The best soundbar can make sure you get the best audio performance around, without any hassle or complicated setup.
While a lot of people might go for something like the best PC speakers when thinking about audio upgrades, we think the best soundbars are often a better shout. They pack loads of speakers into one unit, and can still manage Dolby Atmos thanks to amazing design.
Navigating all the options can be tricky though, which is why we've put together a list of top picks, taking into account a wide range of prices, features, and brands so you can make the upgrade and enjoy a whole new world of sound sooner rather than later.
Quick List: 7 Best Soundbars
- Best soundbar overall - Sony HT-A7000
- Best budget soundbar - Creative Stage 360
- Best wireless soundbar - Samsung Q930C
- Best Dolby Atmos soundbar - Sonos Arc
- Best gaming soundbar for PC - Razer Leviathan V2
- Best small soundbar - Sonos Beam
- Best mid-range soundbar - Vizio M-Series Elevate
The Sony HT-A7000 is a top-tier soundbar that stands out as an excellent choice for building a high-quality home entertainment setup. With its immersive audio capabilities and versatile features, it delivers rich, room-filling sound whether you're watching a movie, playing games, or streaming music.
Key features:
- 7.1.2 channel system with seven main channels, two height channels, and a built-in subwoofer for dynamic surround sound
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive, multi-dimensional audio
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology with phantom speakers for wider sound dispersion
- Sound Field Optimization to auto-calibrate audio based on your room’s acoustics
- Expandable setup with compatibility for SA-SW3/SA-SW5 subwoofers and SA-RS3S/SA-RS5 rear speakers
- Multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and eARC
- Smart assistant support with Alexa and Google Assistant integration
Altogether, the HT-A7000 is a feature-rich and future-proof soundbar that excels in both sound performance and smart functionality. If you're after premium Dolby Atmos audio with the flexibility to grow your system, this is a top contender.
If you're looking to upgrade your home audio setup without spending a fortune, the Creative Stage 360 is a fantastic budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance.
Key features:
- 2.1-channel configuration with two main channels and a subwoofer for a wider soundstage
- High-excursion long-throw subwoofer that produces deep, punchy bass
- Dolby Atmos technology for realistic 3D surround sound, enhancing TV and movie audio
- Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI 2.0, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth
- Remote control for convenient volume, bass, and listening mode adjustments
- Compact design, measuring just 22.24 inches in length—ideal for small spaces
Overall, the Creative Stage 360 strikes an excellent balance between price, performance, and size. With its Dolby Atmos support and strong bass response, it's a great choice for anyone wanting to enhance their home entertainment system without breaking the bank.
The Samsung Q930C is an exceptional soundbar system that delivers cinematic audio right in your living room. With the main bar, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer included, this setup pumps out an immersive 9.1.4-channel output—perfect for bringing your movies, shows, and games to life.
Key features:
- 9.1.4-channel surround sound, complete with rear speakers and subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos support for full 3D spatial audio
- Wireless design for a clean, clutter-free setup
- SpaceFit Sound Pro, which adjusts the sound to match your room's acoustics
- Game Mode to reduce latency for better sync while gaming
- Q-Symphony compatibility with Samsung TVs for seamless audio integration
- Tap pairing with Samsung phones for instant connection
All in all, the Samsung Q930C is packed with features that elevate your audio experience, whether you're watching a blockbuster or battling it out online. It's especially ideal for Samsung users, but even if you’re not, this soundbar earns its place in any serious home entertainment setup.
The Sonos Arc is widely regarded as one of the best soundbars available, thanks to its powerful 11-channel configuration and built-in subwoofer. It’s designed to deliver an immersive 3D sound experience, making your movies and shows feel more dynamic and lifelike.
