It’s more than just a way to augment the on-board speakers on your TV, though. A soundbar can be an integral part of a 5.1 or 7.1 system acting as the main, center channel, so making sure the soundbar you buy fits in with your system is paramount. Beyond that, many brands offer cutting edge features like automatic room tuning, smartphone apps to control and expand your system’s functionality, and speaker technology that fills rooms using directional cones and ports. If you’re hoping to use your soundbar as a music-centric device, too, you’ll want to look at options like Bluetooth connectivity, Wi-Fi streaming systems, and the inclusion of an external subwoofer to support bass. If you want even more tips on selecting the right audio setup for your home, be sure to check out our beginners guide to sound systems, and read on below for a few of our favorite picks from budget speakers to truly premium systems. When it comes to connectivity, the Playbar keeps it simple. It has just two Ethernet ports, a power socket, and an optical input. (Where most TV devices use HDMI, the Sonos Playbar uses an optical audio input, so double-check that your TV has an optical output before buying it.) The Playbar has been praised for its intuitive Android/iOS app, which draws on your favorite streaming services and can be used to play different music in different rooms. Our tester also loved its handy night mode, which automatically enhances quiet sounds while diminishing the volume and impact of intense sounds. This wireless soundbar has one of the fastest setup processes in the industry. In our testing, we simply connected it to Sonos’ smartphone app (available on both Android and iOS platforms) and we were ready to go. With five amplifiers built-in, the Sonos plays a spacious sound that results in crystal clear dialogue and action scenes that sound like they are coming from a much larger home theater system. And Sonos is constantly auto-updating their speakers’ software, so your soundbar’s performance should only improve. On top of its sound and streaming functionality, the Streambar has Bluetooth 5.0 and Airplay 2, so you can play content from your phone on a Roku Streambar. Blast your favorite tunes, listen to a podcast, or cast a video. The Streambar even supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri. You can say, “Alexa, pause on Roku” when you’re cooking in the kitchen, and you won’t miss your favorite show. If you want even better sound, you can connect other Roku Wireless Speakers or a Roku Wireless Woofer for a more complete sound system. Plus, all of this comes in a device that costs less than most budget soundbars. For anyone looking to consolidate their A/V equipment for a small space, the Roku Streambar is ideal. It’s also an excellent option for those who want upgraded sound, but don’t want to spend on a more expensive sound bar or surround sound system. A six inch subwoofer and two compact rear speakers are included to create deep bass levels and a true surround sound experience. All of the speakers feature Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X technology to create a virtual height and depth element to the dual channel speakers for richer music and movie playback. The system features Chromecast built in so you can connect apps like Spotify and Pandora to stream your favorite songs from your phone, tablet, or computer. Vizio has paired up with Apple to give you four months of Apple Music for free when you buy this sound bar package. The soundbar itself has six 2.5-inch mid-range drivers and two one-inch tweeters for plenty of dynamic range on its own. Every speaker and subwoofer utilizes Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology as well as three processing engines for a more immersive listening experience. You can connect all your favorite devices with the HDMI inputs, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity. It also features a 4K passthrough so you can enjoy UHD content without any hassle.
About Our Trusted Experts
Resident audiophile David Beren takes a great deal of pride in his home speaker setup. His experience in the world of consumer electronics provides him with valuable insight into the world of soundbars and home entertainment setups. Erika Rawes has been writing for Lifewire since 2019. Specializing in tech, she’s previously been published on Digital Trends, USA Today, and more. She reviewed the Roku Playbar and enjoyed the compact size and solid audio mixed with streaming capabilities. Jason Schneider is Lifewire’s audio specialist with a decades’ experience reviewing tech and media. He reviewed a number of products on this list, particularly the Sonos Playbar, our top choice for audio quality. Emily Ramirez is a tech writer who studied game design at MIT and now reviews all sorts of consumer tech, from VR headsets to tower speakers.
What to Look For in a Soundbar
Subwoofer
While some soundbars come as stand-alone packages, others include subwoofers in the box. If you enjoy watching movies and playing video games with a bassy punch, you’ll want a soundbar with a subwoofer. The soundbar advertising typically denotes it is a 2.1 system.
Surround Sound
If you’re looking to get lost in your entertainment, consider picking up a system that includes surround sound for a fantastic movie experience. Just be sure that the system you are eying includes actual physical surround sound speakers and not merely a virtual experience that attempts to bounce sound around the room.
Bluetooth
Want to listen to your favorite songs and stream content from your smartphone to your soundbar? Look for a soundbar that includes built-in Bluetooth for easy wireless streaming from your favorite devices. Additionally, other solutions, like the Sonos Playbar, can use smartphone apps to keep you connected.
