TVs are so thin that they do n’t have space for big , beefy speakers for sound recording . That means you ’re not catch the best audio experience , and as should all know by now , audio is 50 % of the experience .
So , to give yourself the serious chance of having the best home cinema experience , you should indue in a soundbar . To cover a extensive range of option , we ’ve get together soundbars for different budgets , sizes and use cases . Whether it ’s a compact soundbar for a small room , a soundbar for gaming , or a soundbar system with actual speaker unit and subwoofers , you could have a flavor at the options we ’ve got take below .
When we essay a soundbar we take care at its designing , how easy it is to utilise , what input ( and outputs ) it has ; and its lineament pose too . We ’ll also take a stuffy tone at any smarting and wireless connectivity .
effectual quality is the main reason to purchase a soundbar and our reviewers watch a range of movies , play games and hear euphony to determine how well the soundbar performs across a compass of activities .
If you ’re looking for something more specific , we ’ve got our guides for thebest Dolby Atmos soundbars , thebest little soundbarsand thebest crummy soundbars . Those who desire to make full their room with sound should consider our guide to thebest surround phone arrangement .
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Learn more about how we test soundbars
Soundbars were create to boost TV well-grounded quality – which means we end up watch a lot of TV . We play everything – news reports for voices , flick for scale and effects guidance – to guarantee that the soundbars that come through the doors at Trusted Reviews are given a right challenge . We ’ll play unlike genres of music , too , since a good soundbar should be capable of doubling - up as a great music system .
More complex soundbars feature web functionality for pluck up to other speakers and recreate music around the home , so we test for connectivity military issue and ease of utilisation . We shroud the spectrum of model useable , everything from garish soundbars costing less than £ 100 to those over £ 1000 , to ensure our review benefit from our extensive market knowledge . Every product is liken to similarly price rivals , too .
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max
Pros
Cons
Samsung HW-Q990D
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
Bang and Olufsen Beosound Theatre
Wharfedale Vista 200S
Sonos Arc Ultra
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Razer Leviathan V2
Trusted Score
If you ’re see for the best soundbar money to buy , theSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Maxis difficult to amaze . As the highest - rate soundbar in this list , the Ambeo Soundbar Max vocalise incredible , offering superb cinematic sound recording decently out of the box .
At more than 1 m across and weighing 18.5 kg , this soundbar is plan to seat ( or be mounted ) beneath a 65 - inch or larger TV . There ’s a smorgasbord of input signal available , including threeHDMI , one HDMI out with eARC and Dolby Vision HDR livelihood , digital optical audio and aux - in . For wireless connections , this soundbar supports Bluetooth andGoogle Chromecast , with the latter also available in the Google Home app .
peep inside the soundbar and you ’ll find 13 speaker unit , include six 4 - inch foresighted - throw woofer and five tweeters . There are twoDolby Atmos - enabled drivers pointed up , along with side - firing cone tilt to bounce the audio off nearby wall .
Along with Dolby Atmos , there ’s support forDTS : Xand MPEG - H onboard , along with a variety of audio presets to choose from to customize the sound , include movie , medicine , news , sports , neutral and night . There ’s even a high - timber calibration mic to equalize the legal visibility to your living room .
The Ambeo Soundbar Max sounds fantastic , with film and video show audio coming across hefty , nuanced and immersive . The mid - orbit is impeccable , dialogue is smooth and we did n’t sense the need to add an additional deep basso woofer with the Ambeo bar capable of dropping to 30Hz . Stereo music sounds incredible too , with the soundbar conveying layers of detail and sonic height .
It is n’t cheap , but the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max stay more low-cost than its closest competition , theBang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre . If you do n’t have the space or inclination to install a fully blown home movie theater system of rules , the Ambeo Soundbar Max is a very convincing all - in - one option and the best soundbar we ’ve tested thus far .
That said , if you ’re search for a slenderly less expensive option , Sennheiser ’s ownAmbeo Soundbar Plusis both diminished and bum at $ 1299/£1299 .
