Best Soundbars of the Year: Our Top 10 Picks

What is a soundbar and why are they important for home entertainment systems?

A soundbar is a type of speaker system designed to enhance the audio quality of a TV or home entertainment system. Soundbars are important for home entertainment systems because they provide an immersive audio experience that can make movies, TV shows, and music sound more lifelike and engaging. They can also improve the clarity and volume of dialogue, which is especially important for people who have difficulty hearing or understanding spoken words on TV. Additionally, soundbars are typically more compact and easier to install than traditional surround sound systems, making them a convenient and cost-effective option for many people.

What are some key features to look for when choosing a soundbar?

When evaluating and choosing the top 10 soundbars, we used a variety of criteria to assess each soundbar’s performance, features, and value for money. Here are the key criteria we used:

Audio Quality: One of the most important factors when evaluating a soundbar is audio quality. We looked for soundbars with clear and powerful audio, good bass response, and a wide soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience. We also considered the number and placement of the speakers and the sound processing technology used.

Design: The design of a soundbar is also an important factor to consider. We looked for soundbars that are stylish and aesthetically pleasing, with a compact and sleek design that can fit into a variety of home entertainment setups. We also considered the ease of placement and installation, as well as any mounting options available.

Ease of Use: Another important factor we considered was ease of use. We evaluated the setup process and user interface of each soundbar, looking for soundbars that are easy to install and navigate. We also considered the availability of remote control and any mobile apps that can enhance the user experience.

Connectivity: We also evaluated the connectivity options of each soundbar, such as Bluetooth, HDMI, and Wi-Fi. We looked for soundbars with multiple connectivity options that allow for easy integration with other devices, as well as compatibility with a variety of audio formats.

Value for Money: Finally, we considered the value for money of each soundbar. We looked for soundbars that offer a good balance of features, quality, and price, with options available for a range of budgets. We also considered the durability and longevity of each soundbar, and any additional warranties or customer support available.

With that said, let’s dive into our top 10 picks for the best soundbars of the year.

1. Sonos Arc

The Sonos Arc is a top-performing soundbar that offers an immersive audio experience, making it one of the best options on the market. With a sleek and modern design, the Arc will blend in seamlessly with any home entertainment setup. The sound quality is nothing short of outstanding, with crystal clear audio and deep, powerful bass. The Arc also has Dolby Atmos support, which provides a 3D audio experience, making it perfect for watching movies and TV shows.

Setting up the Arc is effortless, thanks to the intuitive Sonos app that guides you through the process. The app also allows for easy control of the Arc’s settings and playback options. Additionally, the Arc offers versatile connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, HDMI, and Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music from your favorite devices with ease.

One of the best things about the Sonos Arc is the value for money it provides. While it is on the higher end of the price spectrum, it is well worth the investment for the audio quality and overall performance. The Arc also has built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which adds to its versatility and ease of use.

Overall, the Sonos Arc is an exceptional soundbar that offers a fantastic listening experience. With its sleek design, outstanding sound quality, easy setup, and versatile connectivity options, it’s no surprise that the Arc is one of the top choices for soundbars on the market. If you’re looking for a top-performing soundbar, the Sonos Arc is definitely worth considering.

2. Samsung HW-Q90R

The Samsung HW-Q90R is an excellent soundbar that delivers an impressive audio experience. With a 7.1.4 channel system, it provides immersive and room-filling sound, making it an ideal choice for movie enthusiasts and gamers. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers, which contribute to the surround sound effect.

The HW-Q90R is also packed with features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi, and built-in Amazon Alexa support. It also supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing a superior audio experience that is unrivaled in its class.

In terms of design, the HW-Q90R is sleek and modern, making it an attractive addition to any home entertainment system. The setup process is straightforward, and the soundbar can be easily mounted on the wall or placed on a tabletop.

The only downside of the Samsung HW-Q90R is its price point, which is on the higher end of the market. However, the quality of sound and the range of features that come with the soundbar justify the investment.

In conclusion, the Samsung HW-Q90R is an excellent soundbar that delivers an exceptional audio experience. If you’re looking for a high-end soundbar that delivers powerful sound, versatile connectivity options, and a sleek design, the Samsung HW-Q90R is a great option to consider.

3. Vizio M-Series M512

The Vizio M-Series M512 is a budget-friendly soundbar that offers a lot of bang for your buck. Despite its lower price point, this soundbar still delivers exceptional audio quality with its 5.1.2 channel system and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The sound is clear and powerful, with good bass response and a wide soundstage.

The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer and two upward-firing speakers, which contribute to the immersive sound experience. The setup process is relatively simple, and the soundbar can be easily controlled using the included remote or the Vizio SmartCast mobile app.

In terms of connectivity options, the Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 offers Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, as well as support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Chromecast. This makes it easy to stream music and other content from a variety of devices.

The design of the soundbar is sleek and modern, with a slim profile that makes it easy to mount on the wall or place on a tabletop. It also features a built-in display that shows the current input and volume level.

