Do you want to know which are the best soundbars of the year 2023? If you have a high-end TV with 4K resolution, you will surely realize that the audio will not be its strong point in all probability.
How do we solve this problem? With the right soundbar, a device that will offer us an excellent surround sound experience can be easily installed in any room without having to fill it with many speakers everywhere.
They can be placed on a wall or under your television and often come with a built-in subwoofer for powerful bass.
What is a Sound Bar?
It’s basically a small, slim speaker system that can be placed under or near your television. Its technology provides you with great sound without having 5.1 surround sound speakers scattered throughout the room. They are perfect to use with a Blu-ray, an Xbox One or a PS4.
Many soundbars offer 2.1 sound settings. That means they will have two separate speakers and a subwoofer. Of course, there are some exceptions that bundle subwoofer and speakers into one device.
Beyond connecting to a television, soundbars can offer WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity to stream content from smartphones, tablets, and computers. Physical connections can include USB ports for connecting external hard drives, HDMI inputs and outputs for Full HD or 4K, optical digital ports, and 3D TV playback.
The cheapest models have more basic connections. The more expensive ones add better quality HDMI inputs (including 4K / HDR), wireless audio streaming (Bluetooth and AirPlay), better power, and more refined speaker drivers and decoding of sound formats for Blu-ray.
The Bestsellers
The 10 Best Sound Bars Reviews
Bose Soundbar 700
- Full immersion for all entertainment — Smart Soundbar 600 is a Dolby Atmos soundbar that also features proprietary TrueSpace technology and two upward firing transducers to deliver shockingly immersive sound for all your movies, TV shows, and music.
- TrueSpace elevates it all — No matter what you’re watching, Bose TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes signals other than Dolby Atmos, like stereo or 5.1, and upmixes them to create an immersive multi-channel sound experience.
- Packed with technology — The acoustic architecture squeezes 5 speakers (including 2 upward firing) into a small, 27.5” wide soundbar to spread sound across the room: horizontally left and right, forward, and overhead.
- Wireless soundbar for streaming — Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in compatibility let you stream content anyway you want.
- This wireless, compact subwoofer is designed to be paired with the Bose sound bar 700 to bring music, movies, and TV to life with deep, dramatic bass. The surround speakers have a wireless range of 30 feet
Attractive price, spectacular design, and powerful and very enveloping sound, much more than that offered by the Soundbar 500 model. Can you ask for more? Indeed an instruction manual to configure it, but it is not very difficult with the Bose Music app. The times change.
The “soundstage” it offers is spectacular, the remote control is a joy and it has ADAPTiQ audio calibration. It’s a shame the bass is a bit lazy.
Besides, with the app for iOS or Android, you will be able to calibrate the soundbar and configure many of its aspects. And best of all, it has a large number of wireless connections such as Bluetooth, wifi, or Apple Airplay 2, so connecting to streaming services such as Apple Music, Amazon Music, or Spotify is simple. You will also be able to play music from your library.
You will also find ethernet, optical, USB (service only), and HDMI ARC sockets. As for the sound, we find Dolby Digital but DTS is missing. Perfect soundbar for watching movies but also for listening to music.
LG SK8 – Hi-Res Sound Bar
- High Resolution audio - digital music for audiophiles, with higher sampling rates and Bit depth, both of which can contribute to more accurate, more enjoyable music listening
- Dolby Atmos - the SK8Y realistically virtualized audio height channels to add thrilling Surround sound to select movies and TV shows
- Works with the Google assistant; High Resolution Audio: Up to 24bit/96kHz
- Wireless Surround Ready - designed to integrate with the spk8-s optional wireless Surround speakers (sold separately), adding the premium home Theater audio of dedicated rear channels
- Adaptive sound control - adaptive sound control identifies what's playing and automatically adjusts the sound mode to create the ideal audio experience.Soundbar Power Consumption:29 W
A sound bar that is not excessively expensive and that offers excellent performance. Its design is elegant, it is compact and the sound it offers is detailed and open.
