Technology Elevation
Best Soundbars: Which one is right for your home?
Are you looking to upgrade your home audio setup? Soundbars provide an all-in-one solution for those seeking improved sound quality. Not only do they take up less space and are easier to set up than traditional speaker systems, but many models also provide added convenience via support for streaming from smartphones or compatibility with Dolby Atmos technology.
However, as not every model is created equal, to get the best listening experience at home, you’ll want a soundbar that fits your budget and devices while offering precise dialogue reproduction from TV shows or your favorite music playing through it.
Soundbars are available in various sizes and prices and offer an easy way to get excellent sound quality without having to set up several separate speakers. This article will look at some of the best soundbars and what makes them stand out from the competition. So whether you’re looking for something that supports Dolby Atmos or want an affordable model that can plug into your MP3 player, there’s sure to be a soundbar out there that’s perfect for you!
Our Top Picks of Best SoundBars
1. SAMSUNG Soundbar Wireless Dolby Atmos
Samsung’s HW-Q990B/ZA Soundbar is the perfect addition to your home theater system. With a wireless subwoofer and Dolby Atmos technology, you can experience immersive sound that makes you feel at the center of the action! The Soundbar features 11 channels, four up-firing speakers, and one wireless subwoofer for a surround-sound experience. Hear everything from car chases to airplanes taking flight with this authentic 11.1-channel sound bar!
The Q-SYMPHONY sound system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X delivers a rich audio experience perfectly synchronized across your entire entertainment system to bring you genuinely immersive surround sound. With powerful speakers built into the Soundbar and two wireless rear speakers, you can enjoy theater-like acoustics without the hassle of wires or complicated setups.
The Samsung HW-Q90R is a soundbar designed to enhance your home theater experience. It delivers clear and powerful audio, along with enhanced voice clarity and bass response. The Soundbar features AirPlay 2 technology, so you can stream music directly to the bar from Apple devices. You can also control it using an app on your smartphone or tablet. This soundbar supports DTS:X 3D surround sound, which creates a 7.1-channel virtual speaker system in your room for an immersive experience with any video source.
Specifications:
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: Q Series
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Special Features: Adaptive Sound
2. VIZIO Elevate SoundBar
VIZIO’s 36-inch sound bar delivers superior audio performance with 18 high-performance speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The sound bar connects to your TV using just one HDMI cable, dramatically simplifying installation. The wireless subwoofer adds dramatic bass to every richly detailed surround-sound channel.
VIZIO’s 36-inch sound bar delivers superior audio performance with 18 high-performance speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The sound bar connects to your TV using just one HDMI cable, dramatically simplifying installation.
VIZIO’s Elevate Sound Bar for TV is a surround sound system that delivers an immersive audio experience. The sound bar features adaptive-height speakers that automatically rotate to optimize your audio experience, whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or playing PS5 games. Additionally, the Soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for cinematic sound around and above you.
The VIZIO Elevate Sound Bar for TV is a great way to upgrade your home theater experience. This soundbar has four up-firing speakers that reflect sound off your ceiling, creating an enveloping surround sound effect. The 107dB sound pressure level and 30Hz–20KHz frequency range deliver dynamic and accurate sound, making you feel right in the middle of the action.
Specifications
- Brand: VIZIO
- Model Number: P514a-H6
- Audio Output Mode: Surround, Stereo
- Mounting Type: Wall Mount, Tabletop
3. Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra Soundbar
The Shockwave Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar is designed based on feedback from existing owners to supercharge the flagship soundbar with unmatched 360° surround and bass performance. Powered by SSE MAX, a unity of ultra-high-performance hardware and software, get ready for a powerfully convincing audio experience like never before with upgraded dual wireless subs and four modular surround speakers (2nd generation). Set up within 30 minutes. This soundbar is perfect for any home theater system.
The Nakamichi Shockwave Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar is a powerful home theater sound system that delivers incredible, immersive surround sound from any source with crystal-clear clarity and deep bass without the need for external speakers or additional equipment. The highly advanced SSE MAX technology combines three advanced audio processing engines to produce an unmatched level of detail and directionality, filling your room with clear, accurate surround sound from all angles.
The Nakamichi Shockwave Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar is a robust and future-proof sound system that delivers immersive 360° surround sound. It features 2ND GEN QUAD 2-WAY SURROUND SPEAKERS (INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE) for an extended range and lifelike surround experience, as well as modular in form so they can be focused as four individual speakers or attached to dipoles for expanded 360° surround effects with a minimal footprint.
