Best Soundbar in 2023
By Wes King · Sep 27, 2022
BEST PICKS
9 Best Soundbar in 2023
Best PC soundbar

Yamaha SR-C20A Soundbar
Best small soundbar

Bose TV Speaker
Best soundbar for gaming

RAZER Leviathan Soundbar
Best outdoor soundbar

Samsung The Terrace Soundbar
Best soundbar for hearing impaired

ZVOX AV357 Soundbar
Best budget soundbar

JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass Soundbar
Best soundbar for large rooms

Sonos Arc
Best soundbar for TVs

Sonos Beam
Best small soundbar

Bose TV Speaker Soundbar
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FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Excellent audio quality
- Easy setup process
- Comes with touch buttons and a convenient remote
Disadvantage
- Lacks Alexa compatibility
- Underperforming bass
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
Disadvantage
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Powerful audio quality
- Contemporary compact design
- Fascinating bottom-firing RGB lighting
Disadvantage
- Connectivity choices limited
- No remote
- Supporting software required to access THX Spatial Audio
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Weather-resistant IP55 rating
- Optimized adaptive sound
Disadvantage
- Lacks Q-symphony
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Just a few steps for setup
- AccuVoice and SuperVoice features enhance voice conversation clarity
- PhaseCue surround processing widens the soundstage
- Large and easy-to-read display
- Accepts audio signals encoded with Dolby Digital
Disadvantage
- Enabling PhaseCue virtual surround sound disables AccuVoice and SuperVoice
- DTS-encoded audio signals not supported
- No built-in Bluetooth functionality
- No HDMI-ARC/eARC or AV passthrough
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Strong, tunable bass and brilliant highs produce high-quality sound
- Convenient remote
- Several sound modes available, including virtual surround
- Bluetooth streaming capabilities
Disadvantage
- Only 4K@30fps passthrough is supported by the HDMI 1.4 in port
- Not ideal for streaming music
- No DTS support
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Excellent audio for music and television
- EARC makes it future-proof
- Subwoofer not required for an all-in-one setup
- Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, and Dolby Digital Plus are all supported
Disadvantage
- Only one HDMI input
- Some TVs don’t support Atmos over ARC
- No HDMI passthrough
- No Bluetooth streaming
- Trueplay Tuning only available on iOS
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Impressive sound given its size
- 3D audio with Dolby Atmos support
- High-resolution audio compatibility
- HDMI eARC compatibility
- Support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- AirPlay 2 compatibility
Disadvantage
- Sonos app not completely compatible with home theaters
- Alexa commands only available for TVs with HDMI-ARC ports
- No auxiliary inputs
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Dialogue enhancement capabilities
- Compatible with many TV sizes
- Available Bluetooth connectivity
Disadvantage
- Sound distortion at high levels
- Lack of Wi-Fi connectivity
- Lack of a built-in subwoofer
List of all Best Soundbar in 2023 for your needs
Product | Date | Price | Shop |
---|---|---|---|
Yamaha SR-C20A Soundbar | 10/2022 | $ 149.95 | Buy |
Bose TV Speaker | 10/2022 | $ 279.00 | Buy |
RAZER Leviathan Soundbar | 09/2022 | $ 187.05 | Buy |
Samsung The Terrace Soundbar | 09/2022 | $ 1197.99 | Buy |
ZVOX AV357 Soundbar | 09/2022 | $ 249.99 | Buy |
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass Soundbar | 09/2022 | $ 349.99 | Buy |
Sonos Arc | 09/2022 | $ 899.00 | Buy |
Sonos Beam | 09/2022 | $ 449.00 | Buy |
Bose TV Speaker Soundbar | 09/2022 | $ 229.00 | Buy |
How to choose a soundbar
Soundbars are small, subtle, and simple to set up. The finest soundbars can successfully replicate a full-featured immersive sound system for much less money. But deciding exactly which soundbar to buy might be tough, considering the many models available. That’s why we’re here to make it easier for you to find the most suitable option, by taking a look at available features.
Subwoofers
Subwoofers are speaker drivers that reproduce low-frequency sounds, such as a rumbling bass, bursting explosions, and the whirling of rotor blades. A soundbar with a subwoofer will add some oomph and rumble to all your favorite programs and movies, generating a richer sound and distributing sounds around the room more efficiently. You will certainly need a subwoofer if you want to watch many action films or films with epic soundtracks.
Certain soundbars feature dedicated subwoofers (most connect wirelessly, while some need a direct-wired connection), although, in some circumstances, it is preferable to buy them separately. Ensure you do your research well to get something that suits your needs. If you opt to purchase a dedicated subwoofer from a third-party manufacturer, ensure that your soundbar has a dedicated subwoofer output; some soundbars don’t have it.
Channels and Dolby Atmos
While searching for soundbars for your home theater, you will likely encounter some baffling figures. Labels such as “2.0,” “3.1,” and “5.1” indicate the number of channels and the presence or absence of a subwoofer. Here are some quick notes on how to read these figures:
- The number preceding the period indicates the number of channels, whereas the number after the period indicates whether or not there is a subwoofer.
- If there are just two channels on a soundbar, they are the left and right channels.
