10 Best Surround Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

The Arc Ultra Soundbar by Sonos is a high-end surround sound system designed to deliver an immersive audio experience. With its 9.1.4 channel setup and Dolby Atmos support, this soundbar excels in creating a spatial audio experience that fills the room. The integration of Sound Motion technology enhances this effect by precisely placing sounds around the listener, adding to the depth and realism of the audio. An additional Speech Enhancement feature ensures that dialogue is crystal clear, making it ideal for watching movies and TV shows.

The soundbar is also compatible with various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, and Apple AirPlay 2, offering flexibility in how you connect and control your audio devices. Voice control through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa adds convenience, allowing hands-free operation. The elegant design of the Arc Ultra ensures it fits seamlessly into any home decor without being a distraction.

However, it's worth noting that the included subwoofer is wired, which might limit placement options for some users. The soundbar is also relatively large, measuring over 46 inches in width, which could be an issue for smaller spaces. Despite these minor drawbacks, the effortless setup through the Sonos app and the ability to expand the system with additional Sonos speakers make this a versatile choice for those seeking a premium home audio experience.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a sleek soundbar designed for home entertainment, offering a compelling combination of modern features and ease of use. Its standout strength is the integration of Dolby Atmos, providing a 3D surround sound effect that enhances the listening experience with vibrant bass and clear dialogue. The soundbar also supports streaming from various services like music, radio, and podcasts, making it versatile for everyday use.

Control options are plentiful, including the Sonos app, TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, which adds convenience for users. Setup is straightforward with just two cables and step-by-step guidance from the Sonos app, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with tech can get it running quickly. Additionally, the Trueplay tuning feature helps optimize the sound for your room environment.

The soundbar has a 2.0 channel configuration without a dedicated subwoofer, which might not deliver the deep bass that some users expect from a full surround sound system. While the Beam Gen 2 can be expanded with additional Sonos speakers over time to create a true surround sound setup, this requires additional investment. Its compact size and elegant design make it suitable for most living spaces, but it may not be the best fit for large rooms needing powerful sound coverage. The connectivity options are robust, featuring Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI, but no Bluetooth, which may be a consideration for some users. With a power output of 200 watts, it is capable of delivering strong audio performance suitable for most home entertainment needs.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is an impressive surround-sound system that features 5.1 channels, making it capable of delivering a true cinematic experience. It comes with a subwoofer and two surround speakers, which are both wirelessly connected, simplifying the setup process and reducing cable clutter. Additionally, the system supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing 3D, lifelike audio that enhances movie watching and gaming experiences. The dedicated center dialogue channel ensures that conversations are crisp and clear, which is beneficial for catching every word in your favorite shows.

This soundbar also offers multiple EQ modes—Movie, Music, Sports, and Night—allowing you to optimize the audio based on your content type. The inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity means you can also stream music directly from your phone or tablet. The soundbar is compatible with smart TVs and TVs connected to streaming media players, and it integrates seamlessly with Fire TV for easy control using a single remote. The design is sleek, with a soundbar size of 37” x 5.2” x 2.5”, making it a good fit for most TV setups without being obtrusive. The 14.3lbs weight of the subwoofer and the size of the components might require careful placement to avoid overwhelming smaller spaces.

The product includes essential accessories like an HDMI cable, wall mount kit, and a quick start guide, making it user-friendly out of the box. With a one-year limited warranty and options for extended coverage, it provides decent after-sales support. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is well-suited for users looking for an immersive audio experience with easy setup and comprehensive features, though it might be more optimal for mid-sized to larger living spaces.