Specifications
- Brand: Nakamichi
- Speaker Maximum Output Power: 600 Watts
- Connectivity Technology: RCA, Bluetooth, Auxiliary, Optical, HDMI, Coaxial
- Audio Output Mode: Surround
- Mounting Type: Bar Mount
4. Yamaha Audio SoundBar
The Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar is a great way to improve your TV’s sound. It’s easy to set up with either an HDMI or optical cable, and the automatic subwoofer connection means you don’t have to worry about wires. The wireless subwoofer provides deep bass and flexible placement, while the center unit is sleek and compact.
The Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar is designed to deliver enhanced dialogue clarity for an immersive cinematic experience. The sound bar also features Alexa built-in, allowing you to control your sound bar with your voice, play music, listen to the news, set alarms and timers, ask questions, control smart home devices, and more.
The Yamaha YAS-209BL soundbar is designed to enhance your TV viewing experience. The YAS-209BL features DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound and a wireless subwoofer for an immersive audio experience. Plus, it has built-in Amazon Alexa, so you can control your music and more with just the power of your voice.
Specifications
- Brand: Yamaha Audio
- Model Number: YAS-209BL
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Optical, HDMI
- Audio Output Mode: Surround
- Mounting Type: Plug Mount, Bar Mount
5. SENNHEISER AMBEO Soundbar
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is the perfect way to experience immersive 3D surround sound without needing additional speakers. This Soundbar uses advanced room calibration and virtualization sound bar technology developed with Fraunhofer to deliver 3D surround sound that is adjusted to the characteristics of your living room. The 30 Hz bass provides deep, high-quality sound but needs an additional subwoofer.
Sennheiser’s AMBEO Soundbar Max is a high-end soundbar that offers a customizable home listening experience. With a built-in equalizer and three bespoke AMBEO 3D technology modes, the Soundbar Max can tailor your home audio experience to your needs. The integrated Upmix Technology also turns your stereo or 5.1 audio into a 3D surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H support.
The Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Max is a professional-grade soundbar that delivers studio-grade sound. With five dedicated tweeters, the Soundbar reproduces midrange voices with stunning precision, giving you an even better home theater experience. The included calibration microphone ensures that your sound is always tailored to your unique environment, while the remote control makes it easy to adjust SGs from across the room. With its corded electric power source, the AMBEO Soundbar Max is always ready to deliver superior audio performance.
Specifications
- Brand: Sennheiser Consumer Audio
- Model Number: 508687
- Speaker Maximum Output: Power 500 Watts
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
- Audio Output Mode: Surround, Stereo
6. Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos is an intelligent, smart soundbar that delivers vibrant bass, crystal-clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage. With Dolby Atmos, you’ll experience a 3D surround sound effect for an immersive audio experience. The Sonos Beam is also compatible with Alexa and can be controlled with your voice.
The Sonos is an intelligent smart soundbar that lets you stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks from all your favorite services when the TV is off. You can control it with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that delivers the big, bold sound of a home theater system. With Alexa built-in, you can control your music and smart home devices using your voice. The all-new Sonos app makes it easy to discover and play music from all the services you love on your iPhone, Android Phone, or tablet. And with AirPlay 2 support coming soon, you’ll be able to wirelessly stream all the content on your Apple devices like never before.
Specifications
- Brand: Sonos
- Model Number: BEAM2US1
- Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi
- Audio Output Mode: Surround
- Mounting Type: Tabletop
7. VIZIO M-Series Soundbars
Because it’s gray and trapezoidal, the Vizio M-series All-in-One fits the bill. However, that form is easy to miss. Several other models from this brand made our list of the best soundbars. This one is one of the more inexpensive ones. The “drab” look of this model, like other “Toblerone” soundbars the company has made, masks its impressive sound quality.
There may not be as many features on the Vizio as on some other soundbars in the same price range for example, it doesn’t have Wi-Fi music streaming, but the sound quality is full and rich. It does say that it works with Dolby Atmos, but it can’t make height effects, which isn’t a surprise at this price.
Even though it doesn’t do Atmos and looks pretty plain, the Vizio M series packs a lot of power into a small package. It’s a great way to improve the sound and picture quality of a cheap TV.
Specifications
Brand: VIZIO
Model Name: M213ad-K8
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth
Special Features: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built-in Subwoofers; Bluetooth; HDMI eARC
8. SAMSUNG HW-C450 Soundbars
The Samsung HW-C450 is getting close to being as thin as the thinnest 4K TVs, but the sound bars are still not that thin. Considering that it has six drivers and a built-in amplifier, it is less than 2 inches thick, which seems almost impossible. Not only does Samsung manage to get great sound quality out of those small spaces (plus a wireless subwoofer), but the sound information in movies is also better than average.
On the other hand, music doesn’t sound as good, and if you want to listen to more than TV and movies, the JVC TH-BA1 is a better choice. The other big problem we have with the HW-C450 is that it doesn’t have any HDMI ports. This is especially annoying since the competing Sony HT-CT150, which costs $300, has three HDMI ports that can all pass 3D video.
