Here are the best TV soundbars to buy this year, from top of the range to cheap, to understand which one to choose according to your needs.
The soundbar is an optimal solution to significantly improve the sound quality of your TV and better enjoy watching movies, sports, and TV series.
Modern soundbars are technologically advanced. Some models are equipped with a series of speakers that emulate the surround sound of films, without the need to install rear and side speakers, as they use the sound bounce off the various walls.
For those who want more full-bodied audio, we also recommend purchasing a subwoofer supply (usually to be placed on the ground).
The biggest advantage of soundbars is undoubtedly the ease of installation. A soundbar is certainly more discreet, takes up little space, and the connection with the TV does not require the purchase of a receiver.
For these reasons, the soundbar is considered the best alternative to the classic home theater system, in fact, it has a lower impact in terms of furniture, with fewer cables and fewer devices to connect, moreover, it is often used as an additional accessory even on 4K TVs of the latest generation.
Now let’s go into the details of our ranking and see which are the best soundbars to buy in 2022, from professional soundbars to the cheapest and entry-level ones.
1. Sonos Arc (ARCG1US1BLK)
Convincing Dolby Atmos and top-of-the-range sound quality
The best soundbar for TV with Dolby Atmos is the Sonos Arc, recommended for TVs 55 inches and above. It is a professional soundbar with the ability to reproduce the surround sound of movies in an immersive way, without having to install a home theater system.
Inside the bar, there are 11 speakers powered by 11 Class D amplifiers . Thanks to all these directional speakers, the result to the listener’s ear is that of a surround sound generated by a 5.0.2 system (without sub).
If we want to have 5.1.2, then we will have to purchase the Sonos subwoofer separately. Our advice is to try the bar as it is, because the performance is already very high, and then possibly invest in the sub if you want to increase the bass carpet.
The Dolby Atmos surround sound generated by a single sound bar placed under the TV takes place thanks to the Trueplay technology, which analyzes the room to find the right setting to make the sounds bounce. In other Dolby Atmos branded soundbars, the effectiveness is questionable, while with the Sonos Arc we have to say that the result is truly amazing.
The Sonos Arc can also be used as a WiFi speaker, and is compatible with Apple Airplay, so just connect it to your home WiFi to be able to use it as a wireless speaker from your smartphone. Furthermore, thanks to the microphones placed on the body of the bar, we will be able to give voice commands to Google Assistant or Alexa.
Pros:
- Outstanding sound quality
- 3D sound with realistic Dolby Atmos effects
- Acoustic balance and bass present
Cons:
- No Bluetooth
- One HDMI port
2. Sony HT-ZF9
Dolby Atmos soundbar with subwoofer, at a reasonable price
One of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars at a relatively cheap price is the Sony HT-ZF9, which is also the best Sony soundbar in our ranking. To obtain convincing surround sound, with effects and sounds coming from various directions, this model is suitable, and the sound quality is high.
For the initial setup, it is sufficient to set (in the soundbar settings) the distance between the TV and the viewing station, and the subwoofer.
When the soundbar detects an audio-video source in Dolby Atmos format, then it will automatically play the content in three-dimensional mode. An action movie with sounds coming in from different directions actually sounds compelling, and only in very chaotic scenes is there a bit of confusion between sound effects and soundtrack.
If, on the other hand, the audiovisual source is not in Dolby Atmos format, we will still have the possibility of giving the audio a more three-dimensional representation, through Sony’s special Vertical S function.
The connectivity section is surprising, there are two HDMI inputs and an HDMI output, all compatible with 4k 60p HDR and Dolby Vision. There is the optical audio input and the 3.5mm analog port, and in addition, we find the USB port to play movies from an external hard disk, the Bluetooth to stream audio from a mobile device, and the LAN port for connecting net. There is also WiFi for connecting to the wireless home router.
Pros:
- Three-dimensional sound with good effect
- High-level sound quality
- Subwoofer included
Cons:
- In very agitated scenes the sounds blend a little
3. Denon Home Soundbar 550 (DENONHOMESB550)
Compact soundbar with good sound quality and smart capability
The Denon Home 550 is a 4.0 soundbar released in 2021, measuring 65cm and compact enough to be installed in any environment. It is the first from Denon to support DTS: X and Dolby Atmos formats and we recommend it to those who use it for everything from TV programs to listening to music, and it is very good in terms of smart connectivity.
It does not include a subwoofer but offers the option to purchase one separately if needed. The bass is quite good, but for more body adding the external subwoofer is preferable.
The sound is neutral, the soundbar does a good job of emphasizing the dialogue and the scenes are pleasant to listen to. There’s support for surround formats, but don’t expect great performance in terms of audio immersion when watching a movie.
