Top Soundbars of 2025: Powerful Sound for Your Home

Enhance your home entertainment experience with the best soundbars of 2025 that deliver powerful sound and value.

Why Upgrade Your Sound?

It’s no surprise that when you’re watching your favorite show or a new movie, you want both the picture and sound quality to be top-notch. Unfortunately, many televisions produce weak sound that can ruin the viewing experience.

A soundbar is an excellent way to enhance your TV’s audio, and you don’t have to break the bank to achieve significant improvements.

But how do you know which soundbar is right for you? It might seem like a daunting task to navigate through all the brands and features to find the perfect fit.

Good news! We’ve done much of the legwork for you and compiled a list of the best soundbars to meet your needs. We’ve been testing soundbars since this category emerged in the early 2000s and have reviewed hundreds of different models over the years.

Moreover, we compare all new models against the best soundbars within their respective price ranges to accurately gauge where each product stands.

Best Soundbars of 2025: Quick List

Best Overall Soundbar

Sonos Arc Ultra

This new flagship Dolby Atmos model from Sonos is the best soundbar for most people. It’s as immersive as a single panel can get, boasting excellent clarity, accuracy, and deep bass.

Best Budget Soundbar

Sony HT-SF150 / HT-S100F

If you want to significantly improve your TV sound without spending much, this Sony model is what you need. Just be aware of the different model numbers for the UK and the US.

Best Mid-Range Soundbar

Sony HT-S2000

The Sony HT-S2000 delivers exceptional sound quality at a low price and offers features that competitors lack, such as Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC.

Best Entry-Level Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

This compact soundbar does it all, including Dolby Atmos, and performs exceptionally well for the price.

Best Mid-Tier Soundbar

Sonos Arc

The flagship Sonos soundbar is a significant step up from the Beam in sound quality and is an excellent choice for a large room.

Best HDMI 2.1 Soundbar

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9

Sony’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar sounds almost as good as the Sonos Arc Ultra and includes a gamer-friendly HDMI 2.1 port, which is missing from the Sonos competitor.

Best Soundbar Package

Samsung HW-Q990D

The Q990D is an enhanced version of the previous generation, supporting Dolby Atmos like few soundbars can.

Best High-End Soundbar

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max

This Sennheiser is pricey, large, and a bit bulky for soundbars, but it sounds incredible.

Detailed Overview of the Best Soundbars of 2025

Below you can find our detailed list of the best soundbars currently available. Each has been tested by our team of product experts to ensure high performance and value, so you can trust our buying advice.

Best Overall Soundbar

Sonos Arc Ultra

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a significant upgrade over the original Sonos Arc, and it's currently the best soundbar you can buy.

Specifications:

• Connection: HDMI (eARC), Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth
• Sound Format Support: Dolby Atmos, PCM
• Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
• Voice Control: Google Assistant, Alexa, Sonos Voice
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 7.5 x 118 x 11 cm
• Weight: 5.9 kg

Pros:

• Clear, accurate, spacious, and three-dimensional sound.
• Deep, melodic, and expressive bass.
• Amazingly detailed soundbar.

Cons:

• No passthrough HDMI connection.
• Lack of DTS support.
• Some app issues remain.

The replacement for the original Sonos Arc was never going to be an easy task, but after years of speculation, this successor is finally here — and it’s exceptionally good.

The Arc Ultra looks very similar to its predecessor but is slightly thinner, meaning it is less likely to obscure the bottom of your TV screen. The new “protruding” panel, which houses most of the tactile controls, looks sleek.

Like other Sonos audio systems, simplicity is key. There’s no remote control or display; you simply connect it to your TV via HDMI eARC, and it replaces your TV’s speakers. For many people, that’s the ideal setup, but others might find the Arc Ultra limiting — especially due to the lack of dedicated HDMI inputs. Some might also be put off by the lack of DTS:X support, and it’s fair to say the Sonos app, while better than before, is still a bit buggy.

However, these shortcomings are easy to overlook if you can do so because the sound quality is outstanding. The clarity, precision, and accuracy are so defined that the original Arc sounds slightly muddy in comparison. It also significantly surpasses it in how well it fills a space and how accurately it reproduces and tracks effects in three-dimensional space. A soundbar system that includes wireless speakers and a subwoofer, such as the Samsung HW-Q990D, would excel even more in this regard, but the Atmos effect provided by the Arc Ultra is impressive even by standalone soundbar standards. You can always add speakers and a separate subwoofer to the Arc Ultra later if you wish (and have deep pockets).