If not having HDMI ports doesn’t worry you, the Samsung HW-C450 is one of the most stylish sound-bar home theater systems.
Specifications
- Brand: SAMSUNG
- Model Name: C Series
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Connectivity Technology: Corded Electric, HDMI
- Special Features: Bass Boost, DTS Virtual:X, Adaptive Sound Lite
Factors That You Need To Consider Before Buying the Best Soundbars
Connectivity:
With an array of connectivity options, modern soundbar systems can be equipped to tackle any audio challenge. Whether you’re connecting with HDMI for a powerful home theater experience or want the convenience and flexibility of Bluetooth streams, you’ve got plenty of choices available! Even if your TV lacks wireless capabilities, 3.5mm/stereo jacks keep everything running smoothly, so every moment is enriched by crystal-clear soundscapes.
Passive Or Active:
Soundbars provide a great way to upgrade your entertainment system’s audio. Most come with their amplifier and require only an outlet connection; however, passive soundbar setups need external amplification to be powered up. This means you’ll have to hook it up via standard speaker cable instead of just the power cord – but don’t worry! It usually isn’t too difficult if you follow the instructions included with your product.
IR Sensors And Placement:
For the best possible sound experience, you’ll need to pay attention to where your Soundbar is placed. Generally, it should be located below or on a wall mount beneath the TV. However, if an entertainment stand is being used, make sure that the IR sensor of the TV isn’t blocked by placing the bar directly in front; otherwise, it won’t receive any signal from its remote!
Soundbar or base:
Want to upgrade your audio experience without cluttering up space? Consider a sound bar or base! Good bars are great for TVs that can be mounted below the unit thanks to their narrow design, while broader and thicker bases could serve well if you want both built-in woofers and more options when it comes to placement. Both solutions will help make movie night at home even better!
Whole Home Audio and Bluetooth:
If you’re looking to amp up your audio experience, soundbars may be the perfect fit for your home or condo. With most models incorporating Bluetooth streaming capabilities, listening to music from Spotify and other sources is a breeze. For an even more sophisticated setup, consider brands like Sonos, Denon HEOS, and Bose that offer Wi-Fi connected systems, allowing entire homes to enjoy unparalleled wireless musical experiences now while leaving room for expansion in the future.
Channels And Dolby Atmos:
With so many sound bar systems on the market, it’s crucial to understand how they differentiate from each other. Labels like 2.0 or 5.1 indicate the number of channels in a system and whether an accompanying subwoofer – 1 suggests one exists. At the same time, 0 means no subwoofer exists for those particular speakers. To bring your home theater setup alive, you can check out Dolby Atmos systems, which often come with wireless components such as separate satellite speakers and powerful amplifier-based digital amplifiers, giving you complete dispersal throughout any size room without worrying about pesky cables!
Budget:
Before making a purchase, it’s essential to consider your budget. Decide how much you can and are willing to spend on the type of soundbar that is best for you. Consider researching different models online before committing; this will give you an idea of what fits within your set boundaries. By doing so, you can find one that meets all of your needs and avoid any overspending or financial strain in the future!
FAQs – Best Soundbars
Q. Why Do I Need Soundbars?
A soundbar is a great way to improve the audio quality of your television. It can provide a surround-sound experience, making it feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
Soundbars also make it easier to hear dialogue and other sounds from the TV, which can be helpful when watching movies or shows. Plus, many soundbars include Bluetooth connectivity and built-in subwoofers, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio without cluttering your living room with many separate speakers.
Q. How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?
There are several ways to connect a soundbar to a TV, but the biggest con is using an HDMI cable.
HDMI cables can transmit both video and audio signals from your TV to your soundbar, so all you have to do is plug one end of the HDMI cable into the back of your TV and the other end into the back of your soundbar.
If your soundbar doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can connect it to your TV using either coaxial or optical cables. However, you won’t be able to transmit audio and video signals this way, so you’ll need to use two separate lines, one for audio and one for video.
Q. Can you use a soundbar to play music?
Yes, you can use a soundbar to play music. A soundbar is a speaker designed to be placed in front of or below a television. It is usually taller and narrower than other speakers and has a built-in amplifier and multiple drivers.
A soundbar can be used to play a variety of sources, including CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, streaming services, and stored files on a computer or mobile device. Some soundbars also include Bluetooth connectivity and digital audio outputs that allow them to be used with other audio equipment.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this list, it’s important to remember that these soundbars are excellent choices for your home entertainment system. It ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences regarding which will best fit you. We hope this guide has helped you narrow your choices and given you a better idea of what to look for when shopping for a new soundbar.
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