The best soundbars of 2020

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What is the cheapest soundbar you would recommend? It's not a Sonos Arc, but the Sony HT-MT300 is a compact soundbar that fits into just about any home theater system, and it comes with a wireless sub for just $200 / $200. If you want something cheap, simple and easy to install, this is the best soundbar to choose. Finding the right soundbar for you is a big decision for any home theater enthusiast, whether you plan to use it alone to play music and podcasts or add it to the fully immersive home theater of your dreams. Sound bars are an essential accessory for today's televisions. The best TVs are getting thinner. But that means they might sound fantastic, but there's less room for built-in speakers that do justice to the advanced screen technology. Take a look at one of the best TVs around right now and you'll see that the audio generally isn't up to scratch; in our opinion, even the best Samsung TV could use an external soundbar to boost its audio performance. . That's why we created this guide. We have selected for you the best sound bars on the market. This is because we don't want you to spend a fortune on a new TV screen only to have the audio fall short. Below, you'll find our pick of the best soundbars available to buy in 2020, from the best Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars to ultra-affordable plug-in-and-go models.

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The best sound bars for 2020

(Image credit: Sonos)

1. Sonos Arc

The best soundbar you can buy right now

Dimensions: 1141.7 x 87 x 115.7 mm (width x height x depth) | Speaker configuration: 5.0.2 | Claimed Audio Power: N / A | Connections: HDMI (ARC) input, optical digital audio to HDMI converter, Bluetooth, Ethernet port, 802.11b, Wi-Fi g, Apple AirPlay 2, IR receiver

Dolby Atmos, TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus Discrete all-in-one soundbar Incredible surround sound and music playback Not suitable for all rooms. Sonos offers a new surround sound solution and it's all contained in a single soundbar called the Arc. Though we don't know if the device gets its name from the HDMI interface it uses, the curved sound it puts out, or the fact that it may, metaphorically, be a sending deal Impressive surround sound in the modern minimalist home, whatever the case may be, the system is determined to short-circuit the surround sound game. Sonos Arc takes advantage of the latest Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus audio codecs to deliver the best lossless audio quality found on advanced Blu-ray Discs and some major streaming services. It then enhances the 3D soundscape by using Dolby Atmos object tracks to bounce certain sounds off the walls around them so they feel like they're touching it from all angles. While all of this may sound complicated, setting up the Sonos Arc couldn't be simpler, involving just a few steps on the smartphone app. Minimalistic cable connections and an all-in-one system build add to this simple feel and streamlined aesthetic, making it the best soundbar you can buy in 2020. Learn more: Sonos Arc review

(Image credit: Samsung)

2. Samsung HW-Q90R soundbar

Be afraid, traditional hi-fi speakers. Be very scared.

Dimensions: 1226 x 83 x 136mm (W x H x D) | Speaker Configuration: 7.1.4 | Claimed Audio Power: 512 W | Connections: 2 x HDMI inputs, 1 x HDMI output with eARC, optical digital audio input, USB (service only), Bluetooth and WiFi Impressive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound quality Easy to install and set up Expensive The Samsung HW-Q90R was the brand's flagship all-song-and-dance bar for 2019, and in 2020, it was only picked by Sonos Arc for the best soundbar you could buy because it's a bit more expensive It doesn't just support shaped object-based audio of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, but it's also the only soundbar of 2019 to achieve this with real rear speakers and four up-firing lights. Few soundbars come this close to producing the full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience, and thanks to Harman Kardon tuning, the HW-Q90 even sounds great with music. A decent feature set and fully specified HDMI connections round out a near-perfect package... as long as you can afford it, this is the best soundbar you can buy. Learn More: Samsung HW-Q90R Soundbar Review

(Image credit: Sony)

3. Sony HT-X8500 soundbar

Sony's all-in-one Dolby Atmos bar may be the best value of the year

Dimensions: 890 x 64 x 96mm (35 1/8 x 2 5/8 x 3 7/8 inches) | Speaker configuration: 2.1 | Claimed Audio Power: N/A | Connections: 1 HDMI input, 1 HDMI output (ARC), analog audio in/out, Ethernet, optical audio in, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Compact all-in-one size Integrated subwoofer No drivers Motivators Given that rival Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars typically sell for twice as much, Sony's HT-X8500 deserves a simple recommendation, and it's the best Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar that won't break the bank. The cost reduction can be attributed to connectivity and functionality, but what's really confusing is the sound quality of the HT-X8500. The key to the HT-X8500's bold performance is Sony's proprietary vertical sound engine: working with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, it creates a compelling illusion of surround sound allowing Dolby Atmos movies to play back with clear meaning. tall and extended width. The soundbar's build quality and design are exceptional, and its overall audio performance impresses with its clarity and spatial presentation. Overall, if you want a home theater audio system that won't break your budget, this is the best soundbar for you. Learn More: Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar Review