On the back, we find two HDMI ports, to connect the TV and a secondary device such as a console. The HDMI ports are ready for 4k and for the HDR standard and connected to the TV we will have support for eARC technology for passing the audio signal in both directions.
In addition to watching movies and TV, we also recommend the Denon Home 550 as the best soundbar for music, as it can be used as a WiFi speaker to stream music from a mobile device. Since this is a model that is part of the HEOS family (technology that we find in many Denon and Marantz products), just connect it to WiFi to be able to take advantage of its wireless capabilities and listen to music from your device.
In addition to this, from summer 2021 Denon is planning a firmware update with which we will also be able to use the soundbar as a smart speaker, instead of Alexa / Google Assistant.
Pros:
- Good for emphasizing dialogue
- Fairly neutral sound profile
- Supports Dolby Surround e Dolby Atmos
Cons:
- Not very full-bodied bass
- Compression at high volumes
- Not very immersive sound
4. Denon HEOS HomeCinema HS2 (HEOSHCHS2)
Soundbar with wireless subwoofer for surround sound
The Denon HEOS HomeCinema HS2 is one of the best TV soundbars, suitable for Home Cinema lovers who are looking for good audio streaming and surround effect. It is complete with a wireless subwoofer with an integrated class D amplifier and therefore ensures good coverage of all frequencies.
There is an HDMI ARC connection to connect your TV with one cable, with support for a 4k signal. There is Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS for decoding the most common formats for immersive audio.
We also recommend it to anyone looking for an Alexa-compatible soundbar, to give voice commands and play music tracks by asking the Amazon smart assistant. There’s support for high-resolution digital audio files, so if you have an account for HD music streaming services, you’ll be safe here.
When it comes to using TV and Movies, the Denon HEOS HomeCinema HS2 is a huge step up from the TV’s built-in speakers. The dialogues are clear and clean (especially when using the Dialogue Enhancer function), and the sound really seems to come from different directions.
The soundbar is part of the HEOS system by Denon and is therefore compatible if in the future you decide to buy additional multiroom speakers of the same brand, to synchronize music throughout the house and control everything via the smartphone app.
Pros:
- Immersive sound
- Subwoofer wireless
- Smart options with Alexa and HEOS multiroom
Cons:
- The smartphone app is required to perform the setup
5. Sonos Beam (BEAM1US1BLK)
Best compact soundbar for high definition sound
Sonos Beam is a compact and powerful TV soundbar at a mid-range price, launched 4 years after the Playbar and one year after the Sonos Playbase. It is suitable for those looking for a smaller soundbar, to be able to combine it with a TV from 32 to 40 inches.
The design is more attractive and, due to the reduced size (65 cm in length) and the reduced weight (only 2.8 kg), one would not expect a sound power of 220 Watts. Similarly, the width and breadth of the sound reproduction, which extends perfectly even in height, are surprising.
It has HDMI and HDMI ARC, Ethernet, and an optical adapter, compared to the Playbar and Playbase’s only optical input. Voice control has also been added, via Alexa: with a few commands you turn on the TV, set alarms, and you can get answers or consult news.
The Sonos Beam can be integrated into a multi-room speaker system, both with speakers of the same brand, but for owners of Apple devices also with wireless speakers of different brands through the AirPlay 2 functionality.
In our opinion, the sound it reproduces is certainly sophisticated, with a good rhythm and a good bass balance. We recommend it to those who want to buy a soundbar with some pluses compared to previous models. On the other hand, Dolby Atmos support is missing, so you have to settle for Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital 5.1.
Pros:
- Compatibility with Alexa
- Compact design
- Excellent overall output power (220W)
Cons:
- Manca Dolby Atmos
- Without Bluetooth
6. Samsung HW-Q70T
3.1.2 quality system for music, movies, and tv
For those looking for a Samsung TV soundbar, the HW-Q70T is a good choice in price-quality. It goes perfectly with the new QLED TVs of the South Korean company, both in design and in functionality.
This soundbar is good for a little bit of everything, great in versatility because it offers quality audio for both music and movies, and TV shows. The sound is neutral, with good balance.
Inside the bar is a center speaker for dialogue, two side speakers for the left-right channels, and two upward-facing speakers for the Atmos sound. Indeed, when watching a 4k BluRay with Dolby sound, the soundbar allows you to enhance the different sound effects coming from different directions, keeping the dialogues clear. Keep in mind that the subwoofer isn’t overly loud, so don’t expect a sub-bass impactful.
Build quality is definitely above average, with the bar made of metal materials and the subwoofer made of wood.
