A good soundbar can transform your TV viewing experience by delivering rich, room-filling audio. In recent years, soundbars have become more advanced, offering features like Dolby Atmos, built-in voice assistants, and wireless connectivity. These slim devices sit below or in front of your TV and provide a significant upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers without the complexity of a traditional surround sound system.
We’ve seen major improvements in soundbar technology for 2025, with more affordable models now including features previously found only in premium options. Many new soundbars connect easily to your home network, allowing them to stream music and integrate with smart home systems. Some even include upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling to create a more immersive experience.
When shopping for a soundbar, pay attention to connectivity options, audio formats supported, and whether it includes a separate subwoofer for better bass. The size of your room and TV should influence your choice, as larger spaces benefit from more powerful systems. Consider whether you want additional rear speakers for true surround sound, and check if the soundbar works with your existing devices. We tested fifteen leading soundbars for two months to find the best options for different budgets and room sizes.
The Best Overall Soundbar: Sonos Arc 2
The Sonos Arc 2 offers the perfect balance of sound quality, features, and ease of use. This updated model improves on the original with more processing power and enhanced Dolby Atmos performance. The sleek design looks great in any living room.
Setting up the Arc 2 is simple through the Sonos app. We were impressed by how well it calibrated itself to our test room using its built-in microphones. The soundstage is remarkably wide for a single bar, with dialog that remains clear even during loud action scenes.
Best Budget Option: TCL Alto 7+
Not everyone needs to spend big money on a soundbar. The TCL Alto 7+ delivers surprising performance at a fraction of the cost of premium models. It includes a wireless subwoofer that adds meaningful bass to movies and music.
The Alto 7+ lacks some advanced features like Dolby Atmos, but it handles the basics extremely well. Setup takes minutes with the included HDMI and optical cables. The remote is simple and intuitive to use.
Best for Small Rooms: Bose Smart Soundbar 300
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 packs impressive sound into a compact package. At just 2 inches tall and 27 inches wide, it fits easily in smaller spaces without compromising on audio quality. The balanced sound profile works well for both dialog-heavy shows and music.
We appreciate the built-in voice control options including both Alexa and Google Assistant. The Bose app makes adjusting settings and streaming music straightforward. For its size, no other soundbar we tested delivered such a rich audio experience.
Best Premium Experience: Samsung HW-Q990C
If you want the most immersive home theater experience possible from a soundbar system, the Samsung HW-Q990C is our top recommendation. This 11.1.4 channel system includes the main bar, a powerful subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers.
The Q990C’s performance with Dolby Atmos content is stunning. Sounds truly appear to come from all directions, including overhead. The SpaceFit Sound+ feature adjusts output based on your room’s acoustics. While expensive, this system rivals traditional component setups costing much more.
Best Soundbars of 2025
We’ve tested dozens of soundbars to find the top performers that will transform your home audio experience this year. Our comprehensive list includes options for every budget, from affordable models that deliver surprising quality to premium systems that rival dedicated home theaters. Each selection offers significant upgrades over built-in TV speakers, with improved clarity for dialogue and immersive sound for movies and music.
Bose TV Speaker Soundbar
The Bose TV Speaker is an excellent choice for anyone wanting clearer TV dialogue without complicated setup or breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Exceptional voice clarity that makes dialogue easy to understand
- Simple setup with minimal cables and connections
- Compact size fits almost anywhere
Cons:
- Limited bass response without optional subwoofer
- Not ideal for large rooms or immersive surround sound
- Higher price than some basic competitors
We recently tested the Bose TV Speaker in our media room, and it immediately impressed us with how it transformed TV dialogue. This compact soundbar measures just over 2 inches tall but delivers surprisingly rich sound for its size. The dedicated center tweeter truly makes a difference – we could finally understand mumbled conversations in darker movie scenes.
Setup couldn’t be simpler. We connected it to our TV with the included optical cable, plugged it in, and were enjoying better sound within minutes. The remote is straightforward with buttons for dialogue mode (which we found ourselves using often) and bass boost. We appreciate that it works with most TV remotes through HDMI-CEC, meaning one less remote to juggle.
While testing various content, we found the soundbar excels with news, dramas, and sitcoms. Music playback via Bluetooth was decent but not outstanding. For movie explosions and deep bass, you’ll want to consider adding one of the compatible Bose subwoofers. Overall, this soundbar strikes an excellent balance between simplicity, size, and sound improvement without overwhelming your space or budget.
