The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Not long ago, I held the belief that no soundbar could match the audio quality of a well-set-up home theater system with dedicated speakers and an amplifier. However, the likes of Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers have taken this challenge to heart, revolutionizing the soundbar landscape by 2025. Today, soundbars range from powerful Dolby Atmos setups to sleek, all-in-one solutions, offering exceptional sound quality tailored to various needs without the complexity of a full home theater system.

With the market flooded with soundbar options, the question arises: how do you choose the one that aligns best with your preferences? As a tech journalist who has tested and reviewed numerous soundbars over the years, I've compiled a comprehensive list of the top soundbars available in 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 has truly excelled with the HW-Q990D. This flagship soundbar system is widely acclaimed as the top choice on the market, earning praise from experts and enthusiasts alike, including those on the r/soundbars subreddit. The excitement is justified: The Q990D boasts 11 front-facing speakers, a robust subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers that together create a cinematic audio experience. Action scenes are dynamic and impactful, dialogue is crisp, and the Dolby Atmos effects deliver an immersive soundstage.

Beyond its stellar audio quality, the Q990D offers a suite of advanced features. With built-in Wi-Fi, it supports Amazon Alexa and Google Chromecast, and is compatible with Apple AirPlay. Samsung's proprietary SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the sound to your room's acoustics, while Adaptive Sound optimizes audio for different content, enhancing dialogue during crucial scenes and amplifying bass for action sequences. The system also supports HDMI 2.1, allowing for 4K at 120Hz passthrough, enhancing the gaming experience.

One of the best aspects of the Q990D is its frequent discounts. Although it retails at $2,000, savvy shoppers can often find it at a significant reduction. If immediate purchase is necessary, Samsung's previous model, the HW-Q990C, offers similar audio performance for around $400 less, making it a smart choice for those looking to save without compromising much on quality.

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, the successor to the highly-regarded Sonos Arc, pushes the boundaries of soundbar technology even further. It retains the same elegant design but upgrades to a 9.1.4-channel configuration with 15 Class-D amplifiers. The Arc Ultra introduces SoundMotion technology, designed to optimize speaker performance within a soundbar's compact cabinet. Sonos claims double the bass output compared to the Arc, and my side-by-side comparison confirmed this impressive claim.

The ".4" in its configuration is particularly beneficial for Dolby Atmos playback. With four dedicated up-firing drivers, the Arc Ultra creates overhead effects and immersive soundscapes that envelop the listener, even without additional rear speakers. My review of the Arc Ultra highlighted its excellent music playback and useful 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 top the list due to its higher cost when fully expanded, the Arc Ultra remains a top contender for Dolby Atmos enthusiasts.

3. LG S95TR

Best for Bass

### LG S95TR

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

LG's S95TR, while not as immersive as the Samsung HW-Q990D, still delivers a compelling audio experience. With 17 drivers, including a center height channel and up-firing speakers, the S95TR provides a well-balanced soundstage across various content types.

The S95TR's bass performance is particularly noteworthy. Whether it's action-packed scenes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Game of Thrones, the 22lb subwoofer adds depth and presence. It's equally adept at delivering punchy bass for music, making it versatile for different listening scenarios.

Alongside its audio capabilities, the S95TR includes advanced features like AI Room Calibration to tailor sound to your environment. It supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, enhancing its smart home compatibility. Overall, the S95TR stands out as a high-end soundbar that excels in delivering powerful bass while maintaining high-quality sound and user-friendly features.

4. Vizio V21-H8

Best Cheap Soundbar

### Vizio V21-H8

0See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, Vizio's V21-H8 offers impressive stereo sound without breaking the bank. This compact soundbar, equipped with left and right speakers and a subwoofer, enhances movies, TV shows, and music. While it lacks the immersive surround sound of higher-end systems and a dedicated center channel for clear dialogue, the V21-H8 significantly improves upon standard TV speakers.

The V21-H8 is straightforward in design, lacking Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Dolby Atmos capabilities. Its simplicity is a refreshing change in today's feature-heavy market, offering basic controls for bass, treble, and sound modes. For those seeking a cost-effective upgrade without the bells and whistles, the V21-H8 remains a solid choice.

5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

Best Surround Sound Value

### Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

0See it at Amazon

Despite being a few years old, Vizio's M-Series 5.1.2 remains a top pick for value in surround sound systems. It features a modern, sleek design and delivers clear, distortion-free audio with a powerful 6-inch subwoofer. The soundbar's out-of-the-box balance is commendable, providing good immersion for its price point.

As a Dolby Atmos soundbar under $400, it's a remarkable deal. While it may not compete with premium models like the Sonos Arc Ultra or Samsung HW-Q990D, its up-firing drivers offer a satisfactory three-dimensional sound experience. Factors like room size and ceiling height can affect performance, but the M-Series 5.1.2 still delivers excellent value for money.

The main drawbacks are the lack of Wi-Fi and the need for wired rear speakers. Nevertheless, the overall value proposition of the M-Series 5.1.2 is hard to beat.

6. Sonos Beam

Best for Smaller Rooms

### Sonos Beam

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

The Sonos Beam is the compact sibling of the Arc Ultra, offering impressive performance in smaller spaces. It delivers clear dialogue and vibrant highs, with decent bass considering its lack of a separate subwoofer. The Beam uses advanced processing to simulate Dolby Atmos height channels, enhancing the audio experience in a small footprint.

Like its larger counterpart, the Beam supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it an excellent choice for smart home integration. Its expandability is another advantage; it can be paired with other Sonos products for surround sound or added bass. The Beam serves as an ideal entry point into the Sonos ecosystem, allowing you to start small and scale up as your needs and budget grow.

How to Pick a Soundbar

The array of soundbars available can be overwhelming, but here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

Soundbars vary in channel configurations, simulating surround sound. For basic TV viewing and music listening, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbar with a subwoofer might suffice. A 3.1 channel system includes a center speaker for clearer dialogue, ideal for dialogue-heavy content.

For a more immersive experience with movies and games, consider a 5.1 or higher channel system. These often include additional speakers and subwoofers, though some soundbars offer all-in-one solutions.

Connectivity is crucial. HDMI ARC or eARC is standard and simplifies setup. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for streaming from other devices. If you use voice assistants, ensure the soundbar supports them.

For the latest in audio technology, look for soundbars with Dolby Atmos support. This format provides virtual three-dimensional sound, transforming your room into a theater. Ensure your soundbar includes up-firing drivers, a subwoofer, and possibly rear speakers. Other notable 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 feature two channels (left and right) without a subwoofer, ideal for general TV viewing and smaller spaces.

2.1 Soundbars: These include two channels plus a subwoofer, adding depth and bass for enhanced movies, music, and gaming.

5.1 Soundbars: These have five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, delivering surround sound. Some use additional speakers or virtual surround technology for immersion.

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 to ensure compatibility. Some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional streaming options.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

A subwoofer isn't mandatory but can significantly enhance the audio experience by adding deep bass. If you enjoy action movies, music, or gaming, a subwoofer can make a noticeable difference. Many soundbars include a built-in or wireless subwoofer for a richer sound without extra speakers.

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 can greatly enhance the cinematic feel of your entertainment.

Can I stream music through my soundbar?

Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling music streaming from smartphones or services. Look for soundbars with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay if music streaming is a priority.