10 Best Soundbar 5 1 2026 in the United States

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a high-end soundbar designed to deliver an impressive surround sound experience with its 9.1.4 channel setup, which goes beyond the typical 5.1 soundbar. Thanks to Dolby Atmos and Sound Motion technology, it creates a rich, immersive audio environment that’s great for both movies and music. Its AI-powered Speech Enhancement makes dialogue very clear, which is useful for TV shows and movies. In terms of connectivity, it offers HDMI eARC for easy connection to your TV, along with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, giving you plenty of options for streaming your favorite content.

The soundbar is fairly large at over 46 inches wide and weighs about 12.7 pounds, so it suits medium to large rooms and needs a good amount of space. The design is sleek and modern, fitting well in most living rooms without drawing too much attention. Setup is straightforward with helpful app guidance, and you can control it by voice (Sonos Voice Control, Alexa), app, TV remote, or touch. For those wanting even more immersive sound, you can add a Sonos Sub and rear speakers, but bear in mind these extras add to the overall cost.

One downside is that the unit doesn’t have a built-in subwoofer, so bass might feel less powerful without adding a separate sub. Also, it’s not waterproof, so it’s strictly for indoor use. The price tends to be on the higher side, reflecting its premium features. If you want a top-tier soundbar with excellent sound quality, smart controls, and flexible streaming options, the Sonos Arc Ultra is well worth considering, especially if you enjoy Dolby Atmos surround sound. For those looking for a simpler or more budget-friendly 5.1 soundbar, this might be more than needed.

The Samsung HW-B750F is a 5.1 channel soundbar designed to deliver immersive home theater sound through its five front and side speakers plus a wireless subwoofer. It offers 400 watts of power, strong enough to fill a medium to large room with clear, multidimensional audio. Notable features include 3D audio with side-firing speakers that enhance room-filling sound and adaptive sound technology that adjusts audio settings based on what you’re watching, improving dialogue clarity and overall sound detail.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and HDMI, enabling easy connection to most TVs and smartphones. Samsung’s Q-Symphony feature allows it to pair well with compatible Samsung TVs to create a more robust sound experience. For gamers, it provides directional sound that tracks in-game action and reduces distracting noise, enhancing immersion.

The soundbar has a sleek, rectangular design suitable for wall mounting or placement on a stand, fitting well into most living spaces without bulk. The wireless subwoofer reduces cable clutter. Potential drawbacks include its weight (over 18 pounds), which might make installation challenging, and the lack of waterproofing, restricting it to indoor use. While it supports popular music services like Spotify and Amazon Music, it does not include built-in voice assistants found in some competitors. This soundbar is an excellent choice for enhancing home theater or gaming setups with clear surround sound and easy connectivity, especially when paired with a Samsung TV, but may be less suitable for those seeking more compact options or smart assistant integration.

The LG S80TR 5.1.3-channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a strong contender in the home audio market, particularly for those looking to elevate their home theater or gaming setup. Offering a compelling cinema sound solution, this soundbar employs Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies to provide an immersive audio experience. The presence of rear wireless speakers and an up-firing center channel ensures rich, detailed sound that fills the room, enhancing both dialogue clarity and acoustic performance.

Additionally, the built-in WOW Orchestra feature synchronizes audio between your LG TV and soundbar, offering a cohesive sound experience. The WOWCAST built-in functionality allows Dolby Atmos to work wirelessly, maintaining high audio quality without the clutter of wires. Advanced Room Calibration is another highlight, with the soundbar adjusting audio settings based on your room's dimensions for optimal performance. Multi-platform support, including compatibility with Google Assistant, Alexa, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2, makes it versatile for various smart home systems.

With features like VRR/ALLM, gamers will appreciate the smooth, lag-free audio that matches their visuals. The design is sleek and can be wall-mounted, saving space and blending well with modern home decor. However, the LG S80TR is on the heavier side at 42.1 pounds, which might be a consideration for some users. Also, it requires a power source and two AA batteries, adding to maintenance requirements. This soundbar is particularly suitable for users seeking an advanced and immersive home theater or gaming audio system with the convenience of wireless connectivity and smart home integration.