The perfect soundbars can utterly rework your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into one thing that truly 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 general playback than most built-in TV audio system ever may.
In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each sort of dwelling leisure setup — from compact all-in-one models to full encompass methods with subwoofers and rear audio system. Some prioritize simplicity and modern design, whereas others are filled with immersive options like Dolby Atmos and sensible voice controls. Irrespective of your price range or your area, we’ve picked one of the 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 might 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 is going to 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 general design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nevertheless, the corporate is including a couple 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 sit down 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 massive three TV firms, Sony is the one one which didn’t announce any dwelling theater gear at CES. The corporate has determined to focus primarily on its automotive efforts on the present lately, leaving TV and audio bulletins for later within the 12 months. The corporate debuted a number of soundbar choices 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’d regulate is Sennheiser. The authentic Ambeo mannequin 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 might 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 is going to at all times be a troublesome promote for some folks.
Though I believe it’s much less probably, it’s additionally doable that Sonos has new soundbars this 12 months. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent system will probably be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Movement tech inside the Arc Extremely would supply an enormous enchancment to bass efficiency in compact fashions just like the Beam and Ray. The corporate might convey Sound Movement to standalone audio system first, but it surely’s destined for these smaller soundbars finally.
The perfect soundbars for 2025
Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget
Top: 2.95 inches | Width: 46.38 inches | Depth: 4.35 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 9.1.4 | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Model: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 110W
Learn our full Sonos Arc Extremely evaluate
At $999, the Arc Extremely is an expensive addition to your front room, and growth solely will get costlier from right here. Nevertheless, Sonos affords vital upgrades over the Arc in a couple 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 once 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 be an enchancment – as is the addition of Bluetooth connectivity. The expanded speech enhancement characteristic 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.
- Improved bass efficiency
- Crisp, clear and immersive sound
- Expanded Speech Enhancement
- Suitable with Ace headphones
- Nonetheless only a single HDMI port
- Growth stays expensive
- Massive footprint
Sony
Top: 3 inches | Width: 51 inches | Depth: 5 inches | Ports: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Optical, 1 x Anologue, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.2 | Assistant help: Google | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Model: TV unit | Max wattage: 500W
Sony has an extended observe document of fantastic 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 because of Sony’s 360 Sound Mapping, Sound Discipline Optimization, vertical encompass expertise and S-Pressure Professional entrance encompass. There’s quite a lot of tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each helpful 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 glorious readability for each TV exhibits 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 help, you may anticipate 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your tv, so the A7000 is a good possibility for players. This soundbar is pricey at $1,198 and it doesn’t include a separate subwoofer (although it does have one inbuilt). Nevertheless, Sony does provide you with 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. Should 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 lately). It packs practically all the identical bells and whistles because the A7000, solely in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.
- Dolby Atmos help and 360 Sound Mapping
- Works with AirPlay 2
- Consists of two HDMI eARC ports
- Costly
- Would not embody a separate subwoofer
Sennheiser Client Audio
Top: 10 inches | Width: 70 inches | Depth: 6.5 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.4 | Assistant help: Google, Alexa, Siri | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Model: TV unit | Max wattage: 250W
Learn our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini evaluate
Whereas that is essentially 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 an entire bundle places you at a comparable place to flagship models from the competitors. Upon getting each although, the Ambeo Mini is really spectacular for a small soundbar.
The principle characteristic is Sennheiser’s spatial Ambeo expertise that first debuted on the large 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. Nevertheless, 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.
- Compact design
- Wonderful readability
- Nice bass
- Straightforward setup
- Costly
- No bundled sub
- Ambeo impact is restricted
- One HDMI port
Engadget
Top: 3.94 inches | Width: 25.63 inches | Depth: 2.68 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 5.0 | Voice assistant: Google, Alexa | Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Model: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 220W
Learn our full Sonos Beam evaluate
Stable sound high quality? Test. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and straightforward to arrange? Uh huh. Suitable with different Sonos audio system for a extra strong system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been considered one of 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 received’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top field on to this. It additionally signifies that when you’ve got an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll want an adapter.