In addition to being very good for playing movies with surround sound and Dolby Atmos, the Samsung soundbar is also usable via smartphone via Bluetooth to listen to music.
Pros:
- Build quality
- Clear dialogues
- Immersive sound and Dolby Atmos
Cons:
- Improved bass
7. Yamaha YAS-209
Best 5.1 soundbar for 3D surround sound
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a soundbar recommended for those looking for a good compromise between an economic model and sounds that recreate a cinematic experience in their own home. A glance is enough to fall in love with the aesthetics, more elegant when compared with the soundbars of the same price range.
The width of the bar is 93 cm and is, therefore, an excellent solution for a TV from 50 inches upwards.
The DTS Virtual: X system, which Yamaha has preferred to Dolby Atmos, engages the viewer with a sound that comes from above. This system gives a virtual extension in height and is activated with the 3D Surround button on the remote control.
The YAS-209 certainly does not lack the output power, 200 Watt, including the 100 Watt power of the subwoofer. It has a single HDMI input, on the back, compatible with different types of signals: HDR, 4K, and HDMI ARC, Ethernet, and optical input.
Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to access Amazon and Spotify to stream music from a mobile device without having to connect to the Smartphone.
Simultaneously connect all available smart devices, from PC to tablet to NAS. You can manage the controls of the soundbar simply by downloading the free Sound Bar Controller App.
Related: Best Yamaha Soundbar Reviews
Pros:
- Surround 3D virtual DTS
- Subwoofer wireless
- Streaming Bluetooth
Cons:
- Excessive Bass Extender Mode
- Limited Alexa control
8. Sony HT-X8500
Price quality soundbar with integrated subwoofer
The Sony HT-X8500 is the best soundbar for value for money and is suitable for televisions from 49 to 55 inches. It produces a distinct sound with good frequency separation, thanks largely to the built-in subwoofer. For those looking for performance in a small speaker for watching movies and TV shows, this is a very interesting choice.
The upward-facing drivers are missing, so the Dolby Atmos effect is lower than the more expensive models, but Sony compensates with the implementation of DSP audio processing technology, which uses software to emulate the arrival of sounds. from different directions. The practical result is quite convincing when using the soundbar with a Dolby Atmos or DTS: X movie, especially if we are sitting exactly in front of the TV.
The connection to the TV is via an HDMI (ARC) cable, and there is also an optical input if your TV possibly does not have ARC. The pass-through signal via HDMI is 4k, with Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG technologies present. There is an HDMI input to be able to pass a source device from the soundbar to the TV, such as a Blu Ray player or a gaming console.
Look at the soundbar from the side and you will notice the subwoofer’s bass reflex port. One of a kind, the HT-X8500 offers the convenience of a single bar, without the bulk of an external subwoofer, with a frequency response that drops down to 50Hz. The internal subwoofer is effective, and it’s not just a publicity stunt, the sound is actually more puffy than other soundbars in the same category.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Integrated subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos and DTS: X compatible
Cons:
- No upward-facing drivers
9. Yamaha YAS-207
Stereo soundbar for loud playback and clear dialogue
One of the best soundbars with subwoofers for TVs under 300 euros is the Yamaha YAS-207, which offers good value for money and a decent performance in all sectors.
For watching movies and TV shows, the dialogue sound is clear, and even at high volumes, the soundbar has no problems with distortion. For music, there is a noticeable bass boost, which some will appreciate, and for listening to radio/podcasts the sound of the voice emanates excellently throughout the room.
Less suitable for those who intend to use it to watch movies with Dolby Surround effect, since this is a 2.1 soundbar, so 5.1 or Dolby Atmos content will necessarily have to be distributed only on the two channels.
There are good sound correction options to find the best settings for the type of environment, and the compression effect is very little noticeable, for the benefit of good sound quality. Generally, for the average user looking to increase volume and audio impact from their TV, the YAS-207 will not be disappointed. On the other hand, we are talking about a soundbar with 100W power for the soundbar and 100W for the subwoofer, for a total of 200W in total.
The bar is about one meter wide (930 cm), so it should be associated with a 55-inch TV upwards, and only 60mm high. There is an HDMI port with ARC for connecting to the TV, an optical and an analog port, 4K Pass-through capability, and Bluetooth to stream wirelessly from your mobile. The subwoofer should only be connected to the power outlet, the connection of the sub with the soundbar is done wirelessly.
