Best Sound Bars of 2025

Jerry Franklin Avatar
Jerry Franklin
Last Updated: Jan 13, 2025

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Sound bars are a popular audio accessory for enhancing the audio quality of your television. They are sleek and compact, making them a great space-saving option for small living rooms or bedrooms. They come in various sizes and styles, with some even including built-in subwoofers for a more immersive audio experience. With easy installation and wireless connectivity, sound bars are a convenient and efficient way to upgrade your TV's audio system. Whether you're watching your favorite movie or listening to music, sound bars provide a high-quality audio experience that will enhance your overall entertainment experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar Cover #TOP 2
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity Cover #TOP 3
Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Sound Bars

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

Amazon
EVG487
Black
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Cover
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity

The Amazon Soundbar is a compact 2.0 speaker system that enhances your TV audio experience. With dual speakers, it provides fuller sound, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass, making your viewing experience more immersive. You can enjoy three-dimensional virtual surround sound with DTS Virtual:X and detailed audio with Dolby Audio. Setting it up is a breeze - just plug in the HDMI cable to your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC port for instant synced audio. Its compact design fits well on most entertainment consoles and TV stands.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Easy wireless pairing
Compact and portable design
Seamless integration with Fire TV
Bluetooth connectivity for music streaming
What We Don't Like
Limited bass response
No subwoofer compatibility
#TOP 2

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar

HTS100F
black
3.5 x 35.5 x 2.5
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar Cover
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth, (HTS100F), easy setup, compact, home office use with clear sound black

The Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar is a great choice for those looking for a compact soundbar that offers clear sound. It features a Bass Reflex speaker, built-in tweeter, and simple Bluetooth connection. It is also easy to set up with HDMI ARC and S-Force Pro Front Surround for sound coming from all directions. Customers have found it to be of high quality, but have experienced some issues with the soundbar going into mute mode when turning the device off.

What We Like
Easy setup
Clear sound quality
Compact design
Good price
Improves TV audio
What We Don't Like
Minor lag in response
Power cord placement issue

Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity

838309-1100
Black
Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity Cover
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

The Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar designed to simplify and improve TV sound. It features two angled full-range drivers for a more realistic and spatial audio experience, and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music. The soundbar also has a dialogue mode to further enhance speech and a bass boost for more depth. Setup is simple with a single connection to the TV via an optical audio cable or an HDMI cable.

What We Like
Clear sound quality
Easy setup process
Compact and sleek design
Good dialogue enhancement
Value for money
What We Don't Like
Auto-off feature can be annoying
Not a home theater experience

Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar

HW-C450/ZA
Black
3" x 33.8" x 2.3"
Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar Cover
SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X, Subwoofer Included, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound Lite, Game Mode, Bluetooth, Wireless Surround Sound Compatible

The Samsung Virtual X Soundbar offers an immersive home theater experience with DTS Virtual:X technology that creates spacious 3D sound. With an included subwoofer, you can enjoy rich, powerful bass that elevates your audio experience. The bass boost feature allows you to enhance the depth of sound with just a tap, bringing distant thunder to life. Additionally, Adaptive Sound Lite dynamically optimizes audio for video content, ensuring enhanced voice clarity for games and movies.

What We Like
Excellent sound quality
Easy setup and installation
Great value for price
Bluetooth connectivity
Impressive subwoofer performance
What We Don't Like
Occasional low sound in older media
Compatibility issues with rear speakers

VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SV510X-0806

SV510X-0806
Black
VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SV510X-0806 Cover
VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE, Wireless Subwoofer, Surround Sound w/Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth Speaker - SV510X-0806 (New, 2024 Model)

The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar offers a seamless audio experience for your home entertainment. You can conveniently control the soundbar's volume using your existing TV remote when connected via HDMI eARC. If your TV lacks this port, VIZIO's customer support is ready to assist you with alternative connection options. Enhance your audio setup further by downloading the VIZIO mobile app, allowing you to receive updates and customize settings directly from your smartphone. When enjoying Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content, this soundbar immerses you in rich, detailed sound that makes every movie or show feel more engaging.

What We Like
Impressive surround sound
Easy app control
Great value for money
Compact subwoofer
Good bass quality
What We Don't Like
App connection issues
Limited sound modes
#TOP 6

VIZIO V-Series Compact Sound Bar

V20x-J8
Black
VIZIO V-Series Compact Sound Bar Cover
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, DTS:X, Bluetooth V20x-J8

The VIZIO V-Series Sound Bar is designed to enhance your audio experience in small to medium-sized rooms. Its sleek and compact design not only looks great but is also easy to maintain. With DTS Virtual:X technology, you can enjoy immersive sound that fills your space, making movies and music come alive. The two full-range speakers provide clear and detailed audio, ensuring you hear every note as the artist intended. Plus, it’s optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio, allowing you to experience superior sound quality when connected through HDMI.

