Best Soundbars of 2024: Top Picks for Immersive Audio

Soundbars have become increasingly popular over the years as a way to enhance the audio quality of your TV without the need for a full home theater system.

A soundbar is a long, slim speaker that sits underneath or in front of your TV, providing a more immersive sound experience than your TV’s built-in speakers.

When it comes to choosing the best soundbar, there are a few critical factors to consider. One of the most important is the sound quality.

A good soundbar should deliver clear, powerful audio that fills the room.

It should also have a range of sound modes, such as dialogue mode or music mode, to optimize the audio for different types of content.

Another essential factor is connectivity.

A soundbar should be easy to set up and connect to your TV, as well as any other devices you want to use, such as a gaming console or streaming device.

It should also have a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing the top soundbars on the market to identify the ones that deliver the best sound quality, connectivity, and overall value.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end soundbar with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered.

Best Soundbars

We have researched and tested various soundbars to bring you our list of the best soundbars on the market.

Whether you are looking for a soundbar to enhance your movie watching experience or to boost the sound quality of your music, we have got you covered.

Our list includes soundbars with different features and price points, so you can find the one that fits your needs and budget.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the best soundbars.

Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar

We highly recommend this product for its excellent sound quality and value.

Pros

• The sound bar comes with a wireless subwoofer that delivers deep bass impact, enhancing your home theater experience.
• Polk’s patented Voice Adjust technology and Dolby Digital decoding maximize sound clarity and reduce voice delays.
• The sound bar is ultra-slim and fits most spaces, making it easy to wall-mount or place in front of your TV without blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor.

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty with the remote control.
• The subwoofer power cord could be longer.
• The sound bar may not be as effective for watching regular TV shows compared to movies and sports.

The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is a powerful and versatile sound system that works with both 4K and HD TVs.

You can easily connect any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input, and AUX.

Additionally, you can wirelessly stream music from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, and TuneIn through the built-in Bluetooth technology.

The sound bar is easy to set up and comes with an HDMI cable, an optical cable, and the wireless subwoofer.

The frequency response of the sound bar is 45Hz-20Khz, which delivers beautiful rich sound with deep bass.

In conclusion, if you’re looking to upgrade your home theater experience, the Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is an excellent choice.

It’s affordable, easy to set up, and delivers exceptional sound quality.

Bose TV Speaker

If you’re looking for a compact soundbar that delivers clear and enhanced sound for your TV, the Bose TV Speaker is a great option.

The soundbar is easy to set up, and it clarifies speech and improves overall TV sound.

Pros

• The soundbar’s two angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.
• The TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation, making it a great option for those who have a hard time hearing dialogue.
• The Bose TV Speaker is a Bluetooth soundbar, allowing you to pair your device to it and wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts.

Cons

• The Bose TV Speaker comes with an optical audio cable, but you need to purchase an HDMI cable separately if you want to connect it to your TV that way.
• Although the soundbar has HDMI-CEC, which allows the TV and the soundbar to communicate when connected with an HDMI cable, some users have reported issues with the soundbar not turning on or off with the TV.
• The Bose TV Speaker is not a great option if you’re looking for a soundbar with a lot of bass.

Overall, the Bose TV Speaker is a great option for those looking for a compact and easy-to-use soundbar that delivers clear and enhanced sound for their TV.

It’s a great option for those who have a hard time hearing dialogue, and it’s easy to set up and use.

VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Home Theater Sound Bar

Pros

• The sound quality is excellent, with clear and crisp audio that fills the room.
• The compact size makes it easy to fit in small spaces, and the all-black finish looks great.
• The DTS Virtual sound enhancement technology creates a realistic audio experience that immerses you in your favorite content.

Cons

• The included HDMI ARC cable is a bit short, so you may need to purchase a longer cable if your TV is mounted on the wall.
• The sound bar does not come with a subwoofer, so the bass may not be as strong as some users prefer.
• The remote control is small and can be easily misplaced.

We were impressed with the VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Home Theater Sound Bar’s sound quality.

The full-range speakers deliver clear and brilliant clarity, while the 70Hz – 20kHz frequency response provides a wide, natural frequency response that lets you hear what the artist intended.

The 95dB loudness also ensures that you experience startling dynamics with minimal distortion or compression.

Setting up the sound bar was a breeze, thanks to the included HDMI ARC cable that provides the highest-quality audio in a simple, single-cable setup.

We also appreciated the fact that we could control the sound bar with our TV remote, making it easy to switch between different inputs.