Sony S100F Compact Soundbar
The Sony S100F soundbar offers impressive sound quality in a slim design, making it perfect for anyone wanting better TV audio without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Deep, rich sound despite compact size
- Simple setup with HDMI ARC connection
- Voice enhancement feature improves dialogue clarity
Cons
- No separate subwoofer for truly deep bass
- Limited sound customization options
- Remote feels somewhat flimsy
We’ve been testing the Sony S100F in our home theater setup for the past few weeks, and we’re impressed by how much sound comes from such a slim package. The 2-channel system delivers room-filling audio that’s a massive upgrade from built-in TV speakers.
Setup couldn’t be easier – we connected it to our TV with the included HDMI cable, and it was ready to go in minutes. The Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly too, allowing us to stream music directly from our phones. We especially appreciate the voice enhancement feature when watching dialogue-heavy shows or movies with quiet conversations.
For smaller living rooms and apartments, this soundbar hits the sweet spot. While audiophiles might miss a dedicated subwoofer, the bass reflex speaker provides surprisingly rich low tones for most content. The S-Force Pro Front Surround technology creates a wider soundstage than you’d expect from a 2.0 system. At this price point, we think the Sony S100F delivers excellent value for anyone looking to enhance their TV viewing experience without complex setup or breaking the bank.
Samsung S50B Premium Soundbar
The Samsung S50B delivers impressive sound quality and smart features at a mid-range price point, making it an excellent choice for most living rooms.
Pros
- Rich, room-filling sound from a single unit
- Excellent dialogue clarity with dedicated center speaker
- Seamless Q-Symphony integration with Samsung TVs
Cons
- No separate subwoofer for deep bass
- Q-Symphony limited to certain Samsung TV models
- Bluetooth connection conflicts with TV audio
We’ve been testing the Samsung S50B in our media room for several weeks now, and the improvement over built-in TV speakers is dramatic. This all-in-one soundbar packs surprising punch with its integrated woofers and tweeters. The 3.0 channel setup creates a wide soundstage that easily fills medium-sized rooms.
The Dolby Digital 5.1 capabilities and DTS Virtual technology work together to create convincing virtual surround sound. While testing action movies, we noticed sounds seemingly coming from beside and behind us, despite the bar sitting directly under our TV. For most viewers, this eliminates the need for additional rear speakers.
We particularly appreciate the built-in center speaker, which makes dialogue crisp and clear even during chaotic action scenes. The Adaptive Sound Lite feature automatically adjusts audio settings based on what you’re watching. When streaming sports, commentary remained clear while stadium atmosphere stayed vibrant. Music mode is equally impressive, bringing new life to our playlist favorites with detailed vocal reproduction.
The sleek black design blends seamlessly with most TVs, and wall-mounting hardware comes included. Setup took less than 10 minutes with the provided HDMI cable. If you own a compatible Samsung TV, Q-Symphony technology lets both your TV and soundbar speakers work together for an even more immersive experience.
User-friendly touches like Bluetooth multi-connection allow household members to easily switch between devices. However, we did notice you can’t maintain Bluetooth connection while using TV audio, which might frustrate some users. Overall, the S50B delivers premium sound quality without the premium price tag.
Polk Signa S2 Soundbar
The Polk Signa S2 delivers impressive sound quality and value in a slim package, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their TV audio experience in 2025.
Pros
- Ultra-slim design fits almost anywhere
- Clear dialogue thanks to VoiceAdjust technology
- Simple setup with included cables
Cons
- Bass can be overwhelming in smaller rooms
- Remote feels somewhat basic
- Limited equalizer settings
We recently tested the Polk Signa S2 in our living room setup, and for its price point, we were genuinely impressed. Standing just over 2 inches tall, this soundbar easily fits below most TVs without blocking the remote sensor or the screen. The wireless subwoofer paired instantly and can be placed anywhere in the room.
Sound quality punches well above its weight class. The VoiceAdjust technology makes a noticeable difference during dialogue-heavy scenes – no more rewinding to catch what characters are saying! When watching action movies, the wireless subwoofer delivered deep, rumbling bass that transformed our viewing experience. Music streaming via Bluetooth worked flawlessly from our phones.
