My high picks for theater-quality audio at dwelling

Measurement (HWD): 2.4″ x 36.2″ x 3.5″ | Connectivity: HDMI (x2), Bluetooth, optical | Variety of embedded audio system: 9 | Dolby Atmos: Sure | Subwoofer: Sure

Hisense makes a few of my favourite finances TVs, so I used to be wanting to see if the corporate might carry its bang-for-the-buck acumen to soundbars. Seems sure. For a really modest $350 (typically discounted to $300), you get not solely a Dolby Atmos-equipped primary speaker, but in addition wi-fi rear audio system and subwoofer. Which means actual {surround} sound, not simulated.

Practically all the things about this equipment impressed me, beginning with the detailed instruction guide. (If something, it is nearly too detailed; a easy quick-start information could be good for customers who need to rise up and operating sooner.) I additionally admired the numbered twine baggage, a easy however efficient means for serving to you make connections within the correct order.

Not that it is sophisticated. Plug within the soundbar, then the subwoofer and rear audio system. All the things connects mechanically; I did not need to manually pair something. In the meantime, as a result of it is a “Roku-ready” soundbar, my Roku TV instantly acknowledged and configured it, then performed a nifty audio-demo video. (Setup needs to be equally simple with any TV; this one simply affords some onscreen soundbar controls as nicely.)

Price noting: There’s an HDMI pass-through port, good if you wish to add one thing like an audio receiver into the combination. That is a function not discovered even in some costlier fashions, just like the Sonos Arc Extremely.

Traditionalists will recognize the inclusion of a distant and the dearth of want for a companion app, Hisense account or the like. The flipside is it is slightly extra sophisticated to regulate sure settings. For instance, I wished to disable the music tones that play when the soundbar activates and off. To take action, I needed to wade right into a setup menu utilizing the embedded show window, which may present solely 5 characters at a time and makes use of scrolling for the remaining. 

Even so, I like that show, which is massive sufficient to be learn from throughout a room; it is significantly better than the tiny uninformative LEDs employed by most soundbars. Plus, you may alter the brightness or flip it off altogether utilizing the Dimmer buttons on the distant.

The soundbar affords seven preset equalizer modes, together with Music, Film and “AI” (which guarantees to mechanically optimize audio relying on the supply). Curiously, there isn’t any Voice mode for enhancing dialogue, although I did discover that the Information setting did precisely that. Plus, the AX5125H has a devoted center-channel speaker; in my testing, dialogue got here by means of clearly when watching motion pictures encoded with 5.1 sound.

One factor lacking right here is Wi-Fi, which might enable for not solely music streaming by way of Apple AirPlay, but in addition connections with voice assistants (resembling Amazon Alexa). Alas, it is Bluetooth-only. 

Hisense guarantees a hefty 500 watts of whole audio output energy, simply sufficient to fill even a big front room. Positive sufficient, the system nearly blew the home windows out of my smallish workplace; it is loud. But in addition crisp and detailed, equally well-suited to noisy motion motion pictures and workday Spotify playlists. The subwoofer particularly provides the sort of oomph you simply cannot get from little ones constructed into the soundbar itself.

On the entire, I contemplate the Hisense AX5125H a tremendous worth, delivering full-throated {surround} sound for a fraction of the price of different programs.

Measurement (HWD): 2.5″ x 35.5″ x 3.5″ | Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, optical | Variety of embedded audio system: 2 | Dolby Atmos: No | Subwoofer: No

A soundbar would not want a whole lot of bells and whistles to do its job successfully, nor does it must put you within the poorhouse. Sony’s HT-S100F is one of the best primary soundbar we have discovered, and it is priced to suit nearly any finances.

Setup could not have been simpler; my Roku TV mechanically detected the S100F, that means I used to be immediately ready to make use of the Roku distant to manage quantity. 

However I’ve to say Sony’s wonderful fold-out startup information (massive illustrations, clearly written textual content, think about that!) and remarkably detailed consumer information. That is the sort of hand-holding you hardly ever see with trendy shopper electronics, and I commend Sony for it.

You might want that information to interpret some the buttons on Sony’s distant, nonetheless. There’s a whole lot of them, and whereas the fundamental modes — Cinema, Voice, Music, and so on. — are pretty simple, I did not instantly perceive the Indicator, Play Mode or Audio buttons.