4. Q Acoustics M4 soundbar

The best soundbar under € 400 / € 400

Power: 100W | Speakers: 2 | Dimensions: 1000 x 90 x 142mm | Weight: 4.9kg | Inputs: 1 x HDMI, 1 x digital optical, 1 x 3.5mm | Departures: N/A | Wireless: Bluetooth aptX | Subwoofer included?: Yes | Special Features: N/A Beautiful musicality Easy to use Stereo only No HDMI input The Q Acoustics M4 soundbar doesn't immediately set the pace with its slightly mundane appearance, "simple" 2.1 channels, and lack of HDMI support. However, just listen to what the M4 can do with music and movies and your doubts will evaporate almost instantly. In fact, though, it sounds so much better than almost every rival soundbar in the same price range, which is actually ridiculously good value, especially if you care about both music and movies, it's one of the best around. sound bars you can buy. Learn More: Q Acoustics M4 Soundbar Review

(Image credit: Samsung)

5. Samsung HW-Q70R soundbar

An attractive and well-designed soundbar for movies and games.

Power: 3300W | Speakers: 3.1.2 | Dimensions: 1100 x 59 x 100mm (width x height x depth) | Connections: HDMI in and out with ARC, optical digital audio in, Bluetooth | Subwoofer included?: Yes Large immersive soundstage Puffed up subwoofer Great with movies and games. Only one HDMI input Samsung's California-based audio lab is up and running. Over the past few years, the lab has helped the company assemble the award-winning Samsung HW-M650, last year's powerful Dolby Amtos-powered Samsung HW-N850, and now the Samsung HW-Q70R, a soundbar designed to keep up with the 2019 QLED televisions of the Korean giant. If you've followed Samsung's naming structure in the past, the Samsung HW-Q70R represents a revised version of last year's HW-N650 and while the new model costs more at $800 (£800, £1,099 AU), the good News is that the Le Q70R adds support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X and still uses Acoustic Beaming technology that expands the soundstage. The resulting soundstage is large and open, lending itself to larger screens. The overall effect is somewhat front-heavy, but that's to be expected given the lack of rear speakers. However, once you factor in looks, build quality, and functionality, it's a solid mid-range soundbar. Learn More: Samsung HW-Q70R Soundbar Review

(Image credit: Sennheiser)

6. Sennheiser Ambeo 3D Soundbar

Dazzling 3D sound, but at a pretty high price

Power: 500W | Speakers: 5.1.4 | Dimensions: 1265 x 135 x 171mm | Weight: 18,5kg | Inputs: Coaxial Digital In, Digital Optical In, HDMI 2.1 (eARC) Out, 3 HDMI 2.0a In, 3,5mm Audio In Jack | Wireless: Bluetooth 4.2 and AAC | Subwoofer included?: No Excellent sound quality Effective Dolby Atmos Great price, size and weight. No AirPlay or AptX for Bluetooth Sennheiser is best known for its line of professional headphones and microphones, but it recently extended its ambitions to home audio, with the introduction of its new Ambeo soundbar. The bulky soundbar features the latest audio technology, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for surround sound, as well as the Sennheiser Ambeo "virtual 3D" audio system. Sennheiser is clearly targeting the home theater market with the Ambeo, although the bar's Wi-Fi connectivity means it can also make for a pretty impressive music system. It's not perfect: Sennheiser's reliance on Google Home to provide Wi-Fi streaming seems like an odd choice, but the Ambeo Soundbar's sound quality is guaranteed to justify its revolutionary price point. Read more: Sennheiser Ambeo 3D soundbar test

7. Sonos Beam

Here's the smart soundbar we've been waiting for.

Power: N/A | Speakers: 3 channels | Dimensions: 2.70 x 25.625 x 3.94 inches (68.5 x 651 x 100mm) | Weight: 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) | Inputs: 1 x digital optical input, 1 x HDMI input | Wireless: Sonos | Subwoofer included?: No | Special Features: Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2 Large, compact design. HDMI ARC compatible It's excellent No Dolby Atmos The Sonos Beam is a fantastic soundbar for the price, taking full advantage of the Sonos ecosystem and fun to use (and set up, if your TV has HDMI ARC). Its smaller form factor means it's a device that will sit comfortably next to a 32-inch TV, but has enough space not to be dwarfed by a much larger package. The Sonos Beam doesn't offer overwhelming bass and the lack of Dolby Atmos support irritates some, but at this price, it would be more surprising if it had been included. Voice control may just be Alexa at the moment, but it works just fine, and if you've embraced some of Amazon's TV toys, it's definitely worth a try. Learn more: Sonos Beam review

