One of the best soundbars to spice up your TV audio in 2025

One of the best soundbars can fully rework your TV setup, turning flat, lifeless audio into one thing that truly sounds cinematic. Whether or not you are watching blockbuster motion pictures, listening to music or gaming, a great soundbar delivers clearer vocals, deep bass and higher total playback than most built-in TV audio system ever might.

In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each sort of house leisure setup — from compact all-in-one items to full {surround} methods with subwoofers and rear audio system. Some prioritize simplicity and glossy design, whereas others are full of immersive options like Dolby Atmos and sensible voice controls. Irrespective of your funds or your area, we’ve picked one of the best soundbars you should buy proper now to assist elevate your audio expertise.

Desk of contents

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

I sometimes come out of CES with a fairly clear understanding of the brand new soundbars which might be coming for the yr, however that wasn’t precisely the case in 2025. LG determined to hold over its most premium soundbars from 2024, however it should add the compact S20A this yr. The corporate solely previewed the mannequin at CES, so full specs are nonetheless forthcoming.

Samsung will as soon as once more maintain the identical total design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nonetheless, the corporate is including a couple of new instruments and it drastically lowered the dimensions of the wi-fi subwoofer that comes within the field. Samsung does have one new mannequin for 2025, the QS700F, that’s designed to sit down on a desk or robotically regulate to being mounted flat on a wall. Particulars are scarce on that soundbar for now and I anticipate a full spec sheet when the corporate is absolutely to promote it.

Of the large three TV corporations, Sony is the one one which didn’t announce any house theater gear at CES. The corporate has determined to focus primarily on its automotive efforts on the present lately, leaving TV and audio bulletins for later within the yr. The corporate debuted multiple soundbar options in 2024 and a four-speaker setup for the lounge within the Bravia Quad. That stated, it wouldn’t shock me if Sony launched new soundbars later within the yr since its most up-to-date fashions had been solely introduced final April.

One firm I’d keep watch over is Sennheiser. The original Ambeo model is sort of six years outdated and will use a refresh. The corporate has added medium and mini choices to the Ambeo lineup since then, however it could be good to see a refined model of the biggest mannequin too. The unique Ambeo soundbar is big, so irrespective of how good it sounds, it should at all times be a tricky promote for some folks.

Though I feel it’s much less probably, it’s additionally potential that Sonos has new soundbars this yr. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent gadget will probably be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Motion tech inside the Arc Ultra would supply an enormous enchancment to bass efficiency in compact fashions just like the Beam and Ray. The corporate could deliver Sound Movement to standalone audio system first, nevertheless it’s destined for these smaller soundbars finally.

One of the best soundbars for 2025

Sony

Top: 3 inches | Width: 51 inches | Depth: 5 inches | Ports: 2 x HDMI In, 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Optical, 1 x Anologue, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.2 | Assistant help: Google | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Fashion: TV unit | Max wattage: 500W

Sony has a protracted observe report of wonderful high-end soundbars and its latest is one other great-sounding product. The A7000 is a sturdy Dolby Atmos soundbar, able to immersive 7.1.2 audio because of Sony’s 360 Sound Mapping, Sound Subject Optimization, vertical {surround} know-how and S-Pressure Professional entrance {surround}. There’s plenty of tech at work right here, and I haven’t even talked about 360 Actuality Audio or DSEE Excessive upscaling, each helpful in terms of listening to music. Talking of audio, you’ll have the choice of utilizing Chromecast, Spotify Join or Apple AirPlay 2 to ship your tunes to the A7000. The general soundstage is immersive, with glorious readability for each TV reveals and music.

Two HDMI eARC inputs imply you may hook up a number of streaming bins or gaming consoles. And because of HDMI 2.1 help, you may count on 8K and 4K/120 passthrough to your tv, so the A7000 is a good possibility for avid gamers. This soundbar is dear at $1,198 and it doesn’t include a separate subwoofer (although it does have one in-built). Nonetheless, Sony does offer you a number of choices for each a sub and rear satellite tv for pc audio system. The SA-SW3 sub is $298 whereas the SA-SW5 is $699. For rear audio system, the SA-RS3S is $350 whereas the really wi-fi speaker (and a lot better wanting) SA-RS5 set is $598. When you’re wanting to avoid wasting cash on the soundbar itself, Sony provides the HT-A5000 for $999 (though we’ve seen it on sale for $798 lately). It packs nearly all of the same bells and whistles because the A7000, solely in a 5.1.2-channel configuration.

Professionals

• Dolby Atmos help and 360 Sound Mapping
• Works with AirPlay 2
• Contains two HDMI eARC ports

Cons

• Costly
• Would not embody a separate subwoofer

$1,098 at World Wide Stereo

Sennheiser Shopper Audio

Top: 10 inches | Width: 70 inches | Depth: 6.5 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x USB-A | Channels: 7.1.4 | Assistant help: Google, Alexa, Siri | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI | Fashion: TV unit | Max wattage: 250W

Learn our full Sennheiser Ambeo Mini review

Whereas that is probably the most compact of Sennheiser’s Ambeo soundbars, the Mini stays within the premium class for 2 causes. First, you’ll have so as to add a subwoofer to maximise its potential, which provides one other $600. Secondly, the Mini is already $700, so an entire package deal places you at a comparable place to flagship items from the competitors. After getting each although, the Ambeo Mini is really spectacular for a small soundbar.