Past that, my solely actual usability grievance is having to depend on a single flashing LED to know when a mode is lively or not. Two flashes equals “on”; one flash means “off”. It is also slightly difficult to recollect learn how to swap inputs; you press the Enter button as soon as, then once more to cycle between HDMI, Bluetooth and AUX. A minimum of while you select Bluetooth, the LED turns blue, however the different two inputs have white LEDs. Which is which?

These aren’t main points — you simply must commit all this to reminiscence or seek advice from the directions as wanted. It is completely doable you may tweak your modes and settings as soon as and infrequently contact them once more.

As for sound high quality, the S100F provided a pleasant soundstage for each music and films. I positively appreciated the dialogue increase when switching to Voice mode, although I do want it might be utilized to, say, Cinema mode as an alternative of overriding it.

Simply take be aware that there is not a lot bass right here (although I would not count on it at this value level), and audio begins to get slightly harsh while you attain for greater volumes. Fortunately, the soundbar is loud sufficient (particularly for small/medium rooms) that you just should not typically must. 

Backside line: The Sony HT-S100F proves you do not want to spend so much to get a strong soundbar.

Measurement (HWD): 2.4″ x 14″ x 4.2″ | Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, optical, Ethernet (with USB adapter) | Variety of embedded audio system: 4 | Dolby Atmos: No | Subwoofer: Optionally available

To not be confused with the Streambar Professional, which we might beforehand named one of the best soundbar total however was discontinued in 2024, the smaller Streambar is almost pretty much as good — particularly for flats, bedrooms and different cozy areas. It is reasonably priced, expandable and stocked with a secret weapon: Roku!

In different phrases, this soundbar can be a streaming gadget. Whether or not or not that is interesting relies on a number of issues. Are you presently utilizing an previous, sluggish Roku gadget you’d prefer to improve? Are you sad with the streaming software program that is constructed into your TV? The Streambar provides you the total Roku expertise, successfully bypassing no matter you are utilizing presently.

Which means you get not solely Netflix, Hulu and all the opposite channels, but in addition a souped-up distant with voice controls. (It ought to be capable to management your TV’s energy, quantity and mute settings as nicely.)

Simply be aware that whereas the Streambar helps HDR picture processing, it would not assist HDR10+ or Dolby Imaginative and prescient — newer, higher iterations of that know-how. In case your precise TV does, you may be sacrificing these capabilities by utilizing the Streambar. (For what it is value, there’s additionally the Streambar SE, which prices $30 much less and does provide HDR10+. Nonetheless, it has two embedded audio system as an alternative of 4.)

That is one thing of a smart-home hub, too, suitable with Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. (“House servant, activate the TV and play the most recent episode of Severance!”) It additionally works with Apple’s AirPlay 2, which helps you to mirror your Apple gadget to your TV, and HomeKit. 

Setup is extraordinarily simple, thanks in no small half to Roku’s wonderful quick-start information; it is detailed and novice-friendly (though it would not actually clarify voice instructions; you need to enterprise on-line to study that). All you do is join the Streambar to your TV, ideally by way of an HDMI eARC port, and stroll by means of the onscreen setup steps — which conclude with a enjoyable little demo video.

Certainly, good touches like these are a part of why Roku is my most popular streaming setting. It continues to supply a pleasant and uncluttered interface that is simple to navigate. I particularly like automated (however manually adjustable) Speech Readability function, which dynamically identifies dialogue and will increase the quantity relative to different audio. This works fairly nicely; I by no means discovered myself struggling to listen to individuals speak.

By itself, the Streambar delivers very nice Dolby-powered audio, but it surely’s positively mild on bass, unsurprising given the dearth of a subwoofer. One answer: Spring for the Roku Wi-fi Bass Professional Subwoofer ($180). And for the very best expertise? Tack on the Roku Wi-fi Audio system ($150) to make use of on the rear for a real 5.1-channel {surround} setup.

That is the setup I’ve, and I actually, actually prefer it. Nice sound and easy operation for the win.

