If you consider yourself a movie or TV show junkie, investing in your television setup is probably something you take seriously — the perfect sectional, a cozy throw blanket and, of course, a high-quality TV. What else could upgrade your TV-watching experience? A soundbar.
Sure, pixel-perfect video is a huge factor, but the audio is the other half of the puzzle.
“Sound is a powerful storytelling tool that can bring audiences closer to whatever they are watching – whether that’s an Academy Award-winning film or their favorite football team playing in the big game. While a great picture is important, sound is the other half of any entertainment experience,” Mathias Bendull, VP of Living Room at Dolby Laboratories, told the New York Post.
“Adding a sound bar is a great way to create a truly cinematic experience in your home that will unlock the ultimate audio experience for all your favorite entertainment.”
What qualities should I look for in a soundbar?
All of your questions, answered by an expert.
- Consider the type of solution that’s best for you. For those prioritizing simplicity, a “bar only” option (meaning a single sound bar) will do the trick. For those wanting a full entertainment setup, look for a system with dedicated rear speakers and a subwoofer for added bass. Additionally, access to the best Dolby Atmos height experience will require the device you are considering to have dedicated upward-firing drivers.
- Make sure it supports Dolby Atmos. Dolby Atmos is a revolutionary audio experience that enables premium, multidimensional sound when enjoying your favorite entertainment that goes beyond the constraints of stereo or traditional surround sound. Whether gaming, watching your favorite movie or show, or listening to that new track on repeat, Dolby Atmos will take your audio to new levels.
How to install a soundbar
“Soundbar placement can make or break your sound experience. The following checklist will guarantee you’re getting the most out of your dedicated setup,” said Bendull.
- Is your soundbar flush against the wall? Mount it or place it on the edge of your entertainment center, so the audio is reflecting outward into the room.
- Do you have any decorations or plants or plants obstructing the soundbar? Ensure your system’s audio drivers, especially the side-firing and up-firing drivers, aren’t blocked by anything.
- Is your TV directly over the sound bar? Check that your TV isn’t directly over the soundbar, which could cause the soundbar to blast the audio into your TV, impacting sound performance.
Looking for more tech-related content? Check out our articles on the best streaming devices, portable Bluetooth speakers and an expert-based TV buying guide.
The best soundbars
1. VIZIO M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Soundbar, $798
The new VIZIO M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Immersive Soundbar has a revolutionary design (42 inches with a wireless subwoofer). Enjoy Adaptive Height Speakers that are integrated into the soundbar and automatically rotate up or forward to optimize the system’s performance. When rotated up, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks are strikingly immersive. When rotated forward, the height speakers are repurposed to deliver music with breathtaking power and dynamics.
Other new features include:
- Patented Adaptive Height Speakers, now available in M-Series
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound wrapped in an award-winning design
- Advanced connectivity like HDMI eARC for performance without compromise
- user-selectable LED lighting
2. Sonos Arc by Dolby, $899
Experience the breathtaking, realistic sound and a 3D experience by Dolby Atmos with Sonos Arc Soundbar. This option features 11 precisely engineered internal speakers, including two dedicated height channels, allowing it to fire sound in all directions, rendering every whisper, explosion and beat with dramatic clarity, detail and depth.
3. Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio, $165, original price: $200
The Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio offers enhanced real-time audio tracking with Adaptive Sound Lite. Plus, it includes a wireless subwoofer with Bass Boost to enjoy deep bass right out of the box. The best part? You can easily set up this soundbar thanks to the wireless connectivity to your TV.
4. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, $98, original price: $130
Enjoy your favorite TV shows in enhanced sound quality delivered by this Sony two-channel soundbar with a Bass Reflex speaker. The HT-S100F’s slim profile design fits easily in your home and sits comfortably within any interiors.
5. Sonos Beam (Gen 2), $449
Enrich all your entertainment with the latest generation of Sonos’ compact smart soundbar, Beam, now with Dolby Atmos.
Experience panoramic sound and crystal-clear dialogue for shows, movies, and games. Stream music and more from all your favorite services when the TV is off. Control is easy with the Sonos app, your voice, and Apple AirPlay 2. Add speakers to create a wireless surround sound system and enjoy multiroom listening. Everything connects over WiFi.
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