10 Best Soundbar With Optical Input 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar designed to improve your TV audio experience, especially for dialogue clarity. Its standout feature is the enhancement of speech, making it a great choice for those who often find themselves straining to understand conversations in movies or shows. With two angled full-range drivers, it offers a wider soundstage, which helps create a more immersive listening experience.

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar excels with multiple options, including HDMI ARC, optical in, and AUX in, allowing for easy setup and compatibility with various devices. The Bluetooth feature also lets you stream music directly from your phone or tablet, which adds to its versatility. Setting it up is straightforward, requiring just a single connection to your TV, and the included remote control offers additional features like dialogue mode and bass boost for a personalized listening experience.

The design is sleek and compact, standing only about 2 inches tall, making it suitable for tight spaces in front of your TV or easy wall mounting. It’s important to note that it lacks a built-in subwoofer, which means it may not deliver the deep bass some users expect for action movies or music genres heavy on bass. Additionally, while it’s marketed for home entertainment, the sound quality is primarily stereo, which might not satisfy audiophiles looking for surround sound capabilities.

The VIZIO Elevate SE 5.1.2 Soundbar is designed for home audio enthusiasts looking for immersive sound experiences. It offers a surround sound configuration with 5.1.2 channels, delivering impressive audio quality through Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies. The adaptive height speakers add a unique feature by rotating to direct sound for a cinematic experience, but this may be less effective in rooms with low ceilings. With a maximum output power of 185 watts, it provides robust sound suitable for medium to large rooms. The HDMI eARC connection allows high-quality audio transmission and control via your TV remote, enhancing convenience.

However, it lacks an optical output, which might be a downside if your setup relies on this connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity is available for wireless audio streaming from smartphones and other devices, adding versatility. The wireless subwoofer enhances the bass response, and its 6-inch diameter ensures deep, resonant lows, though it may not be the most powerful on the market. The design is modern and sleek, with premium fabric and customizable LED light, making it aesthetically pleasing.

It is relatively lightweight at 24.1 pounds and can be mounted on the wall or attached to select VIZIO TVs using the QuickFit feature, which simplifies installation. The VIZIO mobile app allows advanced settings adjustments, though some users might find the requirement to create an account inconvenient. The remote control is sold separately, which could be a minor inconvenience. This soundbar is ideal for users seeking a blend of high-quality sound and modern design, especially those with compatible VIZIO TVs.

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a standout soundbar for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience, especially those who enjoy movies or gaming with immersive sound. With a powerful 820W output and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it delivers exceptional sound quality that can fill a room, making it ideal for home theater setups. The detachable, battery-powered surround speakers are a significant highlight; they offer genuine surround sound without the hassle of wires, making installation straightforward. Additionally, the 300W, 10" subwoofer provides deep bass, enhancing the overall audio experience.

In terms of connectivity, it offers a range of options including optical, HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, catering to various devices and user preferences. The inclusion of Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision ensures compatibility with modern TVs and enhances your viewing experience. The built-in calibration feature is also handy, automatically adjusting the sound settings to suit your room, which is great for users unfamiliar with sound optimization.

There are a few considerations. The soundbar, while compact in design, may still require some space, especially when factoring in the position for the subwoofer and surround speakers. Though the included components like wall-mount brackets make mounting easier, the size may not be suitable for small rooms. Additionally, some users might find the wireless setup requires a bit of patience during initial configuration. While it offers premium features, it comes at a higher price point than basic soundbars, which might not appeal to budget-conscious consumers. If you're serious about sound quality and enjoy cinematic audio, the JBL Bar 9.1 is a compelling option that deserves consideration.