Top Soundbars of 2025: Best Models for Every Budget

Explore the best soundbars of 2025 to elevate your audio experience. Perfect for every budget!

Transforming Your TV Sound

The top soundbars of 2025 will significantly enhance your TV's audio quality. Whether you’re watching an action-packed blockbuster or enjoying your favorite tunes, these soundbars or surround sound systems will amplify sound, add bass, and provide a more immersive experience.

Today's best TVs are often very slim, which, while offering stunning visuals, tends to compromise sound quality. This is precisely why pairing your TV with a soundbar is an essential upgrade.

Whether you’re on the hunt for a fully immersive multi-component surround sound system, a combination of a soundbar and a subwoofer, or an all-in-one solution, there are options available for everyone and every budget. We’ve gathered eight standout choices within the price range of approximately $250 to $2,000.

Keep in mind that certain features may vary by brand. However, if you’re not tied to any specific brand, here’s a list of the best soundbars currently available.

Top 3 Soundbars According to Experts

1. Samsung HW-Q990D

Best Surround Sound System

This massive multi-channel soundbar, paired with a separate subwoofer and rear speakers, offers the best Dolby Atmos immersion. It's also the ideal choice for Samsung TVs due to its compatibility with Q-Symphony technology.

2. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Best for Most People

This all-in-one solution (subwoofer sold separately) offers impressive sound quality and works seamlessly with other Sonos multi-room products. While it lacks pass-through HDMI, it is a perfect universal option for most users.

3. Denon DHT-S316

Best Budget Option

This soundbar and subwoofer combo may not break the bank, but it packs a punch. The subwoofer delivers low frequencies and overall great sound quality. While you shouldn't expect Dolby Atmos to be as thrilling, it still delivers decent performance at a lower price.

Best Soundbars You Can Buy in 2025

1. Samsung HW-Q990D

The best soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround sound.

Specifications:

• Connections: 1x HDMI output, 2x HDMI inputs, optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
• eARC Support: Yes
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: Both
• Speaker Configuration: 11.1.4-channel, 22 drivers / 616 Watts

Reasons to Buy:

• Incredible 3D sound effects
• Overall excellent sound quality

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not everyone needs four components

Samsung's flagship is not just the best at delivering Dolby Atmos for truly immersive sound; it also won the T3 2024 award for "Best Soundbar." It's also the top choice for Samsung TVs due to its compatibility with Q Symphony technology, allowing it to connect with corresponding Samsung TV speakers.

However, the Q990D does take up a fair amount of space. It consists of a large soundbar, a separate subwoofer, and two rear speakers. But the effort is worth it, as the wireless connection and 11.1.4 channel configuration deliver an extraordinary sound experience with fantastic Dolby Atmos playback.

This model also surpasses its predecessor, HW-Q990C, by incorporating pass-through HDMI 2.1 for next-gen gaming consoles (and other devices), enabling 4K/120 Hz capability. As we stated in our review, the Q990D is "an unmatched soundbar system," particularly for those seeking superior surround sound without needing a separate amplifier system.

2. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The best soundbar for most people.

Specifications:

• Connections: 1x HDMI, 1x Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• eARC Support: Yes
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: Atmos
• Speaker Configuration: 5 speakers, 3-channel

Reasons to Buy:

• Artful, balanced, and full-bodied sound
• Extensive soundstage
• Excellent app and control options

Reasons to Avoid:

• No pass-through HDMI
• Atmos performance isn’t as good as competitors

Sonos is primarily known for its speakers, but the second-generation Sonos Beam excels in both music playback and movie sound quality as a fantastic soundbar. Being an all-in-one solution, it doesn’t come with a separate subwoofer, making it easy to connect and an excellent option for most.

The Sonos Beam isn’t oversized, and while it lacks pass-through HDMI, the more extensive and advanced Sonos Arc is a top choice but comes at a much higher price. The simplicity of the "plug and play" (it does have eARC) sound enhancement that the Sonos Beam Gen 2 brings to the table is undeniable.

As highlighted in our review, "the sound quality for smaller TVs is simply fantastic." So, if you're disappointed with your TV's sound, this soundbar is a substantial upgrade, and we would recommend it to most buyers (unless you have one of the best 65-inch TVs or larger, which may require something more robust).

3. Denon DHT-S316

Best budget soundbar and subwoofer combo.

Specifications:

• Connections: 1x HDMI, 1x optical, 1x 3.5 mm AUX
• eARC Support: No – only ARC
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: Both
• Speaker Configuration: 2.1-channel

Reasons to Buy:

• Cohesive, informative sound
• Solid build and finish quality

Reasons to Avoid:

• High frequencies could be bolder
• Lots of competitive alternatives

If the Sonos Beam doesn’t appeal to you and you dream of a subwoofer bundled with a soundbar, look no further: the Denon DHT-S316 is a two-component solution at a modest price. This makes it our favorite budget offering right now.

As noted in our review of the Denon DHT-S316: this two-component package "is certainly worth considering in the realm of the best budget soundbars." The price is the winning point of this offering. While there are many competitors in the market, and you won't get Dolby with the same compelling surround sound (but it is supported!), Denon delivers exactly what is needed at an affordable price that will appeal to many.

