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10 Best Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue

Audio Channels: 5.1
Connectivity Options: HDMI, Optical, AC, USB-A, Bluetooth
Subwoofer: Wireless
Sound Modes: Movie, Music, Sports, Night
Size and Design: Soundbar: 37” x 5.2” x 2.5”

Chosen by 1292 this week

JBL Bar 9.1 - Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos, Black

Audio Channels: 9.1
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Optical, HDMI
Power Output: 820 Watts
Subwoofer: 300W, 10" powered
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Size and Design: 4.7"D x 34.8"W x 2.4"H

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

Audio Channels: Stereo
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, USB
Subwoofer: Wired
Sound Modes: Dialogue mode
Size and Design: 4.02"D x 23.38"W x 2.21"H

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - Black

Audio Channels: 9.1.4
Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
Subwoofer: Wired
Sound Modes: Speech Enhancement, Trueplay tuning
Size and Design: 4.35"D x 46.18"W x 3.13"H

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, Surround Sound System for TV, Dolby Atmos Soundbar for TV Plus Alexa and Google Voice Control, Black

Audio Channels: 3.1
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Power Output: 180 Watts
Subwoofer: Not included
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, TrueSpace, A.I. Dialogue
Size and Design: 4.21"D x 41.14"W x 2.29"H, Black

Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Audio Channels: 2.0
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI
Power Output: 200 Watts
Subwoofer: Not included
Sound Modes: Surround
Size and Design: 3.9"D x 25.6"W x 2.7"H
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,292
Connectivity Options

Most important from
89 reviews

Connectivity Options
The soundbar setup was incredibly quick, connecting instantly with TV and other components, making it ready for use within minutes.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, released in 2024, is designed for those looking to create a cinematic audio experience at home. Its 5.1 channel setup, which includes a soundbar, subwoofer, and two surround sound speakers, promises immersive sound through Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology. This means that you can expect sound to move around you, providing a lifelike and multi-dimensional audio experience. Additionally, the dedicated center channel ensures that dialogue is crystal clear, making it easier to follow conversations in your favorite movies and shows.

The soundbar also offers various sound modes like Movie, Music, Sports, and Night to tailor the audio to what you're watching, enhancing the experience. Setup is straightforward as the subwoofer and surround speakers connect wirelessly to the soundbar, minimizing cable clutter. Another convenience is that it works seamlessly with smart TVs and TVs with streaming media players, and you can even control it using a single remote. Bluetooth connectivity is a plus, allowing you to stream music from your phone or tablet.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. The subwoofer and surround speakers are not built into the soundbar, so you'll need space to arrange these components around your room. The soundbar itself is quite large at 37 inches, which might be an issue for smaller spaces. Additionally, while it comes with a 1-year warranty, extended warranties are sold separately. This product is best suited for users who are looking for a high-quality, comprehensive home theater sound system and have the space to accommodate the additional components.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,292
Connectivity Options

Most important from
89 reviews

Connectivity Options
The soundbar setup was incredibly quick, connecting instantly with TV and other components, making it ready for use within minutes.
#2

JBL Bar 9.1 - Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos, Black

Rating
10.0
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Power Output

Most important from
1754 reviews

Audio Channels
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a near-perfect surround system with immersive sound and powerful bass.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options like Chromecast, Bluetooth, and HDMI provide versatile ways to connect devices.
Power Output
The system delivers an amazing bass that literally shakes things in the house, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Subwoofer
The system delivers an amazing bass that literally shakes things in the house, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Sound Modes
Built-in calibration adjusts sound output based on room acoustics, ensuring optimal performance.
Size and Design
Detachable, battery-powered surround speakers are a standout feature, making setup flexible and wire-free.

The JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar System is a great option for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience, especially those who enjoy surround sound and cinematic audio. With a powerful 820W output and built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, this soundbar delivers immersive sound that can fill a room. The standout feature is its detachable, battery-powered surround speakers, which allow for a genuine surround sound experience without the hassle of wires, making it particularly user-friendly for setups in various spaces.

