Best Soundbars of 2025 in Every Price Range, Tested by Experts

Full-featured, great-sounding models can easily cost $600 or more, but the less expensive models below are generally priced below $300—far below, in some cases.

Stepping up in price often yields better sound, and usually some additional features. Several of the models in this group offer very good overall sound quality, making them fine choices for watching movies and listening to music.

These pricier models deliver very good overall sound and support Dolby Vision and DTS:X immersive 3D audio formats. Several models also feature additional capabilities, including upfiring drivers to enhance the sense of overhead sound, and built-in support for voice-enabled digital assistants such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri. Some come with rear speakers or let you add them for a full surround-sound Atmos setup.

Most soundbars tuck several speakers into a thin enclosure that can be mounted on a wall or placed on a shelf below the TV. Pedestal-style “sound bases” are sturdy enough to support a television, but these have become less common as TVs have gotten larger.

Soundbars are often sold with a wireless subwoofer to enhance bass, and a few models include rear speakers for a true surround-sound experience. A growing number support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X “immersive” 3D audio formats, which add an element of height to the surround-sound experience.

Most soundbars these days include Bluetooth audio, letting you stream music wirelessly from a phone or tablet. Those with two-way Bluetooth let you send sound from the soundbar to Bluetooth headphones for private listening.

Some advanced models offer access to streaming video and music services directly from the soundbar itself, and can be controlled using voice commands with digital assistants like Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, or Google Assistant.

Here are a few shopping suggestions to keep in mind.

Make sure you can return or exchange the soundbar even if you listen to it in a store before buying it. Soundbars may sound very different in your home.

Determine how many channels of sound you want. To simply enhance your TV sound, an inexpensive soundbar with 2.1 channels (two front channels and a separate subwoofer) will do nicely. A 3.1-channel system adds a center-channel speaker, which can help make dialogue clearer. But if you want true surround sound, opt for a 5.1-channel system, which usually features rear speakers.

Decide whether to spring for Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. These newer immersive surround-sound technologies can give movies with specially encoded soundtracks a more dramatic, lifelike effect. This is typically achieved with speakers that incorporate upfiring drivers. Soundbars with this feature will have a third number in the channel designation. For instance, a 3.1.2-channel soundbar has three front channels, a subwoofer, and two upfiring channels.

“When done well, especially with models that have front and rear height-enabled speakers, listeners can really get a three-dimensional sound experience,” says Elias Aria, who heads soundbar testing at CR. For example, the sound of a helicopter flying overhead can appear to be coming from above the listener.