Best Soundbar For Tv 2023 - Boost Your Home Cinema Sound

The majority of soundbars offer high-quality audio in a compact unit that can be placed in front of or below your screen. The greatest TV soundbars are single, powerful speakers that can fill a room with sound without the use of surrounds or subwoofers. However, there are frequently possibilities to upgrade to a more comprehensive surround setup if needed. Additionally, there are full multi-box systems that link wirelessly, so there are no tangled connections to pose a hazard.

If you're wondering why a certain model isn't featured, it's because it wasn't good enough to recommend. The models that make it onto this list are only the absolute best soundbars for TV that we have tested. 

1. Sony HT-A7000

Important Specifications 

• Speaker Type: Wireless, Subwoofer, Surround, Soundbar

• Special Feature: Virtual 7.1.2-Channel Configuration; Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Compatible; Surround Made Simple with S-Force PRO Front Surround; Sophisticated Speaker Technology; Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa…

• Audio Output Mode: Surround, Mono, Stereo

• Model Name: E9SNHTA7000

• Surround Sound Channel Configuration: 7.1.2

Product's highlights

Sony has a reputation for producing some of the greatest TV soundbars. This Dolby Atmos soundbar fits five front-facing drivers, two beam tweeters, two up-firing speakers, a built-in dual subwoofer, and two up-firing speakers into a single chassis, creating a 7.1.2 slab of sound. Whether you're watching immersive content or not, the Sony HT-A700 uses a combination of speaker positioning and psychoacoustic approaches to produce a wide and high soundstage while maintaining melody, presence, and detail.

The performance is comparable to that of the Sonos Arc in terms of height and accuracy, but it is more believable due to the wider soundstage and forward projection. Although it's not the same as having direct audio coming from the speaker above or to the side, it works well and adds drama, which improves the viewing experience. Another noteworthy component is the integrated sub, which performs tautly, carefully, and powerfully.

The A7000 shines itself with its broad range of supported audio formats, which includes Sony 360 Reality Audio, Dolby Atmos (in both the Digital+ and TrueHD forms), DTS:X, LPCM, and high-resolution wireless audio.

eARC, analogue and optical audio connections, USB type-A, and two HDMI 2.1 pass-through sockets supporting [email protected], [email protected], and Dolby Vision HDR are also included. Additionally, there is an analog output for Sony's Acoustic Center Sync, which when used with the provided connection allows a compatible Bravia TV to become a part of the soundbar's center channel.

If you own a more recent Sony Bravia TV, the HT-A7000 is a superb, future-proof all-in-one performer with superb integration.

View on Amazon

Pros

• Low-end Robust

• Excellent performance with Atmos

• Feature-rich

Cons

• A launch without VRR or ALLM

• There should be EQ controls

• Stylistic confusion

2. Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3

Important Specifications 

• Speaker Type: Soundbar

• Special Feature: Multi Room Audio

• Audio Output Mode: Stereo

• Model Name: Panorama 3

• Speaker Amplification Type: Active

Product's highlights

The first Dolby Atmos soundbar from Bowers & Wilkins is intended to be used independently, providing 3.1.2 channels of audio from a single device without the need for additional surround or subwoofer speakers. On the top face, in addition to its verticle height drivers, it contains dedicated subwoofer drivers.

The Panorama 3 has a very low profile and is only 6.5 cm tall, so it should fit under most TVs; however, a bracket is included in the box if you prefer wall mounting.

In order to provide 3.1.2 channels of audio from a single device without the need for additional surround or subwoofer speakers, Bowers & Wilkins' first Dolby Atmos soundbar is designed to be operated independently. It has dedicated subwoofer drivers on the top face in addition to its vertical height drivers.

A bracket is provided in the package if you prefer wall mounting, however the Panorama 3 has a very low profile and is only 6.5 cm tall, so it should fit beneath most TVs.

Even though Dolby Atmos is supported in both the Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus versions, this support does not yet include the competing immersive codec DTS:X. Bowers & Wilkins emphasize that the Panorama 3 has been built to be improved over time, implying that DTS:X support could be introduced in the future. It will also be compatible with other Panorama soundbars, Zeppelins, and Formation products shortly after debut thanks to the addition of multi-room functionality, though not as part of a multichannel system.

Its Dolby Atmos presentation is vibrant and precise, if not particularly vast, and its built-in low end, which is unique at this price point, gives cheery weight to upbeat action movies and soundtracks.

When things become crowded, it may find it difficult to maintain coherence and clarity, and musically, it performs about as well as most soundbars.

