The 14 Best Soundbars We Tested and Reviewed (2025): Sonos, Sony, Bose

There are a lot of sound effects out there, and we don’t have room to show them all. Here are some things you may 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 it might be a better choice for newbies LG TVs like the C4which can connect wirelessly and use its speakers in conjunction with the bar for greater immersion. It also supports game modes like 120-Hz pass-through, but only includes a single boost.

Vizio 2.1 Soundbar (SV210M) for $170: Vizio’s compact compact delivers compelling, solid sound and video punch from the youngest subwoofer you’ll ever see. There’s no additional monitor or remote included, but Vizio’s software makes switching or switching to Bluetooth easy enough. The main drawback is that dialogue is sometimes (but not always) lost, reducing the main draw of a cheap soundbar. That said, good soundtracks and features like DTS Virtual X enhancements make it worth considering for sale.

Samsung HW-Q800C for $598: If Samsung’s HW-Q990C everything bar is too heavy for your blood, two pieces HW-Q800C (WIRED Recommends, 8/10) can be a good argument. This bar offers the same signature sound as Samsung’s bars with many of the same features, packed into a compact bar-and-subwoofer combination for a lower price – especially now that it’s on sale all the time.

Sennheiser Ambeo Mini for $700: This top pint range is perfect for those who have the money to burn in a small space. The Sennheiser technology built into the Ambeo makes your surroundings perfect for TV and video entertainment, and offers advanced features such as Google Assistant and Alexa support.

Sony HT-X8500 for $300: Sony’s HT-X8500 is becoming harder to find, but it’s still one of our favorites for those with a solid bass response and bigger sound, plus a nice Dolby Atmos feature. Although it’s more expensive than our top bar, it’s a great alternative to them later, and it’s worth considering while it’s still available.

Roku Streambar for $130: If you’re after a soundbar that doubles as a great streaming device, WIRED reviewer Adrienne So swears by the Roku Streambar. After years without one he became so impressed that he shouted to the rooftops. Setup is easy, and because it includes Roku’s easy-to-use interface you can watch videos and displays up to 4K HDR from almost any streaming service. You can also add a Roku subwoofer or surround speakers to the line. We recommend it get a sub.

Vizio Elevate M-Series for $500: If you want Dolby Atmos sound and like a little entertainment, Vizio’s Elevate bar is worth considering. The drivers pop out of the sides and point to your ceiling while the Atmos elements are playing, giving you the illusion of a party to show off to your friends. The audio quality is solid as well, and we love its compact design and easy setup. However, you have to run the communication cables around the back.

Yamaha SR-C30A for $276: This version of the SR-C30A soundbar looks very similar to the SR-C20A, and that’s because it’s the same as far as dimensions, shape, and sound are concerned. The difference is that the SR-C30A ships with a compact (335 x 160 x 364mm) wireless subwoofer for more Hollywood-style sound and punch. –Simon Lucas

Sennheiser Ambeo Plus for $1,200: Considering the price and size of the speaker—which doesn’t even include a subwoofer—the Ambeo Plus might seem like a no-brainer. But thanks to its 400 watts of power and nine carefully designed and well-placed drivers, this Sennheiser is able to produce big sounds with a strong sense of sonic depth that Dolby Atmos music does well. By way of encore, it is a powerful wireless speaker when you want to listen to other songs. —Simon Lucas

The Polk React is $269: This sound works if you want to hear surround sound but don’t have the money right now. The Alexa-enabled soundbar is great on its own, with surround speakers and subwoofers available from Polk if you want to upgrade.

Vizio Elevate P-Series for $700: This is a stylish soundbar with side speakers that move towards the sky when you watch content with immersive sound. It’s a sound bar, and that gimmick is great, but there are better options for less than $1,000.