in case you’ve simply purchased a flowery new TV, it’s possible you’ll be stunned to seek out it sounds simply as unhealthy as your outdated one (or worse). Even the very best TVs we have examined want a hand to offer sound that retains up with their implausible shows. However it may be robust understanding the place to start out in the case of upgrading your TV audio. By no means worry, intrepid purchaser: The simplest and most inexpensive answer is to only get a soundbar. Fashionable soundbars are available all shapes, sizes, and costs. Right here, we have made a guidelines of types to think about earlier than urgent the Purchase button.
Remember to try our Finest Soundbars and Finest Bookshelf Audio system guides, in addition to our recommendation on The best way to Purchase a TV and The best way to Set Up a TV, with in-depth image adjustment recommendation.
Desk of Contents
Up to date June 2025: We have the most recent info and up to date mannequin suggestions from our newest spherical of intensive testing.
Why You Want a Soundbar
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundbars are a terrific first step into dwelling theater audio as a result of they’re usually compact and straightforward to arrange and sound vastly higher than most built-in TV audio system. Significantly: almost all TV audio system are unhealthy! The spectrum of high quality you will get from a soundbar ranges from fundamental enhancements to the bass and total soundstage to the kind of room-filling sound you may count on from a extra conventional dwelling theater audio system (a system with wired audio system and a devoted receiver). No matter what you are watching, a soundbar is a low-effort method of getting extra out of your viewing expertise.
Discovering the Proper Measurement
{Photograph}: Ryan Waniata
Soundbars are available a number of sizes and configurations, denoted by the scale of the acoustic chamber and the variety of built-in full-range, bass, and top channels. You’ll be able to consider soundbar channels because the variety of particular person zones emitting sound. A “2.1” soundbar system has no less than two individually powered audio system and a devoted subwoofer. A 5.1 system has no less than 5 principal audio system (a middle, left, proper, plus two surrounds) and a subwoofer.
Whereas most price range bars might be stereo solely, our favourite performers normally have no less than three channels in entrance (left, heart, and proper) and a subwoofer. That is a 3.1 system. The middle channel is usually a very powerful as a result of that is the place TV and movie mixers put dialog. Have hassle listening to dialog in motion pictures and exhibits? Get a three-channel (3.0) bar on the very least.
Typically, you will see an extra quantity on the finish, like a 3.1.2 system. The “.2” means there are two top channels. In soundbars, these are upward-facing audio system that bounce hold forth the ceiling, simulating ceiling-mounted audio system for content material combined in 3D audio codecs like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Principally, these soundbars attempt to re-create a spatial audio expertise with out requiring you to string up audio system on the ceiling. Pricier soundbar methods will include further devoted rear- and side-firing drivers that bounce hold forth your partitions for extra immersion, utilizing a configuration of 5.1.2 (or increased).
The extra channels, the greater your soundbar system will possible be. Crucial step is to verify no matter you purchase will match in your media console (ideally, it’s going to match proper between your TV’s legs, too). We’ll go over {surround} sound and Dolby Atmos in additional element under.
Do You Want a Subwoofer?
{Photograph}: Parker Corridor
For many areas, it is extremely value contemplating a soundbar with a devoted subwoofer. If these are too costly otherwise you’re anxious concerning the neighbors, some soundbars have a much less overt bass channel inbuilt, whereas different methods allow you to add a subwoofer later, together with fashions from Sonos, Klipsch, Bose, and others. Every of those examples lets you add {surround} audio system later as effectively, letting you improve to a full surround-sound system.
