HomeBuying Guide14 Best Soundbars for Every Budget (2023): Vizio, Sonos, Samsung, Yamaha, Sony

14 Best Soundbars for Every Budget (2023): Vizio, Sonos, Samsung, Yamaha, Sony

February 10, 2023

14 Best Soundbars for Every Budget (2023): Vizio, Sonos, Samsung, Yamaha, Sony

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Best Affordable Bar

Vizio M Series 2.1

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$150 at Amazon

Best Under $500

Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar

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$400 at Amazon

Best Dolby Atmos Bar

Samsung HW-Q990B

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$1,498 at Amazon

Another Good Atmos Bar

Vizio M-Series Elevate

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$500 at Amazon
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You probably already shelled out good money for a nice big TV and maybe a streaming gadget for your Netflix. But it doesn’t matter how large your screen is or how much it cost—the speakers in your TV probably sound awful. 

You’d be surprised how much more you enjoy those shows with a halfway decent soundbar or surround system hooked up to your primo panel. Explosions pop, dialog sounds far crisper, and you may even notice sonic details in your favorite films that you’ve never picked up before.

Need some advice on how to find a perfect bar? Check our our full article on How to Buy a Soundbar before picking one below.

Updated February 2023: We’ve added information about the Sonos Ray, added the Vizio M-Series Elevate, and updated links and prices.

Why You Need a Soundbar

We have yet to test a new TV that didn’t sound crummy without some kind of audio accessory. That’s mostly due to the way televisions are designed. Great-sounding speakers are bulky, and as TVs have gotten thinner, with shrinking bezels and sleeker designs, manufacturers are having a harder time building good speakers into them.

You can spend as little as $150 on a new soundbar with a subwoofer, and it’s essential to getting the most out of your viewing experience. To help, we put together this list of the best soundbars we’ve tested, including soundbars sold on their own, as well as models that come bundled with a subwoofer. We’ve also compiled some advice on how to make the most of your purchase.

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  • Photograph: Vizio

    Best Affordable Bar

    Vizio M Series 2.1

    This is a great entry-level soundbar if you don’t have much to spend. It has a sleek design and surprisingly good bass for a soundbar that doesn’t come with a subwoofer. We’ve recommended Vizio bars for years for their ease of use, and this one definitely ticks that box, with an HDMI ARC connection that allows your TV remote to control the volume and a Bluetooth connection for quickly playing your favorite tunes. The only downside? While it does have plenty of bass, a dedicated subwoofer would certainly help when watching Michael Bay films.

    Inputs: HDMI ARC, optical cable, coaxial cable, and Bluetooth

    $150 at Amazon
    $178 at Walmart

  • Photograph: Vizio

    Best Under $500

    Vizio M-Series 5.1.2 Soundbar

    If you’re into console gaming, you know how important it is to detect that opponent creeping behind you in the shadows. This affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar from Vizio (9/10, WIRED Recommends) helps you hear every footstep in real, physical space. Atmos bars fire sound upward, expanding your TV’s soundstage. This means gamers can hear what’s going on above them and have a better shot at avoiding that gun-toting helicopter flying overhead. Two upward-firing rear surround speakers also come in the box.

    For under $500, it’s one of the most affordable Atmos-enabled soundbar bundles you’ll find with surround speakers, making it a no-brainer for anyone who values fantastic sound.

    Inputs: 2 HDMI ports (one ARC), 3.5 mm, optical, USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi

    $400 at Amazon
    $350 at Best Buy

  • Photograph: Samsung

    Best Dolby Atmos Bar

    Samsung HW-Q990B

    For a few years, companies have been making giant soundbar systems meant to imitate old-school home theaters. For a few years, they've been pretty great. The Samsung HW-Q990B (8/10, WIRED Recommends), though, is the best I've ever heard, thanks to Samsung's excellent audio processing, a massive 15 drivers, and the ability to bounce tones around your room. It's also the first Samsung soundbar to feature wireless Dolby Atmos, which means you don't need to connect the surround speakers and subwoofer to anything other than an outlet. It's pretty nifty. The only downside? It'll cost you about as much as a decent traditional system.

    $1,498 at Amazon
    $1,500 at Best Buy

  • Photograph: Vizio

    Another Good Atmos Bar

    Vizio M-Series Elevate

    If you want more full-featured Dolby Atmos and you like a bit of flair, this more expensive model from Vizio (8/10, WIRED Recommends) might be for you. Drivers pop out of the side and aim toward your ceiling when Atmos content is playing, giving it a nifty party trick to show your pals. Sound quality is solid too, and we like the compact design and easy setup. However, you will have to route some speaker cables for the rear surrounds.

