The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Until recently, I believed a soundbar couldn't match the audio quality of a dedicated home theater system. However, Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other manufacturers have proven me wrong. Today's soundbars offer exceptional sound without the complexity of a full home theater setup. From powerful Dolby Atmos systems to compact all-in-ones, there's a perfect option for every need.

With so many choices, selecting the right soundbar can be overwhelming. As a tech journalist who's reviewed countless soundbars, I've compiled a list of the best available in 2025.

TL;DR: The Best Soundbars

Our Top Pick: Samsung HW-Q990D

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Sonos Arc Ultra

LG S95TR

Vizio V21-H8

Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

Sonos Beam

1. Samsung HW-Q990D: Best Overall

Samsung HW-Q990D

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Product Specifications: Channels: 11.1.4; Sound Support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X; Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi; Size (WxHxD): 48.5" x 2.7" x 5.4"; Weight: 17lbs

The Samsung HW-Q990D is widely considered the best soundbar on the market. Its 11 front-facing speakers, powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers deliver a truly cinematic experience. Action scenes are impactful, dialogue is clear, and Dolby Atmos creates immersive sound. It boasts Wi-Fi, Amazon Alexa, Google Chromecast, Apple AirPlay, SpaceFit Sound Pro, and Adaptive Sound. HDMI 2.1 support ensures a superior gaming experience. While retailing for $2,000, it frequently goes on sale.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra: Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sonos Arc Ultra

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Product Specifications: Channels: 9.1.4; Sound Support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD; Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi; Size (WxHxD): 46.38 x 2.95” x 4.35”; Weight: 13.01lbs

The Sonos Arc Ultra boasts a 9.1.4-channel configuration and SoundMotion technology for exceptional performance. Its four upfiring drivers create a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience. It delivers excellent music reproduction and features like Speech Enhancement. Integration with other Sonos speakers allows for a whole-home audio setup. While not as value-driven as the HW-Q990D, its superior sound quality makes it a top contender.

3. LG S95TR: Best for Bass

LG S95TR

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Product Specifications: Channels: 9.1.5; Sound Support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital/Plus, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD; Connectivity: HDMI eARC/ARC, digital optical input, 3.5mm auxiliary input, one 3.5mm stereo input, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi; Size (WxHxD): 45” x 2.5" x 5.3"; Weight: 12.5lbs

The LG S95TR, with 17 drivers and a powerful subwoofer, offers a balanced soundstage excellent for movies and music. Its bass performance is a standout feature, adding depth and impact to action scenes and delivering punchy bass notes in music. AI Room Calibration and compatibility with Apple AirPlay, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant add to its appeal.

4. Vizio V21-H8: Best Cheap Soundbar

Vizio V21-H8

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Product Specifications: Channels: 2.1; Sound Support: DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Volume; Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.0; Size (WxHxD): 36" x 2.28" x 3.20"; Weight: 4.6lbs

For budget-conscious buyers, the Vizio V21-H8 offers surprisingly good stereo sound. While lacking the immersion of surround sound systems, it's a significant upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Its simplicity—no Wi-Fi or Dolby Atmos—makes it easy to use.

5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2: Best Surround Sound Value

Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

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Product Specifications: Channels: 5.1.2; Sound Support: DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+; Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth; Size (WxHxD): 35.98" x 2.24" x 3.54"; Weight: 5.53lbs

Despite its age, the Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 remains a great value Dolby Atmos soundbar. Its 6-inch subwoofer delivers surprisingly loud and balanced sound. While not matching top-tier systems, its upfiring drivers provide commendable three-dimensional audio. The lack of Wi-Fi and wired rear speakers are minor drawbacks.

6. Sonos Beam: Best for Smaller Rooms

Sonos Beam

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Product Specifications: Channels: 5.0; Sound Support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos; Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi; Size (WxHxD): 25.63" x 2.68" x 3.94"; Weight: 6.35lbs

The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that delivers surprisingly big sound. It offers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass for its size. It uses advanced processing to create virtual height channels for Dolby Atmos. Its compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, and its expandability within the Sonos ecosystem, make it a versatile choice.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Soundbars offer various channel options to simulate surround sound. 2.0 systems provide stereo sound, while 2.1 adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. 5.1 and higher channel systems offer more immersive surround sound experiences. Consider connectivity options like HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, as well as compatibility with voice assistants. Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony's 360 Reality Audio are advanced sound formats to look for.

Best Soundbars FAQs

What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars? 2.0 has two channels (left and right); 2.1 adds a subwoofer; 5.1 includes five channels and a subwoofer for surround sound.

How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV? Check for HDMI ARC or optical audio connections. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also common.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar? A subwoofer enhances bass response, especially beneficial for movies and music.

What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it? Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional audio experience.

Can I stream music through my soundbar? Many soundbars offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for music streaming.