10 Best Soundbars

The Samsung HW-Q990F/ZC soundbar is a high-end choice for anyone seeking an immersive home audio experience. It features an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup, including rear and upward-firing speakers, which creates a full surround sound environment with Dolby Atmos for rich, 3D audio. The wireless subwoofer adds deep bass, enhanced by AI technology to reduce distortion and keep the sound natural. Connectivity options are robust, offering Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI 2.1 with eARC support, and wireless connection to Samsung TVs, making setup straightforward and keeping audio and video perfectly synced.

This soundbar also includes smart features like built-in Alexa, compatibility with Google Assistant devices, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay, allowing easy voice control and streaming from multiple sources. The Q-Symphony feature is a nice touch, blending sound from your TV speakers and soundbar for clearer dialogue and enhanced immersion. Additionally, the SpaceFit Sound Pro automatically adjusts the audio to the room's acoustics, improving sound clarity.

The design is sleek and relatively compact considering its capabilities, and it comes with necessary accessories like a remote, HDMI cable, and wall mount kit. For gamers, the Game Pro Mode automatically optimizes sound when a console is connected, elevating the gaming experience. While the bass is powerful, it is described as moderate, which might not satisfy those wanting very heavy bass. This premium product with many speakers and features may require a bit of space and a higher budget. Setup is simple for Samsung TV users but may be slightly more involved when connecting to other brands. Users seeking an advanced, immersive surround sound system with smart features and easy integration primarily with Samsung TVs will find this soundbar well suited.

The JBL Bar 700MK2 is a strong choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio experience with a powerful 7.1 channel surround sound system. One of its standout features is the detachable wireless speakers, which you can easily lift off the main bar and position behind you for genuine surround sound without messy wires. This makes it a great option for those who want immersive sound but dislike complicated setups. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos adds a 3D audio effect, meaning sounds like planes or crowds feel like they’re moving all around you, enhancing movies and music alike. JBL’s MultiBeam 3.0 technology helps fill the room with rich sound, no matter where you’re sitting, while PureVoice 2.0 ensures dialogue stays clear even during loud scenes, which is perfect if you don’t want to constantly adjust the volume to catch every word.

The 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers strong bass that can bring more life to your favorite films and songs. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including Bluetooth, HDMI, Optical, USB, and Wi-Fi, so it works well with gaming consoles, TVs, and streaming devices. The design is sleek and modern, with wall-mounting options and a relatively slim profile, though the full system is on the heavier side at about 32 pounds. It also supports voice assistant-enabled speakers, adding smart convenience.

On the downside, it’s not waterproof, so placement options are limited to indoor use, and some users might find the price on the higher side compared to simpler soundbars. If you’re after a feature-packed, high-quality surround system that’s easy to set up and delivers cinematic sound with strong bass, the JBL Bar 700MK2 is worth considering.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact, smart soundbar designed to enhance TV shows, movies, games, and music with a clear and immersive sound experience. One of its standout features is Dolby Atmos, which creates a more three-dimensional sound environment, making effects like overhead planes and moving footsteps feel more realistic. It uses 2.0 channel surround sound, which means it delivers stereo audio but does not include a separate subwoofer for deep bass; this might be noticeable if you prefer very powerful low frequencies.

The soundbar automatically adjusts its audio to suit your room’s acoustics through Trueplay technology, ensuring consistent sound quality wherever you place it. Voice clarity is boosted with Speech Enhancement, so following dialogue is easier. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and wireless streaming, controlled mainly through a smartphone app, making setup and use straightforward. Its sleek black design is compact enough for tabletop placement without taking up much space.

While it lacks some multi-channel configurations and a dedicated subwoofer found in larger systems, the Beam Gen 2 offers solid performance and smart features that suit users looking for improved sound from their TV and music streaming in a stylish, easy-to-use package.