Best Soundbar of 2024 – Top Picks for Immersive Audio Experience
A soundbar is often the best way to go when it comes to getting the best sound quality possible from your TV. A good soundbar can provide an immersive audio experience that will make you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
With so many different soundbars on the market, knowing which one is right for you can be hard. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best soundbars of 2024.
Below, you’ll find our top picks for soundbars and a few tips on choosing the right one for your needs.
Table of Contents
What to Look for in a Best Soundbar
When purchasing the best soundbar, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
Size
Each soundbar is designed for different TV sizes. Make sure you buy one that fits your television so you can get the full experience.
Sound Quality
The best soundbars produce an amazing sound that makes you feel right in the action.
Connectivity
Look for a soundbar with several different ways to connect, including wireless streaming and Bluetooth support. This way, you can always listen to your favourite tracks.
Directional speakers – Some units feature directional speakers, which help to create an immersive sound experience.
Price
The best soundbars can be a bit pricey, but plenty of great options are available for every budget.
Our Picks for the Best Soundbars of 2024.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s look at our picks for the best soundbars of 2024.
Premium Pick
Diamond Pick
Sliver Pick
1. SENNHEISER AMBEO Soundbar – Sound Bars for TV with Subwoofer (13 Speakers)
Sennheiser AMBEO soundbar is designed to give you an immersive audio experience. It features 13 speakers, multiple connection types, and both Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support.
This unit also includes a subwoofer that can produce incredibly deep bass. You’ll love the clear sound quality thanks to the detailed tweeters and crisp woofers, and you can even connect a 5.1 surround sound unit for a more immersive experience.
Main Features / Technical Specifications:
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth Version
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Brand: Sennheiser
Model Name: AMBEO Soundbar
Recommended Uses For Product: For Surround Sound Systems, For Televisions, For Smartphones or Tablets
Structure:
The structure of SENNHEISER AMBEO soundbar is very well. The build and materials used feel premium. There are 13 speakers, 5 tweeters, 4 midrange, and 4 woofers.
All drivers face forward, which is great for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X 3D audio playback. Sennheiser also packs in a monstrous 30Hz subwoofer.
The soundbar is quite large, having dimensions of 49.8 x 6.73 x 5.31 inches deep, so it won’t fit under all TVs. It also weighs a hefty 40.7 pounds, so you’ll need two people to move it around.
On top of the soundbar is a responsive touch panel that looks nice. It’s also backlit with blue LEDs when the unit is powered on.
There are three inputs located in the rear of the soundbar
1. Low-level/Line In Audio
2. Optical In audio
3. Ethernet port
The last input can be used to add Alexa support if you have the Amazon Echo, but it is sold separately.
Sound Quality:
The Sennheiser AMBEO soundbar has fantastic audio quality, clear highs, and good midrange. It’s even loud enough to fill up a large room without losing too much clarity. The subwoofer has plenty of bass for action scenes and explosions.
We could hear crisp dialogue and subtle background sounds, which can be attributed to the multiple tweeters and midrange drivers. There’s good separation between instruments in complex orchestral pieces with no muddiness or distortion.
It has a sound signature that leans towards clear audio rather than heavily processed bass. If you like deep, punchy bass, you’ll find the soundbar falls short in that area.
Connectivity:
The Sennheiser AMBEO soundbar has a wide range of connectivity options. There’s an Ethernet port, optical audio input, and 3.5mm auxiliary input for wired connections.
You can also connect to the soundbar wirelessly over Bluetooth, Airplay 2, or Google Cast/Chromecast built-in.
There’s also a USB input, and Sennheiser will send you an adapter to plug in your phone, although it won’t charge it. Sennheiser has enabled the AMBEO soundbar Alexa, so if you have an Echo or Echo Dot, just ask for the music you want and control playback with your voice.
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The Sennheiser AMBEO soundbar is an excellent product that offers incredible sound quality. It’s one of the best soundbars available and is perfect for those who want an immersive audio experience. The only downside is the high price tag.
