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10 Best Sound Bars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium soundbar designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, especially for those who want rich, multi-dimensional sound at home. Its standout feature is the 9.1.4 channel setup paired with Dolby Atmos, which creates detailed, room-filling sound that can make movies and music truly captivating. The built-in AI-powered speech enhancement helps clarify dialogue, so you won’t miss important words during TV shows or films.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,481
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
501 reviews

Audio Channels
The 9.1.4 channel Dolby Atmos setup creates an immersive sound environment where audio feels like it’s coming from all around, elevating movies to a whole new level.
Connectivity Options
Setup is effortless with the Sonos app’s step-by-step guidance and simple HDMI eARC connection, making it ready to use in under 10 minutes.
Size and Design
The sleek, substantial design blends seamlessly into modern living rooms, adding a premium look without distracting from the TV.
Subwoofer
The soundbar integrates flawlessly with other Sonos products, enabling easy expansion to surround sound with Era 300 rear speakers and deeper bass with a Sonos Subwoofer.
Smart Features
AI-powered speech enhancement delivers crystal clear dialogue, eliminating the need to rewind and ensuring every word is heard.
Sound Quality
Trueplay tuning automatically adapts sound to the room’s acoustics, noticeably improving audio quality and immersion.
#2
9.4 score

JBL Bar 1300XMK2-11.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers & Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X®, 1570W max Output Power & a 12" Wireless subwoofer (Black)

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is designed for people who want a powerful, immersive home theater sound experience. Its standout feature is the 11.1.4 channel setup with detachable wireless surround speakers and six up-firing drivers, which deliver true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound. This means sound comes at you from all directions, including overhead, creating a cinema-like atmosphere at home. The included 12-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep, rumbling bass to bring action scenes and music to life.

Rating
9.4
Sound Quality
Connectivity Options
Smart Features

Most important from
40 reviews

Sound Quality
The soundbar delivers an immersive home theater experience that truly exceeds expectations.
Connectivity Options
Integration with various devices is seamless, making casting music and connecting rear speakers effortless.
Smart Features
The night listening feature provides clear dialogue without disturbing others, enhancing usability.
Subwoofer
Wireless rear speakers connect reliably via Bluetooth, simplifying setup with no extra wires.
#3
9.1 score

Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bass Module 700 2X Wireless Surround Speaker, Black

The Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar is designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, making it a great option for home theater enthusiasts. One of its key strengths is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, which enhances sound quality by adding depth and clarity. The system's 3.1 surround sound channel configuration, combined with the Bass Module 700 and two Surround Speakers 700, ensures a rich and dynamic soundscape perfect for movies, gaming, and music.

Rating
9.1
Audio Channels
Subwoofer
Size and Design

Most important from
73 reviews

Audio Channels
The system really fills the room with clear and crisp sound.
Subwoofer
The Bass Unit is the perfect size, non-intrusive, and super powerful.
Size and Design
The sound quality and the design are an absolute 10/10! The system is beautiful to look at and has a very low profile.

Top 10 Best Sound Bars 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Voice Control - 9.1.4 Surround Sound for TV and Music - White

Audio Channels: 9.1.4
Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC, WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay
Size and Design: 46.18" W x 4.35" D x 3.13" H
Subwoofer: No built-in; add Sonos Sub
Smart Features: App, Voice, Touch controls, Mic

Chosen by 1481 this week

Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bass Module 700 2X Wireless Surround Speaker, Black

Audio Channels: 3.1
Connectivity Options: Optical, HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Power Output: 300 Watts
Subwoofer: Wired
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos
Size and Design: 2.25"D x 27.5"W x 2.25"H

Sonos Beam Gen 2 - White - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Audio Channels: 2.0
Connectivity Options: Ethernet, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Airplay
Size and Design: 3.9"D x 25.6"W x 2.7"H, Compact
Subwoofer: Wireless
Smart Features: Multi Room Audio, App, Remote, Voice
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Buying Guide for the Best Sound Bars

Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. Sound bars are designed to provide better sound quality than your TV's built-in speakers, and they come in various sizes and configurations to suit different needs. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your personal preferences and usage scenarios.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio signals the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 sound bar has two channels (left and right), while a 2.1 adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, opt for a higher channel count. For general TV watching and music, a 2.0 or 2.1 might suffice.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common connections include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC provides high-quality audio and allows control through your TV remote, making it a convenient choice. Optical connections are also good for high-quality sound but lack some of the convenience features of HDMI ARC. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from smartphones and other devices. Consider what devices you plan to connect and choose a sound bar with the appropriate connectivity options.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Larger sound bars generally offer better sound quality due to bigger speakers and more room for sound to travel. However, they also take up more space. Slim and compact designs are ideal for smaller rooms or if you prefer a minimalist look. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and consider the aesthetics of your room to find a model that fits well.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with built-in subwoofers, while others include separate, often wireless, subwoofers. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or want to feel the rumble of explosions in movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer is a good choice. For more balanced audio or if space is limited, a sound bar without a subwoofer might be sufficient.
Smart FeaturesSmart features in sound bars include voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, app control, and integration with smart home systems. These features can add convenience, allowing you to control the sound bar with voice commands or through an app on your phone. If you already use smart home devices or want to streamline your entertainment setup, look for a sound bar with these capabilities. If you prefer a straightforward audio experience, you might not need these extras.
Sound QualitySound quality is arguably the most important aspect of a sound bar. It encompasses clarity, balance, and the ability to reproduce a wide range of frequencies. Look for sound bars with good reviews on sound quality, and consider features like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for a more immersive experience. If you're an audiophile or plan to use the sound bar for high-quality music listening, prioritize models known for excellent sound quality. For casual TV watching, a mid-range sound bar should suffice.

FAQ