The sound bar’s Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts from your phone or compatible device.

And if you have a voice assistant, you can easily connect it to the Voice Assistant input for an upgraded, smart audio experience.

Overall, we highly recommend the VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Home Theater Sound Bar for anyone looking for a high-quality sound bar that won’t take up too much space.

Its compact design, excellent sound quality, and easy setup make it a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s audio.

VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar with DTS Virtual, Bluetooth, Voice Assistant Compatible, Includes Remote Control – SB2020n-J6 Soundbar Only 20 inch 2.0

Pros

• The low-profile design makes it easy to accommodate any space limitations and blend seamlessly into any environment.
• With two full-range speakers, this soundbar delivers rich, clear, room-filling sound for your favorite movies and music.
• DTS Virtual provides an enhanced level of immersion, creating floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound that transforms your listening experience.

Cons

• The soundbar is a bit lacking in bass, which may be a downside for those looking for a more robust audio experience.
• The remote control can be a bit finicky and difficult to use at times.
• Some users have reported issues with Bluetooth connectivity, so you may want to keep that in mind if you plan on using this feature frequently.

Overall, we think the VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Sound Bar is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact, affordable soundbar that delivers impressive sound quality.

The low-profile design and full-range speakers make it a great option for small to medium-sized rooms, while the DTS Virtual feature adds an extra level of immersion to your listening experience.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly soundbar that doesn’t skimp on performance, this one is definitely worth considering.

VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar

Pros

• Immersive sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS audio technologies
• DTS Virtual technology delivers a lifelike sonic landscape
• 98dB of premium audio powered by 6 high-performance speakers

Cons

• No waterproofing feature
• No Wi-Fi connectivity
• No voice control feature

With Dolby Atmos and DTS audio technologies, the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar provides immersive sound that captivates your senses with realistic sounds above and behind you.

The DTS Virtual technology delivers the sensation of speakers placed throughout your room, above and behind you, for a sonic landscape that’s remarkably lifelike.

Moreover, the sound bar delivers clarity, spaciousness, and impact down to an impressive 50Hz, thanks to the integrated tweeters and woofers that power 98dB of premium audio through 6 high-performance speakers.

The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar has a minimalist design that fits just about anywhere.

At just 36 inches in width, the sound bar needs no external components to sound its best, thanks to built-in dual subwoofers and a fully integrated design.

The fabric-wrapped, low-profile design serves to reduce the visual weight of the system as it sits discretely beneath your TV.

Overall, if you want to enjoy an immersive audio experience while watching your favorite movies, TV shows, or listening to music, the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Immersive Sound Bar is a great option.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a soundbar, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:

Audio Quality

The most important feature of any soundbar is its audio quality. Look for a soundbar that delivers clear, crisp sound with good bass and treble balance.

Some soundbars also come with built-in subwoofers, which can enhance the overall audio experience.

Connectivity

Make sure the soundbar you choose has the right connectivity options for your needs. Most soundbars come with Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to stream music wirelessly from your smartphone or other devices.

Some soundbars also come with HDMI or optical inputs, which allow you to connect them to your TV or other audio sources.

Size and Design

Consider the size and design of the soundbar, especially if you plan to mount it on a wall or place it on a shelf.

Look for a soundbar that is compact and stylish, and that matches the decor of your room.

Additional Features

Many soundbars come with additional features, such as voice control, built-in virtual assistants, and EQ settings.

Consider which features are important to you and make sure the soundbar you choose has them.

In summary, when choosing a soundbar, consider the audio quality, connectivity, size and design, and additional features.

By taking these factors into account, you can find the best soundbar for your needs and enjoy a high-quality audio experience.

Conclusion

Soundbars have become increasingly popular over the years as a way to enhance the audio quality of your TV without the need for a full home theater system.

A soundbar is a long, slim speaker that sits underneath or in front of your TV, providing a more immersive sound experience than your TV’s built-in speakers.

When it comes to choosing the best soundbar, there are a few critical factors to consider. One of the most important is the sound quality.

A good soundbar should deliver clear, powerful audio that fills the room.

It should also have a range of sound modes, such as dialogue mode or music mode, to optimize the audio for different types of content.

Another essential factor is connectivity.

A soundbar should be easy to set up and connect to your TV, as well as any other devices you want to use, such as a gaming console or streaming device.

It should also have a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi.

In this article, we spent hours researching and testing the top soundbars on the market to identify the ones that deliver the best sound quality, connectivity, and overall value.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end soundbar with all the bells and whistles, we’ve got you covered.