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The best soundbars you can buy right now

The best soundbars in 2022: The all-time Tv speakers from Sonos, Yamaha, Vizio and more

Included in this guide:

Best soundbars
(Epitome credit: Shutterstock)

A big TV deserves to be partnered with 1 of the best soundbars. With multiple drivers covering a wide sound surface area in forepart of your screen, even a relatively affordable soundbar can outperform the integrated speakers on well-nigh TVs.

The issue is that equally TVs get thinner, the congenital-in speakers oft take to shrink to fit inside the tiniest of chiffonier spaces, and the sound lacks the kind of impact to match today'southward large TV screens. There'due south plenty of sophisticated digital bespeak processing (DSP) tech to assistance get the all-time sound output possible, but even the best TVs aren't exempt from sounding thin and weedy.

A soundbar makes an constructive sound upgrade — and in many cases could even form the basis of a much more ambitious environment sound system. To make sure you lot're choosing the right soundbar model for your needs, simply read on: we've ranked the best soundbars co-ordinate to our own in-firm testing.

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Editor's Note: The Tom'south Guide Awards 2022 for audio have been announced, and the Creative Stage V2 has won the All-time soundbar award! Caput to the audio awards page to see all the winners and recommended runners-up.

The all-time soundbars: News and upcoming releases (updated January xx)

  • Denon has announced the introduction of the DHT-S517 soundbar due to arrive at the end of Jan (pricing TBC). A 3.ane.2 configuration, it utilizes a 7-driver array comprised of left/right tweeters and midrange drivers, a dedicated eye-channel, plus 2 upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos 3D environment audio. It comes packaged with a wireless subwoofer.
  • LG unveiled plans to introduce three new models to its soundbar lineup scheduled for subsequently this twelvemonth. The new additions include the S95QY, S90QY and S80QY, and will introduce new congenital-in speaker arrangements with up-firing middle drivers to ameliorate spoken language clarity. The new models will likewise back up wireless Dolby Atmos compatible with the company's improver wireless surround speaker packages. Prices are yet to be confirmed.
  • Phillips recently launched the B8905 Soundbar, a model that comes with 3.1.2 channels to fill whatsoever room with loud, crystal-clear sound. It too offers the full Dolby Atmos feel and DTS Play-Fi compatibility for $599.99.
  • Hisense announced its new soundbar lineup, highlighted by the flagship HS312 3.1 Channel Soundbar, which combines six 30W speakers and a 240W subwoofer with Dolby Atmos. An HDMI (eARC) cablevision is also included to easily connect to HDTVs.
  • The Sennheiser Ambeo has been updated with support for Sony 360 Reality Audio, enabling 3D music playback from the all-in-i speaker.

What are the all-time soundbars?

Our top all-round pick is the Yamaha YAS-209. With its fantabulous sound, arranged subwoofer, and built-in Alexa assistant, the YAS-209 is a superb bargain that will happily serve most users.

If you desire a more premium pick, we're as well large fans of the Sonos Arc. With its auto-tuning capabilities that tailor the audio to your room, and vox control support via Alexa and Google Assistant, it'south one of the smartest soundbars you can buy.

Those on tighter budgets, meanwhile, should consider the Artistic Phase V2: a simple yet very capable soundbar/subwoofer combo that won't take up as well much space.

Here's our full listing of the best soundbars on sale correct now.

The all-time soundbars you can buy today

best soundbars: Yamaha YAS-209 Top Pick

(Image credit: Yamaha)

1. Yamaha YAS-209

The best soundbar and subwoofer combo

Specifications

Size: 36.6 10 4.3 10 ii.v-inches

Inputs/Outputs: HDMI in/out, digital optical in

Audio Channels: Stereo, DTS Virtual X Surround

Bluetooth: Yes

Reasons to purchase

+

Clear and resonant dialog

+

First-class for music

+

Alexa inside

Reasons to avoid

-

Lacks low-frequency effects when movies are playing

-

Just ane HDMI input

The Yamaha YAS-209 is an excellent package for the price, getting yous great overall sound, a wireless subwoofer for beefy bass and Alexa support for handy voice controls. The soundbar itself is one of the sleeker models we've tested, with a 36-inch design that should look bang-up under most TVs.

