Soundbars offer a few advantages over traditional home theater speaker setups: they tend to take up less space, are easier to set up, and are often more affordable. Whether you're looking for a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos or want something you can plug your older MP3 player into, there's a model for you. However, not all soundbars are created equal; some provide a better listening experience than others. If you watch a lot of TV or listen to music at home, you'll want something that sounds good and is compatible with your existing devices, whether you want to hook it up to your smart TV or prefer streaming directly from your smartphone. The best soundbar for TV can reproduce dialogue in your favorite shows with clarity and detail.
We've tested over 235 soundbars; below are our top picks. See our recommendations for the best budget soundbars, the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, and the best 5.1 soundbars.
Check out our video rundown on the best soundbars.
Our recommendations are built upon our thorough testing and rigorous reviews. Every soundbar we evaluate goes through multiple testing stages with different teams to ensure accurate, authentic results. No cherry-picked units or data.
Curious how we've tested over 200 soundbars (and counting)? Look at our How We Test Soundbars article for a behind-the-scenes look at our lab and process.
-
Best Soundbar
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the best soundbar we've tested. This premium 11.1.4 setup is the next generation of the Samsung HW-Q990D with a redesigned subwoofer, though you may prefer either soundbar's bass. The newer subwoofer is sealed and rattles less than the ported version found on the HW-Q990D; that said, the HW-Q990F's sub compresses low- and mid-bass frequencies at max volume, which can cause effects to lose some of their punch. Still, it's smaller and less sensitive to wall proximity than the Q900D. Like the previous generation, you can use the bar as a hub between your TV and another device, like a console. However, the Q990F model also has expanded support for Q-Symphony, the brand's feature for sound system expansion with compatible wireless speakers, to accommodate up to three additional devices.
This bar comes with two satellites and a subwoofer to create a balanced and immersive sound for all kinds of content. It also supports formats like Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital, and thanks to its satellites, the sound stretches all around you, making you feel like you're really there in your favorite blockbusters. You can crank up the volume to fill a large room without a ton of compression, effectively preserving the purity of your sound. There are a lot of customization features, like a graphic EQ and presets, and the HW-Q990F lets you localize audio to the rear satellites for a more intimate audio experience that's less disruptive to your neighbors. It also supports Samsung and Google's new Eclipsa Audio, a spatial audio technology meant to compete with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. However, Eclipsa is still a fledgling technology with limited content that needs a bit more time to mature.
That said, the HW-Q990F's price point is quite high. If you aren't particularly interested in Eclipsa or the subwoofer redesign, the HW-Q990D may be the better option for you. It offers a very comparable overall sound performance and can be an attractive pickup if you can find it heavily discounted due to its status as a previous-generation product.
-
Best Upper Mid-Range Soundbar
The Samsung HW-Q930D is a great option if you want a more affordable premium soundbar. This 9.1.4 soundbar retains many of the same features as the Samsung HW-Q990F, such as room correction and a graphic EQ to tailor the sound profile to your space and taste. It has two discrete satellites and a dedicated subwoofer for a deep, extended low bass. You can enjoy a clear, detailed sound with all your favorite audio content right out of the box. In the U.S., it seems to be available from a limited number of retailers, such as Best Buy and the manufacturer's website.
Thanks to the four up-firing drivers, the soundbar reproduces object-based formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X all around you with the dimension of height. Meanwhile, other common formats, such as Dolby Digital and DTS, are correctly implemented for surround sound, delivering a good amount of intensity during dynamic, explosive blockbusters. Handy sound tools like 'Night' mode and dialogue enhancement help round out the package. That said, compared to the step-up HW-Q990F, this soundbar comes with two fewer channels, and it can't pass through 4k video at 120Hz, which may put off AAA title gamers.
Out of the box, it's not as bassy as the top pick either, but you can alter the bass in the EQ if you want more oomph. So, if you can forego those features, it's a great choice. But if you'd like to use your soundbar for gaming and need the passthrough functionality, you can check out the Samsung HW-Q910D, which supports 4k passthrough at 120Hz at a lower price. That said, the HW-Q910D has fewer up-firing speakers and requires its satellites to be wired to a wireless receiver, which can be a minor inconvenience.