4. Sony HT-A7000

Best Dolby Atmos soundbar in one unit for large TVs.

Specifications:

• Connections: 1x HDMI output, 2x HDMI inputs, optical, USB, 3.5 mm jack, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• eARC Support: Yes
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: Yes
• Speaker Configuration: 11 drivers, 7.1.2 channels / 500 Watts

Reasons to Buy:

• Best Dolby Atmos without rear speakers
• Pass-through HDMI with 4K/120 Hz

Reasons to Avoid:

• Quite tall, therefore not ideal for low-mounted TVs

The Sony HT-A7000 delivers some of the best width and height performance for Dolby Atmos we've experienced from a single-unit soundbar. When we say "single-unit soundbar," we mean there’s no separate subwoofer, making it a great choice for those who prefer a simpler setup. It pairs exceptionally well with Sony TVs.

In our complete review of the Sony HT-A7000, we noted: "There’s real dynamic power here, so when the action shifts from 'very quiet' to 'very loud' (as it inevitably does in any modern movie sound mix), the A7000 'breathes' deep enough to make the difference obvious. It's very detailed overall, particularly in the mid-range/center channel, so dialogue is clear, easily discernible, and full of character."

What's best is that this soundbar includes two HDMI inputs as well as a connection to your TV, and it can pass through 4K HDR at up to 120 Hz, making it absolutely perfect for next-gen gamers and movie buffs alike. It isn’t cheap, but you get a seriously future-proof device with powerful deep bass—all from a single unit. Its successor, the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, is the next step in its evolution.

5. LG S95TR

Best soundbar for LG TVs.

Specifications:

• Connections: 1x HDMI output, 2x HDMI inputs, 1x optical input, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0
• eARC Support: Yes
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: Yes
• Speaker Configuration: 17 drivers, 9.1.5 channels / 800 Watts

Reasons to Buy:

• Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced
• Powerful delivery with great scale
• Attractive design and excellent build quality

Reasons to Avoid:

• No HDMI 2.1 support (thus no pass-through 120 Hz at 4K with VRR)
• Simple LED display considering the price

The LG S95TR is our pick for the best soundbar for LG TVs because it’s the most complete surround sound package from the brand. You get the main soundbar, a separate subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers—all in one package, with sound quality that is unmatched.

As noted in our review of the LG S95TR: "This versatile system delivers immersive Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced sound that will delight." It excels at creating a sound environment, with convincing sound positioning around and above you—partly thanks to the first-ever implementation of an overhead channel.

The downsides include the lack of support for pass-through HDMI 2.1, which is a frustrating omission for a flagship model at this price (as it means no pass-through 120 Hz at 4K with variable refresh rates), but with two HDMI inputs plus an eARC output to your TV, useful wireless streaming options, and a straightforward setup process, this LG soundbar is perfect for the best 55-inch TVs and larger.

6. Sonos Arc

Best Sonos soundbar.

Specifications:

• Connections: 1x HDMI ARC, 1x optical input, 1x Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• eARC Support: Yes
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: Only Dolby Atmos
• Speaker Configuration: 11 drivers

Reasons to Buy:

• Great height and width for Atmos
• Fabulous sound for movies or music
• Good streaming features

Reasons to Avoid:

• No pass-through HDMI at all

While the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the best soundbar for most people, and the Sonos Arc Ultra stands atop the lineup, the original Sonos Arc remains the best performer for the price—while it’s still available. This Dolby Atmos soundbar in a single unit with eleven drivers at various angles projects sound brilliantly upward and around you.

As stated in our review of the Sonos Arc: "The sound is so immersive and dynamic, and it's a significant step-up from what simpler budget soundbars (or built-in TV speakers) can achieve." The sound quality is truly fantastic, whether you’re watching movies or listening to music (it functions as a full multi-room speaker with streaming through the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2).

However, the Arc only has one HDMI port without any pass-through, meaning you’ll lose an HDMI port on your TV when connected, and if your TV doesn’t decode or pass-through Dolby Atmos, you still won’t be able to make the most of its capabilities (and the Arc Ultra doesn’t solve this issue). But if we judged solely on sound quality, this is a 5-star soundbar.

7. JBL Bar 1300

Best soundbar for flexibility.

Specifications:

• Connections: 3x HDMI inputs, 1x HDMI output, Ethernet, optical, USB
• eARC Support: Yes
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: Yes
• Speaker Configuration: 11.1.4 channels / total power 1170 Watts

Reasons to Buy:

• Incredibly immersive sound experience with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
• Removable speakers for great flexibility

Reasons to Avoid:

• No pass-through for 4K/120 Hz, VRR, HDR10+
• Significant competition at this price point

The JBL Bar 1300 is an intriguing option since the left and right ends of the main soundbar can detach to be used as separate rear speakers—ideal for those who don’t always want bulky surround speakers around the room. This makes it the best soundbar in terms of versatility.

As noted in our review of the JBL Bar 1300: "This impressive soundbar delivers object-based Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound with cinematic scale and plenty of bass thanks to its powerful subwoofer. But it's the removable rear speakers that really impress, allowing you to quickly create an immersive system with minimal effort."

