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10 Best TV Sound Bar Best 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,442
Channels
Connectivity
Size

Most important from
492 reviews

Channels
The 9.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos sound creates a truly immersive experience, making you feel surrounded by the action.
Connectivity
Setup is effortless with HDMI eARC and the Sonos app, enabling quick and straightforward installation.
Size
The soundbar's large size and premium build quality give it a substantial, high-end presence that elevates the entire entertainment space.
Subwoofer
Expanding the setup with Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers transforms the experience into a surround sound system rivaling many theaters.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium soundbar designed to deliver a powerful and immersive audio experience for TV and music lovers. It features a sophisticated 9.1.4 channel setup with Dolby Atmos, which means it can create 3D-like surround sound that fills your room and makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The soundbar is equipped with AI-powered speech enhancement to make dialogue crystal clear, which is very helpful if you often struggle to hear voices during movies or shows. Its size is quite large (over 46 inches wide), so you’ll want to have enough space for it on your TV stand or consider wall mounting. The design is sleek and modern, blending well with most home decor without drawing attention away from your screen.

Connectivity options are versatile, including HDMI eARC for easy setup with your TV, WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect for streaming music. It supports voice control through both Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, allowing hands-free operation. The soundbar doesn’t have a built-in subwoofer but supports adding a separate Sonos Sub and rear speakers to enhance bass and surround sound further, which is great if you want a more theater-like setup.

One consideration is that the price is on the higher end, reflecting its advanced features and premium build. It’s also relatively heavy, which may be a factor if you plan to move it frequently. Additionally, it’s designed for indoor use only and isn’t water-resistant. For those seeking top-tier sound quality, modern design, and smart connectivity, the Sonos Arc Ultra represents an excellent choice, especially for serious home entertainment enthusiasts willing to invest in a high-end system.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,442
Channels
Connectivity
Size

Most important from
492 reviews

Channels
The 9.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos sound creates a truly immersive experience, making you feel surrounded by the action.
Connectivity
Setup is effortless with HDMI eARC and the Sonos app, enabling quick and straightforward installation.
Size
The soundbar's large size and premium build quality give it a substantial, high-end presence that elevates the entire entertainment space.
Subwoofer
Expanding the setup with Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers transforms the experience into a surround sound system rivaling many theaters.
#2

JBL Bar 1300XMK2-11.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers & Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X®, 1570W max Output Power & a 12" Wireless subwoofer (Black)

Rating
9.7
Connectivity
Sound Modes
Subwoofer

Most important from
39 reviews

Connectivity
The soundbar integrates seamlessly with a wide range of devices, providing smooth connectivity and reliable performance.
Sound Modes
The night listening mode is a standout feature, allowing quiet, personal audio without disturbing others.
Subwoofer
Bass is powerful and loud, though some find it slightly less deep or dry compared to other models.

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a powerful 11.1.4 channel soundbar system designed to deliver immersive, theater-like audio in your living room. It includes detachable wireless surround speakers and a robust 12-inch wireless subwoofer, providing rich bass and true 3D surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. Its standout feature is the simple detachable design for surround speakers, making it easy to set up a full surround experience without extra wires—ideal if you want great sound but dislike complicated setups. The system pumps out an impressive 1570 watts, ensuring clear, loud audio suitable for movie nights or gaming.

Connectivity options are plentiful, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, optical, and USB, so you can easily connect to various devices and streaming services like Spotify and AirPlay. The MultiBeam 3.0 technology helps fill the room with wide, balanced sound, while PureVoice 2.0 enhances dialogue clarity, so you won’t miss quiet lines. The included JBL ONE app lets you customize sound settings and update features conveniently from your phone. One unique feature is the night listening mode, which mutes the main bar and subwoofer and plays sound only through the detachable speakers for quiet, personal listening.

The system is quite large and heavy (over 60 pounds and more than 55 inches wide), which might not suit smaller spaces or users wanting a compact setup. Also, while the soundbar supports voice control via its built-in microphone, it may not integrate deeply with popular voice assistants out of the box. The price tends to be on the higher side, reflecting its premium design and features. This JBL soundbar is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier and easy-to-install surround sound system with flexible wireless rear speakers and a strong subwoofer, especially for home cinema lovers who prioritize immersive sound and ease of use.

Rating
9.7
Connectivity
Sound Modes
Subwoofer

Most important from
39 reviews

Connectivity
The soundbar integrates seamlessly with a wide range of devices, providing smooth connectivity and reliable performance.
Sound Modes
The night listening mode is a standout feature, allowing quiet, personal audio without disturbing others.
Subwoofer
Bass is powerful and loud, though some find it slightly less deep or dry compared to other models.
#3

SAMSUNG Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, Rear Speaker Included, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-Q990D/ZA

Rating
9.7
Channels
Connectivity
Size

Most important from
1286 reviews

Channels
Q-Symphony integration with Samsung TVs enhances audio synchronization, delivering a cohesive and immersive soundstage.
Connectivity
Setup is straightforward and mostly plug-and-play, with the SmartThings app facilitating easy connection of the soundbar, wireless surrounds, and subwoofer.
Size
The design is large and heavy but can be mounted securely on a compatible soundbar mount, fitting well below most TVs.
Subwoofer
The compact subwoofer produces punchy bass with surprising depth and clarity, providing impactful low frequencies without overwhelming the sound.
Sound Modes
The system’s EQ and individual speaker volume controls via the app allow for fine-tuning to suit room acoustics and personal preferences.
Voice Control
Smart connectivity features like built-in Alexa, Chromecast, and Bluetooth offer versatile streaming and hands-free control options.
Price
Offers exceptional value for its price point, outperforming many similarly priced or more expensive setups, especially when considering the included wireless surrounds and subwoofer.