- Comparatively compact design
- Good sound for its measurement
- Helps Dolby Atmos
- One consists of one HDMI port
Billy Steele for Engadget
Top: 2.0 inches | Width: 45.67 inches | Depth: 4.72 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI in, 1x HDMI out, 1 x Optical, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 3.1.2| Voice assistant: Google Assistant | Connectivity: Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI | Model: TV unit, wall mount, shelf | Max wattage: 320W
Learn our full Samsung HW-QS700F soundbar evaluate
If design issues to you, the QS700F is the best-looking soundbar on this listing. Plus, Samsung outfitted it with an orientation characteristic that robotically adjusts the audio output once you wall mount it. There are many different helpful instruments too, however essentially 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.
- Computerized orientation adjustment
- Crisp and balanced sound
- Refined design
- Straightforward setup
- 3.1.2-channel audio constrains film sound
- Room calibration and different main options solely work with Samsung TVs
VIZIO
Top: 7.68 inches | Width: 24 inches | Depth: 2.28 inches | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x USB | Channels: 2.1 | Voice assistant: None | Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI | Model: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 156W
Should you’re in search of 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 may be an important alternative in the event you don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up quite a lot 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 telephone or one other system. DTS Digital:X compatibility affords among the impact of encompass sound with out a larger unit or extra audio system.
- Compact design
- Consists of wi-fi subwoofer
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 once you need to keep away from in search of the distant management, however one of the best playback high quality is normally solely within the high tier and the codecs these premium soundbar methods help. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities in the event you’re constructing a very cinematic dwelling leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you may want to take a look at the finer particulars fastidiously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. Should you’re in search of among the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, measurement, channels and subwoofer choices might be vital 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 large one. Lots of the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted relating to connectivity choices. They both supply an optical port or one HDMI jack and, in the event 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. Should you plan to attach a number of gadgets like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for one of the best audio expertise, you’ll need an possibility with no less than two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are important 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 large factor you’ll need to take note of when in search of one of the best soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that firms 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, 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, vital for the immersive impact of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled models have them, but when they do, the third quantity will inform you 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. On the subject of Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate system), Chromecast, Spotify Join and AirPlay 2. Relying in your preferences, you may be capable to 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 flexibility to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or battle with — a Bluetooth connection. As an example, Sonos audio system typically supply seamless integration with iOS gadgets, making it straightforward to attach and stream music wirelessly. Should you’re in search of 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 an expensive soundbar in your front room solely to find you must 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 giant (and heavy), and most soundbars aren’t practically as large. I discovered a precious lesson: Be certain that 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 all the way down to the TV you will have (or are planning to get) and what the first objective is in your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Would you like the very best sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you simply need to have the ability to really hear your TV higher? Or would you like a full dwelling leisure expertise with crisp vocals, thunderous deep bass, and immersive encompass system audio?
By being attentive to every of these areas, it is 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 couple of favorites for finest soundbar at numerous value factors to get you began.
Different soundbars we examined
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6
There’s rather a lot to love concerning the Bravia Theater Bar 6, Sony’s new midrange possibility in its soundbar lineup. Sound high quality is the speaker’s finest attribute, though it’s restricted by its 3.1.2-channel configuration. The largest two points with this mannequin are the shortage 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 you must contemplate on a $650 soundbar in 2025.
Sonos Arc
There’s little doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, but it surely’s additionally the corporate’s most costly. With a brand new mannequin based mostly on the Arc rumored to be on the way in which, 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 system 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 means that you can join streaming and gaming gadgets on to their soundbars.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized mannequin 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 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. Nevertheless, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA enter, so you should use it with a turntable in the event you’re into vinyl.
Greatest soundbar FAQs
Is a soundbar higher than audio system?
It actually is determined by what you’re after. A soundbar is certainly an easier, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. If you’d like higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t need to cope with a number of audio system and wires all over the place, a soundbar might be the way in which to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular encompass sound results, because of options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio expertise.
Nevertheless, in the event 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 provides you with 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 best 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 together with your TV distant.
If HDMI ARC isn’t an possibility in your TV, you should use 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 no less than supply one as an optionally available add-on which you could buy individually. A subwoofer is what provides you that deep, booming bass, so in the event you like motion films or desire a fuller sound for music, having one could make an enormous distinction. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, however these typically don’t present the identical punch as a separate one.
