The most effective soundbars to spice up your TV audio in 2025

The most effective soundbars can utterly rework your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into one thing that really sounds cinematic. Whether or not you are watching blockbuster films, listening to music or gaming, a superb soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and higher total playback than most built-in TV audio system ever may.

In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each sort of house leisure setup — from compact all-in-one items to full encompass programs with subwoofers and rear audio system. Some prioritize simplicity and smooth design, whereas others are full of immersive options like Dolby Atmos and sensible voice controls. Regardless of your price range or your area, we’ve picked the most effective soundbars you should buy proper now to assist elevate your audio expertise.

Desk of contents

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

I usually come out of CES with a reasonably clear understanding of the brand new soundbars which can be coming for the 12 months, however that wasn’t precisely the case in 2025. LG determined to hold over its most premium soundbars from 2024, however it can add the compact S20A this 12 months. The corporate solely previewed the mannequin at CES, so full specs are nonetheless forthcoming.

Samsung will as soon as once more hold the identical total design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nonetheless, the corporate is including a number of new instruments and it drastically decreased the scale of the wi-fi subwoofer that comes within the field. Samsung does have one new mannequin for 2025, the QS700F, that’s designed to take a seat on a desk or robotically alter to being mounted flat on a wall. Particulars are scarce on that soundbar for now and I anticipate a full spec sheet when the corporate is absolutely to promote it.

Of the large three TV corporations, Sony is the one one which didn’t announce any house theater gear at CES. The corporate has determined to focus primarily on its automotive efforts on the present just lately, leaving TV and audio bulletins for later within the 12 months. The corporate debuted multiple soundbar options in 2024 and a four-speaker setup for the lounge within the Bravia Quad. That stated, it wouldn’t shock me if Sony launched new soundbars later within the 12 months since its most up-to-date fashions had been solely introduced final April.

One firm I might regulate is Sennheiser. The original Ambeo model is almost six years previous and will use a refresh. The corporate has added medium and mini choices to the Ambeo lineup since then, however it could be good to see a refined model of the most important mannequin too. The unique Ambeo soundbar is big, so irrespective of how good it sounds, it can at all times be a tricky promote for some folks.

Though I believe it’s much less possible, it’s additionally doable that Sonos has new soundbars this 12 months. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent gadget will possible be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Motion tech inside the Arc Ultra would supply an enormous enchancment to bass efficiency in compact fashions just like the Beam and Ray. The corporate could convey Sound Movement to standalone audio system first, however it’s destined for these smaller soundbars finally.

The most effective soundbars for 2025

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Arc Ultra review

At $999, the Arc Ultra is a dear addition to your lounge, and enlargement solely will get costlier from right here. Nonetheless, Sonos affords important upgrades over the Arc in a number of key areas. First, because of new Sound Movement tech, the Arc Extremely has much more low-end tone through elevated bass efficiency. Added bass makes this a greater speaker for music whenever you’re not watching TV. That improve additionally allowed the corporate to reconfigure its mid-range drivers and tweeters, increasing the soundbar’s dimensional sound and immersive skills.

The on-board controls had been relocated and up to date, which can also be an enchancment – as is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. The expanded speech enhancement characteristic comes with a level of customization and there at the moment are two choices for room calibration. Plus, you’ll get all the things that’s nice about Sonos merchandise: multiroom setups and crisp, clear audio high quality.

Execs

Improved bass efficiency
Crisp, clear and immersive sound
Expanded Speech Enhancement
Appropriate with Ace headphones

Cons

Nonetheless only a single HDMI port
Growth stays dear
Massive footprint

$999 at Sonos

Sony

Sony has an extended observe report of fantastic high-end soundbars and its latest is one other great-sounding product. The A7000 is a sturdy Dolby Atmos soundbar, able to immersive 7.1.2 audio because of Sony’s 360 Sound Mapping, Sound Area Optimization, vertical encompass know-how and S-Drive Professional entrance encompass. There’s a whole lot of tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each useful on the subject of listening to music. Talking of audio, you’ll have the choice of utilizing Chromecast, Spotify Join or Apple AirPlay 2 to ship your tunes to the A7000. The general soundstage is immersive, with glorious readability for each TV exhibits and music.

Two HDMI eARC inputs imply you may hook up a number of streaming bins or gaming consoles. And because of HDMI 2.1 assist, you may count on 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your tv, so the A7000 is a superb choice for avid gamers. This soundbar is dear at $1,198 and it doesn’t include a separate subwoofer (although it does have one inbuilt). Nonetheless, Sony does offer you a number of choices for each a sub and rear satellite tv for pc audio system. The SA-SW3 sub is $298 whereas the SA-SW5 is $699. For rear audio system, the SA-RS3S is $350 whereas the actually wi-fi speaker (and a lot better wanting) SA-RS5 set is $598. In case you’re wanting to avoid wasting cash on the soundbar itself, Sony affords the HT-A5000 for $999 (though we’ve seen it on sale for $798 just lately). It packs nearly all of the same bells and whistles because the A7000, solely in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.

