The best soundbar can completely transform your audio experience, whether you’re binging your favorite TV show, watching a movie, or gaming on your Xbox or PlayStation. Compared to the integrated speakers on your TV, soundbars take the sound quality to a whole new level for a fully immersive experience.
In this article, we’ve reviewed and compared the most popular soundbars on the market, looking at the sound quality, connectivity, features, pricing, and pros and cons to help you find the perfect soundbar for your home.
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The 10 Best Soundbars You Can Buy Ranked
Here’s our final list of the best soundbars in 2024:
- Polk Signa S2 — Overall, the best TV soundbar with a powerful WiFi subwoofer, excellent sound volume, and the ability to individually adjust the voice volume.
- Bose Solo 5 — Compact and easy to mount, with a 30 feet Bluetooth transmission range and a Dialogue Mode that ensures you hear every word clearly.
- Pheanoo 2.1 P15 — Best budget soundbar with a powerful subwoofer, excellent connectivity options, and three distinct sound modes.
- Bose TV Speaker — Small and lightweight, designed to amplify vocals and clarify dialogue, with the ability to connect to up to three devices simultaneously.
- Samsung HW-A450 — Best Samsung soundbar with surround sound support, wireless connectivity, and multiple sound modes optimized for different types of content.
- Sony HT-S350 — Powerful 2.1 channel soundbar with Virtual Surround Sound Technology, ideal for homes with larger living rooms.
- LG Eclair SE6S — Best Dolby Atmos soundbar with true surround sound and automatic calibration for your room via the mobile app.
- Vizio V-Series 5.1 — Affordable surround sound system with Dolby Audio 5.1, optimized for 4K HDR content.
- JBL Bar 2.1 — A decent soundbar for the money with plenty of connectivity options and crystal clear sound with no distortion.
- Yamaha SR-B20A — Sleek model with dual built-in subwoofers, 3D virtual surround sound, and four sound modes to choose from.
Reviews of the Market’s Best Sound Bars for Home
Read our in-depth reviews of the best soundbars on the market to see what different models offer for the price and make an informed decision.
1. Polk Signa S2 — Overall, the Best TV Soundbar
The Polk Signa S2 is a premium, slim, universal soundbar that works with any 4K and HD TV. Its dimensions make it a perfect fit for a 55″ TV since it’ll sit seamlessly between the TV’s leg stands without blocking the screen or the IR remote sensor. You can also easily mount the Polk Signa S2 on your wall if that’s what you prefer.
The Polk Signa S2 comes with a wireless subwoofer, so you can expect excellent sound quality and clear, deep bass that enhances the lows, such as thunder or explosions, further enhancing the movie experience.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $249 | 3.22 x 35.43 x 2.15 inches | Optical, 3.5mm AUX, HDMI-ARC, Wireless Bluetooth | 120 W | N/A |
In addition to the sound quality, one of the biggest strengths of this model is the volume. The soundbar can get incredibly loud, which is excellent for people who are hard of hearing. It also makes the Polk Signa S2 an excellent choice for streaming TV shows and movies in larger rooms since it provides that theater-level sound that fills the entire room.
Another excellent feature of the Polk Signa S2 is the ability to pair with your smartphone and tablet and stream music directly from Spotify, TuneIn, Pandora, and similar apps.
When it comes to the controls, you’ll find the power button, volume controls, and buttons for managing WiFi connections on the device itself. The soundbar also comes with a mini remote, which lets you independently adjust the overall volume, voice volume, and bass, so you can hear every word and audio detail with absolute clarity.
Pros
- Perfectly fits under a 55″ TV
- Excellent sound quality
- Powerful wireless subwoofer
- On-device, remote, and voice controls
Cons
- Doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, so it doesn’t have the best surround sound performance
2. Bose Solo 5 — Compact and Easy to Mount, With a 30 Feet Bluetooth Transmission Range
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact soundbar with a 30 feet Bluetooth transmission range, offering superb placement flexibility and excellent sound quality.
It’s 3 inches high, so it won’t comfortably fit under every TV. This potential drawback is offset by the fact that Bose Solo 5 comes with an easy-to-install wall mount kit, so you can place it in a perfect spot to provide room-filling audio without obstructing the view of your TV screen.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $223 | 12.3 x 20.8 x 3 inches | AUX, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth | 30 W | N/A |
In terms of sound quality, Bose Solo 5 provides richer soundtracks, more pronounced sound effects for movies and TV shows, and clearer dialogue. Additionally, the soundbar offers a fine-tuned Dialogue Mode that makes every word stand out, so you don’t have to constantly increase the volume during dialogue scenes and lower it back down during intense action sequences.
