The very best soundbars can fully remodel your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into one thing that really sounds cinematic. Whether or not you are watching blockbuster films, listening to music or gaming, a superb soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and higher total playback than most built-in TV audio system ever may.
In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each form of house leisure setup — from compact all-in-one models to full {surround} methods with subwoofers and rear audio system. Some prioritize simplicity and smooth design, whereas others are full of immersive options like Dolby Atmos and sensible voice controls. Regardless of your funds or your house, we’ve picked the perfect soundbars you should purchase proper now to assist elevate your audio expertise.
Desk of contents
The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025
I sometimes 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 preserve the identical total design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nonetheless, the corporate is including just a few new instruments and it drastically decreased 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 routinely regulate 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 actually to promote it.
Of the large three TV corporations, Sony is the one one which didn’t announce any house 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 a number of soundbar choices 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’d regulate is Sennheiser. The authentic Ambeo mannequin is almost six years outdated and will use a refresh.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 regardless of how good it sounds, it is going to all the time be a tricky promote for some individuals.
Though I feel it’s much less seemingly, it’s additionally doable that Sonos has new soundbars this yr. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent gadget will seemingly be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Movement tech inside the Arc Extremely 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, nevertheless it’s destined for these smaller soundbars finally.
The very best soundbars for 2025
Picture by Billy Steele / Engadget
Peak: 2.95 inches | Width: 46.38 inches | Depth: 4.35 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 9.1.4 | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Type: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 110W
Learn our full Sonos Arc Extremely overview
At $999, the Arc Extremely is an expensive addition to your lounge, and growth solely will get costlier from right here. Nonetheless, Sonos gives important upgrades over the Arc in just a few key areas. First, because of 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 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 are actually two choices for room calibration. Plus, you’ll get every part that’s nice about Sonos merchandise: multiroom setups and crisp, clear audio high quality.
- Improved bass efficiency
- Crisp, clear and immersive sound
- Expanded Speech Enhancement
- Appropriate with Ace headphones
- Nonetheless only a single HDMI port
- Growth stays expensive
- Massive footprint
Sony
Peak: 3 inches | Width: 51 inches | Depth: 5 inches | Ports: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Optical, 1 x Anologue, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.2 | Assistant assist: Google | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Type: TV unit | Max wattage: 500W
Sony has an extended observe report of fantastic high-end soundbars and its newest is one other great-sounding product. The A7000 is a sturdy Dolby Atmos soundbar, able to immersive 7.1.2 audio because of Sony’s 360 Sound Mapping, Sound Area Optimization, vertical {surround} know-how and S-Drive Professional entrance {surround}. There’s loads of tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each useful in relation 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 exhibits and music.
Two HDMI eARC inputs imply you possibly can hook up a number of streaming bins or gaming consoles. And due to HDMI 2.1 assist, you possibly can count on 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 lately). It packs almost all the identical bells and whistles because the A7000, solely in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.
- Dolby Atmos assist and 360 Sound Mapping
- Works with AirPlay 2
- Contains two HDMI eARC ports
- Costly
- Would not embrace a separate subwoofer
Sennheiser Client Audio
Peak: 10 inches | Width: 70 inches | Depth: 6.5 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.4 | Assistant assist: Google, Alexa, Siri | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Type: TV unit | Max wattage: 250W
Learn our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini overview
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 a whole bundle places you at a comparable place to flagship models from the competitors. After you have 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 nicely for films and music. That’s, as long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.
- Compact design
- Glorious readability
- Nice bass
- Simple setup
- Costly
- No bundled sub
- Ambeo impact is restricted
- One HDMI port
Engadget
Peak: 3.94 inches | Width: 25.63 inches | Depth: 2.68 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 5.0 | Voice assistant: Google, Alexa | Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Type: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 220W
Learn our full Sonos Beam overview
Strong sound high quality? Verify. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and simple to arrange? Uh huh. Appropriate with different Sonos audio system for a extra sturdy system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been one among our favorites because it arrived in 2018, however there was one factor it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the large addition to the 2021 mannequin, although it’s a bit restricted because the 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 brand new Beam nonetheless solely has the one HDMI port which suggests you received’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top field on to this. It additionally implies that you probably have an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll want an adapter.