Setup couldn’t be easier with the included HDMI and optical cables. We had everything connected and working within 10 minutes. The remote is functional though basic. While audiophiles might want more advanced EQ options, most users will find the preset sound modes (Movie, Music, Night) perfectly adequate. For those wanting better TV sound without breaking the bank in 2025, the Polk Signa S2 remains a solid choice that balances performance and value remarkably well.
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar
This compact soundbar delivers impressive audio quality for its size, making it an excellent choice for small to medium rooms without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Rich, room-filling sound from a compact design
- Simple setup with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity
- DTS Virtual creates impressive spatial audio effects
Cons
- Limited bass without a dedicated subwoofer
- May not satisfy audiophiles seeking premium sound
- Not ideal for larger living spaces
We recently tested the VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar in our media room, and its performance impressed us for the price point. The sleek 24-inch design fits perfectly under smaller TVs without dominating the space. Its rounded edges and textured black finish give it a premium look that blends well with most decor.
Setup couldn’t be easier – we had it connected via HDMI ARC and playing audio within minutes. The included remote is straightforward, though we appreciate that it works with most TV remotes too. Bluetooth connectivity was reliable, making it simple to stream music from our phones without any annoying dropouts or pairing issues.
For movie nights, the DTS Virtual technology creates a surprisingly immersive sound field. Dialog comes through clearly, and action sequences have unexpected punch given the compact size. Music playback is equally enjoyable with good detail across the frequency range. While it can’t replace a full surround system with a dedicated subwoofer, the V-Series delivers audio that’s vastly superior to built-in TV speakers at a very reasonable price point.
ULTIMEA Apollo S40 Detachable Soundbar
The ULTIMEA Apollo S40 offers impressive sound quality and unique flexibility with its detachable design, making it one of the best value soundbars of 2025.
Pros
- Innovative detachable/splitability design for versatile placement
- Powerful 100W output with crisp highs and surprisingly good bass
- Extensive connectivity options including app control with 121 EQ presets
Cons
- Subwoofer sold separately for those wanting deeper bass
- Remote control feels somewhat flimsy
- Setup instructions could be clearer for first-time users
We recently tested the ULTIMEA Apollo S40 in our living room setup, and the flexibility immediately stood out. The unique detachable design lets you split the soundbar into two separate units, which worked perfectly for our wider TV stand. You can also mount it on the wall or place it together as a traditional soundbar – this versatility isn’t common at this price point.
Sound quality impressed us during our testing. The 2.2 channel system delivers clear dialogue for movies and shows, while music playback revealed respectable bass despite not having a dedicated subwoofer. The built-in BassMX technology enhances low frequencies nicely, though bass enthusiasts might want to add an external subwoofer through the dedicated port.
Connectivity is another strong point. We easily paired it via Bluetooth 5.3 with our phones, and the HDMI ARC connection worked flawlessly with our TV’s remote. The Ultimea app deserves special mention – it provides extensive sound customization with 121 EQ presets across different genres. We found the Movie preset perfect for Netflix sessions, while the Music mode brought out subtle details in our favorite albums.
This soundbar hits a sweet spot between affordability and performance. Its 7° tilt design helps project sound upward toward the listening position, which creates a more immersive experience than we expected from a soundbar in this price range.
ULTIMEA Apollo S60 Soundbar
We believe the ULTIMEA Apollo S60 delivers impressive audio for its price point, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV sound in 2025.
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 detachable design fits different room layouts
- Powerful bass from wired subwoofer with adjustable settings
- Multiple connectivity options including HDMI eARC and Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
- Doesn’t support DTS decoding
- Remote control feels a bit basic
- Setup instructions could be clearer
After testing the ULTIMEA Apollo S60 in our living room, we were impressed by its rich sound profile. The Dolby Atmos support creates a surprisingly immersive experience, especially when watching action movies. The soundstage feels much wider than you’d expect from a soundbar in this price range.
The unique 7° tilt design isn’t just for looks—it actually helps direct sound toward ear level. We especially appreciated the detachable design that let us split the soundbar into two pieces and place them on either side of our TV. This flexibility is perfect for different room setups and helps the Apollo S60 blend into various home decor styles.
Bass performance stands out thanks to the wired 5.25-inch subwoofer. The “BassMX” feature lets you adjust low frequencies to your preference, which we found useful when switching between music and movies. The three EQ modes (music, movie, and game) provide noticeable differences in sound signature. We particularly liked the movie mode for its expanded soundstage and the music mode for its balanced approach to vocals and instruments.