Key features:
- 11-channel setup with built-in subwoofer and two dedicated height channels
- Dolby Atmos support for rich, spatial audio
- Tuned by Oscar-winning engineers for clear, cinematic dialogue
- Speech Enhancement feature via the Sonos app for clearer conversations
- Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi
- Quick setup with just two cables
- Expandable system – wirelessly add subwoofers and rear speakers
The Sonos Arc blends high-end performance with user-friendly functionality, making it a standout choice for home theaters. With minimal cables and easy expandability, it offers a sleek, powerful upgrade to your entertainment setup without the mess.
Razer has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality gaming peripherals, so it’s no surprise that the Razer Leviathan V2 stands out as one of the best PC soundbars available. Designed specifically with gamers in mind, this soundbar offers both impressive audio and eye-catching aesthetics.
Key features:
- 5.1 channel configuration, including five main channels and a dedicated subwoofer
- Multiple drivers for full-range, high-fidelity sound
- THX-certified 7.1 surround sound for immersive spatial audio
- Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity for low-latency wireless performance
- Compact form factor that fits easily under your monitor or beside your PC
- Razer Chroma RGB lighting with 18 customizable zones and dynamic in-game effects
With premium audio, sleek looks, and seamless wireless integration, the Razer Leviathan V2 delivers a complete package for any PC gaming setup. Whether you're immersed in a campaign or just vibing to your favorite soundtrack, this soundbar makes sure your experience both looks and sounds fantastic.
If you’re in the market for a compact yet powerful soundbar, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 could be exactly what you’re looking for. Despite its smaller footprint, this soundbar packs in high-end audio features perfect for movies, TV shows, music, and even gaming.
Key features:
- Panoramic soundstage for immersive audio across all types of content
- Dolby Atmos support delivers rich, 3D cinematic sound
- Sonos App integration for quick sound customization
- 'Night Sound' mode lowers loud effects while boosting quieter audio for late-night watching
- Stereo mode ideal for podcasts and music with enhanced speech clarity
- Simple two-cable setup, making installation quick and hassle-free
Thanks to its size, easy setup, and impressive sound performance, the Beam Gen 2 is a great addition to any home entertainment setup—especially if space is at a premium.
Vizio is a well-known name in the US speaker market, and the M-Series Elevate soundbar is a standout mid-range option that delivers a strong balance between performance and affordability. It’s a great pick if you’re looking to upgrade your audio setup without spending a fortune.
Key features:
- Two tweeters and a woofer for an immersive and dynamic soundstage
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, creating surround sound that wraps around and above you
- 103dB sound pressure level for loud, clear audio that fills the room
- Wide 45Hz – 20kHz frequency range, offering detailed highs and deep lows
Thanks to its robust audio performance and cinematic features, the M-Series Elevate works well across all types of content—from gaming and movies to music. For a mid-range price, you’re getting a lot of quality, making this soundbar a worthy contender in its class.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While you're searching for the best soundbar, you may encounter these questions...
What is Dolby Atmos technology?
Dolby Atmos is, at its core, surround sound technology, but taken up a notch to give you a cinematic audio experience from the comfort of your own home.
It works by using 118 simultaneous sound objects, which can be as simple as a ball bouncing or a door slamming. These objects are placed by designers to exact points in a sound field rather than simply assigned to a specific channel for more accurate results.
This is what helps give Dobly Atmos sound that 3D effect, despite simply using a compact soundbar for your audio.
What is DTS:X?
DTS:X is an audio codec that aims to mimic the sounds objects would make in real life rather simply on a TV screen. For example, DTS:X aims to make you hear a helicopter hovering in the sky as if it were above you, thus giving you a sense of multi-dimensional sound.
This differs from Dolby Atmos as DTS:X works with standard surround speaker setups, rather than Atmos, which requires 5.1 or 7.1.
Final Thoughts
With so many impressive options available, finding the perfect soundbar to elevate your home audio setup has never been easier. Whether you're after cinematic Dolby Atmos, wireless convenience, or a budget-friendly upgrade, there's something here to suit every need and space.