View on Amazon

Pros

• Low-profile, sleek design

• Substantial bottom end

• Self-contained

Cons

• Voices are unclear

• Tonally ambiguous

3. Samsung HW-Q950A

Important Specifications 

• Sound formats : Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby True HD, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X

• Connections : eARC, 2 x HDMI, optical

• Video passthrough : [email protected] HDR 10+ and Dolby Vision

• Streaming: Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2

• Voice control: Amazon Alexa built-in

• Dimensions (hwd) : 7 x 123 x 14cm (bar); 40 x 21 x 40cm (sub); 20 x 13 x 14cm (surround)

Product's highlights

The HW-Q950A delivers the most channels of any soundbar currently on the market and supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, as well as a generous 22 drivers that deliver 11.1.4 surround sound.

The Q950A has a handy feature to boost the center channel for more transparent dialogue if ambient noise increases, though we doubt you'll feel the need to use it. It also has two HDMI inputs and one output (with support for eARC), an optical in, and the power socket.

The HW-main Q950A's unit isn't small, at 130 cm, but it is shorter than many other current top-tier Dolby Atmos versions. Alongside a pair of each of the upward-firing, surround, and wide surround drivers, in the left, center, and right channels. While the wireless surround units each have three drivers—one facing the front of the room, one upward, and the final one facing the listening position—the separate sub houses a single 8-inch speaker.

And if you chance to buy a Samsung TV from 2021, you can increase the number of drivers even more by employing a function called "Q-Symphony" from Samsung, which enables the TV's internal speakers to collaborate with the soundbar set-up to expand the height and space of the soundfield.

The Q950A provides a powerful listening experience with a wealth of features, speakers, and sonic vigor. The Q950A won't likely disappoint those looking to spend a lot of money on a Dolby Atmos soundbar that can offer loud, punchy audio and exceptionally clear vocals, even though it isn't the most subtle or expansive performance.

View on Amazon

Pros

• Very strong center channel

• Sound that fills the space

• Excellent set of features

Cons

• The backs can be annoying.

• Subwoofer integration issues

4. Bose Smart Soundbar 900

Important Specifications 

• Connectivity: HDMI eARC, optical

• Audio formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus

• Streaming: Chromecast, Bleutooth 4.2, Airplay 2

• Dimensions (hwd) : 5.8 x 105 x 11cm

• Weight: 5.8kg

Product's highlights

With a wraparound aluminum grille and a polished, impact-resistant tempered glass top, the Smart Soundbar 900 has a more contemporary and elegant design than most of its rivals thanks to Bose's aesthetic sensibility.

Bose's new Dolby Atmos soundbar features nine amplification channels hidden beneath the shell. In addition to the two height drivers, there is one center tweeter and four racetrack transducers on either side. The grille appears to wrap around fully, yet there are no side-firing drivers. Instead, two additional transducers using Bose's PhaseGuide technology are positioned at the far left and right, giving the impression that some sounds are being projected to either side of the listening location.

A retroactive firmware update will also add Chromecast to the device starting in January 2022. The Google Assistant and Alexa from Amazon are also supported. Users may make and receive intercom calls to other Bose smart goods and Amazon Echo devices using the built-in Alexa, as well as make hands-free calls to anyone in your contact list.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a feature-rich, exciting, and stylish Dolby Atmos soundbar. Its responsive and cinematic performance is sure to astound many listeners with its extremely broad soundfield, clean forward projection, and brilliant character. However, it can vary in how well it works and occasionally gives content its own organizational structure and tonal color, which is most apparent when listening to music.

Although it lacks the height, transparency, musicality, and dynamics of the similarly priced Sonos Arc, the Smart Soundbar 900 would be a wise choice for people already committed to the Bose ecosystem.

View on Amazon

Pros

• A vast width

• Sleek style

• Crystal-clear vocalization

Cons

• No support for DTS

• Clearly processed audio

5. LG S95QR

Important Specifications 

• Connections : eARC, 2x HDMI, optical, USB

• Sound format support : Dolby Atmos/ Dolby AudioTM/ DTS:X/ DTS-HD/ PCM

• Bluetooth 5.0? : Yes

• WiFi? : AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect

• Voice control: Works with Google Assistant, Alexa

• Dimensions (hwd): 6.3 x 120 x 13.5cm (bar); 40 x 29 x 40cm (sub); 22 x 14 x 16cm (rears)

• Weight : 5kg (bar); 10kg (sub); 4kg (rears)

Product's highlights

With a whopping 17 drivers arranged in a 9.1.5 configuration, the LG S95QR is LG's top-tier Dolby Atmos soundbar for 2022. It's a multi-speaker system that includes a main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers. With the inclusion of side-firing drivers on the rears and an upward-firing center channel, which LG says is a global first, it improves upon the brand's earlier versions.

Ten drivers make up the primary soundbar, with two 20mm silk dome tweeters and two 52 x 99mm woofers handling the left and right channels, respectively. Two 63mm units on the top surface of the soundbar provide height effects for immersive sound formats, while two 50mm drivers on either end of the soundbar provide surround side effects.

