Products Reviewed:
Best for Small Rooms: Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
Best for Music: Samsung |HW-Q600A
Best Budget: VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar
Best Splurge: Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4
Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
Have you ever been watching your favorite show, but the dialogue volume is so low and muffled that you can’t hear what anyone is saying? Or the background music and sound effects are so understated you almost miss them entirely? The quality of sound is as vital to our TV viewing experience as the video quality, engaging and captivating us to the point of complete immersion. However, unfortunately, not all TVs provide equally good audio. That’s where soundbars come in.
Soundbars are compact and easy-to-install audio systems that can greatly enhance the sound quality of your TV. Unlike traditional home theater systems, soundbars take up minimal space and can be connected to your TV in just a few simple steps. With a soundbar, you can enjoy immersive surround sound that complements your stunning visuals without having to invest in a full-scale home theater system.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best soundbars for your TV in 2023, so you can choose the right one for your needs.
Whether you’re a movie buff, a sports fanatic, or just someone who likes crisp audio while watching TV, we promise you’ll find the information you need to make an informed decision. So, let’s dive in and explore the best soundbars!
How do we choose the best soundbars for TVs?
When choosing the best soundbars for your television viewing pleasure, there are several factors you should consider. Here are some of the major one that can make the process a whole lot easier:
- Audio Quality: The primary factor to consider is the audio quality of the soundbar. Look for models with good frequency response, powerful bass, and clear dialogue reproduction.
- Connectivity: Check to see if the soundbar has multiple connectivity options. The most common way to connect a soundbar to a TV is through an optical or HDMI input, but some soundbars also support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or even Apple AirPlay. Look for one that is equipped with the technology that your TV has.
- Size: The size of the soundbar should match the size of your TV; a larger soundbar is generally better for larger TVs, while smaller soundbars are more appropriate for smaller TVs.
- Price: Soundbars are available in a range of price points, from budget-friendly to high-end models. Consider your budget and look for a smart soundbar that provides the best value for your money. For your convenience, we have added both the budget as well as the splurge option in our review section.
- Brand and Model: Do your research and read reviews of different soundbars from trusted sources. Consider the reputation of the brand and the specific model you are considering.
- Features: Look for additional features that may enhance your listening experience, such as built-in voice assistants, compatibility with streaming services, and adjustable EQ settings.
Now that you know how to choose the right soundbar for your TV, let’s move on to the review part. In these reviews, we’ve considered everything from sound quality and connectivity to size and price to provide you with the best options.
We have read through thousands of customer reviews, including personalized user experiences, to ensure these soundbars are reliable, durable, and well-liked by users. In other words, they have all been tried, tested, and vouched for by the majority.
With utmost confidence, we present you with our top picks so that you can find a soundbar to not only satisfy your needs but also complete your TV viewing experience. Let’s take a deeper look together!
Best for Small Rooms
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal Remote Control, Black
Why we love it
The Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar is perfect for small spaces! It packs a robust punch of sound into a surprisingly small design. The Bluetooth Connectivity feature makes it easy to pair with other devices, allowing you to play your favorite music and more.
The Universal Remote Control feature is a godsend for adjusting volume without having to keep track of extra remotes. The Dialogue Mode feature works beautifully to amplify dialogue so that you hear every word without having to play tolerate high volume SFX and music, making it great for movie nights.
The Wall Mountable Design ensures that you can easily mount the soundbar onto your wall so that it does not take up extra space in your home. Plus, the Optical Audio Input and HDMI ARC Input allow you to connect directly to your television so that everything is right in one place. Lastly, the 3.5mm Auxiliary Input helps you connect even more devices like phones or tablets if needed.
What you should know
The Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar has a sleek and compact design, making it an ideal choice for those looking to upgrade their home audio system without getting giant speakers. Its flexible placement allows users to place it anywhere in the room without compromising on sound quality.
The sound bar features impressive audio quality with clear and distortion-free sound, even at loud volumes. Furthermore, an impressive bass response adds depth to music tracks as well as movies, creating an immersive listening experience.
Designed for ease of use, the Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar offers an easy setup process that involves connecting the device to a power outlet and TV via an HDMI cable or digital optical connection.
Overall, The Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar is a great choice if you’re looking for improved audio quality while maintaining a minimalist design.
Best for Music
Samsung |HW-Q600A | 3.1.2ch | Soundbar | w/Dolby Atmos/DTS:X | 2021
Why we love it
Music lovers rejoice; the Samsung Dolby Atmos and DTX:X soundbar takes your listening experience to a whole new level. This premium soundbar offers incredible 3.1.2-channel audio with a true, powerful sound that you have to hear to believe. And it even has Adaptive Sound Mode, which customizes the bass tones and treble levels according to the music you’re playing; you really get the most out of every track. But wait, there’s more; Q-Symphony gives you dual audio from both your TV and soundbar, allowing you to enjoy a seamless listening experience with full, rich sound.
