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

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

In 2025, there’s a soundbar for each sort of residence leisure setup — from compact all-in-one items to full encompass 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. Regardless of your finances or your house, we’ve picked the very best soundbars you should purchase proper now to assist elevate your audio expertise.

Desk of contents

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

I usually come out of CES with a reasonably clear understanding of the brand new soundbars which might be coming for the 12 months, however that wasn’t precisely the case in 2025. LG determined to hold over its most premium soundbars from 2024, however it’s going to add the compact S20A this 12 months. The corporate solely previewed the mannequin at CES, so full specs are nonetheless forthcoming.

Samsung will as soon as once more maintain the identical general design and options for its top-end Q990 soundbar. Nonetheless, the corporate is including a number of new instruments and it drastically diminished 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 actually to promote it.

Of the large three TV firms, Sony is the one one which didn’t announce any residence 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 12 months. The corporate debuted a number of soundbar choices in 2024 and a four-speaker setup for the lounge within the Bravia Quad. That mentioned, it wouldn’t shock me if Sony launched new soundbars later within the 12 months since its most up-to-date fashions had been solely introduced final April.

One firm I might control is Sennheiser. The authentic Ambeo mannequin is almost 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 most important mannequin too. The unique Ambeo soundbar is big, so irrespective of how good it sounds, it’s going to all the time be a troublesome promote for some folks.

Though I feel it’s much less possible, it’s additionally doable that Sonos has new soundbars this 12 months. Whereas the corporate’s subsequent system will possible be the rumored set-top streaming field, the Sound Movement tech inside the Arc Extremely would provide an enormous enchancment to bass efficiency in compact fashions just like the Beam and Ray. The corporate might carry Sound Movement to standalone audio system first, but it surely’s destined for these smaller soundbars finally.

One of the best soundbars for 2025

What to search for in a soundbar

Options

Relating to options, the extra you pay the extra you are going to get in your new audio system. Most reasonably priced 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 while you wish to keep away from on the lookout for the distant management, however the very 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 should you’re constructing a very cinematic residence leisure setup. And never all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you will want to have a look at the finer particulars fastidiously earlier than you break into the financial savings account. When you’re on the lookout for top-of-the-line Dolby Atmos soundbars, measurement, channels and subwoofer choices will likely be vital elements to contemplate. Some fashions even embrace a devoted subwoofer to boost bass efficiency, bringing an additional punch to motion scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

It is a huge one. Loads of the extra reasonably priced soundbars are restricted in terms of connectivity choices. They both provide an optical port or one HDMI jack and, should you’re fortunate, each. Issues get barely higher within the mid-range part, however that is not all the time 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 units like a set-top field, gaming laptop computer or console on to your soundbar for the very best audio expertise, you’ll need an choice with no less than two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are vital 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 huge factor you’ll wish to take note of when on the lookout for the very best soundbar is channels. That’s the two.1, 7.1.2 or different decimal quantity that firms embrace 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 encompass audio system, may very well be 5 or seven (left, proper, heart and upward). The second quantity refers back to the devoted subwoofer, so in case your new soundbar comes with one or has them inbuilt, 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 as of late provide both Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or each. Relating to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice management (both built-in or with a separate system), Chromecast, Spotify Join and AirPlay 2. Relying in your preferences, you may be capable to dwell with out a few of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are necessities, however the remainder I can dwell with out. These two give me the power to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps with out having to accept — or battle with — a Bluetooth connection. As an example, Sonos audio system typically provide seamless integration with iOS units, making it straightforward to attach and stream music wirelessly. When you’re on the lookout 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 a dear soundbar in your lounge solely to find it’s important to rearrange every part to discover a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Sure, that speaker is absurdly giant (and heavy), and most soundbars aren’t practically as huge. I realized a helpful lesson: Be sure that the house the place you wish to put a soundbar will accommodate the factor you are about to spend tons of (if not 1000’s) of {dollars} on.

Principally, all of it comes right down to the TV you might have (or are planning to get) and what the first purpose is to 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 residence leisure expertise with crisp vocals, thunderous deep bass, and immersive encompass system audio?

By being attentive to every of these areas, it’s 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 mentioned, we have put quite a few merchandise by way of their paces at Engadget and have a number of favorites for finest 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, but it surely’s additionally the corporate’s costliest. With a brand new mannequin primarily based on the Arc rumored to be on the best 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 system 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 lets you join streaming and gaming units on to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t suppose Sennheiser’s medium-sized mannequin gives sufficient to face out from the extra highly effective Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is extra reasonably priced and does a strong job with immersive audio in its personal proper. Like the remainder of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no choice for satellite tv for pc audio system as you’ll be able to 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 should you’re into vinyl.

Greatest soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar higher than audio system?

It actually is dependent upon what you’re after. A soundbar is unquestionably a less complicated, 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 wish to cope with a number of audio system and wires in every single place, a soundbar might be the best way to go. Some soundbars may even ship spectacular encompass sound results, due to options like Dolby Atmos and digital audio know-how.

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

What connection do I want for a soundbar?

Most fashionable soundbars connect with your TV by way of HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the simplest and best choice for attaining 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 choice in your TV, you need to use an optical cable, which additionally delivers strong audio high quality. Some soundbars even provide Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and some nonetheless have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older units.

Do all soundbars include subwoofers?

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