The Samsung Q990D is a premium 11.1.4 channel soundbar designed to deliver immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound, making it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts who want a cinematic experience at home. It comes with wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer, reducing cable clutter and allowing flexible placement for rich, room-filling sound. Its standout features include Q-Symphony, which pairs perfectly with Samsung TVs to synchronize audio from both devices, and SpaceFit Sound Pro, which automatically adjusts the sound based on your room’s layout for clearer and more accurate audio.

This soundbar also excels in smart connectivity, offering built-in Alexa voice control, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, so you can easily stream music or control the system hands-free. Adaptive Sound and Active Voice Analyzer technology help make dialogue clearer even at low volumes, which is great for watching movies or sports without constantly adjusting the volume. Game Mode Pro enhances gaming audio by creating a 3D sound environment, which is a nice bonus if you also use the system with a gaming console.

On the downside, the Q990D is quite large and heavy (over 50 pounds), which means it will need a solid, spacious place in your room or wall mounting. It is also positioned at a higher price point, which might be more than casual listeners want to spend. Additionally, it’s designed primarily for indoor use and isn’t water-resistant. This soundbar is ideal for users who want a powerful, feature-rich soundbar with premium surround sound and smart features, especially if paired with a Samsung TV. If you need a compact or budget-friendly option, this might not be the best fit, but for immersive home theater audio, it stands out as one of the best options available.

Rating
9.7
Channels
Connectivity
Size

Most important from
1286 reviews

Channels
Q-Symphony integration with Samsung TVs enhances audio synchronization, delivering a cohesive and immersive soundstage.
Connectivity
Setup is straightforward and mostly plug-and-play, with the SmartThings app facilitating easy connection of the soundbar, wireless surrounds, and subwoofer.
Size
The design is large and heavy but can be mounted securely on a compatible soundbar mount, fitting well below most TVs.
Subwoofer
The compact subwoofer produces punchy bass with surprising depth and clarity, providing impactful low frequencies without overwhelming the sound.
Sound Modes
The system’s EQ and individual speaker volume controls via the app allow for fine-tuning to suit room acoustics and personal preferences.
Voice Control
Smart connectivity features like built-in Alexa, Chromecast, and Bluetooth offer versatile streaming and hands-free control options.
Price
Offers exceptional value for its price point, outperforming many similarly priced or more expensive setups, especially when considering the included wireless surrounds and subwoofer.

Buying Guide for the Best TV Sound Bar Best

Choosing the right sound bar for your TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience by providing better sound quality than the built-in speakers. When selecting a sound bar, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look at and how to navigate them.
ChannelsChannels refer to the number of audio sources a sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 channel sound bar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for better bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 or 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a more immersive experience, opt for a higher channel count. For basic TV watching, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel may suffice.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common connections include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC provides high-quality audio and allows control through your TV remote. Optical connections are also good for high-quality sound but lack some advanced features. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from devices like smartphones. Choose a sound bar with connectivity options that match your devices and preferences for ease of use.
SizeThe size of the sound bar should complement your TV and fit well in your space. Sound bars come in various lengths, typically ranging from 20 inches to 60 inches. A larger sound bar can provide better sound coverage, but it should not be wider than your TV. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and ensure it fits comfortably without obstructing your view or other equipment.
SubwooferA subwoofer enhances the bass and overall sound quality of the sound bar. Some sound bars come with built-in subwoofers, while others include separate wireless subwoofers. If you enjoy watching action movies or listening to music with deep bass, a sound bar with a subwoofer is a good choice. For smaller rooms or less bass-intensive content, a sound bar without a subwoofer may be sufficient.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, or dialogue. These modes adjust the sound profile to enhance your listening experience. If you watch a variety of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes. This allows you to easily switch between settings to get the best audio quality for each type of content.
Voice ControlVoice control allows you to operate the sound bar using voice commands through assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri. This feature can be convenient for hands-free operation and integrating the sound bar into a smart home setup. If you prefer using voice commands or already have a smart home ecosystem, consider a sound bar with voice control capabilities.
PriceWhile budget is not discussed here, it's important to consider the value you get for the price. Higher-priced sound bars often come with more features, better build quality, and superior sound performance. Evaluate the specifications and decide which features are most important to you to find a sound bar that offers the best value for your needs.

FAQ