Best Soundbars for 2026

Discover comprehensive soundbar reviews featuring expert analysis of audio quality, connectivity options, and smart home integration. Our in-depth comparisons help you find the perfect soundbar to elevate your home entertainment experience with immersive, theater-quality sound.

Updated February 2026 17 Products Analyzed

The Good

  • Theater-quality sound with crisp, punchy audio
  • Automatic room calibration adapts to your space
  • Seamless integration with Samsung TVs
  • Easy setup with minimal configuration needed
Samsung Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar with AppleTV 4K
9Score
Selection #1

Samsung Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar with AppleTV 4K

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Samsung Q990D is a premium 11.1.4 channel soundbar system that delivers theater-quality audio with wireless Dolby Atmos support and automatic room calibration. This bundle includes an AppleTV 4K and features exceptional sound clarity with minimal distortion even at maximum volume. Users consistently praise its immersive performance, seamless setup, and integration with Samsung TVs via Q-Symphony mode.

The Bad

  • No analog inputs; converters required for legacy devices
  • Bluetooth pairing issues occasionally require manual reset

The Good

  • Ultra-slim design fits modern TV setups elegantly
  • Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony create immersive soundstage
  • Effortless setup and instant Samsung TV integration
  • Adjustable sound modes for versatile listening needs
Samsung HW-S800D 3.1.2 Ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
9Score
Selection #2

Samsung HW-S800D 3.1.2 Ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Samsung HW-S800D delivers impressive audio quality with its 3.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos setup and wireless subwoofer, wrapped in an ultra-slim design perfect for modern living rooms. Setup is remarkably easy with HDMI eARC and seamless Samsung TV integration through Q-Symphony, though the soundbar prioritizes aesthetics over raw power compared to larger alternatives. Users consistently praise the crystal-clear sound, immersive movie and gaming experience, and excellent value proposition.

The Bad

  • LED display navigation interface is unintuitive
  • Produces less volume than larger soundbar units

The Good

  • Immersive Dolby Atmos sound with powerful bass output
  • Simple setup and installation process
  • High-quality audio across all speakers
  • Smart voice assistant integration
Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar
8.8Score
Selection #3

Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

This premium home theater system delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound with a powerful bass module and wireless surround speakers. Users consistently praise the exceptional audio quality and straightforward setup process, though some report occasional issues with rear speaker clarity and remote functionality.

The Bad

  • Some rear speaker clarity and distortion issues reported
  • Remote control integration with external devices needs improvement

The Good

  • Exceptional voice clarity and speech enhancement
  • Dolby Atmos for immersive 3D surround sound
  • Compact design fits any entertainment setup
  • Simple two-cable setup with app tuning
Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar
8.8Score
Selection #4

Sonos Beam Gen 2 Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar that delivers exceptional dialogue clarity and balanced sound quality enhanced by Dolby Atmos technology. Easy to setup and expandable with additional Sonos components, it excels for TV viewing and music streaming with minimal bass limitations for larger rooms.

The Bad

  • Limited bass without a separate subwoofer
  • Trueplay tuning requires iOS device only

The Good

  • Crystal-clear dialogue and immersive surround sound
  • Easy setup and intuitive Sonos app control
  • Works standalone or expandable with additional speakers
  • Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant support
Sonos Arc Soundbar
8.7Score
Selection #5

Sonos Arc Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Sonos Arc is a premium soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality for movies, TV, and music with support for Dolby Atmos and eARC connectivity. It offers flexible setup options through HDMI or optical connections and integrates seamlessly with voice assistants and streaming services. While pricey, it provides impressive sound clarity even as a standalone unit and scales well with optional subwoofers and rear speakers.

The Bad

  • Premium price point requires budget consideration
  • Requires eARC TV for optimal Dolby Atmos performance

The Good

  • Exceptional sound quality with immersive spatial audio technology
  • Seamless integration and pairing with Sony televisions
  • Excellent room calibration and adaptive sound mapping
  • Superior audio clarity when paired with subwoofer
Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar
8.6Score
Selection #6

Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Sony HT-A7000 is a premium 7.1.2ch soundbar featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping for immersive audio. Users consistently praise its exceptional sound quality and seamless integration with Sony TVs, though the high price point and large footprint may not suit all spaces. Pairing with the optional subwoofer significantly enhances performance, particularly for dialogue clarity and bass response.

