10 Best TV Soundbars

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a smart soundbar with a compact design, ideal for upgrading TV audio. It features Dolby Atmos, delivering a 3D surround sound effect that enhances dialogue clarity and adds depth, making it perfect for movie enthusiasts and music lovers who appreciate vibrant bass and a panoramic soundstage.

Connectivity is simple with Wi-Fi and HDMI, allowing easy integration with devices. The soundbar supports Apple AirPlay 2 and voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant, providing flexible control. These features enhance user convenience for streaming music, radio, or podcasts when the TV is off.

Setting up the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is user-friendly, requiring only two cables and guided assistance from the Sonos app. The Trueplay tuning feature optimizes sound for room acoustics, appealing to those who prefer quick and hassle-free setup. Although the soundbar's power output of 80 Watts may not suit those seeking powerful sound in larger rooms, the option to expand with additional Sonos speakers offers benefits, albeit with potential extra costs.

The compact design and wall-mounting option allow versatile placement, although the plastic material might not feel as premium as expected. Therefore, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is suited for users seeking a smart audio solution without extensive power needs or immediate expansion to multiple speakers.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is designed to enhance your TV audio experience with its 3.1 channel setup, which includes a built-in subwoofer for added bass. This all-in-one soundbar provides a powerful sound with an easy setup, utilizing an HDMI eARC/ARC connection for quick integration with your TV. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it offers immersive 3D sound that can elevate your viewing experience by delivering audio that moves around you, creating a more lifelike and engaging atmosphere.

One of the standout features is its crystal-clear dialogue, thanks to a dedicated center channel that improves speech clarity, making it easier to follow your favorite shows and movies. The soundbar also includes various EQ modes such as Film, Music, Sport, and Night, allowing you to tailor the audio according to the content you're watching.

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar supports Bluetooth, which enables you to stream music from your phone or tablet seamlessly. It also comes with multiple port options including HDMI, optical, AC, and USB-A, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and streaming media players.

However, the all-in-one design means that the subwoofer is built-in, which might not deliver the same depth of bass as a separate unit might. For those looking for a more powerful bass experience, this could be a consideration. The soundbar's size is relatively compact, but at 4.0 kg, it might require a sturdy setup if wall-mounted.

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a stylish and convenient option for anyone seeking an upgrade from basic TV speakers, particularly if you value ease of use, clear dialogue, and immersive sound. Its smart features, like integration with Fire TV for remote control and sound customization, make it a modern choice for enhancing home entertainment systems.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos offers an impressive 9.1.4 spatial audio experience, providing immersive sound that fills the room. This makes it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts and gamers who seek high-quality, surround sound. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos ensures that you get lifelike audio, with sounds placed all around you for a more dynamic experience. The dedicated Speech Enhancement feature is a plus, as it helps make dialogues clearer, which can be especially useful for TV shows and movies with heavy dialogue.

Some users may find the 9.1.4 setup excessive if they are not seeking a high-end audio experience. The sleek and elegant design is a strong point, as it blends well into any home decor without being distracting. The dimensions are fairly large (11.57 x 117.3 x 8.7 cm), which may require ample space for placement, and the weight (10 kg) could make it less portable. Connectivity is robust with options like Bluetooth, WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, offering flexibility for streaming music and more.

The single HDMI eARC connection simplifies setup, and the Sonos app provides step-by-step guidance, making it user-friendly even for those not particularly tech-savvy. Additionally, the soundbar supports voice control through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, adding to the convenience. The lack of a dedicated subwoofer in the base package might be a drawback for bass enthusiasts, though you can add a Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers for a complete surround sound setup. For users looking for an advanced, feature-rich soundbar capable of delivering premium audio quality, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a top contender. However, its price point and the need for additional accessories for a full surround sound system might be considerations.