Measurement (HWD): 2.6″ x 36″ x 4.7″ | Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth | Variety of embedded audio system: 4 | Dolby Atmos: Sure | Subwoofer: 2 (embedded)

Vizio makes a ridiculous variety of soundbars — a whopping two dozen within the present lineup, ultimately depend. The SV210D-0806 (to not be confused with, say, the utterly completely different SV210D-0808) is notable not only for being one of many latest additions, but in addition for incorporating Dolby Atmos. That is an uncommon discover in a $150 soundbar.

It is a horny unit, rounded and cloth-covered, a pleasant change from the everyday black-plastic rectangles. Setup is fairly customary: join the included HDMI cable to your TV’s HDMI eARC enter, plug it in and also you’re good to go. (You probably have an older TV, look elsewhere; there isn’t any optical connection choice right here.)

All that is outlined in Vizio’s brief however simple quick-start information, however there’s one potential supply of confusion: You are directed to obtain Vizio Cellular in your telephone, however while you get to the app retailer, there isn’t any such app; it is now referred to as Vizio WatchFree+.

To make use of it — crucial in an effort to do something apart from management quantity, as a result of this soundbar comes with no distant — you may need to to create a Vizio account. That is a standard requirement today, however an annoyance all the identical.

Whereas the app is properly designed, it is each restricted and complicated in locations. For instance, it has quantity controls however lacks a play/pause button. There are solely two preset equalizer modes — music and film — and switching between them would not swap sources (specifically, telephone and TV). You may manually alter treble and bass, however I detected zero change in dialogue quantity when transferring the “Cleardialog” slider. Equally, the “Top” slider produced no noticeable adjustments both. (Extra on that beneath.)

In the meantime, I could not work out learn how to swap out of Bluetooth mode (after listening to music from my telephone) after I wished to return to watching TV. There is a setting referred to as “auto HDMI” that I feel is meant to deal with this, however at the very least as soon as throughout my testing, I remained caught in Bluetooth till I exited and reloaded the app.

These usability complaints apart, the SV210D sounds superb for a $150 soundbar. Film audio will get massive and boisterous, with an honest quantity of bass due to the pair of built-in subwoofers.

What’s extra, though the soundbar lacks the up-firing Dolby Atmos audio system present in pricier fashions, it nonetheless manages to leverage the tech fairly nicely. In the course of the opening battle sequence in All Quiet on the Western Entrance, as an example, it positively felt like bombs and bullets have been coming from the perimeters, not simply in entrance of me.

It is value noting that should you personal (or plan to personal) a current-gen Vizio TV, you may simply affix the soundbar to the underside with none instruments. You can even entry audio settings on the TV itself, successfully bypassing the app.

Measurement (HWD): 3.1″ x 46.1″ x 4.3″ | Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Variety of embedded audio system: 14 | Dolby Atmos: Sure | Subwoofer: No

If Apple made a soundbar, it might in all probability look so much just like the Sonos Arc Extremely. From the luxurious packaging to the smooth design to the sky-high value (which, sadly, is $100 greater than the unique Arc’s), all the things about this smacks of a premium product. And that is tremendous should you can afford it, as a result of the Arc delivers really superb audio, due to some high-tech tips.

Obtainable in white or black, it spans a whopping 46 inches. That really makes it too massive to tuck between the legs of my 55-inch Roku TV; it has to sit down a bit awkwardly in entrance of them. (Earlier than shopping for any soundbar, it is at all times good to take measurements.) Newly added contact controls assist to compensate for the dearth of a bodily distant, however they are not simple to see in dim lighting.

The Arc Extremely’s huge body accommodates 14 separate audio system, together with two up-firing ones devoted to Dolby Atmos. Setup is not sophisticated, however should you’re not tech-savvy, do not count on a lot hand-holding: The included print information lists simply two steps. The second: Set up the Sonos app, which walks you thru all the remaining.

If you have already got Sonos gear in your home, including the Arc Extremely is a breeze; the app mechanically detects and configures it. It is nonetheless fairly simple should you’re ranging from scratch, however be ready for steps like making a Sonos account and connecting to your own home Wi-Fi. 

You may additionally need to configure Trueplay, which optimizes audio to your room. You may both use a brand new quick-tune choice that takes a couple of minute, or use the unique fine-tuning methodology that sees you strolling across the room waving your telephone round. Both approach, that is a part of the wizardry Sonos makes use of to simulate {surround} sound — and, boy, does it work.

