The Best Soundbars of 2025: Upgrade Your Home Theater

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar ($699) delivers a wide, immersive soundstage and premium styling that makes movies and music sound more cinematic, and in our testing the spacious presentation stood out. We found the overall tuning pleasant for dialogue and ambience, but the bass can be underwhelming during action scenes and the price feels steep compared with competitors — it scored 7/10 in our guide. If you value a refined, room‑filling sound and easy streaming (HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi and Alexa), it’s a strong pick, but plan to add a sub if you crave deep low end.

The Sonos Arc ($999) is our high‑end recommendation for immersive Dolby Atmos performance — it earned a 9/10 thanks to its 9.1.4‑channel capability and elegant, low‑profile design that slips into modern living spaces. During our review we found the spatial imaging and dialog clarity exceptional for films and streaming, and Sonos’ Wi‑Fi ecosystem makes multiroom streaming seamless, though it relies on HDMI eARC rather than multiple HDMI inputs. It’s a premium buy, and while the price may be steep, the Arc earned its high rating for Atmos realism and polished integration.

The LG S90TR is a premium, immersive option that earned an 8.5/10 thanks to its Dolby Atmos, DTS:X support and included wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. During our review we found it pairs beautifully with LG OLED B/C/G series TVs for seamless integration and creates convincing 3D spatial sound for movies and gaming. Our experience shows the subwoofer can feel underpowered at times and HDMI inputs are limited, so it’s ideal if you want a near‑complete surround setup and own a compatible LG TV despite the high price.

Samsung’s HW‑Q990D ($1,499.99) is our top‑tier, room‑filling powerhouse — it earned a 9.5/10 for delivering expansive, three‑dimensional Dolby Atmos sound with two HDMI 2.1 inputs that support 4K/120Hz passthrough. In our testing the system produced dynamic, weighty, and highly detailed audio that truly transforms movie nights, and the included subwoofer adds substantial low‑end impact. The tradeoffs are practical: occasional bassy crackle and a hard‑to‑read display popped up in our experience, and the higher price puts it in the enthusiast bracket, but for serious home‑theater setups it’s hard to beat.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($497.49) is a compact, smart soundbar that packs Dolby Atmos support into a small footprint and scored 7.5/10 in our guide for its balanced performance. We found its warm, refined sound and streaming smarts great for everyday TV and music, and Sonos’ Wi‑Fi ecosystem makes setup and grouping simple; however, it lacks extra HDMI ports, doesn’t support DTS:X, and the low bass is limited without a sub. If you want Atmos in a smaller living room and easy multiroom streaming, the Beam Gen 2 strikes a convincing balance.

This Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer ($229.95) punches above its price with strong bass and flexible inputs — in our testing the wireless sub adds satisfying thump that makes action scenes more engaging. We found it offers excellent value and multiple connections (HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, AUX), but during our review you’ll likely need to tweak presets manually to get optimal sound per genre and it can sound harsh at maximum volume. It scored a solid 7/10 as a budget Atmos option if you’re willing to dial in settings.

VIZIO’s Elevate SE ($299) stands out for creative Atmos tricks and a compelling soundstage — in our testing the adaptive height speakers rotate up when Atmos or DTS:X content plays, and the wireless sub and surrounds give rich, room‑filling impact. During our review we liked QuickFit TV mounting compatibility, but our experience shows the lack of a bundled physical remote and the absence of voice assistant integration are noticeable annoyances. It scored 7.5/10 as an excellent-value Atmos system if you can live with app-based control and limited inputs.

The Sony HT-G700 ($753.95) delivers an exciting, room‑filling sound that makes music and movies feel bigger — in our testing its tuning impressed for immersive listening. That said, during our review the high price and the lack of Wi‑Fi or smart assistant support weigh against its value, and the included subwoofer can be a bit over‑energetic in the lower midrange. It scored 7/10: choose it if you want powerful, engaging sound and don’t need smart features or delicate low‑end control.

Samsung’s HW‑Q600F is a solid mid‑range Q‑series soundbar that earned an 8/10 for its Dolby Atmos performance and wireless subwoofer, delivering punchy bass and immersive height cues in our testing. We found HDMI eARC useful for higher‑quality audio transfer and the wireless subwoofer adds flexibility in placement, but our experience shows limitations: no built‑in Wi‑Fi, no voice assistant, and older Bluetooth 4.2 mean fewer smart features than competitors. If you want strong Atmos sound without an all‑in‑one streaming hub, this is a dependable choice.

