The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Not long ago, I was convinced that no soundbar could match the audio quality of a traditional home theater setup with good speakers and an amplifier. However, the likes of Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers have taken this challenge to heart, revolutionizing the audio landscape. Today's soundbar systems offer an impressive range of options, from high-powered Dolby Atmos setups to compact, all-in-one solutions, catering to a variety of needs and preferences.

With the plethora of soundbar options available, the challenge now is to find the one that best suits your personal needs. As a tech journalist who has tested and reviewed numerous soundbars, I've compiled a comprehensive list of the top soundbars for 2025 to help you make an informed decision.

TL;DR: The Best Soundbars

Our Top Pick### Samsung HW-Q990D

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Samsung### Sonos Arc Ultra

1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at B&H### LG S95TR

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at LG### Vizio V21-H8

0See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart### Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

0See it at Amazon### Sonos Beam

0See it at AmazonSee it at SonosSee it at Best Buy

1. Samsung HW-Q990D

Best Overall

Our Top Pick### Samsung HW-Q990D

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Samsung

Samsung's HW-Q990D is a standout in the soundbar market, earning high praise from experts and enthusiasts alike. This flagship model features 11 front-facing speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers, delivering a cinematic audio experience. Action scenes are rich with depth and impact, dialogue is clear, and the Dolby Atmos effects create an immersive environment.

Beyond its stellar sound quality, the HW-Q990D is packed with advanced features. With built-in Wi-Fi, it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay. Samsung's SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the sound profile to your room, while Adaptive Sound enhances audio based on the content being played. Additionally, HDMI 2.1 support ensures a superior gaming experience with 4K at 120Hz passthrough.

Priced at $2,000, the HW-Q990D often goes on sale, offering significant discounts. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the previous model, HW-Q990C, provides similar audio performance at a lower cost.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra

Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

### Sonos Arc Ultra

1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at B&H

The Sonos Arc Ultra builds on the success of its predecessor, the Arc, with a 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers. It introduces SoundMotion technology, enhancing performance within the soundbar's compact design. The Arc Ultra boasts double the bass output of the original Arc, delivering a powerful audio experience.

With four dedicated up-firing drivers, the Arc Ultra excels at Dolby Atmos content, creating a comprehensive soundstage that envelops the listener. My review highlighted its ability to deliver excellent music quality and features like Speech Enhancement for clearer dialogue. As part of the Sonos ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers for a whole-home audio solution. While it doesn't offer the same value as the Samsung HW-Q990D, the Arc Ultra is a top choice for Dolby Atmos enthusiasts.

3. LG S95TR

Best for Bass

### LG S95TR

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at LG

The LG S95TR, while not as immersive as the Samsung HW-Q990D, offers exceptional sound quality with 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel. Its 22lb subwoofer delivers deep, impactful bass, enhancing action scenes and music alike. The S95TR's AI Room Calibration technology optimizes sound for your space, and it supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, making it a versatile high-end option.

4. Vizio V21-H8

Best Cheap Soundbar

### Vizio V21-H8

0See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart

For those seeking an affordable soundbar, the Vizio V21-H8 offers solid stereo sound with a left and right speaker and a subwoofer. While it lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi and Dolby Atmos, it provides a significant upgrade over TV speakers. Its simplicity and cost-effectiveness make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers.

5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

Best Surround Sound Value

### Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

0See it at Amazon

The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 offers great value for a surround sound system. With a sleek design and detailed, distortion-free sound, it includes a 6-inch subwoofer that delivers impressive bass. As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it provides a three-dimensional audio experience at a budget-friendly price. Despite lacking Wi-Fi and requiring wired rear speakers, it remains a compelling option for those seeking quality surround sound without breaking the bank.

6. Sonos Beam

Best for Smaller Rooms

### Sonos Beam

0See it at AmazonSee it at SonosSee it at Best Buy

The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that punches above its weight. It delivers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass, enhanced by Sonos' advanced processing for Dolby Atmos content. Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, the Beam is ideal for smaller spaces and can be expanded with other Sonos speakers for a more comprehensive setup.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming, but here are some tips to guide you:

Soundbars come in various channel configurations, simulating surround sound. For basic TV viewing and music, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbar with a subwoofer should suffice. A 3.1 channel soundbar adds a center speaker for clearer dialogue, ideal for shows with lots of conversation. For movies and gaming, a 5.1 channel or higher setup provides a more immersive experience, often including additional speakers and subwoofers.

When selecting a soundbar, consider its connectivity options. HDMI ARC or eARC is standard for most modern soundbars and TVs, simplifying setup. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for streaming from other devices, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri can enhance your experience.

For the latest in sound technology, look for soundbars with Dolby Atmos support, which offers virtual three-dimensional sound. Ensure the soundbar has up-firing drivers, a subwoofer, and rear speakers for the best experience. Other notable sound formats include DTS:X and Sony's 360 Reality Audio.

Best Soundbars FAQs

What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?

2.0 Soundbars: These have two channels (left and right) but no subwoofer, ideal for general TV viewing and smaller spaces.

2.1 Soundbars: These include two channels plus a subwoofer, enhancing movies, music, and gaming with added bass.

5.1 Soundbars: These feature five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, providing surround sound and an immersive audio experience.

How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?

Most modern soundbars connect to TVs via HDMI ARC or optical audio cables. Ensure your TV has one of these ports. Some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional streaming options.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

While not required, a subwoofer enhances the audio experience by adding deep bass, which is particularly beneficial for action movies, music, and gaming. Many soundbars come with a built-in or wireless subwoofer for richer sound.

What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?

Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround sound technology that adds height channels, creating a three-dimensional audio experience. While not essential, it significantly enhances the cinematic experience.

Can I stream music through my soundbar?

Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or favorite streaming service. Look for soundbars with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay support if music streaming is a priority.