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

The VIZIO Elevate SE 5.1.2 Soundbar offers a rich audio experience with its 5.1.2 channel configuration, making it ideal for home cinema enthusiasts. It includes a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, which together deliver an immersive sound experience. A standout feature is the adaptive height speakers that rotate to reflect sound off the ceiling for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, enhancing the cinematic feel.

The soundbar has a robust 185-watt power output, ensuring strong sound performance. Connectivity is versatile with Bluetooth and HDMI eARC options, though it lacks an optical output. This model also supports advanced features like HDMI eARC for high-quality audio and the convenience of controlling the soundbar with your TV remote. The VIZIO mobile app allows for further customization and updates, though using it requires creating a VIZIO account.

The design is sleek, incorporating premium materials and customizable LED lights to fit modern decor. One major drawback is the absence of a remote control, which might necessitate frequent use of the app for adjustments. Additionally, the soundbar may not be water-resistant, which limits placement options. It's a great choice for those looking to enhance their home theater setup with advanced sound capabilities and modern design, but the lack of a physical remote could be a significant inconvenience for some users.

The SAMSUNG HW-Q990C soundbar is an impressive option for anyone looking for an immersive audio experience, especially in home theaters or gaming setups. With its 11.1.4 channel configuration, including a subwoofer and up-firing rear speakers, it offers surround sound that truly envelops you. The Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support means you can enjoy rich audio from all angles, enhancing movies, music, and games alike. The automatic sound optimization through SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the audio based on your room, ensuring the best possible sound quality.

A standout feature is the Q-Symphony technology, which allows the soundbar to work in harmony with your Samsung TV speakers for an enriched audio experience. The built-in voice assistant is a convenient touch, letting you control the soundbar and other smart devices hands-free.

On the downside, the soundbar's size and weight (22.8 pounds) might be cumbersome for some users, especially when considering wall mounting. Its premium features also come at a higher price point, which may not be justifiable for those on a budget or who are not audiophiles. While it supports a range of connectivity options including Bluetooth and HDMI, users looking for a more versatile setup might miss additional ports.

Despite these minor drawbacks, if you're serious about enhancing your home audio experience, the HW-Q990C stands out as a powerful and feature-rich soundbar. It's particularly well-suited for users who value immersive sound for movies, gaming, and music, offering a blend of advanced technology and ease of use.

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.