10 Best Sound Bars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White
The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium soundbar designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, especially for those who want rich, multi-dimensional sound at home. Its standout feature is the 9.1.4 channel setup paired with Dolby Atmos, which creates detailed, room-filling sound that can make movies and music truly captivating. The built-in AI-powered speech enhancement helps clarify dialogue, so you won’t miss important words during TV shows or films.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,347
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design
Most important from
576 reviews
#2
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater with 13 Speakers, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, HDMI 2.1 and Supports Spotify Connect/Apple AirPlay (HT-A9000)
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar is a robust choice for home theater enthusiasts, featuring 13 speakers and supporting advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This soundbar excels in delivering a cinema-like surround sound experience, enhanced by 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Sound Field Optimization, which calibrates audio to your room's characteristics for optimal performance. Connectivity options are plentiful, including HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it versatile for streaming music and connecting to various devices.
Rating
9.7
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design
Most important from
135 reviews
#3
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)
The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is designed for people who want a powerful, immersive home theater sound experience. Its standout feature is the 11.1.4 channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers and six up-firing drivers, which deliver true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound. This means sound comes at you from all directions, including overhead, creating a cinema-like atmosphere at home. The included 12-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep, rumbling bass to bring action scenes and music to life.
Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Connectivity Options
Smart Features
Most important from
65 reviews
Top 10 Best Sound Bars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White
Audio Channels: 9.1.4
Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay
Size and Design: 46.18" W x 4.35" D x 3.13" H
Subwoofer: No built-in; add Sonos Sub
Smart Features: App, Voice, Touch controls, Mic
Chosen by 1347 this week
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater with 13 Speakers, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, HDMI 2.1 and Supports Spotify Connect/Apple AirPlay (HT-A9000)
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater with 13 Speakers, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, HDMI 2.1 and Supports Spotify Connect/Apple AirPlay (HT-A9000)
Audio Channels: 13 Speakers
Connectivity Options: HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify
Size and Design: 51.2 inches width
Subwoofer: Wired
Smart Features: 360 Spatial Sound, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
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)
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)
Audio Channels: 11.1.4
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, USB
Size and Design: 5.4"D x 55.3"W x 2.3"H
Subwoofer: 12-inch wireless subwoofer
Smart Features: Mic, Dolby, Multi Room, USB, App
Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Audio Channels: 2.0
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI
Power Output: 200 Watts
Subwoofer: Not included
Sound Modes: Surround
Size and Design: 3.9"D x 25.6"W x 2.7"H
Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bass Module 700 2X Wireless Surround Speaker, Black
Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bass Module 700 2X Wireless Surround Speaker, Black
Audio Channels: 3.1
Connectivity Options: Optical, HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Power Output: 300 Watts
Subwoofer: Wired
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos
Size and Design: 2.25"D x 27.5"W x 2.25"H
Related Products
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
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
Audio Channels: 11.1.4
Connectivity Options: Wireless, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast
Size and Design: 5.4"D x 48.5"W x 2.7"H
Subwoofer: Wireless
Smart Features: Alexa, Chromecast, AirPlay 2, SpaceFit
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue
Audio Channels: 5.1
Connectivity Options: HDMI, Optical, AC, USB-A, Bluetooth
Subwoofer: Wireless
Sound Modes: Movie, Music, Sports, Night
Size and Design: Soundbar: 37” x 5.2” x 2.5”
Samsung Q Series Soundbar HW-Q990F 11.1.4 ch Subwoofer + Rear Speaker (2025) Q-Symphony Bundle with CPS Exclusive 26 Month Protection Pack & Deco Gear Complete Home Theater Beginner's Guidebook
Samsung Q Series Soundbar HW-Q990F 11.1.4 ch Subwoofer + Rear Speaker (2025) Q-Symphony Bundle with CPS Exclusive 26 Month Protection Pack & Deco Gear Complete Home Theater Beginner's Guidebook
Audio Channels: 11.1.4
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI
Size and Design: 5.43"D x 48.5"W x 2.79"H
Subwoofer: 8-inch wireless
Smart Features: Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro
JBL Bar 1000MK2-7.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers, MultiBeam 3.0, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, 480W RMS with 10" Sub & Works with Voice Assistant-Enabled Speakers (Black)
JBL Bar 1000MK2-7.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers, MultiBeam 3.0, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, 480W RMS with 10" Sub & Works with Voice Assistant-Enabled Speakers (Black)
Audio Channels: 7.1.4
Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Size and Design: 5"D x 47.4"W x 2"H, Black
Subwoofer: 10-inch wireless
Smart Features: Room calibration, night mode, voice assistant
#10
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW-B550F 2.1 ch DTS Virtual:X Soundbar with Subwoofer (2025 Model) Voice Enhance Mode, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW-B550F 2.1 ch DTS Virtual:X Soundbar with Subwoofer (2025 Model) Voice Enhance Mode, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound
Audio Channels: 2.1
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI
Size and Design: 33.81 in, rectangular, black
Subwoofer: Wireless
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Buying Guide for the Best Sound Bars
Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. Sound bars are designed to provide better sound quality than your TV's built-in speakers, and they come in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your personal preferences and usage scenarios.Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio signals the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 sound bar has two channels (left and right), while a 2.1 adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, opt for a higher channel count. For general TV watching and music, a 2.0 or 2.1 might suffice.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity 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, making it a convenient choice. Optical connections are also good for high-quality sound but lack some of the convenience features of HDMI ARC. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from smartphones and other devices. Consider what devices you plan to connect and choose a sound bar with the appropriate connectivity options.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Larger sound bars generally offer better sound quality due to bigger speakers and more room for sound to travel. However, they also take up more space. Slim and compact designs are ideal for smaller rooms or if you prefer a minimalist look. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and consider the aesthetics of your room to find a model that fits well.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with built-in subwoofers, while others include separate, often wireless, subwoofers. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or want to feel the rumble of explosions in movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer is a good choice. For more balanced audio or if space is limited, a sound bar without a subwoofer might be sufficient.
Smart FeaturesSmart features in sound bars include voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, app control, and integration with smart home systems. These features can add convenience, allowing you to control the sound bar with voice commands or through an app on your phone. If you already use smart home devices or want to streamline your entertainment setup, look for a sound bar with these capabilities. If you prefer a straightforward audio experience, you might not need these extras.
Sound QualitySound quality is arguably the most important aspect of a sound bar. It encompasses clarity, balance, and the ability to reproduce a wide range of frequencies. Look for sound bars with good reviews on sound quality, and consider features like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for a more immersive experience. If you're an audiophile or plan to use the sound bar for high-quality music listening, prioritize models known for excellent sound quality. For casual TV watching, a mid-range sound bar should suffice.