Turn Up the Volume: Must-Have Best Soundbars for TV
Understanding Soundbars
What are Soundbars?
Think of soundbars as the magic wands for your TV's audio troubles. They’re these nifty audio gadgets that'll turn your dull TV sounds into a cinema-like experience. How do they work the magic? They've got a bunch of speakers crammed into one sleek, long bar that you can pop below your TV, hang on the wall, or even tuck onto a shelf. Imagine having that impressive sound vibe without clogging up your room with umpteen wires and bulky speakers (WIRED).
These soundbars are also the VIPs of versatility in your living room. They can groove just about anywhere and come in all sorts of styles and sizes, so there's one out there just begging to match your TV's vibe. And hey, who wouldn’t want a soundbar that also jazzes up the room? (Samsung).
Benefits of Soundbars
So why are folks going bananas over soundbars for their home theaters? Let’s break it down:
Better Sound: Ditch the scratchy TV audio! Soundbars pump out sounds that make you catch every word in your fave binge-watch, plus they add a nice oomph to all those epic movie scores.
No Space? No Problem!: These beauties don’t hog your living room space. Ideal if your TV's on an itty-bitty stand or your lounge’s tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving.
Plug and Play: Who wants to wrangle cables? Most soundbars are a breeze to set up. Got a couple of cables and an HDMI ARC? Bam — you’re in business! (HDMI ARC)
Feature-Packed: Some come with virtual surround sound or even built-in subwoofers that rock the room without needing a truckload of gear (soundbar with subwoofer).
Build Your Setup: From budget-friendly options to high-end systems with surround sound and 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos — there’s a soundbar waiting just for you (WIRED).
With soundbars sweeping the scene, anyone on the hunt for the best soundbars for TV has a buffet of options that’ll tune their TV into a sound-hero.
Choosing the Right Soundbar
Picking out the right soundbar can really pump up your TV watching session. Let's take a look at some things you want to keep in mind to get the best soundbar for your needs.
Factors to Consider
When you're on the hunt for a soundbar, you'll wanna keep your eyes on a few important things to make sure it fits your home sweet home setup just right. You'll wanna think about space, what features you can't live without, and what you'll mostly be using it for.
| Factor | What to Think About |
| Space | Take a gander at the area around your TV. Is there enough room for a soundbar? These things can be mounted on the wall or plopped onto a piece of furniture, so you've got options. |
| Number of Channels | Soundbars aren't one-size-fits-all, they come in different channels—anywhere from 2 to a whopping 7. A 2-channel has your basic left and right speakers, while a 5.1 throws in a subwoofer and some surround speakers. Some fancy ones even include height channels for cool stuff like Dolby Atmos. |
| Aesthetic Compatibility | Your soundbar should jive with the look and size of your TV. It’s like matching your shoes to your outfit. You want it to look sharp. |
Wanna feel some serious bass? Take a peek at a soundbar with subwoofer.
Size Configuration Selection
Soundbars come in all sorts of sizes, labeled by their channel count. The more channels, the snazzier your audio experience will be, with more depth and detail.
| Channel Setup | What's the Deal |
| 2.0 | Basic left-right action |
| 3.0 | Adds a center speaker for clearer chat |
| 5.1 | Surround setup with deep bass |
| 7.1 | Next-level surround sound with rear speakers |
Pick the right soundbar size and setup based on how much space you got and how booming you want your audio experience to be, and you'll be grinning ear to ear with some sweet sound coming through.
Installation and Setup
Getting a soundbar hooked up is a real game-changer for how you watch TV. A quick lesson on where to stick it and how to connect it to your TV will ensure everything plays nicely together.
Placement Tips
Where you put your soundbar makes a world of difference in how it sounds. Here's the scoop:
- On the Media Console: Plop the soundbar under your TV, right on the media console. Make sure it snuggly fits and doesn't hide the screen. Try to line it up nicely between your TV's legs.
- Wall Mounting: If your TV's living on the wall, why not slap the soundbar up there too? It saves space and gets that sound spreading better. Some, like those fancy Samsung ones, come with their own brackets..
- Sound Bases: Got a chunky sound base? Just tuck it beneath the TV or find a solid shelf. These are sturdy folks and can even support that big TV.
Make sure there’s enough wiggle room for the soundbar to do its thing, especially if you’ve got extra goodies like subwoofers or surround sound gadgets.