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Soundbar
The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 soundbar delivers impressive audio quality and convenient features at a mid-range price point that makes it a smart choice for most home theater setups.
Pros
- Powerful bass from the wireless subwoofer
- Simple setup with HDMI ARC connection
- Excellent clarity for dialogue and movies
Cons
- Remote control feels somewhat cheap
- Some connectivity issues with certain TVs
- Limited EQ adjustment options
We recently tested the VIZIO V-Series 2.1 soundbar in our home theater setup, and the difference compared to standard TV speakers was immediately noticeable. The 2.1 channel system creates a wide soundstage that filled our medium-sized living room without any distortion, even at higher volumes.
The wireless subwoofer is surprisingly powerful for its compact size. During action scenes, we felt the rumble of explosions and car chases with satisfying depth. Setting up the subwoofer was effortless – it paired automatically with the soundbar and we could place it anywhere in the room without running additional cables.
Connecting the soundbar to our TV was straightforward using the included HDMI cable. The Bluetooth functionality worked flawlessly when streaming music from our phones. Voice clarity was exceptional for dialogue-heavy content, and the DTS Virtual technology created a convincing surround sound effect despite the system’s modest size. For most average-sized living rooms, this soundbar provides the perfect audio upgrade without breaking the bank.
ULTIMEA Poseidon D50 5.1 Soundbar
We believe the ULTIMEA Poseidon D50 offers impressive surround sound capabilities at a competitive price point, making it a strong contender for those looking to upgrade their home audio in 2025.
Pros
- True 5.1 surround with dedicated rear speakers
- Powerful 320W output with room-filling bass
- Extensive audio customization via companion app
Cons
- Occasional audio crackling at lower volumes
- Doesn’t support Dolby Atmos passthrough
- Setup can be cumbersome with multiple wires
The Poseidon D50 surprised us with its performance during our movie nights. After connecting everything, we were immediately impressed by the clarity of dialogue and the punchy bass from the wireless subwoofer. Action sequences felt genuinely immersive with sound traveling across the room thanks to the dedicated rear speakers.
Gaming on this system is particularly enjoyable. The BASSMX technology delivers impressive low-end response that makes explosions and vehicle sounds feel substantial without overwhelming other audio elements. When playing first-person shooters, we could actually hear footsteps and directional cues that gave us a competitive advantage.
Connection options are plentiful with HDMI ARC, optical, auxiliary, and Bluetooth support. The companion app deserves special mention, offering 121 preset EQ configurations plus a 10-band equalizer for fine-tuning. We found the preset modes (Movie, Music, Voice, etc.) genuinely useful rather than gimmicky. For the price, this 2025 model delivers remarkable value that outperforms many pricier options we’ve tested.
LITTOAK Compact Soundbar
We recommend the LITTOAK Compact Soundbar for budget-conscious shoppers who want to upgrade their TV audio without taking up much space.
Pros
- Powerful 50-watt sound from a space-saving design
- Multiple connection options (Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, USB)
- Three distinct EQ modes for different listening preferences
Cons
- No separate subwoofer for deep bass
- Remote control feels somewhat flimsy
- Sound quality good for price but not audiophile-level
We tested this 16-inch LITTOAK soundbar in our home theater setup last week and were surprised by how much sound comes from such a small package. The compact design fits perfectly under smaller TVs or in tight spaces, yet it delivers clear audio that’s a huge improvement over built-in TV speakers.
Setting it up took just minutes. The variety of connection options impressed us – we tried both the HDMI connection to our TV and Bluetooth pairing with our phones. Both worked without any hiccups. The Bluetooth 5.0 maintained a stable connection even when walking between rooms with our phone.
The three EQ modes make a noticeable difference in sound quality. We preferred Movie mode for Netflix binges, while Dialogue mode helped clarify speech in news programs. Music mode added a pleasant boost when streaming our playlist. Wall mounting was straightforward with the included hardware, though we ultimately placed it on our TV stand. For around $50, this soundbar punches above its weight class and offers great value for casual listeners.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best soundbar for your home requires some careful thought. We want to help you navigate the options and find the perfect match for your needs.
Sound quality should be at the top of your priority list. Look for soundbars that deliver clear dialogue and rich bass. Many models now offer Dolby Atmos or DTS for immersive surround sound.
