10 Best Soundbar For Tvs 2026 in the United States

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.

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a powerful soundbar system designed to bring a premium surround sound experience right into your living room. With an 11.1.4 channel setup and a max power output of 1570 watts, it delivers rich, immersive audio that fills the room, making it ideal for movie lovers and gamers who want theater-like sound. One standout feature is its detachable wireless surround speakers with built-in batteries, which means you can easily create true surround sound without extra wires or complicated setup—just lift and place them behind your seating area.

The 12-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep bass that enhances explosions and music beats, completing the cinematic feel. Connectivity is flexible, supporting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, and optical inputs, so you can connect it to almost any device, from TVs and smartphones to computers. The system supports advanced sound modes like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide 3D spatial audio that makes sounds appear to come from above and around you. Additional helpful features include night listening mode for quieter audio without losing clarity, and PureVoice technology to make dialogue crystal clear.

The soundbar measures about 55 inches wide, fitting well under most TVs, and comes with wall mount brackets for flexible placement. On the downside, at 65 pounds, it’s fairly heavy, so it may require two people to install safely. Also, while the detachable speakers are wireless, they require periodic charging, which adds a small maintenance step. This JBL model represents an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier, easy-to-use soundbar system that delivers exceptional surround sound and bass along with versatile connectivity, offering both performance and convenience for a home theater setup.

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.