When you’re trying to build a home entertainment set-up but lack the space to include a home theater system, you should consider getting the best soundbar, which works as a great alternative. You could have the best-looking TV with a large screen size but it is nearly impossible to enjoy movies, music, or games without a good audio system since audio is half the immersion — you need a soundbar to fill that requirement gap. Soundbars, despite their compact and sleek build, carry powerful processors that deliver high-quality audio experience. They have front-facing speakers that blast audio of low and high frequencies without sacrificing any details. Some soundbars even come with additional features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support that enhance the viewing experience.
If you choose soundbars with higher channels like 5.1 or 7.1, you get additional speakers that you can set up around the entertainment area. This allows you to hear audio from all directions, putting you in the center of the action. 5.1 and 7.1 speakers are the most preferred way to enjoy movies at home. But if your budget doesn’t allow you to get higher-spec soundbars, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We have some great recommendations for budget-friendly home entertainment setups, too.
Is a Soundbar or AV Receiver and Speakers Better?
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on your preference which one would suit your home theater setup the best. Here are a few points to consider:
Space
AV receivers and speakers take up a lot of space given that there are multiple parts that need to be put together to make it work as intended, but soundbars are compact and take up little space, blending seamlessly with your TV. A few soundbars also come with a subwoofer but you can always pick one without it.
Audio Quality
Without a doubt, AV receivers and speakers offer a significant advantage in terms of audio quality as it includes a full set of speakers for all directions, plus a subwoofer. This creates a surround sound atmosphere that blasts audio from all directions, engaging all your senses for the best immersion. Soundbars are uni-directional speakers that deliver audio from the front. But with the addition of a subwoofer, even soundbars can, to an extent, fill the room with audio to bounce off the wall.
Ease of Installation
Soundbars are incredibly user-friendly and don’t require much effort to connect them to other devices. A lot of them have Bluetooth connectivity, and all you have to do is pair them with your TV, laptop, or even mobile devices. You’re ready to go in less than a minute. On the other hand, AV receivers and speakers have a lot of cables that need to be plugged into appropriate ports for them to function correctly. If you don’t get them right, the surround sound will not work as intended. You can still do it by reading a manual or watching an online video, but it is time-consuming and quite a hassle if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Is Dolby Atmos Worth It?
Dolby Atmos is worth it for anyone who loves immersing themselves in a high-quality audio experience as it elevates the home entertainment experience. It is an advanced audio technology that creates a three-dimensional audio experience by tracking objects in the movie. They are then translated into the physical space by allowing the sound to move around the room.
This feature enables you to experience crystal-clear audio that is hard to match with anything else. To ensure that you utilize it to its maximum potential, you need to ensure that they are placed optimally in the room. Without proper placement, you may not be able to enjoy them the way they’re meant to be. Soundbars with Dolby support cost more than the ones without it, but looking at the features, it is worth the investment.
7 Best Soundbars in 2024
You know, you don’t have to depend on your TV for great audio quality when watching movies. With the help of the best soundbars, you get to experience better audio quality in nearly every way possible. Let’s take a look at our favorite soundbars of 2024.
BEST OVERALL
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: Nakamichi
Why We Love
Plug-and-play
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Supports 360-degree surround sound
Includes remote with backlight buttons
Gen 2 two-way surround sound speakers
Supports Bluetooth 5.0, Coaxial, and 3.5mm Aux-in
But…
Expensive
Finicky remote control
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC offers the best and the latest audio technology that is just hard to beat. It uses Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) Max Technology, which delivers a 360-degree immersive audio experience by combining custom-matched acoustic hardware and its proprietary software. While its extended range twin-cone drivers deliver clear dialogues, the silk dome surround effects tweeters help the audio seem natural with a wide dynamic audio range.
The soundbar also comes with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and two surround speakers that can be connected with an RCA cable and take hardly 30 minutes to set up. The subwoofer is capable of reaching a high-output amplifier range of up to 300W for rich and intense bass output. So, be it movies like Fast and Furious or Alex Garland’s Civil War, you’re going to feel every rev and every bullet flying by.
