Choosing the best soundbar for you can be tricky, whether you want to create the home theater of your dreams or a more reliable audio source to accompany your TV with great sound and affordability. Generally speaking, sound bars are essential devices to accompany today's modern televisions. This is because as newer and better TVs get thinner and thinner, there is less room for the built-in speakers. That means they might look fantastic, but you'll need another way to do the advanced display technology justice. Go through the specs of one of the best TVs you can buy right now, and you'll see that the audio probably won't measure up. In our opinion, even the best Samsung TV could use an external soundbar to boost its audio performance from fair to great. That's why we've put together this guide to the best soundbars you can buy right now, curating the best soundbar devices on the market for every budget, home, and setup. That's because we don't want you to spend a fortune on a new TV screen only to have the audio drop as soon as you get everything set up. Or pick up a new soundbar that looks good but doesn't offer the quality you're looking for. In the list below, you'll find our pick of the best soundbars in 2021, from those with Dolby Atmos to ultra-affordable plug-in-and-go models.
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The best soundbars of 2021
(Image credit: Sonos)
1. Sonos Bow
The best soundbar you can buy right now
Features Dimensions: 1141,7 x 87 x 115,7mm (W x H x D) Speaker Configuration: 5.0.2 Claimed Audio Power: N/A Connections: HDMI input (ARC), Optical Digital Audio to HDMI Converter , Bluetooth, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi 802.11b, g, Apple AirPlay 2, IR receiver Reasons to buy
- Dolby Atmos, TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus + Discrete all-in-one soundbar + Incredible surround sound and music playback
Reasons to Avoid -Not suitable for all rooms Sonos' latest surround sound solution comes completely contained in a single soundbar called the Arc. While 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 be, metaphorically, a ship delivering impressive surround sound into the modern minimalist home, this system is hell. . -Built-in bypass surround sound playback. Sonos Arc leverages Dolby's latest TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus sound codecs to deliver the best lossless audio quality found on major 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 you so they feel like they're coming at you from all angles. While it may all seem complicated, setting up the Sonos Arc couldn't be easier, with just a few steps in the smartphone app. Minimalistic cable connections and an all-in-one system build add to that sense of simplicity and streamlined aesthetics, making this the best soundbar you can buy in 2021. Read more: Sonos Arc review
(Image credit: Samsung)
2. Samsung HW-Q950T
One of the best soundbars just got better
Features Dimensions: 1303 x 621 x 277 mm (H x W x D) Speaker configuration: 9.1.4 Claimed audio power: 0,45 W Connections: HDMI (ARC) in x 2, HDMI out x 1, Digital Optical x 1, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect TODAY'S BEST DEALS
Reasons to buy
- Exceptionally powerful sound + Unprecedented channel support + Sleek, slim design
Reasons to avoid
- Expensive for a sound bar - Screen positioned incorrectly - No automatic calibration system
The Q950T allows Samsung to maintain its place at the top of the 3D audio soundbar league, second only to the Sonos Arc. It combines Samsung's usual formidable power with enhanced precision and dynamism by providing 14 distinct sound channels. Plus, its slimmer shape will also allow it to fit a wider range of TVs. The 9.1.4 system is pretty remarkable for a soundbar and is clearly tailor-made for the object-based sound pleasures of today's Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. Audio streaming is supported over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, which includes Hi-Res Audio file formats, and even lets you connect to some phones just by touching them against the body of the soundbar. Physical connectivity is for a high-end soundbar only, including two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output (with eARC support for lossless Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundtracks from compatible TVs), and one optical digital audio input . Read more: Samsung HW-Q950T review
(Image credit: Samsung)
3. Samsung HW-Q90R soundbar
Be afraid, traditional hi-fi speakers. Be very afraid.
