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 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 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.