If you’re specifically looking for the best soundbar to pair with an Apple TV 4K, consider exploring more options in this guide Best Soundbar for Apple TV 4K to find the perfect match for your entertainment setup.
2. New Bose Smart Soundbar 900 Dolby Atmos with Alexa Built-In, Bluetooth connectivity – Black
Bose is a trusted name when it comes to home theater and surround sound. The new Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is designed to deliver the ultimate listening experience, with Dolby Atmos support and Alexa built-in.
If you’re curious about how the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 compares to its predecessor, the Bose Soundbar 700, this comparison guide Bose Soundbar 700 vs 900 provides an in-depth analysis, helping you decide which might better suit your audio needs.
The bar has a sleek design that will look great with any TV and is easy to set up. There are eight drivers in total, made from aluminum and carbon fiber. Four of them fire upwards, while the other four project audio forward for a 3D immersive sound experience.
Main Features / Technical Specifications:
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Brand: Bose
Model Name: Soundbar 900
Mounting Type: Soundbar
Structure:
The 900 Dolby Atmos soundbar structure is well-built, and the design is clean with a matte black body. It has an elegant look that looks great in any space.
The system’s main unit is just 41 inches long. The dimensions of this soundbar, including four upward-firing drivers, are 4.21 x 41.14 x 2.29 inches (107.5 x 16.15 x 5.84 cm).
It’s easy to set up and will work with most TV mounts, although you might want to check the dimensions first as it is a bit larger than most soundbars. Four legs are on each end and at the back for additional support and stability.
The controls are located on the lower part of the soundbar. There are three touch-sensitive knobs: volume adjustment, input selection, and sound mode selection.
The remote control is small and well laid out with basic buttons to adjust volume, and select an input source or a surround mode.
Sound Quality:
The sound quality on this Bose model is excellent, with immersive audio that makes it feel like sounds are coming from all around you. The setup process is easy and simple to follow.
It has a clear and crisp sound with dialogues that are easy to make out. The highs and lows are nicely balanced, although this model is not going to provide the bass you get from a full-sized surround system for movies, for example.
The dialogue mode makes it easier to hear voices in games or movies without manually adjusting the settings. The surround sound modes also work well, and the system is able to create a good sense of space.
The Alexa feature works well and is easy to set up. You can control all aspects of playback with voice commands.
Even at full volume, there was no distortion, and the soundbar could get quite loud. The bass is powerful without being too overwhelming, although you might be slightly disappointed if you’re a bass lover.
Connectivity:
The Bose Soundbar 900 doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, so if you want to stream over the internet, you will need another device that supports Wi-Fi.
The soundbar has Bluetooth connectivity with support for aptX codec for wirelessly streaming high-quality audio from your mobile devices. It connects easily over Bluetooth and offers a wide range.
The built-in smart home controls allow you to control your compatible devices with Alexa’s voice commands or gestures. This is an excellent feature if you’re too lazy to reach for the remote.
You can connect over Bluetooth or Google Cast, but if you want to use Wi-Fi connectivity, you will need an external speaker with Chromecast or Airplay support.
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The Bose Soundbar 900 is a great choice if you’re looking for an upgrade for your TV speakers or if you want to expand your TV’s sound without building a full surround system.
Additionally, if you’re specifically interested in exploring soundbars equipped with Google Assistant and want to compare options, this guide Best Soundbar with Google Assistant provides insights into various soundbars featuring Google Assistant integration, helping you find the ideal choice for your home entertainment setup.
Better models are available, but they all come at a higher price point if you’re more of a bass lover and don’t care so much about Alexa.
3. JBL Bar 5.1 – Channel 4K Ultra HD Soundbar with True Wireless Surround Speakers
The JBL Bar 5.1 channels soundbar is a great choice if you want to upgrade your TV audio or projector audio experience. It has good sound quality with clear dialogues and well-balanced highs and lows. The surround sound modes work well, and the system is able to create a good sense of space.
