The Best Soundbars for Your TV and Budget 2025

Meet the Sonos Arc 2 Ultra—the premium soundbar that transforms your living room into a theater, a concert hall, or your own private listening space. Building on the award-winning performance of the original Arc, the Arc 2 Ultra takes everything you loved and adds even more power, clarity, and smarts into a sleek, beautifully designed package. Small wonder that the Arc 2 Ultra took our “Best Overall Soundbar” for this model year!

From the moment you press play, the Arc 2 Ultra delivers an audio experience that feels larger than life. With 14 custom-engineered drivers, including dedicated up-firing and angled side-firing speakers, it creates a truly immersive Dolby Atmos soundstage that wraps around and above you. Whether you're watching the latest blockbuster, streaming a live concert, or binging a favorite show, you'll feel like you're right there in the middle of the action.

But the Arc 2 Ultra isn't just loud—it’s intelligently tuned. Thanks to Trueplay room calibration, it adjusts its sound based on your unique space for optimal performance. Dialogue is crisp, effects are pinpoint accurate, and bass hits with satisfying depth, especially when paired with a Sonos Sub or surround speakers.

Of course, being Sonos, the Arc 2 Ultra fits seamlessly into a whole-home audio setup (white is an available color, too). Stream music in high-resolution from your favorite services using Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, or the Sonos app, and group it with other Sonos speakers throughout your home. It even works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control music, TV volume, or your entire smart home with just your voice.

Connections are easy and modern, with HDMI eARC support for the best sound quality and control via your TV’s remote. The refined design complements any living space, whether wall-mounted under a big screen or resting on a media console.

Available in two colors (see the white one here), this Sonos soundbar is designed to be heard, not seen.

In short, the Sonos Arc 2 Ultra is more than just a soundbar—it’s a premium all-in-one sound system for people who care about both performance and simplicity. Whether you're a movie lover, music enthusiast, or just want your living room to sound amazing without the clutter of a full surround setup, the Arc 2 Ultra delivers.

Effortless to use, stunning to hear, and designed to impress—the Sonos Arc 2 Ultra sets a new gold standard for home audio.

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Dolby Atmos built-in
• Room calibration
• Minimalist design
• Smart assistant support

Cons:

• No Bluetooth connectivity
• Limited inputs
• Add-ons required for best-sounding experience

Join us in checking out the Polk MagniFi Mini AX, the ultra‑compact soundbar that proves great things really do come in small packages. At just 15 inches wide, this sleek bar fits neatly under smaller TVs without blocking screens or overwhelming your décor—making it ideal for apartments, bedrooms, or desktop setups. This small wonder easily snagged our “Best Compact Soundbar with Subwoofer” this model year!

But don’t let its size fool you. Inside is a powerful three‑channel array—left/center/right midrange drivers paired with dual tweeters—and Polk’s proprietary SDA 3D Audio and 3D Audio Mode that virtually expand the soundstage beyond its physical form. That means you get surprisingly immersive audio—even on stereo content—without sacrificing clarity or presence. This is particularly great for those who love music.

What really brings the room to life is the included wireless subwoofer, small enough to tuck behind furniture but packing a robust 5″ × 7″ driver that delivers deep, room‑filling bass for both movies and music. It auto-pairs with the soundbar and provides satisfying low-end impact, whether you're watching action scenes or streaming tunes.

On the tech front, the Mini AX supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering 3D surround sound in a compact form. While it lacks physical height drivers, Polk’s virtualization via SDA adds convincing height effects—enough to surprise on films with overhead cues.

Music lovers will appreciate the wide connectivity options: Wi‑Fi with Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, plus Bluetooth, so you can stream from virtually any device with ease. Dialogue stays crisp with Polk’s VoiceAdjust tech and dedicated center channel, ensuring you never miss a word.

Setup is a breeze: just plug the HDMI-eARC cable to your TV or use the optical/aux inputs, plug in the subwoofer, and you’re ready in minutes. Physical controls and simple remote make adjustments intuitive—perfect for users who want great sound without fuss.

In short, the Polk MagniFi Mini AX delivers great bass response, lifted dialogue, and surround‑style sound, all from a fairly tiny soundbar. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who wants serious audio in small spaces—no wires, no clutter, just big sound.

Pros:

• Very compact size
• Great sound quality
• Included wireless subwoofer
• VoiceAdjust technology
• Lots of streaming connectivity

Cons:

• No rear or upfiring speakers
• Subwoofer can be thin in larger rooms
• No built-in voice assistant

If you’ve been dreaming of a true cinematic experience at home—but without the wires, the complexity, or the cost of a full AV system—the JBL Bar 1000 delivers in a big way. This is not your average soundbar. It’s a true 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos and DTS:X system, packed into a smart, flexible design that puts you right in the middle of your favorite movies, shows, and games. All of these things is why the Bar 1000 grabbed our “Best Soundbar for Movies and Home Theater” title.