The soundbar's four one.75-inch drivers evangelize immersive sound for movies and shows. What's more, the built in Alexa functionality makes it like shooting fish in a barrel to control whatsoever smart device in your abode — even when the soundbar is off. We wish there was more than just 1 HDMI port on the dorsum, but even despite that nitpick, the YAS-209 offers a lot to like.

Read our full Yamaha YAS-209 review .

The Editor's Choice Sonos Arc

(Paradigm credit: Sonos)

two. Sonos Arc

The best premium soundbar

Specifications

Size: 45 x 4.5 x 3.4 inches

Inputs/Outputs: Ethernet, HDMI ARC

Sound Channels: Due north/A

Bluetooth: No (Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 capable)

Subwoofer: No

Wattage: N/A

Wall Mountable: Yes

Reasons to buy

+

Articulate vocals and focused audio

+

Strong, Sonos-quality bass

+

Alexa and Google Banana built-in

Reasons to avert

-

Very large

The Sonos Arc is the best soundbar you can buy if yous're able to splurge. This premium speaker stands out with its gorgeous curved design, which is built to be a centerpiece of your living room equally much as information technology's meant to enhance your TV's sound. And it certainly doesn't skimp on audio functioning, delivering deep bass and clear treble for your favorite movies and Telly shows consummate with Dolby Atmos back up.

Thanks to Sonos' TruePlay technology, the Arc can automatically melody itself to whatsoever room it'southward in to deliver the crispest, nigh accurate audio possible. It also supports voice controls via Alexa and Google Assistant, making information technology one of the smartest soundbars you lot tin buy. If you accept a larger amusement area — and large budget, the Sonos Arc is the top premium soundbar out in that location.

Read our full Sonos Arc review .

The Creative Stage V2 set up on the entertainment center

(Image credit: Future)

3. Creative Stage V2

The all-time cheap soundbar and subwoofer combo

Specifications

Size: 26.viii x 3 10 3.nine inches, iv.4 pounds

Inputs/Outputs: Optical, 3.5mm, HDMI ARC, USB

Audio Channels: ii.1

Bluetooth: Yes

Subwoofer: Aye

Wattage: 160W

Wall Mountable: Yes

Reasons to purchase

+

Very inexpensive

+

Varied ports

+

Adjustable sound

Reasons to avoid

-

Short subwoofer cable

-

Plastic attracts grit

Cheap and compact simply deceptively rich-sounding, the Artistic Stage V2 is another fantastic option for those on tight budgets. The dedicated subwoofer treats lower frequencies much better than the bulk of cut-price standalone soundbars, and the clearness of dialog impressed in our testing.

There's also a "Environment" fashion that widens the soundstage across the Stage V2'southward modest dimensions, and you can tweak the sound even further with bass and treble boost settings. Connectivity is very good for the money, besides — in addition to the expected optical and iii.5mm inputs, there's HDMI ARC, USB and Bluetooth to play with too.

Read our total Creative Stage V2 review .

The Polk MagniFi Mini on a static backdrop

(Epitome credit: Polk Audio)

4. Polk MagniFi Mini

The best soundbar for smaller spaces

Specifications

Size: 13.4 x 4.three 10 iii.1 inches

Inputs/Outputs: HDMI, Digital Optical, Ethernet, USB

Audio Channels: five.1, stereo

Bluetooth: Yes

Subwoofer: Yep

Wattage: N/A

Wall Mountable: No

Reasons to purchase

+

Powerful bass and clear vocals

+

Wireless subwoofer

+

Google Bandage sound integration

Reasons to avoid

-

No onscreen display or mobile app

-

Harsh treble

No soundbar packs huge audio into a tiny package quite like the Polk MagniFi Mini does. This unassuming speaker will fit seamlessly into any setup, and delivers crisp dialogue and deep bass with the help of its included wireless subwoofer. Plus, with Google Cast back up, the MagniFi Mini doubles as a great home music speaker.

The MagniFi Mini gets loud plenty to fill most bedrooms and small apartments, and nosotros found it reliable for getting immersed in movies and Telly shows. Factor in a handy remote and an easy setup process, and you've got the best soundbar out there for folks brusk on space. And at $300, it won't gear up you back much, either.

Read our full Polk MagniFi Mini review .

