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10 Best Sound Bar Systems 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,202
Subwoofer
Sound Modes
Size and Design

Most important from
12635 reviews

Subwoofer
Adjustable bass allows for personalized sound preferences, enhancing the overall audio quality.
Sound Modes
The default factory settings handle everything perfectly, providing clear and distortion-free sound without the need for constant adjustments.
Size and Design
The compact design integrates perfectly with the TV, offering a sleek and unobtrusive addition to your setup.

The Bose TV Speaker soundbar is a compact and user-friendly audio solution aimed at improving your TV sound experience, especially when it comes to dialogue clarity. One of its standout features is the enhanced dialogue mode, which is particularly beneficial for those who might struggle to hear speech clearly in movies or shows. This makes it a great choice for families, seniors, or anyone who prioritizes vocal clarity in their viewing experience.

In terms of audio performance, the soundbar utilizes two angled full-range drivers that deliver a spacious, natural sound. This enhances TV sound without taking up too much space in your living room. With its small footprint of just over 2 inches in height, it can easily fit in front of your TV or be mounted on a wall, making it versatile for various setups.

Connectivity options are a strong point, as it includes Bluetooth pairing for music streaming, and multiple input options like HDMI ARC, optical in, and AUX in. This means you can connect up to three devices, making it easy to switch between your TV and music devices. However, it doesn't come with a subwoofer included, which might limit bass response for users looking for a more immersive sound experience. Thankfully, it is compatible with Bose's Bass Modules, allowing for an upgrade if desired. The soundbar lacks advanced features like water resistance, and its stereo sound output may not satisfy audiophiles seeking surround sound or more dynamic audio effects. Additionally, setting up the soundbar is simple but requires purchasing an HDMI cable separately if you prefer that connection.

For those seeking a straightforward and effective way to enhance their TV audio, the Bose TV Speaker delivers good performance without the complexities, appealing to casual viewers and families looking for clarity in their home entertainment.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,202
Subwoofer
Sound Modes
Size and Design

Most important from
12635 reviews

Subwoofer
Adjustable bass allows for personalized sound preferences, enhancing the overall audio quality.
Sound Modes
The default factory settings handle everything perfectly, providing clear and distortion-free sound without the need for constant adjustments.
Size and Design
The compact design integrates perfectly with the TV, offering a sleek and unobtrusive addition to your setup.
#2

Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Rating
10.0
Audio Channels
Subwoofer
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1933 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound quality is robust, enhancing TV volume and providing a surround sound experience, especially when paired with additional Sonos speakers.
Subwoofer
Pairing the Beam Gen 2 with a Sub mini creates an impressive audio experience, perfect for smaller rooms like bedrooms.
Connectivity Options
The Sonos app is essential for setup, acting as a bridge to connect the soundbar with your TV and other devices.
Sound Modes
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 significantly improves the ability to hear dialogue and special effects, making it a great choice for seniors or anyone needing enhanced volume and clarity.
Voice Control and Smart Features
Even without a remote, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 integrates seamlessly with TV remotes and offers versatile control options.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a versatile soundbar, boasting a 3D surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos. With vibrant bass and clear dialogue, it delivers a rich audio experience perfect for home entertainment. The inclusion of a subwoofer contributes to the depth of the sound, though it's integrated rather than a separate unit, which simplifies setup but may not satisfy bass enthusiasts looking for room-shaking performance.

Connectivity options are strong with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI, allowing for easy integration into your home setup. The Sonos Beam can be controlled in multiple ways: via the Sonos app, TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, adding to its user-friendly design. The setup process is straightforward, aided by the Sonos app and Trueplay tuning, ensuring optimal sound for your space.

The size and design are sleek and compact, making it suitable for various room sizes and decors. However, those needing extensive sound modes might find the options here somewhat limited. For anyone looking to expand their audio system, the Beam Gen 2 can easily integrate with other Sonos products for a complete surround sound or multiroom audio experience. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking an all-in-one soundbar system with smart features and high-quality sound.

