10 Best Soundbar For Tvs 2026 in the United States

The Samsung Q800F is a soundbar designed to enhance your TV's audio with immersive 3D sound through its 5.1.2 channel setup, including side and upward-firing speakers that create surround and overhead effects. It supports Dolby Atmos, delivering a movie-theater-like experience with clear, spatial audio that makes sounds feel like they're coming from all around you. The wireless 8-inch subwoofer offers deep, powerful bass without bulky cables, adding fullness to music, movies, and games. With 400 watts of power, it provides strong volume and clarity suited for medium to large rooms.

The soundbar also features built-in smart assistants like Alexa, plus easy connectivity through Bluetooth, HDMI, and Wi-Fi, allowing seamless control and streaming from smartphones or other devices. One standout feature is its automatic sound calibration using a built-in microphone, which adjusts audio settings to match your room's layout, improving voice clarity and overall immersion. It also works well with compatible Samsung TVs via Q-Symphony technology, blending TV speakers and the soundbar for richer audio.

The unit is quite sizable and weighs over 27 pounds, so it requires enough space and a sturdy setup, which might be less convenient for smaller rooms. While it excels in delivering detailed and powerful sound, users looking for a simpler or more compact soundbar might find it a bit complex or large. It also requires AAA batteries for the remote, which is a minor extra to keep in mind. This soundbar is ideal for TV owners wanting high-quality, cinematic sound with smart features who don't mind investing in a more substantial system.

The Samsung Q990D is a high-end soundbar designed to deliver immersive, cinema-like audio for your TV. It features an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup, including 11 speakers up front, a wireless subwoofer, and four upward-firing channels, plus wireless rear speakers. This combination creates a true surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos, making sounds come from all around you—great for movies, shows, and gaming.

Connectivity is versatile, supporting wireless options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Alexa voice control, Chromecast, and Airplay, so it's easy to connect with various devices and smart home systems. The soundbar also has smart features like SpaceFit Sound Pro, which automatically adjusts audio based on your room's layout, and Adaptive Sound to make dialogue clearer even at low volumes. For gamers, the Game Mode Pro enhances 3D sound for a more immersive experience.

The unit is fairly large and heavy (over 50 pounds), which may require careful placement or wall mounting. While it includes a full rear speaker kit, the size and setup complexity might be more than casual users want. Additionally, the price tends to be on the higher side, reflecting its advanced features. If you are seeking a premium home theater upgrade with rich, detailed sound and smart connectivity, the Q990D is a strong choice. However, if you want a simpler or more compact soundbar, this might feel a bit bulky and overpowered.

The Arc Ultra Soundbar from Sonos stands out with its impressive 9.1.4 channel configuration, delivering a rich and immersive audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos. It features advanced Sound Motion technology, which ensures that sound is evenly distributed throughout the room. This soundbar is particularly effective for clear dialogue due to the Speech Enhancement feature, making it a great choice for watching TV shows and movies where understanding speech is crucial. The design is sleek and modern, blending well with home decor without being distracting.

Control options are versatile, including a TV remote, Sonos app, touch controls, and voice control through Alexa and Sonos Voice Control. Setup is straightforward with a single HDMI eARC connection and guidance from the Sonos app. Connectivity is robust, supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, allowing for a variety of streaming options. However, the soundbar's subwoofer is connected via a wired connection, which might be less convenient compared to wireless options. Additionally, the price point might be higher than other soundbars in the market, reflecting its premium features and brand reputation.

The soundbar is not waterproof, so it should be kept clear from potential water damage. At 12.7 pounds and a size of 46.18 inches wide, it requires adequate space for placement. For an enhanced experience, you can add Sonos Sub and rear speakers, though this involves additional costs. This soundbar is ideal for those looking for high-quality audio performance and seamless integration with smart home systems, particularly in larger rooms where its full capabilities can be utilized.