8. Denon HEOS Bar

A powerful and well connected Playbar challenger

Power: N/A | Speakers: 3.0 | Dimensions: 2 7/8 x 43 3/8 x 5 7/8 inches; 72 x 1100 x 148mm | Weight: 10.58 pounds; 4,8kg | Inputs: 4K HDMI input and HDMI output | Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11ac | Special Features: Heos Multi-Room Audio Excellent sound quality Handles all formats and streams Occasional switching delay Inaccessible USB slot With its nine drivers arranged in trios for left, center and right channels and a virtual surround mode to create the illusion of having more speakers in the room, the HEOS bar is pretty much what you want it to be. Benefiting from such a balanced soundscape, this soundbar proved to be an immediate music adept and has always warm yet refined sound quality. The fact that you can't change the audio settings isn't as big of a deal as we feared. The music is excellent, especially the lossless songs, of which the HEOS bar drags a lot of detail. However, we did notice a few times that the first half second was cutting songs. Read more: Denon HEOS Bar review

(Image credit: Cliff Joseph)

9. Vizio SB362An-F6 Sound Bar

Impressive sound upgrade for your TV at a great price

Power: N/A | Speakers: 2.0 | Dimensions: 914.4mm x 52.1mm x 133.1mm | Weight: 5.61 lbs / 2.54 kg | Inputs: 1 x digital optical, 1 x 3,5 mm socket | Wireless: Bluetooth | Subwoofer Included?: No Powerful, dramatic sound. Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X No HDMI No LCD The key feature of the SB362An-F6, also called a "2.1-inch 36 soundbar" on most retail websites, is its excellent value for money, which costs just €149 in the UK. and an even more competitive price of €139. in the United States, where it launched late last year. Despite the bargain price, the SB362An-F6 is thoughtfully crafted, measuring 36 inches wide and 2 inches high streamlined and 5.2 inches deep (914xx52x133mm). This soundbar will fit snugly under the screen of most TVs, and Vizio also includes a pair of wall-mount brackets. The SB362An-F6 isn't perfect, but its spectacular, commanding sound provides a true audio upgrade for your TV's built-in speakers. The Virtual:X technology also works well, helping to create a more immersive atmosphere while watching. And even if it's missing a few bells and whistles, there's no doubt that the SB362An-F6 offers excellent value for money. Read more: Vizio SB362An-F6 review

(Image credit: Polk Audio)

10. Polk audio control bar

Cheap and very smart

Power: N / A | Speakers: 1 | Dimensions: 43 x 14.5 x 14.4 inches | Weight: 8.6 lbs | Inputs: 1 x SPDIDF, 1 x HDMI, 1 x TOSLINK, 1 x micro-USB connection | Outputs: 1 x HDMI output with Audio Return Channel (ARC) | Wireless: Bluetooth | Subwoofer included ?: Yes | Special Features: Built-in Alexa

Built-in Alexa Space for a Fire TV key Inexpensive Audio is poor If $300 is the limit of your budget for a smart soundbar, we recommend the Polk Audio Control Bar for any small to medium-sized living room. As you can see from the soundbar's design, the control bar comes with Alexa built-in, making it undeniably smart. It's also relatively cheap, at €250 (£249, AU$649), and comes with a subwoofer. It's got some defined powerful bass, some cool smart features and it looks pretty good too. Read More: Polk Audio Command Bar Review

Why should you buy a soundbar?

If you like the slim aesthetic of your new 4K TV, we can bet it doesn't have the audio to match the visuals. This means that choosing the best soundbar to accompany your TV is your best bet for getting the most out of your favorite movies and TV shows. The best soundbars of 2020 are designed to be as easy on the eyes as they are on the ears. Most of them are sleek, minimalist, and designed to line up against a wall or a home theater setup. They are also a good solution for small houses and rooms with little space that cannot fit a 7.1 channel speaker system. Most of the soundbars on this list are designed to sit in front of your screen, but they can also be attached to the top or side wall, depending on your room layout. This gives you the best option when it comes to the appearance of your home entertainment system. While most of the soundbars on this list have only front-facing speakers, many are capable of confidently projecting sound in a way that gives the impression of booming sound coming from all directions.

The best soundbars at a glance

Sonos arch

Soundbar Samsung HW-Q90R

Soundbar Sony HT-X8500

Q Acoustics M4 Soundbar

Soundbar Samsung HW-Q70R

Sennheiser Ambeo 3D Soundbar

Sonos beam

Denon HEOS Bar

Vizio SB362An-F6 Soundbar

Polk Audio Control Bar

Sound bar deals

Sonos Arc - The Smart Premium... Samsung Harman Kardon HW-Q90R... Q Acoustics M4 Soundbar with... Sonos Sonos PLAYBAR Home... AMBEO Soundbar (North America) Sonos Beam - Smart TV Sound.. Denon HEOS Bar 3 Channel... Polk Audio Command Bar...