In the ever-evolving world of home entertainment, the quest for the perfect sound experience has led many to the doorstep of soundbar systems. As we step into 2024, the landscape of these audio marvels has never been more diverse or more daunting to navigate. With a plethora of options flooding the market, each boasting its unique set of features, finding the soundbar that not only meets your audio quality expectations but also integrates seamlessly with your living space, has become a task requiring both patience and insight. That's where we come in. Our team, leveraging over five years of rigorous testing and evaluation of more than 150 audio products, has distilled the essence of what makes a soundbar truly exceptional.
Understanding the intricacies of HDMI connections, the significance of the number of channels, and the transformative impact of surround-sound speakers and a subwoofer, can be the difference between a soundbar that merely sounds good and one that immerses you in an auditory experience so rich, it rivals the cinema. In this guide, we'll navigate these technical waters together, providing you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. Whether you're looking to elevate your movie nights to blockbuster proportions, enrich your music listening experience, or simply add a touch of sonic sophistication to your living room, our curated list of the 10 best soundbar systems of 2024 is your first step towards auditory bliss.
Sonos Arc: Premium Soundbar for Home Theater Enthusiasts
Arc - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos -- 854.95(Amazon)
Sonos Arc Soundbar - Electronics -- 430(Mercari)
Sonos Arc - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos -- 854.95(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Sonos Arc stands out for its ability to deliver an immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your home entertainment system. Its seamless integration into the Sonos ecosystem allows for easy expansion and control, while built-in voice control capabilities offer convenience and a futuristic touch to your audio experience. The soundbar's design is both elegant and discreet, ensuring it complements any room setup without drawing unnecessary attention.
Who It's For
The Sonos Arc is best suited for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts looking for premium sound quality and those invested in the Sonos ecosystem. It's also a great fit for users who prioritize voice control and seamless integration with other smart home devices. However, its high price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers or those who are not looking to invest in additional Sonos speakers for a full surround sound setup.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Immersive sound with Dolby Atmos support | ❌ High price point |
| ✅ Easy integration with the Sonos ecosystem and smart home devices | ❌ May require additional Sonos speakers for full surround sound |
| ✅ Elegant design that blends into any room setup | ❌ Limited by the acoustics of the room without Trueplay tuning |
Samsung HW-Q950A: Best Immersive Home Theater Soundbar
HW-Q950A 11.1.4ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Alexa Built in(2021), ... -- 1173.2(Amazon)
Samsung HW-Q950A/ZA-RB 11.1.4 ch Dolby Atmos DTS:X Soundbar System - Cer... -- 747.97(Amazon)
Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer (2021) -- 1279(TV & Appliance Center)
Why We Picked It
The Samsung HW-Q950A stands out for its impressive 11.1.4 channel setup, which provides a truly immersive audio experience. It supports advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which are coveted by audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts for their ability to deliver dynamic, three-dimensional sound. The inclusion of rear speakers and a subwoofer ensures a full range of sound, from the highest trebles to the deepest bass.
Who It's For
This soundbar system is ideal for serious home theater aficionados who want to replicate a cinema-quality audio experience in their own living space. It's also a great match for those who appreciate high-fidelity sound when listening to music or gaming. However, it may not be the best fit for those with limited space or who are looking for a more budget-friendly audio solution.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ 11.1.4 channel setup for superior surround sound | ❌ High price point |
| ✅ Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for three-dimensional audio | ❌ Requires considerable space for optimal setup |
| ✅ Comes with rear speakers and a subwoofer for a full audio range | ❌ May be too complex for casual users or those with space constraints |
Bose Soundbar 700: Best Premium Soundbar for Audio Enthusiasts
Bose Sound Bar 700 with Built-In Voice Control (Black) -- 499(Amazon)
Smart Soundbar 700: Premium Bluetooth Soundbar with Alexa Voice Control ... -- 499(Amazon)
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar with Bass Module 700 Subwoofer (Black) -- 1608(World Wide Stereo)
Bose Smart Soundbar 700: Premium Bluetooth Soundbar with Alexa Voice Con... -- 399(Amazon)
Smart Ultra Soundbar With Dolby Atmos Plus Alexa and Google Voice Contro... -- 799(Amazon)
Bose Smart Soundbar 700 | 795347-1100 - Black -- 289(Christiana Auto Parts)
Why We Picked It
The Bose Soundbar 700 stands out for its superior audio quality, sleek design, and smart features. It's equipped with built-in voice assistants for convenient control and ADAPTiQ audio room calibration to tailor the sound to your space. This makes it an excellent choice for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts looking for a premium sound experience in their home entertainment setup.