It has a subwoofer, but do not expect that this device will enhance the sound much, or at least not as much as is expected when this type of device is included. It cannot be compared to a 5.1 sound system .
It offers 360º surround sound thanks to Dolby Atmos technology and is compatible with your TV remote control, no matter the model. It also has ASC equalization, capable of automatically adapting the sound depending on whether you are watching a movie or listening to music. It also has automatic volume adjustment.
It supports many sources and the sound it offers is powerful. It supports voice control and you can use the Google assistant.
Sonos Beam – Soundbar with integrated Alexa
- Beam - The smart, compact soundbar for TV, music, and more.
- High definition sound - Experience rich, detailed sound for your TV that fills the entire room.
- TV, music and more - Play music, TV, movies, podcasts, radio, audiobooks and video games.
- Easy control - Control Beam with your voice, remote, the Sonos app, and more.
- Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback (Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors)
A soundbar with the Amazon Alexa assistant, so you will be able to control it by voice since it has a microphone. Its installation is simple and it is preferable to do it with HDMI ARC to control the volume with the TV remote control. The sound is powerful and spectacular.
You can connect it with your smartphone or tablet and use its app to play songs. You can even use Spotify (if you have a subscription). It does not support Dolby Digital Plus or DTS (their biggest drawback).
Sony HTX8500 2.1ch Dolby Atmos
- 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS X with Vertical Sound Engine
- Dual built-in subwoofers for deep bass
- All sound upscaled close to 7.1.2ch audio
- Seven different sound modes to enhance your entertainment experience
- Voice enhancement for greater clarity
Really cheap soundbar with good features. Perfect for listening to DTS or AC3 audio. It has different types of equalization and if you connect it through HDMI ARC everything will go smoothly.
It is only a 2.0 bar, so the sound cannot match more expensive models. The buttons on the top do not allow full control.
SAMSUNG HW-T450 2.1ch Soundbar
- BLUETOOTH TV CONNECTION - Connect listen enjoy Bluetooth TV connection connect via Bluetooth and enjoy your favorite content without unsightly cables
- POWERFUL BASS - Deep rich bass feel the action and the beat of the music with the rich bass from the wireless subwoofer
- SMART SOUND - Optimized sound for your favorite content the soundbar detects what you’re watching and automatically optimizes the sound setting for the best entertainment experience. Whether it’s a loud sporting event or a drama with quiet dialogue you can count on Soundbar T650 to provide clear sound for enhanced TV viewing
- ONE REMOTE CONTROL - A world of sound with 1 remote is all you need control key soundbar functions like power volume and even sound effects with the Samsung TV remote - right from your TV
- GAME MODE - Optimized gaming sound connect your console to the soundbar to boost your gaming experience optimize sound while offering clear directional sound to gain the advantage
It is a soundbar to enter the world. It is not the best soundbar to offer perfect sound at all frequencies, but it will give you great joys if you do not ask for much. The sound is very decent, its price is outrageous and it will serve you perfectly to enhance the sound of your favorite movies.
However, having a wireless subwoofer, the bass is going to sound pretty good to you. It only has an optical input and a USB port. You can use its EQ to customize the sound. It does not have Atmos support.
Bose TV Speaker- Small Soundbar
- Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound.
- Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.
- Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation.
- Bluetooth TV speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. You can connect up to three devices using the inputs (HDMI, Optical in and AUX in). The soundbar will automatically select the input it detects first (the first device that is powered on).
- Simple setup: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes.
In case you don’t want to spend as much money as with the Bose Soundbar 700 soundbar, this is an excellent option to introduce you to the world of Bose. It is perfect if you want to enhance TV series and movies (it is specially designed for that). Combined with other Bose equipment it is perfect (like the Bose Bass Module 500 and 700).