The principle characteristic is Sennheiser’s spatial Ambeo know-how that first debuted on the large Ambeo Soundbar Max in 2019. With it, the corporate gives extra immersive sound with a mixture of driver placement and 3D virtualization. On the Mini, the audio profile is extra reliant on virtualization than the larger Ambeo soundbars due fewer audio system inside. Nonetheless, you’ll nonetheless get a virtualized 7.1.4-channel speaker setup that works effectively for motion pictures and music. That’s, as long as you splurge for the Ambeo Sub too.

Professionals

• Compact design
• Glorious readability
• Nice bass
• Straightforward setup

Cons

• Costly
• No bundled sub
• Ambeo impact is restricted
• One HDMI port

$600 at Amazon

Engadget

Top: 3.94 inches | Width: 25.63 inches | Depth: 2.68 inches | Ports: 1 x HDMI Out, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 5.0 | Voice assistant: Google, Alexa | Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Fashion: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 220W

Learn our full Sonos Beam review

Strong sound high quality? Examine. Dolby Atmos? Yep. Compact and straightforward to arrange? Uh huh. Suitable with different Sonos audio system for a extra sturdy system? You betcha. The primary-gen Sonos Beam has been considered one of our favorites since it arrived in 2018, however there was one factor it didn’t have: Dolby Atmos. That was the large addition to the 2021 model, although it’s a bit restricted because the Beam doesn’t have any upward-firing audio system. Sonos manages to make issues appear extra directional by tweaking audio timing and frequency as an alternative of including extra drivers. The new Beam nonetheless solely has the one HDMI port which suggests you received’t be connecting a gaming console or set-top field on to this. It additionally signifies that in case you have an older TV with an optical jack, you’ll want an adapter.

Professionals

• Comparatively compact design
• Good sound for its measurement
• Helps Dolby Atmos

Cons

• One consists of one HDMI port

$449 at Sonos

Engadget

Top: 3.66 inches | Width: 21.93 inches | Depth: 2.76 inches | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x Ethernet | Channels: 2.0 (non-surround), 5.1 ({surround}) | Voice assistant: None | Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Fashion: TV unit, wall mount, shelf | Max wattage: 10W

Learn our full Sonos Ray review

Sonos’ newest bid for greatest soundbar could also be its most inexpensive to this point, however at $279, it’s not precisely a funds choose. Particularly when you think about there are cheaper choices that include a subwoofer. Nonetheless, the compact design doesn’t command plenty of area in entrance of your TV or in your TV stand, making it a fantastic possibility for smaller residing areas. The Ray is simple to arrange and gives nice sound high quality for each TV and music, and it pairs seamlessly with iOS gadgets. There are some trade-offs in terms of the immersive nature of the audio, nevertheless it’s a great possibility for upgrading your TV sound with minimal fuss.

Professionals

• Superb sound high quality for each TV and music Good bass efficiency for such a small speaker
• Compact, unobtrusive design
• Straightforward setup
• Cheap value

Cons

• Sound isn’t as immersive as you get from bigger fashions
• Folks with massive residing rooms may need a louder speaker
• No voice controls

$279 at Sonos

VIZIO

Top: 7.68 inches | Width: 24 inches | Depth: 2.28 inches | Ports: 1 x Optical, 1 x USB | Channels: 2.1 | Voice assistant: None | Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI | Fashion: TV unit, wall mount | Max wattage: 156W

When you’re searching for a method to enhance your TV sound on a funds, Vizio has some high-quality options. With the V21t-J8, you get a 2.1-channel setup in a compact soundbar and 4.5-inch wi-fi sub combo for $160. This is able to be a fantastic alternative when you don’t need your add-on TV speaker to take up plenty of area. There’s no Wi-Fi connectivity, however that’s actually the one sacrifice in terms of the fundamentals. HDMI ARC/eARC and optical connections hyperlink to your tv whereas a 3.5mm aux jack and Bluetooth mean you can play music out of your telephone or one other gadget. DTS Digital:X compatibility provides a number of the impact of {surround} sound with out a greater unit or further audio system.

