The best soundbars from B&W, Samsung, Sonos, Sony, and more
Picking the best soundbar can solve many of your TV sound issues. Can’t hear what’s being said on your TV? A soundbar’s dialog settings can help. Do big-budget blockbusters lack the explosive sound to match the on-screen images? A good soundbar will bring movie soundtracks to life.
All the soundbars listed below have the kind of performance to match today’s vibrant big-screen images, but the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 is my top soundbar recommendation for most people. It has 3.1.2 audio channels, Dolby Atmos support and is a great solution if you seek a soundbar that sounds just as great with music as it does with movies. If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, however, then Yamaha’s YAS 209 is still our best budget option and it comes with a wireless subwoofer, too. In order to grade soundbars on their ease of setup and everyday usage, dialog sound quality, power output, design, and, of course, how well they produce an immersive surround sound experience for many listeners, we spend hours evaluating them at home in exactly the way that they are meant to be used.
Continue reading to find the ideal soundbar for you. Remember that our comprehensive standalone reviews, which cover installation, customization, and performance, contain a wealth of additional information. To learn more, just click the link found at the conclusion of each product summary.
This single soundbar solution with Dolby Atmos support projects sound in all directions for an immersive listening experience. It works equally well with music and every kind of soundtrack is served up with confidence and style.
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Best budget
2. Yamaha YAS-209
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This soundbar with wireless subwoofer package boosts TV sound for a bargain price. It’s been around for a while and there’s no Dolby Atmos support, but it’s still a worthwhile option. Bag it while you can.
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Best value
3. Yamaha True X Bar 40A
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This Dolby Atmos soundbar is a solid performer that won’t break the bank, but you’ll want to spring for a subwoofer if you really want strong bass.
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Lee Dunkley
Audio Editor
Hi, I’m Lee and I cover all things audio for Tom’s Guide, including maintaining our buying guides on the best soundbars, best AV receivers, best computer speakers, and best Bluetooth speakers. I’ve been testing and writing about audio for more than 30 years years. I’ve tested and demoed hundreds of speakers and home theater systems, putting me in the perfect position to help shoppers make informed buying decisions and get great sound from their soundbar.
1. Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3
Best dedicated soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Size: 2.6 x 47.6 x 5.5 inchesInputs/outputs: HDMI; Digital optical; Ethernet; USB-C (service only)Dolby Atmos speakers built-in : YesAudio channels: 3.1.2Wireless: AirPlay 2; Bluetooth aptX Adaptive; Spotify ConnectSubwoofer: IntegratedPower output: 400WWall mountable: Yes
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Reasons to buy
+Lively, muscular and expansive movie sound
+Properly accomplished with music
+Useful touch controls and app
Reasons to avoid
-Dolby Atmos effect not as pronounced as some
-Close rivals cost less
A reputable Hi-Fi company also offers a single soundbar option in the Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3. Cinematic low frequency rumble is handled by the two integrated subwoofer drivers, while the left, right, and center speakers are arranged to fire forward. A stand-alone subwoofer is not included. Two upfiring drive units of the are used to provide Dolby Atmos compatibility and add a feeling of height when streaming compatible soundtracks.
The robust amplifier of the Panorama 3 is expressive and articulate when it comes to music and can easily handle significant dynamic shifts found in movie soundtracks. With a variety of musical and cinematic elements, it is incredibly well-balanced and cohesive, and the Dolby Atmos content projects smoothly and in all directions for a fully immersive listening experience. The Bowers soundstage is really wide
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2. Yamaha YAS-209
Best budget soundbar with wireless subwoofer
Specifications
Size: 36.6 x 4.3 x 2.5 inches (soundbar); 36.6 x 4.3 x 2.5 inches (subwoofer)Inputs/outputs: 1x HDMI in; 1x HDMI out; 1x Optical inDolby Atmos speakers built-in: NoAudio channels: Not specifiedWireless: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.2Subwoofer: Yes (wireless)Power output (rated): 200W (soundbar) 100W (subwoofer)Wall mountable : Yes
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Reasons to buy
+Clear and intelligible dialog
+Excellent for music
+Alexa voice control
+Comes with a wireless subwoofer
Reasons to avoid
-Subwoofer can lack power
-No Dolby Atmos support
-Only 1 HDMI input
Launched in 2019 and still going strong, the YAS-209 sou
The goal of the 2019-released and still-active YAS-209 soundbars is to offer fantastic features at a reasonable cost. This great kit includes a wireless subwoofer to enhance low-end frequencies in addition to a slim primary soundbar.