You can connect the Bose Solo 5 to your TV or smartphone in seconds via Bluetooth, so you can binge your favorite TV shows, watch movies, or blast your favorite tunes. And the soundbar comes with a universal remote that lets you control everything from the TV to the bass and Bluetooth connections.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight, easy to mount
- Bluetooth connectivity with a 30 feet transmission range
- Offers a Dialogue Mode that ensures you hear every word clearly
- Can easily be paired with your smartphone to blast your favorite tunes
Cons
- No voice controls
- Doesn’t support Dolby Atmos
3. Pheanoo 2.1 P15 — Best Budget Soundbar With a Powerful Subwoofer
The Pheanoo 2.1 P15, as the name suggests, is a 2.1 channel soundbar with two smart speakers with custom-tuned 2.25″ full-range audio drivers and a separate subwoofer.
The soundbar itself is relatively small, being only 16 inches wide, so it can easily fit into any setup, whether you have a mounted TV or one with a regular stand. Another major advantage of this soundbar is the fact that it offers a myriad of connectivity options, so it works with nearly every modern TV, making it the best cheap soundbar on our list.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $60 | 3.8 x 16 x 2.9 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI-ARC, USB, Bluetooth | 140 W | N/A |
One thing to note about this affordable soundbar is that the subwoofer is bulky and will require a lot of additional space, but you can place it on the floor beside the soundbar. The subwoofer further enhances the sound clarity and provides deep bass, ensuring a theater-like experience.
The Pheanoo 2.1 P15 also offers Bluetooth connectivity, so you can connect it to your smartphone or tablet and play your favorite songs, podcast, and audiobooks while relaxing on the sofa in your living room.
The soundbar offers three custom-tuned modes — Dialogue, Movie, and Music — so you can choose the optimal settings with a single button press based on what you’re watching or listening to.
It also features on-device controls as well as a remote control, so it’s incredibly easy to adjust the volume, set up a Bluetooth connection, and switch between different modes in seconds.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Powerful subwoofer with deep bass
- Three distinct sound modes
- Wide variety of connectivity options
Cons
- Always starts at Volume 10 when turned on
- Sometimes automatically turns off if audio playback stops
4. Bose TV Speaker — Small and Lightweight, Designed to Amplify Vocals and Clarify Dialogue
This Bose TV speaker is a compact soundbar designed with simplicity in mind. It’s built to improve the overall sound quality of your TV and clarify speech, so you can hear every line of the dialogue without issue.
It also comes with two angled, full-range audio drivers that enable it to provide more realistic, spatial audio for a clearer and richer sound compared to standard TV speakers.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $199 | 4.02 x 23.38 x 2.21 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI, Bluetooth | 140 W | N/A |
This model is specifically designed to clarify speech and amplify vocals and pronunciation, so it’s a great option if you’re struggling to understand the dialogue when watching movies and TV shows.
The Bose TV Speaker offers four connectivity options — HDMI, Optical, AUX, and Bluetooth. What’s more, you can connect it to up to three devices simultaneously, and the soundbar will automatically detect the input device whenever any of the devices plays audio.
This means you don’t have to manually connect it to a different device every time. All you have to do is play a movie, TV show, YouTube video, podcast, or audiobook and enjoy the superb sound.
Pros
- Small, compact, and easy to set up
- Specifically designed to amplify the dialogue
- Can be simultaneously connected to up to three devices
Cons
- No voice or on-device controls
- Gets rather warm when used for longer periods of time
5. Samsung HW-A450 — Best Samsung Soundbar With Surround Sound Support
The Samsung HW-A450 is the best wireless soundbar on our list, offering superb sound quality and extra powerful bass, thanks to custom-tuned audio drivers and a wireless subwoofer with bass boost.
Beyond this, it also offers various sound modes optimized for different types of content, such as videos, sports, music, and games. The Gaming mode provides immersive audio that’s perfectly synced with the on-screen action, so it’s an excellent choice for Xbox One and PS4.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $180 | 2.9 x 33.9 x 2.1 inches | Wireless Bluetooth | 80 W | N/A |
Another major selling point of this soundbar is the wireless surround sound. Thanks to the optional rear speakers, you can convert your soundbar into a full surround sound system in seconds. This means you’ll be able to enjoy fully immersive audio that’ll take your TV sound system to a whole new level.