Size matters when selecting a soundbar. Measure your TV and space to ensure a good fit. Ideally, your soundbar should be similar in width to your television for the best aesthetic and sound projection.
Key Features to Consider
- Channels: More channels mean better sound separation (2.0, 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, etc.)
- Connectivity: HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Smart features: Voice assistants, app control
- Room calibration: Adjusts sound based on your space
Budget plays a big role in your decision. While premium models offer more features, many mid-range soundbars provide excellent sound quality at reasonable prices.
Wireless subwoofers add powerful bass without extra cables. Consider models that include these for deeper, richer sound experiences.
Connectivity options should match your needs. HDMI eARC provides the best audio quality, while Bluetooth allows for easy music streaming from your devices.
Wall mounting might be important if you have limited space. Check if mounting hardware is included and how installation works before making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shopping for a soundbar can be overwhelming with all the options available today. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions consumers have when looking for the best soundbars in 2025.
What are the top picks for soundbars with Dolby Atmos technology in 2025?
The Samsung HW-Q990C leads the pack for Dolby Atmos soundbars this year. It offers 11.1.4 channel audio with dedicated upward-firing speakers for a truly immersive experience.
Sony’s HT-A7000 has also impressed us with its virtual surround technology and precise sound positioning. It creates a convincing 3D soundstage without requiring satellite speakers.
The LG S95QR rounds out our top Atmos picks with its 9.1.5 channel configuration, featuring an industry-first upward center channel that enhances dialogue clarity in Atmos content.
Which budget-friendly soundbars are rated highest for quality in 2025?
The TCL Alto 8+ delivers exceptional performance under $200, featuring integrated subwoofers and compatibility with most streaming platforms. Its sound quality far exceeds what you’d expect at this price point.
Vizio’s M-Series M213ad-K8 offers Dolby Atmos capabilities for under $300. This 2.1.3 channel system includes upward-firing speakers and surprisingly deep bass for its compact size.
Roku’s Streambar Pro combines excellent audio with integrated streaming functionality at around $180. Its speech clarity enhancements make it perfect for viewers who struggle with dialogue in modern TV shows.
What advanced features do the best all-in-one soundbars offer this year?
The latest premium soundbars incorporate room calibration technology that adjusts sound output based on your space’s unique acoustics. Models from Sonos and Bose use microphones to measure your room and optimize audio accordingly.
AI sound processing has become standard in high-end models. This technology analyzes content in real-time, enhancing dialogue during conversations and boosting bass during action scenes.
Multi-room audio capabilities allow seamless synchronization with other speakers. Many top soundbars now serve as the foundation for whole-home audio systems that can be expanded over time.
Which soundbars provide the best audio experience for music enthusiasts?
The Sonos Arc remains our top recommendation for music lovers. Its balanced sound signature and TruePlay tuning deliver exceptional clarity across all frequencies without artificial coloration.
For bass enthusiasts, the Sennheiser Ambeo offers unmatched low-frequency performance without a separate subwoofer. Its 13 high-end drivers create a wide soundstage that’s ideal for complex musical arrangements.
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 excels with acoustic and vocal-heavy music. Its dedicated center channel and precision-tuned drivers reveal subtle details in recordings that most soundbars miss entirely.
How do the latest soundbars from Sonos compare to other leading brands?
Sonos soundbars excel in software integration and multi-room capabilities. The new Sonos Beam Gen 3 outperforms similarly priced competitors from Samsung and LG in terms of music streaming options and ecosystem compatibility.
In pure audio performance, Sonos products offer more balanced sound than many competitors. While brands like Samsung often emphasize bass impact, Sonos focuses on accuracy and clarity across all frequencies.
Sonos lags slightly in connectivity options compared to some competitors. Most Samsung and LG models offer more HDMI ports and advanced gaming features like variable refresh rate passthrough.
For optimal compatibility, which soundbars are recommended for Samsung TVs?
Samsung’s own HW-Q series soundbars offer perfect integration with their TVs through Q-Symphony technology. This allows the TV speakers to work in harmony with the soundbar rather than being disabled.
The Samsung HW-S800B ultra-slim model is specifically designed for newer Samsung Frame and lifestyle TVs. Its thin profile complements these design-focused displays without sacrificing sound quality.
For non-Samsung options, we recommend Sony’s HT-A7000. It supports the HDMI eARC standard used in all modern Samsung TVs and offers comparable sound quality to Samsung’s premium offerings.
