The Best Soundbars for Building Your Personal Home Theater

Until recently, I believed that nothing could match the audio quality of a high-end home theater system. But Samsung, Sonos, LG, and other soundbar manufacturers have proven me wrong. Today's soundbars offer incredible sound without the complexity of a full home theater setup. From powerful Dolby Atmos systems to compact all-in-one solutions, there's a perfect soundbar for every need.

With so many options, choosing the right soundbar can be overwhelming. As a tech journalist who's reviewed countless soundbars, I've compiled a list of the best available in 2025.

TL;DR: The Best Soundbars

Our Top Pick: Samsung HW-Q990D
Amazon | Best Buy | Samsung

Sonos Arc Ultra
Amazon | Best Buy | B&H

LG S95TR
Amazon | Best Buy | LG

Vizio V21-H8
Amazon | Walmart

Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
Amazon

Sonos Beam
Amazon | Sonos | Best Buy

1. Samsung HW-Q990D: Best Overall

Samsung HW-Q990D
Amazon | Best Buy | Samsung

Product Specifications
Channels: 11.1.4
Sound support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS:X
Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
Size (WxHxD): 48.5" x 2.7" x 5.4"
Weight: 17lbs

The Samsung HW-Q990D is widely considered the best soundbar on the market. Its 11 front-facing speakers, powerful subwoofer, and four up-firing drivers deliver a truly cinematic experience. Action scenes are impactful, dialogue is clear, and Dolby Atmos creates immersive sound. It also boasts features like SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, and HDMI 2.1 support for gaming. While retailing at $2,000, it frequently goes on sale. The HW-Q990C, a slightly older model, offers similar performance at a lower price.

2. Sonos Arc Ultra: Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Sonos Arc Ultra
Amazon | Best Buy | B&H

Product Specifications
Channels: 9.1.4
Sound support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos, Dolby TrueHD
Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.3, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
Size (WxHxD): 46.38 x 2.95” x 4.35”
Weight: 13.01lbs

The Sonos Arc Ultra boasts a 9.1.4-channel configuration and SoundMotion technology for exceptional sound. Its four upfiring drivers create a truly immersive Dolby Atmos experience, even without rear speakers. It delivers excellent music reproduction and features like Speech Enhancement. While not as value-driven as the Samsung HW-Q990D, its sound quality is exceptional and integrates seamlessly into a Sonos ecosystem.

3. LG S95TR: Best for Bass

LG S95TR
Amazon | Best Buy | LG

Product Specifications
Channels: 9.1.5
Sound support: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital/Plus, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD
Connectivity: HDMI eARC/ARC, digital optical input, 3.5mm auxiliary input, one 3.5mm stereo input, Bluetooth 5.2, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
Size (WxHxD): 45” x 2.5" x 5.3"
Weight: 12.5lbs

The LG S95TR, with its 17 drivers and powerful 22lb subwoofer, delivers exceptional bass and balanced sound. Its AI Room Calibration technology optimizes audio for your space, and it’s compatible with popular voice assistants. It’s a strong competitor to the Samsung HW-Q990D, offering impressive power and features.

4. Vizio V21-H8: Best Cheap Soundbar

Vizio V21-H8
Amazon | Walmart

Product Specifications
Channels: 2.1
Sound support: DTS TruVolume, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Volume
Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth 5.0
Size (WxHxD): 36" x 2.28" x 3.20"
Weight: 4.6lbs

For budget-conscious buyers, the Vizio V21-H8 offers surprisingly good stereo sound. While lacking advanced features like Wi-Fi and Dolby Atmos, it provides a noticeable upgrade over built-in TV speakers. Its simplicity makes it easy to set up and use.

5. Vizio M-Series 5.1.2: Best Surround Sound Value

Vizio M-Series 5.1.2
Amazon

Product Specifications
Channels: 5.1.2
Sound support: DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital+
Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Bluetooth
Size (WxHxD): 35.98" x 2.24" x 3.54"
Weight: 5.53lbs

The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 offers excellent value for a surround sound system with Dolby Atmos. While not as sophisticated as top-tier models, it delivers good immersion and balanced sound for its price point. The lack of Wi-Fi and wired rear speakers are minor drawbacks.

6. Sonos Beam: Best for Smaller Rooms

Sonos Beam
Amazon | Sonos | Best Buy

Product Specifications
Channels: 5.0
Sound support: Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos
Connectivity: HDMI (ARC), optical audio, Ethernet port, Wi-Fi
Size (WxHxD): 25.63" x 2.68" x 3.94"
Weight: 6.35lbs

The Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar that delivers surprisingly powerful sound. It offers clear dialogue, vibrant highs, and decent bass for its size. Its Dolby Atmos support adds a layer of immersion. It's compatible with smart home assistants and integrates well with other Sonos devices, making it a great starting point for a whole-home audio system.

How to Pick a Soundbar

Soundbar channels range from 2.0 (stereo) to 5.1 (surround sound) and beyond. Consider your needs: 2.0 is sufficient for basic TV viewing, 3.1 adds a dedicated center channel for clearer dialogue, and 5.1 or more provides immersive surround sound. Look for HDMI ARC/eARC connectivity for easy setup, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for streaming. Dolby Atmos adds height channels for a three-dimensional soundscape, but requires upfiring drivers and often a subwoofer.

Best Soundbars FAQs

What’s the difference between 2.0, 2.1, and 5.1 soundbars?
2.0: Two channels (left, right). 2.1: Two channels plus a subwoofer. 5.1: Five channels (left, center, right, rear left, rear right) plus a subwoofer.

How do I know if a soundbar is compatible with my TV?
Check for HDMI ARC/optical audio connections. Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are additional options.

Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
Not essential, but enhances bass response, particularly for movies and music.

What is Dolby Atmos, and do I need it?
Dolby Atmos is a 3D surround sound technology offering immersive audio. It's not essential but significantly enhances the cinematic experience.

Can I stream music through my soundbar?
Yes, many soundbars offer Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay for music streaming.