10 Best TV Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround speakers brings a comprehensive 5.1 channel audio experience to your home entertainment setup. With the addition of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, the sound quality is elevated, offering immersive audio with 3D sound effects and clear dialogue. The dedicated center channel enhances speech clarity, making it easier to follow conversations in movies and shows.

The soundbar is easy to set up, with wireless connectivity for the subwoofer and surround speakers, which simplifies installation and reduces clutter. Its design is sleek, and it includes a remote that can control both your TV and soundbar, streamlining your device management. Additionally, the soundbar supports Bluetooth, allowing you to play music directly from your phone or tablet. It also comes with various EQ modes like Movie, Music, Sports, and Night to optimize audio based on your viewing content.

However, the soundbar, subwoofer, and surround speakers combined are quite large and could take up significant space, so they might not be ideal for smaller living spaces. The weight of the subwoofer and soundbar also suggests a more permanent placement rather than frequent movement. For those seeking a high-quality home theater experience with advanced sound features and don't mind the larger size, this product is a strong contender.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar is designed to offer a cinematic surround sound experience with its 13 speakers and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This makes it a great option for those looking to enhance their home theater setup with immersive audio. The inclusion of 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Sound Field Optimization means the sound adapts well to your room, providing clear and room-filling audio whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.

Additionally, its compatibility with industry-standard formats ensures high-quality audio playback for various content types. The soundbar is expandable, allowing you to add optional wireless subwoofers and rear speakers for an even more immersive experience, which could be beneficial for those who want to build a comprehensive surround sound system over time. Featuring multiple connectivity options like HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and support for Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, it offers versatile ways to stream your favorite content.

One potential drawback is the wired connectivity for the subwoofer, which may not be as convenient as a fully wireless setup. The soundbar's design is sleek with a 51.2-inch width, making it suitable for various mounting options, whether on a wall or tabletop. While it supports voice control through app control, it may not have built-in voice assistants like some other models. With a power output of 585 watts, it promises robust performance, though users might find the frequency response limited to 60 Hz. Therefore, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar is a solid choice for those prioritizing high-quality, adaptable audio in their home entertainment systems.

The Arc Ultra Soundbar by Sonos stands out in the TV soundbar category, particularly for those seeking an immersive audio experience. Its strength lies in the sophisticated 9.1.4 surround sound system, enhanced by Dolby Atmos, which delivers a rich and dynamic sound environment. Whether you're watching movies or listening to music, the sound motion technology effectively fills the room, making every sound feel precisely placed.

Another highlight is its ease of use. The soundbar connects effortlessly to your TV via a single HDMI eARC cable, and the Sonos app guides you through the setup process. Additionally, you can control the soundbar using various methods, including your TV remote, voice commands through Amazon Alexa, or the Sonos app. This flexibility makes it user-friendly, even for those who may not be tech-savvy.

The design of the Arc Ultra is also worth mentioning. Its sleek, modern appearance blends well with most home decors, ensuring it enhances rather than distracts from your entertainment setup. With features like Speech Enhancement, it excels at rendering dialogue clear and crisp, which is particularly beneficial for movie night. There are some considerations to keep in mind. The soundbar's price point may be higher than other options on the market, which could deter budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, while the sound quality is impressive, users may want to invest in additional Sonos components like the Sub and Era 300 speakers to achieve the ultimate surround sound effect, potentially leading to higher overall costs.

In terms of connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2, allowing for versatile streaming options. However, it is not waterproof, limiting placement options in more humid environments.

For anyone looking to elevate their home audio experience, especially movie enthusiasts and music lovers, the Arc Ultra Soundbar offers remarkable sound quality and versatile control features, although it comes at a premium price and may require additional investment for the best experience.