In the center, a 63mm driver faces forward, and a 20mm silk dome tweeter is attached to the top surface. This tweeter does not create Atmos effects, in contrast to the other height drivers in the system. Instead, it works in addition to the standard front-facing driver to improve dispersion and improve dialogue clarity. The back speakers have a revised apex design to disperse sound from their front, side, and overhead drivers more equally across a stated 135-degree space for more forgiving placement. The wireless sub has an improved cabinet and a larger 20cm driver in contrast to prior generations.

When it comes to connectivity options for its premium soundbars, LG is as generous as ever. Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast are built into the S95QR. Thanks to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, you can control your streaming service, change the sound mode, and adjust the volume with your voice. There are two additional HDMI passthrough connectors that offer gaming capabilities like (VRR) and optical and USB inputs for hardwired connections (ALLM). However, only 60Hz is supported for 4K HDR streams.

The S95QA is LG's first soundbar to support IMAX Enhanced, which employs a modified version of DTS: X, in addition to handling Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersive sound formats. You may experience lossless multi-channel music wirelessly with the new LG WOWCAST audio dongle (sold separately) if you detest ugly cables connecting your TV and soundbar.

The LG 95QR doesn't sound particularly melodic or good at producing overhead effects, but it does have a large, well-balanced soundstage that is detailed, cinematic, and interesting for home theater.

View on Amazon

Pros

• Feels and appears high-end.

• Impressive width and scale

• Affordable

Cons

• A little bit hushed presentation

• Could be more potent

1. How to pick the ideal TV soundbar for your needs?

There are certain considerations to make before buying. To determine how big your new soundbar has to be, take into account the size of your TV. It shouldn't be dwarfed by the screen, but pairing a large bar with a small TV could look odd—like a little head placed above excessively broad shoulders. Look up the measurements and contrast the width of the bar with that of your television. Check the soundbar's height as well since if you have to set it in front of your TV, you don't want it to block half of the view, and if it has upward-firing speakers, they require a clean view of your ceiling to work properly.

In general, soundbars consist of a single long speaker with multiple drivers inside, although some models also include back speakers for surround sound effects and external subwoofers for additional low-end extension. These are the models to think about if having bass that shakes the floor is a top priority.

Feature and connectivity come next. ARC and eARC-enabled HDMI connectors, which support high bandwidth multichannel audio formats as well as optical inputs for older TVs, are found on many contemporary TV soundbars. If your TV has ARC or eARC, you can use your current remote to adjust the soundbar's volume. It's crucial to think about whether or not you value having a separate physical remote for the soundbar and whether you feel comfortable adjusting settings using a smartphone app.

The majority of contemporary soundbars come with a few alternatives for wireless audio listening, including Bluetooth compatibility and wifi streaming via services like Airplay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast. Some microphones can be used with or are compatible with voice assistants. Keep an eye out for additional HDMI passthrough connectors if you have any external devices, like as 4K Blu-ray players or game consoles, as these can allow you to customize your configuration.

You should pay attention to models that can handle Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio if you want to get a soundbar that creates an immersive home cinema experience rather than just a simple upgrade of your TV sound. Some soundbars simulate this via processing, while others have up-firing speakers built in for height effects. In the latter case, it's crucial to keep in mind that the outcome will be better if you have low ceilings to reflect the sound off of and that the top of the soundbar needs to be exposed and set away from the TV screen.

Make sure your TV and any potential soundbar support Dolby TrueHD and eARC if high-quality 3D sound is vital to you. While Dolby TrueHD can deliver full-fat Dolby Atmos in all its lossless splendour, the ARC standard can only handle Dolby Atmos in its lossy Dolby Digital Plus form.

Think carefully about the material you'll be seeing and the sources you'll be using. Many of these technology will be obsolete if you only watch Freeview. However, if you're streaming 4K HDR material from sources like Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video, you'll want to have the highest audio quality you can to ensure that your content sounds as amazing as it looks.

2. What should I expect to pay for a soundbar?

Really, it all depends on what you're after. You can be looking at costs of $800, £800, or AU$1,000 and higher if you want the best soundbar technology has to offer. However, there are several excellent low-cost soundbars available, some of which are priced under $100, £100, or AU$150. Just keep in mind that, usually speaking, you get what you pay for, and that these inexpensive versions probably won't have high-end features like Dolby Atmos, built-in back speakers, or compatibility for high-resolution music.

3. Soundbars: Are they worth it?

Absolutely. The best soundbars transform your TV viewing experience, even if you don't consider yourself a die-hard cinephile. Built-in TV speakers simply can't do your favorite movies, TV shows, and games justice.

The best soundbars for different price ranges are rounded up above (if you're searching for a very cheap one in particular, visit our best budget soundbars page). All of these will improve your audio quality with a simple installation. Enjoy.