The most effective soundbars to spice up your TV audio in 2025

The most effective 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 general playback than most built-in TV audio system ever might.

In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each form of dwelling leisure setup — from compact all-in-one models to full {surround} programs 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. Irrespective of your finances or your area, we’ve picked one of the best soundbars you should buy proper now to assist elevate your audio expertise.

Desk of contents

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

I usually come out of CES with a fairly clear understanding of the brand new soundbars which might be 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 can 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 maintain the identical general design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nonetheless, the corporate is including a couple of new instruments and it drastically diminished the dimensions 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 modify 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 large 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 just lately, leaving TV and audio bulletins for later within the yr. The corporate debuted multiple soundbar options 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 might keep watch over is Sennheiser. The original Ambeo model 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 could be good to see a refined model of the biggest mannequin too. The unique Ambeo soundbar is big, so irrespective of how good it sounds, it can at all times be a troublesome promote for some folks.

Though I feel it’s much less seemingly, it’s additionally attainable that Sonos has new soundbars this yr. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent system will seemingly be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Motion tech inside the Arc Ultra would provide a giant enchancment to bass efficiency in compact fashions just like the Beam and Ray. The corporate could convey Sound Movement to standalone audio system first, however it’s destined for these smaller soundbars ultimately.

The most effective soundbars for 2025

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Arc Ultra review

At $999, the Arc Ultra is a dear addition to your lounge, and enlargement solely will get costlier from right here. Nonetheless, Sonos gives important 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 by way of 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 have been relocated and up to date, which can 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 the whole lot that’s nice about Sonos merchandise: multiroom setups and crisp, clear audio high quality.

Execs

Improved bass efficiency
Crisp, clear and immersive sound
Expanded Speech Enhancement
Suitable with Ace headphones

Cons

Nonetheless only a single HDMI port
Enlargement stays expensive
Giant footprint

$999 at Sonos

Sony

Sony has an extended monitor document of fantastic high-end soundbars and its latest 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 plenty of tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each useful with regards 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 possibly can hook up a number of streaming packing containers or gaming consoles. And because of HDMI 2.1 assist, you possibly can anticipate 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your tv, so the A7000 is a good choice for players. This soundbar is pricey at $1,198 and it doesn’t include a separate subwoofer (although it does have one in-built). Nonetheless, 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 trying) SA-RS5 set is $598. For those who’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 just lately). It packs nearly all of the same bells and whistles because the A7000, solely in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.

Execs

Dolby Atmos assist and 360 Sound Mapping
Works with AirPlay 2
Consists of two HDMI eARC ports

Cons

Costly
Does not embrace a separate subwoofer

$1,098 at World Wide Stereo

Sennheiser Client Audio

Learn our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini review

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 an entire package deal places you at a comparable place to flagship models from the competitors. Upon getting each although, the Ambeo Mini is actually spectacular for a small soundbar.

The principle 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 properly for motion pictures and music. That’s, as long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.

Execs

Compact design
Wonderful readability
Nice bass
Straightforward setup

Cons

Costly
No bundled sub
Ambeo impact is proscribed
One HDMI port

$600 at Amazon

Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Beam review

Stable sound high quality? Examine. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and simple to arrange? Uh huh. Suitable with different Sonos audio system for a extra sturdy system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been considered one of our favorites since it arrived in 2018, however there was one factor it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the large addition to the 2021 model, 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 an alternative of including extra drivers. The 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.

Execs

Comparatively compact design
Good sound for its measurement
Helps Dolby Atmos

Cons

One contains one HDMI port

$449 at Sonos

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 | Fashion: TV unit, wall mount, shelf | Max wattage: 10W

Learn our full Sonos Ray review

Sonos’ newest bid for finest soundbar could also be its most inexpensive so far, however at $279, it’s not precisely a finances decide. Particularly when you think about there are cheaper choices that include a subwoofer. Nonetheless, the compact design doesn’t command plenty of area in entrance of your TV or in your TV stand, making it an excellent choice 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 with regards to the immersive nature of the audio, however it’s a great choice for upgrading your TV sound with minimal fuss.

