• 9.33/10
  • 1.
  • Best value:
  • Sonos Beam
  • 9.24/10
  • 2.
  • Premium pick:
  • Sony HT-S350
  • 8.62/10
  • 3.
  • Editors choice:
  • Vizio 36-Inch 2.1 Sound Bar SB362An-F6
  • 8.08/10
  • 4.
  • Yamaha MusicCast Bar 400
  • 8.47/10
  • 5.
  • Samsung HW-Q80R
  • 7.95/10
  • 6.
  • LG SL10YG
  • 9.18/10
  • 7.
  • ZVOX AccuVoice AV200
  • 8.78/10
  • 8.
  • Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch
  • 8.66/10
  • 9.
  • Samsung HW-Q90R
  • 8.33/10
  • 10.
  • TCL Alto 7+ 2.1

If you are stuck with a television that has less than optimal sound, you don’t need to endure it any further thanks to sound bars. Using a sound bar, you’ll be able to instantly enhance the overall audio experience. But for this, you need to be aware of the nuances involved in shopping for the right sound bar. For example, you’ll need to consider features like a subwoofer.

1. Sonos Beam

  • Manufacturer: Sonos

  • Type: Soundbar

  • Color: Black, white

  • Brand: Sonos

  • No Dolby Atmos support

  • No Bluetooth support

  • HDMI pass-through missing

2. Sony HT-S350

  • Wireless subwoofer

  • 320W Total power output

  • Virtual surround sound technology with voice enhancement

  • Bluetooth streaming compatible

  • 7 Sound modes

  • Manufacturer: Sony

  • Type: Soundbar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: Sony

  • Multiple sound modes with clear audio

  • Easy to set up

  • Wall-mountable

  • Well-designed remote

  • Sculpted signature sound

  • HDMI arc feature tends to malfunction at times

  • Volume could be louder

3. Vizio 36-Inch 2.1 Sound Bar SB362An-F6

  • Two built-in subwoofers

  • DTS Virtual:X delivers simulated overhead sound

  • Built-in Dolby Audio Technology

  • Fits with any TV setup

  • Manufacturer: Vizio

  • Type: Sound bar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: Vizio

  • Powerful audio output

  • Fantastic bass depth

  • Adjustable EQ

  • Easy to set up and operate

  • HDMI ports absent

  • Distorts with powerful sub-bass at maximum volume

4. Yamaha MusicCast Bar 400

  • DTS Virtual:X 3-D surround sound

  • Wireless subwoofer

  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity

  • Voice control with Alexa

  • Manufacturer: Yamaha

  • Type: Sound bar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: Yamaha

  • Crisp, clear sound highs

  • Bluetooth and multi-room streaming

  • Adjustable levels of subwoofers

  • Ill-designed remote

  • Hard to decipher LED indicators

5. Samsung HW-Q80R

  • Comes with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tech

      1. 2 channels with 13 built-in speakers

  • Wireless subwoofers

  • Adaptive sound technology

  • Built-in 4K pass-through

  • Manufacturer: Samsung

  • Type: Soundbar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: Samsung

  • Supports Atmos and height channels

  • Great audio reproduction

  • Multiple connection options

  • Interface screen needs to be bigger

  • Wide bar design

  • Room correction feature absent

6. LG SL10YG

  • Two up-firing speakers with 570W total power

  • Built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast

  • High resolution audio

  • Features Meridian audio’s advanced technologies

  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio

  • Manufacturer: LG

  • Type: Sound bar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: LG

  • Powerful audio performance

  • Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio

  • Can be streamed via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

  • Not a traditional 5.1 setup

  • Might be too powerful

7. ZVOX AccuVoice AV200

  • Built-in hearing aid technology

  • Compact aluminum cabinet

  • Patented AccuVoice technology

  • Output leveling (OL) feature that tames loud commercials

  • 1-Year warranty on limited parts

  • Manufacturer: ZVOX

  • Type: Sound bar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: ZVOX

  • Has a voice-enhancing effect

  • Suitable for hearing-impaired listeners

  • Easy to set-up

  • Some buyers reported the speaker making popping noises

  • Better quality control required

8. Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch

  • Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 SSE Dolby Atmos Soundbar

  • Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) technology

  • Dual 10" wireless subwoofers and 4 2-way surround speakers

  • Unique 9.2.4 setup configuration

  • Manufacturer: Nakamichi

  • Type: Sound bar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: Nakamichi

  • Sleek design

  • Loud audio

  • Atmos and surround content provide an immersive experience

  • Warm sound profile

  • A bit of compression at maximum volume

9. Samsung HW-Q90R

  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X tech

  • 17 Built-in speakers

  • Built-in 4K pass-through

  • Adaptive sound technology

  • Frequency response of 34Hz~17kHz

  • Fantastic audio reproduction

  • Provides an immersive audio experience

  • Amazing tech support

  • No room correction

  • Wide bar design

  • Interface screen is small

10. TCL Alto 7+ 2.1

  • 8 Powerful audio components for sound spectrum reproduction

  • Wireless subwoofer for flexible placement

  • 3 Sound modes

  • IR pass-through cable

  • Manufacturer: TCL

  • Type: Sound bar

  • Color: Black

  • Brand: TCL

  • Minimalistic design

  • Exceptional bass depth

  • Ships with several cables

  • EQ presets are limited to 3

  • Individual subwoofer levels absent

Essentially dedicated to low-frequency audio reproduction, subwoofers are speaker drivers. If you love the realistic sound of exploding bombs, the thunder of helicopter blades, and other sound effects, you’ll have these to thank. You can take your pick from either wireless subwoofers or direct-wired ones. Also, while some sound bars come with their own set of subwoofers, you might have to buy them from a third-party in certain cases as well.

Next you’ll want to look into extra features like Dolby Atmos. The numerals in the product name denote the number of sound bar channels and whether or not it has a subwoofer. The first number refers to the number of channels whereas, the number after the period will tell you about the subwoofers. Sometimes, you might find a third number – this represents the number of dedicated drivers firing upward at the ceilings signifying compatibility with Dolby Atmos surround sound.

    Sound Bar Connections, Wireless Support And More

We highly suggest purchasing sound bars that have an HDMI interface as they support more audio formats. There are also sound bars that use optical cables. Companies have started launching sound bars that support Bluetooth because a lot of people have started to use these devices for listening to music. Not only does this increase the appeal, but streaming music at home becomes easier. Whole-home audio means that the sound bar can be connected to wireless music systems via Wi-Fi. It is due to this particular feature that you get to enjoy a movie-like experience once you switch the sound bar on.

The position of your sound bar is also extremely important when it comes to audio reproduction delivery. Always avoid placing this device in front of your TV’s infrared sensor. Another tip would be to look for sound bars that have the same width as your television.

Sound bars can seem complicated with all the details you need to consider. But just remember, having a sound bar of any kind is almost always better than using your display’s built-in speakers only.

Next: The Pros (And Cons) Of A 4K Projector Vs 4K HD TV In Your Home Theater