TheQ990Danother belter of a wireless home cinema system from Samsung , tweaking and rarify the performance of the forerunner , theQ990C.
The TV channel count is a monolithic 11.1.4 channels ( the same as theJBL Bar 1300 ) . As has been the case with previous Samsung flagship soundbars , the power and pizzaz of its sound get this a soundbar system that delivers intensity , encroachment and ‘ bite ’ , with a dynamical range that add to the exhilaration of the visuals on screen .
The Acoustic Lens subwoofer delivers some of the deepest rumbles in the soundbar world , but it feels more balanced and integrated into the frequency range thanks to the Space Fit Pro standardisation organisation . The rearward speaker extend a wild sense of item to create a soundstage that ’s cohesive and balanced ; positioning effects accurately around the soundstage whether they be overhead , behind the listening position or to the side .
Its music performance is better , the tincture is warmer than previous poser , and the subwoofer is well mix into the overall performance .
If you have a compatible Samsung TV , it has support for the Q - Symphony technology that combines the soundbar and TV ’s speakers to create a bigger sound that places effects where they ’re meant to be onscreen . Alexa voice recognitionis built - in , and for iOS substance abuser there’sAirPlay 2to stamp audio recording to the soundbar .
The design and connectivity options are essentially the same as before . Connections include two HMI input signal and a single optical audio input signal , with the HDMI input able to pass throughHDR10+andDolby Visionformats , as well as 4K/120Hz pass - through .
There ’s competitor from the JBL Bar 1300 , but we feel the Samsung offers a clearer and better immersive audio performance . Samsung also offers theHW - Q930D , though that feature just the 9.1.4 channels of sound .
TheAmbeo Soundbar Plustakes everything we liked about theAmbeo Max , and puts it into a more friendly form element .
It ’s still a jolly farseeing soundbar and is best paired with 65 - inch TVs and larger . Our reviewer felt the design and build quality was excellent , the Ambeo Plus looks fresh without necessarily hogging the attention from what ’s on screen . It comes with two HDMI input to pass - through sound recording / HDR , but for a soundbar price as much as it is , we were disappointed that there was no support for gambling lineament such as 4K/120Hz passthrough .
The arrangement is described as a 7.1.4 system , with upfiring and side - fuel speakers to create a wide and spacious introduction . The sound quality we found to be very impressive , active , melodic , and detail rich , it is reminiscent of the bigger Ambeo Max . Bass is surprisingly herculean for a one - boxwood scheme , and the Ambeo processing really does expand the soundstage and place effects from the left , right , center and above in win over way .
Bass can be increased with the addition of four Ambeo subwoofers , but bass here digs thick and with puncher for a cinematic public presentation . With music it ’s also subject , converting stereo tracks with width and heap of nuance . There ’s no provision to add up surround talker to this unit , so it is a very front - laboured presentation .
In term of lineament the Ambeo Plus supports the immersive formats such as Atmos , DTS : X,360 Reality Audio , and MPEG - H. you may also rain buckets overAirPlay , Spotify Connect , Tidal Connect , Chromecast , andBluetooth , giving the user plenty of manner to teem audio . There ’s alsoAmazon Alexabuilt - in for those who want to range the soundbar within a smart system .
When it comes to extravagant products there are few serious at making them than Bang & Olufsen , and with itsBeosound Theatre , they ’ve attempted to create anAtmos barwith no compromise .
And in our view they ’ve mostly deliver the goods . There are still restraint and limitations give that the Beosound Theatre is a one - boxwood organisation that still need rear speakers to make the enveloping effect ofDolby Atmosimmersion , mean the soundstage is front - heavy . It does n’t have the same reach and wraparound gist theSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Maxcan create with its digital processing .
But the bass carrying out is earsplitting for any one - loge sound system of rules . Our commentator comment the Theatre was the most dynamic sounding soundbar they had ever heard . The energy and drive it gives soundtrack is excellent , and it seamlessly mix midrange and sub - deep frequencies with sureness . dialog clarity is excellent , and the soundbar is particularly good at delivering music . While it ’s also a very good bar for movies and euphony , with game it ’s weak at set effects within the soundstage , make it tough to figure out what ’s around you .