The sound worsens somewhat when we turn up the volume a lot and it does not have automatic volume for at night. You can also connect your smartphone and start listening to a podcast like crazy.
Sonos Playbar – The Mountable Sound Bar
- The mountable soundbar for TV, movies, music, and more
- Enjoy crisp dialogue and impressive bass from wall to wall with Playbar. Control it with the Sonos app, your remote, and more
- Whether you mount it on the wall or place it below your TV on a stand or console, Playbar automatically tunes itself for the best possible sound
- Playbar was specially tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers to emphasize the sound of the human voice so you can always follow the story
- Easily connect Sonos speakers in different rooms over WiFi to create a home sound system that brings every room and everyone together
It does not have HDMI connections, but it has an optical input that we can connect to the compatible TV and WIFI connectivity. For its use we have to use a smartphone or tablet with the corresponding app.
We can connect other Sonos speakers wirelessly to get surround sound. It has 9 class D digital amplifiers, 6 mid-range speakers and 3 tweeters. It’s not your typical soundbar, at least in terms of connections.
Hisense HS218 2.1ch Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer
- Enjoy Better Tv Sound: Hisense HS218 Sound Bar comes with 4 spearkers and a wireless subwoofer, which gives you a total of 200 Watts superior audio, together with Dolby Audio technology and a professional master-level sound effect tuning. It will upgrade your TV sound instantly.
- Wireless Subwoofer: A dedicated, wireless 80 Watt subwoofer delivers the robust low-end frequencies that punctuate your favorite movies, music, and games, without any messy wires. You’ll feel the “boom” while the two front-facing speakers project bright, clear high- and mid-range frequencies.
- Roku TV Ready: As Roku TV Ready device, the Hisense HS218 Soundbar is fully compatible with any Roku Tv through the HDMI (ARC) connection. You can even use the Roku Tv remote to control both the Tv and soundbar for easier setup and better navigation experience.
- Easy Connectivity: With HDMI (ARC), the Hisense HS218 can connect to your Tv through a single HDMI cable (included), connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to smart device, and control both with one remote. You’ll be enjoying better TV sound in minutes.
- Quick Touch EQ Modes: Get the best audio performance from music, movies, and news with a simple touch of the remote with multiple preset EQ settings.
Another cheap model that also incorporates a subwoofer. You can not ask for more. The audio quality is decent (although don’t expect the panacea), it comes with remote control and can be connected to the mobile. Perfect for the price it has.
Sony ST5000 7.1.2ch 800W Dolby Atmos Soundbar
- Experience Dolby Atmos in a 7.1.2ch, 800W sound bar
- Maintain quality from source to screen with 4K HDR support and HDCP 2.2
- Enjoy the rich, detail of Hi-Res Audio in a stylish design
- Google Home compatibility and wireless multi-room listening
- Receiver-like connectivity with 3 HDMI inputs, HDMI ARC and more
It’s not a cheap soundbar, but you’re going to pay for one of the best soundbars around. It offers you Dolby Atmos, its manufacturing quality is tremendous and it supports high-resolution audio. You can not ask for more. Surround sound is from another planet. The only downside to it is that it doesn’t have DTS: X…. and its high price.
Sony HT-RT5 Soundbar with 2 Wireless Rear Speakers
- Experience real surround sound - 5.1 channels of immersive audio with wireless rear speakers. You're at the centre of everything. A three channel sound bar, wireless subwoofer, and two wirelessly connected rear speakers combine to deliver a realistic sound stage that directs movie theatre audio right to you.
- Hear every detail from six speakers. Lose yourself in dynamic, full-frequency sound from a combination of powerful wireless speakers and sophisticated technologies.
- Stream all of your music - The HT-RT5 supports a wide range of wireless technologies and music streaming services, so you can connect to all your favourite songs, instantly.
