#BEST TV SOUNDBAR MOVIE#
#BEST TV SOUNDBAR UPGRADE#
#BEST TV SOUNDBAR PRO#

The mids are even, and you don't have any issues hearing dialogue clearly, which is great if you watch a lot of vocal-centric television programs like sitcoms. Overall, this bar sounds relatively balanced right out-of-the-box-though its sound quality isn't quite as impressive as what you find with more premium models like the Bose TV Speaker.

#BEST TV SOUNDBAR PRO#

It has to downmix surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, although it offers a built-in virtual surround feature called S-Force Pro Front Surround to bring a slightly more immersive feel.

#BEST TV SOUNDBAR UPGRADE#

It marks a solid upgrade over your existing TV speakers, especially with stereo content, which includes most music and TV shows. Still, it comes in at just under 23 inches in width, so it doesn't take up much space beneath your TV. It's a very simple standalone bar, advertised as a 2.1 setup, thanks to the subwoofer that's integrated into the bar itself to improve its bass reproduction. The best compact soundbar in the mid-range that we've tested is the Sony HT-S200F. However, the Ray lacks a little low-bass compared to the Bose, so it's not ideal for everyone. If you already own products in the Sonos ecosystem and want a small bar with a similar performance, you can also check out the Sonos Ray, which is available for roughly the same price.

#BEST TV SOUNDBAR MOVIE#

However, if you aren't a movie fan, this might not make much of a difference. There's no Dolby Atmos support to take advantage of more immersive object-based formats, either. The resulting sound isn't very impressive, and it seems like audio is simply coming from a speaker placed in front of you.

While it can playback some 5.1 surround sound formats like Dolby Digital, since it's a 2.0 bar, it has to downmix this audio into stereo to play it. The bar isn't quite as impressive as our top picks with movies. Naturally, since it's a standalone bar, you don't get much rumble in the low-bass-but you can always add on a separate subwoofer to improve bass reproduction, which the manufacturer sells separately. As a result, dialogue in your favorite shows is clear and easy to understand, and you can enjoy detailed vocals and instruments when you listen to music. Right out of the box, it offers a fairly balanced sound, especially in the mids, where most voices and lead instruments reproduce. It's a well-built 2.0 bar that's less expensive than the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and may provide a better value if you mostly listen to stereo content like music and TV shows. If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider the Bose TV Speaker. The Bose doesn't have Atmos support, so it's not as versatile as the Sonos, but it still enhances dialogue in video games you play on your PC. There's Wi-Fi connectivity, but if you're looking for a Bluetooth-compatible bar, check out the Bose Smart Soundbar 300, which is the best soundbar for computer use we've tested. With its bass and treble adjustments, you can customize its sound more to your liking, which is handy. With it on, its sound profile is neutral, and its balanced mids ensure that dialogue and lead instruments are clear in the mix. Like many premium bars on the market, it comes with a room correction feature that automatically optimizes audio reproduction based on your room's unique acoustics-Sonos calls this feature TruePlay. This bar is versatile enough to appease fans of music and TV shows, too. The manufacturer also offers compatible subwoofers, which are handy if you want more rumble in the bass range. Its representation is fairly clear, but you can always add on separate rears if you want to improve its sound. It supports 5.1 surround sound formats like Dolby Digital and DTS, too. Sound stretches all around you, so you get the impression that the action on screen is taking place all around you, especially with Dolby Atmos content. Despite its small size, the bar has an immersive soundstage. Unlike its predecessor, it supports Dolby Atmos content, which is handy if you watch lots of movies on Blu-ray and streaming platforms. This 5.0 setup has the same compact design as the original Sonos Beam.

The best soundbar with a small design we've tested is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2).

Best tv soundbar