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10 Best Sound Bars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black

The Bose TV Speaker soundbar is a compact audio solution designed to enhance your TV viewing experience, particularly for those who struggle with dialogue clarity. One of its standout features is its specialized dialogue mode, which elevates speech, making it easier to understand what’s being said in movies and shows. The soundbar is equipped with two angled drivers that create a wider and more natural sound, giving users an immersive audio experience despite its small size.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,325
Size and Design

Most important from
13498 reviews

Size and Design
The compact design integrates seamlessly with the TV, offering rich and clear sound without taking up much space.
#2
9.1 score

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium soundbar designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, especially for those who want rich, multi-dimensional sound at home. Its standout feature is the 9.1.4 channel setup paired with Dolby Atmos, which creates detailed, room-filling sound that can make movies and music truly captivating. The built-in AI-powered speech enhancement helps clarify dialogue, so you won’t miss important words during TV shows or films.

Rating
9.1
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
478 reviews

Audio Channels
The 9.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos setup creates an immersive sound environment where audio feels like it’s coming from all around, elevating movies to a whole new level.
Connectivity Options
Setup is effortless with the Sonos app’s step-by-step guidance and simple HDMI eARC connection, making it ready to use in under 10 minutes.
Size and Design
The sleek, substantial design blends seamlessly into modern living rooms, adding a premium look without distracting from the TV.
Subwoofer
The soundbar integrates flawlessly with other Sonos products, enabling easy expansion to surround sound with Era 300 rear speakers and deeper bass with a Sonos Subwoofer.
Smart Features
AI-powered speech enhancement delivers crystal clear dialogue, eliminating the need to rewind and ensuring every word is heard.
Sound Quality
Trueplay tuning automatically adapts sound to the room’s acoustics, noticeably improving audio quality and immersion.
#3
8.8 score

SAMSUNG Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, Rear Speaker Included, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-Q990D/ZA

The Samsung Q990D soundbar is a top-tier choice for those wanting an immersive home theater experience. Its 11.1.4 channel setup includes 11 front speakers, a wireless subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels, plus rear speakers that bounce sound off walls and ceilings. This design creates a rich, all-around sound, ideal for movies, music, and gaming with 3D audio effects. Connectivity is flexible and wireless, supporting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and features like Chromecast and AirPlay 2, which make streaming from phones or smart devices easy. The soundbar also has built-in Alexa voice control, adding convenience. Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Pro automatically adjusts audio based on your room’s layout, helping sound stay clear and balanced. Adaptive Sound further improves dialogue clarity at any volume, so you won’t miss important lines.

Rating
8.8
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
1253 reviews

Audio Channels
While two-channel music staging and imaging can’t match large tower speaker systems, the soundbar excels in delivering immersive Atmos and TrueHD movie soundtracks.
Connectivity Options
The remote control is clean and user-friendly, and it integrates well with universal remotes like the Logitech Harmony Elite.
Size and Design
The large size and weight require careful placement and a sturdy mount, making it best suited for dedicated home theater setups.
Subwoofer
Delivers a punchy, immersive audio experience that truly enhances the theater atmosphere with clear, impactful bass from a surprisingly compact subwoofer.
Smart Features
Setup and installation are straightforward and hassle-free, with a plug-and-play experience aided by the SmartThings app.
Sound Quality
The soundbar fills the room with rich, movie-quality sound, balancing loud and quiet scenes flawlessly without becoming a jumbled mess.

Top 10 Best Sound Bars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black

Audio Channels: Stereo
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, USB
Subwoofer: Wired
Sound Modes: Dialogue mode
Size and Design: 4.02"D x 23.38"W x 2.21"H

Chosen by 1325 this week

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White

Audio Channels: 9.1.4
Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay
Size and Design: 46.18" W x 4.35" D x 3.13" H
Subwoofer: No built-in; add Sonos Sub
Smart Features: App, Voice, Touch controls, Mic

Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, White

Audio Channels: 5.1.4
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, Optical
Size and Design: 41.14"W x 4.21"D x 2.29"H, White
Subwoofer: Wireless, subwoofer not included
Smart Features: Alexa, Google Assistant, Voice control

Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bass Module 700 2X Wireless Surround Speaker, Black

Audio Channels: 3.1
Connectivity Options: Optical, HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Power Output: 300 Watts
Subwoofer: Wired
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos
Size and Design: 2.25"D x 27.5"W x 2.25"H
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Buying Guide for the Best Sound Bars

Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. Sound bars are designed to provide better sound quality than your TV's built-in speakers, and they come in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio signals the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 sound bar has two channels (left and right), while a 2.1 adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, opt for a higher channel count. For general TV watching and music, a 2.0 or 2.1 might suffice.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common connections include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC provides high-quality audio and allows control through your TV remote, making it a convenient choice. Optical connections are also good for high-quality sound but lack some of the convenience features of HDMI ARC. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from smartphones and other devices. Consider what devices you plan to connect and choose a sound bar with the appropriate connectivity options.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Larger sound bars generally offer better sound quality due to bigger speakers and more room for sound to travel. However, they also take up more space. Slim and compact designs are ideal for smaller rooms or if you prefer a minimalist look. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and consider the aesthetics of your room to find a model that fits well.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with built-in subwoofers, while others include separate, often wireless, subwoofers. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or want to feel the rumble of explosions in movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer is a good choice. For more balanced audio or if space is limited, a sound bar without a subwoofer might be sufficient.
Smart FeaturesSmart features in sound bars include voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, app control, and integration with smart home systems. These features can add convenience, allowing you to control the sound bar with voice commands or through an app on your phone. If you already use smart home devices or want to streamline your entertainment setup, look for a sound bar with these capabilities. If you prefer a straightforward audio experience, you might not need these extras.
Sound QualitySound quality is arguably the most important aspect of a sound bar. It encompasses clarity, balance, and the ability to reproduce a wide range of frequencies. Look for sound bars with good reviews on sound quality, and consider features like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for a more immersive experience. If you're an audiophile or plan to use the sound bar for high-quality music listening, prioritize models known for excellent sound quality. For casual TV watching, a mid-range sound bar should suffice.

FAQ