Connection Options
Hooking up a soundbar is a breeze these days, with lots of ways to get it chatting with your TV. Here’s the lineup:
- HDMI ARC: Lots of new soundbars use HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) to keep setups simple. This means you can work the volume and power with just your TV remote. Less clutter! For the audiophiles out there, some models offer HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which handles top-notch audio like Dolby Atmos (WIRED).
| Connection Type | Description |
| HDMI ARC | Makes things easy and uses your TV remote for control. |
| HDMI eARC | Handles primo audio for an extra punch. |
- Optical Digital Input: A go-to for many, though it may skip some of those fancy audio perks.
- Wireless Options: Many soundbars now offer Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Pair things up quickly or stream straightaway. Some even moonlight as smart speakers, doubling as Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
With the right spot and connection, you're all set to boost your TV times and squeeze out all the fun your soundbar has to offer. Wanna know more about getting soundbars in different setups? Dive into our other reads on soundbar with subwoofer and soundbars with HDMI ARC.
Advanced Soundbar Features
Tech's revved up, and so have soundbars, turning living rooms into mini cinemas with their jazzy bells and whistles. Time to chat about surround sound skills and the finger-snapping Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Surround Sound Capabilities
When you're scoping out a soundbar, surround sound's the thing. Soundbars come in all shapes and sizes, packing channels with multiple speakers. Some rock a full crew of five main speakers: center, left, right, and a pair of surround ones, plus a subwoofer, forming a 5.1 gang.
Now, if you wanna feel like you're smack in the action, some slick models toss in height channels for that Dolby Atmos and DTS:X magic. You might see rear speakers or some fancy digital voodoo with side-firing wizards conjuring a surround sound illusion.
| Soundbar Setup | Main Speakers | Surround Speakers | Extras |
| 2.0 | 2 | None | Just the basics |
| 3.1 | 3 | 1 (subwoofer) | Extra thumpin' bass |
| 5.1 | 5 | 1 (subwoofer) | Proper surround sound |
| 7.1 | 7 | 1 (subwoofer) | Extra channels for bigger sound |
| 9.1 | 9 | 1 (subwoofer) | Go big with height effects |
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support
Enter Dolby Atmos and DTS:X: the rockstars of audio that throw sound around like nobody's business. These techs craft a 3D soundscape, making noise shimmy from every angle. If you want chills-down-your-spine sound, these formats are your ticket.
Today's soundbars are cozying up with HDMI ARC, letting you hook your TV with just one cable. Good news, you control everything with your TV remote. Some next-gen models roll out HDMI eARC, serving up pristine audio, covering uncompressed tracks and the likes of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
For those thirstin' for sound that packs a punch, think soundbars with added height channels and surround speakers. They whip up an audio illusion that turns your living room into the set of your favorite blockbuster. Perfect for soaking in movies, tearing up digital combat zones, or jamming out to music on the best soundbars for TV.
Trying out these audio superheroes can seriously spark up your listening life. Gamers, grab a soundbar for gaming for that extra sonic edge. And music fans, hunt down the best soundbars for music for a sound that's rich and full, just like your playlist deserves.
Disclosure: Our blog posts may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Top Soundbars in 2024
Bored of your TV's tinny sound? Meet these soundbars of 2024 that can kick the life back into your audio world. Whether you want to feel like you're in a full-blown cinema or just want some clear chatter from your favorite sitcom, we've got the goods. Here's your shopping list for a superior, ear-pleasing setup.
Samsung HW-Q990D
This bad boy, the Samsung HW-Q990D, holds the crown for the top Bluetooth soundbar. With its whopping 11.1.4 audio channels, it’s basically like having your own sound army. Perfect for those who want to hear every whisper and explosion. Gamers love its HDMI 2.1 and Game Mode VRR — which is just a fancy way of saying ‘no annoying screen tears, ever.’ You’ll swear Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital formats were invented just for this (RTINGS).
More info: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/4i69h5V
| Feature | Specification |
| Channels | 11.1.4 |
| HDMI | 2.1 |
| Gaming Mode | VRR, Dolby Atmos |
| Recommended For | Premium audio lovers |
Samsung HW-Q930C
Listen up, bargain hunters. The Samsung HW-Q930C is like the HW-Q990D’s sensible cousin. Released last year, it's got a 9.1.4 channel setup, complete with room correction magic to make sure your audio feels just right where you're sitting. If you want cutting-edge sound without a wallet-draining price, this one balances cost and performance like a pro gymnast (RTINGS).
| Feature | Specification |
| Channels | 9.1.4 |
| Room Correction | Yes |
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital |
| Perfect For | Money-savvy sound seekers |
LG S90TR
The LG S90TR is where the action’s at for mid-range sound bars. Packing a 7.1.3 channel Dolby Atmos setup, its sound dances nicely with your room’s natural acoustics. Granted, its Atmos performance might not shake the walls like the higher-end folks, but it’ll definitely impress the guests (RTINGS).
