10 Best HDMI Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is a high-end option designed to deliver an immersive audio experience for both TV and music. Its main strength lies in its 9.1.4 channel configuration supported by Dolby Atmos, which ensures superior spatial audio, filling the room with well-placed sounds. This soundbar also includes Speech Enhancement for ultra-clear dialogue, which is a great feature if you watch a lot of movies or shows with intricate dialogue.

The design is elegant and modern, blending seamlessly with most home décor without being a distraction. Setting it up is straightforward with a single HDMI eARC connection and helpful guidance from the Sonos app. For control, it offers multiple options, including your TV remote, voice control via Amazon Alexa, and the Sonos app, ensuring flexibility and ease of use. The Sonos Arc also supports various streaming options like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, making it versatile for playing music from different sources.

One potential drawback is that the subwoofer is not included and must be purchased separately if you want deeper bass. Additionally, it is a corded electric device, which might limit placement options to areas near power outlets. It is also quite large, measuring over 46 inches, so it may not be suitable for very small spaces. Despite its premium features and high quality, it does come with a higher price tag, which is something to consider depending on your budget. In conclusion, if you are looking for a top-tier soundbar with excellent audio quality, multiple control options, and modern connectivity features, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a compelling choice, especially if you are willing to invest in additional components like the subwoofer for a complete surround sound experience.

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar designed to enhance the audio experience for TV viewers. With 2 full-range drivers, it aims to provide a wide, natural sound and is particularly good at clarifying dialogue, which is a significant strength for those who struggle with understanding speech on TV shows or movies. The small size makes it easy to place in front of the TV or mount on a wall, ensuring it fits comfortably in most living spaces.

Connectivity options are diverse, including Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical in, and AUX in, which makes it versatile for different setups and allows for streaming music and podcasts from other devices. However, some essential items like the HDMI cable and wall brackets are sold separately, which could be seen as a drawback.

The included remote control provides useful features like dialogue mode and bass boost, which can enhance the audio experience further. While it lacks an included subwoofer, it can be expanded with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 for those seeking deeper bass. Despite this, the Bose TV Speaker is a solid choice for users looking for an easy-to-use, compact soundbar that significantly improves TV audio, especially in dialogue clarity.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 is a powerful soundbar designed for users looking to enhance their home theater experience with rich, immersive sound. It features 11 speakers delivering 495 watts of power, supporting advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for true surround sound. The standout 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology provides a more cinematic and enveloping audio experience, making it ideal for movie lovers and gamers alike. Its compatibility with HDMI 2.1, including ARC/eARC, ensures easy connection with modern TVs, while features like Acoustic Center Sync allow seamless control via compatible Sony BRAVIA TVs, reducing remote clutter.

For gamers, integration with PS5 features such as Auto HDR Tone Mapping adds to the visual and audio immersion. The soundbar supports wireless music streaming through Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, which adds convenience and flexibility. Users can further customize their setup by adding optional wireless subwoofers and rear speakers for deeper bass and a fuller surround sound effect. On the downside, it does not include a built-in subwoofer, so bass quality depends on optional extras.

Its size (43.3 inches wide) is quite large, which might not fit all TV setups, and it is designed primarily for indoor use without any water resistance. With a weight of 10.4 pounds and a sleek black design, it can be wall-mounted or placed on a stand. This soundbar suits those who want a high-quality, feature-rich audio upgrade for their TV, especially if they own compatible Sony BRAVIA equipment and value immersive sound with smart connectivity.