The very best soundbars to spice up your TV audio in 2025

[ad_1] The very best soundbars can fully rework your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into one thing that truly sounds cinematic. Whether or not you are watching blockbuster motion pictures, listening to music or gaming, a great soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and higher total playback than most built-in TV audio system ever might.

In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each form of house leisure setup — from compact all-in-one items to full {surround} techniques with subwoofers and rear audio system. Some prioritize simplicity and smooth design, whereas others are filled with immersive options like Dolby Atmos and good voice controls. Regardless of your price range or your area, we’ve picked the very best soundbars you should purchase proper now to assist elevate your audio expertise.

Desk of contents The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025 I sometimes come out of CES with a fairly clear understanding of the brand new soundbars which are coming for the yr, however that wasn’t precisely the case in 2025. LG determined to hold over its most premium soundbars from 2024, however it'll add the compact S20A this yr. The corporate solely previewed the mannequin at CES, so full specs are nonetheless forthcoming.

Samsung will as soon as once more preserve the identical total design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nonetheless, the corporate is including a couple of new instruments and it drastically lowered 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 sit down on a desk or mechanically regulate 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 admittedly to promote it.

Of the massive three TV firms, 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 not too long ago, leaving TV and audio bulletins for later within the yr. The corporate debuted a number of soundbar choices in 2024 and a four-speaker setup for the lounge within the Bravia Quad. That mentioned, it wouldn’t shock me if Sony launched new soundbars later within the yr since its most up-to-date fashions have been solely introduced final April.

One firm I'd control is Sennheiser. The unique Ambeo mannequin is almost six years outdated and will use a refresh. The corporate has added medium and mini choices to the Ambeo lineup since then, however it will be good to see a refined model of the biggest mannequin too. The unique Ambeo soundbar is large, so regardless of how good it sounds, it'll all the time be a tricky promote for some individuals.

Though I believe it’s much less seemingly, it’s additionally potential that Sonos has new soundbars this yr. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent gadget will seemingly be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Movement tech contained in the Arc Extremely would supply a giant enchancment to bass efficiency in compact fashions just like the Beam and Ray. The corporate could carry Sound Movement to standalone audio system first, nevertheless it’s destined for these smaller soundbars ultimately.

The very best soundbars for 2025 <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/VIQuXIidbyySIPBo2IOfrA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-11/d0d77760-a2a5-11ef-9e93-3cc02ef8935d" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Arc Extremely overview

At $999, the Arc Extremely is a dear addition to your front room, and growth solely will get costlier from right here. Nonetheless, Sonos gives vital upgrades over the Arc in a couple of key areas. First, due to 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 while 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 talents.

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

Execs Improved bass performanceCrisp, clear and immersive soundExpanded Speech EnhancementCompatible with Ace headphones Cons Nonetheless only a single HDMI portExpansion stays priceyLarge footprint $999 at Sonos <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/gkvFI1ocl.kTsxLeKXH_CA--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-05/3ab0b0b0-0e2d-11ef-bdb7-5e6d6245f373" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Sony

Sony has an extended monitor document of wonderful high-end soundbars and its newest is one other great-sounding product. The A7000 is a sturdy Dolby Atmos soundbar, able to immersive 7.1.2 audio due to Sony’s 360 Sound Mapping, Sound Subject Optimization, vertical {surround} know-how and S-Power Professional entrance {surround}. There’s a number of tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each useful relating to 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 wonderful readability for each TV reveals and music.

Two HDMI eARC inputs imply you may hook up a number of streaming containers or gaming consoles. And due to HDMI 2.1 assist, you may count on 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your tv, so the A7000 is a superb possibility for players. 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 significantly better trying) SA-RS5 set is $598. In the event you’re trying to avoid wasting cash on the soundbar itself, Sony gives the HT-A5000 for $999 (though we’ve seen it on sale for $798 not too long ago). It packs almost all the identical bells and whistles because the A7000, solely in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.

Execs Dolby Atmos assist and 360 Sound MappingWorks with AirPlay 2Includes two HDMI eARC ports Cons ExpensiveDoesn't embrace a separate subwoofer $1,098 at World Broad Stereo <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/IVJInDRck9q7kMgzm7CADQ--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://media-mbst-pub-ue1.s3.amazonaws.com/creatr-uploaded-images/2024-05/590d0f40-0e2d-11ef-bd7f-1f3da3d9be6a" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Sennheiser Client Audio

Learn our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini overview

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 really spectacular for a small soundbar.

The primary function is Sennheiser’s spatial Ambeo know-how that first debuted on the huge Ambeo Soundbar Max in 2019. With it, the corporate gives 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 motion pictures and music. That's, as long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.

Execs Compact designExcellent clarityGreat bassEasy setup Cons ExpensiveNo bundled subAmbeo impact is limitedOne HDMI port $600 at Amazon <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/8tLIHHkbnsbprOPz.3GEMw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-05/377f1060-ef36-11ed-affe-422cd7f203b2" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Beam overview

Stable sound high quality? Test. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and simple to arrange? Uh huh. Appropriate with different Sonos audio system for a extra strong system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been one among our favorites because it arrived in 2018, however there was one factor it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the massive addition to the 2021 mannequin, although it’s a bit restricted for the reason that 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 brand new Beam nonetheless solely has the one HDMI port which implies you gained’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top field on to this. It additionally implies that when you have an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll want an adapter.

