The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Until recently, I believed no soundbar could match the audio quality of a proper home theater setup with dedicated speakers and an amplifier. But Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers have proven me wrong. Today's soundbars offer incredible audio, eliminating the need for a complex home theater system. From powerful Dolby Atmos systems to compact all-in-one solutions, there's a soundbar for everyone.

With so many options, choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming. As a tech journalist who's 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

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LG S95TR

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Vizio V21-H8

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Vizio M-Series 5.1.2

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Sonos Beam

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1. Samsung HW-Q990D: Best Overall

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 boasts Wi-Fi, Alexa, Google Chromecast, Apple 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. The slightly older HW-Q990C offers similar performance at a lower price.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra: Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

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 and 15 Class-D amplifiers. Its SoundMotion technology optimizes audio performance. The four upfiring drivers create a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience, even without rear speakers. It delivers excellent music playback and features like Speech Enhancement. Its integration with the Sonos ecosystem is a major advantage, but the overall cost, including potential additions to build out a full home theatre, makes the Samsung HW-Q990D a better value proposition.

3. LG S95TR: Best for Bass

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, while not as immersive as the Samsung HW-Q990D, offers exceptional sound with 17 drivers, including a dedicated center height channel. Its powerful 22lb subwoofer delivers impactful bass for movies and music. AI Room Calibration technology optimizes sound for your space, and it's compatible with Apple AirPlay, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

4. Vizio V21-H8: Best Cheap Soundbar

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

The Vizio V21-H8 is a budget-friendly option offering solid stereo sound. While lacking immersive surround sound and a dedicated center channel, it provides a noticeable upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Its simplicity—no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Dolby Atmos—makes it ideal for users seeking a straightforward solution.

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

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

Vizio's M-Series 5.1.2 offers excellent value for a surround sound system. Its sleek design and detailed sound, complemented by a surprisingly loud 6-inch subwoofer, provide good immersion for the price. While its Dolby Atmos capabilities aren't top-tier, the upfiring drivers enhance three-dimensional sound. The lack of Wi-Fi and wired rear speakers are minor drawbacks.

6. Sonos Beam: Best for Smaller Rooms

Product Specifications

• Channels: 5.0
• Sound support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD
• 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 impressive sound quality. It offers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass for its size. Its "advanced processing" creates virtual height channels for Dolby Atmos. Compatibility with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple AirPlay 2, along with its expandability within the Sonos ecosystem, makes it a versatile and future-proof option.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Choosing a soundbar depends on your needs and budget. Consider the channel configuration (2.0, 2.1, 5.1, etc.), connectivity options (HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi), and features like Dolby Atmos. HDMI ARC simplifies setup, while Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable streaming. Dolby Atmos delivers immersive 3D sound, but requires upfiring drivers and often additional speakers.

Best Soundbars FAQs

What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?

2.0: Two channels (left, right), no subwoofer. 2.1: Two channels plus a subwoofer. 5.1: Five channels (front left, front center, front right, rear left, rear right) plus a subwoofer.

How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?

Check for HDMI ARC or optical audio connections. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi may also be available.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?

Not essential, but enhances bass response, particularly for movies and music.

What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?

Dolby Atmos creates immersive 3D sound. It's not essential, but enhances the cinematic experience.

Can I stream music through my soundbar?

Yes, many soundbars support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming.