The best soundbars to boost your TV audio in 2025

The most effective soundbars can fully rework your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into one thing that really sounds cinematic. Whether or not you are watching blockbuster motion pictures, listening to music or gaming, a superb soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and higher general playback than most built-in TV audio system ever might.

In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each form of house leisure setup — from compact all-in-one models to full encompass techniques with subwoofers and rear audio system. Some prioritize simplicity and modern design, whereas others are filled with immersive options like Dolby Atmos and good voice controls. Irrespective of your funds or your house, we’ve picked the very best soundbars you should buy 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 can be 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’ll 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 hold the identical general design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nevertheless, the corporate is including a number of new instruments and it drastically lowered the dimensions 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 mechanically alter 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 de facto to promote it.

Of the massive three TV firms, 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 mentioned, it wouldn’t shock me if Sony launched new soundbars later within the yr since its most up-to-date fashions had been solely introduced final April.

One firm I might regulate is Sennheiser. The unique Ambeo mannequin is sort of six years previous and will use a refresh. The corporate has added medium and mini choices to the Ambeo lineup since then, however it might be good to see a refined model of the most important mannequin too. The unique Ambeo soundbar is big, so regardless of how good it sounds, it’ll all the time be a troublesome promote for some folks.

Though I feel it’s much less probably, it’s additionally attainable that Sonos has new soundbars this yr. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent machine will probably be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Movement tech contained in the Arc Extremely would supply a giant enchancment to bass efficiency in compact fashions just like the Beam and Ray. The corporate might convey Sound Movement to standalone audio system first, but it surely’s destined for these smaller soundbars finally.

The most effective soundbars for 2025

What to search for in a soundbar

Options

In relation 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 while you wish to keep away from on the lookout for the distant management, however the very best playback high quality is often solely within the prime tier and the codecs these premium soundbar techniques assist. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities for those who’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. In the event you’re on the lookout for among the finest Dolby Atmos soundbars, dimension, channels and subwoofer choices will likely be necessary elements to think about. Some fashions even embody a devoted subwoofer to boost bass efficiency, bringing an additional punch to motion scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

It is a huge one. Loads of the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted with regards to connectivity choices. They both supply an optical port or one HDMI jack and, for those who’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. In the event you plan to attach a number of gadgets like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for the very best audio expertise, you’ll need an choice with a minimum of two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are essential 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 on the lookout for the very best soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that firms embody in product descriptions. The primary determine corresponds to the variety of channels. A two would simply be left and proper whereas a extra strong Atmos system, particularly one with rear encompass audio system, may very well be 5 or seven (left, proper, middle 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, necessary 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 lately supply both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. In relation to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate machine), Chromecast, Spotify Join and AirPlay 2. Relying in your preferences, you may have the ability to reside with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remainder I can reside with out. These two give me the flexibility to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or battle with — a Bluetooth connection. For example, Sonos audio system usually supply seamless integration with iOS gadgets, making it simple to attach and stream music wirelessly. In the event you’re on the lookout 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 a dear soundbar in your front room solely to find you need to rearrange all the pieces to discover a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Sure, that speaker is absurdly giant (and heavy), and most soundbars aren’t practically as huge. I discovered a helpful lesson: Be sure that the house the place you wish to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend lots of (if not 1000’s) of {dollars} on.

Mainly, all of it comes all the way down to the TV you’ve gotten (or are planning to get) and what the first aim is on your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Would you like the very 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 encompass system audio?

By taking note of 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 strong setup. With that mentioned, we have put quite a few merchandise by way of their paces at Engadget and have a number of favorites for greatest soundbar at numerous value factors to get you began.

Different soundbars we examined

Sonos Arc

There’s little question that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, but it surely’s additionally the corporate’s most costly. With a brand new mannequin based mostly on the Arc rumored to be on the best way, it’s tough to advocate this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works properly as each a soundbar and a speaker, and the machine 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 suppose Sennheiser’s medium-sized mannequin provides 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 strong 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’ll be able to solely add a subwoofer to the soundbars. Nevertheless, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA enter, so you should use it with a turntable for those who’re into vinyl.

Greatest soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar higher than audio system?

It actually depends upon what you’re after. A soundbar is unquestionably an easier, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. If you’d like higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t wish to take care of a number of audio system and wires all over the place, a soundbar might be the best way to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular encompass sound results, due to options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio know-how.

Nevertheless, for those who’re an audiophile or need true encompass sound for an at-home theater expertise, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, encompass 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 through HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the simplest and most suitable choice for reaching 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 along with your TV distant.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an choice in your TV, you should use an optical cable, which additionally delivers strong 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 a minimum of supply one as an non-compulsory add-on that you would be able to buy individually. A subwoofer is what provides you that deep, booming bass, so for those who like motion motion pictures 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.