For serious home‑theater lovers the LG S95TR is a flagship‑level option that earned a 9/10 in our testing for immersive, theater‑style sound. We found its 9.1.5‑channel layout, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support along with AI room calibration produce detailed, enveloping audio and the included wireless subwoofer adds meaningful low end that justifies the price. Integration with LG TVs felt seamless during our review, though the system’s large footprint and lack of an LED display may be drawbacks in smaller rooms.

If you prioritize design and refined sound, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage delivers a luxurious experience that earned an 8.5/10 in our testing. We found its 11 drivers and Dolby Atmos support produce rich, dynamic audio and the minimalist Scandinavian styling looks exceptional, but our experience shows the lack of upward‑firing speakers limits true height effects and connectivity is thin with only one HDMI input. The absence of a dedicated remote and the $3,200 price point make it a premium aesthetic choice more than a full Atmos solution.

Don’t underestimate the MagniFi Mini AX by Polk Audio — this compact $449 soundbar packs HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi plus a wireless subwoofer to deliver surprisingly full sound for small spaces. In our testing we appreciated how easy it is to place in a bedroom or apartment and how the included sub adds real low‑end authority, and the unit scored 8/10 for that balance. That said, our experience shows it doesn’t have upward‑firing drivers, so while it supports Dolby Atmos formats it won’t recreate the same overhead height as larger Atmos systems, and there’s no wall‑mount hardware in the box.

The AccuVoice AV157 ($199.99) is a niche pick that excels at one thing: vocal clarity — it offers 12 levels of AccuVoice and SuperVoice enhancement and PhaseCue virtual surround to help you follow dialogue. During our review we found it very effective for hearing tricky lines without blasting the TV, and its compact, portable design is convenient. That said, it scored 7/10 because it lacks HDMI ARC and any Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi streaming, and higher AccuVoice settings can sound harsh, so expect to dial it in carefully for the best results.

The Sony HT-S2000 (priced unusually low at $25) is a compact, balanced soundbar that delivers clear mids and easy setup — in our testing its compact footprint makes it perfect for smaller spaces. We enjoyed the Dolby Atmos support for added spatial detail, but during our review the lack of deep bass and only a single HDMI port held performance back. It earned a 5.5/10 because while it’s pleasant for TV and dialogue, serious movie nights will reveal its thin low end and basic connectivity.

If you want a compact all‑in‑one that handles 4K streaming and TV audio without breaking the bank, the Roku Streambar is a smart pick — it scored 6.5/10 in our guide. In our testing we found its vocal clarity and surprisingly loud output make dialogue and streaming apps sound much better than TV speakers, and Alexa integration is handy for smart homes. That said, our experience shows the lack of a subwoofer and Dolby Atmos means it won’t satisfy bass heads, and the remote only controls the Streambar, so expect some limitations with advanced tuning.

Sonos’ Ray is a budget‑friendly compact soundbar that scored 6.5/10 and excels at midrange clarity for music and speech. In our testing we found the Ray delivers detailed vocals and crisp highs that make streaming and casual listening pleasant, and its low profile fits neatly under most TVs. Our experience shows the downside is real: there’s no Dolby Atmos, no voice assistant built in, and limited format support, so if you crave immersive overhead effects or wider codec compatibility you’ll want to look higher up the list.

Samsung’s S60D is a compact soundbar that impressed us with a surprisingly wide soundstage and clear dialogue, earning a 7/10 in our guide. In our testing the seven‑speaker all‑in‑one design, including a built‑in woofer, gives better bass than you’d expect for a single unit, and Alexa integration helps with voice control. Our experience shows limits too: there’s no dedicated external subwoofer support and Adaptive Sound features are best with Samsung TVs, so it’s a great match if you want tidy setup and good clarity without extra boxes.

Bose’s TV Speaker is aimed at simplicity and dialogue clarity, and in our testing its Dialogue Mode makes speech much easier to follow — though it scored 5.5/10 overall. We found setup effortless and appreciated the compact footprint that fits under most screens, plus basic connectivity like HDMI ARC and Bluetooth for casual streaming. Our experience shows significant compromises: no Dolby Atmos or subwoofer means thin low end, and limited EQ or room correction options restrict customization for cinephiles who want deeper, richer bass.

