Best Soundbar Brands: Top Picks for Immersive Audio Experience
If you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment system, a soundbar is a great place to start. Soundbars are a popular choice for those who want to improve the audio quality of their TV without the hassle of setting up a full home theatre system.
With a soundbar, you can enjoy high-quality sound and a more immersive viewing experience. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best soundbar brands on the market.
When it comes to choosing a soundbar, there are a lot of options to consider. From budget-friendly models to high-end options with advanced features, there’s a soundbar out there for every need and budget.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top soundbar brands to help you make an informed decision. We’ll also discuss key features to consider when shopping for a soundbar and take a closer look at some of the latest models available in 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Soundbars are a great way to improve the audio quality of your TV without the hassle of setting up a full home theatre system.
- There are many soundbar brands to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
- When shopping for a soundbar, it’s important to consider key features such as sound quality, compatibility, and special features like voice control and streaming capabilities.
Understanding Soundbars
If you’re looking to enhance the audio quality of your home theater system, a soundbar is a great place to start. Soundbars are a compact and affordable alternative to traditional home theater systems, offering a simple solution for immersive audio without the need for multiple speakers.
A soundbar is essentially a long, slim speaker that can be placed above or below your TV. It’s designed to provide high-quality sound that’s much better than your TV’s built-in speakers. Soundbars come in different sizes and shapes, and some even come with a subwoofer for added bass.
One of the key benefits of a soundbar is its simplicity. Unlike traditional home theater systems that require multiple speakers, a soundbar is a one-piece solution that is easy to set up and use. It also takes up less space and is more affordable than a full home theater system.
When it comes to audio quality, a soundbar can provide a significant improvement over your TV’s built-in speakers. The best soundbars offer dynamic and immersive audio that can make your favorite movies and TV shows come to life.
They can also be used for music playback, providing high-quality sound that’s perfect for parties or relaxing at home.
Overall, a soundbar is a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their home theater system with quality sound. With a range of sizes and features available, there’s a soundbar out there for every budget and audio preference.
Top Soundbar Brands
When it comes to buying a soundbar, there are many brands to choose from. Some of the top soundbar brands in the market include Sonos, Samsung, Sony, Vizio, Bose, Polk Audio, JBL, Sennheiser, and Roku. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to choose the one that suits your needs the most.
Sonos
Sonos is a popular brand that offers high-quality soundbars with excellent sound quality. Their soundbars are sleek and stylish, making them a great addition to any home theatre system. Sonos soundbars are also compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Samsung
Samsung is another well-known brand that offers a range of soundbars to suit different needs and budgets. Their soundbars are known for their excellent sound quality and sleek design. Some of the features of Samsung soundbars include Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
Sony
Sony is a trusted brand that has been in the market for many years. Their soundbars are known for their excellent sound quality and sleek design. Sony soundbars also come with a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
Vizio
Vizio is a popular brand that offers affordable soundbars without compromising on quality. Their soundbars are known for their excellent sound quality and sleek design. Some of the features of Vizio soundbars include Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
Bose
Bose is a well-known brand that offers high-end soundbars with excellent sound quality. Their soundbars are known for their sleek design and compatibility with a wide range of devices. Bose soundbars also come with a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
Polk Audio
Polk Audio is another popular brand that offers affordable soundbars without compromising on quality. Their soundbars are known for their excellent sound quality and sleek design. Some of the features of Polk Audio soundbars include Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
JBL
JBL is a trusted brand that offers high-quality soundbars with excellent sound quality. Their soundbars are known for their sleek design and compatibility with a wide range of devices. JBL soundbars also come with a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
Sennheiser
Sennheiser is a premium brand that offers high-end soundbars with excellent sound quality. Their soundbars are known for their sleek design and compatibility with a wide range of devices. Sennheiser soundbars also come with a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
Roku
Roku is a popular brand that offers affordable soundbars without compromising on quality. Their soundbars are known for their excellent sound quality and sleek design. Some of the features of Roku soundbars include Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and wireless subwoofers.
In conclusion, when it comes to buying a soundbar, it’s important to choose a brand that suits your needs and budget. Each brand has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research before making a purchase.
Key Features to Consider
When looking for the best soundbar, there are certain key features that you should keep in mind to ensure that you get the best possible sound quality and functionality. In this section, we will discuss the most important features to consider when choosing a soundbar.
Sound Quality
The most important feature to consider when choosing a soundbar is sound quality. You want your soundbar to provide clear and crisp sound that enhances your viewing experience. Look for a soundbar with a high-quality speaker system and advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS.
Design and Build
The design and build of your soundbar is also an important consideration. You want a soundbar that is well-built and durable, with a sleek and modern design that complements your home theatre setup. Look for a soundbar that is compact and easy to install, with a minimalist design that blends in seamlessly with your TV.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options are also an important consideration when choosing a soundbar. Look for a soundbar that offers a range of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, HDMI, optical, and wireless connectivity. This will allow you to connect your soundbar to a range of devices, including your TV, smartphone, and tablet.
Smart Features
Smart features are becoming increasingly popular in soundbars, and can provide a range of useful functions. Look for a soundbar that offers smart features like Alexa or Google Assistant integration, remote control via a smartphone app, and Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming music and podcasts.
Price
Finally, price is an important consideration when choosing a soundbar. While you want to get the best possible sound quality and functionality, you also want to make sure that you are getting a good value for your money. Look for a soundbar that offers a balance of features and affordability, with a price point that fits within your budget.
In summary, when choosing a soundbar, you should consider sound quality, design and build, connectivity options, smart features, and price. By keeping these key features in mind, you can ensure that you choose the best possible soundbar for your home theatre setup.
