Soundbars upgrade your TV's audio with clearer dialogue and deeper bass, all from one sleek, space-saving unit. They suit movie nights, music and gaming without the clutter of multiple speakers. This page lists picks from JBL, Klipsch, Sonos, Bose and Yamaha Audio.
Read the JBL Bar 500 Soundbar with Dolby Atmos review for its 5.1 channel setup. See the Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar review for a Dolby Atmos pick from Sonos. The Klipsch Flexus CORE 200 Bluetooth Dolby Atmos Soundbar review covers its Bluetooth and Atmos features. For bass from one box, read the Yamaha Audio SR-C20A Compact Bluetooth Soundbar review.
How do I choose the right soundbar for my TV?
Start with how you watch. For a fuller sound field, check the channel count. The JBL Bar 500 lists 5.1 channels, and the JBL Bar 300 lists 5.0 channels. For deeper bass from one box, the Yamaha Audio SR-C20A has a built-in subwoofer.
Next, match the connections to your setup. Most models here list Dolby Atmos for height effects in movies and games. The Bose TV Speaker Soundbar lists Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC, and the Sonos Arc Ultra lists voice control. If space is tight, look at compact models like the Sonos Ray and the JBL Bar 300.
- Dolby Atmos
- A sound format that adds height to movie and game audio. Effects can seem to come from above you.
- HDMI-ARC
- A TV connection that sends audio from the TV to the soundbar over an HDMI cable. It often lets your TV remote control the volume.
- Built-in subwoofer
- A bass driver housed inside the soundbar itself. It adds deeper bass without a separate box on the floor.
Frequently asked questions
Should I pick a JBL, Klipsch, Sonos, Bose or Yamaha Audio soundbar?
Pick by the feature you need. JBL lists MultiBeam and Dolby Atmos on the Bar 500 and Bar 300. Sonos lists voice control on the Sonos Arc Ultra. Bose lists Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC on its TV Speaker Soundbar. Klipsch and Yamaha Audio both list Bluetooth.
Do soundbars help with hard-to-hear TV dialogue?
Yes. Soundbars are a space-saving way to upgrade TV audio, with clearer dialogue and deeper bass.
Can I play music on a soundbar?
Yes. Soundbars suit music, movies and gaming. The Sonos Ray is sold as a compact soundbar for TV and music. Several models here, such as the Yamaha Audio SR-C20A, list Bluetooth for playing music from your phone.