This model is also the best soundbar for a Samsung TV, given that you can control both the soundbar and the smart TV with a single remote.
While the Samsung HW-A450 is the best Bluetooth soundbar on our list, one thing to note is that the audio via Bluetooth isn’t on the same level as the audio transmitted via an HDMI or an optical cable.
Pros
- Best soundbar with a subwoofer with Bass Boost
- Wireless connectivity for a cable-free experience
- Multiple sound modes optimized for different types of content
- Gaming mode, perfectly in sync with Xbox One and PS4 games
Cons
- Can only be connected via Bluetooth
- The remote control isn’t intuitive and takes some getting used to
6. Sony HT-S350 — Powerful 2.1 Channel Soundbar With Virtual Surround Sound Technology
The Sony HT-S350 is an affordable 2.1 soundbar with a decently powerful subwoofer that can act as a surround sound system for your home. Thanks to a 320 W power output, this soundbar is capable of producing high-quality audio at an incredible volume.
It features Sony’s Virtual Surround Sound Technology, so it’s also perfect for homes with large living rooms, allowing you can enjoy a theater-level movie experience from the comfort of your home.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $127 | 35.5 x 3.5 x 2.63 inches | HDMI-ARC, Bluetooth | 320 W | N/A |
This Sony TV soundbar comes with seven distinct audio modes, each fine-tuned to a different type of content, plus each one has a dedicated button on the remote, so you can easily switch between them on the fly.
Additionally, the Sony HT-S350 features built-in voice enhancement, amplifying dialogue over background noise to ensure greater clarity.
You can connect the soundbar via an HDMI-ARC or wirelessly via Bluetooth, so you’ll be able to switch between watching the TV and streaming music from your smartphone in an instant.
Pros
- The best-value soundbar on our list
- Supports the Virtual Surround Sound Technology
- Built-in voice enhancement for clearer dialogue
Cons
- No voice controls
- You can’t turn off the surround sound mode
7. LG Eclair SE6S — Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
LG Eclair SE6S is a premium soundbar with Dolby Atmos support, capable of producing true surround sound that’ll make you feel like you’re in the middle of the on-screen action.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $446 | 5.2 x 31.5 x 2.5 inches | Optical, HDMI, Bluetooth | 320 W | N/A |
This LG Dolby Atmos soundbar is best paired with an LG TV since it lets you use the WOW Orchestra feature to harmonize the sound between your TV and the LG Eclair SE6S to enhance every detail of the audio. You’ll also be able to control both the soundbar and your LG TV with a single remote.
The LG Eclair SE6S offers several connectivity options, is easy to set up, and can be mounted above or below your TV. What’s more, you can calibrate it for the room via the mobile app. It’ll automatically adjust the settings based on the room size and acoustics to provide you with the ultimate surround sound experience.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- True surround sound with Dolby Atmos
- Can be calibrated to your room via the mobile app
Cons
- Expensive
- No voice controls
8. Vizio V-Series 5.1 — Affordable Surround Sound System With Dolby Audio 5.1
Vizio V-Series 5.1 is an excellent option if you’re looking for a soundbar that can produce that authentic, immersive surround sound.
The soundbar is optimized for 4K HDR content and relies on Dolby Audio 5.1 to bring you exceptional audio quality, so you can hear every detail loud and clear.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $179 | 3.2 x 36 x 2.2 inches | AUX, HDMI | 65 W | Amazon Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant |
In addition to the soundbar, you also get two versatile surround speakers and a subwoofer with powerful bass, so you can create a theater-like audio experience in your living room.
The Vizio V-Series 5.1 also comes with built-in dialogue enhancement, so it’s perfect for watching your favorite TV shows.
What’s great about this model is that it supports Voice Assistant input, so you can use the soundbar to issue voice controls to your devices with Amazon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
Pros
- Affordable surround sound system
- Optimized for 4K HDR content
- Clear and balanced sound with a strong bass
- Supports Voice Assistant input
Cons
- Occasional connectivity issues
9. JBL Bar 2.1 — A Decent Soundbar for the Money With Plenty of Connectivity Options
The JBL Bar 2.1 is a decent soundbar for the price, offering crystal clear sound with no distortion even on maximum volume. It comes with a 6.5″ subwoofer that adds a clean, deep bass, helping make movies and TV shows come to life.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $188 | 11.03 x 14.49 x 40.67 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI-ARC, USB, Bluetooth | 300 W | N/A |
The JBL Bar 2.1 comes with volume controls on the device itself, as well as a mini remote, but it can also work with your TV’s standard remote, so it’s super convenient.