Execs

Dolby Atmos assist and 360 Sound Mapping
Works with AirPlay 2
Contains two HDMI eARC ports

Cons

Costly
Would not embody a separate subwoofer

$1,098 at World Wide Stereo

Sennheiser Client Audio

Learn our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini review

Whereas that is probably the most compact of Sennheiser’s Ambeo soundbars, the Mini stays within the premium class for 2 causes. First, you’ll have so as to add a subwoofer to maximise its potential, which provides one other $600. Secondly, the Mini is already $700, so a whole bundle places you at a comparable place to flagship items from the competitors. After you have each although, the Ambeo Mini is actually spectacular for a small soundbar.

The primary characteristic is Sennheiser’s spatial Ambeo know-how that first debuted on the large Ambeo Soundbar Max in 2019. With it, the corporate offers extra immersive sound with a mixture of driver placement and 3D virtualization. On the Mini, the audio profile is extra reliant on virtualization than the larger Ambeo soundbars due fewer audio system inside. Nonetheless, you’ll nonetheless get a virtualized 7.1.4-channel speaker setup that works effectively for films and music. That’s, as long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.

Execs

Compact design
Glorious readability
Nice bass
Simple setup

Cons

Costly
No bundled sub
Ambeo impact is restricted
One HDMI port

$800 at Adorama

Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Beam review

Stable sound high quality? Test. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and straightforward to arrange? Uh huh. Appropriate with different Sonos audio system for a extra strong system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been certainly one of our favorites since it arrived in 2018, however there was one factor it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the large addition to the 2021 model, although it’s a bit restricted because the Beam doesn’t have any upward-firing audio system. Sonos manages to make issues appear extra directional by tweaking audio timing and frequency as a substitute of including extra drivers. The new Beam nonetheless solely has the one HDMI port which implies you received’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top field on to this. It additionally signifies that when you have an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll want an adapter.

Execs

Comparatively compact design
Good sound for its dimension
Helps Dolby Atmos

Cons

One consists of one HDMI port

$449 at Sonos

Billy Steele for Engadget

Learn our full Samsung HW-QS700F soundbar review

If design issues to you, the QS700F is the best-looking soundbar on this record. Plus, Samsung outfitted it with an orientation characteristic that robotically adjusts the audio output whenever you wall mount it. There are many different useful instruments too, however probably the most enticing ones, like room calibration, require a Samsung TV. Nonetheless, the audio efficiency right here is nice for smaller areas, the place the constraints of three.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos are excusable.

Execs

Automated orientation adjustment
Crisp and balanced sound
Refined design
Simple setup

Cons

3.1.2-channel audio constrains film sound
Room calibration and different main options solely work with Samsung TVs

$598 at Macy’s

VIZIO

In case you’re searching for a manner to enhance your TV sound on a price range, Vizio has some high-quality options. With the V21t-J8, you get a 2.1-channel setup in a compact soundbar and 4.5-inch wi-fi sub combo for $160. This may be an ideal selection should you don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up a whole lot of area. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, however that’s actually the one sacrifice on the subject of the fundamentals. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections hyperlink to your tv whereas a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth will let you play music out of your cellphone or one other gadget. DTS Digital:X compatibility affords a few of the impact of encompass sound with out a greater unit or further audio system.

Execs

Compact design
Contains wi-fi subwoofer

$90 at Amazon

What to search for in a soundbar

Options

With regards to options, the extra you pay the extra you are going to get in your new audio system. Most inexpensive choices ($150 or much less) will enhance your tv’s audio high quality, however that is about it. Step into the $300 to $400 vary and you will find all-in-one soundbars with issues like built-in voice management, wi-fi connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and even Android TV. They’re all useful whenever you need to keep away from searching for the distant management, however the most effective playback high quality is normally solely within the prime tier and the codecs these premium soundbar programs assist. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities should you’re constructing a really cinematic house leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you will want to have a look at the finer particulars rigorously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. In case you’re searching for among the finest Dolby Atmos soundbars, dimension, channels and subwoofer choices can be necessary components to contemplate. Some fashions even embody a devoted subwoofer to boost bass efficiency, bringing an additional punch to motion scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

This can be a massive one. Loads of the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted on the subject of connectivity choices. They both supply an optical port or one HDMI jack and, should you’re fortunate, each. Issues get barely higher within the mid-range part, however that is not at all times the case. The Sonos Beam, for instance, is $449, however solely has a single HDMI port. Even on the higher-end, the $899 Sonos Arc nonetheless solely has one HDMI port. In case you plan to attach a number of units like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for the most effective audio expertise, you’ll need an choice with at the least two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are essential for supporting Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital audio codecs, in addition to high-res passthrough for HDR and 8K/4K content material.

