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10 Best TV Surround Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,334
Channels
Connectivity
Sound Modes

Most important from
115 reviews

Channels
Surround sound effects are notably better and clearer compared to previous systems like the Vizio SB3651.
Connectivity
Instantly paired with my Sony TV and wireless components, delivering great sound right away.
Sound Modes
Voice clarity is outstanding, making dialogues much easier to follow, even for those with hearing difficulties.
Voice Control
Works seamlessly with Fire TV, allowing control of both TV and soundbar with a single remote.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a solid choice for those seeking an immersive home theater experience with its 5.1 channel surround sound, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X capabilities. One of the standout strengths is its dedicated center dialogue channel, which enhances clarity for conversations, making it easier to follow dialogues in movies and shows. The inclusion of a subwoofer and two surround speakers adds depth to audio, giving you that cinematic feel right in your living room.

Setup is user-friendly; simply plug in the components and connect them for a full surround sound experience. The sound modes – Movie, Music, Sports, and Night – are a great touch, allowing you to optimize audio based on what you're watching or listening to. Additionally, it integrates well with Fire TV, letting you control everything with a single remote, which is a major convenience.

On the downside, while the soundbar offers impressive features, those without a Fire TV may miss out on some of the integrated controls. The size of the soundbar may also be a consideration for smaller spaces; at 37 inches long, it requires some room for setup. The wireless connectivity for the subwoofer and surround speakers can be a plus, but it may also face interference issues in certain environments. While the sound quality is strong, some users may find it doesn't quite match high-end dedicated audio systems for audiophiles.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is an excellent option for casual users and families looking for an enhanced TV watching experience, particularly for those who appreciate easy setup and multi-dimensional sound. Serious audio enthusiasts might want to explore more specialized systems.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,334
Channels
Connectivity
Sound Modes

Most important from
115 reviews

Channels
Surround sound effects are notably better and clearer compared to previous systems like the Vizio SB3651.
Connectivity
Instantly paired with my Sony TV and wireless components, delivering great sound right away.
Sound Modes
Voice clarity is outstanding, making dialogues much easier to follow, even for those with hearing difficulties.
Voice Control
Works seamlessly with Fire TV, allowing control of both TV and soundbar with a single remote.
#2

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

Rating
9.8
Sound Modes
Size and Design
Brand and Reviews

Most important from
12437 reviews

Sound Modes
With adjustable bass and a focus on dialogue clarity, the soundbar greatly enhances the TV watching experience.
Size and Design
The compact design integrates perfectly with the TV, providing a sleek and seamless look.
Brand and Reviews
The Bose TV Speaker soundbar offers a world of difference in movies, making dialogue much clearer without sounding tinny.

The Bose TV Speaker soundbar is a compact audio solution designed primarily for enhancing television sound. It features two angled full-range drivers that provide a wider, more natural sound experience, particularly beneficial for those who struggle with dialogue clarity. This is a great option for movie lovers, sports fans, or anyone who enjoys watching TV but finds the built-in speakers lacking in performance.

One of the standout features is its enhanced dialogue mode, which focuses on elevating vocals, making it an excellent choice for those who often watch shows with intricate dialogues or accents. The soundbar is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to easily stream music and podcasts from their devices. With multiple connection options, including HDMI ARC and optical input, setting it up is straightforward and quick.

The compact design makes it easy to fit in smaller spaces, but some users may find that the lack of a dedicated subwoofer limits the bass response. Although it is compatible with Bose's Bass Module for those seeking a deeper sound, this module is sold separately and adds to the overall cost. The soundbar's stereo audio output might not satisfy audiophiles looking for a multi-channel experience. It supports up to three devices, but can only pair with one Bluetooth device at a time, which may be a drawback for users who want to switch between multiple devices seamlessly. Additionally, while it offers a remote control for easy adjustments, the soundbar does not have built-in voice control capabilities.