The Bad

  • Shiny glass top creates distracting TV reflections
  • Large footprint requires significant space commitment

The Good

  • Exceptional sound quality with Dolby Atmos immersive audio
  • Simple setup process completed in minutes
  • Intelligent Dialogue Enhancer makes voices crisp and clear
  • HDMI eARC support for lossless audio streaming
Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Subwoofer
8.6Score
Selection #7

Denon DHT-S517 Soundbar with Subwoofer

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Denon DHT-S517 delivers impressive surround sound performance with Dolby Atmos support, up-firing speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, making it an excellent upgrade from standard TV audio. Users consistently praise its exceptional sound quality, intuitive setup, and dialogue enhancement feature, though it cannot fully replicate a traditional 5.1 receiver system. With Denon's 110-year reputation for audio excellence and support for HDMI eARC connectivity, this soundbar offers strong value for those seeking convenient home theater audio.

The Bad

  • Cannot match traditional 5.1 receiver system performance
  • Remote feels cheap with spongy, unresponsive buttons

The Good

  • Exceptional setup ease with minimal configuration required
  • 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers deep, powerful bass
  • Clear dialogue and balanced audio with VoiceAdjust technology
  • Three HDMI ports and automatic device switching convenience
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide immersive cinematic sound
Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX Soundbar System
8.5Score
Selection #8

Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX Soundbar System

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX is a 5.1.2 channel soundbar with wireless subwoofer that delivers immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound with patented VoiceAdjust technology for clear dialogue. Users consistently praise its exceptional setup simplicity, stable connectivity, and impressive audio performance that rivals more expensive competitors. The system offers excellent value with practical features like multiple HDMI inputs and wireless subwoofer included.

The Bad

  • Cable management challenging with rear-only connections
  • Up-firing drivers provide minimal height effect improvement

The Good

  • Powerful 10-inch subwoofer with exceptional bass quality
  • Clear dialogue and immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound
  • Excellent value at mid-range price point
  • Easy Alexa multi-room and streaming integration
JBL Bar 500 Soundbar
8.5Score
Selection #9

JBL Bar 500 Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The JBL Bar 500 is a 5.1-channel soundbar featuring Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam surround sound technology, delivering 590 watts of power with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer. Users praise its impressive bass quality, clear dialogue enhancement, and seamless Alexa multi-room integration, making it an excellent value for home theater and music listening. Setup is straightforward, though some users note the need for firmware updates and careful configuration to achieve optimal sound quality.

The Bad

  • Requires firmware updates and careful calibration for best results
  • Some units reported auto-shutoff issues after extended use

The Good

  • Excellent vocal clarity from center up-firing speaker
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound technology
  • Seamless LG TV integration with remote control
  • Powerful subwoofer with punchy, impactful bass
LG S80QY Soundbar with Subwoofer
8.4Score
Selection #10

LG S80QY Soundbar with Subwoofer

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The LG S80QY is a 3.1.3 channel soundbar featuring Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and an upward-firing center speaker for enhanced vocal clarity and immersive 3D sound. It integrates seamlessly with LG TVs, supports multiple AI platforms, and delivers solid bass performance for movies, music, and gaming. Users praise its sound quality and ease of setup, though some note the large subwoofer size and the learning curve for initial configuration.

The Bad

  • Setup complexity requires manual reading or support
  • Large subwoofer may not fit all spaces

The Good

  • Powerful wireless subwoofer with deep bass response
  • Easy setup with multiple connection options
  • TV remote control compatibility included
  • Exceptional value for the price
TCL Alto 5+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar
8.4Score
Selection #11

TCL Alto 5+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The TCL Alto 5+ delivers impressive audio quality for its price point with a wireless subwoofer that adds substantial bass depth. Setup is straightforward with multiple connectivity options including HDMI ARC, and the soundbar integrates seamlessly with TCL TVs. While limited to three sound presets and occasional minor quirks, it offers excellent value for apartment-sized spaces and casual home theater use.

