As an ergonomic, lightweight sound source, soundbars have become a popular TV companion in recent years, excelling particularly in simple setups — dorms, bedrooms, and wherever else larger floor-standing or wall-mounted speakers aren’t an option. That said, soundbars come in many different shapes and sizes, each catering to different listening needs. As a result, it’s important to identify exactly what you’re seeking to achieve by adding a soundbar to your setup to source the perfect pick.
Whether you prefer a soundbar for its tighter form factor, minimal cabling, superior TV audio, or simply a better look in your entertainment space, finding the right model can be a difficult task. So, we’ve taken the initiative to name a selection of our favorite models, separated by use case, to help streamline your search. Let’s dive in!
Note: If your system is going to require a larger amount of connections than most standard soundbars can accommodate (generally two or three), then we recommend you check out our guide “How to Choose Home Stereo Receivers and A/V Receivers” instead!
In This Article
- Best TV Soundbar For Bigger Rooms
- Best TV Soundbar for Smaller Rooms
- Best Budget Soundbar
- Best Soundbar for Music
- Best Immersive and Surround Sound Soundbar
- Best All-in-one Soundbar
- Frequently Asked Questions About Soundbars
Best TV Soundbar For Bigger Rooms
As a rule of thumb, the larger your listening space is, the more power you’ll need to fill it with sound. However, bigger rooms pose problems such as echo and uneven sound distribution — factors that can muddy your audio quality.
To achieve optimal sound reproduction in such environments, it’s key that you choose a soundbar designed to counteract unnecessary reverberation and distribute audio more effectively.
The following are a few of our favorite models for maintaining high-quality sound in larger environments.
Klipsch Flexus Core 300 Powered Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Sub and Surrounds
The Klipsch Flexus Core 300 is a powered Dolby Atmos soundbar that can be the heart of your home audio system, filling your entire listening room with realistic, immersive sound. The Flexus Core 300 houses an abundant array of front-, up-, and side-firing drivers, positioning sounds overhead, around, and behind you.
It delivers perfect Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, allowing you to fully enjoy the newest movies, TV shows, and games. Add in the Klipsch Sub 200’s muscular 12-inch driver to deliver the low end and the Klipsch Flexus Surr 200 wireless Atmos surround speakers and this system will transform your home audio system into a true multichannel surround setup.
Features
- Powered Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundbar with up-, side-, and front-firing drivers, Dirac Live room correction, and wireless expansion support.
- Active 12-inch subwoofer delivering deep, room-shaking bass to dramatically enhance movies, games, and TV.
- Wireless, individually powered Atmos surrounds with up- and side-firing drivers for true multichannel immersion.
- Modular, wire-free system design with high-resolution streaming support and easy setup via the Klipsch Connect Plus app.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max with Subwoofer
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max and Subwoofer bundle offers yet another great shot at maximum sonic achievement in any large room. It’s conveniently packed with both a subwoofer and a high-quality Mogami Gold RCA to RCA cable for immaculate connective stability.
Well known at Sweetwater for its decisive sound, the Ambeo Soundbar Max contains 13 separate drivers — necessary to ensure detail in even the largest listening spaces. Likewise, built-in EQ, Ambeo 4D technology, Dolby Atmos, and many more features are supported to enable entirely personalized sound that’s simple to control.
Balanced yet powerful on all frequencies, the Ambeo Soundbar Max perfects audio clarity in every regard while catering the power that larger environments demand.
Features
- 13-driver 5.1.4 immersive soundbar with built-in deep bass to 30Hz, advanced room calibration, and support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H.
- HDMI 4K pass-through, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and high-resolution audio support via the Smart Control app or web interface.
- Active 8-inch subwoofer with Ambeo virtualization, bass extension to 27Hz, self-calibration, and support for multi-sub arrays up to four units.
- Premium 6-foot RCA cable designed for reliable, low-noise S/PDIF digital audio connections.
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 Powered Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers
Experience the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9 — engineered for breathtaking, cinema-quality sound. With 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and 13 speakers, it surrounds you in immersive audio like never before. Enjoy the latest formats including Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced, plus effortless streaming via Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and Bluetooth.