Rating
10.0
Audio Channels
Subwoofer
Connectivity Options

Most important from
1933 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound quality is robust, enhancing TV volume and providing a surround sound experience, especially when paired with additional Sonos speakers.
Subwoofer
Pairing the Beam Gen 2 with a Sub mini creates an impressive audio experience, perfect for smaller rooms like bedrooms.
Connectivity Options
The Sonos app is essential for setup, acting as a bridge to connect the soundbar with your TV and other devices.
Sound Modes
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 significantly improves the ability to hear dialogue and special effects, making it a great choice for seniors or anyone needing enhanced volume and clarity.
Voice Control and Smart Features
Even without a remote, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 integrates seamlessly with TV remotes and offers versatile control options.
#3

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue

Rating
9.9
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Sound Modes

Most important from
147 reviews

Audio Channels
The surround sound effects are notably superior, offering a clearer and sharper audio experience compared to older models.
Connectivity Options
The soundbar integrates effortlessly with existing setups, recognizing connected components like subwoofers and speakers automatically.
Sound Modes
Adjustable audio settings, such as bass and treble levels, offer personalized sound experiences.
Voice Control
Voices come through with exceptional clarity, making dialogue-heavy shows much easier to enjoy.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers a robust audio experience with its 5.1 channel system that includes a subwoofer and surround sound speakers. This setup is excellent for enjoying cinematic sound at home, particularly with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies providing immersive, 3D audio that enhances the feel of being in a movie theater. Crisp dialogue is a standout feature, thanks to its dedicated center channel that makes speech more distinct, which is beneficial for watching dialogue-heavy shows.

The soundbar supports various sound modes such as Movie, Music, Sports, and Night, allowing you to tailor the audio based on the content for an optimized experience. Additionally, it's compatible with smart TVs and streaming media players, offering easy integration into existing setups. Connectivity options are plentiful, with HDMI, Optical, AC, and USB-A ports available. Wireless connectivity for the subwoofer and speakers simplifies installation and reduces clutter, and Bluetooth support lets you stream music directly from your devices.

The soundbar is quite large, which might not suit smaller living spaces or setups where space is at a premium. Voice control features are not highlighted, which could be a limitation for users looking for hands-free operation. Also, the initial setup involves multiple components, possibly requiring more effort compared to simpler systems. Despite these points, if you're looking for a comprehensive and immersive sound system, this soundbar is a strong contender with considerable audio power and flexibility.

Rating
9.9
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Sound Modes

Most important from
147 reviews

Audio Channels
The surround sound effects are notably superior, offering a clearer and sharper audio experience compared to older models.
Connectivity Options
The soundbar integrates effortlessly with existing setups, recognizing connected components like subwoofers and speakers automatically.
Sound Modes
Adjustable audio settings, such as bass and treble levels, offer personalized sound experiences.
Voice Control
Voices come through with exceptional clarity, making dialogue-heavy shows much easier to enjoy.

Buying Guide for the Best Sound Bar Systems

Choosing the right sound bar system can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. The key is to understand the various specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the main specs to consider when selecting a sound bar system.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that the sound bar can play. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and 7.1 channels. A 2.0 system has two channels (left and right), while a 2.1 system adds a subwoofer for bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a simple upgrade from your TV's speakers, a 2.0 or 2.1 system might suffice. For a more immersive experience, especially for movies, consider a 5.1 or 7.1 system.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, indicates the loudness and clarity of the sound bar. Higher wattage generally means more powerful and clearer sound. For small to medium-sized rooms, a sound bar with 100-300 watts should be adequate. For larger rooms or if you prefer louder volumes, look for systems with 300 watts or more. Consider your room size and how loud you like your audio when choosing the power output.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC provides the best audio quality and allows for easy control with your TV remote. Optical input is also good for high-quality sound. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from your phone or other devices. Choose a sound bar with the connectivity options that match your devices and how you plan to use it.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to your audio. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or want to feel the rumble in action movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer is essential. For a more compact setup, a built-in subwoofer might be sufficient.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, or dialogue. These modes adjust the audio settings to enhance the listening experience for each type of content. If you watch a variety of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes. This feature allows you to easily switch between modes to get the best audio quality for what you're watching or listening to.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar should complement your TV and room decor. Sound bars come in various lengths and styles, from sleek and minimalist to more robust designs. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar to ensure it fits well. Also, consider whether you want a wall-mounted or tabletop setup. Choose a design that matches your aesthetic preferences and fits seamlessly into your living space.
Voice ControlVoice control allows you to operate the sound bar using voice commands through virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple's Siri. This feature can be convenient for hands-free control, especially if you already use smart home devices. If you value convenience and have a smart home ecosystem, look for a sound bar with built-in voice control or compatibility with your preferred virtual assistant.

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