Rating
9.8
Sound Modes
Size and Design
Brand and Reviews

Most important from
12437 reviews

Sound Modes
With adjustable bass and a focus on dialogue clarity, the soundbar greatly enhances the TV watching experience.
Size and Design
The compact design integrates perfectly with the TV, providing a sleek and seamless look.
Brand and Reviews
The Bose TV Speaker soundbar offers a world of difference in movies, making dialogue much clearer without sounding tinny.
#3

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - Black

Rating
9.6
Channels
Subwoofer
Connectivity

Most important from
184 reviews

Channels
Atmos effects are spectacular, even better than some high-end systems.
Subwoofer
Adding a subwoofer takes the experience to the next level, delivering deep, movie-theater-like bass.
Connectivity
Setup is seamless, thanks to the intuitive Sonos App, making it easy to get everything tuned perfectly.
Sound Modes
Clear dialogue is a standout feature, addressing a common struggle with other soundbars.
Size and Design
The bass response is ridiculously good for a unit this size.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar stands out in the surround sound bar category with its impressive 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos spatial audio experience, offering immersive sound that brings movies and music to life. The innovative Sound Motion technology enhances audio quality, delivering clear dialogue, which is complemented by the Speech Enhancement feature. This makes it particularly appealing for viewers who often struggle to hear dialogue clearly in films and shows.

One of its significant strengths is the variety of connectivity options and support for multiple streaming protocols like WiFi, Bluetooth, and Apple AirPlay 2. This flexible connectivity allows users to easily integrate the soundbar into their existing home setup, and with the ability to connect additional Sonos speakers and a subwoofer, you can expand your audio experience significantly.

The soundbar's elegant design is another highlight, as it blends seamlessly into home décor without being intrusive. The setup process is designed to be user-friendly, requiring only a single HDMI eARC connection and guided steps through the Sonos app, making it accessible even for those not familiar with tech. The Arc Ultra is a premium product, which may be reflected in its price point, making it ideal for those who value both design and performance, while those with limited space or a tighter budget may want to explore smaller or more affordable alternatives.

Rating
9.6
Channels
Subwoofer
Connectivity

Most important from
184 reviews

Channels
Atmos effects are spectacular, even better than some high-end systems.
Subwoofer
Adding a subwoofer takes the experience to the next level, delivering deep, movie-theater-like bass.
Connectivity
Setup is seamless, thanks to the intuitive Sonos App, making it easy to get everything tuned perfectly.
Sound Modes
Clear dialogue is a standout feature, addressing a common struggle with other soundbars.
Size and Design
The bass response is ridiculously good for a unit this size.

Buying Guide for the Best TV Surround Sound Bars

Choosing the right TV surround sound bar can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience. A sound bar is a compact speaker system that can deliver high-quality audio, making your TV shows, movies, and music sound much better. When selecting a sound bar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
ChannelsChannels refer to the number of separate audio channels the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1. The first number indicates the number of main channels, while the second number (if present) indicates the presence of a subwoofer. For basic TV watching, a 2.0 or 2.1 system might suffice. For a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, consider a 5.1 or higher system, which includes rear speakers for surround sound.
ConnectivityConnectivity options determine how the sound bar connects to your TV and other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC provides the best audio quality and allows for easy control with your TV remote. Optical connections are also good for high-quality audio. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are useful for streaming music from your phone or other devices. Choose a sound bar with the connectivity options that match your devices and how you plan to use it.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, indicates the loudness and clarity of the sound bar. Higher wattage generally means more powerful and clearer sound. For small to medium-sized rooms, a sound bar with 100-300 watts should be sufficient. For larger rooms or if you prefer very loud audio, look for a sound bar with 300 watts or more. Consider your room size and how loud you like your audio when choosing the power output.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate wireless subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or action movies with lots of explosions, a sound bar with a subwoofer is a good choice. If space is limited or you prefer a more streamlined setup, a sound bar with a built-in subwoofer might be more suitable.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, or dialogue. These modes can enhance your listening experience by adjusting the audio to suit the content. If you watch a variety of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes. This allows you to easily switch between settings to get the best audio quality for each type of content.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar should complement your TV and fit well in your room. Sound bars come in various lengths and styles, from compact models to larger, more elaborate designs. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and ensure it fits comfortably. Also, consider the aesthetic – a sleek, modern design might look better in a contemporary living room, while a more traditional design might suit a classic decor.

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