Top 8 Soundbars for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Polk MagniFi Mini AX	big sound from a compact design
Best value	TCL S55H Soundbar	strong performance under $300
Best for Dolby Atmos	Sonos Beam Gen 2	effective Atmos handling in an accessible package
Best premium system	Samsung HW-Q990F	near-receiver performance with easier setup
Best step-up option	Sony HT-S2000	simple functionality with quality sound
Also recommended	Vizio Elevate SE	more immersive sound but trickier setup
Also recommended	Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6	compact bar with big, detailed audio
Also recommended	Sonos Arc Ultra	premium, spacious 3D sound for top-tier setups

How we chose and tested

We evaluated soundbars based on audio quality, ease of setup, features, and value. Testing focused on real-world performance with movies, music, and dialogue clarity. We considered options across all price ranges, from budget-friendly models to premium systems, ensuring recommendations for different room sizes and user needs.

The best soundbars right now

Polk MagniFi Mini AX - Best overall

This compact soundbar punches above its weight, delivering immersive sound that outperforms larger, more expensive models. Its small footprint makes it ideal for tight spaces without sacrificing audio quality.

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Key highlights

Compact width fits easily under most TVs
Produces convincing surround-sound effect
Includes essential HDMI eARC connection
Compact design with big sound

Pros

Excellent audio quality for its size
Easy to set up and use
Affordable compared to similar performers
Good connectivity options

Cons

Limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect wireless technology
Fewer features than premium models
No dedicated HDMI inputs

Who it is for: Anyone wanting big sound from a small package, especially those with limited space.

Skip if

You need multiple HDMI inputs or want the absolute maximum surround immersion.

TCL S55H Soundbar - Best value

For under $300, this soundbar delivers room-filling audio that handles movies and music well. While it can't match the volume and envelopment of pricier models, it offers strong performance at a friendly price.

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Key highlights

Best under-$300 soundbar available
Produces clear, strong sound
Room-filling audio for movies and music
Simple setup and operation

Pros

Excellent value for money
Good dialogue clarity
Easy to integrate into existing setups
Reliable performance

Cons

Limited maximum volume
Less immersive than surround systems
Basic feature set

Who it is for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a significant audio upgrade over TV speakers.

Skip if

You have a large room or want the most immersive home theater experience.

Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Best for Dolby Atmos

This soundbar brings effective Dolby Atmos handling to an accessible price point. It provides clearer, more dynamic audio than basic models while maintaining Sonos's signature ease of use.

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Key highlights

Effective Dolby Atmos processing
Clear, detailed dialogue handling
Integrates with Sonos ecosystem
Compact design fits most setups

Pros

Good Atmos performance for the price
Easy setup with Sonos app
Works with voice assistants
Can expand with surrounds later

Cons

No dedicated HDMI inputs
Limited to Sonos ecosystem for expansion
App can be buggy at times

Who it is for: Those wanting Dolby Atmos immersion without a complex system.

Skip if

You need multiple HDMI inputs or prefer non-Sonos wireless speakers.

Samsung HW-Q990F - Best premium system

This complete system approaches the performance of a traditional AV receiver and speaker setup, but with much easier installation. The subwoofer and separate rear speakers create a truly immersive experience.

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Key highlights

Subwoofer
Separate rear speakers included
Four upward-firing Atmos speakers
Multiple inputs and streaming options

Pros

Near-receiver level performance
True surround sound with dedicated rears
Excellent Atmos immersion
Good connectivity options

Cons

More complicated setup
Higher price point
Larger footprint overall

Who it is for: Home theater enthusiasts wanting maximum immersion without receiver complexity.

Skip if

You have limited space or want the simplest possible setup.

Sony HT-S2000 - Best step-up option

Offering simple plug-and-play functionality with quality sound, this soundbar represents a sweet spot between basic models and premium systems. It delivers good audio quality without overwhelming complexity.

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Key highlights

Simple plug-and-play setup
Quality sound for the price
Straightforward design
Reliable performance

Pros

Easy to set up and use
Good value for sound quality
Minimal footprint
Works well with Sony TVs

Cons

Not the best soundbar overall
Limited advanced features
Basic connectivity options

Who it is for: Those wanting better sound than entry-level models without premium prices.

Skip if

You need advanced features or maximum surround immersion.

Also Good

Vizio Elevate SE - more immersive sound but trickier setup.
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 6 - compact bar with big, detailed audio.
Sonos Arc Ultra - premium, spacious 3D sound for top-tier setups.

How to Choose

Consider these factors when selecting your soundbar:

Room size: Larger rooms need more powerful soundbars or systems with separate subwoofers. Compact bars work well in smaller spaces.

Audio formats: Dolby Atmos and DTS:X provide more immersive sound, but basic models still offer significant improvements over TV speakers.

Connectivity: HDMI eARC is essential for best audio quality from modern sources. Multiple HDMI inputs help if you have several devices.

Expandability: Some systems let you add wireless surround speakers later. Others are all-in-one solutions.

Budget: Soundbars range from under $200 to over $1,000. More money typically buys better sound and more features, but diminishing returns apply.

FAQ

Do I need a soundbar if my TV has built-in speakers?

Yes, almost any soundbar provides significantly better audio than TV speakers. Even budget models offer clearer dialogue, better bass, and more immersive sound.

What's the difference between a soundbar and a full surround system?

Soundbars are simpler, with fewer speakers and easier setup. Full surround systems offer more precise speaker placement but require more space and installation effort.

Is Dolby Atmos worth the extra cost?

For movie enthusiasts, yes. Atmos adds height channels for more immersive sound. For casual viewers, a good non-Atmos soundbar still provides excellent improvement.

Can I add wireless speakers to my soundbar later?

Some systems support wireless surround speakers, while others don't. Check expandability options before buying if you might want to add speakers later.

How difficult is soundbar setup?

Most soundbars are quite simple: connect to your TV via HDMI, plug in power, and you're done. Systems with separate speakers take more time but include clear instructions.