- If it has three channels, the third is a central channel that enhances the intelligibility of dialogue. Five provide additional channels for back or surround speakers.
- Typically, a soundbar system includes a wireless subwoofer or a separate subwoofer and, in some instances, wireless satellite speakers as well. These do not need to be physically connected to the soundbar, but they do need electricity; therefore, they must be placed near power sockets.
Even without a subwoofer, a soundbar may claim to be 2.1, 3.1, or 5.1. As long as the soundbar features low-frequency drivers, it may still claim the “.1” classification.
If there is a third number, such as 5.1.4, it indicates that the soundbar supports discreet Dolby Atmos and/or DTS:X surround sound. The last number refers to the number of upward-firing drivers that bounce sound downward to create an enveloping effect. Early Dolby Atmos models were rather successful at replicating specialized height-channel speakers, but the most recent Atmos soundbars are phenomenal. Atmos is the most common surround sound system, with the ability to analyze 128 unique objects in a scene.
But why do I see soundbars that promise to give Dolby Atmos sound but only have two channels? This is the peculiar aspect of Dolby Atmos. It may be replicated using specialized drivers inside a single speaker, separate speakers, or “virtually” utilizing as few as two channels within a single speaker.
Obviously, there are different types of speakers, all offering different sound quality. If you’re a Dolby Atmos enthusiast, we’d argue that there’s simply no alternative for dedicated speakers positioned appropriately throughout the room. Nevertheless, it is astonishing how well virtualized Atmos may perform.
Connections
Usually, you’ll only need one cable to connect a soundbar to your screen. Some soundbars use optical cables, which function properly. However, HDMI is more favored since its HDMI interface supports more audio formats than the optical interface, which translates into better quality, more immersive sound.
Nonetheless, not all HDMI connections have the same capabilities, particularly when it comes to soundbars. To connect a soundbar to a TV via HDMI, your TV must have HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) or HDMI eARC; however, since some older TV models lack this capability, you might be forced to use an optical connection.
Keep in mind that if you connect your soundbar to your TV through HDMI, you will have one fewer HDMI port for other devices. Some soundbars have only one HDMI input, while others offer several HDMI inputs, transforming them into small A/V receivers. It’s not unusual to find certain soundbars, such as the Sonos Arc, lacking any HDMI inputs. This is something to bear in mind if you’re already running out of HDMI ports.
The only answer (other than purchasing a soundbar with multiple HDMI inputs) is to purchase an HDMI switch, which can convert a single HDMI port into two, three, four, or more. However, this adds to the complexity of your setup, which a soundbar is intended to eliminate.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
Apart from watching TV, soundbars are widely used for listening to music. This is particularly true for smaller homes and condos. Most modern soundbars feature Bluetooth connectivity and let you stream from your smartphone, tablet, or computer, making it possible to listen to music on a larger speaker. However, there are more complex alternatives.
Many companies, including Sonos, Denon HEOS, Bluesound, Bose, and Yamaha, provide soundbars that are compatible with whole-home wireless audio systems through Wi-Fi. If you anticipate expanding to a bigger wireless music system in the future, or if you currently possess Wi-Fi audio devices from these manufacturers, it makes sense to research any of these models before making a purchase.
Smart Technology
Soundbars these days focus on more than just sound quality. The most recent versions from JBL and Roku incorporate intelligent software, such as Roku OS, as well as voice assistants such as Google Assistant and Alexa. These are wonderful alternatives for individuals who wish to give their aged TVs access to the newest streaming services and home automation without requiring extra set-top boxes and cables. Don’t let the convenience of these smart soundbars distract you from your primary objective: obtaining superior sound quality. A smart soundbar whose sound quality falls short of your expectations is not worth the investment.
Alexa or Google Assistant
In recent years, an increasing number of soundbars have integrated Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or both. The reasoning was as follows: why purchase a separate gadget to link with your soundbar when you can incorporate the two into one?
Purchasing a soundbar with an integrated voice assistant reduces clutter, but it depends on your comfort level with a microphone that’s always on in your house if you have never had one before. If you’re uneasy with the concept of an in-built microphone, relate it to a web browser: The helper awaits your wake word before responding. If privacy is an issue, you’ll be at ease knowing that voice assistant software allows you to read back everything it captures. If this is too much, you may just choose a model without the functionality.
In addition to privacy concerns, there is an additional issue with smart soundbars: if you say the voice assistant’s wake word, the sound of your program is muted until you command it to resume. It is far more convenient to have another device in the same room that can operate the soundbar; you can ask a question while the show continues uninterrupted.
