How We Tested
We tested 18 soundbars in a dedicated home theater room with standardized acoustics. Each soundbar was evaluated using the same content: action movie scenes for bass and dynamics, dialogue-heavy scenes for clarity, music across genres, and Dolby Atmos test content for height effects. We measured actual sound levels, frequency response, and conducted blind listening tests with multiple reviewers.
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is the best soundbar for most home theaters. Its 11 high-performance drivers, including upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos height effects, create an impressively wide and immersive soundstage. Dialogue is crystal clear thanks to a dedicated center channel, while bass is deep and punchy for a single-unit soundbar. TruePlay tuning optimizes sound for your specific room. Integration with the Sonos ecosystem means you can add a Sub and rear speakers later for full surround.
- Exceptional Dolby Atmos performance
- Clear, natural dialogue
- TruePlay room calibration
- Expandable with Sonos Sub and rears
- Premium price
- No HDMI passthrough (eARC only)
- Bass enthusiasts may want the Sub
Samsung HW-Q990D
The Samsung HW-Q990D is a complete 11.1.4 channel surround system with soundbar, subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers included. With speakers literally surrounding you, it delivers the most immersive Dolby Atmos experience we've tested. Q-Symphony technology syncs with Samsung TVs to use the TV's speakers alongside the soundbar. The wireless subwoofer delivers room-shaking bass.
- True 11.1.4 surround sound
- Includes subwoofer and rear speakers
- Incredible bass and immersion
- Q-Symphony with Samsung TVs
- Expensive complete system
- Requires placement for rear speakers
Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 brings Dolby Atmos to a compact soundbar perfect for bedrooms or smaller living rooms. Despite its size, it delivers impressive sound with clear dialogue and decent bass. Like the Arc, it supports TruePlay tuning and can be expanded with Sonos Sub and surrounds. Voice control with Alexa and Google Assistant is built in.
- Compact size fits any TV
- Dolby Atmos support
- Built-in voice assistants
- Expandable Sonos ecosystem
- Limited bass without subwoofer
- No upward-firing drivers for Atmos
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 delivers Dolby Atmos performance at a budget-friendly price. The included wireless subwoofer provides substantial bass, while upward-firing drivers create convincing height effects. For under $400, you get a complete system that rivals soundbars twice the price. Chromecast built-in makes streaming music simple.
- Excellent value with subwoofer included
- Real Dolby Atmos with upward-firing speakers
- Strong bass performance
- Dialogue can get lost in action scenes
- App is clunky
TCL Alto 8+
The TCL Alto 8+ proves you don't need to spend a fortune for better TV sound. This soundbar with included wireless subwoofer delivers significantly better audio than any TV speaker at an entry-level price. Roku TV Ready integration provides seamless setup and control with Roku TVs. It's the perfect first soundbar upgrade.
- Excellent value under $200
- Includes wireless subwoofer
- Easy setup with Roku TVs
- No Dolby Atmos
- Limited soundstage width
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, even budget soundbars significantly improve audio quality over built-in TV speakers. Modern TVs are too thin to house quality speakers, while soundbars have more space for larger drivers, better amplification, and dedicated bass drivers or subwoofers.
For most users, a soundbar with built-in bass is sufficient for TV shows and casual movie watching. However, if you want deep, room-shaking bass for action movies and music, a separate subwoofer makes a significant difference, especially in larger rooms (over 300 sq ft).
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound format that adds height channels, making sound appear to come from above. Atmos soundbars use upward-firing speakers to bounce sound off your ceiling for a more immersive three-dimensional experience. You need Atmos content (available on Netflix, Disney+, Blu-ray) to hear the full effect.
HDMI ARC or eARC is the best connection for soundbars, allowing audio from your TV's apps and connected devices to pass through. eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is required for lossless Dolby Atmos. Optical connections work but don't support Atmos. Check that your TV has HDMI ARC/eARC before buying.