in the event you’ve simply purchased a elaborate new TV, it’s possible you’ll be stunned to seek out it sounds simply as unhealthy as your outdated one (or worse). Even the finest TVs we have examined want a hand to supply sound that retains up with their improbable shows. However it may be powerful figuring out the place to begin with regards to upgrading your TV audio. By no means worry, intrepid purchaser: The best and most inexpensive resolution is to simply get a soundbar. Trendy soundbars are available all shapes, sizes, and costs. Right here, we have made a guidelines of types to think about earlier than urgent the Purchase button.
Make sure you try our Finest Soundbars and Finest Bookshelf Audio system guides, in addition to our recommendation on Easy methods to Purchase a TV and Easy methods to Set Up a TVwith in-depth image adjustment recommendation.
Desk of Contents
Up to date June 2025: We have the newest data and up to date mannequin suggestions from our newest spherical of in depth testing.
Why You Want a Soundbar
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundbars are an ideal first step into residence theater audio as a result of they’re usually compact and simple to arrange and sound vastly higher than most built-in TV audio system. Critically: practically all TV audio system are unhealthy! The spectrum of high quality you may get from a soundbar ranges from fundamental enhancements to the bass and total soundstage to the kind of room-filling sound you may anticipate from a extra conventional residence theater audio system (a system with wired audio system and a devoted receiver). No matter what you are watching, a soundbar is a low-effort method of getting extra out of your viewing expertise.
Discovering the Proper Dimension
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundbars are available a number of sizes and configurations, denoted by the dimensions of the acoustic chamber and the variety of built-in full-range, bass, and top channels. You’ll be able to consider soundbar channels because the variety of particular person zones emitting sound. A “2.1” soundbar system has a minimum of two individually powered audio system and a devoted subwoofer. A 5.1 system has a minimum of 5 major audio system (a middle, left, proper, plus two surrounds) and a subwoofer.
Whereas most price range bars might be stereo solely, our favourite performers normally have a minimum of three channels in entrance (left, middle, and proper) and a subwoofer. That is a 3.1 system. The middle channel is usually a very powerful as a result of that is the place TV and movie mixers put dialog. Have hassle listening to dialog in films and reveals? Get a three-channel (3.0) bar on the very least.
Typically, you may see an extra quantity on the finish, like a 3.1.2 system. The “.2” means there are two top channels. In soundbars, these are upward-facing audio system that bounce hold forth the ceiling, simulating ceiling-mounted audio system for content material combined in 3D audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Mainly, these soundbars attempt to re-create a spatial audio expertise with out requiring you to string up audio system on the ceiling. Pricier soundbar techniques will include further devoted rear- and side-firing drivers that bounce hold forth your partitions for extra immersion, utilizing a configuration of 5.1.2 (or larger).
The extra channels, the greater your soundbar system will seemingly be. Crucial step is to verify no matter you purchase will match in your media console (ideally, it’s going to match proper between your TV’s legs, too). We’ll go over {surround} sound and Dolby Atmos in additional element beneath.
Do You Want a Subwoofer?
{Photograph}: Parker Corridor
For many areas, it is extremely price contemplating a soundbar with a devoted subwoofer. If these are too costly otherwise you’re frightened in regards to the neighbors, some soundbars have a much less overt bass channel inbuilt, whereas different techniques allow you to add a subwoofer later, together with fashions from Sonos, Klipsch, Boseand others. Every of those examples permits you to add {surround} audio system later as effectively, letting you improve to a full surround-sound system.