More soundbar considerations
In addition to considering certain features your new soundbar may come with, there are some other important details to look into before you make your purchase.
Size
Soundbars range in length from less than a foot to broader than a large-screen television. In some cases, the larger soundbars have more drivers, resulting in louder sound. However, in other cases, all you’re paying for is a lengthier shell.
If you intend on matching the width of the soundbar to that of your screen, you should know that TVs are measured diagonally while soundbars are measured according to their length. Therefore a 46-inch TV will not be compatible with a 46-inch wide soundbar. Purchasing a soundbar created by the same manufacturer might be beneficial, but it is not guaranteed. If you want them to match, you should verify the width of both models in the manufacturers’ spec pages before you purchase.
Passive or Active
Passive sound bars lack an internal power amplifier and hence need a separate receiver or amplifier to function. However, they have better speakers, which results in superior sound. Consequently, a passive sound bar will be more expensive and will require you to connect more components. If you want more bass, you’ll also need a standard subwoofer connection.
Active soundbars have in-built amplifiers that power everything as well as channel processors that separate the left, right, and center speakers. Therefore, you won’t need to purchase an additional receiver, and there are fewer cables with an all-in-one device.
Invest in an active sound bar if you just want to improve your TV’s audio quality. Passive sound bars are recommended for personalized setups. For example, a passive sound bar is great if you want your soundbar to blend in with the TV or you wish to set up a full-blown Dolby Atmos system.
Specialized Speakers
Most people complaining about TV speakers mention their lack of clarity during conversations. While sophisticated, multichannel surround sound systems have made it even harder to listen to dialogue. Some soundbars further worsen the situation.
The Zvox AV157 is part of a growing trend of compact, soundbar-format speakers that concentrate on making speech more understandable. Even speakers that lack the Zvox’s many speech-enhancement modes, such as the Sonos Beam or the Roku Streambar, may assist in making conversation clearer by focusing more higher-frequency sounds straight toward your watching area.
If you want to increase the clarity of the dialogue for everyone in the room, these TV speakers will do just that. But if you’re looking for further customization, you’ll want soundbars that support Bluetooth headphones. Whether you use the headphones with the speaker or independently, they are quite effective.
Soundbar placement
Suppose you want to operate your TV (which you do); you’ll need to be mindful about where you position the soundbar. Usually, soundbars are placed right below your television or even on the wall if the TV is mounted on the wall. However, if you’re using an entertainment stand, you should not place the soundbar in front of your television’s infrared (IR) sensor, which is where the remote control delivers its signal.
Some soundbars have infrared (IR) repeaters, which transmit the signal to the TV’s sensor via the soundbar itself. If your soundbar has an IR, that’s fantastic; just make sure it doesn’t block the screen. In general, you want a soundbar that’s around the same width as your television; nevertheless, soundbar dimensions are mostly an aesthetic concern and should not be a deciding factor.
When discussing positioning, it is also essential to specify whether or not you want a soundbar with a front-panel display. This is a good feature, but it’s not entirely crucial. Few soundbars feature a front display, thus, visual feedback while adjusting the volume is limited.
Soundbar price range
You can easily determine the type of soundbar you can expect based on their price. Below is a general list of the different features you can expect to find at various price points.
- $100 or less: For this amount, you can get small soundbars that are still better than your TV’s speakers. They are ideal for TVs in bedrooms, kitchens, and other secondary viewing areas.
- $100 to $400: This is a decent pricing range for most soundbars without surround sound. Consider well-known brands such as Samsung, Vizio, Sony, Polk, LG, Bose, and Sonos. For this price range, you’ll get more bang for your buck with a soundbar that comes with a wireless subwoofer, although some models sound great even without them. Some good examples are Sonos and Bose, which are still pretty good even without subwoofers. Occasionally, you might find soundbars with satellite speakers for surround sound at less than $400, but most do not deliver the most immersive sound.
- $400 to $1,000: At this price range, you’ll find high-quality surround soundbars with actual satellite speakers. Spending more than $400 on a soundbar without satellite speakers is not advisable unless it’s a high-end system that can be extended later, such as Sonos.
- Over $1,000: At this price, you will find the largest, most audacious surround soundbar systems with the maximum number of height and surround audio speakers. These are for people who have the funds to buy a modest home theater system but lack the space for bigger systems that need separate components, such as an A/V receiver.
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Last updated on Sep 27, 2022