Affordable and compact, the Samsung S‑Series HW‑S50B is a straightforward upgrade if you want crisper TV audio without breaking the bank. In our testing it delivered notably crisp highs and clear dialogue, which matches its good sound quality rating, but we found the bass lacks the low‑end punch many expect and there’s no subwoofer included. The intrusive setting‑change voice announcements are louder than program material and there’s no way to lower them, which hurt the daily experience. With HDMI ARC, optical and Bluetooth the setup is flexible despite its 6/10 score.

Compact and simple, the Yamaha SR‑B20A is a practical pick if you want clearer dialogue and a small footprint without extra boxes. In our testing its built‑in subwoofers delivered decent bass for a single‑unit bar and dialogue reproduction was notably clear, but our experience shows the low end lacks variation and can sound monotonal. During our review we also missed more advanced features like Wi‑Fi, voice assistants, and multiple HDMI inputs—it's handy with HDMI ARC, optical and Bluetooth but scored 6/10 overall.

Polk’s Signa S4 ($449) is a strong mid‑range performer that balances clarity and convenience with features like HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth and a bundled subwoofer for deeper impact. During our review we found Voice Adjust Technology and multiple sound modes handy for dialogue-heavy TV and flexible listening, and the overall clarity earned it a solid 7.5/10. The tradeoffs are practical: there’s no visual subwoofer level indicator, the remote feels plasticky, and it can’t be expanded with additional Polk speakers — fine for most living rooms but limiting if you plan to upgrade later.

Bluesound’s Pulse SOUNDBAR+ ($1,149) is aimed at audiophiles who want high‑resolution playback and multi‑room streaming via BluOS, and during our review we were impressed by its 192kHz/24‑bit support and muscular 120W amplifier. Despite those strengths, the soundbar scored a middling 6/10 because it lacks HDMI inputs, ships without a dedicated remote, and the bass can feel thin without adding a subwoofer — a real consideration at this price. If high‑res music and integrated multi‑room are priorities, it’s compelling; if you need plug‑and‑play HDMI flexibility or deep cinematic bass, look elsewhere or budget for a sub.

The Sony HT-S400 ($179.99) is an affordable, no-frills upgrade that surprised us with punchy, well-tuned sound for its class — in our testing the included subwoofer adds real low-end weight that belies the price. We found setup effortless via HDMI ARC or optical and appreciated the simple Bluetooth streaming, though the streaming quality and lack of 3.5mm/USB inputs are noticeable limitations. It earned a middling 6.5/10 because it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or advanced codecs, but it’s a great value if you want easy, room-filling sound on a budget.

The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2) ($379.95) is an easy-to-use option that gets you solid TV audio quickly — in our testing setup via HDMI or optical was straightforward and reliable. We found the included subwoofer adds welcome punch, but the system’s limited customization (only three bass levels) and the lack of Wi‑Fi or AirPlay restrict flexibility for multiroom or streaming setups. Scoring 6/10, it’s practical for buyers who want simple, powerful bass without fuss, but not for those seeking advanced connectivity or tuning.

The LG S80TR strikes a balance between Atmos capability and controlled bass, making it a solid mid‑to‑high‑range pick that scored 7.5/10 in our guide. We found support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and a number of high‑resolution codecs, and the included subwoofer delivers clean, well‑managed low end that suits most living rooms; however our experience shows the 580W total power can feel modest compared with some rivals and extreme bass fans might be left wanting. Integration perks with LG TVs are practical, though its best features skew toward LG owners.

If you’re budget‑conscious and want clear dialogue, the Sony S100F ($77.42) is a straightforward, compact soundbar that’s easy to set up via HDMI ARC or Bluetooth and shines at voice clarity. In our testing Voice Mode made TV shows and news easy to follow, but it scored 5.5/10 because there’s no subwoofer and the bass is limited, and it lacks advanced features like Dolby Atmos or voice assistant integration. For small rooms or second TVs where space and price matter, it’s a practical step up from TV speakers — just don’t expect cinematic low end.

The HW-B400F ($99.99) is a budget pick that focuses on straightforward TV improvement: its built-in woofer delivers surprisingly rich bass without a separate subwoofer and the Voice Enhance mode makes dialogue clear in our testing. During our review we found it easy to set up over HDMI ARC or optical and Bluetooth, but our experience shows it’s limited by the lack of Wi‑Fi and advanced features common on higher-end models. It scored a 6/10 — solid for small rooms or secondary TVs, not for immersive home theater.