The Arc Ultra also utilizes a unique low-frequency driver called Sound Motion, which is noticeably different from standard drivers and, according to Sonos, enables the new soundbar to produce “twice the bass” as its predecessor. To be honest, the Arc Ultra doesn’t sound much louder than the previous model, but its bass is significantly richer and more melodic, even at high volumes. This is genuinely a strong point of the new soundbar.

Thanks to these core sound features, the Arc Ultra is nearly as good for music listening as it is for movie-watching, making it a fantastic all-around soundbar. If you can overlook the lack of HDMI inputs, it’s the best soundbar in terms of value for money.

Best Budget Soundbar

Sony HT-SF150 / HT-S100F

The Sony HT-SF150 (known in the U.S. as HT-S100F) is a budget soundbar designed for a solid sound boost from your TV’s built-in speakers.

Specifications:

• Connection: HDMI (ARC), optical, USB, Bluetooth
• Format Support: Dolby Digital, LPCM 2ch
• Streaming: None
• Voice Control: None
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 8.8 x 90 cm
• Weight: 2.4 kg

Pros:

• Looks and feels excellent.
• Impressive scale and width.
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Slightly muffled presentation.
• Could use more punch.

If you’re looking for a straightforward and efficient way to upgrade your TV’s built-in sound, the Sony HT-SF150 offers a significant sound improvement for little money. At around $100, there are hardly any competitors worth considering.

Despite being very affordable, the SF150 doesn’t look or feel cheap and won’t look out of place under a higher-end TV. In addition to HDMI ARC, it has an optical input that supports Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono, and LPCM 2ch. There’s also a USB port and Bluetooth 4.2 for music playback from an external source.

The SF150 also features Sony’s S-Force Front Surround technology, which processes sound to create a more immersive soundstage. While the surround sound technology won’t replace it, it significantly enhances the sense of depth and separation.

Of course, for this price, you won’t get perfect sound, and dialogue on the SF150 can sometimes come across as slightly muffled. It would also be nice if the effects sounded a bit richer. Still, this approach to sound is likely sensible since it handles the basics well and never irritates. Anyone looking for a musical, detailed speaker should consider more advanced models. Nevertheless, this budget option is perfect for those who want to quickly and easily enhance their TV's performance.

Best Enhancer Soundbar

Sony HT-S2000

The Sony HT-S2000 is a budget Dolby Atmos soundbar that excels in value for money.

Specifications:

• Connection: HDMI (eARC), optical
• Format Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
• Streaming: Bluetooth 5.2
• Voice Control: None
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 80 x 12 cm
• Weight: 3.7 kg

Pros:

• Simple plug-and-play functionality.
• Clear, crisp dialogue.
• Confident dynamics.

Cons:

• Bass lacks a bit of weight.
• Sound field mode is a miss.
• Not as full-bodied as competitors.

The HT-S2000 soundbar is designed to enhance the sound coming from your TV while keeping costs as low as possible. This soundbar has few frills; Sony opted for a simple design and set of features, but we believe it does its job excellently.

The S2000 is a fairly compact device, measuring just 6.4 x 80 x 12 cm. It supports Bluetooth 5.2 and HDMI eARC — features not found in comparable devices like the Sonos Ray. It also supports optical audio connection in case your TV doesn’t support eARC.

In the S2000, a 3.1-channel system with a built-in subwoofer delivers a total output power of 250 watts. It lacks upward-firing drivers, meaning height channels for supported spatial sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are delivered using Sony’s psychoacoustic sound processing system, Vertical Sound Engine.

If you want to enhance the sound of your favorite shows and movies at a price that won’t scare you off, Sony is worth a look. It provides clearer, livelier, and more direct sound than your TV can reproduce. Sure, you can spend more on more powerful soundbars, but at this price point, the S2000 delivers excellent quality.

Best Entry-Level Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sonos Beam Gen 2

If you have limited space and budget, we can’t recommend a better quality virtual Dolby Atmos soundbar than the Sonos Beam Gen 2.

Specifications:

• Connections: HDMI (eARC), Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Format Support: Dolby Atmos, PCM
• Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Sonos app S2
• Voice Control: Google Assistant, Alexa
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 7 x 65 x 10 cm
• Weight: 2.8 kg

Pros:

• Effective Dolby Atmos performance.
• Warm, refined sound.
• Streaming smart technologies.

Cons:

• No additional HDMI ports.
• No Bluetooth.
• Does not support DTS:X.

Despite its small size, the Beam Gen 2 is impressive for its performance. Sonos has basically taken the original Beam and added truly convincing Dolby Atmos without altering the overall design or adding upward-firing drivers.

This is achieved through clever processing: the Beam Gen 2 uses psychoacoustic HRTF (Head Related Transfer Function) technology to create a sense of height using two of the five front-facing drivers in the device.

