Most soundbars with subs are wireless, for instance, while systems with surrounds can be wired, as in the case of the Vizio Elevate.Īt the AV Lab in New York City, I test soundbars head to head with a variety of reference equipment. For that reason, I take note of the size of the system and whether it offers wireless or wired peripherals. Subwoofer and surround speakers Single-bar systems are great for smaller TVs, while a soundbar-and-subwoofer combo is better suited for a living room.For example, the Sonos Ray only offers an optical output, but this is acceptable given that it's most suitable for older or smaller TVs. However, there are notable exceptions to this rule. The ability to offer multiple HDMI ports will help users with a large selection of sources (Xbox Series X, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray player, etc.). HDMI connections: At the bare minimum, a soundbar sold in 2023 should have at least one HDMI input, and preferably more.For example, does the soundbar offer dedicated height speakers, or is it simulated Atmos? See my roundup of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars. Dolby Atmos: Dolby Atmos is one of the most popular features in soundbars over $400, and so I look at features that help maximize spatial sound quality.Wireless streaming: Whether it's connecting a phone over Bluetooth or more advanced streaming technologies such as Spotify Connect or Apple AirPlay, the more choices for streaming technologies a soundbar has, the better.I do have one rule of thumb, though: Once the price of a soundbar exceeds $500, you may find it more worthwhile to save for an AV receiver and speakers. I give a lot of thought to the features a soundbar has in comparison to others that cost the same. Price: The most important consideration when choosing a soundbar is how much it costs, and I have found there are great soundbars at every price level, starting at $100 and up.When choosing which soundbar to buy, CNET also uses the following criteria as part of its selection process: Lastly, if you want the best that money can buy, then the Sennheiser Ambeo will give you the best sound I've ever heard in a soundbar. Taking this one step further, the Vizio M512a-H6 with Dolby Atmos support is an excellent buy for under $500, and the best option for spatial audio on a budget. This Klipsch speaker adds the oomph of a wireless subwoofer, which will help you get the most out of action films and music. If you're looking for a step-up from that, then the best soundbar for most people is the Klipsch Cinema 400. It offers both streaming and sparkling movie sound and is an unbeatable value. If you're looking to spend the least amount of money on quality sound, then the best soundbar to buy is the Roku Streambar. To help you find the best one for your needs, these are the best soundbars based on my listening tests. I've tested the best brands including Bose, Sony, Vizio, Sonos, Klipsch, Sennheiser and Polk to bring you the absolute cream of the crop. Soundbars are a much more affordable alternative to home theater speakers and AV receivers, while still providing powerful and immersive audio. No matter the cost of your TV, it's worth investing in a separate, dedicated speaker for your screen.
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