Certainly, the mixture of Trueplay and the Atmos audio system creates room-filling audio that is unmatched by some other standalone soundbar. Clearly that is much less efficient in bigger, extra open areas (suppose: a front room with vaulted ceiling), however in a self-contained room, wow. By the way in which, Trueplay is now supported on most Android telephones; beforehand it was an iPhone-only function.

Notably spectacular is how a lot bass the Arc Extremely produces with no separate subwoofer. You might not really feel that thump, however you may hear it. Equally, film and TV audio exhibited a richness and element past what I detected in cheaper soundbars. And though the app affords a Speech Enhancement setting you may toggle on and off, it is not likely wanted; it does nicely on this entrance proper out of the field.

I additionally discovered the Arc Extremely noticeably superior to different soundbars in the case of music — unsurprising given Sonos’ pedigree in that space. (Keep in mind: The corporate began out making audio system particularly for music.)

On a associated, er, be aware, the Arc Extremely brings Bluetooth into the connectivity combine, that means it will possibly function a conventional Bluetooth speaker should you’re so inclined. (Personally, I want the comfort of Apple AirPlay, which depends on Wi-Fi.)

The Sonos Arc is a high-end product, one that appears attractive and outperforms all different standalone soundbars. However, wow, it is costly and, should you simply desire a primary TV audio improve, exhausting to justify.

Measurement (HWD): 2.2″ x 27.3″ x 4.1″ | Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical | Variety of embedded audio system: 5 | Dolby Atmos: Sure | Subwoofer: Optionally available

Not way back, a Dolby Atmos soundbar for beneath $500 was an enormous deal. That is now not the case (see the Vizio SV210D-0806, above), and subsequently it is tougher to justify Bose’s strong however problematic Sensible Soundbar 600. It sounds good, no query, however setup will be difficult and usefulness suffers beneath the burden of some design flaws.

Amongst them: barely seen LEDs that mild solely while you alter quantity. There’s nothing that exhibits the precise quantity setting (no dots, bar, numbers or the like), nor even something to point energy standing. I could not inform if the factor was even powered on.

Plus, it is fairly mild on bass — unsurprising given its compact dimension. It is good at enhancing dialogue, although, and highly effective sufficient to fill a small room. I simply suppose if you need finances Atmos, there are higher, cheaper choices.

Measurement (HWD): 2.8″ x 45″ x 4.6″ | Connectivity: HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optical | Variety of embedded audio system: 11 | Dolby Atmos: Sure | Subwoofer: Sure

The Polk MagniFi Max AX is a beast of a sound system, with a mammoth, floor-shaking subwoofer and audio system highly effective sufficient to bug the neighbors. It is simple to arrange, too, although the print directions cease wanting explaining varied options — so be ready to experiment.

One small concern did crop up throughout testing: At any time when I began streaming a brand new film or TV present, there was a short delay — only a second or two — earlier than the audio kicked in. This did not occur with the opposite soundbars. It is hardly a dealbreaker, however I did discover it irksome.

That wrinkle apart, the Polk MagniFi AX SR is totally very good. It is versatile and straightforward to make use of, and it will possibly blow the doorways off even a big home-theater area. If massive bass, satellite tv for pc audio system and Dolby Atmos are in your checklist of must-haves, that is the system to get.

Measurement (HWD): 2.7″ x 48.5″ x 5.4″ | Connectivity: HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, optical | Variety of embedded audio system: 22 | Dolby Atmos: Sure | Subwoofer: Sure

Did you win the Powerball? Or rating an inheritance from loopy previous Uncle Leo? Then by all means splurge on Samsung’s completely spectacular Q990B soundbar setup. It is costly and considerably annoying to make use of, but in addition unmatched at plunking you right into a veritable dome of immersive sound.

Alas, solely Samsung TV house owners want apply, as a result of in any other case you will not get Dolby Atmos from the rear audio system. And all the things right here is complicated, from setup (dangerous directions) to operation (dangerous distant, dangerous show, conflicting options).

As soon as you work all of it out, although, you may by no means need to depart the sofa once more.