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10 Best Soundbars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,214
Size and Design

Most important from
13311 reviews

Size and Design
The compact design integrates perfectly with the TV, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar that aims to enhance your TV audio experience, especially when it comes to dialogue clarity. With its two angled full-range drivers, it provides a wide and natural sound, making it a good choice for movie watching, sports events, or just enjoying your favorite shows. One standout feature is its enhanced dialogue mode, which specifically focuses on making voices clearer, a major plus for those who often struggle to catch every word during dialogue-heavy scenes.

Connectivity is user-friendly, supporting Bluetooth, HDMI-ARC, Optical, and AUX, allowing you to easily pair your devices for streaming music or podcasts. The setup is straightforward, as a single cable connection links the soundbar to your TV, making it accessible even for those who aren't tech-savvy.

In terms of size, the Bose TV Speaker is just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to fit in front of your TV or mount on a wall, which is perfect for smaller spaces. The included remote control adds convenience, enabling features like bass boost and the dialogue mode. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the sound performance is solid for a small unit, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which might disappoint those looking for deeper bass. Although you can connect it to an external Bose Bass Module, that requires extra investment and isn't included. The soundbar is also not waterproof, limiting its use in more diverse environments.

The Bose TV Speaker is well-suited for individuals who primarily watch TV shows and movies and prioritize dialogue clarity. It’s user-friendly and compact, making it a practical choice for enhancing home entertainment. If you're seeking a robust bass experience or a more immersive sound setup, exploring additional speaker options or investing in the compatible subwoofer may be beneficial.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,214
Size and Design

Most important from
13311 reviews

Size and Design
The compact design integrates perfectly with the TV, enhancing the overall aesthetic.
#2

SAMSUNG Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, Rear Speaker Included, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-Q990D/ZA

Rating
9.4
Channels
Subwoofer Presence
Connectivity

Most important from
1163 reviews

Channels
The surround sound is loud, clear, and dynamic, handling both quiet and explosive scenes with impressive contrast and no muddiness.
Subwoofer Presence
Delivers a punchy and immersive audio experience that truly enhances the theater atmosphere with clear, thumpy bass from a compact subwoofer.
Connectivity
Setup is straightforward and hassle-free, with the SmartThings app enabling quick, plug-and-play installation and easy speaker calibration.
Size and Placement
The soundbar is large and heavy but mounts securely under the TV, requiring thoughtful placement in a dedicated home theater space.
Sound Modes and Enhancements
The soundbar's individual speaker volume controls and EQ options through the app allow fine-tuning for optimal room acoustics.

The Samsung Q990D soundbar is designed to deliver a rich home theater experience with its 11.1.4 channel setup, including a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers. This means you get immersive, surround sound with Dolby Atmos, making movies and games feel very lifelike. Its wireless Dolby Atmos feature helps reduce cable clutter, which is great if you want a clean setup. The soundbar also uses Q-Symphony technology to work seamlessly with Samsung TVs, enhancing audio without needing extra devices.

One of the highlights is the SpaceFit Sound Pro, which automatically adjusts sound based on your room's shape and size, so you get clear, balanced audio without fiddling with settings. Adaptive Sound and Active Voice Analyzer features focus on making dialogue clear even at low volumes or in noisy rooms, which is handy for TV shows and sports. The Game Mode Pro offers 3D sound tailored for gaming, giving a more immersive experience.

Connectivity is solid with support for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and built-in Alexa voice control, making it easy to stream music or control the soundbar with voice commands. The tap-to-play feature is a simple way to start streaming from your phone. The soundbar is quite large and heavy (over 50 pounds and nearly 4 feet wide), so it requires good placement and may be challenging for smaller rooms or simple setups. While it is wireless for speakers, it still needs power cords and wall mounting could be required. The price and complexity might be more than casual listeners need, making it best suited for those wanting a full home theater setup rather than just casual music listening. This makes the Samsung Q990D a premium choice for users seeking immersive, multi-channel surround sound with smart features and easy integration with Samsung TVs. Its powerful sound and room-optimization features stand out, but its size and setup needs mean it’s ideal for dedicated home theater spaces rather than compact or basic audio needs.

Rating
9.4
Channels
Subwoofer Presence
Connectivity

Most important from
1163 reviews

Channels
The surround sound is loud, clear, and dynamic, handling both quiet and explosive scenes with impressive contrast and no muddiness.
Subwoofer Presence
Delivers a punchy and immersive audio experience that truly enhances the theater atmosphere with clear, thumpy bass from a compact subwoofer.
Connectivity
Setup is straightforward and hassle-free, with the SmartThings app enabling quick, plug-and-play installation and easy speaker calibration.
Size and Placement
The soundbar is large and heavy but mounts securely under the TV, requiring thoughtful placement in a dedicated home theater space.
Sound Modes and Enhancements
The soundbar's individual speaker volume controls and EQ options through the app allow fine-tuning for optimal room acoustics.
#3

LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel OLED evo TV Matching Home Theater Soundbar with Rear Surround Speakers and Wireless Subwoofer, Wow Orchestra, Dolby Atmos, WOWCAST Built-in (2024 Model)

Rating
9.1
Channels
Connectivity
Power Output

Most important from
380 reviews

Channels
The soundbar delivers best-in-class audio performance with its 9.1.5-channel configuration and 810 watts output, creating a multidimensional soundstage.
Connectivity
Setup is very easy, especially with eArc connectivity, and the sound improvements are significant, with Dolby Atmos delivering an impressive soundstage.
Power Output
The soundbar delivers best-in-class audio performance with its 9.1.5-channel configuration and 810 watts output, creating a multidimensional soundstage.
Sound Modes
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced technologies add a new dimension of depth and realism to your content, with sound effects that seem to originate from above.
Voice Control
Seamless integration with LG TVs allows you to control the soundbar using your LG TV remote, streamlining your entertainment experience.

The LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel soundbar is packed with features that make it a standout option for enhancing your home theater experience. Its impressive 9.1.5-channel system, powered by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology, offers premium 3-dimensional sound. This means you get clear, immersive audio, especially with the up-firing rear speakers that can be placed anywhere in the room for a true surround sound experience. These rear speakers are wireless, only needing a power outlet, making setup simple and flexible.

The triple up-firing speakers, including a center channel, improve dialogue clarity, which is excellent for watching movies or TV shows where understanding speech is crucial. The soundbar's WOW Orchestra and Interface features allow seamless integration with LG TVs, enabling you to control both devices with one remote and enjoy synchronized audio. The built-in WOWCAST with Wireless Dolby Atmos means you can experience top-notch sound without messy cables.

Connectivity options are abundant, supporting wireless, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and it also works with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. The Advanced Room Calibration feature further enhances the sound experience by adjusting settings based on your room's dimensions. Gamers will appreciate the VRR/ALLM support for smooth, lag-free gaming with high refresh rates. However, this soundbar might be overkill if you have a small room or a less advanced TV, and its premium features come with a higher price tag. The LG S95TR is ideal for those looking for a high-end, immersive sound experience with easy integration and advanced features, particularly for medium to large-sized rooms with modern LG TVs.

Rating
9.1
Channels
Connectivity
Power Output

Most important from
380 reviews

Channels
The soundbar delivers best-in-class audio performance with its 9.1.5-channel configuration and 810 watts output, creating a multidimensional soundstage.
Connectivity
Setup is very easy, especially with eArc connectivity, and the sound improvements are significant, with Dolby Atmos delivering an impressive soundstage.
Power Output
The soundbar delivers best-in-class audio performance with its 9.1.5-channel configuration and 810 watts output, creating a multidimensional soundstage.
Sound Modes
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced technologies add a new dimension of depth and realism to your content, with sound effects that seem to originate from above.
Voice Control
Seamless integration with LG TVs allows you to control the soundbar using your LG TV remote, streamlining your entertainment experience.

Buying Guide for the Best Soundbars

Choosing a soundbar can greatly enhance your TV or home entertainment experience. A soundbar is a simple way to get better sound quality without the hassle of setting up a full speaker system. The goal is to pick a soundbar that’s easy to set up, matches the size of your room and TV, and offers the audio features you’ll actually use. Start by thinking about what you mainly watch or listen to (like movies, sports, or music), what types of devices you want to connect, and how important things like bass or voice clarity are to you. Understanding the main features will help you make a choice that fits your space and your listening preferences.
ChannelsChannels in a soundbar refer to the number of separate audio outputs or speakers built into the unit, often described as numbers like 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, or 5.1. The first digit is the number of speakers, and the second shows if it has a subwoofer. More channels mean a fuller, more immersive sound, and some high numbers support surround sound formats. For typical TV watching in a small room, a 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar is often enough, while movie lovers or those with larger rooms may benefit from 3.1 or even 5.1 models with rear speakers. Choose based on the size of your room and how important surround sound is to your experience.
Subwoofer PresenceA subwoofer handles the deep, low sounds (bass) that add punch to music, action movies, and games. Some soundbars come with a built-in or separate subwoofer, while others don’t. Having a subwoofer is important if you want rich, powerful bass, especially for movies and music with lots of depth. If you mostly watch news or sitcoms, a soundbar without a subwoofer might be fine, but for a more cinematic or bass-heavy experience, look for one with a dedicated subwoofer.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the soundbar connects to your TV and other devices, such as HDMI (including ARC/eARC), optical, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. HDMI connections (especially with ARC or eARC) provide the highest sound quality and allow your soundbar to work smoothly with TV remotes. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are handy for streaming music from your phone or computer. Pick a soundbar with the connection options that match your TV and any other devices you plan to use, ensuring setup will be simple and future-proof.
Size and PlacementThe size of a soundbar relates to its length and height, which should match or complement your TV and fit comfortably in your room, either on a TV stand or mounted on a wall. Too small, and it might not deliver enough volume or presence; too large, and it could look awkward or block your TV’s remote sensors. Measure the space where you plan to put the soundbar and choose one that fits both physically and visually.
Sound Modes and EnhancementsSound modes and enhancements are built-in settings that adjust the audio for different situations, like movies, news, sports, or music. Some soundbars offer special features like voice enhancement for clearer dialogue, night mode for softer sound at night, or virtual surround sound to mimic a multi-speaker setup. Think about what you’ll use most often—a movie fan might want surround sound and voice clarity, while a music listener might prefer a rich music mode.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include things like built-in voice assistants (such as Alexa or Google Assistant), app control, or integration with smart home systems. These features let you control your soundbar with your voice or phone, play music directly from streaming services, or sync with other smart devices. Consider whether convenience is important to you, and if you already use a specific voice assistant or smart home platform, look for a soundbar that’s compatible.

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