    $500 at Amazon
    $698 at Walmart

  • Photograph: Sonos

    The Smartest Soundbar

    Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

    Sonos' second-generation Beam doesn’t look much different from the first generation, but the sonic upgrade is immense. You get immersive Dolby Atmos interpretation, thanks to Sonos’ superb onboard audio processing. The bar pairs with both Alexa and Google Assistant so you can do everything from setting alarms to asking it the weather. Sonos connectivity also means you can use it as part of a multiroom audio system, where it is compatible with every major streaming service.

    If you want to expand your system, you can even add other Sonos speakers as surrounds, and a Sonos-made subwoofer for bass down the line. 

    Inputs: HDMI eARC, Ethernet for internet, IR receiver to connect to TV remote, Wi-Fi

    $399 at Sonos
    $399 at Walmart
    $399 at Target

  • Photograph: Polk Audio

    Best Soundbar-Subwoofer Combo

    Polk Audio Signa S4

    Many companies offer basic 2.1 soundbars, but very few pack the soundstage of this Dolby Atmos-enabled bar from Polk. It’s simple and easy to set up, with a basic, no-frills remote and an HDMI ARC connection to plug into a modern TV. You choose between Cinema, Night, and Music modes, which serve their intended purposes well. Cinema mode works in a simulated 3.1.2 Atmos surround—it’s pretty room-filling! Music mode gives you a more normal stereo image. Night mode limits the subwoofer action so you don’t wake the neighbors. I’ve been spending time with this bar in preparation for a full review, so look for that in the next update, along with more personal insights. 

    Inputs: HDMI (ARC), Bluetooth, Optical

    $399 at Amazon
    $399 at Walmart

  • Photograph: Phil Barker/Sony

    Best Standalone Bar

    Sony HT-X8500

    Many dream of immersive audio but don’t quite have the space to place dedicated surround speakers and a subwoofer. That’s where this tiny bar from Sony shines. The HT-X8500 is a single unit with a built-in subwoofer and the ability to bounce the side and height channels of a Dolby Atmos signal around your room. It’s not as good as having speakers actually behind or above you, but for $300 (and a single bar), Sony’s audio processing delivers some pretty great sound. 

    Inputs: 2 HDMI ports (one ARC), Bluetooth, Optical

    $292 at Amazon
    $395 at Walmart
Most Popular

  • Photograph: Roku

    A Bar With Roku

    Roku Smart Soundbar

    If you’re after a soundbar that also doubles as an awesome streaming device, WIRED senior writer Adrienne So swears by the Roku smart soundbar. After she spent years without a soundbar, I sent her home with Roku’s latest model, and she was so impressed that she shouted it from the rooftops. Setup is extremely easy, and because it comes with Roku’s simple streaming interface (and support for surround sound, as well as 4K and High Dynamic Range video), you can stream movies and shows from just about every streaming service. You can also add a Roku subwoofer or surround-sound speakers down the line. We encourage getting a sub.

    We’ve also linked to Roku’s Walmart version, named “Onn," below. It’s cheaper and slightly weaker but still a lot nicer than standard TV speakers, and it also comes with Roku built in.

    Inputs: 1 HDMI port (with ARC), optical, Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz), USB 2.0, Bluetooth, voice remote

    $129 at Walmart (Onn Version)

  • Photograph: Roku

    For Small Spaces

    Roku Streambar

    If you have a small TV in the kitchen or office, or just have a tiny home, space is of the essence! That’s why I love the new Roku Streambar. It’s petite but has true stereo sound and a Roku streaming player built in. The WIRED team hasn’t spent much time with this one, but on physical specs alone this is a hard bar to beat for tight spaces. No more tiny TV speakers!

    If you're looking for a soundbar that has a bit better sound (but no streaming interface), check out the Sonos Ray (9/10, WIRED Recommends).

    Inputs: HDMI ARC, Optical, USB

    $130 at Amazon
    $130 at Target

  • Photograph: ZVOX

    Best for Those With Hearing Loss

    ZVox AccuVoice AV157

    If you or someone you love has a hard time hearing what the voices onscreen are saying, consider this awesome little soundbar from lesser-known (but long-standing) brand Zvox. The company has perfected what it calls “AccuVoice” technology, which uses digital signal processing to make voices sound clearer. It does this better than any bar I’ve tested with a similar feature.

    Inputs: Optical, 3.5 mm, (requires its own remote)

    $200 at Amazon
    $200 at Walmart
Most Popular

  • Photograph: Yamaha

    A Smart Soundbar With a Sub

    Yamaha ATS-2090

    If you’re looking for a soundbar-subwoofer combo that doubles as a smart speaker for your living room, there is no better option than the Yamaha YAS-209. It has Amazon Alexa built in, two virtual surround sound modes, Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth. You can use your voice to do everything from playing Taylor Swift to checking the weather. That’s a heck of a lot of features for a semi-affordable bar.