-
Best Mid-Range Soundbar
The Samsung HW-Q800D is the best mid-range soundbar. While it ditches the satellites available with the Samsung HW-Q930D, that means you save some coin, and particularly if your room is small, you may not miss them. The bar plus subwoofer combo ensures your content sounds full with deep bass and clear and balanced mids and treble. Even though the soundbar only has up-firing drivers in the bar, so sound won't play from behind you, it manages to convincingly reproduce Atmos content. Like the HW-Q930D, it's a previous-year model and has since been surpassed by the Samsung HW-Q800F, which features a redesigned subwoofer. In this case, that just means you can find the HW-Q800D discounted without missing key features, since performance hasn't changed much.
Room correction, graphic EQ, and handy AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Wi-Fi streaming are all appreciated luxuries included with the soundbar. Kitted out with HDMI In ports, low-latency audio, and extensive audio format support, it's truly a hub for your home entertainment. That said, if you're keen to grab a soundbar with satellites at this price point, the TCL Q85H represents a solid entry, but it's not quite as premium in build, and it's just a little less refined in its tuning without any wireless support except for Bluetooth, making it a less versatile option.
-
Best Budget Soundbar
The Hisense QX5140Q is the best budget soundbar we've tested, but given its features, you wouldn't necessarily expect its affordable price. The 5.1.4 configuration boasts satellites and up-firing drivers to lend surround sound and 3D formats like Dolby Atmos their due. While the Hisense lacks the higher-end build quality of the Samsung HW-Q800D, room correction, and comprehensive wireless connectivity, the Hisense delivers a value-driven satellite-equipped setup that sounds great. The wired connectivity and audio format support of this soundbar are impressive: HDMI In with video passthrough and support for virtually every common audio format. This sets you up for a versatile movie-viewing experience with Blu-rays or any video streaming platform, so long as there's a cable involved.
The downside is that, aside from Bluetooth, this soundbar won't connect to any other wireless platforms, so Spotify Connect or even Wi-Fi are off the table. However, not everyone uses their soundbar for wireless listening, and it may be a worthwhile trade-off for those four up-firing drivers that reproduce Atmos, delivering an immersive experience. More to the point, the soundbar is very well-tuned, lending a balanced sound with a low-end punch that doesn't overwhelm the mix, while clear dialogue can cut through. Still, if Dolby Atmos content isn't particularly important, the 5.1 Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Sub + Speakers is a compelling alternative with deeper, rumbly bass, and a sealed sub that can be easier to place within your room.
-
Best Small Soundbar
Low on space? Don't want to clutter your living room? Check out the Sonos Beam (Gen 2), our best soundbar for TV, if you prefer a small footprint. This next-generation soundbar retains the same compact design of the original Sonos Beam at less than 26 inches in width. What's the difference between them? Well, this model supports Dolby Atmos content, which is increasingly common on both streaming platforms and Blu-rays. You can enjoy a wide, immersive sound with multi-channel content, as the bar can widen its soundstage well past its small frame. It's not quite as stellar a performance as the more premium (and larger) Sonos Arc Ultra, but it stands out compared to other smaller soundbars.
This 5.0 setup has many of the same sound enhancement features as the Arc Ultra. First, you can access a room correction feature designed to optimize the bar's sound for your unique room. You can even add a sub and satellites to create the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) with Sub Mini + One SL Speakers for the best possible performance. That said, the standalone bar still offers a solid performance, and it's worth a look for those without a lot of space. The ability to add on other components is an added benefit if you move to a bigger room down the line.
For more on self-contained bars, check out the best all-in-one soundbars.
