Looking for the best soundbar you can buy in 2019? This is a major investment for any home theater enthusiast.
As television screens get thinner, their built-in speakers tend to fail. Let's face it, even the best Samsung TV could use an external speaker system, which is why we've rounded up the best soundbars on the market in one convenient guide.
If you admire the slim aesthetics of your new 4K TV, a good soundbar is your best bet. The best soundbars available for purchase won't stick next to your shiny new slim screen like it would a normal stereo system.
Instead, they are designed to be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the ear. They are also a good solution for small homes and small rooms that could not incorporate a 7.1 channel speaker system.
A good example of this is Bang and Olufsen's first soundbar, the Beosound Stage. Although we haven't had a chance to see the recently announced model in person yet, it appears to be one of the most beautiful soundbars we've seen.
Most of the soundbars on this list are designed to sit in front of your screen, but can also be wall-mounted above or to the side, giving you the best presentation option. of your home entertainment system. .
Although most only have front speakers, many soundbars can project sound with confidence, giving the impression of resonant sound from all directions.
What you need to know about Black Friday 2019
Don't forget that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching and the sale will officially open on November 29. Soundbar deals have already started and last year we saw deals from Samsung, Polk, Q Acoustics and made sure to bookmark our Black Friday 2019 deals page for the latest deals related to soundbars from this great event.
The main problem with sound bars? There are so many options.If you can't find the right one for you, you may end up with a soundbar that doesn't fit your home theater setup, or hardly sounds better than your TV's built-in speakers. Unfortunately this is what gives a bad bar sound and this is exactly the kind of thing we want to help avoid.
So without further ado, read below for the best soundbars available to buy in 2019, whether you're looking for the best Dolby Atmos speaker, multi-room sound, sleek design, or a variety of d & rsquo; Other advanced features. along with the premium audio experience of your soundbar.
The best soundbars at a glance
What is the best soundbar for around € 200 / € 200?
We can't overemphasize this point - when it comes to soundbars, the choice is huge. Although they are called sound bars, they tend to take different shapes and sizes. Its price also varies between less than € 100 / € 100 and more than € 1,000 / € 1,500 (see Creative X-Fi Sonic Carrier).
The cheaper the model chosen, the easier the connections will be. While the pricier ones add superior HDMI inputs (including 4K / HDR relay), wireless audio streaming (such as Bluetooth and AirPlay), better power, more sophisticated speaker drivers, and decoding Blu-ray sound formats.
Of course, a full surround setup is the solution of choice for low-sounding TVs, but if you run out of space (and budget), a soundbar offers a good compromise. So what is the best soundbar for around $ 200?
The best sound bars 2019: the first choice of LaComparacion
(Image credit: Samsung)
1. Samsung HW-Q90R soundbar
Be afraid, traditional hi-fi speakers. Be very afraid.
Dimensions: 1226 x 83 x 136 mm (width x height x depth) | Speaker configuration: 7.1.4 | Claimed audio power: 512W | Connections: 2 x HDMI inputs, 1 x HDMI output with eARC, optical digital audio input, USB (service only), Bluetooth and WiFi
Impressive sound quality
Dolby Atmos and DTS: X
Easy to install and configure
Limited HDMI inputs
The Samsung HW-Q90R is your new fully singing and dancing headlight bar. Not only does it support object-based audio in the form of Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, but it is also the only 2019 model that achieves this goal with true rear speakers and four upward-facing drivers.
No other soundbar manages to produce the full Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience. Tuned by Harman Kardon, the HW-Q90 even sounds great with music. A decent feature set and neatly specified HDMI connections round out a near-perfect package... as long as you can afford it.
Read the full review: Samsung HW-Q90R Soundbar Review
(Image credit: Sony)
2. Sony HT-X8500 soundbar
Sony's all-in-one Dolby Atmos bar is perhaps the best value of the year
Dimensions: 890 x 64 x 96 mm (35 1/8 x 2 5/8 x 3 7/8 inches) | Speaker configuration: 2.1 | Claimed Audio Power: N / A | Connections: 1 HDMI in, 1 HDMI out (ARC), analog audio in / out, Ethernet, optical audio in, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Dolby Atmos and DTS: X compatible
All-in-one compact form factor
Built-in subwoofer
Brilliant value
No motivating drivers
Since rival Dolby Atmos-compatible soundbars generally sell for twice as much, the Sony HT-X8500 deserves a simple recommendation. The cost reduction can be attributed to connectivity and functionality, but what is really confusing is the sound quality of the HT-X8500.
