Best Soundbars

2024/09

In its compact size of just 65 by 10 centimeters, the second-generation Sonos Beam comes with all sorts of features. With the help of side-firingThese speakers emit the sound to the side. This creates a wider soundscape and a certain surround sound. speakers, the 5.0 setup produces a room-filling sound. In addition, uncompressed Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. is supported via an HDMI eARCEnhanced Audio Return Chanel: A significant increase in the data transfer rate, which means that audio signals no longer need to be compressed before being transmitted to the music system. This noticeably increases audio quality. port. However, you will hear that the bar lacks a bit of bass when playing 3D sound.

With a separate center speaker, Apple Airplay and a network connection, the Sonos Beam is well equipped for streaming TV shows or podcasts. Thanks to the integrated voice assistant, you can also control it easily via speech.

500 watts in just one unit – this powerful performance makes the Sony HT-A7000 one of the best one-body soundbars. The 7.1.2 setup has both a center speaker for clear voices and two height channels for playing 3D sound formats. The built-in subwoofer can also convince with the reproduction of stereo sound.

Sony’s HT-A7000 does not skimp on connectivity: It has a USB interface, a headphone jack and a LAN port, among others. With Apple Airplay, Chromecast, Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, the wireless streaming options are also impressive.

The Samsung HW-Q900A includes almost everything you would expect from a soundbar with a subwoofer. The sound profile of the 7.1.2 setup is very balanced and it gets decently loud, making it suitable for a variety of uses. The external subwoofer provides a rich bass that makes the thump noticeable in action scenes. Furthermore, the sound can be individually optimized thanks to the graphic equalizer and a variety of other settings.

Smart home fans also get their money’s worth with features like the network connection, Apple Airplay and the integrated Alexa. The only drawback: Chromecast is not included.

The slim Sonos Arc is a 5.0.2-channel soundbar that does without a subwoofer. Its eleven speakers include up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. and side-firingThese speakers emit the sound to the side. This creates a wider soundscape and a certain surround sound. speakers, which are used to reproduce surround content and Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically.. The latter is played back via the HDMI eARCEnhanced Audio Return Chanel: A significant increase in the data transfer rate, which means that audio signals no longer need to be compressed before being transmitted to the music system. This noticeably increases audio quality. port, which also enables smooth transmission of 4K content. Since a software update from Sonos, DTS content is also supported.

The Sonos Arc is also perfectly suited for streaming content. Thanks to the separate center speaker, TV shows and podcasts can be heard clearly. The wireless transmission of content is possible via Wi-Fi or Apple Airplay. Dialog enhancement and room correction functions are also available.

You get the best overall package with the Samsung HW-Q950A. The 11.1.4 soundbar with wireless Atmos satellite speakers and subwoofers delivers a great 3D surround sound with an excellently balanced sound profile, which means it can be used for almost every content. Music as well as dialog-heavy content and movies can be impressively staged. Especially when it comes to surround sound, the irrefutable advantage of freely placeable satellite speakers becomes apparent.

The soundbar also has many features to improve the sound, which can be used via the Samsung SmartThings app. This is operated via the Wi-fi interface and thus via smartphone, which enables a variety of smart features and streaming services for the soundbar. These can also be used via the integrated Amazon Alexa voice control.

The Samsung HW-Q800A offers an outstanding overall package of excellent sound and smart features. Thanks to the integrated Apple Airplay, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility, there are no limits to streaming. In addition, the Tap Sound function only requires a touch of the smartphone to the soundbar to transfer music in seconds. Those who don’t have a smartphone at hand, can also control the 3.1.2 setup via voice command, as it has a built-in Amazon Alexa.

In addition to the soundbar’s countless smart features, its audio quality is also impressive: The Q800A supports all common sound formats and can also reproduce 3D sound formats like Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic..

The Signa S4 from the American manufacturer Polk Audio is a 3.1.2-channel system with an external subwoofer and a total of seven built-in speakers. Among them are also up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers that are used to play Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. content or virtual surround sound. For clear voices and dialogs, the soundbar is equipped with a dedicated center channel as well as Polk’s VoiceAjdust feature for dialog enhancement. This allows the volume of voices to be adjusted separately.

For wireless content transfer, the soundbar has a Bluetooth interface. Other smart features are not available due to the lack of a network connection. The Signa S4 has an HDMI output with eARCEnhanced Audio Return Chanel: A significant increase in the data transfer rate, which means that audio signals no longer need to be compressed before being transmitted to the music system. This noticeably increases audio quality. support as well as an AUX port and an optical input.

With its width of just 30 centimeters, the LG QP5 should definitely fit in front of your monitor. However, it comes with a strong subwoofer and can impress with a total power of 320 watts. Moreover, the soundbar is equipped with a center speaker which ensures that voices and dialogs are reproduced clearly. It also supports the 3D sound formats Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic., for the reproduction of which it uses its height channels.

The QP5 can play almost every sound format currently available. For faster transmission of contents, it comes with an HDMI 2.1 port with eARC. Through this, the lossless transmission of 4K contents is possible as well. Other connection options include an HDMI output, an optical input, a USB interface and Bluetooth.

The Samsung HW-Q950A is more than just a soundbar. It is a complete 11.1.4 Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. sound system that can be used perfectly for most content. The soundbar has a crystal clear sound profile, so music can be played back impressively.

The extremely powerful subwoofer acts very precisely at both high and low volumes and blends excellently into the sound picture. Distortion is almost non-existent and the maximum volume is very high, making the soundbar perfect for house parties.