What We Like
Outstanding audio clarity
Easy setup process
Wireless subwoofer convenience
Customizable sound settings
Great value for the price
What We Don't Like
Subwoofer slightly overpowering at times
Minor distortion at high volumes
#TOP 7

VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Sound Bar

V21x-J8
black
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Sound Bar Cover
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, Bluetooth, Wireless Subwoofer, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control - V21x-J8

The VIZIO V-Series Sound Bar offers an impressive home theater experience in a compact design. With its 2.1 setup, you’ll enjoy rich, immersive audio that enhances your favorite movies, music, and games. Setting it up is a breeze thanks to HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to start enjoying your content in no time. Its modern, minimal design ensures it fits seamlessly into any room decor, making it a stylish addition to your home entertainment setup. Experience powerful sound without the clutter of a larger system.

What We Like
Easy installation
Good sound quality
Powerful bass
Bluetooth connectivity
Improves dialogue clarity
What We Don't Like
Occasional sound reverts to TV
Missing manual and mounting materials
#TOP 8

JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar System

JBL
JBLBAR913DBLKAM
Black
JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar System Cover
JBL Bar 9.1 - Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos, Black

The JBL Bar 9.1 is an 820W soundbar system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. It features detachable wireless surround speakers, a 300W powered subwoofer, and Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision. With built-in calibration, you can easily optimize the sound quality to fit any room. The system includes a main soundbar, wireless surround speakers, wireless subwoofer, remote control, power cords, HDMI cable, and wall-mount brackets.

What We Like
Incredible sound quality
Easy setup and installation
Detachable satellite speakers
Powerful subwoofer
True wireless functionality
What We Don't Like
Battery life of satellite speakers
Occasional Bluetooth disconnections
#TOP 9

MZEIBO 50W TV Sound Bar

tv soundbar
Black
17inch
MZEIBO 50W TV Sound Bar Cover
MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, Sound Bars for Smart TV Bluetooth 5.0 Soundbar 50W 17Inch Small Soundbars with ARC/Optical/AUX Connection, TV Soundbar Surround Sound Bars (Black)

The MZEIBO Sound Bar delivers an immersive audio experience with its powerful 50W output, creating a 360° sound environment that pulls you into your favorite films and shows. Thanks to advanced DSP technology, you’ll enjoy clear and precise sound, making every movie, music track, and news report come alive. Its sleek 17-inch design is perfect for small spaces, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your home decor. Plus, connecting to your devices is a breeze with multiple options, including Bluetooth 5.0, making setup quick and easy.

What We Like
Easy setup instructions
Multiple connection options
Improved sound quality
Compact design
Bluetooth capabilities
What We Don't Like
Limited bass response
Remote control responsiveness
#TOP 10

VIZIO M-Series 2.1 Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

M213ad-K8
Black
VIZIO M-Series 2.1 Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Cover
VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar with 6 High-Performance Speakers, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Built in Subwoofers and Alexa Compatibility, M213ad-K8, 2023 Model

The VIZIO M-Series 2.1 Sound Bar delivers immersive audio through its 6 high-performance speakers, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio technologies. With DTS Virtual:X technology, you can experience a lifelike sonic landscape that's realistic. It has 98dB of premium audio powered by integrated tweeters and woofers, delivering clarity, spaciousness, and impact. The minimalist design has built-in dual subwoofers and a fully integrated design, fitting just about anywhere, and sits discreetly beneath your TV.

What We Like
Integrated Dolby Atmos
Built-in subwoofer
Easy installation
Excellent sound quality
Compact design
What We Don't Like
Dynamic range could improve
Virtual Atmos effect subtle
Buying Guide Image

Buyer's Guide: Best Sound Bars

Introduction to Sound Bars

If you're looking to upgrade your home theater setup, a sound bar might be just what you need. Sound bars are compact, stylish speakers that provide a significant audio boost to your TV, without the need for a complicated and space-consuming surround sound setup.

Evaluating Your Needs

Before you start shopping for a sound bar, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. For example, how much space do you have available for a sound bar? If you have limited space, a compact sound bar might be the best option for you. If you have more room, you might be able to go for a larger sound bar that provides more powerful sound.

Another factor to consider is the type of audio content you'll be using with your sound bar. If you're a movie buff, you'll want a sound bar that delivers powerful and immersive sound, with a wide frequency range and plenty of bass. If you're more interested in music, a sound bar with crisp and clear vocals and a wide soundstage might be more important.

Features to Look for in a Sound Bar

When shopping for a sound bar, there are several key features to look for. First and foremost, you'll want to consider the sound bar's power output, measured in watts. A higher wattage means more powerful sound, so if you want to fill a large room with sound, you'll want a sound bar with a high wattage.

Another important feature to consider is the sound bar's connectivity options. Most sound bars have at least one HDMI input, which is the best way to connect a sound bar to your TV. Some sound bars also have optical inputs, which can be used with older TVs that don't have HDMI ports. If you want to be able to stream music wirelessly, look for a sound bar with Bluetooth connectivity.