Sony's proprietary Sony Vertical Sound Engine is the key to the HT-X8500's bold performance; By working with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X content, it creates a compelling illusion of envelope that allows Dolby Atmos movies to be played with a clear impression of heights and widths. .
The build quality and design of the soundbar are exceptional, and its overall audio performance impresses with its clarity and spatial presentation.
Overall, if you want a home theater sound system that won't break your budget, this is probably the best option for this year.
Read the full review: Sony HT-X8500 Soundbar Review
3. Q Acoustics M4 soundbar
The best soundbar under € 400 / € 400
Power: 100W | Speakers: 2 | Dimensions: 1000 x 90 x 142 mm | Weight: 4.9 kg | Inputs: 1 x HDMI, 1 x digital optical, 1 x 3.5 mm | 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 heartbeat with its slightly prosaic appearance, "plain" 2.1 channel, and lack of HDMI support. However, just listen to what the M4 can do with music and movies so your doubts evaporate almost instantly.
In fact, it sounds much better than almost any competitor's bar in the same price range, which is ridiculous value for money, especially if you care about both music and movies.
Read the full review: Q Acoustics M4 Soundbar Review
(Image credit: Samsung)
4. Samsung HW-Q70R soundbar
A beautiful, well-specified soundbar for movies and games.
Power: 3300 W | Speakers: 3.1.2 | Dimensions: 1100 x 59 x 100 mm (width x height x depth) | Connections: HDMI input and output with ARC, optical digital audio input, Bluetooth | Subwoofer included?: Yes
Large immersive soundstage
Soup Subwoofer
Perfect with movies and games.
One HDMI input
Samsung's California audio lab is in full swing. In recent years, the lab has helped the company create the award-winning Samsung HW-M650, the powerful Samsung HW-N850 with Dolby Amtos support, and now the Samsung HW-Q70R, a soundbar designed for 2019 QLED TVs. of the korean giant
If you've already followed Samsung's designation 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, AU € 1,099), the good news is that the Q70R adds support for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X and still uses Acoustic Beaming technology that expands the sound stage.
The resulting soundscape is large and open, lending itself to larger screens. The overall effect is a bit heavy up front, but you have to wait considering the lack of rear speakers. However, once you've taken the look, build quality, and features into account, you'll get a solid mix of media.
Read the full review: Samsung HW-Q70R Soundbar Review
(Image credit: Sennheiser)
5. Sennheiser Ambeo 3D Soundbar
Dazzling 3D sound, but at a ridiculous price.
Power: 500W | Speakers: 5.1.4 | Dimensions: 1265 x 135 x 171 mm | Weight: 18,5 kg | Inputs: digital coaxial input, digital optical input, HDMI 2.1 (eARC) output, 3 HDMI 2.0a inputs, 3.5mm audio jack | Wireless: Bluetooth 4.2 and AAC | Subwoofer included ?: No
Excellent sound quality
Dolby Atmos effective
13 separate conductors
Great price, size and weight.
No AirPlay or AptX for Bluetooth
Sennheiser is best known for its range of professional headphones and microphones, but has recently expanded its ambitions to home audio, with the launch of its new Ambeo soundbar.
The bulky bar features the latest audio technologies, including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X for surround sound, and Sennheiser's Ambeo 'Virtual 3D' virtual sound system. Sennheiser is clearly interested in the home theater market with Ambeo, although the bar's Wi-Fi connectivity also allows 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 sound quality of the Ambeo soundbar ensures it justifies the outrageous price tag on your wallet.
Read the full review: Sennheiser Ambeo 3D Soundbar Review
(Image credit: Sonos)
6. Sonos reading bar
Turn your multi-room audio system into wireless surround sound
Power of attorney: Not cited | Speakers: 9 | Dimensions: 900 x 85 x 140 mm | Weight: 5.4 kg | Inputs: 1 x digital optical, 2 x Ethernet LAN | Departures: N / A | Wireless: WiFi | Special Features: Sonos Play: 1 speaker that can be connected as a wireless rear speaker
It's magnificent
Integrates with Sonos systems.