BEST BUDGET SOUNDBAR
Saiyin Soundbars for TV with Subwoofer
PHOTO CREDIT: Saiyin
Why We Love
Wall-mountable
Three-equalizer modes
Includes optical and auxiliary cables
Remote control and physical buttons
Compatible with computers and mobile devices
LED lights to indicate connectivity and volume status
But…
Low durability
Lacking clear installation instructions
Saiyin Soundbar is one of those rare products that deliver excellent audio quality at an affordable price. The speaker offers a great movie-watching experience owing to its high-quality audio output and the ability to distinguish each beat of the movies, music, or games that you play. The subwoofer elevates this experience by generating a deep bass effect for the best audio impressions.
The angle of the soundbar and the subwoofer’s raw bass power fills the room with rich audio and bounces off each other to enrich your senses by bringing audio to you from every corner of the room. You can connect it to the TV via three modes — optical, Bluetooth, and auxiliary. Given these connectivity options, you can connect the soundbar to any device that supports these features. If these things aren’t worth the price, then what is?
BEST 5.1 SOUNDBAR
VIZIO M-Series M51ax-J6 5.1 Premium Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: VIZIO
Why We Love
Wall-mountable
Bluetooth support
Wireless subwoofer
Voice assistant ready
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Multi-dimensional sound capability
But…
Expensive
Occasional desynchronized audio issues
VIZIO claims to be America’s #1 soundbar brand, and by looking at the VIZIO M-Series M51ax-J6 5.1 Premium soundbar, it’s totally understandable why they are so. They use their 10+ years of experience to engineer this soundbar that can isolate frequencies to distinguish between highs and lows easily.
The soundbar has nine speakers inside for crystal clear output without sacrificing any details. Its 5.1-channel sound speakers can be set up in front or behind your seating area to experience audio from all directions, bringing you closer to a theater-like viewing experience. It has a low-profile design that will fit any type of home setup you have. To make it easy, it even comes with an HDMI cable that allows you to enjoy movies without waiting too long.
BEST BASS OUTPUT
Sony HT-S100F 2.0ch with Bass Reflex Speaker
PHOTO CREDIT: Sony
Why We Love
Sleek design
Easy to set up
Wall-mountable
Attractive price tag
HDMI ARC compatible
But…
No subwoofer
Occasional random restarts
Sony is a brand that has always lived up to its reputation and the Sony S100F 2.0ch soundbar follows in the same footsteps. The soundbar has a two-channel speaker with an S-Force Pro Front Surround Sound feature that lets you relive movies like Top Gun: Maverick with the same intensity as in a theater.
Despite not having a subwoofer, the speakers generate deep bass sounds that you can feel down to your bone. It even has a voice enhancement feature that clears every dialogue for clarity. The design is quite simple and compact to fit well with your TV, making it a great pair. When it comes to connectivity, you can connect the soundbar via a USB cable or wirelessly with Bluetooth options. This is a great option for people who want a smaller setup!
BEST COMPACT SOUNDBAR
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: Amazon
Why We Love
Fire TV Ready
Easy installation
HDMI ARC compatible
Supports optical connectivity
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Made from 18% recycled materials
But…
No Alexa integration
Low volume, even at high levels
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is a perfect balance of design, features, and price. Despite Amazon having a hand in every product category, their products have proven to be of good quality with an affordable price tag, even this awesome soundbar. It has a compact build, making it very easy to set up in small places.
The dual speakers have a satisfying audio quality with a three-dimensional surround sound experience without having to install additional speakers around the room. You don’t have to worry about compatibility issues; it works seamlessly with Fire TVs and smart TVs. You can even connect to other devices using its Bluetooth feature. With Bluetooth, you can even stream music through your phone.
BEST MID-RANGE SOUNDBAR
Samsung HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: Samsung
Why We Love
Easy to set up
Wall-mountable
Dedicated game mode
Supports voice enhancing
Remote control and physical buttons
Optical and Bluetooth connectivity support
But…
No HDMI support
SAMSUNG HW-C450 is one of the best mid-range soundbars we’ve come across. It is equipped with DTS Virtual: X that delivers 3D surround sound effects for a 360-degree audio experience. Its subwoofer has that big boom effect that acts as the perfect catalyst to take the already high-octane action movies to the next level — it’s rich, powerful, and intense.
You can give the bass a further boost with its Bass Boost feature by tapping the button on the remote control. Its audio technology adapts to the various media that you play on it, ranging from low to high tones, it is an absolute joy to use this soundbar. It even has a night mode to dampen the volume so as not to disturb anyone in the house.