-
Best Soundbar For Large Rooms
For those with larger, more open living spaces, finding a soundbar capable of filling your whole room with sound is important. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless is one of the best soundbars for this use case, thanks to its 11.2.6 setup. Unlike most soundbars, it has two subwoofers to even out the bass reproduction throughout your room, as well as four satellite speakers, which you can position horizontally or vertically for the best possible sound. You can move these components around the room to fill any gaps in the soundstage, so no space goes without. While the subwoofers ensure you hear plenty of thump and rumble, the treble can sound a bit dull at times, which hurts vocal intelligibility, especially compared to our top pick, the Samsung HW-Q990F.
This soundbar doesn't have a traditional room correction feature since it lacks a microphone to analyze your room's unique acoustics. Still, you can enter your room dimensions to optimize sound for your space and customize the level of each output channel to your taste. The bar also comes with a few presets to toggle between, including 'Music,' 'Movie,' 'Game,' 'News,' and 'Sports.' Connectivity-wise, the bar offers support for all the major formats via eARC and optical. It also supports HDMI 2.1 and can passthrough 4k signals @ 120Hz @ 10-bit. With two HDMI In ports, the bar can easily act as a hub for your different devices and displays.
Notable Mentions
-
Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc Ultra:
The Sonos Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc UItra is a premium alternative to the Samsung HW-Q990F. It offers an immersive sound and a modular design you can add speakers to, but it's more limited than the Samsung with wired connectivity due to its single eARC port.
See our review -
Klipsch Flexus Core 300:
The Klipsch Flexus Core 300 is an all-in-one soundbar that makes a good alternative to larger setups like the Samsung HW-Q930D, especially if you're short on space. Of course, since it lacks a dedicated sub and satellites, the Klipsch's sound isn't as immersive as the Samsung's, but it still offers a balanced, versatile sound in a simple package.
See our review -
LG S90TR:
The LG S90TR offers an alternative to Samsung's reign with a complete satellite and sub configuration. If found at the right price, it easily challenges the Samsung HW-Q800D's performance, especially for surround sound by having satellites, but its Atmos performance is weaker.
See our review
Recent Updates
Feb 23, 2026:
This article was updated to replace the mid-range pick, LG S90TR, with the Samsung HW-Q800D, which offers better value. The Hisense AX5140Q is the new budget pick because it has up-firing drivers, unlike the previous pick, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Sub + Speakers. The Amazon is mentioned in the text, though, and the LG has been moved to Notable Mentions. In the Samsung HW-Q800D's section, the TCL Q85H is suggested for its satellites.
Nov 26, 2025:
This article has been updated to remove the Samsung HW-Q800F as the lower mid-range pick and instead include it as a mid-range option for those who prefer not to have satellites, which come with the LG S90TR. Otherwise, only minor edits have been made throughout for accuracy.
Sep 29, 2025:
We've added the Samsung HW-Q800F as a new lower mid-range pick to better serve different price points. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with Sub + Speakers is our new budget pick, with the Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 as an alternative for Atmos fans. The Nakamichi Shockwafe Wireless replaces the Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 eARC as our pick for large rooms. Finally, in our Notable Mentions, we added the Klipsch Flexus Core 300 for anyone looking for an all-in-one solution, removed the Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad with Bass Module, and replaced the LG S95TR with the newer LG S95AR.
Jul 17, 2025:
We've replaced our 'Best Soundbar' pick, the Samsung HW-Q990D, with the Samsung HW-Q990F due to marginal improvements in connectivity and format support (Eclipsa Audio). We've also updated the text for clarity and mentioned more recently reviewed products throughout the article, including the Nakamichi DRAGON and Samsung HW-Q910D.
Mar 31, 2025:
This article's Notable Mentions have been updated to replace the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 (which is frequently unavailable) with Vizio Elevate SE SL512X-0806 and to add the TCL Q85H. Otherwise, the article has been checked for accuracy with very minor text edits.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the top soundbars for most people to buy. We factor in the price (a cheaper soundbar wins over a pricier one if the difference isn't worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no soundbars that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our soundbar reviews, including the top soundbars for TV. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. No soundbar is perfect. Personal taste, preference, and listening habits will matter more in your selection.