How to choose the right soundbar (2024): Size, Price, Surround Sound and Subwoofer
Most Soundbars also provide optical audio input for older TVs without HDMI ARC support, but you need to check to make sure (or you can upgrade to a new TV too!). We recommend sticking with Soundbars with at least HDMI ARC. This is a much simpler connection, and it is the minimum requirement for sending 3D audio formats that use height channels such as Dolby Atmosphere or DTS:x.
Most sound bars support wireless streaming via Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. High-quality models can also provide backup HDMI inputs to plug directly into the source device and deliver video to the TV like a traditional A/V receiver. What you need is entirely up to your use case, but for most people a simple HDMI connection with HDMI ARC/EARC is enough. These cables are usually included in the box. If not, this is the affordable cable we like.
What about surround sound and Dolby atmosphere?
The sound around it sounds exactly like this – you are around your own voice. It can make movies, games or live sports more realistic. The best surround soundbar uses dedicated rear surround speakers. Others use digital audio processing, sometimes mixed with side-emitting drivers to create virtual surround effects. Some virtual surround systems may be effective, but they cannot replace speakers that are truly immersed in dedicated surround speakers.
The same is true for height channels in 3D sound formats, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. While we’ve tested without a sound bar, using ceiling mounted speakers, the best models put drivers that attract the driver in the sound bar and rear surround speakers to completely overwhelm you while playing supported content.
If you are considering real surround speakers, you need to investigate using the stand to put them in your work area. You also need to consider whether you want to get a wireless speaker (which usually still requires a power outlet) or a wired speaker that needs to be connected back to the bar.
Many Wi-Fi-Ready Soundbars have smart assistants, multi-room audio connectivity, and other bells and whistles. If you already have a favorite smart assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, keep this in mind when shopping. If you end up with a smart speaker bar, you may not need a smart speaker. Instead, if you don’t want these features, you can save some money by avoiding all the fancy stuff. For example, Klipsch Soundbars tend to skip Wi-Fi and Smart features to focus on sound quality and extra components.
$100 or less
You can find small-scale speakers in this price range, they are still Better than speakers on the TV. They may be a good choice if you are on a tight budget, but are most useful for TVs in smaller spaces like your bedroom or kitchen.
$100 to $400
This is a good price range for most non-Surround Soundbars. Look for recognizable brands like Samsung, Vizio, Sony, Polk, LG, Bose, Klipsch, and Sonos. You don’t usually want to buy speakers in this price range without including wireless subwoofers, although the Sonos and Bose have a sounding soundbar in this range and have advanced networking capabilities. You can also find the sound bar for surround speakers under $400, but most of them aren’t the best sounds for truly immersive sounds. Likewise, many bars will offer Dolby Atmospheric and/or DTS:x “support”, but the effects will be limited unless they offer dedicated up-shooter drivers.
$400 to $1,000
Here is the price category and you will start to see a high-quality surround sound bar with subwoofer, real satellite speakers and Dolby Atmospheric support. Within this range, you’ll also start to see advanced features such as Wi-Fi streaming, multi-room audio, backup HDMI input and the ability to add wireless surround speakers and subwoofers later. Depending on your use case, anything on this level should offer a lot of additional features, multiple audio components, or both.
For serious music fans, this is also where you can get into high-quality power/active bookshelf speakers. These all-in-one stereo systems offer greater loyalty and musicality than most note bars, and are often versatile connectivity like HDMI Arc, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Brands like KEF, SVS and Klipsch are currently our favorites.
Over $1,000
At this price, you’ll see the largest, most daring soundbar system, its height and surrounding audio as the most likely speakers. These are for people who have cash to build small home theater systems, but there is no system or patience that requires a lot of wiring and discrete components such as A/V receivers. If you’re much taller, I’d consider using real traditional home theater systems like speakers, amplifiers and receivers or audiophile-grade speaker systems, such as the KEF LS50 wireless bookshelf series.
Almost all famous electronic brands make good notes. Our favorites include Samsung, Sonos, Bose, Polk, Vizio, Klipsch, Yamaha, JBL, Sony, Sennheiser, and more. Try to visit a store with many soundbars. You will be surprised how they sound. Must check ours The best speakers Our favorite guide.