DTS : Xisn’t supported , which is a disappointment , but there are plenty of elbow room to send audio frequency wirelessly to the bar throughChromecast , AirPlay 2andSpotify Connect , with app support that allows the EQ to be adjust and audio mood to enable . The streak is also capable to measure your hearing space and optimize its public presentation for the good possible audio .
The design is certainly not understate , with the Beosound Theatre primarily built to integrate withLG C2 OLEDbut can be partner with any TV . The width of the bar can be adjusted to cope with the size of the covert , with a modular design that allow it to be upgraded over sentence . And around the back is a generous array of connections with fourHDMI port , including one that supports 4K/120Hz frame rates .
The Beosound Theatre is oculus - wateringly expensive at £ 5590 / $ 6890 but it is a class - lead attempt in term of work up quality and figure , and offers a brilliant sonic operation .
If the disbursal of a soundbar like theSennheiser Ambeo Maxmakes your eye to water system , the presence of an affordable soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer might be more attractive . In that slip theWharfedale Vista 200Sis a highly recommended option .
We found the bar ’s design to be attractive in show and the construction durable . The grim last and glossy top surface does n’t scream a crummy soundbar despite the Vista 200S ’s affordable price . With a width of 900 mm it ’s tailor-make to partner telecasting up to 65 - inch in size of it , and that it boasts a slim for factor also means you wo n’t be living in fear of the soundbar immobilise the picture .
In terms of features , we observed there was n’t much to grapple with away from its participating wireless subwoofer that has a side - firing 165 millimetre number one wood with 60W of power . If you need wireless connectivity or immersive audio frequency , you ’d be better off try the pocket-sized but more expensiveSonos Beam Gen 2 . We did note the three preset EQ preferences for media playback are supply in Movies , Music and News to optimize the soundbar ’s sound for those type of substance .
We find the reasoned lineament for the price was especially good , with the 200S put in a great execution across the frequency image with a top - close that did n’t ache from a lack of particular , plus some punchy bass thanks to the active subwoofer . We also celebrate that the Vista 200S could get rather loud without sounding harsh or compressed due to its 120W of built - in amplification . It also deal with dialogue well , even without a consecrate centre speaker , and if you ’re interested in play music through this bar , then it fork over on a fluent and exonerated performance .
There are cheaper soundbars , such as theSharp HT - SBW202 , as an choice but we have n’t come across another soundbar that offers as much public presentation - per - pound at this toll the Wharfedale .
With its app documentation , design and Dolby Atmos performance , theSonos Arc Ultrais one of the most outsanding options below £ 1000 .
The app has approach to music streaming services in Spotify , Tidal , Deezer , Qobuzas well as the Sonos Radio service . Those with iOS devices can take reward of theTrueplay featurethat optimize audio playback for any surround , while Android users benefit from the QuickTune function that sets the cake up in seconds .
The original Arc represented the first time Sonos chock up into theDolby Atmoswaters and this sequel is an even unspoilt movement . It ’s a heavy step up from the honest-to-god mannikin thanks to readable and cleaner delivery of dialogue as well as its unexampled Sound Motion transducers that give more depth and precision to the low absolute frequency .
Our commentator found thta it positioned sounds in a room well , as if effects were in reality coming from above or from far - by , and with music it handles all flavours of literary genre well .
If you ’re already inside the Sonos ecosystem , then you could add theSub 4for more bass ( although we ’d say you do n’t necessarily call for it , depending on your room ) ; as well asEra 300andEra 100speakers as rear speakers .
The Arc only has anHDMI eARCport , which means you ’ll require a TV with an eARC port to get the highest quality Atmos audio recording . Wirelessly there’sAirPlay 2 , which is now join byBluetooth , and in the app there ’s the ability to place the Arc within amulti - roomsystem with other Sonos speakers .
conception wise , the Arc Ultra is around the same dimensions as the honest-to-goodness model , and comes in the same black or white options .
