10 Best Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar offers an impressive audio experience, particularly for those looking to enhance their home theater setup. With its 9.1.4 surround sound powered by Dolby Atmos, it delivers immersive audio that fills the room, making it an excellent choice for movie lovers and music enthusiasts alike. One standout feature is the Speech Enhancement, which ensures clear dialogue, a great advantage for viewers who struggle to hear conversations over background noise.

In terms of connectivity, the Arc Ultra is versatile, supporting HDMI eARC for easy setup, as well as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect for streaming music. The Trueplay tuning feature allows users to tailor the sound to their room, which can significantly enhance the listening experience. Additionally, its elegant design makes it a stylish addition to any living space, without being visually intrusive.

While the soundbar excels in many areas, it isn't without drawbacks. The price point may be a concern for budget-conscious consumers, as higher-end features often come at a premium. Also, while it can work as a standalone unit, users looking for the absolute best experience may need to purchase additional components like the Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers, which further adds to the cost. Another aspect to consider is that, despite its robust feature set, some users might find the various control options—TV remote, Sonos app, voice control—overwhelming or confusing at first. Additionally, it's important to note that the soundbar is not waterproof, which could be a consideration for certain environments.

For those seeking a high-quality soundbar that delivers a cinematic audio experience and has smart features, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a strong contender. Just keep in mind the investment required to maximize its capabilities.

The Bose TV Speaker soundbar is a compact audio solution designed to enhance your TV viewing experience, particularly for those who struggle with dialogue clarity. One of its standout features is its specialized dialogue mode, which elevates speech, making it easier to understand what’s being said in movies and shows. The soundbar is equipped with two angled drivers that create a wider and more natural sound, giving users an immersive audio experience despite its small size.

Connectivity is user-friendly with options like HDMI-ARC, optical input, and AUX, along with Bluetooth capability, allowing you to stream music and podcasts from your devices. The simple setup process makes it accessible for anyone, requiring just a single cable connection to your TV. Its compact design (just over 2 inches tall) means it can fit easily in front of your TV or be wall-mounted, which is a plus for those with limited space.

While it offers decent sound quality, it lacks a built-in subwoofer, which can limit bass response compared to larger sound systems. For users seeking deeper bass, there's an option to upgrade by adding a Bose Bass Module, although this requires additional investment and setup. Some users might also find that the power output is not as robust as they might prefer for larger rooms or louder settings.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar is a robust choice for home theater enthusiasts, featuring 13 speakers and supporting advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This soundbar excels in delivering a cinema-like surround sound experience, enhanced by 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Sound Field Optimization, which calibrates audio to your room's characteristics for optimal performance. Connectivity options are plentiful, including HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it versatile for streaming music and connecting to various devices.

The soundbar is expandable with optional wireless subwoofers and rear speakers, offering flexibility for those seeking a more immersive experience. Measuring 51.2 inches in width, it's substantial in size and ideal for larger spaces. Despite its impressive audio capabilities, the soundbar lacks water resistance and is limited to indoor use. Additionally, while it includes essential components like a remote and HDMI cable, some users might need additional accessories for wall mounting.

The product has received positive customer reviews, with a 4.3-star rating, indicating general satisfaction. However, users should consider the wired subwoofer connectivity, which may not appeal to those seeking a completely wireless setup. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar is a high-quality addition to any home theater system, particularly for those prioritizing sound quality and advanced audio features.