There are few drawbacks, although without pass-through for 4K/120 Hz or VRR, it’s not the best choice for gamers—other premium competitors might offer that. Still, they can't compare to the removable speakers, making the JBL an appealing choice along with its outstanding sound.

8. Yamaha SR-C20A

Best soundbar for small screens.

Specifications:

• Connections: 1x HDMI output, 2x optical inputs, 3.5 mm, Bluetooth 5.0
• eARC Support: No – only ARC
• Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Support: No
• Speaker Configuration: 2.1-channel / 100 Watts

Reasons to Buy:

• Really well-balanced sound
• Adds impressive width
• Incredibly compact

Reasons to Avoid:

• Not so great at high volumes
• Unpleasant remote

If you're searching for an excellent budget soundbar that’s perfect for small screens, your search ends here. The sound quality of this Yamaha is superb for its price, adding much more balance, clarity, and depth than you could ever expect from budget TV speakers.

Despite the fact that this soundbar isn't even as wide as your average 32-inch TV (meaning it's just as suitable for monitors as it is for TVs), the sound has a truly impressive breadth and stereo positioning. The dynamic range is also excellent across the board, from movies to games. It’s even quite good with music and has Bluetooth for easy streaming.

As stated in our review of the Yamaha C20A: "This is an incredibly strong option for boosting the weak sound of a budget TV into something much more sophisticated. It carves out a niche for itself by being so usefully compact and so skillfully done." Plus, it’s easy to set up, and one HDMI ARC port means simple connection to your TV. The remote isn't great, but we can forgive that.

Notable Mentions

Sonos Arc Ultra: An incredible all-in-one solution, large and bass-heavy enough to eliminate the need for a separate subwoofer. However, it lacks pass-through HDMI, only having one HDMI port. If the Sonos Arc is unavailable, the Ultra is the next logical purchase.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar: Amazon's first soundbar isn’t the best-sounding device, but its advantage is affordability. When every penny counts, it could be a smart buy during an Amazon sale—it’ll still improve weak TV sound, especially for dialogue.

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Choose the Best Soundbar

In this guide to the best soundbars, we included more than just "pure soundbars" because the included multi-component solutions are more akin to surround sound systems. With that in mind, here’s a brief rundown of the key factors to consider when purchasing:

One Unit, Subwoofer or Additional Components?

1. Many soundbars are all-in-one products, meaning just one unit sits in front of your TV. No extra boxes like subwoofers. However, this can limit their frequency range, especially at low frequencies. It’s certainly better than the basic sound of a TV.
2. However, many soundbar kits include a subwoofer as a separate unit, which means you’ll need space for it and an extra socket. Wireless connectivity is standard, making setup straightforward. Subwoofers vary in size and low-frequency capabilities but are crucial, especially for movies.
3. Surround sound systems are the next step: several soundbar products offer additional units for true surround sound—without needing separate receivers or amplifiers. Samsung Q990D and LG S95TR are such examples, but you will need additional space and sockets for rear speakers.

3D Audio: Dolby Atmos vs. DTS X

While some soundbars offer left/right stereo output, many provide three-dimensional sound—regardless of how many speakers or channels are integrated into the product. The two most common formats you’ll hear about are Dolby Atmos and (less frequently) DTS X. They can create side and overhead sound using psychoacoustic processing and/or additional drivers.

If you choose a soundbar with included rear speakers, you’ll get an even more engaging experience from these formats. This is the closest you'll get to a movie theater experience at home.

Connections and Pass-Through

Simple soundbars typically only have an optical connection, which you’ll need to connect directly from your TV. However, a more practical and modern solution is an HDMI port. The latest eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) simplifies connections for quick and easy “handshakes” and the highest quality.

More advanced soundbars come equipped with additional HDMI ports, allowing you to connect extra devices, which is one way to expand the usual three or four slots on your TV. However, be aware that you’ll need HDMI 2.1 for pass-through of 4K at 120 Hz, which is currently the highest gaming standard (HDMI 2.0 will support 4K, but only at 60 Hz). Some TVs are now offering 144 Hz and 165 Hz as well.

To use a soundbar for music, most will also feature Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for streaming. Added features such as Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast are bonuses for quick access to your music sources. Some soundbars also include microphones with support for voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. However, this is becoming less common from a privacy perspective, and most manufacturers now prefer connection via an app for that purpose.

How We Test the Best Soundbars

Unboxing and setup is another crucial part of the testing process, as we live with the products as if they were our own. We also analyze the number of drivers, channel placement, and power (if known), as well as whether the soundbar can handle 3D audio from Dolby Atmos to DTS X.

We also place soundbars in context with their closest competitors according to this guide. Be it in terms of current prices or how they compare in sound quality. This can be crucial for assessment or recommendation.

Sound quality, of course, is a key area, and this is where our expertise comes into play. As numerous reviewers listed on this page show, we have extensive experience in audio production, so we know what sounds good and why.

We strive for maximum consistency in our testing, but since we conduct testing in varying environments—repeating the experience of any reader in their own homes—this is one consideration regarding differences in results and opinions.

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