Its main purpose is to enhance TV sound quality, but it also functions as a fantastic music system and comes equipped with Alexa speech assistant. When 3D Surround mode is activated, the clever and adaptable combo produces a rich and powerful sound that vividly brings movie soundtracks to life. It also has an incredibly wide soundstage. Movie dialogue has great depth, seriousness, and is easy to follow. The YAS-209 has a lot to offer at the price; we just wish there were more HDMI ports on the back
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3. Best value, Yamaha True X Bar 40A
Details
40 x 4.4 x 2.5 inches in sizeUSB (service only), Ethernet port, HDMI in, HDMI eARC output, and opticalBuilt-in Dolby Atmos speakers: Sure2.2.2 audio channelsWireless: Apple’s AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, and Tidal ConnectNo subwooferRated power output: 180 WWall-mountable: Sure
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Reasons to purchase: + Overall solid frequency response + Good immersion + Useful smart features like AirPlay 2 + Reasons not to buy
Better systems for the cost of the soundbar, subwoofer, and surround speakers; the bass is a little lacking in that department without one.
High-end soundbars are no longer the exclusive realm of Dolby Atmos. One example would be the Yamaha True X Bar 40A, which provides spatial audio in a device that costs less than $500. It’s a good deal even though it costs a little more than some of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars that aren’t as affordable. Its 180W output was sufficient for watching films like “Deadpool 2,” particularly in smaller spaces where we were able to enjoy a more immersive experience.
The device’s numerous connectivity choices, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity for Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Apple’s AirPlay 2, and a small design that fit nicely under our 65-inch TV, were especially appealing to us.
But without sound bar
Devialet’s Dione multipurpose TV speaker is a great option if you’re looking for high-end luxury. With nine full-range aluminum speaker drivers and eight long-throw aluminum subwoofer drivers built into its sleek design, the Dione is a sophisticated soundbar. A separate subwoofer is not present.
The Devialet Dione can handle Dolby Atmos content and produces excellent movie and music sound. The sound in movies is wide, powerful, and surprisingly subtle, bringing the intricacies to life. Soundstage components with Dolby Atmos content that are wide and tall are incredibly powerful. It’s absolutely amazing how much bass the Dione soundbar can produce for a soundbar that doesn’t have a matching subwoofer to provide low-frequency support.
Because the Dione weighs 26.5 pounds, which is around 6 pounds more than the Sony HT-A7000 below, a solid wall is necessary to support it safely. Though it could be among the priciest stand-alone soundbars we’ve ever heard, it strikes a good mix between robust networking capabilities, support for high-definition audio, and some of the greatest movie and music sound we’ve ever heard. For individuals who enjoy listening to music as much as they do watching movie soundtracks, this soundbar option is a must-have.
View our complete review of Devialet Dione.
The best soundbar the firm offers is the Sonos Arc, which stands out for its exquisite curved design that is intended to complement the sound of your TV while also serving as a focal point for your living room. Although the audio setup is not mentioned, Sonos delivers clean treble and deep bass for your favorite TV episodes and movies without sacrificing sound quality. Although the Sonos Arc lacks height speakers to handle Dolby Atmos material from the soundbar itself, you can quickly add a pair of Sonos Era 300 rear surround speakers to fully experience the immersive format.