In terms of smart features and wireless connectivity, the HW-Q950A has everything you could want. The soundbar can be controlled with the SmartThings app and music can be streamed comfortably.

The JBL Bar 9.1 has just about everything you need to complement your home theater. It can play almost any sound format and syncs 4K content without quality loss thanks to its 4K pass-through. The external subwoofer and two detachable satellite speakers provide genuine cinema feeling, with sound coming from different directions. In addition, four height channels for the reproduction of 3D sound ensure an impressive, immersive soundscape.

Above all, the soundbar’s wireless connectivity options are remarkable. Chromecast as well as Apple Airplay and Bluetooth are integrated. Additionally, a network connection via Ethernet cable or the Wi-Fi interface is possible. If you want to connect a console or BluRay player, you can use the HDMI input.

Sony’s flagship has two HDMI 2.1 ports. Via these, the HT-A7000 can receive uncompressed Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:XJust like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X is also a 3D sound format, with which the surround sound is expanded by height speakers. In addition, it is also an object-based sound format, whereby additional information is assigned to sounds, making them sound even more realistic.. For playback, it uses its up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers, which reflect the sound on the ceiling. It can also transmit Dolby VisionDolby Vision is a dynamic HDR format that significantly improves the HDR picture quality of your TV. Not every soundbar can pass this format on to the TV. and HDR10 content without any problems.

Besides the HDMI interfaces, there are many other connection options. Wireless connectivity is also provided for with Bluetooth, WLAN, Chromecast and Airplay.

The 7.1.2 system has an integrated subwoofer and a total output of 500 watts. Unfortunately, the soundbar does not get really loud though and is therefore less suitable for particularly large rooms.

The second-generation Sonos Beam is a compact soundbar with countless features. Radio reception happens via DAB+, so content is transmitted digitally. The soundbar also has an integrated Alexa, Airplay and a Wi-Fi connection.

Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. content is also supported by the soundbar, which ensures an immersive sound experience. In addition, a separate center speaker reproduces voices and dialogs clearly.

The Sony HT-SF150 has the best price-performance ratio in this category. It is a space-saving 2.0 setup, so a subwoofer is not integrated into the soundbar. Overall, the soundbar has a balanced sound. Especially with voice-heavy content, it knows how to convince with a clear reproduction as well as an additional function for dialog enhancement. Nothing stands in the way of wireless streaming of podcasts, audio books, etc. thanks to the connection via Bluetooth.

If you are looking for an inexpensive soundbar with DTS & Dolby Digital, whose sound can be configured via a graphic equalizer, the Samsung HW-B550 is exactly the right choice. The 2.1 channel 160W soundbar with wireless 250W subwoofer has a nice sound, which is very balanced out-of-the-box. Despite DTS Virtual:XVirtual 3D sound that can be reproduced by setups without height or down-firing speakers. Psychoacoustic algorithms are used to create surround, height and overhead effects., a real surround sound atmosphere does not emerge, but the generated sound range is quite satisfactory. The HDMI ARC connection with CECConsumer Electronics Control: HDMI CEC makes it possible to control various consumer electronics devices with just one remote control. makes it easy to control the soundbar with the TV’s remote control. The bottom line is that this is an inexpensive soundbar with a wealth of features that is unusual for this price range.

Samsung’s all-in-one solution for music, movies and dialogue-heavy content. The Acoustic Beam technology with side- and up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers creates an immersive movie experience, but the soundbar would really benefit from an additional subwoofer. The setup is expandable with a subwoofer and satellite speakers to create a true home theater setup.

If you don’t like the sound profile or want to adjust it to different genres, you can freely adjust it with the graphic equalizer. Still, there are soundbars in this price range that have a more balanced profile, so that music in particular can be reproduced a little better. In terms of smart features, the HW-S60T has everything you could want. Internet access is ensured with Wi-Fi, and the integrated Amazon Alexa makes the soundbar really smart.

Smart 2.1 soundbar with a precise, wireless subwoofer and an excellent sound – especially for music. Thanks to Dolby Digital Surround and DTS Virtual:XVirtual 3D sound that can be reproduced by setups without height or down-firing speakers. Psychoacoustic algorithms are used to create surround, height and overhead effects., the simulated surround sound is quite good for movies, but can be surpassed by other models at a similar price. Thanks to Yamaha’s Clear Voice feature, dialogs are rendered clearly.

The Wi-Fi connection and integrated Amazon Alexa voice control turn the soundbar into a truly smart device that supports Amazon Music and Spotify without a third-party device. Normal music streaming is of course possible via Bluetooth. Furthermore, in addition to the convenient control via TV remote, control via mobile app is still possible. So the Yamaha YAS-209 has a really well-rounded complete package with some great features at a fair price.

The Samsung HW-Q700A is a premium soundbar which can reproduce Dolby AtmosDolby Atmos is a 3D sound format that adds sounds from above to surround sound systems and can also assign additional information to sounds so that they can be reproduced even more realistically. and DTS:X sound. For this, it uses up-firingThese speakers are positioned diagonally upwards so that the reflection of the sound from the ceiling reaches the viewers from above. They are mainly used for 3D sound formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. speakers and Samsung’s Acoustic Beam technology. However, it downmixes surround content into stereo content in order to reproduce it.

The sound profile is quite balanced, making most content very enjoyable in reproduction. Moreover, the soundbar gets decently loud. If you do not like the sound profile, you can adjust it individually thanks to many optimization features.