Movie night at home just isn’t the same with tinny TV speakers. Explosions sound like popcorn pops, and whispers get lost in the background. You crank the volume, but dialogue becomes muffled and distorted.
Frustrating, right? The solution? Theright sound system and tech. This sleek audio upgrade packs a powerful punch, transforming your living room into a mini movie theater. But with so many soundbars on the market, how do you choose the right one? Well, this guide will help you navigate the soundbar world and find the perfect match for your TV and your ears.
Panasonic SoundSlayer Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Big Sound, Small Footprint
This compact powerhouse packs Dolby Atmos® 3D surround sound for immersive movies, music, and games. It boasts dedicated gaming modes for RPGs, FPS, and dialogue-heavy titles, and connects to all your devices for a clutter-free setup.
Living in a cramped apartment shouldn’t mean sacrificing great sound. The Panasonic SoundSlayer Gaming Soundbar is a fantastic option for anyone looking for powerful audio in a compact package. Despite its small size, the SoundSlayer creates a realistic 3D surround sound experience for movies, music, and games, putting you right in the center of the action.
Gamerslooking for gaming soundbarswill also appreciate the dedicated sound modes that enhance audio for specific genres like RPGs and FPS, making footsteps and other crucial cues easier to pinpoint.
Sony S100F 2.0 Channel Soundbar
Effortless Upgrade for Your TV
This compact 2.0 channel bar features a built-in subwoofer for deep bass, plus Bluetooth for easy music streaming. It also offers a voice enhancement mode for clearer dialogue and connects effortlessly to your TV via HDMI ARC. Wall-mountable for a sleek setup.
Upgrading your TV’s sound shouldn’t be a complicated affair. The Sony S100F soundbar is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants a simple and effective way to boost their home entertainment experience.
This compact soundbar connects effortlessly to your TV via HDMI ARC, eliminating the need for multiple cables and remotes. With Bluetooth connectivity on board, you can also stream music directly from your phone or tablet for a quick and convenient listening session.
The sound quality is impressive, with clear dialogue thanks to a dedicated voice enhancement mode and rich audio thanks to the built-in tweeter and virtual surround sound. Plus, the sleek design of the S100F soundbar complements any room and can be easily mounted on the wall for a clean and clutter-free setup. Find more options for soundbars for clearer dialogues—check out our guide here!
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
Home Theater Hero
This immersive wonder uses Ambeo virtualization tech to create a 7.1.4 surround sound experience, filling your room with deep bass and crystal-clear dialogue. It also self-calibrates for optimal sound and streams music effortlessly with Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Chromecast built-in.
Transform your living room into a cinematic haven with the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus. This premium soundbar is a dream come true for movie and audiophiles alike. Ambeo virtualization technology creates a breathtaking 7.1.4 surround sound experience, putting you right in the center of the action with deep, room-filling bass thanks to built-in subwoofers.
Even older stereo content gets an upgrade with Ambeo upmixing, creating a wider soundstage that fills your entire space.
Crystal clear dialogue is a priority too, thanks to a dedicated voice enhancement mode. Plus, with Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Chromecast built-in, you can effortlessly stream your favorite music services for a seamless listening experience.
Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar
A Home Theater Powerhouse
This feature-packed system boasts 11 high-performance speakers, including upfiring drivers for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound. It even packs a wireless subwoofer for room-shaking bass.
Transforming your living room into a home theater doesn’t require a blockbuster budget. The Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar is a fantastic option for movie and audio lovers who are value-conscious. This feature-packed system packs a punch with 11 high-performance speakers, including up-firing drivers that create immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound.
Whether you’re watching explosions rock the screen or getting lost in a detailed soundtrack, the M-Series puts you right in the center of the action. A dedicated wireless subwoofer adds deep, rich bass for an extra layer of impact, while the surround speakers offer customizable placement to tailor the sound to your space. Plus, the wireless design keeps things clutter-free.
Samsung HW-Q600C
A Great All-in-One Upgrade
This 3.1.2 channel system packs a punch with Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound. It also features Adaptive Sound, which automatically adjusts audio for clear dialogue and a great listening experience. Plus, it pairs seamlessly with Samsung TVs for a powerful audio boost.
The Samsung HW-Q600C soundbar is a fantastic all-around option. This 3.1.2 channel system with Dolby Atmos delivers immersive sound that fills your room, putting you right in the middle of the action in movies and shows. Plus, the Adaptive Sound feature intelligently adjusts the audio for crystal-clear dialogue, even at low volumes.
Samsung fans will appreciate the seamless pairing with Samsung TVs – Q-Symphony technology lets the soundbar and TV speakers work together for a powerful and cohesive audio experience. The HW-Q600C is also easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for anyone who wants to elevate their home entertainment without the extra steps.
Roku Streambar Pro
Stream Smarter, Sound Better
This 2-in-1 device combines a 4K streamer with a built-in soundbar for a powerful visual and audio upgrade. Enjoy crisp visuals, rich sound with virtual surround, and access to tons of free, live, and premium streaming channels.
The Streambar Pro shines with its rich sound quality, clear dialogue, and virtual surround sound. Whether you’re enjoying action-packed movies, binging your favorite shows, or listening to music, the audio is clear, immersive, and enjoyable.
Plus, setup is a breeze – the Streambar Pro connects easily and works seamlessly with most TVs. It even includes its own remote for Roku control, though you can also use your TV remote for basic sound functions.
The built-in 4K streamer is another perk, giving you access to a vast library of free, live, and premium channels – all in stunning 4K HDR quality. This eliminates the need for a separate streaming device, keeping your entertainment setup clutter-free.
FAQ
What size soundbar should I get?
The ideal soundbar size depends on your TV’s size and your room. A soundbar that’s roughly the same width as your TV will offer the best balance. For small to medium rooms (up to 15 feet wide), a 2.1 or 3.1 channel soundbar is a good choice. Larger rooms (over 15 feet wide) might benefit from a larger soundbar with additional surround speakers.
Can soundbars do surround sound?
Yes, many soundbars offer virtual surround sound. This uses clever audio processing to create a wider soundstage that simulates surround sound without needing rear speakers. Some higher-end soundbars include dedicated surround speakers for a more immersive experience.
Are Dolby Atmos soundbars really worth it?
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that creates a more three-dimensional soundscape with overhead sounds. If you have a compatible Dolby Atmos setup (including Atmos-enabled content), a Dolby Atmos soundbar can be a worthwhile upgrade for a truly immersive home theater experience. However, if you’re on a budget or don’t have a Dolby Atmos setup, a standard surround sound soundbar might be sufficient.