The star feature? Detachable, battery-powered rear speakers that charge while docked to the main soundbar and pop off whenever you want the full surround experience. No speaker wires. No mounting stress. Just instant, powerful immersion—perfect for movie night, game day, or anything in between.

With four up-firing drivers, the Bar 1000 delivers authentic overhead sound effects, creating a 3D soundstage that surrounds you from every angle. Explosions roar. Leaves rustle above your head. Dialogue is crystal-clear, and action scenes come alive with spine-tingling realism. The 10" wireless subwoofer adds serious punch, filling the room with thunderous bass you can feel without ever sounding muddy or overbearing.

When it comes to content, the JBL Bar 1000 is ready for anything. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and HDMI eARC, so you get the full quality of modern 4K and streaming sources. Plus, it’s super easy to set up and calibrate, with JBL’s MultiBeam™ and room correction technology optimizing the sound to your specific space.

But this system isn’t just a movie powerhouse—it’s also a great music speaker. With Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast built-in, you can stream your favorite tracks in stunning clarity. Whether it’s jazz, hip-hop, or a weekend yacht rock playlist, the Bar 1000 handles music with balance and energy.

The sleek design, wireless flexibility, and punchy performance make the JBL Bar 1000 one of the most complete home theater-in-a-box solutions we’ve experienced. It’s perfect for anyone who wants the thrill of cinema without the bulk of a traditional surround system.

So if you're ready for serious sound that feels like the movies—and sounds great between screenings—the JBL Bar 1000 is the real deal. Trust us—you won’t be disappointed!

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Immersive sound thanks to detachable speakers
• Robust bass response
• Room calibration

Cons:

• Pricier than others on the market
• Rear speakers need to be docked to charge
• No voice assistant

If you're passionate about music and want your sound system to feel the way your favorite songs sound—bold, immersive, and alive—the Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar might just be your perfect match. This flagship system isn’t just made for blockbuster movies (though it crushes that, too)—it’s also surprisingly brilliant at handling music across every genre. We’re pretty sure that no one would question why this Samsung soundbar was crowned “Best Soundbar for Music”!

What sets the Q990F apart for music lovers is its incredible spatial detail and full-bodied sound. With an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup, including up-firing and side-firing drivers, it delivers a rich, wide soundstage that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the performance. Whether you're streaming jazz, hip-hop, acoustic ballads, or heavy metal, every layer—from vocals to low-end punch—is rendered with clarity and presence.

The included wireless subwoofer adds deep, robust bass that gives songs weight without muddying the mix, while the rear satellite speakers create an enveloping effect—even for stereo tracks—thanks to the Q990F’s Dolby Atmos Music and adaptive audio processing. And if you're into lossless or high-resolution audio, you’ll love that it supports Hi-Fi streaming over WiFi, ensuring your music sounds as clean and detailed as it should.

You can stream your favorite playlists directly from Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal using AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, or Samsung’s SmartThings app. Plus, the system includes Bluetooth and HDMI eARC, so it’s incredibly versatile no matter how you listen.

Now of course, we can’t talk about the Q990F without mentioning its cinema-quality performance. When it’s time to switch to movie night or binge a new show, this soundbar flexes its home theater muscle. With support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Q-Symphony (if paired with a compatible Samsung TV), it delivers room-shaking, ceiling-filling sound that’s equally stunning.

But what really makes the HW-Q990F shine is how well it transitions from stage to screen. It’s equally at home blasting a live concert as it is whispering through an emotional TV drama.

In short, the Samsung HW-Q990F is more than a soundbar—it’s a full-blown audio experience. And if music is your top priority, you’ll be surprised how beautifully it blends audiophile-quality sound with blockbuster power.

Pros:

• Superb sound quality
• Lots of connectivity options
• 11.1.4 configuration for immersive audio
• Auto room calibration

Cons:

• Pricier than most other soundbars
• Rather large footprint

If you're looking for a soundbar that’s not only sleek and compact but also incredibly smart, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) might just be your new favorite audio/tech upgrade. Designed to elevate your TV’s audio while seamlessly integrating into your smart home, this soundbar delivers crisp, immersive sound along with modern-day intelligence. It quickly grabbed our “Best Smart Soundbar” title!

At just 25-5/8 inches wide, the Beam (which is also available in a white finish) fits neatly under most TVs, making it a great choice for living rooms, bedrooms, or smaller media spaces. But don't let its size fool you—the Beam packs a serious punch. With support for Dolby Atmos, it creates a wide, 3D-like soundstage, giving movies, games, and even sports broadcasts a heightened sense of depth and realism.

What really sets the Beam apart, though, is its smart functionality. It comes with built-in support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, turning your soundbar into a voice-controlled hub. Want to check the weather, adjust the volume, turn off the lights, or play your favorite playlist? Just ask the soundbar. You can even group it with other Sonos speakers throughout your home for multi-room audio, controlled right from your phone or by voice.

It also supports Apple AirPlay 2, allowing you to stream music directly from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Whether you're playing a podcast, watching YouTube, or queueing up a playlist, the Beam blends seamlessly with your Apple ecosystem.

