when you’ve simply purchased a elaborate new TV, chances are you’ll be shocked to search out it sounds simply as unhealthy as your outdated one (or worse). Even the best TVs we have examined want a hand to supply sound that retains up with their implausible shows. However it may be robust understanding the place to start out with regards to upgrading your TV audio. By no means concern, intrepid purchaser: The best and most inexpensive answer is to just get a soundbar. Trendy soundbars are available all shapes, sizes, and costs. Right here, we have made a guidelines of types to think about earlier than urgent the Purchase button.
You’ll want to try our Best Soundbars and Best Bookshelf Speakers guides, in addition to our recommendation on How to Buy a TV and How to Set Up a TV, with in-depth image adjustment recommendation.
Desk of Contents
Up to date June 2025: We have the newest data and up to date mannequin suggestions from our newest spherical of in depth testing.
Why You Want a Soundbar
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundbars are a terrific first step into dwelling theater audio as a result of they’re usually compact and easy to set up and sound vastly higher than most built-in TV audio system. Severely: almost all TV audio system are unhealthy! The spectrum of high quality you may get from a soundbar ranges from primary enhancements to the bass and general soundstage to the kind of room-filling sound you would possibly count on from a extra conventional dwelling theater audio system (a system with wired audio system and a devoted receiver). No matter what you are watching, a soundbar is a low-effort manner of getting extra out of your viewing expertise.
Discovering the Proper Measurement
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundbars are available a number of sizes and configurations, denoted by the dimensions of the acoustic chamber and the variety of built-in full-range, bass, and peak channels. You possibly can consider soundbar channels because the variety of particular person zones emitting sound. A “2.1” soundbar system has not less than two individually powered audio system and a devoted subwoofer. A 5.1 system has not less than 5 principal audio system (a middle, left, proper, plus two surrounds) and a subwoofer.
Whereas most price range bars might be stereo solely, our favourite performers normally have not less than three channels in entrance (left, middle, and proper) and a subwoofer. That is a 3.1 system. The middle channel is usually crucial as a result of that is the place TV and movie mixers put dialog. Have hassle listening to dialog in motion pictures and exhibits? Get a three-channel (3.0) bar on the very least.
Generally, you may see a further quantity on the finish, like a 3.1.2 system. The “.2” means there are two peak channels. In soundbars, these are upward-facing audio system that bounce hold forth the ceiling, simulating ceiling-mounted audio system for content material combined in 3D audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Principally, these soundbars attempt to re-create a spatial audio expertise with out requiring you to string up audio system on the ceiling. Pricier soundbar techniques will include extra devoted rear- and side-firing drivers that bounce hold forth your partitions for extra immersion, utilizing a configuration of 5.1.2 (or increased).
The extra channels, the bigger your soundbar system will likely be. A very powerful step is to verify no matter you purchase will match in your media console (ideally, it’s going to match proper between your TV’s legs, too). We’ll go over {surround} sound and Dolby Atmos in additional element beneath.
Do You Want a Subwoofer?
{Photograph}: Parker Corridor
For many areas, it is extremely price contemplating a soundbar with a devoted subwoofer. If these are too costly otherwise you’re fearful concerning the neighbors, some soundbars have a much less overt bass channel in-built, whereas different techniques allow you to add a subwoofer later, together with fashions from Sonos, Klipsch, Bose, and others. Every of those examples permits you to add {surround} audio system later as nicely, letting you improve to a full surround-sound system.
