when you’ve simply purchased a flowery new TV, you could be stunned to search out it sounds simply as unhealthy as your outdated one (or worse). Even the finest TVs we have examined want a hand to supply sound that retains up with their improbable shows. However it may be robust realizing the place to begin relating to upgrading your TV audio. By no means concern, intrepid purchaser: The best and most inexpensive resolution is to simply get a soundbar. Fashionable soundbars are available all shapes, sizes, and costs. Right here, we have made a guidelines of kinds to contemplate earlier than urgent the Purchase button.
Make sure to try our Finest Soundbars and Finest Bookshelf Audio system guides, in addition to our recommendation on Learn how to Purchase a TV and Learn how to Set Up a TV, with in-depth image adjustment recommendation.
Desk of Contents
Up to date June 2025: We have the most recent data and up to date mannequin suggestions from our newest spherical of intensive testing.
Why You Want a Soundbar
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundbars are an incredible first step into dwelling theater audio as a result of they’re typically compact and simple to arrange and sound vastly higher than most built-in TV audio system. Critically: practically 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 total soundstage to the kind of room-filling sound you would possibly anticipate 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 method 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 scale of the acoustic chamber and the variety of built-in full-range, bass, and peak channels. You may consider soundbar channels because the variety of particular person zones emitting sound. A “2.1” soundbar system has at the least two individually powered audio system and a devoted subwoofer. A 5.1 system has at the least 5 predominant audio system (a middle, left, proper, plus two surrounds) and a subwoofer.
Whereas most funds bars can be stereo solely, our favourite performers normally have at the least three channels in entrance (left, heart, and proper) and a subwoofer. That is a 3.1 system. The middle channel is usually an important as a result of that is the place TV and movie mixers put dialog. Have hassle listening to dialog in motion pictures and reveals? Get a three-channel (3.0) bar on the very least.
Typically, you may see an extra 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 blended 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 programs will include further 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 greater your soundbar system will probably be. Crucial step is to ensure 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 value contemplating a soundbar with a devoted subwoofer. If these are too costly otherwise you’re nervous in regards to the neighbors, some soundbars have a much less overt bass channel in-built, whereas different programs allow you to add a subwoofer later, together with fashions from Sonos, Klipsch, Bose, and others. Every of those examples lets you add {surround} audio system later as nicely, letting you improve to a full surround-sound system.