Quick Overview
- Best value soundbar: Vizio V-Series V214x-K6 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar
- Best soundbar for streamers: Roku Streambar Pro
- Best soundbar for hearing loss: Zvox AccuVoice AV355 Dialogue Clarifying Soundbar
- Best Affordable Atmos Soundbar: Bose Smart Soundbar 600
- Best smart soundbar: Sonos Arc Premium Smart Soundbar
- Best surround soundbar: Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR 7.1.2-Channel Soundbar
- Best money-is-no-object soundbar: Samsung HW-Q990B/ZA 11.1.4-Channel Soundbar with Wireless Dolby Atmos
Your 4K TV looks amazing — but does it have great sound? Is your supposed surround sound system lacking in quality, forcing you to raise the volume to distortion levels just to understand what’s being said on your favorite shows? Enter the Bluetooth-enabled soundbar, the savior of your sound experience.
With so many options available, choosing the right soundbar for your living room can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in. I’ve tested seven models that I consider to be the best on the market, evaluating each one based on price, ease of setup and operation, features and connectivity options, and sound quality. I’ve also taken into account user ratings to ensure I’m providing you with the best soundbar options.
Here’s how I tested the soundbars:
- Sound quality: I played movies and TV shows on each soundbar to assess their audio performance. All seven soundbars were tested with an Amazon Fire TV Omni Series QLED TV.
- Usability: I evaluated the instruction manuals, remotes, front-panel displays, and ease of switching between TV audio and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. I also considered any senior-friendly features like dialogue enhancement and voice controls.
Now, before I reveal my top picks for the best soundbar, let’s address some commonly asked questions.
What is a soundbar?
A soundbar is a long, low-profile cabinet that contains a group of speakers. It’s designed to sit in front of or below your TV and can include additional speakers like a subwoofer or satellites for a surround sound experience.
How much do I need to spend?
There’s an option for every budget. The Vizio V214x-K6 and Roku Streambar Pro, priced at $150 and $179 respectively, offer great value for the money. While you can find soundbars for as little as $40-$45, investing a little more will ensure better audio quality.
What features are important?
The most important feature is the soundbar itself, but dialogue- or voice-boosting capabilities can make a big difference, especially for those with hearing loss. Look for soundbars that offer these features. Additionally, consider the size of the soundbar in relation to your TV and the availability of HDMI ports for easier control and better audio quality. Bluetooth connectivity is also common, but going wired ensures the best audio quality.
What about a subwoofer and satellite speakers?
You can add subwoofers and satellite speakers later if you want a more surround system-like experience. For this roundup, I’ve chosen soundbars that connect wirelessly to these additional speakers, making setup easier.
Is Dolby Atmos necessary?
Dolby Atmos is a nice feature to have if available and set up correctly, but it can be costly and complex. It’s not a must-have for the average viewer.
Is setting up a soundbar difficult?
Not really. Standalone soundbars are usually easy to install. However, keep in mind that the setup guides and instructions may be limited, so be prepared to access online resources for additional help.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into my top picks for the best soundbars on the market.
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