Most soundbars also offer optical audio inputs for older TVs without HDMI ARC support, but it’s worth checking (or you can upgrade to a new TV). We recommend using soundbars with HDMI ARC as a minimum. It’s a much simpler connection and is the minimum requirement for sending 3D audio formats that use height channels such as Dolby Atmos either DTS:X.
Most soundbars support wireless streaming via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Higher-quality models may also provide additional HDMI inputs to connect source devices directly and pass the video to your TV like a traditional A/V receiver. What you need depends entirely on your use case, but for most people, a simple HDMI to HDMI ARC/eARC connection will suffice. These cables are usually included in the box. If not, here’s a list of the cables you need. Affordable cable we like.
What about surround sound and Dolby Atmos?
Surround sound is exactly what it sounds like: you surround yourself with sound. It can make movies, games, or live sports seem more realistic. The best surround sound bars use dedicated rear surround speakers. Others use digital audio processing, sometimes combined with side-firing drivers to create a virtual surround effect. Some virtual surround systems can be effective, but they can’t replace the true immersion of dedicated surround sound speakers.
The same goes for 3D sound formats with height channels like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. While none of the soundbars we’ve tested use ceiling-mounted speakers, the best models place upward-firing drivers in both the soundbar and rear surround speakers to fully immerse you when playing compatible content.
If you’re considering buying surround speakers, you’ll want to use stands to place them behind your seating area. You’ll also want to consider whether to buy wireless speakers (which typically require a power outlet) or wired speakers that must be plugged into the soundbar.
Many Wi-Fi compatible sound bars Featured Smart Assistantsmulti-room audio connectivity and other features. If you already have a smart assistant you love, like Alexa or Google Assistant, keep that in mind when shopping. You might not need a smart speaker in your living room if you end up buying a smart soundbar. Conversely, if you don’t want those features, you can save some money by avoiding soundbars with all the fancy bells and whistles. For example, Klipsch soundbars tend to skip Wi-Fi and smart features to focus on sound quality and extra components.
$100 or less
You can find small, inexpensive sound bars in this price range, and they are… still Better than your TV speakers. These can be a good option if you’re on a budget, but they’re more useful for TVs in smaller spaces, like bedrooms or kitchens.
From $100 to $400
This is a good price range for most non-surround sound bars. Look for well-known brands like Samsung, Vizio, Sony, Polk, LG, Bose, Klipsch, and Sonos. You generally won’t want to buy a sound bar in this price range without a a wireless subwoofer included, although Sonos and Bose There are soundbars in this range that sound pretty good and come with advanced networking features. You can also find soundbars with true surround sound speakers for under $400, but most of these aren’t the best for truly immersive sound. Similarly, many bars will offer Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X “support,” but the effect will be limited unless they offer dedicated upward-firing drivers.
From $400 to $1,000
This is the price category where you’ll start to see high-quality surround sound bars with subwoofers, real satellite speakers, and Dolby Atmos support. In this range, you’ll also start to see advanced features like Wi-Fi streaming, multi-room audio, additional HDMI inputs, and the ability to add wireless surround speakers and subwoofers later. Depending on your use case, any device at this level should offer plenty of extras, multiple audio components, or both.
For music lovers, it is also possible to purchase quality powered/active bookshelf speakers. These all-in-one stereo systems offer far greater fidelity and musicality than most soundbars and often come with versatile connectivity such as HDMI ARC, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Brands such as KEF, Veterinary Serviceand Klipsch are currently among our favorites.
More than $1,000
At this price point, you’ll see the biggest, boldest soundbar systems with as many speakers as possible for height and surround sound. These are aimed at those who have the money to build a small home theater system But I don’t have the space or patience for systems that require a lot of wiring and discrete components like an A/V receiver. If you’re going to go much further, I’d consider a true traditional home theater system with speakers, amps, and a receiver, or audiophile-grade speaker systems like the KEF LS50 wireless bookshelf series.
Virtually every well-known electronics brand makes decent sound bars. Our favorites include Samsung, Sonos, Bose, Polk, Vizio, Klipsch, Yamaha, JBL, Sony, Sennheiser, and a few others. Try visiting a store that carries a lot of sound bars to try them out. You’ll be surprised at how different they can sound. Be sure to check out our The best sound bars Guide to our favorites.