Who It's For
The Bose Soundbar 700 is ideal for those who prioritize sound quality and are looking for a stylish addition to their home theater. It's perfect for users who enjoy voice control functionality and those who appreciate a personalized audio experience through room calibration. However, it may not be the best fit for individuals seeking a complete surround sound system without purchasing additional speakers or those who require Dolby Atmos support.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Exceptional sound quality with sophisticated design | ❌ Does not support Dolby Atmos |
| ✅ Built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control | ❌ Requires additional speakers for full surround sound |
| ✅ ADAPTiQ audio room calibration for optimized acoustic performance | ❌ Price may be high for some budgets |
Sony HT-A7000: Best High-End Soundbar for Home Theater
HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Sound Bar Surround Sound Home Theater ... -- 998(Amazon)
HT-A7000 7.1.2ch 500W Dolby Atmos Sound Bar Surround Sound Home Theater ... -- 1894(Amazon)
Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2 Channel Soundbar With Dolby Atmos, Black -- 999.99(Sony)
Why We Picked It
The Sony HT-A7000 soundbar is a premium audio solution that delivers an immersive cinematic experience right in your living room. With its 7.1.2 channel surround sound, support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and advanced audio technologies like 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, it offers a rich and enveloping sound that can transform your movie-watching and music-listening sessions. The soundbar's ability to integrate seamlessly with Sony Bravia TVs and its compatibility with various streaming methods make it a versatile and convenient choice for a high-end home theater setup.
Who It's For
The Sony HT-A7000 is ideal for audiophiles and home cinema enthusiasts who are looking for top-tier sound quality and are willing to invest in a premium sound system. It's also a great match for owners of Sony Bravia TVs who want a soundbar that works seamlessly with their television. However, it may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget or for whom space is a constraint, as the soundbar is quite large and may require additional speakers for the full experience.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Immersive 7.1.2 channel surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X | ❌ High price point |
| ✅ Seamless integration with Sony Bravia TVs and advanced audio technologies | ❌ May require additional speakers or subwoofer for the optimal experience |
| ✅ Multiple streaming options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, and Apple Airplay 2 | ❌ Large size may not be suitable for all living spaces |
JBL Bar 9.1: Wireless Surround Sound Powerhouse
JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos -- 503.99(Christiana Auto Parts)
JBL Bar 9.1 - Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers (Renewed) -- 599.12(Amazon)
JBL BAR 9.1 - Dolby Atmos Soundbar System -- 98(audiowave)
Bar 9.1 - Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos... -- 794(Amazon)
JBL 9.1 Surround Sound Bar Home Entertainment System -- 799(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The JBL Bar 9.1 stands out for its innovative approach to home theater sound, offering a truly wireless surround sound experience with detachable, battery-powered rear speakers. It supports Dolby Atmos, providing an immersive audio experience that brings movies and music to life. The inclusion of a powerful 10-inch subwoofer ensures deep, thrilling bass, while the Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision compatibility makes it a perfect match for high-end visual setups. Its comprehensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and optical connectors, along with a full set of included components for easy setup, make it a versatile and user-friendly choice for enhancing your home entertainment system.
Who It's For
The JBL Bar 9.1 is ideal for audiophiles and movie enthusiasts looking to create a cinema-like sound environment in their homes without the hassle of wires. It's also a great choice for those who appreciate high-quality audio in music, gaming, and TV shows. However, it may not be the best fit for individuals who prefer a more compact sound system or those who do not wish to manage the charging of detachable speakers.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ True wireless surround sound with detachable, battery-powered rear speakers | ❌ Rear speakers need to be charged |
| ✅ Supports Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience | ❌ Overall system is quite bulky |
| ✅ Powerful 10-inch subwoofer for deep bass | ❌ Price may be high for some budgets |
Vizio Elevate: Best Rotating Speaker Sound Bar
Vizio M512E-K6 M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar -- 498(Amazon)
5.1.2 Elevate Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, 13 Speakers, Wireless Subwoofe... -- 498(Amazon)
P514a-H6 - Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Sound Bar Speaker -- 799.99(Best Buy)
M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth, W... -- 424.94(Amazon)
VIZIO Elevate 5.1.4 Home Theater 48" Sound Bar Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (P5... -- 649.99(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Vizio Elevate sound bar is chosen for its innovative audio technology and design, featuring rotating speakers that optimize sound for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, creating an immersive audio experience. The inclusion of a wireless subwoofer enhances the cinematic feel with deep bass, and the variety of models available ensures a match for different budgets and preferences.
Who It's For
The Vizio Elevate is ideal for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts looking for a high-end sound experience, as well as for those who appreciate cutting-edge design in their audio equipment. It's also suitable for users who want smart home integration with voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer traditional, non-rotating speakers or have compatibility concerns with their existing TV.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Rotating speakers that deliver optimized sound for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X | ❌ Rotating speaker mechanism may be seen as a gimmick by some |
| ✅ Wireless subwoofer for deep, impactful bass | ❌ Potential compatibility issues with certain TV models |
| ✅ Smart home integration with popular voice assistants | ❌ Price may be a consideration for budget-conscious consumers |
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar: Best High-End Soundbar for Audiophiles
SENNHEISER AMBEO Soundbar Max - Soundbar for TV with 13 Speakers - 5.1.4... -- 1579(Amazon)
Sennheiser AMBEO Soundbar Plus for TV and Music with Immersive 3D Surrou... -- 945(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar is a premium audio solution that delivers an immersive 3D sound experience, leveraging Ambeo technology to create a virtual 5.1.4 surround sound setup. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and features built-in room calibration to optimize sound for any space. With deep 30Hz bass performance, it negates the need for an additional subwoofer, and offers advanced streaming connectivity for a seamless audio experience.
