10 Best Soundbar With Rear Speaker Output 2025 in the United States

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 HT-A9000 is a high-end soundbar designed to enhance home theater experiences by delivering immersive surround sound. With a substantial power output of 585 Watts and support for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this soundbar aims to provide cinema-quality sound at home. The 13 speakers, including 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, help create a three-dimensional sound field that can fill a room and extend beyond, enhancing movie and music experiences significantly.

Sound Field Optimization further refines the audio based on your room's characteristics, ensuring clear and balanced sound output no matter where it's placed. It offers extensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it easy to connect with various devices. Additionally, it supports rear speaker output, allowing for the addition of wireless subwoofers and rear speakers to boost the immersive experience even further. However, it does not come with rear speakers or subwoofers included, which means additional investment is required to achieve the full 360-degree spatial sound experience.

The soundbar is hefty at 12.1 pounds and has a large form factor, which could be a consideration for those with limited space. Recommended for users who prioritize high-quality audio for home theaters, gaming, and watching TV shows or movies, especially those who seek a wireless setup.

The LG S95TR is a high-end 9.1.5-channel soundbar system that delivers immersive surround sound, making it a great pick for users who want a premium home theater experience. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which means sound moves around you in three dimensions, creating a realistic and engaging audio environment. The inclusion of rear surround speakers with wireless connectivity is a real plus, allowing flexible placement without messy cables. The wireless subwoofer adds deep bass without taking up much space. The triple up-firing speakers, especially the up-firing center channel, help deliver clear dialogue and a wide soundstage.

Setup is fairly easy due to the plug-and-play rear speakers and advanced room calibration that automatically adjusts audio based on your room’s shape and speaker placement. You can control the entire system with your TV remote through the WOW Interface, which simplifies operation. It also supports popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, plus streaming features like Chromecast and AirPlay 2. On the downside, this soundbar and its components are not water-resistant and weigh quite a bit, so it’s strictly for indoor use and might require some effort to place.

Priced to reflect its premium features, the S95TR may be more than casual listeners need. For those seeking a wireless rear speaker setup with powerful 3D sound and easy integration with LG TVs, the S95TR presents an excellent option. However, those preferring a simpler or more budget-friendly system might find it more than necessary.

The JBL Bar 9.1 Channel Soundbar System offers an impressive audio experience, particularly for those seeking a surround sound setup. With a powerful 820W output and dedicated Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it excels at delivering immersive sound, making it great for movie lovers and gamers alike. The inclusion of a 300W, 10-inch subwoofer ensures deep bass that enhances your audio experience, especially in action scenes or music playback.

One of its standout features is the detachable, battery-powered surround speakers, which provide flexibility in positioning for true surround sound without the hassle of wires. This feature is particularly appealing for users who may not want a complicated installation. Furthermore, the variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and optical, make it compatible with multiple devices, catering to various audio setups.

However, the JBL Bar 9.1 does have some drawbacks. For one, its relatively high price point might not be justifiable for casual listeners who may not fully utilize its advanced features. Additionally, while the soundbar itself is lightweight and easy to mount, the detachable speakers require charging, which could be inconvenient for some. Also, users looking for a water-resistant option may be disappointed, as this model does not offer that feature.

In terms of usability, the built-in calibration helps optimize sound quality based on your room, which is beneficial for achieving the best performance regardless of the environment. The design is sleek, fitting well into most home theaters, and the sound modes add versatility for different listening experiences.