The Bluetooth connectivity offers a wide range and is easy to set up. The soundbar has an attractive, sturdy design with four legs on the front, giving it additional stability.
Main Features / Technical Specifications:
Brand: JBL
Model Name: JBL Bar 5.1
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, HDMI
Special Feature: Subwoofer
Structure:
The main unit is a long, slender soundbar with four legs at the bottom, giving it additional stability. The soundbar has no controls, but simple buttons are on top for power, Bluetooth pairing, and input selection.
The soundbar is extremely lightweight and easy to move around. It’s also wall-mountable if you want to save some space on your TV stand.
The JBL Bar, 5.1 channel soundbar, is a great-looking piece of equipment that comes in two different colours: black and silver. It has an elegant design with minimal buttons, but the soundbar is pretty bulky and takes up more space than necessary.
The True Wireless Surround Speakers are small, compact, and easily connect wirelessly to the soundbar. They can be placed anywhere in the room for surround sound immersion.
Sound Quality:
The soundbar has a total power output 510W and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It has two built-in tweeters, two mid-range drivers, and one subwoofer.
The sound quality is good for the price, with clear dialogues and well-balanced highs and lows. The surround sound modes work well, and the system can create a good sense of space.
It has a thrilling bass from a 10 inch (250mm) wireless subwoofer, and the soundbar is wall mountable.
The JBL Bar 5.1 channels soundbar has a 10-inch (250mm) wireless subwoofer with incredible bass. The sound quality is good for the price, with clear dialogues and well-balanced highs and lows.
The JBL Bar 5.1 channels soundbar greatly upgrades your TV audio experience. It has good sound quality with clear dialogues and well-balanced highs and lows. The surround sound modes work well, and the system can create a good sense of space.
Connectivity:
The soundbar has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music from your mobile device. You can also connect over Wi-Fi for better audio streaming with DTS PlayFi.
No remote controls are included, but they are unnecessary because the soundbar works with most remote controls that come standard with your TV. It has three HDMI ports, one optical audio port, and one analog audio port.
It has true 4K connectivity with 3 HDMI in/1 HDMI out (ARC) connectivity with 4K/Ultra HD content.
The JBL Bar, 5.1 channel soundbar, supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for an immersive home audio experience. It is compatible with various devices, including TVs, smartphones, tablets, Macs, PCs, etc.
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The JBL Bar 5.1 is a great choice if you want to upgrade your TV audio experience. It has good sound quality with clear dialogues and well-balanced highs and lows.
4. Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar 3.1 Home Theater System with HDMI-ARC for Easy Set-Up, Black
The Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar 3.1 Home Theater System with HDMI-ARC for Easy Set-Up, Black is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable soundbar system. It has good sound quality and a sleek design that will complement any TV.
The soundbar has a total power output of 600W and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It comes with two satellite speakers and a subwoofer for surround sound immersion.
Main Features / Technical Specifications:
Connectivity Technology: HDMI
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Brand: Klipsch
Model Name: Cinema 600 Sound Bar
Recommended Uses For Product: For Televisions
Structure:
The main unit is the soundbar, which two small satellite speakers accompany. The subwoofer can be placed anywhere in the room.
The Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar 3.1 Home Theater System is a great choice if you want an affordable entry-level system that performs well for TV shows and movies. It has good sound quality with clear dialogue and well-balanced highs and lows. The surround sound immersion is good, and the subwoofer provides a strong bass response.
If you’re specifically looking for the best soundbar to pair with a Hisense TV, this guide Best Soundbar for Hisense TV can help you find options that complement your Hisense TV for an enhanced audio experience.
Sound Quality:
The soundbar has a total power output of 600W and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It comes with two satellite speakers and a subwoofer for surround sound immersion.
The sound quality is good for the price, with clear dialogues and well-balanced highs and lows. The surround sound modes work well, and the system is able to create a good sense of space.
It has a thrilling bass from a 12-inch (305mm) wireless subwoofer.
The Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar 3.1 Home Theater System has a powerful 12-inch (305mm) wireless subwoofer that gives it an incredible bass. The sound quality is good for the price, with clear dialogues and well-balanced highs and lows.
The sound quality is good for the price, with clear dialogue and well-balanced highs and lows. The surround sound modes work well, and the system is able to create a good sense of space.
Connectivity:
The system is easy to set up, with HDMI-ARC connectivity that allows for a one-cable connection to your TV. It also comes with wireless remote control.
The Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar has a sleek design that will complement any TV. It is easy to set up and has excellent sound quality.
It comes with Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily stream music from your mobile device, and it also comes with remote control for wireless operation. You can also connect over Wi-Fi for better audio streaming with DTS PlayFi.
The Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar 3.1 Home Theater System is a great choice if you want an entry-level soundbar system that’s easy to set up and has good sound quality at a reasonable price.
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar 3.1 Home Theater System with HDMI-ARC for Easy Set-Up, Black is a good option if you’re looking for an affordable soundbar system that has good sound quality.
5. JBL Bar 9.1 – Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos
The JBL Bar 9.1-Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos is a high-end soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and features for a premium price.
The soundbar has a total power output of 820W and supports Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound. It comes with five satellite speakers, two center speakers, and an 8-inch (203mm) subwoofer for powerful bass response.
Main Features / Technical Specifications:
Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi, HDMI
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Brand: JBL
Model Name: JBL Bar 9.1
Recommended Uses For Product: For Surround Sound Systems
Structure:
JBL Bar 9.1 has a sleek design that fits well with modern TVs and can be wall-mounted easily. The soundbar has a total power output of 820W and supports Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound. It comes with two wireless detachable speakers and an 8-inch (203mm) subwoofer for a powerful bass response.
The system also has a built-in Chromecast for streaming audio from your mobile device or computer.
The controls are located on the top of the soundbar for easy access.
Sound Quality:
It has a total power output of 820W and supports Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound. It comes with five satellite speakers, two center speakers, and an 8-inch (203mm) subwoofer for powerful bass response.
The JBL Bar 9.1-Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos is a high-end soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and features for a premium price.
It comes with a Chromecast built-in for streaming audio from your mobile device or computer, and the controls are located on the top of the soundbar for easy access.
The JBL Bar 9.1-Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos is a high-end soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and features for a premium price.
Connectivity:
The connectivity of JBL 9.1 is extremely easy as it has a lot of connectivity options like Bluetooth, 3.5mm Aux-in, USB, HDMI ARC, and Optical input. You just need to connect one cable to the TV and soundbar, making it a simple installation for almost every setup.
It is also equipped with a built-in Chromecast, meaning you can stream music from any of your devices without needing extra cables or adapters. There is an HDMI ARC port, so if your TV has this connectivity option, you only need to connect one cable for both the TV and soundbar, and audio will play from your TV.
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
Overall, the JBL Bar 9.1-Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos is a great choice for anyone looking for an immersive surround sound at home.
Additionally, if you’re specifically seeking the best soundbar suitable for an apartment setting, this guide Best Soundbar for Apartment provides insights into soundbars that cater to apartment living, helping you choose an option that fits your space while delivering exceptional audio
6. Samsung HW-Q900A 7.1.2 Channel Dolby Soundbar
Samsung HW-Q900A 7.1.2 Channel Dolby Soundbar and Subwoofer is a high-end soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and features for a high price.
The soundbar has a total power output of 406W and comes with six satellite speakers, four center speakers, and dual wireless subwoofers for powerful bass response.
Main Features / Technical Specifications:
Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, HDMI
Speaker Type: Soundbar
Brand: SAMSUNG
Recommended Uses For Product: For Surround Sound Systems
Special Feature: Q-Symphony, 4 Sound Modes, Auto AV Sync, HDR 10 +, Wireless Surround Sound Ready, SpaceFit Sound +, Built-in Voice Assistant, One Remote Control, SmartThings App Compatible, Wall Mount Kit Included, 4K Video Pass, HDMI Cable Included
Structure:
The structure of the Samsung HW-Q900 is very sleek with a premium metal finish. The soundbar has a total power output of 406W and comes with six satellite speakers, four center speakers, and dual wireless subwoofers for powerful bass response.