You can connect it via an optical, AUX, or HDMI cable, as well as a USB. Plus, it supports Bluetooth connectivity, so you can stream your favorite music from your smartphone directly to the soundbar.
Pros
- Crystal clear sound with no distortion
- Great subwoofer with a deep, clean bass
- Plenty of connectivity options
Cons
- No surround sound
10. Yamaha SR-B20A — Sleek Model With Dual Built-in Subwoofers
The Yamaha SR-B20A is a sleek, compact soundbar with dual built-in subwoofers, providing both excellent audio and deep bass while taking up minimal space.
This model includes Clear Voice technology for enhanced dialogue quality, so it’s a great option for watching movies and TV shows. You can also connect it to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth to stream music or podcasts.
Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
From $150 | 38 x 7 x 5.2 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI, Bluetooth | 120 W | N/A |
While it doesn’t offer Dolby Atmos support, the Yamaha SR-B20A soundbar relies on the DTS Virtual: X to produce virtual 3D surround sound and enhance your immersion.
The device has four preset sound modes that you can switch between — Standard, Stereo, Movie, and Game Mode. This makes it convenient since you don’t have to manually fiddle with the audio settings to get the most out of your soundbar in different scenarios.
Pros
- Dual built-in subwoofers
- Clear Voice technology
- Four sound modes to choose from
Cons
- Virtual surround sound is not as immersive as true surround sound
The Best Soundbar Speakers Compared
Here’s a quick comparison table of the best soundbars in 2024, so you can have a better overview of what different models offer for the money:
Soundbar | Price | Dimensions | Connectivity | Audio Power | Voice Control |
Polk Signa S2 | From $249 | 3.22 x 35.43 x 2.15 inches | Optical, 3.5mm AUX, HDMI-ARC, Wireless Bluetooth | 120 W | N/A |
Bose Solo 5 | From $223 | 12.3 x 20.8 x 3 inches | AUX, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth | 30 W | N/A |
Pheanoo 2.1 P15 | From $60 | 3.8 x 16 x 2.9 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI-ARC, USB, Bluetooth | 140 W | N/A |
Bose TV Speaker | From $199 | 4.02 x 23.38 x 2.21 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI, Bluetooth | 140 W | N/A |
Samsung HW-A450 | From $180 | 2.9 x 33.9 x 2.1 inches | Wireless Bluetooth | 80 W | N/A |
Sony HT-S350 | From $127 | 35.5 x 3.5 x 2.63 inches | HDMI-ARC, Bluetooth | 320 W | N/A |
LG Eclair SE6S | From $446 | 5.2 x 31.5 x 2.5 inches | Optical, HDMI, Bluetooth | 320 W | N/A |
Vizio V-Series 5.1 | From $179 | 3.2 x 36 x 2.2 inches | AUX, HDMI | 65 W | Amazon Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant |
JBL Bar 2.1 | From $188 | 11.03 x 14.49 x 40.67 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI-ARC, USB, Bluetooth | 300 W | N/A |
Yamaha SR-B20A | From $150 | 38 x 7 x 5.2 inches | Optical, AUX, HDMI, Bluetooth | 120 W | N/A |
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Soundbar for Your Home
There are many soundbar models, so naturally, not all of them are going to be a perfect fit for your TV and your room. That’s why you need to consider a variety of different factors when weighing your options to ensure you get the best soundbar for the money:
Sound Quality
The first aspect you need to pay attention to is the sound quality, although it can be tricky to discern how good a particular soundbar is from the product description alone. That’s why your best bet is to look at the audio power and read through user reviews to see what other people who are actively using the soundbar have to say about the quality of the sound.
Additionally, you should pay attention to the different sound modes the soundbar offers. If you’re planning on mostly watching TV shows, we strongly recommend one with built-in voice enhancement, so you can clear every line of dialogue loud and clear.
Similarly, if you want to blast your favorite tunes or watch movies, you should opt for a soundbar with a powerful subwoofer, so you can enjoy that clean, deep bass that greatly contributes to the overall audio experience.
Connectivity
It’s crucial to ensure that you can easily connect your soundbar to your TV and other devices, such as your smartphone and tablet. All soundbars have at least an optical and auxiliary (AUX) input, but if you have a 4K TV, you’ll need to buy a soundbar that supports HDMI connectivity since this sends higher-quality audio signals.
