The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Not too long ago, I was firmly convinced that no soundbar could replicate the sound quality of good home theater speakers paired with an amplifier. However, it seems that Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers took that challenge to heart. Today, soundbar systems have transformed the landscape of home audio, offering high-quality sound without the complexity of a full home theater setup. From powerful Dolby Atmos systems to compact all-in-one solutions, there's a wide array of options to suit various needs and preferences.

With so many soundbar choices available, the question becomes: where do you start, and how do you choose the one that best aligns with your preferences? As a tech journalist who has extensively tested and reviewed numerous soundbars, I've compiled a comprehensive list of the top soundbars you can find in 2025.

TL;DR: The Best Soundbars

Our Top Pick### Samsung HW-Q990D

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Samsung### Sonos Arc Ultra

1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at B&H### LG S95TR

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at LG### Vizio V21-H8

0See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart### Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

0See it at Amazon### Sonos Beam

0See it at AmazonSee it at SonosSee it at Best Buy1. Samsung HW-Q990D

Best Overall

Our Top Pick### Samsung HW-Q990D

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at SamsungProduct SpecificationsChannels11.1.4Sound support Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS: XConnectivityHDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-FiSize (WxHxD)48.5" x 2.7" x 5.4"Weight17lbsSamsung's HW-Q990D is a standout in the soundbar market, widely acclaimed by experts and enthusiasts alike. This flagship system boasts 11 front-facing speakers, a robust subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers, creating a cinematic audio experience. It delivers immersive sound with deep bass, crystal-clear dialogue, and impactful Dolby Atmos effects.

Beyond its stellar audio performance, the HW-Q990D is packed with advanced features. With built-in Wi-Fi, it supports Amazon Alexa, Google Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay. Samsung's SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the sound profile to your room's acoustics, while Adaptive Sound enhances dialogue and bass according to the content. The inclusion of HDMI 2.1 support ensures 4K at 120Hz passthrough, enhancing the gaming experience.

Despite its $2,000 retail price, the HW-Q990D frequently goes on sale, offering significant discounts. For those looking for a more immediate solution, the previous model, HW-Q990C, offers similar audio quality for about $400 less.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra

Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

### Sonos Arc Ultra

1See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at B&HProduct SpecificationsChannels9.1.4Sound supportDolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), Dolby Atmos*, Dolby TrueHDConnectivityHDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet port, Wi-FiSize (WxHxD)46.38 x 2.95” x 4.35”Weight13.01lbsThe Sonos Arc Ultra elevates the soundbar experience with its 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers. It introduces SoundMotion technology, designed to optimize performance within the soundbar's compact design, and boasts double the bass output of its predecessor, the Arc.

The Arc Ultra excels with Dolby Atmos content, thanks to its four up-firing drivers, creating a comprehensive and immersive soundstage. My review highlighted its excellent music playback and features like Speech Enhancement for clearer dialogue. As part of the Sonos ecosystem, it seamlessly integrates with other Sonos speakers for whole-home audio. While it doesn't offer the same value as the Samsung HW-Q990D, its performance is top-notch.

3. LG S95TR

Best for Bass

### LG S95TR

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at LGProduct SpecificationsChannels9.1.5Sound supportDolby Atmos, Dolby Digital/Plus, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HDConnectivityHDMI eARC/ARC, digital optical input, 3.5mm auxiliary input, one 3.5mm stereo input, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-FiSize (WxHxD)45” x 2.5" x 5.3"Weight12.5lbsThe LG S95TR, while not as immersive as the Samsung HW-Q990D, offers exceptional sound quality with 17 drivers, including a unique center height channel. It excels in balancing lows, mids, and highs, making it versatile across different content types.

The S95TR's bass performance is particularly noteworthy, powered by a 22lb subwoofer that adds depth to action scenes and delivers punchy bass for music. It also features AI Room Calibration for tailored sound and supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This soundbar is a strong contender for those seeking robust bass and comprehensive audio features.

4. Vizio V21-H8

Best Cheap Soundbar

### Vizio V21-H8

0See it at AmazonSee it at WalmartProduct SpecificationsChannels2.1Sound supportDTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby VolumeConnectivityHDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.0Size (WxHxD)36" x 2.28" x 3.20"Weight4.6lbsFor those seeking a budget-friendly option, the Vizio V21-H8 offers solid stereo sound with a simple design. This compact system enhances movies, TV shows, and music, though it lacks a center channel for optimal dialogue clarity. It's ideal for those looking for a straightforward, cost-effective upgrade from TV speakers.

5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

Best Surround Sound Value

### Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

0See it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsChannels5.1.2Sound supportDTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+ConnectivityHDMI (ARC), optical audio, BluetoothSize (WxHxD)35.98" x 2.24" x 3.54"Weight5.53lbsThe Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 remains a great value for surround sound enthusiasts. Its sleek design houses detailed, distortion-free sound, supported by a powerful 6-inch subwoofer. As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it provides a commendable three-dimensional audio experience at a budget-friendly price, though it lacks Wi-Fi and requires wired rear speakers.

6. Sonos Beam

Best for Smaller Rooms

### Sonos Beam

0See it at AmazonSee it at SonosSee it at Best BuyProduct SpecificationsChannels5.0Sound supportDolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos (Dolby Digital Plus), Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHDConnectivityHDMI (ARC), optical audio, Ethernet port, Wi-FiSize (WxHxD)25.63" x 2.68" x 3.94"Weight6.35lbsThe Sonos Beam is perfect for smaller spaces, delivering clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass without a separate subwoofer. Its advanced processing creates phantom height channels for Dolby Atmos content, enhancing the audio experience in a compact package.

The Beam integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems, supporting Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2. It's an excellent starting point for those looking to build a Sonos system, offering flexibility to expand as needed.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Soundbars come with various channel configurations to simulate surround sound. A 2.0 or 2.1 setup is sufficient for casual TV watching and music listening, while a 3.1 system adds a center channel for clearer dialogue. For movies and gaming, consider a 5.1 or higher system, which often includes additional speakers and a subwoofer for a more immersive experience.

Check the soundbar's connectivity options. HDMI ARC or eARC is common and simplifies setup. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for streaming from other devices, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant can enhance your experience.

If you're interested in the latest audio technologies, look for a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support. This format provides a three-dimensional sound experience, enhancing the cinematic feel. Other formats like DTS:X and Sony's 360 Reality Audio are also worth considering.

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, ideal for stereo sound in smaller spaces.2.1 Soundbars: These add a subwoofer for enhanced bass, suitable for movies, music, and gaming.5.1 Soundbars: These include five channels and a subwoofer, offering surround sound with additional speakers or virtual surround technology for an immersive experience.### How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?

Most soundbars connect to TVs via HDMI ARC or optical audio cables. Ensure your TV has one of these ports. Some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for additional streaming options.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

While not required, a subwoofer enhances the audio experience by adding deep bass, particularly beneficial for action movies, music, or gaming. Many soundbars include a built-in or wireless subwoofer for richer sound.

What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?

Dolby Atmos is an advanced surround sound technology that adds height channels for a three-dimensional audio experience. It's not essential but can significantly enhance the cinematic feel.

Can I stream music through my soundbar?

Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming music from smartphones or streaming services. Look for features like Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay if music streaming is important to you.