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) set up with an HDTV

(Image credit: Future)

5. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

The best-sounding soundbar for small TVs

Specifications

Size: 25.6 10 2.3 x 3.9 inches, 6.2 pounds

Inputs/Outputs: HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2

Audio Channels: Stereo

Bluetooth: No

Subwoofer: No

Wattage: Not stated

Wall Mountable: No

Reasons to buy

+

Impressive sound for its size

+

3D audio with support for Dolby Atmos

+

Reliable TruePlay tuning

+

Best selection for 55-inch and smaller TVs

Reasons to avoid

-

Expensive

-

Some new formats non available at launch

An upgrade to one of the best soundbars bachelor, the second-gen Sonos Axle brings a new CPU, tweaked profiles, more audio formats, and HDMI eArc support into the mix. The drivers have been re-tuned, resulting in a crisper central channel that emphasizes song clarity and dialog. Dolby Atmos and other abode-theater sound formats grant you numerous ways to experience wide 3D sound in your living room. Other unique features similar NFC for seamless setup, too equally TruePlay to curate sound to your infinite and optimal burrow position, bring more value to this small speaker system. Information technology too pairs perfectly with 55-inch (or smaller) HDTVs.

You should know that Sonos products don't come cheap and the price tag on this beauty might be a bit steep for the average consumer. Those who tin can afford it volition notice this to be a welcome addition to their ecosystem of Sonos products.

Read our total Sonos Beam (Gen ii) review .

The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam propped on a wooden table

(Epitome credit: Futurity)

6. JBL Bar v.0 MultiBeam

The best soundbar for affordable Atmos

Specifications

Size: 27.ix x 2.3 x iii.9 inches

Inputs/Outputs: HDMI ARC, Digital Optical, Ethernet, USB

Audio Channels: 5.0

Bluetooth: Yes

Subwoofer: No

Wattage: 250W

Wall Mountable: Yep

Reasons to buy

+

Good Dolby Atmos performance

+

Auto calibration

+

Doesn't need a subwoofer

Reasons to avert

-

Limited sound controls

-

No mobile app

Still more proof that you don't need to spend big to get quality Dolby Atmos integration, the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam defies its standalone form factor with a respectable attempt at digital surroundings sound — not to mention powerful bass, even without a subwoofer.

Although we'd take liked a few more ways to manually adjust the sound output, the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam also features a handy auto calibration feature that tunes Atmos playback for the dimensions of your living room specifically. This helps contribute to a strong sense of audio positioning, over again something you can't always be sure nearly with single soundbars. Still, it works, and is simply another reason the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is 1 of the best soundbars.

Read our full JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam review .

The Sonos Beam displayed on a static backdrop

(Image credit: Sonos)

7. Sonos Beam (Gen 1)

The all-time soundbar for sound and smart features at the price

Specifications

Size: 25.6 x iii.9 x 2.vii inches, 6.2 pounds

Inputs/Outputs: HDMI ARC, optical sound, Wi-Fi, Apple tree AirPlay 2

Audio Channels: Stereo

Bluetooth: No

Reasons to buy

+

Easy fix

+

Alexa inside

+

Wide soundstage

Reasons to avoid

-

Bass lacks detail

-

No Bluetooth sound

The Sonos Beam is a pocket-size, affordable and nifty-sounding soundbar that besides doubles as a neat smart home gadget. This speaker has total Alexa integration, allowing you to, say, control your Fire Television receiver with just your vocalisation, or enquire nearly the weather or control your smart lights while binging Netflix from the couch.

It also delivers large on the sound forepart for its price, with a wide soundstage and crisp dialogue that will make your favorite movies and shows sing. We'd really similar the Beam to cover Bluetooth (you lot'll need the Sonos Move for that), but information technology'southward still an excellent selection if y'all want an Alexa-ready soundbar with peachy performance.

Read our total Sonos Beam review .

The Roku Streambar set up with an HDTV

(Prototype credit: Tom's Guide)

8. Roku Streambar

The best soundbar with integrated media player

Specifications

Size: fourteen x 4.2 ten 2.4 inches

Inputs/Outputs: HDMI, USB, optical audio

Audio Channels: Stereo

Bluetooth: Yes

Subwoofer: No

Wattage: North/A

Wall Mountable: Aye

Reasons to buy

+

4K streaming

+

Articulate, loud sound

+

Compact design

Reasons to avert

-

Relatively weak bass

-

No Ethernet port

The Roku Streambar is Roku'south 2d soundbar outing, and just might be the company's best yet. This unique all-in-one device is both a compact soundbar and a 4K Roku streaming player at once, allowing you to enjoy great sound for shows and movies while borer into your favorite streaming services all from the same hardware.