Furthermore, the Elevated Sound feature gives music fans a surround sound atmosphere with realistic 3D audio. The Dolby Atmos/DTX:X technology allows users to feel as though they are in the middle of the action by providing multi-dimensional sound from every direction in a room, creating an immersive environment that truly brings music to life.
On top of that, for those who want even more power, the Wireless Subwoofer adds deep bass depth to any music, creating powerful vibrations that take your aural experience to another level.
What you should know
Samsung’s Dolby Atmos and DTX:X Soundbar has a range of other features designed to deliver immersive and high-definition audio experiences. First off, it has Bluetooth connectivity to stream music wirelessly from your favorite device.
The Game Mode Pro ensures that you get an exclusive gaming experience with clear sound effects and precise audio reproduction. For 4K video content, the soundbar also supports 4K Pass Through, so you can enjoy high-resolution audio and video content without any lagging or buffering issues.
The Music Mode is optimized for music playback, so you can get studio-quality sound with perfect synchronization no matter what genre you’re listening to. Furthermore, the Surround Sound Expansion feature makes it possible to get virtual surround sound from your existing speakers, creating an even more immersive listening experience.
And if all these features weren’t enough, the Dolby Atmos is a smart soundbar and can be easily set up and controlled via Samsung’s SmartThings app as well as Alexa or Google Assistant voice control.
All of this combined makes the Samsung Dolby Atmos and DTX:X Smart Soundbar one of the most impressive pieces of home theater equipment available today, perfect for casual listeners and serious audiophiles alike! Who said speakers had to be boring? They are a necessity now!
Best Budget
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X, Wireless Subwoofer and Alexa Compatibility, V214x-K6, 2023 Model
Why we love it
The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar is one of the best budget options for home audio entertainment. It features a 5″ Wireless Subwoofer and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, making it an ideal compliment to your home theater setup. With its brilliant clarity and rich sound, you can’t get much better at such reasonable prices.
The setup of this soundbar is easy, allowing users to effortlessly connect to their TV with ease via HDMI ARC or Bluetooth. With 98dB of premium audio, it delivers powerful sound that will fill any room without distortion, perfect for when you want to turn up the volume without disturbing your neighbors.
The wall-mountable design also ensures seamless installation with any existing décor, making it a great addition to any living space.
What you should know
The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar has five high-performance speakers and three powerful subwoofers, offering incredibly clear and robust sound quality that is perfect for any multimedia application.
This soundbar also features built-in audio technologies, such as DTS TruSurround and DTS TruVolume, which help provide a rich acoustic experience, so you don’t need to constantly adjust the volume when switching between channels or programs. Additionally, the included remote control makes it even easier to switch between settings and customize your sonic adventure.
Furthermore, the sound bar’s sleek design fits into any room in your home without taking up too much space, meaning that you can easily set it up without compromising on style or interior decor. With its multi-room audio capabilities, you can enjoy the same great-sounding music in different rooms simultaneously, perfect for entertaining guests!
Additionally, since it’s a smart soundbar, it is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa and its SmartCast app. So, you’ll have access to all of your favorite streaming services like Spotify or Pandora, so your favorite playlists will never be out of reach.
Overall, the VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar is a fantastically budgeted option for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater experience. With its advanced features, this Dolby Atmos soundbar can help you transform any room into a movie theater, that too at an affordable price point.
Best Splurge
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4 Channel 600W Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with 8″ Wireless Subwoofer, 2 Rear Surround Speakers
Why we love it
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar is the best splurge soundbar because it revolutionizes your home theater experience. It has 7.1.4 audio channels, an 8″ wireless subwoofer, and revolutionary surround effects tweeters for clear, immersive sound.
This soundbar also supports Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X surround sound to let you enjoy the latest cinematic audio formats with maximum clarity and realism. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can easily stream your favorite content wirelessly from your device. The unit also delivers up to 600W of total peak power, making it an ideal choice for any home entertainment setup.
Moreover, the external wireless subwoofer ensures deep bass levels to give you a truly immersive audio experience. The subwoofer is easy to install and even move around the room if you’re trying to find the best spot for optimal performance. The soundbar’s sleek design looks great in any living space and adds an extra touch of elegance to your home theater setup.
What you should know
With the Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro Dolby Atmos Soundbar, you can experience a truly immersive cinematic experience right in the comfort of your own home. It features two-way rear speakers to create an incredibly wide front sound stage and has a True 360° Cinema Surround Experience so everyone in the room can enjoy an equally distributed bass effect.
Plus, with its high-quality 52-key backlit remote, you can easily adjust the subwoofer level and crossover settings as needed. Not just that, it also has 4K/60Hz HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 compliant inputs and outputs for connecting all your devices quickly and easily.
