10 Best TV Soundbars

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is designed to enhance your TV audio experience with its 3.1 channel setup, which includes a built-in subwoofer for added bass. This all-in-one soundbar provides a powerful sound with an easy setup, utilizing an HDMI eARC/ARC connection for quick integration with your TV. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it offers immersive 3D sound that can elevate your viewing experience by delivering audio that moves around you, creating a more lifelike and engaging atmosphere.

One of the standout features is its crystal-clear dialogue, thanks to a dedicated center channel that improves speech clarity, making it easier to follow your favorite shows and movies. The soundbar also includes various EQ modes such as Film, Music, Sport, and Night, allowing you to tailor the audio according to the content you're watching.

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar supports Bluetooth, which enables you to stream music from your phone or tablet seamlessly. It also comes with multiple port options including HDMI, optical, AC, and USB-A, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and streaming media players.

However, the all-in-one design means that the subwoofer is built-in, which might not deliver the same depth of bass as a separate unit might. For those looking for a more powerful bass experience, this could be a consideration. The soundbar's size is relatively compact, but at 4.0 kg, it might require a sturdy setup if wall-mounted.

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a stylish and convenient option for anyone seeking an upgrade from basic TV speakers, particularly if you value ease of use, clear dialogue, and immersive sound. Its smart features, like integration with Fire TV for remote control and sound customization, make it a modern choice for enhancing home entertainment systems.

The LG S80QR soundbar is designed to significantly enhance your TV's audio experience with its powerful 5.1.3 channel setup, including three up-firing speakers and rear channels for true surround sound. It delivers 620 watts of power, which is strong enough to fill a medium to large living room with immersive, clear sound. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced support means it can create a 3D audio environment, making movies and shows feel more cinematic. A wireless subwoofer adds rich bass, which helps deepen the sound without needing extra cables around your room.

This model stands out with Meridian Audio technology, ensuring high-resolution, crisp sound quality. It also has smart capabilities: you can control it via Google Assistant or Alexa, and stream music easily through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect. HDMI 4K pass-through supports high-quality video and gaming features like VRR and ALLM, so it fits well with modern TVs and gaming setups. One clever feature is AI Room Calibration, which uses an internal microphone to adjust the sound based on your room's layout, helping deliver the best audio experience no matter where you place it. The soundbar’s design is sleek and wall-mountable, but its 22.86 kg weight means it’s quite hefty, so setup might require some effort.

Though the rich feature set is excellent, the soundbar is relatively large and heavy compared to simpler models, which might be overkill if you just want basic TV sound enhancement. The LG S80QR is a great choice if you want a serious upgrade for your home cinema sound with smart features and powerful, immersive audio. It suits users who value high-quality surround sound and easy streaming options, though it might be more than necessary for casual or smaller room use.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos offers an impressive 9.1.4 spatial audio experience, providing immersive sound that fills the room. This makes it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts and gamers who seek high-quality, surround sound. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos ensures that you get lifelike audio, with sounds placed all around you for a more dynamic experience. The dedicated Speech Enhancement feature is a plus, as it helps make dialogues clearer, which can be especially useful for TV shows and movies with heavy dialogue.

Some users may find the 9.1.4 setup excessive if they are not seeking a high-end audio experience. The sleek and elegant design is a strong point, as it blends well into any home decor without being distracting. The dimensions are fairly large (11.57 x 117.3 x 8.7 cm), which may require ample space for placement, and the weight (10 kg) could make it less portable. Connectivity is robust with options like Bluetooth, WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, offering flexibility for streaming music and more.

The single HDMI eARC connection simplifies setup, and the Sonos app provides step-by-step guidance, making it user-friendly even for those not particularly tech-savvy. Additionally, the soundbar supports voice control through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, adding to the convenience. The lack of a dedicated subwoofer in the base package might be a drawback for bass enthusiasts, though you can add a Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers for a complete surround sound setup. For users looking for an advanced, feature-rich soundbar capable of delivering premium audio quality, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a top contender. However, its price point and the need for additional accessories for a full surround sound system might be considerations.