Channels

One other massive factor you’ll need to take note of when searching for the most effective soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that corporations embody in product descriptions. The primary determine corresponds to the variety of channels. A two would simply be left and proper whereas a extra strong Atmos system, particularly one with rear encompass audio system, may very well be 5 or seven (left, proper, heart and upward). The second quantity refers back to the devoted subwoofer, so in case your new soundbar comes with one or has them inbuilt, you’ll see one right here. The third numeral is up-firing audio system, necessary for the immersive impact of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled items have them, but when they do, the third quantity will let you know what number of are in play and the way they contribute to the general soundstage.

Wi-fi

Most soundbars nowadays supply both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. With regards to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate gadget), Chromecast, Spotify Join and AirPlay 2. Relying in your preferences, you would possibly have the ability to dwell with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remainder I can dwell with out. These two give me the flexibility to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or wrestle with — a Bluetooth connection. For example, Sonos audio system usually supply seamless integration with iOS units, making it simple to attach and stream music wirelessly. In case you’re searching for a wi-fi speaker that may improve your TV setup whereas additionally providing flexibility for audio all through the home, it is price contemplating a multi-room system.

Dimension

This one might sound apparent however humor me for a minute. Nothing is extra soul-crushing than getting a dear soundbar in your lounge solely to find it’s important to rearrange all the things to discover a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Sure, that speaker is absurdly giant (and heavy), and most soundbars aren’t almost as massive. I realized a worthwhile lesson: Ensure the area the place you need to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend a whole lot (if not hundreds) of {dollars} on.

Principally, all of it comes right down to the TV you’ve gotten (or are planning to get) and what the first purpose is on your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Would you like the absolute best sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you simply need to have the ability to truly hear your TV higher? Or would you like a full house leisure expertise with crisp vocals, thunderous deep bass, and immersive encompass system audio?

By taking note of every of these areas, it’s best to have a good suggestion of what to search for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo, Dolby Digital system or a extra strong setup. With that stated, we have put quite a few merchandise by means of their paces at Engadget and have a number of favorites for finest soundbar at varied value factors to get you began.

Different soundbars we examined

Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6

There’s loads to love concerning the Bravia Theater Bar 6, Sony’s new midrange choice in its soundbar lineup. Sound high quality is the speaker’s finest attribute, regardless that it’s restricted by its 3.1.2-channel configuration. The most important two points with this mannequin are the dearth of Wi-Fi connectivity — which implies no AirPlay, Chromecast or Spotify Join — and the necessity to use your pc and a thumb drive to put in firmware updates. Neither of these ought to be issues it’s important to take into account on a $650 soundbar in 2025.

Sonos Arc

There’s little doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, however it’s additionally the corporate’s most costly. With a brand new mannequin based mostly on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s troublesome to suggest this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works effectively as each a soundbar and a speaker, and the gadget will slot in properly with different Sonos gear you would possibly have already got for a multiroom setup. It solely has one HDMI port although, the place a lot of the competitors means that you can join streaming and gaming units on to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized model affords sufficient to face out from the extra highly effective Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is extra inexpensive and does a stable job with immersive audio in its personal proper. Like the remainder of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no choice for satellite tv for pc audio system as you may solely add a subwoofer to the soundbars. Nonetheless, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA enter, so you should utilize it with a turntable should you’re into vinyl.

Finest soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar higher than audio system?

It actually relies on what you’re after. A soundbar is unquestionably an easier, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. In order for you higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t need to take care of a number of audio system and wires in every single place, a soundbar might be the best way to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular encompass sound results, because of options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio know-how.

Nonetheless, should you’re an audiophile or need true encompass sound for an at-home theater expertise, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, encompass audio system and subwoofer gives you a richer soundstage and extra management over your expertise.

What connection do I would like for a soundbar?

Most fashionable soundbars hook up with your TV through HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the best and most suitable choice for reaching high-quality audio. In case your TV helps this, all you want is an HDMI cable, and also you’ll get not solely nice sound but in addition some further options like controlling the soundbar along with your TV distant.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an choice in your TV, you should utilize an optical cable, which additionally delivers stable audio high quality. Some soundbars even supply Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and some nonetheless have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older units.

Do all soundbars include subwoofers?

Not all soundbars include subwoofers, however many do or at the least supply one as an non-obligatory add-on that you could buy individually. A subwoofer is what provides you that deep, booming bass, so should you like motion films or need a fuller sound for music, having one could make an enormous distinction. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, however these usually don’t present the identical punch as a separate one.

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