The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Not long ago, I was convinced that no soundbar could match the sound quality of good home theater speakers with an amplifier. However, brands like Samsung, Sonos, and LG have taken this challenge to heart, transforming the soundbar landscape. Today's soundbar systems deliver exceptional audio without the complexity of a full home theater setup. From powerful Dolby Atmos configurations to sleek, all-in-one units, there's a perfect soundbar for every need.

With so many soundbar options available, choosing the right one for your preferences can be daunting. As a tech journalist who has tested and reviewed numerous soundbars, I've compiled a comprehensive list of the best 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 Buy

1. Samsung HW-Q990D

Best Overall

Our Top Pick### Samsung HW-Q990D

3See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Samsung

Samsung has hit the jackpot with the HW-Q990D. This flagship soundbar system is widely acclaimed as the best on the market, earning praise from experts and enthusiasts alike on platforms like the r/soundbars subreddit. The Q990D boasts 11 front-facing speakers, a robust subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers that create a cinematic sound experience. It delivers depth and impact in action scenes, crystal-clear dialogue, and immersive Dolby Atmos effects.

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

A significant advantage of the Q990D is its frequent sales, often available at a discount from its $2,000 retail price. If you need an immediate solution, Samsung's previous model, the HW-Q990C, offers similar audio performance 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&H

The Sonos Arc Ultra, the successor to the acclaimed Arc, pushes the boundaries of soundbar technology. With a 9.1.4-channel configuration and 15 Class-D amplifiers, it offers a significant upgrade over the original Arc. The Arc Ultra introduces SoundMotion technology, designed to optimize performance within the soundbar's compact design. Sonos claims it doubles the bass output of the Arc, a claim I can confirm after direct comparison.

The ".4" in the configuration enhances Dolby Atmos playback with four up-firing drivers, creating a comprehensive soundstage without the need for additional rear speakers. My review of the Arc Ultra highlighted its excellent music playback and features like Speech Enhancement for clearer dialogue. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly into a Sonos ecosystem for whole-home audio. However, its cost, when considering additional Sonos components, makes it less of a value proposition compared to the Samsung HW-Q990D.

3. LG S95TR

Best for Bass

### LG S95TR

0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at LG

While the LG S95TR may not match the Samsung HW-Q990D's immersion, it remains a formidable soundbar system. With 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel, the S95TR delivers a well-balanced soundstage. Its bass performance stands out, thanks to a powerful 22lb subwoofer, adding depth to cinematic action and punchy notes to music.

The S95TR also features AI Room Calibration for room-specific sound tuning and supports Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. It's a high-end soundbar that excels in delivering robust bass while maintaining overall audio quality and user-friendly features.

4. Vizio V21-H8

Best Cheap Soundbar

### Vizio V21-H8

0See it at AmazonSee it at Walmart

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, Vizio's V21-H8 offers solid stereo sound in a compact package. It performs well with movies, TV shows, and music, despite lacking a center channel for optimal dialogue clarity. The V21-H8's simplicity is its strength, featuring basic controls without Wi-Fi or Dolby Atmos support. It's an ideal set-it-and-forget-it solution for those looking to enhance their TV's audio without breaking the bank.

5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

Best Surround Sound Value

### Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

0See it at Amazon

Despite its age, the Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 remains a top choice for value-conscious buyers seeking a surround sound system. It offers a sleek design and balanced, distortion-free sound, with a capable 6-inch subwoofer. As a Dolby Atmos soundbar, it delivers a commendable three-dimensional audio experience at a sub-$400 price point. While it lacks Wi-Fi and requires wired rear speakers, its overall value is undeniable.

6. Sonos Beam

Best for Smaller Rooms

### Sonos Beam

0See it at AmazonSee it at SonosSee it at Best Buy

The Sonos Beam is a compact powerhouse ideal for smaller rooms. It delivers clear dialogue and vibrant highs, with decent bass considering its lack of a separate subwoofer. The Beam uses advanced processing to create phantom height channels for Dolby Atmos content, enhancing the audio experience in a smaller package.

It integrates well with smart home ecosystems, supporting Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2. The Beam's versatility allows for easy expansion with other Sonos speakers, making it a great starting point for building a more comprehensive audio system over time.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Choosing a soundbar can be overwhelming with the variety available. Here's some guidance to help you decide:

Soundbars offer different channel configurations to simulate surround sound. For basic TV viewing and music, a 2-channel system with a subwoofer should suffice. A 3.1-channel soundbar adds a center speaker for clearer dialogue, ideal for talk-heavy shows. For movies and gaming, a 5.1-channel or higher setup provides immersive audio, often including additional speakers and subwoofers.

Check the soundbar's connectivity options. HDMI ARC or eARC is standard for most modern soundbars and TVs, simplifying setup. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity is essential for streaming from other devices, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri adds convenience.

For the latest in audio technology, consider a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support. This format offers virtual three-dimensional sound, enhancing the cinematic experience. Ensure the soundbar has up-firing drivers, a subwoofer, and rear speakers for the best results. Other notable formats include DTS:X and Sony's 360 Reality Audio.

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) without a subwoofer, ideal for general TV viewing and smaller spaces.

2.1 Soundbars: These include two channels plus a subwoofer, enhancing movies, music, and gaming with added bass.

5.1 Soundbars: These feature five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) and a subwoofer, delivering surround sound. Some use extra speakers or virtual surround technology for an immersive experience.

How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?

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

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

While not necessary, a subwoofer enhances the audio experience by adding deep bass. It's particularly beneficial for action movies, music, and gaming. Many soundbars come with a built-in or wireless subwoofer for rich sound without extra speakers.

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. While not essential, it significantly enhances the cinematic experience.

Can I stream music through my soundbar?

Yes, many soundbars support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your smartphone or streaming services. Look for soundbars with Bluetooth, Chromecast, or AirPlay for the best music streaming experience.