The Bad

  • Only three preset sound modes available
  • Remote control can feel unresponsive at times

The Good

  • Enhanced dialogue clarity with PureVoice technology
  • Excellent bass performance from wireless subwoofer
  • Easy setup and room calibration with app
  • Detachable battery-powered surround speakers included
JBL BAR-1300X 11.1.4ch Soundbar System
8.3Score
Selection #12

JBL BAR-1300X 11.1.4ch Soundbar System

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The JBL BAR-1300X is a premium 11.1.4-channel soundbar system with wireless subwoofer and detachable surround speakers designed for immersive home theater experiences. It features PureVoice technology for enhanced dialogue clarity, easy setup with room calibration, and 4K HDMI connectivity. Users consistently praise its sound quality, bass performance, and ease of installation, making it a solid choice for those seeking a comprehensive audio upgrade.

The Bad

  • Some users report occasional power cycling issues
  • Surround speakers may lack volume in larger rooms

The Good

  • Exceptional Dolby Atmos and spatial audio performance
  • Seamless wireless connectivity for rear speakers
  • Crystal-clear dialogue with upfiring center channel
  • Excellent value when purchased at discounted prices
LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel Soundbar
8.1Score
Selection #13

LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The LG S95TR is a premium Dolby Atmos soundbar featuring 9.1.5 channels with wireless rear speakers and subwoofer, delivering immersive 3D spatial sound for home theater enthusiasts. Users praise its exceptional voice clarity, seamless connectivity with LG TVs, and impressive audio quality, though some note the mobile app can be cumbersome and pricing is steep at full retail. The system excels as a mid-range option when on sale, offering strong value for those seeking cinema-quality audio without complex wiring.

The Bad

  • Clumsy app interface with connectivity quirks
  • Expensive at full retail price over $1000

The Good

  • Built-in Alexa with effortless smart home integration
  • Impressive wireless subwoofer with flexible placement options
  • Excellent value for mid-range audio quality
  • Simple setup and user-friendly app connectivity
Yamaha YAS-209BL Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
8.1Score
Selection #14

Yamaha YAS-209BL Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Yamaha YAS-209BL is a mid-range soundbar featuring built-in Alexa voice control, a wireless subwoofer for enhanced bass, and DTS Virtual:X surround sound. Users consistently praise its easy setup, strong audio quality for the price, and seamless Alexa integration, making it an excellent choice for those seeking voice-controlled entertainment without premium pricing.

The Bad

  • Limited EQ controls; cannot adjust bass, treble separately
  • Yamaha app can be slow and unstable
  • Limited 2.4GHz WiFi support only

The Good

  • 5.1.2 surround with Dolby Atmos spatial audio
  • Wireless subwoofer eliminates messy cable clutter
  • Easy setup with Roku TV compatibility
  • Competitive sound quality at affordable price
Hisense AX5120G Soundbar
7.4Score
Selection #15

Hisense AX5120G Soundbar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Hisense AX5120G is a 5.1.2 channel soundbar with wireless subwoofer that delivers Dolby Atmos and DTS:X spatial audio for an immersive home theater experience. Users praise its ease of setup, solid sound quality for the price point, and room-filling audio performance. However, some customers report connectivity issues with rear speakers and occasional static problems that may require troubleshooting.

The Bad

  • Rear speaker connectivity issues require frequent re-pairing
  • Some users report static in surround speakers

The Good

  • Excellent dialogue clarity with AI voice enhancement technology
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace upmixing capabilities
  • Comprehensive connectivity with Alexa and voice control
  • Effective surround sound with subtle atmospheric effects
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar Bundle
7.2Score
Selection #16

Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar Bundle

Pricing
BudgetPremium

A premium soundbar system featuring Dolby Atmos support and AI-enhanced dialogue clarity, bundled with wireless surrounds and a bass module. While delivering impressive immersive sound quality with effective voice upscaling, the system has experienced durability concerns and setup complications for some users.

The Bad

  • Wireless surrounds require wall power adapters and hidden wiring
  • Durability issues reported with bass module failures within months

The Good

  • Exceptional sound quality without additional subwoofer needed
  • Multiple audio format support including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
  • Quick and easy setup process
  • Smart home compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant
Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar
6.4Score
Selection #17

Sony HT-A5000 5.1.2ch Dolby Atmos Sound Bar

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Sony HT-A5000 is a 5.1.2ch sound bar featuring Dolby Atmos and multiple audio formats, delivering powerful sound without requiring a separate subwoofer. While users praise its impressive audio quality and quick setup, some have reported durability concerns with the unit failing shortly after purchase. The product offers excellent audio performance for mid-sized living rooms at a competitive price point.

The Bad

  • Some reported reliability issues and early failures
  • Limited feature customization options