The effect, while not as immersive as soundbars with built-in upward-firing drivers, is still highly impressive, especially considering the size and price of the Beam. Overall, it delivers rich, spacious, and detailed sound.

During testing, we connected the Beam Gen 2 to TVs ranging from 43 to 65 inches and found that it “enhanced the cinematic and viewing experience.” So don’t dismiss this small soundbar if you have a big TV.

Of course, since this is a Sonos soundbar, playing sound from movies and TV is just one of its functions. You can also use it as a full-fledged Sonos wireless speaker and even integrate it into a multi-room Sonos system. You can control the panel using the Sonos S2 app or simply send music to the panel via AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, or Tidal Connect. It even supports high-resolution 24-bit/48kHz “Ultra HD” tracks from Amazon Music.

In short, if you need a small, budget-friendly soundbar capable of producing convincing Dolby Atmos, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is what you need.

Best Mid-Tier Soundbar

Sonos Arc

The Sonos Arc remains one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars we’ve ever heard.

Specifications:

• Connection: HDMI (eARC), optical, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
• Format Support: Dolby Atmos, PCM
• Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Sonos app S2
• Voice Control: Google Assistant, Alexa
• Dimensions: 8.7 x 114 x 12 cm
• Weight: 6.3 kg

Pros:

• Compelling Dolby Atmos.
• Dynamic, detailed, and weighty.
• All the usual Sonos smart features.

Cons:

• Music could be projected better.
• Heavily reliant on your TV's characteristics.
• No Bluetooth or DTS:X support.

TV soundbars aren’t new for Sonos, but the Arc, which won a What Hi-Fi? award, is the brand’s only soundbar, alongside its successor, the Ultra, that supports Dolby Atmos with upward-firing drivers. It costs more than the Beam (Gen 2) and is suitable for TVs sized 55 inches and above, with additional wall mounting attachments available for around $100.

The panel has touch controls for play/pause and volume adjustment with LEDs indicating status and that you’re talking to the built-in Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Connections supported include AirPlay 2, Ethernet, and eARC for Dolby Atmos on compatible TVs.

The Sonos Arc uses 11 drivers to create your sound field, some of which are angled to reflect sound off the walls and ceiling. "It’s much more than just pointing a couple of upward drivers," said Sonos product manager Scott Fink at the Arc launch. "We focused on accurately reproducing all channels, including height channels." And those efforts have certainly paid off: the Arc offers one of the most convincing Atmos presentations you can get from a single-cabinet soundbar. Audiophiles can turn up the volume on Arc’s upward-firing drivers using a separate controller, but during testing, we found there was no need to overly crank the upward channels to enjoy the immersive sound of the Arc.

You feel immersed in the action. Surround effects are skillfully placed, and the sound is dynamic and weighty. Tonally, it’s well-balanced if you just want to listen to music, although it could sound a bit more straightforward. But make no mistake, this is a highly impressive soundbar for the money.

Best HDMI 2.1 Soundbar

Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9

The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 stands out for having a dedicated HDMI 2.1 input and 4K/120Hz support.

Specifications:

• Connection: HDMI (eARC), 1 HDMI input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2
• Format Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
• Streaming: Spotify Connect
• Voice Control: None
• Dimensions: 6.4 x 130 x 11 cm
• Weight: 5.5 kg

Pros:

• Excellent clarity, detail, and punch.
• Impressive 3D sound processing.
• Stylish, refined design.

Cons:

• Slightly clinical in its presentation.
• No display.
• Sometimes overly pronounced deep bass.

While the Sonos Arc Ultra is our best overall soundbar for most users, for those who need HDMI 2.1 inputs, it becomes a decisive factor. Most TVs only have two HDMI 2.1 inputs, one of which (the eARC port) will be occupied by the soundbar, leaving only one input for a current-generation console or gaming PC. This is fine if you have just one such device, but if you have two (or more!), only the one connected to the remaining HDMI 2.1 socket will be able to operate with all its features, including 4K/120Hz resolution.

If that sounds familiar (and you need a soundbar, not a system like the Samsung HW-Q990D, described below), look at the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, which has a separate HDMI 2.1 input and supports 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM.

However, the HDMI input is not the only reason to consider this Sony soundbar. In terms of sound quality, it comes close to the Sonos Arc Ultra.

The Sony sounds exceptionally clear and precise, and the Atmos presence effect is very impressive for a standalone soundbar, though you can add wireless speakers (and a subwoofer) later if you wish. It’s also highly dynamic, easily reproducing both sharp spikes and subtle nuances. By soundbar standards, it can produce deep bass, though sometimes a particular bass note can stand out a bit more than it should.