Smart features like Sound Field Optimization adapt sound to your space, while Voice Zoom 3 keeps dialogue crystal clear. Designed for next-gen entertainment, it supports 4K HDR, 8K HDR, Dolby Vision, and advanced gaming features when paired with Bravia TVs and PlayStation 5. This package includes the Sony SA-SW5 Wireless Subwoofer for massive bass and two Sony SA-RS5 Wireless Rear Speakers for surround, for high-resolution audio and a revolutionary 360-degree audio experience that redefines multichannel sound.
Features
- 13-speaker soundbar with 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, IMAX Enhanced, and AI-powered Voice Zoom 3 for immersive sound and clear dialogue.
- Full support for 4K/8K HDR, Dolby Vision, VRR, ALLM, and Acoustic Center Sync with compatible Bravia TVs and PlayStation 5 consoles.
- 300-watt wireless sub with a 180mm driver and Sigma Magnetic Circuit for tight, powerful, room-filling bass.
- Rechargeable wireless rears with up-firing drivers and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping to create enveloping surround effects and phantom speakers.
Best TV Soundbar For Smaller Rooms
Most home entertainment spaces are categorized in the small-to-medium range. While most soundbar models are attuned to such environments, there are a few factors to keep in mind before making your decision.
In smaller spaces, bass can easily overpower the room, so choosing a device that can produce ample bass while keeping levels in check is a must.
Similarly, the ability to dial in specific sound targets on your device makes it much easier to perfect your sound no matter the scale or dimensions of your room.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini
As a smaller variant of the aforementioned Ambeo Soundbar Max, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini takes what its ancestor is for large environments and scales it down for perfect audio in smaller listening spaces. Packed inside are six high-performance Sennheiser drivers, Dolby Atmos support, and massive equalization tech, which mean dialed-in audio, EQ, and simple setup within minutes.
Since it may be harder to define the “sweet spot” in a smaller room, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini makes the process a cinch. Make no mistake: despite its diminutive name, the Ambeo Soundbar Mini’s heritage Sennheiser sound and remarkable personalization controls make any listening session a seamless, defining experience.
Features
- Supplies accurate 7.1.4 sound without the hassles of surround speaker placement and tangled wires
- 6 top-shelf speakers include 4 cellulose-cone full-range drivers and 2 woofers
- Yields low-end extension all the way down to 43Hz without the need for a separate subwoofer
- Advanced self-calibration senses the characteristics of your listening space
JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2
The all-in-one soundbar design is a common sight in smaller environments, and the JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2 soundbar is no different. This model’s compact size, ergonomic form factor, and single-cable installation make it an easy integration into any room and a perfect addition for dorms and small-scale living spaces.
Along with a collection of high-end drivers, the Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2 packs low-end projection up to 70Hz, ensuring you get deep bass while maintaining a crystal-clear high end for the utmost comprehension of your favorite movies, TV series, and music.
Features
- 2-channel compact soundbar with a low-profile design for easy implementation into any living room
- 80W (2 x 40W) of output power and Dolby Digital technology give you a front-row seat to your favorite movies and sporting events
- Connect to your TV with the supplied HDMI or an optical cable (sold separately)
- Wirelessly stream music via Bluetooth from your smartphone or tablet
Yamaha SR-C30ABL Compact Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
Supplying HDMI, optical, and aux-cable audio inputs, the Yamaha SR-C30ABL compact soundbar is remarkably easy to integrate into several potential listening spaces. This package supplies both the Dolby Audio-supported soundbar and the wireless subwoofer, matching on-screen sounds from dialogue to booming effects that are easy to dial in with the included remote control.
Combining the power of Yamaha’s Clear Voice and Bass Extension technologies, the SR-C30ABL is primed to perform at all points of the frequency spectrum for complete immersion, not to mention the bar’s Adaptive Low Volume technology that ensures you’ll get quality results at any volume level.
Prefer Bluetooth? No problem: onboard streaming allows seamless connectivity with any phone, tablet, or other smart device.