Who It's For
This soundbar is ideal for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who prioritize high-fidelity sound and have the budget to invest in top-tier audio equipment. It's also well-suited for those who prefer a minimalist setup without sacrificing audio quality, as it eliminates the need for extra speakers. However, due to its size and cost, it may not be suitable for those with limited space or those looking for a more budget-friendly sound solution.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Outstanding 3D sound with Ambeo technology | ❌ Extremely high cost may be prohibitive for some |
| ✅ Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H | ❌ Large size may not fit all living spaces |
| ✅ Built-in room calibration for optimized audio | ❌ Optional subwoofer requires a wired connection |
LG SN11RG: Best Immersive Soundbar System
AKB75595351 Replaced Remote fit for LG Sound Bar SN8YG SN9YG SN10YG SN11... -- 8.18(Amazon)
LG SN11RG.DGBRLLK Soundbar Speaker Black 7.1.4 Channels 770 W -- 896.95(Newegg.com - Video & Audio Center)
Why We Picked It
The LG SN11RG is a premium soundbar system that offers an immersive audio experience with its 7.1.4 channel setup, complete with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. It's designed to complement LG TVs seamlessly and includes rear speakers and a subwoofer for a full surround sound setup.
Who It's For
This sound system is ideal for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who are looking for high-quality audio performance and have the space to accommodate the setup. It's also a great match for LG TV owners who want to ensure a compatible and integrated audio experience.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ 7.1.4 channel setup with Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience | ❌ High price point may not fit all budgets |
| ✅ Includes rear speakers and a subwoofer for full surround sound | ❌ Requires a fair amount of space for optimal setup |
| ✅ Seamless integration with LG TVs | ❌ May be overkill for smaller rooms or more modest audio needs |
Yamaha YAS-209: Smart Soundbar with Deep Bass
Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, Bluetooth, and Alexa ... -- 199.95(Amazon)
Yamaha YAS-209 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, Bluetooth, DTS Virtual:... -- 154.99(Amazon)
Yamaha YAS-209 2.1-Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer and Alexa V... -- 379.95(Adorama)
Why We Picked It
The Yamaha YAS-209 stands out for its combination of solid sound quality, convenience, and smart features. With a wireless subwoofer, it offers deep bass and flexible placement, enhancing your audio experience without the clutter of wires. Built-in Alexa voice control adds a layer of convenience, allowing for easy control of the soundbar, music playback, and smart home devices without lifting a finger. The inclusion of DTS Virtual:X provides a virtual 3D surround sound experience, making it a great choice for those looking to elevate their home audio setup.
Who It's For
This soundbar is ideal for users looking for an easy-to-set-up, high-quality audio solution for their home entertainment system. It's particularly suited for those who value smart features like voice control and are looking for a soundbar that can double as a central hub for playing music and controlling smart home devices. However, it might not be the best fit for audiophiles or movie enthusiasts who prioritize having the latest audio technology like Dolby Atmos.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Wireless subwoofer for deep bass and flexible placement | ❌ Lacks Dolby Atmos support |
| ✅ Built-in Alexa for convenient voice control and smart home integration | ❌ May not satisfy the most demanding audiophiles |
| ✅ DTS Virtual:X for an immersive sound experience | ❌ Some may find the sound profile lacking for certain music genres |
Polk Audio Signa S3: Best Affordable Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer with Built-in Ch... -- 280.27(Amazon)
Polk Signa-S3 Universal Soundbar and Wireless Subwoofer with an Addition... -- 299(Amazon)
Polk Audio - 2.1-Channel Signa S3 Ultra-Slim Soundbar With Wireless Subw... -- 269.1(Mercari)
Soundbar Polk Signa S3 Black -- 270.92(Grooves-Inc.com)
Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer with ... -- 224.5(Amazon)
Why We Picked It
The Polk Audio Signa S3 is a compelling choice for those seeking an affordable soundbar that delivers good sound quality and convenient features. Its wireless subwoofer enhances the audio experience with deep bass, and built-in Chromecast allows for easy streaming from various music apps. The soundbar's slim profile and universal compatibility with HD, 4K, and 8K TVs make it a versatile addition to any home theater setup.
Who It's For
The Signa S3 is ideal for budget-conscious consumers who want to upgrade their TV sound without breaking the bank. It's perfect for those who appreciate the convenience of wireless streaming and voice control via Google Assistant. However, audiophiles or those looking for cutting-edge technology like Dolby Atmos may need to consider more premium options.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable price with good sound quality | ❌ Sound quality may not be on par with more expensive, premium soundbars |
| ✅ Wireless subwoofer for deep bass impact | ❌ Lacks support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos |
| ✅ Built-in Chromecast and compatibility with Google Assistant for easy streaming and voice control | ❌ Some users may experience voice delays despite the Voice Adjust technology |
Thanks for checking out the best soundbar systems of 2024! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy shopping!