Execs

Excellent sound high quality for each TV and music Good bass efficiency for such a small speaker
Compact, unobtrusive design
Straightforward setup
Cheap value

Cons

Sound isn’t as immersive as you get from bigger fashions
Individuals with massive dwelling rooms may desire a louder speaker
No voice controls

$279 at Sonos

VIZIO

For those who’re in search of a method to enhance your TV sound on a finances, Vizio has some high-quality options. 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 might be an excellent alternative in case you don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up plenty of area. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, however that’s actually the one sacrifice with regards to the fundamentals. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections hyperlink to your tv whereas a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth can help you play music out of your telephone or one other system. DTS Digital:X compatibility gives a few of the impact of {surround} sound with no larger unit or further audio system.

Execs

Compact design
Consists of wi-fi subwoofer

$90 at Amazon

What to search for in a soundbar

Options

Relating to 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 wish 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 programs assist. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities in case you’re constructing a very cinematic dwelling leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you will want to take a look at the finer particulars rigorously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. For those who’re in search of among the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, measurement, channels and subwoofer choices will probably be vital elements to contemplate. Some fashions even embrace a devoted subwoofer to reinforce bass efficiency, bringing an additional punch to motion scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

This can be a massive one. Loads of the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted with regards to connectivity choices. They both provide an optical port or one HDMI jack and, in case 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. For those who 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 choice 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 massive factor you’ll wish 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 embrace in product descriptions. The primary determine corresponds to the variety of channels. A two would simply be left and proper whereas a extra sturdy Atmos system, particularly one with rear {surround} audio system, could possibly be 5 or seven (left, proper, heart and upward). The second quantity refers back to the devoted subwoofer, so in case your new soundbar comes with one or has them in-built, 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 let you know what number of are in play and the way they contribute to the general soundstage.

Wi-fi

Most soundbars as of late provide both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. Relating to 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 of reside with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remaining I can reside with out. These two give me the flexibility to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or wrestle with — a Bluetooth connection. For example, Sonos audio system typically provide seamless integration with iOS gadgets, making it simple to attach and stream music wirelessly. For those who’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 may appear apparent however humor me for a minute. Nothing is extra soul-crushing than getting a dear soundbar in your lounge solely to find it’s important to rearrange the whole lot 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 massive. I discovered a invaluable lesson: Be certain that the area the place you wish to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend a whole bunch (if not 1000’s) of {dollars} on.

Principally, all of it comes right down to the TV you’ve gotten (or are planning to get) and what the first objective is to 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 {surround} system audio?

By being attentive to every of these areas, you need to have a good suggestion of what to search for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo, Dolby Digital system or a extra sturdy setup. With that mentioned, we have put quite a few merchandise via 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

Sonos Arc

There’s little doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, however it’s additionally the corporate’s most costly. With a brand new mannequin primarily based on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s troublesome to advocate this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works properly 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 permits you to join streaming and gaming gadgets on to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized model 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 stable job with immersive audio in its personal proper. Like the remainder of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no choice for satellite tv for pc audio system as you possibly can solely add a subwoofer to the soundbars. Nonetheless, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA enter, so you should utilize it with a turntable in case 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 a less complicated, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. In order for you higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t wish to cope with 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, in case 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 would like for a soundbar?

Most trendy soundbars connect with your TV by way of HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the simplest 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 additional options like controlling the soundbar along with your TV distant.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an choice in your TV, you should utilize an optical cable, which additionally delivers stable audio high quality. Some soundbars even provide 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 provide one as an non-obligatory add-on that you could buy individually. A subwoofer is what offers you that deep, booming bass, so in case you like motion motion pictures or desire a fuller sound for music, having one could make a giant distinction. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, however these typically don’t present the identical punch as a separate one.

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