Features
- Wireless subwoofer plus Yamaha Bass Extension technology give you rumbling bass from a single, discreet soundbar
- Yamaha Clear Voice technology provides enhanced dialogue clarity
- Dolby Audio gives your home theater space an instant audio upgrade
- Adaptive Low Volume technology gives you excellent audio quality even at low volumes
Best Budget Soundbar
Whether your home viewing experience is primarily based around your TV or your computer, one thing remains true: nothing will elevate the quality of your home theater’s audio as quickly or as easily as a soundbar.
Did you know that you can get a great soundbar for well under $500? And we’re not talking about a simple 2-channel stereo soundbar either — Sweetwater also has available options in that price bracket for soundbars with subwoofers and even Dolby Atmos compatibility.
Don’t believe us? Well, then, without further ado, let’s make you a believer! Here are Sweetwater’s top picks for the best soundbars under $500.
JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2
If there’s an easier, more budget-friendly way to bring coveted JBL sound into your living room, then we haven’t found it. The JBL Lifestyle Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2 is a simple, no-nonsense soundbar that delivers 2-channel stereo sound with Bluetooth connectivity and a very impressive 70Hz–20kHz frequency range.
Sports and movie buffs will greatly appreciate the Bar 2.0 MK2’s 80-watt output power and Dolby Digital technology that will make them feel like they’re at the game or immersed in the action.
Also included with the Bar 2.0 MK2 is a wall-mount bracket with screws, so you can conveniently place it anywhere in your space, as well as an HDMI cable for easily connecting it to your TV. An optical cable (sold separately) connection is also available.
Features
- 2-channel compact soundbar with a low-profile design for easy implementation into any living room
- 80W (2 x 40W) of output power and Dolby Digital technology give you a front-row seat to your favorite movies and sporting events
- Connect to your TV with the supplied HDMI or an optical cable (sold separately)
- Comes with power cords, 1 HDMI cable, wall-mount bracket with screws, 1 remote control with batteries, and more
Best Soundbar for Music
When utilizing a soundbar for TV and movies, your concentration is divided between audio and visuals. In the case of music, however, your attention lies solely on sound.
Therefore, audio quality and a balanced EQ are of the utmost importance when searching for a music-centered soundbar. Depending on your sound source, onboard connectivity and low-latency connections are also important to consider.
Below are two product models we find specifically useful for those who expect to take their tunes to the soundbar regularly.
Klipsch Flexus Core 100 Active Soundbar
When it comes to sound quality, Klipsch ranks among the very best. So, it’s no surprise that the company’s Flexus Core 100 active soundbar combines Japanese-engineered Onkyo technology with a deluxe acoustic design, boasting rock-solid output with plenty of detail.
This bar really shines when paired with Klipsch’s Connect Plus app, allowing seamless control over your system for a powerful setup or minute changes during use.
Combine industry-leading bass; spacious, highly configurable sound; and Dolby Atmos processing, and you’ll experience a serious upgrade to your favorite tunes at the click of a button.
Features
- Combines Japanese-engineered Onkyo technology with Klipsch’s acclaimed acoustic design
- Designed to make your movie nights, gaming campaigns, and television binges sound amazing
- Dual 4-in. subwoofers deliver class-leading bass — no standalone subwoofer required
- Dual 2.25-in. aluminum L/R drivers ensure sweet-sounding high end and crystal-clear dialog
Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR Dolby Atmos Soundbar System
Because of its left, right, and center channel drivers, included subwoofer, and surround speakers, the Polk Audio MagniFi Max AX SR Dolby Atmos soundbar system provides versatile audio outputs for both music and streaming use. Apart from providing powerful bass response and tight upper treble, the system’s built-in Patented Stereo Dimension Array optimizes your output to provide an expansive, immersive listening experience while keeping vocals clear and consistent via patented VoiceAdjust technology.
Take it from us: if you’re looking for a standout soundbar system for music, then the MagniFi Max AX SR soundbar system is hard to beat.
Features
- High-performance soundbar, subwoofer, and surround speakers courtesy of Polk Audio
- Delivers show-stopping sound with robust bass and clear trebles
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers powerful low-end rumble
- Wi-Fi-enabled music streaming offers easy music playback of background music
Best Immersive and Surround Sound Soundbar
Why might you want a surround sound audio experience? Also referred to as ambisonics, immersive sound plays a huge role in how you experience your favorite TV shows, movies, and music. Rather than utilizing a traditional 2D sound experience, ambisonics upgrade experiences to be sonically lifelike, amplifying dialogue, sound effects, and music to make you feel at the center of your entertainment.