Overall, the Vizio M-Series M512 is an excellent budget-friendly soundbar that delivers great audio quality and versatile connectivity options. If you’re looking for a soundbar that won’t break the bank but still delivers on performance, this is definitely one to consider.

4. JBL Bar 1000

The JBL Bar 1000 is a powerful and impressive soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality, making it a great addition to any home entertainment system. It features a 7.1.4 channel system with JBL’s MultiBeam technology, which uses advanced algorithms to create a more immersive and spacious soundstage.

The sound quality of the JBL Bar 1000 is exceptional, with crisp and clear audio that is well-balanced across the frequency spectrum. It also has excellent bass response, making it suitable for listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are advanced audio formats that provide a more realistic and immersive listening experience.

In terms of design, the JBL Bar 1000 is sleek and modern, with a slim profile that makes it easy to mount on the wall or place on a tabletop. The soundbar also features a built-in display that shows the current input and volume level. Additionally, it has built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which makes it easy to control the soundbar with voice commands.

The JBL Bar 1000 has multiple connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, which make it easy to connect to a variety of devices. It also comes with a remote control, which has a clear and intuitive interface for easy navigation.

The only downside of the JBL Bar 1000 is its relatively high price point, which may not be affordable for everyone. However, if you’re willing to invest in a high-end soundbar that delivers exceptional performance and versatility, the JBL Bar 1000 is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, the JBL Bar 1000 is a powerful and impressive soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality, making it a great addition to any home entertainment system. With advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, MultiBeam technology, built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, and versatile connectivity options, this soundbar is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end audio experience.

5. Sony HT-A5000

The Sony HT-A5000 is a high-end soundbar that is designed to deliver immersive and cinematic audio experiences. It features a 5.1.2 channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, which provides a more realistic and immersive listening experience.

The sound quality of the Sony HT-A5000 is exceptional, with clear and detailed audio that is well-balanced across the frequency spectrum. It also has impressive bass response, making it suitable for listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games. The soundbar uses Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine technology to create a more immersive and spatial soundstage.

In terms of design, the Sony HT-A5000 is sleek and modern, with a slim profile that makes it easy to mount on the wall or place on a tabletop. It also has a built-in subwoofer, which helps to deliver deep and powerful bass. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer and two wireless rear speakers, which provide additional depth and dimension to the audio.

The Sony HT-A5000 has multiple connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, which make it easy to connect to a variety of devices. It also comes with a remote control, which has a clear and intuitive interface for easy navigation.

The only downside of the Sony HT-A5000 is its relatively high price point, which may not be affordable for everyone. However, if you’re willing to invest in a high-end soundbar that delivers exceptional performance and versatility, the Sony HT-A5000 is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, the Sony HT-A5000 is a high-end soundbar that delivers exceptional audio quality, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a cinematic and immersive audio experience. With features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine technology, wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, versatile connectivity options, and a sleek and modern design, this soundbar is a top contender in the high-end soundbar market.

6. Bose Soundbar 900

The Bose Soundbar 900 is a premium soundbar that is designed to deliver powerful and immersive audio experiences. It features a 5.1.4 channel system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, which provides a more realistic and immersive listening experience.

The sound quality of the Bose Soundbar 900 is impressive, with clear and detailed audio that is well-balanced across the frequency spectrum. It also has deep and powerful bass response, making it suitable for listening to music, watching movies, or playing video games. The soundbar uses Bose’s proprietary PhaseGuide technology to create a more immersive and spatial soundstage.

In terms of design, the Bose Soundbar 900 is sleek and modern, with a slim profile that makes it easy to mount on the wall or place on a tabletop. It also has a built-in subwoofer, which helps to deliver deep and powerful bass. The soundbar comes with a remote control, which has a clear and intuitive interface for easy navigation.

The Bose Soundbar 900 has multiple connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay 2, which make it easy to connect to a variety of devices. It also supports voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which allows you to control the soundbar with your voice.

The only downside of the Bose Soundbar 900 is its relatively high price point, which may not be affordable for everyone. However, if you’re willing to invest in a high-end soundbar that delivers exceptional performance and versatility, the Bose Soundbar 900 is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, the Bose Soundbar 900 is a high-end soundbar that delivers exceptional audio quality, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a cinematic and immersive audio experience. With features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, Bose’s proprietary PhaseGuide technology, built-in subwoofer, versatile connectivity options, and support for voice assistants, this soundbar is a top contender in the premium soundbar market.

7. Yamaha YAS-209BL

The Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL is an affordable yet powerful soundbar that is designed to enhance your home entertainment experience. It features a 2.1 channel system with a wireless subwoofer, providing an impressive audio experience that is well-balanced and immersive.

The sound quality of the Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL is excellent, with clear and detailed audio that is well-balanced across the frequency spectrum. It also has a deep and powerful bass response, making it suitable for music, movies, and gaming. The soundbar features DTS Virtual:X technology, which creates a more realistic and immersive 3D sound experience.