Professionals

• Compact design
• Contains wi-fi subwoofer

$90 at Amazon

What to search for in a soundbar

Options

In relation to options, the extra you pay the extra you are going to get in your new audio system. Most inexpensive choices ($150 or much less) will enhance your tv’s audio high quality, however that is about it. Step into the $300 to $400 vary and you will find all-in-one soundbars with issues like built-in voice management, wi-fi connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and even Android TV. They’re all useful if you need to keep away from searching for the distant management, however one of the best playback high quality is often solely within the high tier and the codecs these premium soundbar methods help. I’m speaking about issues like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and different high-resolution audio requirements — necessities when you’re constructing a really cinematic house leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you will want to take a look at the finer particulars fastidiously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. When you’re searching for among the finest Dolby Atmos soundbars, measurement, channels and subwoofer choices shall be vital components to think about. Some fashions even embody a devoted subwoofer to reinforce bass efficiency, bringing an additional punch to motion scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

This can be a massive one. A whole lot of the extra inexpensive soundbars are restricted in terms of connectivity choices. They both supply an optical port or one HDMI jack and, when you’re fortunate, each. Issues get barely higher within the mid-range part, however that is not at all times the case. The Sonos Beam, for instance, is $449, however solely has a single HDMI port. Even on the higher-end, the $899 Sonos Arc nonetheless solely has one HDMI port. When you plan to attach a number of gadgets like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for one of the best audio expertise, you’ll need an possibility with no less than two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are essential for supporting Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital audio codecs, in addition to high-res passthrough for HDR and 8K/4K content material.

Channels

One other massive factor you’ll need to take note of when searching for one of the best soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that corporations embody in product descriptions. The primary determine corresponds to the variety of channels. A two would simply be left and proper whereas a extra sturdy Atmos system, particularly one with rear {surround} audio system, could possibly be 5 or seven (left, proper, middle and upward). The second quantity refers back to the devoted subwoofer, so in case your new soundbar comes with one or has them in-built, you’ll see one right here. The third numeral is up-firing audio system, vital for the immersive impact of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled items have them, but when they do, the third quantity will inform you what number of are in play and the way they contribute to the general soundstage.

Wi-fi

Most soundbars lately supply both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. In relation to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate gadget), Chromecast, Spotify Join and AirPlay 2. Relying in your preferences, you may be capable of stay with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remainder I can stay with out. These two give me the power to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or wrestle with — a Bluetooth connection. As an example, Sonos audio system usually supply seamless integration with iOS gadgets, making it straightforward to attach and stream music wirelessly. When you’re searching for a wi-fi speaker that may improve your TV setup whereas additionally providing flexibility for audio all through the home, it is price contemplating a multi-room system.

Dimension

This one might sound apparent however humor me for a minute. Nothing is extra soul-crushing than getting an expensive soundbar in your front room solely to find it’s a must to rearrange all the pieces to discover a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Sure, that speaker is absurdly massive (and heavy), and most soundbars aren’t practically as massive. I realized a worthwhile lesson: Ensure that the area the place you need to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend lots of (if not hundreds) of {dollars} on.

Mainly, all of it comes right down to the TV you have got (or are planning to get) and what the first objective is on your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Would you like the very best sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you simply need to have the ability to truly hear your TV higher? Or would you like a full house leisure expertise with crisp vocals, thunderous deep bass, and immersive {surround} system audio?

By listening to every of these areas, it is best to have a good suggestion of what to search for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo, Dolby Digital system or a extra sturdy setup. With that stated, we have put quite a few merchandise by their paces at Engadget and have a couple of favorites for greatest soundbar at numerous value factors to get you began.

Different soundbars we examined

Sonos Arc

There’s little question that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, nevertheless it’s additionally the corporate’s costliest. With a brand new mannequin based mostly on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s tough to suggest this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works effectively as each a soundbar and a speaker, and the gadget will slot in properly with different Sonos gear you may have already got for a multiroom setup. It solely has one HDMI port although, the place a lot of the competitors permits you to join streaming and gaming gadgets on to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t assume Sennheiser’s medium-sized model provides sufficient to face out from the extra highly effective Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is extra inexpensive and does a strong job with immersive audio in its personal proper. Like the remainder of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no possibility for satellite tv for pc audio system as you may solely add a subwoofer to the soundbars. Nonetheless, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA enter, so you need to use it with a turntable when you’re into vinyl.

Greatest soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar higher than audio system?

It actually is determined by what you’re after. A soundbar is unquestionably an easier, extra compact resolution in comparison with a full speaker setup. In order for you higher sound than your TV’s built-in setup however don’t need to take care of a number of audio system and wires all over the place, a soundbar might be the way in which to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular {surround} sound results, because of options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio know-how.

Nonetheless, when you’re an audiophile or need true {surround} sound for an at-home theater expertise, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, {surround} audio system and subwoofer gives you a richer soundstage and extra management over your expertise.

What connection do I would like for a soundbar?

Most fashionable soundbars connect with your TV by way of HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the best and best choice for reaching high-quality audio. In case your TV helps this, all you want is an HDMI cable, and also you’ll get not solely nice sound but additionally some additional options like controlling the soundbar along with your TV distant.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an possibility in your TV, you need to use an optical cable, which additionally delivers strong audio high quality. Some soundbars even supply Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and some nonetheless have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older gadgets.

Do all soundbars include subwoofers?

Not all soundbars include subwoofers, however many do or no less than supply one as an elective add-on that you could buy individually. A subwoofer is what provides you that deep, booming bass, so when you like motion motion pictures or need a fuller sound for music, having one could make an enormous distinction. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, however these usually don’t present the identical punch as a separate one.