Specialised Soundbar Models
If you’re looking for a soundbar that’s tailored to your specific needs, then you might want to consider a specialised model. Here are some of the best options available:
Best for Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that creates a 3D audio experience. If you want to enjoy your movies and TV shows with this technology, then you need a soundbar that supports it. Here are some of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars:
| Brand | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | HW-Q950A | £1,299 |
| Sony | HT-A7000 | £1,299 |
| LG | SP11RA | £1,199 |
Best Budget Options
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry, there are still some great soundbars available that won’t break the bank. Here are some of the best budget soundbars:
| Brand | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Vizio | V Series V21-H8 | £149 |
| TCL | Alto 6+ | £139 |
| Yamaha | YAS-109 | £199 |
Best for Audiophiles
If you’re an audiophile, then you want a soundbar that delivers the best possible audio quality. Here are some of the best soundbars for audiophiles:
| Brand | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos | Arc | £799 |
| Sennheiser | Ambeo Soundbar | £2,199 |
| Bowers & Wilkins | Formation Bar | £999 |
Best Overall
If you want a soundbar that’s great all-around, then you can’t go wrong with these models:
| Brand | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos | Beam | £399 |
| Bose | Soundbar 700 | £799 |
| LG | SN11RG | £1,199 |
In conclusion, there are many specialised soundbar models available that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a Dolby Atmos soundbar, a budget option, a soundbar for audiophiles, or the best overall soundbar, there’s something for everyone.
Streaming and Compatibility
When it comes to soundbars, streaming and compatibility are important factors to consider. You want to make sure that your soundbar can connect to your favourite streaming services and devices seamlessly. Here are some of the top streaming and compatibility features to look out for:
Wireless Streaming
Many soundbars now come with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music and other audio content directly from your smartphone, tablet or computer. This is a great feature for those who want to listen to their favourite tracks without having to connect their device physically to the soundbar.
Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam
If you’re a fan of the Sonos ecosystem, then the Sonos Arc and Sonos Beam are great options. Both soundbars support a wide range of streaming services, including Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music and Apple Music. They also come with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built-in, allowing you to control your music and other smart home devices with your voice.
Chromecast and Airplay
If you’re an Apple user, then Airplay is a great feature to look out for. It allows you to stream audio content from your iPhone, iPad or Mac directly to your soundbar. On the other hand, Chromecast is a great feature for Android users, allowing you to cast audio content from your smartphone or tablet to your soundbar.
Streambar
The Roku Streambar is a great option for those who want a soundbar that doubles as a streaming device. It comes with built-in Roku streaming, allowing you to access a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Amazon Alexa and Apple Airplay 2
If you’re looking for a soundbar with smart home integration, then Amazon Alexa and Apple Airplay 2 are great features to look out for. With Amazon Alexa, you can control your music and other smart home devices with your voice. With Apple Airplay 2, you can stream audio content directly from your iPhone, iPad or Mac to your soundbar.
In conclusion, when it comes to streaming and compatibility, it’s important to choose a soundbar that supports the services and devices that you use. Whether you’re a Sonos fan or an Apple user, there’s a soundbar out there that will meet your needs.
Latest Soundbar Models in 2023
If you’re in the market for a new soundbar, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of exciting new models available in 2023. Here are some of the latest soundbars that you might want to consider:
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is an upgraded version of the popular Sonos Beam soundbar. It features improved sound quality and a sleek new design that will look great in any home. With built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can control your soundbar with your voice and access all your favourite streaming services.
Vizio Elevate
The Vizio Elevate is a premium soundbar that features a unique rotating design. It has 18 speakers and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS for immersive sound. The Elevate also comes with a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers for a true surround sound experience.
Samsung HW-Q990B and HW-Q990C
Samsung has released two new soundbars in 2023: the HW-Q990B and HW-Q990C. Both models support Dolby Atmos and DTS and come with a wireless subwoofer. The HW-Q990C also includes two rear speakers for a more immersive surround sound experience.
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a sleek and stylish soundbar that delivers impressive sound quality. It features built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. The Smart Soundbar 600 also comes with a universal remote that can control your TV and other devices.
Sony HT-A7000
The Sony HT-A7000 is a high-end soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS for immersive sound. It has 7.1.2 channels and comes with a wireless subwoofer and two rear speakers. The HT-A7000 also features Sony’s unique 360 Reality Audio technology for a more immersive listening experience.
Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar Pro is a budget-friendly soundbar that also doubles as a streaming device. It supports 4K HDR streaming and features built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The Streambar Pro also comes with a voice remote that can control your TV and other devices.
Bose Soundbar 700
The Bose Soundbar 700 is a premium soundbar that delivers impressive sound quality. It features built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect. The Soundbar 700 also comes with a universal remote that can control your TV and other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which soundbar is the best for music?
If you plan on listening to music through your soundbar, the Sonos Arc is our top recommendation. It delivers a premium home theatre experience while still providing excellent sound quality for music.
Are budget soundbars worth it?
Budget soundbars can be a good option if you’re on a tight budget. However, keep in mind that they may not have the same sound quality as more expensive options. It’s important to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.
What is the difference between a soundbar and a TV speaker?
A soundbar is a separate speaker system that you can connect to your TV to enhance the sound quality. TV speakers are built-in speakers that come with your TV. Soundbars tend to provide better sound quality than TV speakers and can create a more immersive audio experience.
Is Sonos a good brand for soundbars?
Yes, Sonos is a well-known and respected brand for soundbars. They offer a range of high-quality soundbars that are known for their excellent sound quality and user-friendly features.
What are the features to look for when buying a soundbar?
When buying a soundbar, it’s important to consider the number of channels, connectivity options, and sound quality. Look for a soundbar with at least two channels and multiple connectivity options, such as Bluetooth and HDMI. Additionally, consider the sound quality and look for a soundbar with a high-quality audio codec, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS.