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10 Best Arc Soundbar 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#2

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - Black

Rating
9.8
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support

Most important from
226 reviews

Audio Channels
Clear dialogue is a standout feature, addressing a common issue with many soundbars.
Connectivity Options
The soundbar sets up its EQ and surround volumes as a plug-and-play setup with the app, which is awesome.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support
The bass response is ridiculously good for a unit this size, and the Atmos effects are spectacular.
Subwoofer
Adding a subwoofer takes the experience to the next level, providing deep, movie-theater-like bass.
Smart Features
Trueplay tuning can ruin the listening experience due to a current bug, but factory resetting resolves the issue.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is designed to elevate your audio experience, making it a great choice for anyone wanting immersive sound for movies, music, or gaming. With a powerful 9.1.4 surround sound system and Dolby Atmos support, it creates a captivating audio landscape that fills the room, making you feel like you're in the center of the action. The speech enhancement feature is particularly useful, ensuring dialogue comes through clearly, which is perfect for movie nights.

In terms of connectivity, it offers various options like HDMI eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2, allowing for seamless setup and streaming from different devices. The Sonos app and voice control features, including compatibility with Amazon Alexa, make it user-friendly and convenient to operate.

The design of the soundbar is elegant and modern, fitting nicely into most home decor without being intrusive. Additionally, the Trueplay technology enables you to fine-tune the sound based on your room's acoustics, which is a nice touch for personalized audio. There are some drawbacks to consider. The soundbar itself doesn't come with a subwoofer, which means if you're looking for deeper bass, you may need to invest in the Sonos Sub or additional speakers. Also, the setup involves a single HDMI connection, which could be limiting if you have multiple devices connected to your TV.

Rating
9.8
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support

Most important from
226 reviews

Audio Channels
Clear dialogue is a standout feature, addressing a common issue with many soundbars.
Connectivity Options
The soundbar sets up its EQ and surround volumes as a plug-and-play setup with the app, which is awesome.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support
The bass response is ridiculously good for a unit this size, and the Atmos effects are spectacular.
Subwoofer
Adding a subwoofer takes the experience to the next level, providing deep, movie-theater-like bass.
Smart Features
Trueplay tuning can ruin the listening experience due to a current bug, but factory resetting resolves the issue.
#3

SAMSUNG HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Audio, Rear Speakers Included w/Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro, Airplay 2, AVA, Alexa Built-in

Rating
9.5
Audio Channels
Power Output
Connectivity Options

Most important from
379 reviews

Audio Channels
The Q990C completely changed my perception of soundbars, offering almost as good, if not better, sound quality than a traditional 5.1 receiver and speakers.
Power Output
While the system is impressive, the subwoofer lacks the power to keep up with the rest of the system, making the sound feel a bit lean in larger spaces.
Connectivity Options
The system is versatile with robust volume even at low levels and offers convenient wireless speaker pairing without sacrificing sound quality.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support
It can fill a large open space with immersive sound, thanks to its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
Size and Design
Excellent build quality that blends seamlessly with TV setups, adding a touch of sophistication to the living space.
Smart Features
Setup is a breeze, with all components syncing wirelessly and the Smart Things app aiding in configuration.

The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is designed to deliver an immersive audio experience with its impressive 11.1.4 channel setup, featuring multiple speakers and a dedicated subwoofer. The Dolby Atmos support offers surround sound that truly envelops you, making it perfect for movie lovers and gamers who want that cinematic feel in their home. The inclusion of rear speakers further enhances this experience, making it a strong choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater setup.

One of the standout features is Q-Symphony, which allows the soundbar to work in harmony with compatible Samsung TVs, providing a richer sound that utilizes both the TV and soundbar speakers. Additionally, the Smart Features, like built-in voice assistants and SpaceFit Sound Pro, allow for a more user-friendly experience by optimizing sound based on your room’s acoustics and enabling voice control.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The soundbar is somewhat large and may not fit well in smaller spaces, which could be an issue for those with limited room. While it offers a lot of power (300 watts), the heft of 22.8 pounds may require a more substantial mounting solution or shelf space. Moreover, while it connects wirelessly, users may still encounter some setup challenges, especially if they’re not familiar with connecting devices via HDMI or Bluetooth.

Rating
9.5
Audio Channels
Power Output
Connectivity Options

Most important from
379 reviews

Audio Channels
The Q990C completely changed my perception of soundbars, offering almost as good, if not better, sound quality than a traditional 5.1 receiver and speakers.
Power Output
While the system is impressive, the subwoofer lacks the power to keep up with the rest of the system, making the sound feel a bit lean in larger spaces.
Connectivity Options
The system is versatile with robust volume even at low levels and offers convenient wireless speaker pairing without sacrificing sound quality.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support
It can fill a large open space with immersive sound, thanks to its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
Size and Design
Excellent build quality that blends seamlessly with TV setups, adding a touch of sophistication to the living space.
Smart Features
Setup is a breeze, with all components syncing wirelessly and the Smart Things app aiding in configuration.

Buying Guide for the Best Arc Soundbar

Choosing the right ARC (Audio Return Channel) soundbar can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience by providing high-quality audio that complements your TV. When selecting a soundbar, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of distinct audio signals the soundbar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 channel soundbar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you enjoy immersive audio experiences, opt for a higher channel configuration. For basic TV watching, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbar may suffice.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, indicates the soundbar's loudness and clarity. Higher wattage generally means more powerful and clearer sound. Soundbars typically range from 100W to 500W or more. If you have a large room or prefer louder audio, choose a soundbar with higher wattage. For smaller spaces or moderate listening levels, a lower wattage soundbar will be adequate.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the soundbar to your TV and other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC is preferred for its ability to transmit high-quality audio and simplify connections with a single cable. Optical connections also provide good audio quality. Bluetooth allows for wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets. Choose a soundbar with the connectivity options that match your devices and usage preferences.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X SupportDolby Atmos and DTS:X are advanced audio technologies that create a more immersive sound experience by adding height channels, making it feel like sound is coming from above and around you. If you enjoy watching movies with rich, cinematic audio, look for a soundbar that supports these technologies. For regular TV watching or casual listening, this feature may not be as crucial.
SubwooferA subwoofer enhances the bass frequencies, providing deeper and more impactful sound. Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate wireless subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or action-packed movies, a soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer will enhance your listening experience. For general TV watching, a built-in subwoofer may be sufficient.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the soundbar should complement your TV and room decor. Soundbars come in various lengths and styles, from sleek and compact to larger, more robust designs. Measure the space where you plan to place the soundbar and ensure it fits comfortably. Additionally, consider the aesthetic appeal and how it matches your TV and room setup.
Smart FeaturesSome soundbars come with smart features like voice control, built-in virtual assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Assistant), and app control. These features can enhance convenience and integration with other smart home devices. If you value hands-free control and smart home compatibility, look for a soundbar with these capabilities. If you prefer a straightforward audio device, you may not need these additional features.

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