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 Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR is a powerful 7.1.2 channel soundbar system designed to deliver a rich, immersive home theater experience. It includes a wireless 10-inch subwoofer and two SR2 surround speakers, providing wide room-filling audio and overhead sound thanks to its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The 200-watt power output offers strong sound that easily fills medium to large rooms. Polk's patented VoiceAdjust technology enhances dialogue clarity without overpowering other sounds, which is great for TV shows and movies.

Connectivity is versatile with HDMI eARC, multiple HDMI inputs, optical input, and wireless options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast. This makes it easy to connect various devices and stream music directly. The design is sleek and modern, fitting well with most TVs and home setups, and it comes with a handy remote and wall-mounting options.

It weighs 13 pounds and measures 45 inches wide, so it requires some space and a solid surface or wall for installation. While the wireless subwoofer adds bass depth, those seeking extremely deep bass might find it moderate compared to larger setups. The system is not water-resistant, so it’s strictly for indoor use. This soundbar suits users who want a true surround sound system with easy wireless connectivity and enhanced voice clarity, making it a strong choice for smart TV home entertainment setups.

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is loaded with impressive features that make it stand out in the HDMI soundbar category. It boasts a 3.1 surround sound configuration with Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology, which provides an immersive audio experience by placing sounds in different parts of the room. This is ideal for movie enthusiasts who value high-quality, spatial audio. Additionally, the A.I. Dialogue Mode ensures vocal clarity, making it great for watching TV shows and movies without missing any dialogue. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa voice control adds convenience for users who enjoy smart home integration.

The soundbar's connectivity options are robust, featuring Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI eARC, which simplifies setup and usage. It also supports Bose SimpleSync, allowing pairing with other Bose speakers or headphones for versatile listening experiences. However, it's worth noting that the soundbar does not come with a subwoofer, which might be a drawback for those seeking deep bass. Also, it's relatively heavy at 12.68 pounds, which could be a consideration for placement. The product is not water-resistant, which limits its use to indoor environments.

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a solid choice for home entertainment and TV audio enhancement, particularly for those who appreciate high-end audio technology and smart features. Its sleek black design and multiple control methods (app, remote, voice) add to its user-friendly appeal.