Typically, multiple surround sound speakers are utilized to achieve this goal, but there are several soundbar models specifically equipped to handle the requirements of modern 3D sound technology. Let’s check out some of our favorites!
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 Active Soundbar
From a company that is no stranger to immersion, Sweetwater recommends the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 active soundbar bundle. Complete with wireless surround speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer, you’re given all the tools to start your surround sound setup with the formidable power of the Flexus Core 200’s 3.1.2-channel power, including height channels for significant audio power from multiple angles.
Whether it be audio or your favorite flicks, this bundle will ensure optimal sound immersion.
Features
- 3.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with built-in dual 4-inch subwoofers, horn-loaded tweeter, and up-firing height channels for immersive sound without a separate sub.
- Wireless powered subwoofer with a 10-inch driver, low-latency performance, and optional dual-sub support for smoother bass in larger rooms.
- Active wireless surround speakers that expand your system into a true multichannel setup with immersive, room-filling sound.
- Onkyo-powered, modular Flexus system with wireless expansion and full system control via the Klipsch Connect Plus app.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max with Subwoofer
Like we addressed above, the Ambeo Soundbar Max is an excellent pick for high-quality audio performance. That’s not all it hides, however. Advanced room calibration automatically optimizes the Ambeo Soundbar Max for any listening space. Likewise, built-in directional Dolby Atmos and 4K support raises the bar for the immersive possibilities the system has to offer.
Throw in the additional subwoofer, and powerful, spacious sound is yours to reap.
Features
- 13-driver 5.1.4 immersive soundbar with built-in bass down to 30Hz, advanced room calibration, and customizable Ambeo 3D sound modes.
- Full support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H, plus 4K pass-through, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and high-resolution audio control via app or browser.
- Active 8-inch subwoofer with bass extension to 27Hz, self-calibration, multi-sub array support (up to four subs), and flexible EQ customization.
- Premium 6-foot RCA cable engineered for clean, reliable S/PDIF digital audio connections.
JBL Bar 1300XMK2 11.1.4 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
If you need ultimate surround from a soundbar, then your choice is the JBL Bar 1300XMK2 11.1.4 soundbar and wireless subwoofer system. By taking control via the JBL One app, you’ll have immediate authority over this system’s parameters, including the setup of your soundbar, two detachable surround speakers, and subwoofer to optimize playback in any room.
Trust us: this soundbar system is a cinch to integrate into your listening space, thanks to onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI eARC connectivity.
Features
- A fully immersive cinema-grade audio experience for your home, complete with functional upgrades
- 1570W, 11.1.4-ch. soundbar system with detachable battery-powered surround speakers for truly immersive entertainment
- Experience the next generation of surround sound capabilities with highly innovative Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies
- SmartDetails utilizes JBL’s sound enhancement technology to enhance each aural subtlety of the sound mix
Best All-in-one Soundbar
There are several reasons why you might want an all-in-one soundbar. Smaller spaces such as dorms, apartments, and bedrooms simply don’t have enough space to cater to large soundbar models and/or additional surround sound gear.
All-in-one soundbars, typically equipped with extra drivers and additional subwoofer power, seek to pack immersion, sound quality, and EQ balance compactly into one unit, conserving space while retaining much of the top-shelf performance you’d expect in a larger unit.
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max
Standalone, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max does an excellent job of providing detailed, balanced audio — thanks to its impressive frequency range, reaching all the way down to 30Hz without the need of an external subwoofer. Supporting the full gamut of audio formats and packed with 13 best-in-class Sennheiser drivers, the Ambeo Soundbar Max accommodates a range of possible use cases from music streaming to TV audio extension and much more.
You heard it here: when it comes to TV audio, the Ambeo Soundbar Max is a jack of all trades.