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3VcuaTa
| Feature | Specification |
| Channels | 7.1.3 |
| Room Correction | Yes |
| Atmos Performance | Good enough |
| Best For | Mid-range audio lovers |
Vizio M Series M512a-H6
The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is your go-to for a thrifty yet decent sound upgrade. Comes with a subwoofer and two little satellite friends, offering a delightful experience. It does lean on Bluetooth though, so it's not the absolute best in surround sound. But hey, at this price, who’s complaining? (RTINGS)
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/49cKrxc
| Feature | Specification |
| Channels | 5.1 |
| Subwoofer | Sure thing |
| Satellite Speakers | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth Only |
| Great For | Budget-conscious audiophiles |
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
For tight spots and snug rooms, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) does the trick. It's tiny enough to fit without fuss but powerful enough to impress with its Dolby Atmos and snazzy sound perks. And if you ever want to beef it up, just add a sub and satellites for a grander show (RTINGS).
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3Z91TxR
| Feature | Specification |
| Channels | 3.0 |
| Compact Design | Definitely |
| Expandable | Yes (sub and satellites) |
| Ideal For | Cozy corners |
These soundbars will turn your living room into a personal concert. Consider what you're after — peak audio quality, compact size, or stretching the bucks — there’s something here for everyone. Want more help? Don't miss our nifty guides on soundbar with subwoofer and soundbars for gaming.
Expert Recommendations
Hunting for a top-notch soundbar in 2024? Well, here's a list of soundbars that'll tickle your eardrums just right. We've rounded up the options that deliver the magic for various situations.
Yamaha SR-C20A
The Yamaha SR-C20A is the people's champ when it comes to soundbars. Let's peek under the hood:
More info: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/49skCJP
| Feature | Specification |
| Power Output | 100 watts |
| Driver Setup | Forward-facing and upward-firing bass drivers, plus passive radiators |
| Best For | Everyday TV watching with cinema-like sound |
Folks love this one for its budget price and punchy sound, fitting perfectly into any living room. Want to dig deeper? Check out our piece on soundbar with subwoofer.
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
Meet the Klipsch Flexus Core 200, the independence award-winner in the sound world:
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3CMKML3
| Feature | Specification |
| Sound Quality | Crystal clear, featuring up-firing drivers for Dolby Atmos magic |
| Additional Goodies | Pair with wireless speakers or a subwoofer |
| Best For | Mixing movies and music with style |
If you're eyeing a stand-alone sound solution, this is a front-runner that'll blow your socks off. Gamers, we didn't forget you! Peek at soundbars for gaming.
Zvox AccuVoice AV157
Got hearing troubles? The Zvox AccuVoice AV157's got your back:
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/4g9rfCQ
| Feature | Specification |
| Tech Specs | AccuVoice tech paired with digital signal wizardry |
| Voice Clarity | Boosted dialogue clarity like never before |
| Best For | TV shows, movies, and news watches without the whispers |
This puppy's all about making sure you catch every word, tackling hearing difficulties head-on. Curious about more sound goodness? Glide over to best soundbars for music.
Samsung HW-Q990C
The Samsung HW-Q990C reigns supreme for Dolby Atmos enthusiasts:
More info: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3VdErP7
| Feature | Specification |
| Surround Experience | Big, bold audio explosion |
| Bass Qualities | A bass punch that's tighter than ever |
| Connection Game | Goes wire-free with Samsung TVs |
If you're chasing theater thrill at home, this one brings it. Perfect for movie lovers and gamers alike who want the best immersive sound.
Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Bargain hunters, meet your new favorite—the Vizio Dolby Atmos Soundbar for less than $500:
More info: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/4g5Jd9c
| Feature | Specification |
| Surround Gizmos | Dolby Atmos on a budget, diving you into sound |
| Extras | Includes extra speakers that make movies pop |
| Best For | Thrilling movie nights and intense gaming sessions |
This budget-friendly beast offers sweeping sound that'll have you feeling like you're in the center of the action. Need a hand setting it up? Look at our guide on soundbars with hdmi arc.
These picks showcase top-rated soundbars that cater to various experiences and desires, aiming to bring killer audio into your life without breaking a sweat.
Best Dolby Atmos Soundbars
Fancy a sound that moves you? Dolby Atmos teases the senses, making you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action. Here's the lowdown on some killer Dolby Atmos soundbars you gotta check out in 2024.