Issues ? There are hangovers from the older soundbar . We ’ve already mentioned the HDMI eARC niggle , but considering the cost we would have expected full DTS support too . If you ’re in need of DTS support , we ’d recommend theSennheiser Ambeo Plusor the Sony Theatre Bar 9 as an alternative .
For those with special space or a smaller TV , theSonos Beam ( Gen 2)is one of the best soundbars available at its sizing . Measuring at 100 mm in width and 69 millimetre in height , the Beam 2 is idealistic for small TVs up to 50 - inches .
Similar to theGen 1 Beam , the Gen 2 is equipped with a tweeter , four mid - woofers and three passive radiators . It has none of the upward - firing verbalizer for the overhead channels forDolby Atmosfound on theSonos ArcorArc Ultra . Instead , the Beam apply digital processing to create an immersive experience .
Unlike the original , the Beam ( Gen 2 ) featuresHDMI eARC , which offers gamy bandwidth and put up for lossless audio formats such as Atmos . That does mean your TV will need an eARC porthole to get the good lineament audio .
There are a number of modes to choose from including a night mode to cut out forte noises in the evenings and a voice communication enhancement manner to boost dialogue . The soundbar also stand voice command withAmazon AlexaandGoogle Assistant .
When it comes to sound timbre , we found the Sonos Beam ( Gen 2 ) performs with fantabulous balance and compass . It does n’t have the dimensionality of the Sonos Arc , but it positions sound in a way that it feel as though it ’s wrapping around you . Our commentator also feel that bass levels impressed , though they do n’t have the same weight and deepness as those produced by the larger Arc .
Nevertheless , the Beam 2 manages to deliver a sound sense of cinematics , a clean and balanced sound and thus remain the best choice for small TVs and room , circumvent out the the like of the likewise pricedBose Smart Soundbar 600andDenon Home 550 Soundbar , and is a cheaper pick than theSennheiser Ambeo Mini .
TheRazer Leviathan V2is a soundbar designed for gamers , intended to amp up gaming Roger Huntington Sessions with a prevention and subwoofer jazz group . At $ 249.99 / £ 229.99 , it ’s within the low-priced realm of the soundbar market , and a worthwhile pick not just for gambling , but also with music too .
The appearing of the Leviathan V2 is toned down compared to some of Razer ’s other products , although the RGB lighting scheme can summoned and customised to fit the environment , bringing a shower of colour to gaming sessions . We discover the frame quality to be sturdy enough , despite being predominantly made from credit card , with human foot that can angle the soundbar upward to fire audio towards the hearing position .
There is noHDMIport , just a USB audio input to touch base to a microcomputer , and wirelessly there ’s Bluetooth 5.2 if you want to connect the Leviathan V2 to a equipment other than a personal computer and play sound through the measure . It ’s a simple enough state of connections , though we found it to be a little disappointing that there ’s no 3.5 mm despite its predecessor including it . The Razer Audio app features EQ presets such as Bass Boost to help custom-make the sound to match the game being play .
And in terms of the audio , our reviewer relish the ardent , punchy bass of the soundbar / subwoofer combo , with the roomy soundstage help to name where enemies where , plus the sound of bullets flying by helped immerse us better within the game . There is THX Spatial Audio as opposed toDolby Atmos , which thePanasonic SoundSlayer Gaming Speakerfeatures , and we constitute the addition of spacial audio recording brought more heightened knowingness to the game we act .
play euphony over a Bluetooth connection was n’t as well as a wireless verbalizer , it ’s perfectly serviceable if you ’re expectations are n’t too high . There is the Pro version that sustain some clever spatial sound processing , and you canread our impressions .
FAQs
Our recommendation would be the Wharfedale Vista 200S. It can be find for a few hammer under £ 200 and is slap-up with both movies and music . We found it to be superb value .
If you ’re poor on space or prefer not to have a subwoofer as part of the parcel , then the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an excellent option with its wide soundstage and elaborate performance with voices . If you have room for a self-aggrandizing bar , either the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini or Sony HT - A7000 would be fine options .
Test Data
Full Specs