Don't let its size fool you, though — the Streambar delivers impressive sound for its size and price. Packing four 1.9-inch drivers, this small soundbar can easily make full a living room with crisp sound for your next Netflix or Disney Plus binge. And since you're getting Roku software inside, you'll exist able to watch but about every streaming service out there, with an intuitive interface and an included remote for navigation. Amend notwithstanding, y'all can pair the Streambar to the Roku TV Wireless Speakers and Roku Wireless Subwoofer if you desire even more immersive sound.

Read our full Roku Streambar review .

The Cleer Crescent on display

(Paradigm credit: Future)

9. Cleer Crescent

Best smart 3D soundbar with sleek aesthetics

Specifications

Size: 4.7 x 26 ten 7.2 inches, 12.3 pounds

Inputs/Outputs: 3.5mm aux in, optical in, Ethernet

Audio Channels: Stereo

Bluetooth: Yeah

Subwoofer: Aye

Wattage: 50W (total)

Wall Mountable: No

Reasons to buy

+

Good sound with distinct playback modes

+

Luxe styling

+

Google Banana is reliable

Reasons to avoid

-

Very expensive

-

3D Mode needs specific seating position

Take the clean appearance of Harman Kardon's wireless speakers and combine it with the ultramodern advent of the Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin wireless smart speaker and you get the Cleer Crescent. All the same, this soundbar isn't but about its hit looks. Underneath the wide, golden wedge design are some serious specs, including eight front-facing, total-range drivers and ii larger woofers. The Crescent produces broad sound that is elevated through three distinct playback modes: Room Fill for consequent sound to fill up large spaces, Stereo Widening to expand the soundstage, and 3D to create digital 3D environment sound furnishings. All of them piece of work well, forth with the built-in Google Assistant.

Ane caveat about 3D Fashion is that you need to be in a small spot for the Crescent'southward beamforming engineering to evangelize the desired effects. The speaker doesn't come inexpensive either.

Read our full Cleer Crescent review .

How to choose the best soundbar for you

At that place are a number of factors that play into deciding which soundbar you should purchase. Size will likely be prohibitive for about customers; you plain need a soundbar that will adapt your Goggle box and space constraints within your entertainment console. And, considering a soundbar is i of the centerpieces of your home theater setup, it has to look good and fit stylistically.

Then you accept to factor in the size of the room yous're dealing with, and the altitude viewers would typically be sitting from the TV. If you're dealing with a larger space, information technology'south probably all-time to target soundbars that come with a subwoofer — you'll surely capeesh the extra bass.

Connectivity is crucial also, both in terms of wired and wireless access. Non every soundbar comes with an HDMI port; some force yous to brand practise with optical audio. That's perfectly fine if you want to use your TV equally a pass-through, but those who are in dire demand of more HDMI ports — because their capacity is express betwixt game consoles, streaming boxes and so on — will need to prioritize options that offer those additional connections.

Finally, more of the best soundbars are embracing Dolby Atmos, which is a surround sound technology designed to simulate the immersive 3D audio yous'd get from a picture theater. The big departure between Atmos and traditional surround sound is that yous'll hear audio move up and downwardly and not just side-to-side, allowing you lot to get actress immersed when, say, a car flies overhead in an action movie. There are already lots of soundbars that support Atmos, including the LG SJ9, Sony HT-ST5000, and Yamaha YSP-5600.

How we test the best soundbars

When testing for inclusion in our best soundbars page, we play a range of media — including movies, music and games — in order to evaluate overall audio quality. We as well test whatever companion software that may come with a soundbar, and factor in how easy it is to prepare and apply each device.

Other features we consider include a soundbar's inputs, outputs and ability to be wall mounted, all of which determine how well it will piece of work with your home entertainment setup. We also accept into account each soundbar'south wattage, its supported audio channels and whether information technology includes a subwoofer — all factors that profoundly affect how each speaker will audio in your living room.

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Michael Gowan covers soundbars, TVs, portable speakers and other audio- and video-related topics for Tom's Guide. He's written about music and engineering science for more than 20 years for a raft of publications including Wired, Men's Journal, PC World and Macworld. When he's not reviewing speakers, he's probably listening to one anyway.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-soundbar-speakers,review-2004.html

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