Aside from that, the only drawback to note is its slightly clinical sound — the Arc Ultra is a bit warmer in tone, but still adequately precise.

In terms of design, the Theatre Bar 9 is a significant improvement over the HT-A7000 it replaces, with a softer and more refined look. It comes with handy legs that can be attached to the bar so it can stand on a TV stand.

Overall, this is an excellent soundbar that is worth considering alongside the Sonos Arc Ultra. If you need an extra input, choosing Sony is a no-brainer.

Best Soundbar Package

Samsung HW-Q990D

The Samsung HW-Q990D has outstripped its predecessor, entering the five-star category.

Specifications:

• Connection: HDMI (eARC), optical, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2
• Format Support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X
• Streaming: Spotify Connect, Amazon Music, Deezer
• Voice Control: Amazon Alexa
• Dimensions: 6.9 x 123 x 14 cm (main soundbar)
• Weight: 7.7 kg (main soundbar)

Pros:

• Powerful, immersive sound.
• Dynamic, weighty, and detailed.
• Two HDMI 2.1 inputs.

Cons:

• Occasional bassy rattle.
• Hard-to-read display.

For many, a full surround sound system is out of reach. On the other hand, one soundbar may not be enough. In that case, a soundbar and subwoofer package, like the Q990D, comes in handy.

This system consists of a soundbar, subwoofer, and two surround speakers. The transition from the Q990C to the Q990D isn’t that significant, but a few small improvements and tweaks mean this new model deserves a five-star review.

It features an 11.1.4-channel system with a total of 22 speakers. The soundbar itself has six elliptical mid-range drivers, three forward-facing tweeters, four side-firing drivers, and two upward-firing drivers. Each surround speaker contains one forward, side, and upward-firing driver, while the subwoofer has a 20 cm driver behind its sleek plastic panel.

The main upgrade of the Q990D is the HDMI ports, which have been updated to version 2.1, fully supporting advanced gaming features like 4K/120Hz, VRR, and ALLM.

Earlier this year, Samsung also announced the Q990F as a follow-up to the previous model. Not much is known about it yet, but we’re certainly looking forward to having it in our testing labs if it resembles its predecessor.

Best High-End Soundbar

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max

The Sennheiser Ambeo Max is the best soundbar for those with deep pockets.

Specifications:

• Connection: HDMI (eARC), 3 HDMI inputs, optical, RCA, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth
• Format Support: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, PCM, MPEG H, Sony 360 Reality Audio
• Streaming: Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect
• Voice Control: Alexa, Siri
• Dimensions: 14 x 127 x 17 cm
• Weight: 18.5 kg

Pros:

• Rich, balanced sound.
• Excellent dynamics.
• Impressive surround sound effect.

Cons:

• Large.
• Fussy about positioning.

The extremely expensive Sennheiser Ambeo (with the “Max” suffix added only after the release of Ambeo Plus) became the first consumer audio system from Sennheiser, and it’s truly a bargain — a premium soundbar packed with features, including support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, with passthrough 4K HDR (all useful if Netflix and/or Amazon are your main sources for movies and shows). You also get auto-calibration and four HDMI inputs, plus Bluetooth and Chromecast support.

At 127 cm wide and 14 cm tall, it’s certainly a beast that, if simply placed in front of your TV, will obscure the bottom of the screen (and possibly the IR receiver) by a couple of inches. As we found during testing, it can’t be placed on a lower shelf as that would block the upward-firing drivers that create the height effect. To fully experience Dolby Atmos, you need to mount the soundbar on the wall or place it on a top shelf so that the upward drivers aren’t blocked. But it’s worth it.

The size of the soundbar is primarily due to the larger-than-usual drivers Sennheiser managed to embed, resulting in sound powerful enough not to require its own subwoofer, with clear, direct dialogue, detail, and nuance. The way it spreads sound around you creates a wonderful atmosphere and truly immerses you in the action. As we noted in our review: “While some soundbars with external subwoofers sound deeper, the bass here is delivered with powerful punch and seamless integration. This is what helps Sennheiser achieve such an effortless, natural tone and texture that most competitors cannot match. But what’s best about the sound of the Ambeo Max? It doesn’t draw attention to itself. There’s no harsh, nasal raspiness that many other soundbars exhibit, and the overall sound processing is natural and convincing.”

For those who want impressive 3D sound without using all the drivers, this is the best premium soundbar we’ve ever tested.

