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

The most effective soundbars can fully remodel your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into one thing that truly sounds cinematic. Whether or not you are watching blockbuster films, listening to music or gaming, a very good soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and higher general playback than most built-in TV audio system ever may.

In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each type of residence leisure setup — from compact all-in-one models to full {surround} programs with subwoofers and rear audio system. Some prioritize simplicity and modern design, whereas others are full of immersive options like Dolby Atmos and sensible voice controls. Regardless of your finances or your house, we’ve picked the most effective 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 are 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 is going to 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 number of new instruments and it drastically lowered the scale of the wi-fi subwoofer that comes within the field. Samsung does have one new mannequin for 2025, the QS700F, that’s designed to take a seat on a desk or mechanically alter 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 basically to promote it.

Of the massive three TV corporations, Sony is the one one which didn’t announce any residence theater gear at CES. The corporate has determined to focus primarily on its automotive efforts on the present 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 stated, 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 regulate is Sennheiser. The original Ambeo model is almost six years previous and will use a refresh. The corporate has added medium and mini choices to the Ambeo lineup since then, however it will be good to see a refined model of the most important mannequin too. The unique Ambeo soundbar is big, so regardless of how good it sounds, it is going to all the time be a troublesome promote for some individuals.

Though I feel it’s much less seemingly, it’s additionally potential that Sonos has new soundbars this yr. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent machine will seemingly be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Motion tech inside the Arc Ultra would supply 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, but it surely’s destined for these smaller soundbars finally.

The most effective soundbars for 2025

Photograph by Billy Steele / Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Arc Ultra review

At $999, the Arc Ultra is an expensive addition to your front room, and growth solely will get costlier from right here. Nonetheless, Sonos provides important upgrades over the Arc in a number of key areas. First, due to new Sound Movement tech, the Arc Extremely has much more low-end tone through elevated bass efficiency. Added bass makes this a greater speaker for music if 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 talents.

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 at the moment are two choices for room calibration. Plus, you’ll get every little thing 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
Appropriate with Ace headphones

Cons

Nonetheless only a single HDMI port
Growth stays expensive
Giant footprint

$999 at Sonos

Sony

Sony has an extended monitor document of wonderful high-end soundbars and its latest is one other great-sounding product. The A7000 is a strong 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-Pressure Professional entrance {surround}. There’s numerous tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each useful in the case of 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 glorious readability for each TV reveals and music.

Two HDMI eARC inputs imply you may hook up a number of streaming packing containers or gaming consoles. And due to HDMI 2.1 help, you may anticipate 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your tv, so the A7000 is a superb choice for avid gamers. 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 offer you 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 significantly better trying) SA-RS5 set is $598. For those who’re trying to avoid wasting cash on the soundbar itself, Sony provides the HT-A5000 for $999 (though we’ve seen it on sale for $798 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 help and 360 Sound Mapping
Works with AirPlay 2
Contains 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 essentially 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 bundle places you at a comparable place to flagship models from the competitors. After getting each although, the Ambeo Mini is actually spectacular for a small soundbar.

The primary function is Sennheiser’s spatial Ambeo know-how that first debuted on the large 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 effectively for films and music. That’s, as long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.

Execs

Compact design
Wonderful readability
Nice bass
Simple setup

Cons

Costly
No bundled sub
Ambeo impact is restricted
One HDMI port

$600 at Amazon

Engadget

Learn our full Sonos Beam review

Stable sound high quality? Test. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and straightforward to arrange? Uh huh. Appropriate with different Sonos audio system for a extra strong system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been one in every of our favorites since it arrived in 2018, however there was one factor it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the massive 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 a substitute of including extra drivers. The new Beam nonetheless solely has the one HDMI port which implies you gained’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top field on to this. It additionally implies that when you have an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll want an adapter.

Execs

Comparatively compact design
Good sound for its dimension
Helps Dolby Atmos

Cons

One consists of 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 greatest soundbar could also be its most reasonably priced thus far, however at $279, it’s not precisely a finances choose. Particularly when you think about there are cheaper choices that include a subwoofer. Nonetheless, the compact design doesn’t command numerous house in entrance of your TV or in your TV stand, making it an ideal choice for smaller residing areas. The Ray is simple to arrange and gives nice sound high quality for each TV and music, and it pairs seamlessly with iOS units. There are some trade-offs in the case of the immersive nature of the audio, but it surely’s a very good choice for upgrading your TV sound with minimal fuss.