BEST HIGH-END SOUNDBAR
Bose TV Speaker
PHOTO CREDIT: Bose
Why We Love
Easy to set up
Compact design
Optimal bass levels
Includes remote control
Bluetooth, Optical, Aux, and HDMI-ARC connectivity
But…
Expensive
No surround sound support
Bose is one of the longest-running audio equipment manufacturers, so when you buy Bose TV Speakers, you know you’re getting from the experts. It has an exceptional audio quality that is even better than what you get from your TV. The two angle drivers help generate natural audio output, which is an ideal fit for a home theater system.
The voice-enhancing feature called “dialogue mode” intelligently improves the audio quality of dialogues so that you don’t have to depend on the subtitles to understand what’s happening (you’ll finally be able to listen to the dialogs in Oppenheimer now, yay!). Additionally, you can activate bass with its dedicated button on the remote control. This soundbar is basically everything you need to create a small home theater system.
What Soundbar Is The Best: 2.1, 5.1, or 7.1?
Choosing the right type of soundbar depends on your preference, budget, space, and device features. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing what works best for you.
Channels
The numbers 2, 5, and 7 indicate how many channels are required to be configured to make the setup work, and the .1 indicates the subwoofer. You have to think about how many channels you need in your entertainment setup and pick one accordingly.
Immersion
2.1 is ideal for simple things like listening to music and for people who are okay watching movies with stereo sound. But if you’re a movie buff and want the best experience, 7.1 channel soundbars offer the ultimate experience. If you want something between the two, 5.1 soundbars are the way to go.
Space
Just like a regular home theater system, if you choose to have a soundbar with a 5.1 or 7.1 setup, you are going to need additional space to install all the speakers. The 2.1 soundbars, having both speakers built within, won’t take up too much space. This is ideal for people who cannot accommodate big setups.
Price
The higher the channel, the more expensive the price becomes. The 2.1 channel soundbars are the most affordable speakers and are great for people who like to keep it simple or on a tight budget. 5.1 soundbars stand on the middle ground and are decently priced but also have some advanced features. 7.1 soundbars naturally become the most expensive option owing to their top-of-the-line technology and advanced features.
How We Chose The Best Soundbar
We have a team of experts who have great knowledge about the latest technologies for home entertainment setups. These soundbars were selected after thorough research and a lot of testing in various aspects. They also considered factors like audio quality, build quality, compatibility, price category, and so much more. The team also researched other user’s experiences with these soundbars and what were their shortcomings, if any. When you pick a soundbar from our list, you can rest assured that they are the best one you can buy online right now.
FAQ
What is the best soundbar for speech in 2024?
SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar is great for crisp and clear dialogues.
Is there a soundbar that sounds like surround sound?
There are plenty, but we highly recommend checking out Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC Soundbar for surround sound features.
What is the very best soundbar?
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1 eARC Soundbar is on top of our list for a reason — it has some great features that we loved and you will too.
What is the easiest soundbar to install?
All soundbars on our list are easy to install; pick any.
Is the Samsung soundbar better than the JBL?
Yes. Samsung soundbars have better audio quality than JBL.
What is better than a soundbar?
A full-size speaker is a great alternative, but unless you have the space for it, you can use a soundbar.
Which soundbar is better, Sony or Samsung?
We believe that the Sony soundbar is far superior to the Samsung soundbar.
Is 5.1 speakers better than the soundbar?
5.1 speakers are better than a soundbar but it take a lot of space, too. If you want something compact, soundbars are the way to go.
Which is better: JBL or Sony soundbar?
Sony is definitely better than JBL soundbars.
Are high-end soundbars worth it?
Yes, high-end soundbars have top-of-the-line features and are also built with premium quality materials, ensuring longevity.
Are bigger soundbars better?
In a way, yes, because a bigger soundbar can accommodate more drivers. Unless the drivers are of high quality, bigger speakers are better to have.
Do soundbars make speech clearer?
Some soundbars have voice-enhancing features that make the dialogues cleaner without losing any details.
How do you hear dialogue better on a soundbar?
The soundbar you pick should have voice-enhancing features, which are usually activated out of the box.
Which is better: Soundbar or Speakers?
Speakers are great if you want a larger-than-life audio experience and also have enough space for them. Soundbars are more compact yet powerful enough to produce high-quality audio outputs.