One of the significant strengths of this soundbar is the included 300W, 10" powered subwoofer, which produces deep, resonant bass that enhances music and movie audio alike. The system also supports Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision, ensuring compatibility with high-definition video content.

Connectivity is well covered with options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Optical, and HDMI, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. Additionally, the built-in calibration feature is helpful for adjusting the sound output based on your room's acoustics, ensuring you get the best audio performance.

Rating
10.0
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Power Output

Most important from
1754 reviews

Audio Channels
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a near-perfect surround system with immersive sound and powerful bass.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options like Chromecast, Bluetooth, and HDMI provide versatile ways to connect devices.
Power Output
The system delivers an amazing bass that literally shakes things in the house, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Subwoofer
The system delivers an amazing bass that literally shakes things in the house, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Sound Modes
Built-in calibration adjusts sound output based on room acoustics, ensuring optimal performance.
Size and Design
Detachable, battery-powered surround speakers are a standout feature, making setup flexible and wire-free.
#3

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

Rating
9.9
Size and Design

Most important from
12296 reviews

Size and Design
The compact design integrates seamlessly with the TV, offering rich and clear sound without taking up much space.

The Bose TV Speaker soundbar is a compact audio solution designed to enhance your TV viewing experience, particularly for those who struggle with dialogue clarity. One of its standout features is its specialized dialogue mode, which elevates speech, making it easier to understand what’s being said in movies and shows. The soundbar is equipped with two angled drivers that create a wider and more natural sound, giving users an immersive audio experience despite its small size.

Connectivity is user-friendly with options like HDMI-ARC, optical input, and AUX, along with Bluetooth capability, allowing you to stream music and podcasts from your devices. The simple setup process makes it accessible for anyone, requiring just a single cable connection to your TV. Its compact design (just over 2 inches tall) means it can fit easily in front of your TV or be wall-mounted, which is a plus for those with limited space.

While it offers decent sound quality, it lacks a built-in subwoofer, which can limit bass response compared to larger sound systems. For users seeking deeper bass, there's an option to upgrade by adding a Bose Bass Module, although this requires additional investment and setup. Some users might also find that the power output is not as robust as they might prefer for larger rooms or louder settings.

Rating
9.9
Size and Design

Most important from
12296 reviews

Size and Design
The compact design integrates seamlessly with the TV, offering rich and clear sound without taking up much space.

Buying Guide for the Best Sound Bars

Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. Sound bars are designed to provide better sound quality than your TV's built-in speakers, and they come in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio signals the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 sound bar has two channels (left and right), while a 2.1 adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, opt for a higher channel count. For general TV watching and music, a 2.0 or 2.1 might suffice.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common connections include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC provides high-quality audio and allows control through your TV remote, making it a convenient choice. Optical connections are also good for high-quality sound but lack some of the convenience features of HDMI ARC. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from smartphones and other devices. Consider what devices you plan to connect and choose a sound bar with the appropriate connectivity options.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Larger sound bars generally offer better sound quality due to bigger speakers and more room for sound to travel. However, they also take up more space. Slim and compact designs are ideal for smaller rooms or if you prefer a minimalist look. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and consider the aesthetics of your room to find a model that fits well.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with built-in subwoofers, while others include separate, often wireless, subwoofers. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or want to feel the rumble of explosions in movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer is a good choice. For more balanced audio or if space is limited, a sound bar without a subwoofer might be sufficient.
Smart FeaturesSmart features in sound bars include voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, app control, and integration with smart home systems. These features can add convenience, allowing you to control the sound bar with voice commands or through an app on your phone. If you already use smart home devices or want to streamline your entertainment setup, look for a sound bar with these capabilities. If you prefer a straightforward audio experience, you might not need these extras.
Sound QualitySound quality is arguably the most important aspect of a sound bar. It encompasses clarity, balance, and the ability to reproduce a wide range of frequencies. Look for sound bars with good reviews on sound quality, and consider features like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for a more immersive experience. If you're an audiophile or plan to use the sound bar for high-quality music listening, prioritize models known for excellent sound quality. For casual TV watching, a mid-range sound bar should suffice.

FAQ