The Roku Streambar SE ($79.99) is best described as a compact streaming-first soundbar that simplifies TV viewing — in our testing the built‑in Roku platform and guided setup make it incredibly user-friendly. We found placement flexibility and streaming access appealing for dorms or small rooms, but its limited bass response and so-so sound quality keep it from being a music lover’s pick. It scored a 6/10 because while Wi‑Fi and HDMI ARC are convenient, audio performance and missing voice search temper its appeal.

The Philips B8905 surprised us with strong Dolby Atmos performance and a wireless subwoofer for punchy low end at an affordable price, earning a solid score of 7/10 in our testing. We found voice assistant compatibility across Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri handy for smart setups, but our experience shows the lack of HDMI passthrough and some reported subwoofer thumping can complicate installation and blend. If you want Atmos on a budget and don’t need lots of HDMI ports, this is a compelling option.

Polk’s React is a budget choice that integrates Alexa for voice control and smart home convenience, and it scored 6.5/10 in our guide. During our review we liked how hands‑free commands and streaming features simplify everyday TV use, and the soundbar provides clean, serviceable audio for news, sitcoms and music. Our experience shows its limits — no Dolby Atmos or DTS:X and only one HDMI port — so if you want immersive 3D sound or multiple devices attached, you’ll need to consider higher‑end models or an AV receiver.

TCL’s S55H stands out as a budget Atmos performer — it scored 7.5/10 in our testing thanks to Dolby Atmos, DTS Virtual:X and a wireless subwoofer. We found the AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration useful for tailoring sound to tricky living rooms, and the overall package delivers more bass and spatial presence than most sub‑$150 options. Our experience shows the tradeoffs: the remote can be quirky and the subwoofer placement may take experimentation, so expect some setup time to get the best results.

The VIZIO M‑Series delivers solid Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support at an approachable price, earning a 7/10 in our review and offering HDMI eARC for cleaner audio passthrough. During our testing we found its low‑profile design slips under most TVs and the included subwoofer gives satisfying bass for movies, but our experience shows the system lacks Wi‑Fi streaming and expandability — surround channels are downmixed to stereo and you can’t add extra speakers later. It’s a great buy if you want Atmos without a big ecosystem commitment.

If you crave impactful low end, the VIZIO V‑Series will catch your ear with heavy bass and clear dialogue that makes movies feel immersive. In our testing the included subwoofer and full midtones supplied strong low‑end presence, but our experience shows that the bass can become overwhelming and muddy, throwing off tonal balance; Dialogue mode also sounded somewhat hollow at times. It doesn’t support Dolby Atmos and scored 6.5/10, yet the HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth and AUX options make setup versatile for most TVs.

Audioengine’s B2 Home Music System ($199) impressed us with warm, dynamic audio and a stylish, compact design that fits living rooms and desktops alike — in our testing the midrange clarity stood out for music lovers. That said, the small woofers limit bass output and the sound can be directional, so placement matters if you want balanced coverage. Connectivity is simple with Bluetooth and AUX, but without Wi‑Fi or a subwoofer it scored 6/10 for home‑theater versatility despite excellent tonality.

If you want a compact, budget-friendly option for your desktop setup, the Razer Leviathan V2 X ($99.99) delivers sharp mids, RGB flair and USB‑C simplicity that make it a great fit under most monitors. In our testing we found the gaming aesthetics and plug‑and‑play convenience very appealing, but its limited bass and the lack of a subwoofer (plus no HDMI ARC or optical inputs) keep it from true home‑theater status. Scoring 6/10, it’s ideal for gamers on a desk who prioritize style and easy setup, though our experience shows you’ll need an external sub or different model for movie night low end.

The CORSAIR HS80 RGB ($99.99) is a gaming headset that impressed us with immersive Dolby Atmos support and a broadcast‑grade mic — during our review its comfort and adjustable floating headband made long sessions easy. Our experience shows its main drawbacks are limited connectivity (no Bluetooth) and battery life that didn’t always meet the advertised 20 hours, plus compatibility issues with devices lacking USB‑A. It scored 6.5/10: great for PC gamers who prioritize spatial audio and mic quality, but less versatile across consoles and phones.

If you’re a PC gamer who loves spectacle, the Logitech G560 LIGHTSYNC bundle pairs immersive RGB lighting with DTS:X Ultra spatial audio for a fun desktop setup. In our testing the LIGHTSYNC effects and 3D surround enhanced immersion, but we found default bass levels overpowering and the lack of independent volume and bass controls made dialing in the sound fiddly; volume scaling also produced noticeable jumps between levels. It scored 6.5/10—great for visual flair and gaming features, less so if you want precise audio tuning.