In terms of design, the Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL is sleek and modern, with a slim profile that makes it easy to mount on the wall or place on a tabletop. The soundbar has built-in Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

The Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL has multiple connectivity options, including HDMI, optical, and aux input, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. It also comes with a remote control that is easy to use and navigate.

One downside of the Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL is that it lacks voice assistant support, which may be a deal-breaker for some users. However, if you’re looking for an affordable and powerful soundbar that delivers exceptional audio quality, the Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, the Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL is an affordable and versatile soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality and immersive 3D sound. With features such as DTS Virtual:X technology, wireless subwoofer, built-in Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple connectivity options, this soundbar is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment experience without breaking the bank.

8. LG SP9YA 5.1.2

The LG SP9YA 5.1.2 soundbar is a premium option that offers impressive audio quality and a range of features to enhance your home entertainment experience. The soundbar features a 5.1.2 channel system, which includes two up-firing speakers that create a more immersive and realistic Dolby Atmos sound experience.

The sound quality of the LG SP9YA 5.1.2 is exceptional, with clear and well-balanced audio across the frequency range. The soundbar also features Meridian Audio technology, which provides more natural and lifelike sound with enhanced depth and clarity. The bass response is powerful, making it ideal for music, movies, and gaming.

In terms of design, the LG SP9YA 5.1.2 is sleek and modern, with a slim profile that makes it easy to mount on the wall or place on a tabletop. It also features built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, allowing you to control the soundbar with your voice and access a range of other smart features.

The LG SP9YA 5.1.2 has multiple connectivity options, including HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to a variety of devices. It also comes with a remote control that is easy to use and navigate.

One downside of the LG SP9YA 5.1.2 is that it can be a bit expensive compared to other options on the market. However, if you’re looking for a high-end soundbar that delivers exceptional audio quality and a range of smart features, the LG SP9YA 5.1.2 is definitely worth considering.

In conclusion, the LG SP9YA 5.1.2 soundbar is a premium option that offers exceptional audio quality and a range of features to enhance your home entertainment experience. With features such as Dolby Atmos, Meridian Audio technology, built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support, and multiple connectivity options, this soundbar is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end soundbar that delivers on all fronts.

9. Roku Streambar

The Roku Streambar is a compact and versatile soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and a built-in streaming device for a complete home entertainment experience. The device measures just 14 inches in length, making it perfect for smaller TV sets and spaces.

One of the key features of the Streambar is its built-in Roku streaming device, which offers access to thousands of channels and streaming services, including popular options like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. This eliminates the need for a separate streaming device, making it an excellent choice for those who want to simplify their home entertainment setup.

In terms of sound quality, the Streambar features four internal speakers that deliver clear and powerful audio, with an emphasis on dialogue and vocal clarity. The device also includes a bass module that enhances low-frequency sounds for a more immersive experience.

Additionally, the Streambar comes with a remote control that offers voice search capabilities, as well as the ability to control your TV’s power and volume. The device also includes Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming from your mobile device or computer.

Overall, the Roku Streambar is an excellent choice for those who want a compact and versatile soundbar that offers both excellent sound quality and a built-in streaming device for a complete home entertainment experience.

10. Polk Audio Signa S3

The Polk Audio Signa S3 is a sleek and affordable soundbar that offers impressive audio performance and a variety of useful features. With its compact design and easy-to-use remote control, this soundbar is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their TV’s sound quality without breaking the bank.

One of the standout features of the Signa S3 is its impressive audio performance. The soundbar features a six-driver array and a separate wireless subwoofer, which work together to deliver clear and powerful audio with plenty of depth and bass. The device also features Polk Audio’s patented Voice Adjust technology, which allows users to fine-tune the audio to their preferences and improve dialogue clarity.

The Signa S3 also offers a variety of useful features, including Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming, HDMI ARC compatibility for easy setup, and a Night Mode that reduces the volume of loud noises and enhances quiet sounds. The soundbar also includes a remote control that offers easy access to all of its features and settings.

Overall, the Polk Audio Signa S3 is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable and high-performing soundbar that offers plenty of features and versatility. Whether you’re watching movies, TV shows, or playing video games, the Signa S3 is sure to enhance your audio experience and provide excellent value for its price.

In conclusion, the world of soundbars has continued to evolve with new and innovative models being released each year. After evaluating numerous models based on their audio quality, design, ease of use, connectivity, and value for money, we have compiled a list of the top 10 soundbars that stood out from the rest.

Whether you’re looking for a high-end soundbar with advanced features like multi-room audio and voice control, or a more affordable option that still delivers impressive audio performance, there is something on this list for everyone. We hope that this guide has helped you find the perfect soundbar to enhance your home entertainment experience.

Remember that the best soundbar for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so it’s important to do your own research and consider your budget, the size and layout of your room, and the types of content you’ll be watching or listening to.

Ultimately, investing in a quality soundbar is a great way to improve your home entertainment system and enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music like never before.