10 Best Small Soundbar 2025 in the United States

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact and stylish soundbar designed to enhance your TV and music experience with clear dialogue and rich bass. Thanks to Dolby Atmos, it creates a 3D surround sound effect that makes movies and shows feel more immersive, which is a big plus if you want cinema-like audio in a small package. It offers multiple connectivity options including HDMI, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, making it easy to connect to your TV and stream music directly through Apple AirPlay 2 or the Sonos app. Setup is straightforward with just two cables and the Trueplay tuning feature adjusts the sound to fit your room perfectly.

At 200 watts power output, it delivers robust sound for small to medium rooms without taking up much space—measuring about 25.6 inches wide and under 3 inches tall. Additional features like voice control and multi-room audio support let you expand your system or control playback hands-free, adding convenience. On the downside, it doesn’t come with a built-in subwoofer, so bass lovers might want to add one separately for deeper lows. Also, it isn’t water-resistant and weighs over 6 pounds, so it’s best suited for indoor, fixed use.

If you're looking for a sleek, easy-to-use soundbar with great sound quality and smart features, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 represents a strong choice for small soundbar setups.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 HT-A9000 Soundbar is a high-end option for those seeking exceptional sound quality in a compact size. This soundbar features 13 speakers and supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which deliver a cinema-quality, three-dimensional sound experience. The 360 Spatial Sound Mapping further enhances the immersion by creating a broad, room-filling audio environment.

The Sound Field Optimization adjusts audio output based on your room's characteristics, ensuring optimal sound quality in any setting. However, to fully maximize its capabilities, additional purchases such as a subwoofer and rear speakers are necessary, which could be a downside for some users due to the extra cost involved.

In terms of connectivity, it supports both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, providing flexibility for various devices, and is easy to control via a remote or app. The size and sleek design make it suitable for most living spaces, and it can be wall-mounted or placed on a tabletop. The relatively high price and the need for additional components may not make it the best choice for budget-conscious buyers. This soundbar is ideal for home theater enthusiasts who are willing to invest in a premium audio experience.

The Arc Ultra Soundbar by Sonos is designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, particularly appealing for those who enjoy watching movies or listening to music in their home. With advanced features like Dolby Atmos, it provides a remarkable 9.1.4 spatial audio output, making sound placement around the room precise and engaging. Users can expect clarity in dialogue thanks to its Speech Enhancement feature, which is perfect for those who often struggle to hear conversations in films or shows.

In terms of connectivity, the Arc Ultra offers multiple options including HDMI eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. This variety allows for easy integration with various devices and streaming services, making it versatile for different users' needs. The setup process is streamlined with the Sonos app, which guides you step-by-step, making it accessible even for non-tech-savvy individuals.

The soundbar's elegant design is another strong point; it fits well in modern living spaces without being obtrusive. The option to add additional Sonos speakers for a fuller surround sound experience is also a plus, especially for audiophiles or home theater enthusiasts. However, it’s worth noting that the Arc Ultra isn't the most compact soundbar on the market, measuring 46.18 inches in width, which may be a consideration for smaller spaces. Additionally, while the price reflects its high-end features, it may be on the higher side for budget-conscious shoppers. Lastly, while features like voice control are convenient, they may not appeal to everyone, especially if you're looking for straightforward audio playback.

The Arc Ultra is well-suited for consumers who prioritize sound quality and smart features in a soundbar, but its size and price might deter those with limited space or budget constraints.