- Comparatively compact design
- Good sound for its dimension
- Helps Dolby Atmos
- One contains one HDMI port
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 | Type: TV unit, wall mount, shelf | Max wattage: 10W
Learn our full Sonos Ray overview
Sonos’ newest bid for greatest soundbar could also be its most inexpensive up to now, however at $279, it’s not precisely a funds decide. Particularly when you think about there are cheaper choices that include a subwoofer. Nonetheless, the compact design doesn’t command loads of house in entrance of your TV or in your TV stand, making it an awesome choice for smaller residing 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 in relation to the immersive nature of the audio, nevertheless it’s a superb choice for upgrading your TV sound with minimal fuss.
- Excellent sound high quality for each TV and music Good bass efficiency for such a small speaker
- Compact, unobtrusive design
- Simple setup
- Affordable worth
- Sound isn’t as immersive as you get from bigger fashions
- Folks with huge residing rooms may need a louder speaker
- No voice controls
VIZIO
Peak: 7.68 inches | Width: 24 inches | Depth: 2.28 inches | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x USB | Channels: 2.1 | Voice assistant: None | Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI | Type: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 156W
For those who’re searching for a means to enhance your TV sound on a funds, Vizio has some high-quality choices. 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 may be an awesome alternative should you don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up loads of house. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, however that’s actually the one sacrifice in relation to the fundamentals. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections hyperlink to your tv whereas a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth assist you to play music out of your telephone or one other gadget. DTS Digital:X compatibility gives a few of the impact of {surround} sound with out a greater unit or extra audio system.
- Compact design
- Contains wi-fi subwoofer
What to search for in a soundbar
Options
With regards 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 if you wish to keep away from searching for the distant management, however the perfect playback high quality is often solely within the high tier and the codecs these premium soundbar methods assist. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities should you’re constructing a really cinematic house leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you will want to have a look at the finer particulars rigorously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. For those who’re searching for top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos soundbars, dimension, channels and subwoofer choices might be vital components to think about. 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. Numerous the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted in relation to connectivity choices. They both supply an optical port or one HDMI jack and, should you’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 gadgets like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for the perfect audio expertise, you’ll need an choice with no less than two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are vital 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 wish to take note of when searching for the perfect 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 sturdy Atmos system, particularly one with rear {surround} audio system, might 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 inform you 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. With regards to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate gadget), 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 flexibility to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or wrestle with — a Bluetooth connection. As an illustration, Sonos audio system typically supply seamless integration with iOS gadgets, making it straightforward to attach and stream music wirelessly. For those who’re searching for 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.
Measurement
This one might sound apparent however humor me for a minute. Nothing is extra soul-crushing than getting an expensive soundbar in your lounge solely to find it’s a must to rearrange every part 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 huge. I realized a precious lesson: Be certain the house the place you wish to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend a whole bunch (if not hundreds) of {dollars} on.
Mainly, 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 absolute 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 house leisure expertise with crisp vocals, thunderous deep bass, and immersive {surround} system audio?
By listening to every of these areas, it’s best 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 stated, we have put quite a few merchandise by their paces at Engadget and have just a few favorites for greatest soundbar at varied worth factors to get you began.
Different soundbars we examined
Sonos Arc
There’s little question that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, nevertheless it’s additionally the corporate’s costliest. With a brand new mannequin primarily based on the Arc rumored to be on the way in which, it’s tough to suggest this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works nicely as each a soundbar and a speaker, and the gadget 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 gadgets on to their soundbars.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized mannequin 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 use it with a turntable should you’re into vinyl.
Greatest soundbar FAQs
Is a soundbar higher than audio system?
It actually will depend on what you’re after. A soundbar is unquestionably a less complicated, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. If you need 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 way in which to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular {surround} sound results, because of options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio know-how.
Nonetheless, should 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 provides you with a richer soundstage and extra management over your expertise.
What connection do I want for a soundbar?
Most fashionable soundbars hook up with your TV by way of HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the simplest and best 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 in addition some further options like controlling the soundbar together with your TV distant.
If HDMI ARC isn’t an choice in your TV, you should use an optical cable, which additionally delivers stable 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 gadgets.
Do all soundbars include subwoofers?
Not all soundbars include subwoofers, however many do or no less than supply one as an optionally available add-on that you could buy individually. A subwoofer is what provides you that deep, booming bass, so should you like motion films or need 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.