Finally, consider the sound bar's design and build quality. A well-designed sound bar should be stylish and blend seamlessly with your home theater setup. It should also be sturdy and well-built, with high-quality materials and construction.

Conclusion

Choosing the right sound bar for your home theater setup can be a challenging task, but it's well worth the effort. With a little research and careful consideration of your needs, you can find a sound bar that delivers exceptional sound quality and enhances your home theater experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it worth getting a sound bar for TV?

Yes, getting a soundbar for your TV is worth it. While they may not match the sound quality of separate speakers, soundbars are still a significant improvement over your TV's built-in speakers. They enhance the audio experience while watching movies, TV shows, or streaming music, providing clearer and more immersive sound.

2. Which is better 2.1 or 5.1 soundbar?

A 5.1 soundbar offers a richer listening experience compared to a 2.1 soundbar. With multiple speakers and an additional center channel, a 5.1 soundbar provides better dialogue clarity and a more immersive surround sound experience. While a 2.1 soundbar can still enhance your audio, a 5.1 soundbar is the superior choice for a more cinematic sound.

3. Are cheap soundbars worth it?

Yes, cheap soundbars can be worth it, especially if you want to improve the dialogue quality of your TV. Budget soundbars under $200 can significantly enhance the sound output while watching movies, TV shows, or streaming music. Although they may not provide the same audio quality as higher-end models, they offer a cost-effective solution for improving your TV's sound.

4. Can you use any sound bar on any TV?

In general, you can use any soundbar with any TV. However, to ensure compatibility and optimal performance, it's important to check if the soundbar and TV have compatible connections. This will ensure that the soundbar can be properly connected to the TV and deliver the desired audio experience.

5. What size soundbar do I need for a 60 inch TV?

For a 60 inch TV, it is recommended to choose a soundbar that is 5 to 10 inches shorter in length. Ideally, a soundbar measuring up to 50 inches would be suitable for a 55-65 inch TV. The size of the soundbar may also vary depending on the number of channels it has.

6. What size soundbar do you need for a 55 inch TV?

For a 55 inch TV, a soundbar with a width ranging from 40 to 50 inches is recommended. This corresponds well with the width of a 55 inch TV, which is approximately 47.9 inches. Choosing a soundbar within this size range will ensure proper alignment and coverage with the TV's base.

Editor's Notes

During our sound bar research, we found 25 sound bar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 152,323 customer reviews through our big data system to write the sound bars list. We found that most customers choose sound bars with an average price of $171.71.

The sound bars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of sound bars, including Sony, Bose, SAMSUNG, VIZIO, JBL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jerry Franklin Avatar

Jerry Franklin's persistent curiosity and research inspire a love of writing how technical things work and help him build a wealth of knowledge in computer equipment and other electronic tools. He has always enjoyed great pleasure in taking all things apart and researching how to put them together again since his childhood.

Sound Bars Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Sony Bose SAMSUNG VIZIO VIZIO VIZIO JBL MZEIBO VIZIO
Connectivity Technology - wired, wireless Bluetooth version: 4.2 / HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) / Optical in / AUX in / USB (for service only) Corded Electric Bluetooth, No Optical Output, HDMI Bluetooth, HDMI Optical, HDMI Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Optical, HDMI Bluetooth, Auxiliary, Optical, ARC wired, wireless
Audio Output Mode - Surround Stereo Surround Dolby Atmos, DTS:X Surround Surround Surround [Estimated] Common audio output modes Surround
Mounting Type - - Tabletop Mount Wall Mount Wall Mount, QuickFit (Compatible with select VIZIO TVs.) Tabletop Mount Wall Mount Floor Mount, Wall Mount Tabletop Mount Wall Mount
Speaker Maximum Output Power - 120 Watts - - 180 Watts 180 Watts 60 Watts 820 Watts 50 Watts 25 Watts
Frequency Response - 20 Hz 4000 MHz 20 KHz 5E+1 Hz 20000 Hz 20000 Hz 5 GHz - -
Model Name - - TVSOUNDSOUNDAR C Series SV510X-0806 V20x-J8 V21x-J8 JBL Bar 9.1 - M213ad-K8
Speaker Type - - Soundbar Soundbar Soundbar Soundbar Soundbar Soundbar, Subwoofer - Soundbar
Recommended Uses For Product - - For Televisions For Surround Sound Systems, For Gaming Consoles, For Televisions, For Music Players For Televisions For Televisions For Televisions For Surround Sound Systems - For Surround Sound Systems
Compatible Devices - - Television Television Television, Smartphone Television, Smartphone Home Theater Home Theater - Laptop, Television, Tablet, Smartphone
Controller Type - - Button, Remote Control Remote Control Not included. Control with TV remote or VIZIO Mobile app. Remote Control Remote Control Remote Control - Voice Control
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
Where to Buy