Execs Comparatively compact designGood sound for its sizeSupports Dolby Atmos Cons One contains one HDMI port $449 at Sonos <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/d7w3QFfewqp2pW6IZn3Fwg--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-05/6e3c6e40-ef36-11ed-b4fe-376294e1a9f9" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> Engadget

Peak: 3.66 inches | Width: 21.93 inches | Depth: 2.76 inches | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 2.0 (non-surround), 5.1 ({surround}) | Voice assistant: None | Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Type: TV unit, wall mount, shelf | Max wattage: 10W

Learn our full Sonos Ray overview

Sonos’ newest bid for greatest soundbar could also be its most inexpensive to this point, however at $279, it’s not precisely a price range choose. Particularly when you think about there are cheaper choices that include a subwoofer. Nonetheless, the compact design doesn’t command a number of area in entrance of your TV or in your TV stand, making it a terrific possibility for smaller dwelling areas. The Ray is straightforward to arrange and gives nice sound high quality for each TV and music, and it pairs seamlessly with iOS gadgets. There are some trade-offs relating to the immersive nature of the audio, nevertheless it’s a great possibility for upgrading your TV sound with minimal fuss.

Execs Superb sound high quality for each TV and music Good bass efficiency for such a small speakerCompact, unobtrusive designEasy setupReasonable worth Cons Sound isn’t as immersive as you get from bigger modelsPeople with huge dwelling rooms may need a louder speakerNo voice controls $279 at Sonos <img alt="Image for the large product module" class="mx-auto my-0 size-full bg-white @xl/p:transition-transform @xl/p:duration-300 @xl/p:ease-in-out @xl/p:group-hover:scale-110 @xl/p:motion-reduce:group-hover:transition-none object-cover" src="https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/VurPeZzQ3geVm_SgMKxBqw--~B/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD03MjA7dz0xMjgwO2FwcGlkPXl0YWNoeW9u/https://s.yimg.com/os/creatr-uploaded-images/2023-05/87958930-ef36-11ed-ab63-d3377b01686f" loading="lazy" height="720" width="1280"/> VIZIO

In the event you’re on the lookout for a method to enhance your TV sound on a price range, Vizio has some high-quality choices. 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 could be a terrific selection should you don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up a number of area. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, however that’s actually the one sacrifice relating to the fundamentals. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections hyperlink to your tv whereas a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth help you play music out of your cellphone or one other gadget. DTS Digital:X compatibility gives a number of the impact of {surround} sound with out a larger unit or extra audio system.

Execs Compact designIncludes wi-fi subwoofer $90 at Amazon What to search for in a soundbar Options On the subject of 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 while you wish to keep away from on the lookout for the distant management, however the very best playback high quality is often solely within the high tier and the codecs these premium soundbar techniques assist. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities should you’re constructing a very cinematic house leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you will want to take a look at the finer particulars fastidiously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. In the event you're on the lookout for among the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, measurement, channels and subwoofer choices shall be necessary elements to contemplate. Some fashions even embrace a devoted subwoofer to boost bass efficiency, bringing an additional punch to motion scenes and soundtracks.

Ports It is a huge one. A number of the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted relating to 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 all the time 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 the event you plan to attach a number of gadgets like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for the very best audio expertise, you’ll need an possibility with at the very least two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are crucial 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 huge factor you’ll wish to take note of when on the lookout for the very best soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that firms embrace 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 {surround} audio system, might be 5 or seven (left, proper, middle 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 lately supply both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. On the subject of 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 may be capable of stay with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remainder I can stay with out. These two give me the power to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or wrestle with — a Bluetooth connection. As an example, Sonos audio system typically supply seamless integration with iOS gadgets, making it simple to attach and stream music wirelessly. In the event you’re on the lookout 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.

Measurement This one might sound apparent however humor me for a minute. Nothing is extra soul-crushing than getting a dear soundbar in your front room solely to find you need to rearrange every part to discover a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Sure, that speaker is absurdly massive (and heavy), and most soundbars aren't almost as huge. I realized a invaluable lesson: Ensure the area the place you wish 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 all the way 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 {surround} system audio?

By listening to every of these areas, you must 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 mentioned, we have put quite a few merchandise by way of their paces at Engadget and have a couple of favorites for greatest soundbar at varied worth factors to get you began.

Different soundbars we examined Sonos Arc There’s little doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, nevertheless it’s additionally the corporate’s most costly. With a brand new mannequin based mostly on the Arc rumored to be on the best way, it’s tough 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 may have already got for a multiroom setup. It solely has one HDMI port although, the place a lot of the competitors permits you to join streaming and gaming gadgets on to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized mannequin gives 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 strong job with immersive audio in its personal proper. Like the remainder of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no possibility 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.

Greatest soundbar FAQs Is a soundbar higher than audio system? It actually is dependent upon what you’re after. A soundbar is certainly an easier, extra compact answer in comparison with a full speaker setup. If you would like higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t wish to take care of a number of audio system and wires in all places, a soundbar might be the best way to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular {surround} sound results, due to options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio know-how.

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

What connection do I want for a soundbar? Most trendy 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 additionally some further options like controlling the soundbar along with your TV distant.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an possibility in your TV, you should utilize an optical cable, which additionally delivers strong 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 gadgets.

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