Features Dimensions: 1226 x 83 x 136 mm (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 Reasons to buy
- Impressive sound quality + Dolby Atmos and DTS: X + Easy to install and configure
Reasons to Avoid -Dear The Samsung HW-Q90R was the all-song-and-dance brand's flagship soundbar for 2019, and in 2021, it's just been replaced by the new Q950T. Il prend non seulement en charge l'audio basé sur les objets sous la forme de Dolby Atmos et de DTS:X, c'est également la seule barre de son de 2019 à y parvenir avec de véritables haut-parleurs arrière et quatre piles orientés upwards. 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 set of features and fully specified HDMI connections round out a nearly flawless package... as long as you can afford it, this is one of the best soundbars you can buy. Read More: Samsung HW-Q90R Soundbar Review
(Image credit: Sony)
4. Sony HT-X8500 soundbar
Sony's all-in-one Dolby Atmos bar could be the best value of the year
Features 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 Reasons to buy
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS: X + Compact All-in-One Form Factor + Integrated Subwoofer
Reasons to Avoid -No Rising Riders With rival Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars typically selling for twice as much, Sony's HT-X8500 deserves an easy recommendation, and is the best Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbar that doesn't will break the bank. The cost reduction can be attributed to connectivity and features, but what's really disconcerting is how good the HT-X8500 sounds. 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. . 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 budget-friendly home theater audio system, this is the best soundbar for you. Read More: Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar Review
(Image credit: Samsung)
5. Samsung HW-Q800A
Powerful new soundbar brings your living room to the cinema
Features Dimensions: Main sound bar 980 x 60 x 115 mm / Subwoofer 403 x 210 x 403 mm (W x H x D) Speaker configuration: 3.1.2 Claimed audio power: 330 W Connections: HDMI in and out with eARC , optical digital audio input, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Reasons to buy
- Powerful, immersive and enveloping sound + Excellent subwoofer bass support
Reasons to Avoid -The best features require a new, high-end Samsung TV. Expensive by typical soundbar standards The Q800A is an impressive refinement over its 2020 predecessor, offering improvements in two key areas. First of all, if you can combine it with the sound-enhancing features of the new 70 Samsung Q2021A or higher TVs, the audio performance improvements turn out to be surprisingly interesting. For its second big improvement over last year's Q800T, Samsung added high-firing channel drivers to the Q800A's optional additional rear speakers, delivering a more satisfying and compelling Dolby Atmos sound experience. That said, the Q800A is good enough on its own, so we suspect most people who buy it won't feel much of a need to add the rears. Read More: Samsung HW-Q800A Review
(Image credit: LG)
6. LG SN11RG Dolby Atmos Soundbar
LG's most serious and exciting soundbar yet
Features Power: 770W Speakers: 7.1.4 Dimensions: 56.8 x 2.5 x 5.8 inches Connections: HDMI with 4K pass-through, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Subwoofer included? : Yes Reasons to buy
- Well-designed main soundbar + Generally excellent sound quality + True rear / upstream speakers
Reasons to avoid
- Bass may lack clarity - Occasional lack of impact
Without a doubt, the LG SN11RG was the company's flagship soundbar last year. In fact, it's much more than just a soundbar, as it comes with a substantial external subwoofer and a pair of heavy-duty rear speakers. With its 7.1.4 channel setup, it's a complete audio arsenal. The SN11RG also features true front and rear speakers to deliver the height effects of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks, and sees LG continue its impressive collaboration with premium UK AV brand Meridian. The main sound bar features an attractive and practical design and is compatible with eARC with Dolby Vision. Plus, it has an AI Sound Pro processor that can turn almost any incoming sound format, even vanilla stereo, into a full multi-channel output that, while not perfect, sounds spectacular. Read More: LG SN11RG Soundbar Review
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
7. Sennheiser Ambeo 3D Soundbar
Impressive 3D sound, but at a fairly high price
Characteristics Power: 500 W Speakers: 5.1.4 Dimensions: 1265 x 135 x 171 mm Weight: 18,5Kg Inputs: Digital coaxial input, Digital optical input, HDMI 2.1 output (eARC), 3 HDMI ...