Pros:
- Build quality
- Numerous connectivity options
- It can reach high volumes without problems
Cons:
- Not recommended for surround effect
- Noticeable bass emphasis
10. Polk Audio Command Bar (AM9640)
The price-quality smart soundbar with integrated Alexa
If in addition to the soundbar you were also thinking of buying a smart speaker, the ideal solution is the Polk Audio Command Bar. This TV sound bar includes an integrated Echo Dot, with good smart features and an external wireless subwoofer for better sound than speakers. integrated of the tv.
Installation is simple, just plug the soundbar and subwoofer into a power outlet, and the two devices will sync wirelessly. So you can place the sub wherever you are comfortable, without having to connect wires.
The soundbar is then connected to the TV using the HDMI ARC socket, download the Polk Connect app and follow the instructions (you will need to log in to your Amazon account to activate Alexa).
If you want to pass an external audio-video source from the soundbar, there is an HDMI input, and if you want to connect the TV audio to the soundbar without HDMI ARC, there is the optical socket.
The audio performance is quite good, but the real workhorse of this model is the ability to activate the voice assistant via the remote control (Alexa button) to search, control home automation devices and ask for information. When you press the button, the volume of what you are listening to drops to a minimum, allowing the assistant to understand the voice command.
Pros:
- Alexa integrated
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Discreet audio
11. Bose Solo Soundbar Series II
Simple and effective sound bar
The Bose Solo Soundbar Series II is one of the best compact soundbars we recommend for anyone with a 32- to a 43-inch TV. Easy to install, offer good enough sound, doesn’t cost much, and is branded Bose, a company you can trust in the audio industry.
The connection to the TV, contrary to what happens with most soundbars, does not happen via HDMI. We can opt for the digital optical port, digital coaxial, or analog aux.
For those who want to connect a device wirelessly, such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet, the Bose Solo Series II is also a good Bluetooth soundbar for wireless use.
From the point of view of sound, we have much clearer and more defined audio than the integrated speakers of the TV, in this case, the difference is really noticeable. The volume gets to quite high levels, unless you have a large living room available, the Bose will be enough to solve sound volume problems.
To adjust the volume, the supplied remote control must be used, while the TV remote control cannot be used to control the bar. However, the Bose remote is very small and well finished, and there is a convenient quick key to emphasize the voice.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Small, good for not very large TVs
- Well designed remote control
Cons:
- There are no HDMI ports
12. LG Soundbars SN4
Economical sound bar with subwoofer
The LG Soundbars SN4 is an economical soundbar complete with a subwoofer, offers the good quality sound quality, and is particularly convenient to use especially with LG televisions, with which installation is automatic and the controls will be well integrated during use.
This is a soundbar that is well suited for those who want to crank up the sound quality of their TV to stereo and is not for those who want surround sound. The sound is clear, well balanced, and reaches high enough volumes, to be able to pleasantly watch a movie or a TV program in the company.
There are two speakers on the bar, each of 50W, while the subwoofer has 200W of power. The total power of the 2.1 system is therefore 300W. Supported audio formats for watching movies and videos are Dolby Digital, DTS Virtual: X, LPCM, and DTS Digital Surround.
The available connections are HDMI in and out, BlueTooth, and optical ports. There is also the possibility to connect a USB stick to read external files such as MP3, OGG, WMA, FLAC, and WAV.
It is a simple soundbar, with an unobtrusive design, 890 cm wide and only 57 cm high. In terms of furnishings, a 50-inch TV will accompany it well. Alternatively, you can read more Best LG Soundbars
Pros:
- Quality price
- Bluetooth
- Good output power
Cons:
- No surround option
- No analog input
13. Creative Stage (MF8360)
Best soundbar for PC
The Creative Stage is a good quality soundbar suitable for all budgets, we recommend it as a PC soundbar, or for a small TV set, where the distance from the listener is no greater than two meters.
This under-monitor sound bar, with a 2.1-channel system, convinces us with its characteristics and sound quality: 2 drivers of 5 Watts, a peak power of 160 Watts, a frequency response of 80Hz-20kHz. The external subwoofer makes a big difference to other soundbars without a sub.
The soundbar can also be used as a Bluetooth speaker, to listen to multimedia content on the move, with an internal battery lasting up to 6 hours.
On the back, it has several inputs for connectivity: AUX input compatible with all analog devices, TV (ARC), and USB for reading MP3 files from external hard disk.
Not bad for a compact design soundbar, costing less than 100 euros, which also comes with a wall mounting kit.
Of course, we can’t expect a sound similar to that of a high-end Dolby Atmos soundbar, but it is still a good buy for those with little need.
Pros:
- Connectivity via Bluetooth
- Full-bodied and immersive audio
Cons:
- Limited stereo separation
- Reduced power
Photo source: amazon.com