On top of the soundbar are controls for volume, input selection, surround mode, and sound effect. You can also find a USB port for charging your devices.
On the other side, there are two wireless subwoofers with LED lights inside and three HDMI ports at the rear for input connection.
Sound Quality:
Samsung HW-Q900A 7.1.2 Channel Soundbar System is a high-quality soundbar that offers excellent sound quality for a high price.
The Samsung HW-Q900A 7.1.2 Channel Soundbar System comes with six satellite speakers, four center speakers, and dual wireless subwoofers for powerful bass response.
The soundbar also has a total power output of 406W. You can find a USB port for charging your devices on top of the soundbar, and there are three HDMI ports at the rear for input connection.
Connectivity:
The Samsung HW-Q900A 7.1.2 Channel Soundbar System’s connectivity is excellent, with many connectivity options. You can find the soundbar in two colors: black or silver.
It has different connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and Optical input. The soundbar also comes with a Chromecast built-in so you can stream audio from any of your devices without the need for extra cables or adapters.
You need to connect one cable to the TV and soundbar, making it a simple installation for almost every setup.
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The Samsung HW-Q900A 7.1.2 Channel Dolby Soundbar and Subwoofer with an Additional 1 Year Coverage by Epic Protect is a high-end soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and features for a high price.
Conclusion
Our top picks are the best soundbars we believe are currently available for most people to buy. We took into account the price (a cheaper soundbar wins over a more expensive one if the difference isn’t worth it), feedback from our visitors, and availability (no soundbars that are hard to find or nearly out of stock everywhere).
If you’re looking for a soundbar that has its own unique look, check out our list of all of our soundbar reviews. Don’t be distracted by the details. There are no perfect soundbars. Personal taste, selection, and listening preferences will have a bigger role in your choice.
FAQs
Q: What is a soundbar?
A: A soundbar is a speaker which helps to produce sounds. It can be wall-mounted or put on a tabletop. The soundbars usually have a long rectangular shape and are designed to go under the TV, but they can also go either side.
Q: Why do I need a soundbar?
A: A soundbar is an ideal way to improve the audio quality of your TV. By using a soundbar, you can get surround sound without purchasing additional speakers and setting them up around your room.
Q: What are the different types of soundbars?
A: Soundbars come in two main types: wired and wireless. Wired soundbars connect to your TV via a cable, while wireless soundbars connect wirelessly. There are also hybrid soundbars that have both wired and wireless connectivity.
Q: What are the benefits of a soundbar?
A: The main benefits of using a soundbar are that you can improve the audio quality of your TV and get surround sound without the hassle of setting up additional speakers.
Q: How do I choose the right soundbar?
A: To choose the right soundbar, you need to consider the size of your room, the type of TV you have, and your budget. You also need to decide whether you want a wired or wireless soundbar and a soundbar with a subwoofer.
Q: Will the soundbar improve the audio quality of sound?
A: Yes, a soundbar will improve sound audio quality as it produces sounds in a more advanced way than normal speakers.
Q: How do I connect my soundbar to TV?
A: You can connect your soundbar to your TV in several ways. The most common way is by using an HDMI cable. You can also use optical cables or Bluetooth.
Q: How do I install a soundbar?
A: Installing a soundbar is usually very easy as most of them come with all the necessary cables and instructions. You simply need to connect the soundbar to your TV and power it on. Some soundbars also come with wall mounts, so you can mount them on the wall.
Q: Why is the sound quality poor?
A: If your soundbar’s sound quality is poor, there are several things you can do to improve it. Firstly, make sure that the soundbar is connected to the TV. If there is no connection, then no sound will come out of it. You also need to make sure that your input source is connected to your soundbar so you can hear sounds from the device you are using.