Safe to say, this soundbar is ready to fill your living space with awe-inspiring sound, not to mention that it’s wall mountable with included wall mounting hardware for easy installation!
Best Overall
Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar | Works with 4K & HD TVs | Wireless Subwoofer | Includes HDMI & Optical Cables | Bluetooth Enabled, Black
Why we love it
The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is the best overall option on the market. Its low-profile design and universal compatibility with TVs allow for immersive home theater experiences, complete with room-filling audio and virtual surround sound.
The Signa S2 has two 1.25-inch mid-range drivers and two 1-inch tweeters, all of which deliver a crisp and clear sound clarity ideal for both movies and music. The 5.25-inch wireless woofer provides an additional layer of depth to the audio not found with other soundbars on the market, making it even more immersive than before.
The cherry on top of this exclusive setup is the inclusion of Dolby Digital decoding technology, which takes any audio source you throw at it and makes it come alive with deeper bass and sharper highs, providing an authentic theater experience right in your living room.
Additionally, it features Bluetooth connectivity so that you can easily stream your favorite music wirelessly directly from your connected devices, such as smartphones or tablets.
What you should know
The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar has an incredibly simple setup and can be wall mounted. It is compatible with most TVs, tablets, smartphones, and gaming systems with optical or HDMI inputs.
And, for those looking for an easy way to upgrade their audio experience without taking up too much space, this smart soundbar is an excellent solution. Its slim size fits perfectly under your TV screen for discreet yet powerful sound that adds a whole new layer of entertainment to anything you watch. Furthermore, the included wireless subwoofer means you don’t have to worry about unsightly wires cluttering your living room.
The voice adjust technology ensures that no matter what type of material you are listening to, be it movies, music, podcasts, or even news broadcasts, the dialogue will always be crisp and audible, so nothing gets lost in translation!
Lastly, its night mode setting is great for late-night watching sessions, as it helps reduce loud noises while preserving overall volume levels, so everyone can continue enjoying their favorite shows or movies in peace.
Overall, the Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is an excellent choice when looking for an all-in-one sound solution for your television. It offers great sound clarity with tons of features that make any viewing experience incredibly enjoyable. With its low-profile design and universal compatibility, this sound bar is perfect for anyone looking to take their home theater setup to the next level.
Best Soundbars for TVs: Frequently Asked Questions
You should now have the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision when purchasing a soundbar for your TV. However, we understand that there may still be some lingering questions in your mind about soundbars, so we have compiled a list of the most common questions. This will help erase any doubts and ensure you can confidently pick one out!
What does surround sound do?
Surround sound is an audio technology that creates a more immersive sound experience by placing speakers in various locations around a room. An immersive surround sound system typically has satellite speakers placed in front, behind, and to the sides of the listener, which allows for a more realistic and engaging audio experience. Wireless surround speakers can make it easier to set up a surround sound system without running cables. A dedicated surround speaker is specifically designed to reproduce surround sound effects for a more realistic and accurate experience.
Do soundbars have better sound quality?
Soundbars often provide better sound quality than TV speakers, especially for those who want an upgrade to their TV’s built-in speakers. They tend to offer more powerful drivers and amplifiers that produce loud and clear audio. You can also get directional sound from a soundbar which helps to boost clarity. But it is essential to keep in mind that the quality of any soundbar will depend on its size, price, and features. Do some research to find one that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Are surround speakers worth it?
If you’re looking for an immersive audio experience, surround sound speakers are definitely worth considering, especially for Dolby Atmos content. They can create a more engaging and realistic audio experience, especially for movies and games.
What are satellite speakers?
Satellite speakers are small speakers that are designed to be used in a surround sound system. They are typically used for the front left, front right, and rear left, and rear right channels and can be paired with a subwoofer to create a complete audio experience. They are called “satellite” speakers because they are typically positioned around a larger central speaker or subwoofer, similar to how satellites orbit a planet.
How do I check Dolby Atmos support?
To check for Dolby Atmos support, you can look for the Dolby Atmos logo on your device or in the app’s settings. Dolby Atmos provides immersive audio with a realistic and detailed sound that moves in 3D space, whereas simulated surround sound tries to mimic it using virtualization. Note that not all content is available in Dolby Atmos spatial audio, so make sure you’re playing compatible content.
Is Bose smart soundbar better than the Boss solo 5?
The Bose Smart Soundbar and the Bose Solo 5 both offer great sound quality, but the Smart Soundbar has more features, such as an ARC port and voice control. It also gets louder with less compression at max volume. Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and preferences when deciding which one is better for you.
Are Sonos speakers worth it?
Sonos speakers are definitely worth it, especially if you’re looking for a compact soundbar. While they may not be as good as the five alternatives listed in the blog post, they still provide great sound quality and convenience.