Features
- Supplies accurate 5.1.4 sound without the hassles of surround speaker placement and tangled wires
- 13 top-shelf drivers include 5 high-fidelity tweeters and 6 long-throw woofers
- Upmix Technology can transform stereo or 5.1 audio into a 3-dimensional sound experience
- Ambeo|OS2 operating system supports AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect
Klipsch Flexus Core 200 Active Soundbar
Like the Flexus Core 100, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 active soundbar excels in both music and TV audio situations. However, given the 200 model’s 3.1.2-channel powered design, it does so with even more impressive power and audio quality.
Dual subwoofers, drivers, and center-channel mid-bass drivers are consistent and clear and pair excellently with Dolby Atmos and Klipsch’s Connect Plus app for distinct control over several possible EQ options.
As a standalone unit, the Flexus Core 200 is an excellent all-around audio solution.
Features
- Dual 4-inch subwoofers deliver class-leading bass — no standalone subwoofer required
- Designed to make your movie nights, gaming campaigns, and television binges sound amazing
- Klipsch’s Connect Plus application provides fast, easy control over your system
- A perfect first step toward building a whole-home entertainment ecosystem
Frequently Asked Questions About Soundbars
What should I look for when buying a soundbar?
When choosing a soundbar, focus on audio quality, connectivity options, and compatibility with your TV setup. Look for models that support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X if immersive sound is a priority.
If you stream content, make sure it includes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for wireless playback. Also, consider the number of channels, 2.1 for basic stereo, 5.1+ for surround sound; and whether it includes or supports a subwoofer for richer bass.
Size, design, and whether it can be wall-mounted are also worth factoring in based on your space.
Are soundbars better than TV speakers?
Yes, in most cases, soundbars offer a noticeable upgrade over built-in TV speakers. TV speakers are often small and lack the power or clarity to deliver full-range audio, especially dialogue and bass.
A good soundbar enhances everything from movies and sports to casual TV watching by creating clearer sound separation, deeper bass, and even virtual surround sound.
It’s an easy and effective way to elevate your home viewing experience without investing in a full audio system.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
Not necessarily, but a subwoofer can make a significant difference. If you enjoy deep bass in action movies, music, or games; a subwoofer adds that low-end punch a standalone soundbar might lack. Some soundbars come with built-in subwoofers or offer wireless subwoofer options, so you can enjoy rich sound without extra cables.
However, if space or simplicity is more important to you, a high-quality standalone soundbar can still deliver impressive audio on its own.
What size soundbar is best for my TV?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a soundbar that matches the width of your TV or is slightly smaller. For example, a 40–50 inch TV pairs well with a 30–40 inch soundbar. The goal is to maintain a balanced look while ensuring the sound fills the space evenly.
That said, sound performance matters more than precise size matching. Prioritize audio quality and features first, then choose a size that fits your room and aesthetic preferences.
Do soundbars work with any TV?
Yes, most modern soundbars are designed to work with virtually any TV brand or model, as long as there’s a compatible connection like HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth. HDMI ARC is often the most seamless option, allowing both audio and control signals to pass through a single cable.
Older TVs may need a digital optical cable or analog input, so it’s a good idea to check your TV’s output ports before buying.
Where should a soundbar be placed?
Ideally, your soundbar should be placed directly below or above your TV, centered for even sound distribution. If your TV is wall-mounted, consider mounting the soundbar just below it for a clean, cohesive setup.
Make sure the soundbar is not blocked by furniture or objects, as this can distort audio. Avoid placing it inside a cabinet, as that can muffle sound and reduce clarity.
Can a soundbar replace a home theater system?
For many users, yes—a soundbar can be a simpler, space-saving alternative to a full home theater system. High-end models with Dolby Atmos, multiple channels, and a subwoofer can deliver immersive, cinema-like audio without the complexity of separate speakers and wires.
While audiophiles may still prefer a full setup, modern soundbars offer a compelling balance of performance, convenience, and price.
Secure Your Next Soundbar at Sweetwater!
There you have it — our favorite soundbar solutions in 2024. If you’re still unsure which model is right for you, then browse our entire inventory of soundbars for a wider scope of what Sweetwater has to offer.
If you have any additional questions regarding compatibility in your home or specs or if you simply want to talk gear, then give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
