10 Best Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium soundbar designed to deliver an immersive 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos surround sound experience, making it ideal for users who want rich, room-filling audio for both TV and music. Its advanced Sound Motion technology and AI-powered Speech Enhancement ensure clear dialogue and precise sound placement, which enhances movie watching and music listening alike.

With multiple connectivity options including HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, it offers flexible streaming choices and easy setup via the Sonos app. The smart features, such as voice control through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa, add convenience, while the elegant white design fits well in most living spaces without drawing too much attention.

On the downside, this soundbar does not include a wireless subwoofer by default, relying instead on a wired connection if you add the Sonos Sub separately, which might be less convenient for some users. Also, at over 46 inches wide, it's best suited for larger TVs and rooms. If you want the full surround sound experience, you’ll need to invest further in additional rear speakers. The Sonos Arc Ultra is a top-tier choice for those seeking superb sound quality, smart integration, and stylish design, especially if you plan to expand your system over time.

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a powerful and versatile soundbar system designed for those who want immersive home theater audio without complicated setup. It features an 11.1.4 channel setup, including six up-firing speakers and detachable wireless surround speakers, delivering true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound. This means you get realistic height effects and rich, room-filling audio that makes movies and music feel more lifelike. The 12-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep, punchy bass to enhance explosions or music beats.

One standout feature is the detachable surround speakers with long-lasting batteries, which you can easily move around or take with you for audio in another room, all without extra wires or power connections. The JBL ONE app lets you customize sound settings, update software, and control features like night listening, which lowers volume so you won’t disturb others. Connectivity is comprehensive, with options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical, and USB, making it easy to link with TVs, smartphones, and streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Thanks to features like MultiBeam 3.0, the sound spreads evenly in your room, and PureVoice 2.0 clarity helps you catch every dialogue line.

The soundbar is quite large (over 55 inches wide and nearly 62 pounds), so it requires sufficient space and might be less ideal for smaller rooms or tight setups. Also, while detachable speakers are convenient, they need regular charging. The system’s premium features come with a higher price tag, which may not fit casual listeners’ budgets. For those seeking a top-tier soundbar with excellent 3D sound, flexible placement, and smart features for a true cinematic experience, the JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is an excellent choice, especially for users with enough space and a desire for a wire-free surround sound setup with strong bass and easy streaming options.

The LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel soundbar is packed with features that make it a standout option for enhancing your home theater experience. Its impressive 9.1.5-channel system, powered by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology, offers premium 3-dimensional sound. This means you get clear, immersive audio, especially with the up-firing rear speakers that can be placed anywhere in the room for a true surround sound experience. These rear speakers are wireless, only needing a power outlet, making setup simple and flexible.

The triple up-firing speakers, including a center channel, improve dialogue clarity, which is excellent for watching movies or TV shows where understanding speech is crucial. The soundbar's WOW Orchestra and Interface features allow seamless integration with LG TVs, enabling you to control both devices with one remote and enjoy synchronized audio. The built-in WOWCAST with Wireless Dolby Atmos means you can experience top-notch sound without messy cables.

Connectivity options are abundant, supporting wireless, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, and it also works with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa. The Advanced Room Calibration feature further enhances the sound experience by adjusting settings based on your room's dimensions. Gamers will appreciate the VRR/ALLM support for smooth, lag-free gaming with high refresh rates. However, this soundbar might be overkill if you have a small room or a less advanced TV, and its premium features come with a higher price tag. The LG S95TR is ideal for those looking for a high-end, immersive sound experience with easy integration and advanced features, particularly for medium to large-sized rooms with modern LG TVs.