More recently than I’d like to admit, I was convinced that no soundbar could reproduce the sound quality found with good home theater speakers and an amplifier. It seems that Samsung, Sonos, LG, and the rest of the soundbar world took that assumption personally because today’s roster of soundbar systems has revolutionized what’s possible in terms of getting great sound without the hassle of furnishing an entire home theater setup. From high-powered Dolby Atmos systems to compact, all-in-one solutions, there’s no shortage of great-sounding setups that suit all kinds of needs.
The question now is, with all kinds of soundbar options, where do you go from here? And how do you find the bar that best fits your personal preferences? We have answers. As a tech journalist who has personally tested and reviewed dozens of soundbars over the years, I’ve hand-built a robust list of the best soundbars you can find in 2025.
Best Overall
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Best Soundbar for Bass
Best Cheap Soundbar
Best Surround Sound Value
Best Soundbar for Small Rooms
The number of soundbars out there can be a bit dizzying, making it hard to choose which one will work best for you. Here’s a bit of advice to help guide you along.
How Many Audio Channels Do You Need?
Soundbars come with different channel options that will simulate the surround sound of a speaker system. If you’re just looking to watch some TV and listen to some music with a soundbar, 2 channels and maybe a subwoofer should have you covered. A 3.1 channel soundbar will come with a center speaker dedicated to dialogue. So, if you find you’re struggling to hear what’s being said while binging talky shows like Severance or Succession, this will be a good option.
With 5.1 channels or more, your speaker system will be ready to take on all the action in your favorite movies and games. Additional speakers and subwoofers typically come with this many channels; however some soundbars can pack all that noise into a great-sounding all-in-one system.
What Type of Connectivity Do You Need?
When looking at a soundbar, it is important to make note of its connections. An HDMI ARC (or eARC) is standard in most soundbars and TVs these days. This will simplify your life, as it’s the only cord needed to get your TV sending its audio through the soundbar. A Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection should also be on your shortlist if you're looking to listen to other devices on your soundbar. If you rely on voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, you should look for a soundbar that’s compatible with those, too.
What About Dolby Atmos?
If you want the latest and greatest in sound technology, include a soundbar with support for Dolby Atmos in your search. Dolby Atmos can provide excellent virtual three-dimensional sound, turning any room into a theater. Just be sure your soundbar comes packing some up-firing drivers, subwoofer, and rear sounds. Some other impressive sound formats coming out include DTS:X and Sony’s 360 Reality, so you may want to find a soundbar that supports those as well.
Best Soundbars FAQs
What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?
- 2.0 Soundbars: These have two channels (left and right) but no subwoofer. They provide stereo sound, which is ideal for general TV viewing and smaller spaces.
- 2.1 Soundbars: These have two channels plus a subwoofer (the “.1”), adding more depth and bass, which enhances movies, music, and gaming.
- 5.1 Soundbars: These include five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, providing surround sound. Some 5.1 soundbars use extra speakers or virtual surround technology to create an immersive audio experience.
How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?
Most modern soundbars connect to TVs via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or optical audio cables. Check that your TV has one of these ports, which should cover most soundbars on the market. Some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional streaming and connectivity options.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
A subwoofer isn’t required, but it can enhance the audio experience by adding deep bass. If you enjoy action movies, music, or gaming, a subwoofer can make a big difference. Many soundbars include a built-in subwoofer or come with a wireless sub, which is ideal if you want rich sound without adding multiple speakers.
What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?
Dolby Atmos is an advanced object-based surround sound technology that adds height channels, creating a three-dimensional audio experience, making it seem as if sound comes from all directions, even above. While it’s not essential, Atmos can significantly enhance the cinematic experience.
Can I stream music through my soundbar?
Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or favorite streaming service. Look for soundbars with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay if music streaming is a priority.
Nick Woodward is a sportswriter-turned-tech journalist, covering A/V tech as a contributor at IGN.
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