- 3x HDMI inputs, 1x HDMI ARC output, a USB input, and optical digital and analogue connections
If this soundbar stands out for something, it is because it allows you to configure the sound distribution entirely thanks to its two towers, a three-channel soundbar, and the subwoofer. Surround sound is very successful.
The sound is apparent and does not distort and has many automatic sound modes (night, clear, sport, movie … Its installation is very simple.
What to Consider When Choosing the Soundbar
- Buy a soundbar with at least 3 or more channels as they are perfect for simulating surround sound. Then you can go up to 5 channels or even 7 channels. Improve surround sound in your living room.
- Choose an active soundbar as they come with built-in amplifiers.
- A soundbar should be no wider than your TV and should be centered under or on top of the TV.
- Connectivity? They should have WiFi or Bluetooth or both for wireless connections to your TV or mobile devices. They should have an HDMI connector to make it easy to switch audio sources. An optical connection would not be bad at all to facilitate the connection.
- eye! That has HDMI ARC: You just have to connect it to the input of the audio return channel (ARC) of your TV with an HDMI cable and everything begins to work as if by magic.
- If you have a wireless controller, that’s great. Controlling it will be easier. If you can operate it using your TV remote, all the better.
- If you have Dolby Atmos, the sound will improve tremendously: the sound will move around you in three-dimensional space. As in the best cinemas. Home Cinema 5.1 is better in this case, but it takes up more space.
Sound Bars vs 5.1 Home Cinema Systems
At first, it is not obvious which system is best for each. Not everything is having better sound or a more careful surround sound.
Let’s see, 5.1 home cinema systems offer better sound than a soundbar, it is obvious, but soundbars have certain advantages:
- Soundbars are usually cheaper, smaller, and you don’t have to mess around a lot to place them in your living room.
- It usually has built-in Bluetooth.
- They can be converted to a 2.1 sound system if they come with a subwoofer included
- They have been designed to improve the sound of your TV without complicating your life much.
- They can create 3D sound with a few tricks.
Advantages and disadvantages of Home Cinema 5.1 sound systems?
- They are intended for movie fans who want the best possible sound
- They offer better sound by having more speakers distributed throughout the room, but they can be difficult to install because they have more cables.
- The subwoofer offers great sound, but they are usually quite large.
- They are usually more expensive systems.
Which is Easier to Install and Position?
The soundbars are much easier to install and place in your living room. Just take it out of the box and connect it to your TV via optical cable, HDMI, or using Bluetooth, so that the sound begins to flow through it instead of through the Smart TV. Besides, most soundbars with subwoofer are wireless and do not need to connect the subwoofer by cable, making them convenient devices.
Without a doubt, here the soundbar wins by a landslide since Home Cinema usually has multiple cables that connect each of the speakers to the main source. That, not counting the bass they typically come with, means you have to worry about a considerable amount of wiring, not to mention the modifications you will have to make so that they are not visible in your living room.
Which is more versatile?
If we compare a Home Cinema vs a sound bar’s versatility, the former is somewhat more potent than most soundbar models but is not very versatile. Once installed around the TV, it is complicated to move them to another room or outside to play music. Keep in mind that home theaters have many speakers connected, the leading source, and a subwoofer, which means you need to move many cables and devices.
The soundbars are mostly wireless (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi), which will allow you to connect them to your TV, mobile, tablet, and/or laptop to get the sound from these devices through the bar. In addition, as they usually consist of a bar and a subwoofer, simply by disconnecting a couple of cables, you can transport it anywhere in your house or outdoors, as they are usually light and compact.
Conclusion
Home theater systems are compelling and have a slightly more immersive effect than a soundbar. If you have space, time for their installation, you do not plan to move it and you are willing to deal with the wiring, they are a good option.
But, if you are one of those who prefer versatility and comfort, soundbars are your thing. Its easy installation, ability to connect to practically any mobile device via Bluetooth, and the fact that the sound they produce is almost comparable to that of a Home Theater, have made it a very popular home theater system and increasingly present in the halls of homes.