Additional Recommendations

Best Alternative Soundbars We Tested:

LG S70TY

It doesn’t outperform its competitors on price, but the LG S70TY is a neat model that is very easy to work with. The panel is well-balanced, and while it doesn’t reach the lowest frequencies, it still sounds good.

Sony HT-A3000

Price-wise and feature-wise, the Sony HT-A3000 is similar to the Sonos Beam Gen 2. It doesn’t deliver the same quality Dolby Atmos sound but significantly outshines TV sound in terms of detail and dynamics.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

The mid-tier model in Sennheiser’s soundbar line-up supports Dolby Atmos. The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus sounds spacious and majestic and almost competes with the Sony HT-A7000. Plus, it’s smaller.

JBL Bar 1300

Can’t decide if you need a soundbar with wireless satellites? You might enjoy the unique JBL Bar 1300, which features battery-operated satellites that magnetically attach to the main soundbar when not in use for full surround sound.

Upcoming Soundbars to Watch

Samsung Q990F

It’s still too early to make conclusions about this new “bar,” but we managed to test the Samsung Q990F, and it could very well find its way onto this list after our review. We’re eagerly awaiting how it compares to its predecessor, the Samsung 990D.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar and Fire TV Plus Soundbar

Despite the name, the new Amazon soundbars do not have an integrated Fire TV streamer. Essentially, these are just soundbars, though the Plus model can be upgraded by adding wireless speakers and a subwoofer. The upside is that both models are very affordable, and during Amazon sales, you can expect regular discounts.

How to Choose a Soundbar

Choosing the Best Soundbar for You

Before making a purchase, there are several factors to consider. Consider your TV size to understand how big your new soundbar should be. You don’t want it to get lost against the screen, but it might look odd if a massive panel pairs with a small TV — like a tiny head on overly broad shoulders. Check the dimensions and compare the width of the panel with your TV’s width. Additionally, verify the height — if you need to place the soundbar in front of the TV, you don’t want it blocking half the screen, and if it has upward-firing drivers, they need a clear view of the ceiling to work effectively.

Typically, soundbars are single long speakers with several drivers inside, but some come with external subwoofers to enhance low frequencies and rear speakers to create a surround sound effect, while others are compatible with other speakers of the same brand. If powerful bass is a priority, these models will appeal to you.

Next, consider the features and connectivity options. Many modern TV soundbars come equipped with HDMI ports supporting ARC and eARC, which can handle high-bandwidth multi-channel audio formats, as well as optical inputs for older TVs. If your TV supports ARC/eARC, you’ll be able to control the soundbar's volume using your existing remote. Think about whether you need a separate physical remote for the soundbar or if you're comfortable managing settings via a smartphone app.

Most modern soundbars support wireless music playback using Wi-Fi streaming through services like Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast, as well as Bluetooth connectivity. Some also come equipped with microphones for voice assistants or compatibility with them. If you have external devices, such as gaming consoles or a 4K Blu-ray player, look for additional HDMI ports that can make your system more flexible.

If you’re looking for a soundbar that creates immersive effects like a home theater, consider models that support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound. Some soundbars achieve this virtually through processing, while others have upward-firing drivers to create height effects. If you’re interested in the latter, keep in mind that results will be better if you have low ceilings for the sound to bounce off, and the top of the soundbar should be open and set back from the TV.

For quality 3D sound, ensure that both your TV and potential soundbar support Dolby TrueHD and eARC. The ARC standard supports Dolby Atmos but only in compressed Dolby Digital Plus format, while Dolby TrueHD can deliver full lossless Dolby Atmos.

Think about the content you’ll be watching and the sources you’ll connect. If you’re just watching Freeview, many of these technologies will be unnecessary. But if you’re watching services like Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video in 4K HDR, you’ll want to achieve the best sound quality to make your content sound as good as it looks. For complete information, check out our detailed guide on how to choose and set up a soundbar.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive model, check out our page on the best budget soundbars, and if you prefer a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support, we have that page too. Regardless of how much you’re willing to spend, we believe all the recommended models will improve sound quality and won’t require complicated setup.

Frequently Asked Questions about Soundbars

• What is a soundbar? Soundbars are slim, often rectangular speaker systems that provide a better audio experience than built-in TV speakers.
• Are soundbars better than TV speakers? Yes, soundbars generally deliver clearer and louder sound compared to built-in TV speakers.
• Is it worth getting a soundbar? Yes, soundbars significantly enhance sound quality, making them a worthwhile investment for better audio experience.
• How do I connect a soundbar to my television? Most soundbars can be connected using HDMI ARC or eARC, or an optical connection.
• What are the best equalizer settings for a soundbar? Automatic calibration is useful, but personal adjustments based on your listening preferences can yield the best results.

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