The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Until recently, I believed that nothing could match the audio quality of a high-end home theater system. But Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers have proven me wrong. Today's soundbars offer incredible sound without the complexity of a full home theater setup. From powerful Dolby Atmos systems to compact all-in-one solutions, there's a perfect soundbar for every need.

With so many options, choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming. As a tech journalist who has 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 also boasts Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Chromecast, AirPlay, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, and HDMI 2.1 support for 4K at 120Hz gaming. While retailing at $2,000, it frequently goes on sale.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra: Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sonos Arc Ultra

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 with 15 Class-D amplifiers and SoundMotion technology. Its four upfiring drivers create a remarkably immersive Dolby Atmos experience, even without rear speakers. It delivers excellent music reproduction and features like Speech Enhancement. The ability to integrate with other Sonos speakers for a whole-home audio setup is a significant advantage, although the overall cost of a complete system impacts its value proposition compared to the Samsung HW-Q990D.

3. LG S95TR: Best for Bass

LG S95TR

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 22lb subwoofer, delivers exceptional bass performance without sacrificing overall sound quality. Its AI Room Calibration and compatibility with AirPlay, Alexa, and Google Assistant add to its appeal. It provides a highly competitive high-end experience with strong bass and balanced sound.

4. Vizio V21-H8: Best Cheap Soundbar

Vizio V21-H8

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 consumers, the Vizio V21-H8 offers surprisingly good stereo sound for its price. While lacking the immersive qualities of higher-end systems (no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Dolby Atmos), it provides a noticeable upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a good choice for those who prioritize affordability.

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

Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

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 strong value proposition, offering Dolby Atmos support and surprisingly loud sound from its 6-inch subwoofer for under $400. While not as sophisticated as top-tier models, its upfiring drivers provide a decent three-dimensional sound experience. The lack of Wi-Fi and wired rear speakers are drawbacks, but its overall value is hard to ignore.

6. Sonos Beam: Best for Smaller Rooms

Sonos Beam

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 good sound for its size. It offers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass, and uses advanced processing to simulate Dolby Atmos. Its compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2, along with its potential for expansion within the Sonos ecosystem, makes it a great entry point for those looking for high-quality sound in smaller spaces.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Choosing a soundbar depends on your needs and budget. Consider channel options (2.0, 2.1, 5.1, etc.), connectivity (HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), and features like Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos soundbars often include upfiring drivers, subwoofers, and rear speakers for a truly immersive 3D sound experience. DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio are also noteworthy sound formats to consider.

Best Soundbars FAQs

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