can I use a soundbar without a subwoofer?
  Yes, many soundbars have great built-in bass, but adding a subwoofer enhances low-frequency sounds, enriching movie and music experiences.
• Are smart features necessary for a soundbar?
  Not always. Smart features add convenience and customization but can complicate setup. For simple use, a non-smart soundbar works fine.
• Will a small soundbar work with a large TV?
  It might look out of proportion and could deliver off-center sound. Ideally, match soundbar size to your TV for the best audio-visual harmony.
• How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?
  Most soundbars connect via HDMI ARC or eARC ports, allowing audio to pass through and enabling your TV remote to control volume.