Bravia Theatre Bar 9 from Sony
Meet the king of all soundbars, the Bravia Theatre Bar 9 from Sony. It's the crown jewel, bagging the 'Best Soundbar of 2024' title and shining bright with 13 separate drivers and quad passive radiators. Imagine being wrapped in sound so good that every other speaker just sounds like a sad car stereo in comparison. Home theaters have never sounded so five-star fabulous! (What Hi-Fi?).
More info : HERE
Additional subwoofer for this model: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/4icfjlk
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc doesn't play nice—it plays awesome. With a posse of 11 drivers, it brings together your speakers and subwoofers like a band of merry musicians, cranking out 3D sound that makes you swear there's an invisible symphony above your couch. Versatility’s middle name should be 'Arc'. (What Hi-Fi?).
More info: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3CZKJeD
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max
Dolby Atmos fans, hold onto your popcorn. This isn't your usual soundbar—it's the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max, a beast over a meter long that roars with mighty 3D sound. Packed with Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast, and a bunch of HDMI ports, it's like the Swiss Army knife of soundbars, all slick and ready for action..
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3CNK6oB
Sony HT-S2000
Ballin' on a budget? The Sony HT-S2000 is your new audio BFF. Despite its wallet-friendly tag, it packs a punch with 3.1-channel vibes, Bluetooth 5.2, and some smooth HDMI action. Thanks to Sony's Vertical Sound Engine, you get that epic Dolby Atmos experience without the need for upward-firing shenanigans. (What Hi-Fi?).
More info: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3ZdKLXZ
Every one of these audio gadgets has something unique to offer. Whether you’re cramming this bad boy into your apartment or maxing out sound in your media room, there’s a soundbar here that’ll make movie nights, gaming, and music sound better than ever.
Additional Soundbar Recommendations
Searching for the perfect soundbar to boost your TV's audio? These picks are worth a look for their impressive sound, neat features, and ease of use.
Polk MagniFi Mini AX
The Polk MagniFi Mini AX scores high for its great sound and no-fuss operation. It works with popular formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and offers several hookup options, including HDMI eARC, optical, and analog. It's handy and adaptable, but keep in mind it doesn’t have an HDMI input for direct source connection. Want to crank up the audio even more? Swing by our soundbar with subwoofer guide.
More info: HERE
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/3B04RwM
| Feature | Specification |
| Audio Formats | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Connection Options | HDMI eARC, Optical, Analog |
| Special Notes | Easy to Use |
Vizio M-Series Elevate
Featuring motorized upward-firing speakers and surround sound, the Vizio M-Series Elevate amps up the drama of movies and TV shows. It’s compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering an HDMI eARC jack and other ways to connect. It’s a smart speaker too, delivering surround sound that’s both immersive and engaging.
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/4fHCYbQ
| Feature | Specification |
| Speaker Setup | Upward-Firing, Surround |
| Compatibility | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC |
TCL S55H
The TCL S55H surprises for a 2.1-channel soundbar, delivering bold sound and impressive surround effects. It gets you Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X, and offers a mix of connectivity choices like HDMI eARC, optical, analog, and Bluetooth. A great budget pick to enhance TV sound without breaking the bank.
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/4fNNbU3
| Feature | Specification |
| Channels | 2.1 |
| Audio Support | Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X |
| Connectivity | HDMI eARC, Optical, Bluetooth |
Budget-friendly Soundbar Picks
If you're looking to pump up the sound on your TV without emptying your pockets, we've got some cool soundbar suggestions that fit the bill.
Roku Streambar Pro
Meet the Roku Streambar Pro, a superstar in the budget TV soundbar section, coming in at less than $200. It packs quite a punch with solid stereo sound and Dolby Audio support. Need to hook it up? It plays nice with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and a bunch of other connections like Apple AirPlay and Google Home.
Buy on Amazon 👉 https://amzn.to/4fOC7pP
| Feature | Spec |
| Wallet Damage | Under $200 |
| Audio Flair | Dolby Audio |
| Hook-Up Options | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, USB, AirPlay, Google Home |
| Remote | Roku Voice Remote |
The Roku voice remote's your buddy here, helping with TV controls and opening the Roku Channel for oodles of free TV shows and movies. Want to spice things up with a subwoofer or surround speakers? That's on the table too.
There you go. Quality soundbars don’t need to bust your budget, and these options are winners for amping up your home entertainment. If you're itching for a soundbar with subwoofer or something that levels up your game nights, these could be your new sound besties!