The 14 best soundbars we tested and rated (2025): Sonos, Sony, Bose
There are a lot of great soundbars out there, and we don’t have the space to feature them all. Here are some others you might want to consider.
LG’s S95TR for $1,000-$1,300: LG’s 9.1.5-channel soundbar (8/10, WIRED recommends) doesn’t perform as well as Samsung’s flagship Q990 series, but might be a better choice for those with newer models LG TVs like the C4that can connect wirelessly and use its speakers along with the bar for even deeper immersion. It also supports gaming features like 120Hz pass-through, but only has one free input.
Vizio 2.1 Soundbar (SV210M) for $170: Vizio’s curvy little combo offers enticing value for money, with solid sound quality and some cinematic punch from the smallest subwoofer you’ll ever see. There’s no optical input or remote control included, but the Vizio app makes adjusting settings or switching to Bluetooth easy. The main disadvantage is that dialogue is sometimes (but not always) lost, which reduces the main advantage of a cheap soundbar. However, good musical qualities and functions like the DTS Virtual
Samsung HW-Q800C for $598: If Samsung’s HW-Q990C is all too rich for your blood, the two-piece HW-Q800C (WIRED recommends, 8/10) could be a good compromise. This bar offers a similar sound signature to Samsung’s flagship, but offers many of the same features, packed into a smaller bar-and-subwoofer combo at a significant discount – especially since it’s almost always on sale now.
Sennheiser Ambeo Mini for $700: This small luxury bar is ideal for anyone looking to spend money in a small space. Sennheiser’s integrated Ambeo virtualization technology delivers exciting TV and movie experiences with brilliant sound and offers advanced features such as support for Google Assistant and Alexa.
Sony HT-X8500 for $300: Sony’s HT-X8500 is getting harder to find, but it’s still one of our favorite options for those looking for a single beat with solid bass response and expansive sound, including decent Dolby Atmos virtualization. Although it’s more expensive than our top bar, it’s a great alternative for those who want a little more and worth considering while it’s still available.
Roku Streambar for $130: If you’re looking for a soundbar that doubles as a great streaming device, WIRED reviewer Adrienne So swears by the Roku Streambar. After spending years without one, she was so impressed that she shouted it from the rooftops. Setup is easy, and because it has Roku’s simple streaming interface, you can stream movies and shows in up to 4K HDR from almost any streaming service. You can also add a Roku subwoofer or surround sound speakers later. We encourage get a sub.
Vizio Elevate M-Series for $500: If you want full-featured Dolby Atmos and like a bit of flair, Vizio’s second Elevate bar is worth considering. The drivers pop out the side and aim at your ceiling when Atmos content is playing. This is a nifty party trick you can show your friends. The sound quality is also solid and we like the compact design and easy setup. However, you will need to run some speaker cables for the surround back speakers.
The Yamaha SR-C30A for $276: This soundbar model SR-C30A actually looks very similar to the SR-C20A and that is because they are the same in terms of dimensions, specifications and sound quality. The difference is that the SR-C30A is equipped with a compact (335 x 160 x 364 mm) wireless subwoofer for authentic Hollywood-style rumble and punch. —Simon Lucas
Sennheiser Ambeo Plus for $1,200: Given the price and physical dimensions of the soundbar – which doesn’t even include a subwoofer – the Ambeo Plus might seem like a bad deal. But thanks to its 400 watts of power and its nine carefully designed and even more carefully positioned speaker drivers, this Sennheiser is capable of producing big, enveloping sound with a clear hint of the sonic height that Dolby Atmos soundtracks thrive on. As a bonus, it proves to be an extremely powerful wireless speaker if you also want to listen to music. –Simon Lucas
The Polk React for $269: This soundbar works if you want to get surround sound at some point but don’t have the money right now. The Alexa-enabled soundbar is fine on its own, with surround speakers and subwoofers from Polk if you want an upgrade.
The Vizio Elevate P-Series for $700: This is a fantastic looking soundbar with side speakers that pan skyward when you’re watching content with object-based audio. It’s a good sounding bar and that gimmick is nice, but there are better options for under $1,000.
