10 Best Airplay Soundbar 2025 in the United States

The Arc Ultra Soundbar from Sonos is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience with a focus on spatial sound. The standout feature is its 9.1.4 surround sound capability powered by Dolby Atmos, which creates an immersive audio environment, perfect for both movies and music. The Sound Motion technology ensures sound is precisely placed around the room, making it ideal for dynamic listening experiences. Users will appreciate the ultra-clear dialogue enhancement, which is particularly useful during quieter scenes in films.

Connectivity is also a strong point, with options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and compatibility with Apple AirPlay 2. This allows for easy connection to various devices and streaming services. The Sonos app provides a user-friendly interface for control, and setup is straightforward, requiring only a single HDMI eARC connection to your TV.

In terms of design, the Arc Ultra sports an elegant look that should blend seamlessly with most home décors. However, its size—almost 46 inches wide—might not suit smaller spaces. While the soundbar can be used alone, it's worth noting that adding a Sonos Sub or rear speakers can enhance the surround sound experience significantly. One potential drawback is its weight of 12.7 pounds, which may pose challenges for wall mounting. Additionally, while the sound quality is generally praised, some users might find the price point to be on the higher side compared to other soundbars in the market. Lastly, while the warranty is limited, Sonos has a good reputation for customer support and product reliability.

The Arc Ultra Soundbar excels in audio quality and connectivity while providing an elegant design and ease of setup, making it a strong candidate for home audio enthusiasts. Prospective buyers should consider their space and budget before making a decision.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a solid choice for those looking to enhance their home entertainment experience with an airplay soundbar. One of its standout features is the audio quality, which includes vibrant bass and crystal clear dialogue, along with a 3D surround sound effect thanks to Dolby Atmos. This makes it particularly appealing for movie enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The option to stream music and podcasts even when the TV is off broadens its usability, allowing it to function as a versatile audio source.

In terms of connectivity, the Beam Gen 2 supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI, ensuring compatibility with a variety of devices and easy integration into existing setups. The inclusion of Apple AirPlay 2 and voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant adds convenience, particularly for users who prefer smart home capabilities.

Setup is designed to be user-friendly, requiring only two cables and guided assistance through the Sonos app. This ease of setup appeals to users who may not be tech-savvy, making it accessible for a wider audience. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The soundbar lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which may limit bass performance for those who prefer a more powerful low-end sound, although it does come with decent bass for its size. Additionally, while the sleek design fits well in most home environments, it may not be suitable for larger rooms without additional speakers for an immersive experience.

The SAMSUNG HW-Q990C is a high-end soundbar designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, making it a strong contender in the airplay-soundbar category. With its 11.1.4 channel setup, including multiple speakers and up-firing channels, it offers a true Dolby Atmos experience that surrounds listeners with sound from all directions. This makes it ideal for movie lovers and gamers who crave a cinematic audio experience. The included rear speakers further enhance sound depth, creating a rich, layered audio environment.

In terms of connectivity, the HW-Q990C supports Bluetooth and HDMI, and it incorporates Airplay 2, allowing easy pairing with Apple devices for seamless streaming of music and podcasts. The integration of smart features like voice assistants adds convenience, enabling hands-free operation of the soundbar and connected devices. Additionally, the Adaptive Sound and AVA (Active Voice Analyzer) features ensure that dialogue is clear and optimized, enhancing listening comfort.

The soundbar's design is sleek and modern, fitting well with various home decors, while its setup process is straightforward, making it accessible for users who may not be tech-savvy. However, some may find the size of the unit and the additional rear speakers a bit bulky for smaller living spaces. The HW-Q990C excels in sound quality, but its premium price tag may be a drawback for budget-conscious consumers. Furthermore, full utilization of its features may require a compatible Samsung TV, which could limit its appeal for those with different brands.