10 Best Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a robust soundbar system designed to bring an immersive audio experience to your home theater setup. With a powerful 820W output and built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding, it ensures high-quality surround sound. The standout feature is the detachable, battery-powered surround speakers, which allow for real surround sound without the hassle of wires—ideal for users who want flexibility in speaker placement.

One of the key strengths of this sound system is its impressive 300W, 10" powered subwoofer, which delivers deep, rich bass that enhances movie watching and music listening. Additionally, the soundbar supports Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision, making it suitable for modern home entertainment setups.

Connectivity options are ample, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical, and HDMI, which means you can easily connect various devices. The included calibration system helps optimize the audio output for different room sizes and shapes, ensuring the best sound experience possible. The soundbar's powerful nature may take up more space, especially with the subwoofer and detachable speakers, making it less ideal for smaller rooms or minimalist setups. The setup may require some initial configuration, which could be daunting for less tech-savvy users. In terms of design, it has a sleek black finish that can fit seamlessly into most home decors, but it lacks water resistance, so it’s best kept away from humid environments. This soundbar system is best suited for movie enthusiasts and music lovers looking for a comprehensive audio solution that delivers a theater-like experience at home. However, those with limited space or simple sound needs might want to consider more compact alternatives.

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar that aims to enhance your TV audio experience, especially when it comes to dialogue clarity. With its two angled full-range drivers, it provides a wide and natural sound, making it a good choice for movie watching, sports events, or just enjoying your favorite shows. One standout feature is its enhanced dialogue mode, which specifically focuses on making voices clearer, a major plus for those who often struggle to catch every word during dialogue-heavy scenes.

Connectivity is user-friendly, supporting Bluetooth, HDMI-ARC, Optical, and AUX, allowing you to easily pair your devices for streaming music or podcasts. The setup is straightforward, as a single cable connection links the soundbar to your TV, making it accessible even for those who aren't tech-savvy.

In terms of size, the Bose TV Speaker is just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to fit in front of your TV or mount on a wall, which is perfect for smaller spaces. The included remote control adds convenience, enabling features like bass boost and the dialogue mode. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the sound performance is solid for a small unit, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which might disappoint those looking for deeper bass. Although you can connect it to an external Bose Bass Module, that requires extra investment and isn't included. The soundbar is also not waterproof, limiting its use in more diverse environments.

The Bose TV Speaker is well-suited for individuals who primarily watch TV shows and movies and prioritize dialogue clarity. It’s user-friendly and compact, making it a practical choice for enhancing home entertainment. If you're seeking a robust bass experience or a more immersive sound setup, exploring additional speaker options or investing in the compatible subwoofer may be beneficial.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is designed to deliver an impressive audio experience, especially for those looking for high-quality sound in their home entertainment setup. With a robust 9.1.4 channel layout and Dolby Atmos support, it creates a rich and immersive spatial audio experience that enhances movies and music alike. The innovative Sound Motion technology is a standout feature, providing precise sound placement throughout the room, making it enjoyable in various listening environments.

In terms of usability, the Arc Ultra offers flexible connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI, allowing for easy integration with most TVs and streaming devices. The straightforward setup process is a plus, as users can quickly get started with guidance from the Sonos app. Additionally, the soundbar includes features like Speech Enhancement, which improves dialogue clarity, making it a great choice for watching films or shows with intricate plots.

The sleek design of the Arc Ultra adds to its appeal, blending seamlessly into modern home decor without drawing attention away from the screen. Voice control capabilities through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa make it convenient to manage playback without needing to reach for a remote. The soundbar is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market, which might not fit every budget. Also, while it delivers excellent sound on its own, the full potential of the Dolby Atmos experience can only be realized by adding additional Sonos components, like the Sub or rear speakers, which further increases the cost. The Arc Ultra is also not waterproof, limiting its placement options to indoor environments only.

If you're seeking a premium soundbar and are willing to invest in a more comprehensive sound setup, the Sonos Arc Ultra could be a fantastic addition to your home audio system, especially for movie lovers and music enthusiasts.