Execs

Superb sound high quality for each TV and music Good bass efficiency for such a small speaker
Compact, unobtrusive design
Simple setup
Affordable worth

Cons

Sound isn’t as immersive as you get from bigger fashions
Folks with huge residing rooms may desire a louder speaker
No voice controls

$279 at Sonos

VIZIO

For those who’re in search of a approach 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 could be an ideal alternative if you happen to don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up numerous house. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, however that’s actually the one sacrifice in the case of the fundamentals. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections hyperlink to your tv whereas a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth will let you play music out of your cellphone or one other machine. DTS Digital:X compatibility provides a few of the impact of {surround} sound with no greater unit or extra audio system.

Execs

Compact design
Contains wi-fi subwoofer

$90 at Amazon

What to search for in a soundbar

Options

On the subject of options, the extra you pay the extra you are going to get in your new audio system. Most reasonably priced 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 if you need to keep away from in search of the distant management, however the most effective playback high quality is normally solely within the prime tier and the codecs these premium soundbar programs help. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities if you happen to’re constructing a very cinematic residence leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you may want to take a look at the finer particulars fastidiously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. For those who’re in search of the most effective Dolby Atmos soundbars, dimension, channels and subwoofer choices shall be essential elements to contemplate. Some fashions even embrace a devoted subwoofer to reinforce bass efficiency, bringing an additional punch to motion scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

It is a huge one. Plenty of the extra reasonably priced soundbars are restricted in the case of connectivity choices. They both supply an optical port or one HDMI jack and, if you happen to’re fortunate, each. Issues get barely higher within the mid-range part, however that is not all the time 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 units like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for the most effective audio expertise, you’ll need an choice with a minimum of two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are essential 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 huge factor you’ll need to take note of when in search of the most effective soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that corporations embrace in product descriptions. The primary determine corresponds to the variety of channels. A two would simply be left and proper whereas a extra strong Atmos system, particularly one with rear {surround} audio system, may very well be 5 or seven (left, proper, middle 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, essential 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 today supply both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. On the subject of Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate machine), Chromecast, Spotify Join and AirPlay 2. Relying in your preferences, you may have the ability to dwell with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remaining I can dwell with out. These two give me the power to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or battle with — a Bluetooth connection. As an illustration, Sonos audio system usually supply seamless integration with iOS units, making it straightforward 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 an expensive soundbar in your front room solely to find it’s a must to rearrange every little thing 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 practically as huge. I realized a priceless lesson: Be sure the house the place you need to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend tons of (if not hundreds) of {dollars} on.

Principally, all of it comes all the way down to the TV you will have (or are planning to get) and what the first aim is on 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 truly hear your TV higher? Or would you like a full residence leisure expertise with crisp vocals, thunderous deep bass, and immersive {surround} system audio?

By listening to every of these areas, you must have a good suggestion of what to search for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo, Dolby Digital system or a extra strong setup. With that stated, we have put quite a few merchandise by their paces at Engadget and have a number of favorites for greatest soundbar at varied worth factors to get you began.

Different soundbars we examined

Sonos Arc

There’s little doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, but it surely’s additionally the corporate’s costliest. With a brand new mannequin based mostly on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s tough to advocate this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works effectively as each a soundbar and a speaker, and the machine 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 means that you can join streaming and gaming units on to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized model provides sufficient to face out from the extra highly effective Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is extra reasonably priced and does a strong 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 may solely add a subwoofer to the soundbars. Nonetheless, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA enter, so you need to use it with a turntable if you happen to’re into vinyl.

Finest soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar higher than audio system?

It actually is determined by what you’re after. A soundbar is unquestionably an easier, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. If you would like higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t need 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, if you happen to’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 offers you a richer soundstage and extra management over your expertise.

What connection do I would like for a soundbar?

Most fashionable soundbars connect with your TV through HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the best and most suitable choice for attaining 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 additionally some further options like controlling the soundbar along with your TV distant.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an choice in your TV, you need to use an optical cable, which additionally delivers strong audio high quality. Some soundbars even supply Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and some nonetheless have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older units.

Do all soundbars include subwoofers?

Not all soundbars include subwoofers, however many do or a minimum of supply one as an optionally available add-on you can buy individually. A subwoofer is what provides you that deep, booming bass, so if you happen to like motion films or desire a fuller sound for music, having one could make a giant distinction. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, however these usually don’t present the identical punch as a separate one.

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