Control is simple and intuitive. Use the Sonos app to adjust settings, add streaming services, or sync with your TV remote via HDMI eARC. The Beam automatically tunes itself to your room’s acoustics using Trueplay (iOS only), ensuring it sounds great no matter where you place it.

Whether you’re streaming music, watching Netflix, or asking Alexa to dim the lights, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is more than just a speaker—it’s a smart, connected part of your daily life. It sounds great, looks clean, and plays nicely with your whole home.

Check out our full review of the Beam Gen 2!

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Built-in assistants
• Lives in the Sonos ecosystem
• Trueplay room tuning

Cons:

• No upfiring speakers
• No built-in Bluetooth
• No subwoofer
• Limited audio inputs
• Trueplay is iOS-only

If you’re like most folks and feel completely underwhelmed with your TV’s sound, the Bose TV Speaker is a fantastic solution for an instant improvement. Compact, stylish, and incredibly user-friendly, this soundbar packs that signature Bose clarity into a simple, no-fuss design that fits just about anywhere. Because of its price and simple installation, the TV Speaker easily grabbed our “Best Soundbar Under $300” crown.

Right out of the box, the Bose TV Speaker is all about simplicity. It’s small enough to sit neatly under almost any TV, yet it delivers a noticeable boost in volume, clarity, and overall richness—especially when it comes to dialogue. If you’ve ever struggled to hear what characters are saying, you’ll appreciate the dedicated dialogue mode, which makes voices stand out clearly from background effects and music.

Despite its small footprint, this soundbar features two full-range angled drivers that create a surprisingly wide and natural soundstage. Whether you’re watching news, sports, or your favorite drama series, it provides a fuller, more lifelike audio experience than your TV speakers alone ever could.

Setup is quick and painless. With HDMI ARC, optical, and AUX inputs, the Bose TV Speaker connects to most TVs in just minutes. It also includes Bluetooth, so you can stream music or podcasts directly from your phone or tablet without needing to switch devices or remotes.

Speaking of remotes—yes, it comes with a compact one, but it can also respond to your TV’s remote if connected via HDMI ARC. It even remembers your last settings, so you don’t need to fiddle with volume or inputs every time you turn on the TV.

And if you ever want more bass? You can easily expand the system by adding the Bose Bass Module 500 via a wired connection.

The design is clean and understated, with a matte black finish and metal grille that blends into any room without calling attention to itself. It's perfect for apartments, bedrooms, smaller living rooms, or anyone who just wants better sound without a bunch of equipment.

In short, the Bose TV Speaker is an ideal choice for anyone who wants better TV sound, fast. It's reliable, great-sounding, and incredibly easy to live with—just plug it in, sit back, and enjoy the upgrade.

Pros:

• Superior sound compared to TV’s speakers
• Plug-and-play design
• Compact size
• Built-in Bluetooth

Cons:

• No surround sound/Dolby Atmos
• No WiFi connectivity
• Thin bass response
• No voice assistants

Ready to turn your patio, deck, or backyard into a weekend entertainment hub? The Samsung Terrace HW‑LST70T—affectionately called The Terrace Soundbar—is built for it. Engineered with outdoor living in mind, this weather-tested speaker brings clarity, depth, and punch to open-air viewing without compromise. This wonderful addition to your outdoor enjoyment easily captured our “Best Outdoor Soundbar” this year.

What makes it truly outdoor‑ready? It’s rated IP55, meaning it can withstand dust, splashes, and fluctuating temperatures from –4°F to 104°F—perfect for unpredictable weather or seasonal use. Tested in California labs and on patios alike, it delivers resilient, reliable audio no matter the element.

Under its rugged chassis, the Terrace boasts a 3.0‑channel layout—left, center, right—powered by a built‑in woofer spitting out 210 watts of sound. That means bold bass, space‑filling volume, and a remarkably crisp center speaker for dialogue, so you’ll hear every word over ambient outdoor noise.

Audio isn’t just loud—it’s smart. Samsung’s Distortion Cancelling tech anticipates and corrects sound distortion before it happens, keeping dialogue and effects clear and clean. Add Adaptive Sound mode, and the bar self-tunes to what you’re watching, ensuring dialogue always comes through—even during evening breezes.

Setting it up is a breeze. You can mount it directly beneath a The Terrace TV (Samsung’s outdoor display) or most outdoor TVs, and thanks to its center-channel focus, it syncs brilliantly with the picture. Plus, it comes with both Wi‑Fi & Bluetooth, so you can stream playlists, podcasts, or party music right from your device .

Smart features include SmartThings app control, Alexa compatibility, and TV remote sync—so your guests can easily adjust without going inside.

In short, the Samsung Terrace HW‑LST70T offers robust, crystal‑clear audio masterfully tuned for outdoor environments, with smart streaming and seamless setup. It’s the perfect patio companion—turn up the fun!

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Weather-resistant
• Adaptive sound/Distortion cancelling
• Simple setup

Cons:

• No subwoofer included
• Limited channel configuration
• Bulky design