The Best Soundbars
No TV setup is complete without a good soundbar to go with it. The speakers provide superb audio while taking up minimal space and offer an affordable, high-quality alternative to a full home theater setup. But not every soundbar is going to be as good as the next, which is why we've made this list of the ones we think most deserve to partner up with your TV. Read on and get ready to experience a sonic symphony.
What to Look For
We had to ask a few questions before we could consider any soundbar for our list: Does it put out exceptional audio? Is it easy to set up? Does it work well with a wide variety of TVs and computer systems? Every soundbar you see here performs most or all of these functions to a spectacular degree. Majority’s soundbar earned our top pick thanks to both its compact size and its convenient variety of setup options. We also had to give props to the Bose speaker, with its audio tuning and responsive remote control. Keep reading to find out which soundbar should be rumbling your walls today.
Majority Bowfell Small Soundbar
Small but powerful
Majority truly lives up to their name with a people-pleasing soundbar that almost anyone is sure to love. It can produce 50 watts of sound from just a 15-inch body, letting you experience theater-quality audio while taking up almost no space. It can also be connected via Bluetooth or aux cable, giving techies and traditionalists alike easy setup options. Anyone who wants a simple, high-quality audio experience shouldn’t go wrong with this soundbar.
Pros
- It’s very inexpensive compared to premium brand-name options.
- Its remote has pass-through capabilities, meaning you can control both your TV and soundbar with a single device.
- The bass is surprisingly robust for its small size.
Cons
- There’s no place on the soundbar for mounting screws, making it difficult to put on your wall.
Sony S100F Two-Channel Soundbar
The voice of reason
Dialogue can be hard to decipher in many modern movies and shows, but this ingenious soundbar has a solution. A unique voice enhancement feature lets you boost vocal sounds above ambient noises, whether it’s characters shouting over explosions in an action movie or a colleague on a conference call. No matter how you choose to listen, its S-Force Pro Front surround sound will deliver crisp, booming audio. This soundbar is a special gift for those who value the spoken word.
Pros
- A built-in subwoofer and tweeter provide strong audio on both the high and low end.
- Its slim build is both aesthetically pleasing and great for fitting into small or cluttered spaces.
Cons
- Listening with your TV speakers still active can cause an odd “echo” effect.
Bose TV Soundbar
Binge worthy beauty
This Bose soundbar was created with the specific purpose of bringing great sound to your TV. This speaker is easy to install, needing only a single optical audio or HDMI cable to work. And with two audio drivers to create surround sound, you’ll be glad to get it set up quickly. This plug-and-play soundbar will make a great fit for almost any TV.
Pros
- It balances dialogue, ambient noise, and special effects perfectly.
- This soundbar has Bluetooth functionality for viewers who want a wireless experience.
Cons
- The various indicator lights can be difficult to decipher at first.
LG S65Q High-Res Audio Soundbar
For the audiophiles
This soundbar was the high point we experienced for pure audio quality and can stand toe-to-toe with the most expensive units. Hi-resolution DTS:X sound lets you experience the booming surround sound of a home theater from a compact speaker. They’re ideal for LG TVs, as this soundbar is programmed to work seamlessly with LG tech and applications. Those who want to round out their LG system with hi-fi sound will be well served by this soundbar.
Pros
- The maximum output is 420 watts, which is powerful enough for your next house party.
- Unlike a typical soundbar, this one will not turn itself off after periods of disuse, letting you jump right back into what you were watching.
- An AI feature automatically lowers the audio of advertisements.
Cons
- It doesn’t support “true” surround sound, which some audiophiles might take issue with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a soundbar instead of a speaker system?
Soundbars take up far less space than the average speaker setup, can have amazing sound, and are usually less expensive than a speaker system to boot. While the absolute highest-end speakers might still offer the best audio, a good soundbar can come close with much less hassle.
What are the most essential qualities in a soundbar?
A soundbar should have great audio while also being easy to set up and unobtrusive. However, your preferences will always come first, so pay attention to things like sound wattage output and size dimensions to decide which soundbar will best fit your needs.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.