Smart audio modes
Requires special televisions
An entry
The Sonos Play Bar is a non-HDMI device and uses optical technology to connect to a television. Used simply, it greatly improves your TV listening, but its use requires the use of a smartphone or tablet app. The advantage is that it can be seamlessly registered to a Sonos wireless system and can even serve as three front speakers in a 5.1 setup with two Play: 1s operating in the rear.
Unfortunately, while its single optical setup is ideal for most users, it excludes owners of televisions without this connector, pushing it a bit lower on the list.
Read the full review: Sonos Playbar
7. Sonos Beam
That's the smart soundbar we've been waiting for
Power: N / A | Speakers: 3 channels | Dimensions: 68,5 x 651 x 100 mm (2,70 x 25,625 x 3,94 inches) | Weight: 2,8 kg (6,2 lb) | Inputs: 1 x digital optical input, 1 x HDMI input | Wireless: Sonos | Subwoofer included?: No | Special Features: Amazon Alexa, Apple AirPlay 2
Great compact design.
ARC ARC Compliant
Excellent sound
Not Dolby Atmos
The Sonos Beam is a fantastic soundbar for its price, taking full advantage of the Sonos ecosystem and a pleasure to use (and set up, if your TV has HDMI ARC). Its small size means that it is a device that will sit comfortably next to a 32-inch TV, but the footprint is enough not to be dominated by a much larger set.
The Sonos Beam doesn't deliver bass bass and the absence of Dolby Atmos support irritates some, but at this price, it would be more surprising if it had been included. Right now, voice control is for Alexa only, but it works fine and if you've adopted some of Amazon's TV toys, it's definitely worth a try.
Read the full review: the Sonos Beam test
8. Denon HEOS Bar
A powerful and connected challenger from Playbar
Power: N / A | Speakers: 3.0 | Dimensions: 2 7/8 x 43 3/8 x 5 7/8 inches; 72 x 1100 x 148 mm | Weight: 10.58 pounds; 4,8 kg | Inputs: HDMI 4K input and HDMI output | Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi 802.11ac | Special Features: Heos multi-room audio
Excellent sound quality
Manage all formats and flows.
Occasional switching time
Inaccessible USB slot
With nine controllers, arranged in trios for the 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 anything you want.
Benefiting from a balanced soundscape, the HEOS Bar has proven itself to be a music fanatic and has always warm and refined sound quality. The fact that you miss the opportunity to change the audio settings is not as important as we feared.
Music sounds great, especially lossless melodies, from which HEOS Bar extracts a lot of detail. However, we have noticed a few times that the first half second was cutting songs.
Read the full review: The Denon HEOS Bar
(Image credit: Cliff Joseph)
9. Vizio SB362An-F6 Sound Bar
An 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 optics, 1x 3,5mm jack | Wireless: Bluetooth | Subwoofer included ?: No
Its powerful and dramatic
Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual: X
Without HDMI
Without LCD display
The main feature of the SB362An-F6, also known as "the 2.1-inch 36 soundbar" on most retailers' websites, is its value for money, which costs just € 149 in the UK and even plus. More competitive. in the United States, where it was released late last year.
Despite the great price, the SB362An-F6 is perfectly designed, measuring 36 inches wide with a profile that is 2 inches high and 5.2 inches deep (914xx52x133mm). It will fit snugly under the screen of most televisions and the Vizio also includes a pair of wall mount brackets.
The SB362An-F6 isn't perfect, but its dramatic and commanding sound offers a true audio upgrade for your TV's built-in speakers. Virtual: X technology works too, helping to create a more immersive atmosphere while you watch. And even though some bells and whistles may be missing, there's no question that the SB362An-F6 offers excellent value for money.
Read the full review: Test Vizio SB362An-F6
(Image credit: Polk Audio)
10. Polk Audio Command Bar
Cheap and very smart
Power: N / A | Speakers: 1 | Dimensions: 43 x 14.5 x 14.4 inches | Weight: 8.6lbs | 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: Integrated Alexa
Integrated Alexa
Room for a fire tv stick
Little expensive
The app could do more
Audio is mediocre.
If your budget limits your smart soundbar to € 300, we recommend Polk Audio's Control Bar for all small and medium-sized rooms.
As you can see based on the design of the soundbar, the control bar comes with Alexa, which makes it undoubtedly smart. It's relatively inexpensive too, at € 250 (€ 249, AU € 649), and it comes with a subwoofer.
It's defined and powerful low-end, some smart features, and it looks pretty good too.
Read the full review: Test Polk Audio Command Bar