If you want to stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your smartphone, you’ll need a soundbar that can pair with your phone via Bluetooth.
Ultimately, the choice largely depends on what TV you’ll be using the soundbar for and whether you also want the ability to play your favorite tunes on the soundbar.
Size and Placement
The size of the soundbar is another crucial aspect, especially if you’re not planning on mounting it on a wall below or above your TV. In that case, you’d ideally want the best small soundbar that can fit comfortably between the TV’s leg stands without blocking the view of the screen.
If you opt for a soundbar with a subwoofer, you also need to consider where in the room you’d place it. Most people choose to place the sub next to the TV stand, but since the subwoofer is connected to the TV via Bluetooth, you can experiment with different placements to get the best bass quality.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you go with a 5.1-channel sound system, you’ll need to consider where the smaller speakers will go. In most cases, these soundbars come with their own mounts that help you create an ideal setup for a fully immersive surround sound.
While these don’t take up too much space, you can’t exactly leave them in the middle of the room after you’re done watching a movie, so you’ll have to think about where you’re going to store them afterward.
Features
One of the primary features most people are looking at when purchasing a soundbar is surround sound support. If you want a fully immersive experience and have the budget, a soundbar with Dolby Atmos support is the best option.
Alternatively, you can go for one with Virtual Surround Sound technology, which simulates the experience and is a significant upgrade over regular TV speakers.
Other nice-to-have features include voice control, custom-tuned sound modes, voice enhancement, and 4K HDR support.
Controls
When it comes to controls, most soundbars come with their own mini remote. Some also allow you to adjust the volume, pause the audio/video, and skip songs by pressing the corresponding buttons on the device.
Some models also let you control both the soundbar and the TV with the TV’s remote, provided both the TV and the soundbar are from the same manufacturer (for example, LG).
How Do I Connect a Soundbar?
The best soundbars all come with detailed setup instructions, which include step-by-step guides for connecting it to your TV and other devices.
The process may differ depending on the connectivity options of the specific soundbar, but in most cases, you’ll be able to easily connect it via an optical, AUX, or HDMI cable. If you have a wireless soundbar, you’ll need to connect it to your TV via Bluetooth.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the different options:
Option 1: HDMI Port
Look at the back of your TV and locate the port labeled HDMI-ARC or eARC. Simply plug the HDMI cable from the soundbar into the port. This will allow the TV and the soundbar to communicate with each other, but you’ll still need to enable this in your TV settings.
The names in the menu might differ from one TV to the next, but you want to look for a setting labeled HDMI-CEC or eARC and make sure that it’s turned on.
After that, you can lean back and enjoy the superb audio quality of your new soundbar.
Option 2: Optical Cable
If your TV doesn’t have an HDMI port, you can still easily connect your soundbar via an optical cable. Look for a port at the back of your TV labeled “digital audio out” and plug the soundbar in.
Navigate to the TV’s audio settings and make sure that the digital audio out option is on auto. If you’re not getting the sound from the soundbar, scroll through the different options (pass-through, stereo, custom).
Also, make sure the soundbar’s input options are on digital audio out as well since some soundbars will default to HDMI even if the HDMI cable isn’t plugged in.
Option 3: AUX Cable
Older TVs might have analog audio cables, typically color-coded in red and white. If the soundbar supports AUX connectivity, you’ll find the ports with corresponding colors, so all you need to do is connect them. Just make sure to select “analog” in the TV’s audio settings menu.
Option 4: Wireless/Bluetooth
To wirelessly connect your soundbar to your TV, you’ll have to navigate your TV’s menu and set up a new wireless connection. You’ll typically find this under “Remotes & Devices” or “Bluetooth Connections,” but the menu might differ depending on the TV brand.
In any case, every wireless soundbar should come with instructions for setting up a Bluetooth connection, so you shouldn’t have any problems.
Conclusion | What’s the Best Soundbar to Buy in 2024?
As you’ve likely gathered from our reviews, different soundbar models all have their strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, the choice of the best soundbar is highly individual and depends on your TV, preference, budget, and available space.
That said, our choice of the overall best soundbar for most people is the Polk Signa S2. It’s compatible with nearly every TV due to its vast connectivity options, offers superb sound quality and a powerful wireless subwoofer, and comes with built-in voice controls for ultimate convenience.