    It also sounds better than it has any right to at this price. Audio comes through crisp and clear, with impressive width and depth, and the included subwoofer bolsters explosions, footsteps, and your favorite bass-heavy tunes.

    Inputs: 2 HDMI ports (one ARC), optical, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and mics for voice-activated Alexa

    $220 at Amazon
    $250 at Adorama

  • Photograph: SENNHEISER

    Best Luxury Soundbar

    Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar

    The acclaimed audio brand Sennheiser waited decades to launch its first home soundbar. The company’s massive—and massively expensive—Ambeo showcases some of the most advanced processing and audio quality we’ve ever heard from a single bar. Even without the addition of satellite speakers for surround, the Ambeo uses its tech to throw sound around your space with full Dolby Atmos immersion. At times, it sounds so good you might think there are tiny speakers flying around your room.

    It’s the best-sounding bar we’ve ever heard. It doesn’t matter whether you’re watching Netflix Originals or listening to your favorite music; the Ambeo just offers rich, detailed sound. It’s not for the budget-conscious, but this is the crème de la crème of compact home theater audio. Much as LG, Samsung, and Sony use exceptional image quality to convince people to shell out thousands of dollars for their flagship televisions, Sennheiser can bank on the Ambeo’s superior audio to attract discerning buyers.

    Inputs: 3 HDMI ports (one ARC), optical, RCA, Bluetooth, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Google Chromecast built in

    $2,000 at Amazon
    $2,000 at BH Photo
    $2,000 at Sennheiser

  • Photograph: Nakamichi

    The Bassiest Setup

    Shockwafe 9.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar

    WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey has spent a little more than a year with this massive dual-subwoofer soundbar system from Japan. It provides earth-shattering bass, courtesy of two huge subwoofers, while a pair of side speakers and rear speakers offer more lifelike reproduction than soundbars that bounce sound off the walls for side and rear noises. It also features support for all major object-based surround formats, like DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. It’s a super-large system for most spaces, but if you have a big room, the extra bass response helps things feel more cinematic. Those side and rear drivers make it great for playing online video games, where hearing footsteps behind you comes in handy.

    Inputs: HDMI, Optical, Coaxial. Bluetooth (AptX)

    $748 at Amazon (7.2 Surround Version)
    $1,200 at B&H (9.2 Surround Version)
Most Popular

  • Photograph: Platin

    A Completely Wireless System

    Platin Monaco 5.1 (WiSA)

    Five small speakers and a compact under-couch subwoofer make up this extremely simple and easy to use system from Platin Audio (8/10, WIRED Recommends). It uses WiSA technology to stream and sync audio from a puck that you place near your screen or projector. It’s among the simplest surround-sound setups I’ve had the pleasure of setting up, requiring just a power source for each speaker and a single HDMI cable to plug into the puck. From there, an app and your TV’s remote control the system. 

    This has come to be among my favorite rigs for testing because I don’t have to move anything other than an HDMI cable between devices. I also like how sleek and well-made the speakers are, with beautiful woven cones and black cases that don’t get in the way visually.

    $800 at Amazon
    $1,498 at Walmart
  • Photograph: B&H

    Honorable Mentions

    They’re Pretty Good

    There are a lot of great soundbars out there, and we don’t have room to feature them all. Here are some others you might want to consider.

    The LG SP9YA for $697: This is a good Atmos bar for smaller rooms. It comes with a wireless subwoofer and can be upgraded with LG-made surround speakers.

    The Polk React for $269: This soundbar works if you want to get surround sound eventually but don’t have the cash right now. The Alexa-enabled soundbar is fine on its own, with surround speakers and subwoofers available from Polk if you want to upgrade.

    The Vizio Elevate for $700: This is an awesome-looking soundbar with side speakers that swivel skyward when you’re watching content with object-based audio. It’s a nice-sounding bar, and that gimmick is neat, but there are better options for under $1,000.

    The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 for $799: If you want a premium bar that has great sound and can be expanded with satellite speakers but aren’t a fan of Sonos, Bose has you covered—though you might not like the $799 price tag. We have also heard complaints about issues with the wireless functionality.

  • Photograph: Amazon

    Get Hooked Up

    Properly Connect Your Soundbar

    We’ve included a list of available connectivity options next to every soundbar on our list. The vast majority of soundbars will connect to your TV via optical or HDMI cables—HDMI being preferable in most cases.

    If your TV and soundbar both have an HDMI-ARC port (the cable port looks like HDMI, but it’s labeled ARC), try connecting that way. It will allow you to use the volume buttons on your TV remote to control the soundbar’s volume. Also make sure CEC is enabled. Use an optical cable only if HDMI isn’t available.

    Finally, check your TV audio menus to make sure your TV’s internal speakers are set to off (so you don’t get any weird audio fluttering) and find the best spots to place your speakers and sub.

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