Best Soundbars for 2023: Reviews and Buying Guide

The best soundbar will be a great solution when the sound system and TVs quality do not meet your expectations. It can provide excellent sound quality for TV shows, movies, and music in a very small box.

With so many soundbars available on the market, selecting the ideal one is not easy. So, theprodukkt will provide you with the best soundbar available along with a buying guide, how to test the product, as well as some helpful tips.

Emily Sloyan
Sep 21, 2023 7:57 PM

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Types of Soundbar

There are two versions of this speaker. They are quite different from each other in their appearance and performance.

Typical Soundbars

It is a narrow, long rectangular-shaped soundbar with loudspeakers and a lot of equipment. For example, the Enther & MAXHUB comes with a remote controller. Voices from this device are distinct and crisp.

Because they are larger than soundbases, they throw sounds further away. Moreover, to some extent, it is similar to an accurate home theater system.

Soundbases

A soundbase, like the ZVOX SoundBase 440 , serves the same objective as a soundbar, but its power and size differ. Soundbases are deeper than soundbars in size.

They are ideal to be placed on a cabinet directly beneath the television. Soundbases have greater internal space than soundbars. Therefore, they offer superior amplification and larger bass drivers, reducing the need for a sub.

Due to developments in soundbar innovation, the adaptability they provide, and the fact that they are widely represented by the most reliable brands available today, we usually prefer a soundbar over a sound base.

Buying Guides

To choose the best soundbar that suits your requirements, you need to learn the factors below. Scroll slowly, so you don't miss any important information.

Connectivity

One of the most crucial things to think about when choosing a soundbar is connecting it to the TV. The most popular way to connect a horizontal speaker is through an optical connection supported by most recent TVs.

You may also buy those with HDMI connections that work with any ARC-enabled TV, such as the Hisense HS214. Nevertheless, it is worth double-checking that your TV supports Audio Return Channel before spending the money.

Most of them have more connections than simply HDMI; many also include aux and jack ports.

However, in 2021, it is all about wireless access, so if you want to listen to music from your phone or tablet, the one with Bluetooth technology is a good investment. The Bose and Polk Audio Signa S2 offers Bluetooth connectivity for more convenience.

Front Display Panel

Whenever you want to play music without watching television, the speaker’s front display panel comes in useful. Search for a model that lets you turn off the display when you're not using it, as it might be irritating if it is too bright.

Video Switching

This feature enables you to send video signals from your soundbar to your television. It is only available on versions with HDMI connectivity.

So, you will not need two wires: one from the DVD player to the soundbar and another from it to the TV. If you use a digital connection to link the bar to the television, any audio from the TV will transfer via this speaker.

Subwoofer

The one with an external subwoofer, like the TCL Alto 6, might sound better than one without, such as the VIZIO V-Series 2.0, especially in a big room.

A well-manufactured sub will increase low-end sound quality while also giving your system a cinematic atmosphere.

Wall Mount

People often mount them on a stand behind the TV, although you may also buy another wall mount if you like. Only horizontal configurations are available.

A soundbar might be mounted vertically, it does not play audio that way, so there is no incentive to do so. Putting it on its end will not give you the same sound as floor-standing loudspeakers.

To better understand, you can rely on this video to better understand how to wall mount this speaker.

Compare Products

TOP Choice

Klipsch Cinema 600 Sound Bar Sound Wall Mount Speakers, Black & Klipsch Surround 3 Surround Speaker, Black

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SCORE
9.5
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Klipsch

Features

Product 1: 45 inches 3.1 Soundbar With 10 inches Wireless Subwoofer

Product 1: Best-In-Class 600W Peak Power

Product 1: HDMI-ARC: Single Cable, Single Remote Control

Product 1: 5.1 Decoding for Virtualized Surround Sound

Product 2: The sound bar will automatically decode Dolby digital and DTS 5. 1 Audio and provide discrete surround sound

Product 2: One 3" Full range driver per speaker surround you with clear vocals and dynamic soundtracks

Product 2: Place these surround speakers on a tabletop, use speaker mounts or mount to a wall with the convenient 1/4-20” inserts

Product 2: Power Source Type: Corded Electric

PROS

CONS

TOP Choice

Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar - 3 Channel Sound Bar for Hi-Res, Immersive 3D Audio, (3) 1" Tweeters & (6) 2.5" Drivers, Music Streaming via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 & Spotify Connect, Wall-Mountable

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SCORE
9.0
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Bowers & Wilkins

Features

A LOW-PROFILE, POWERFUL 3 CH SOUND BAR - Featuring (3) 1" double dome tweeters, (6) 2.5" glass-fiber bass/midrange drivers, and a dedicated center channel, the B&W Formation Bar (80W x 3) delivers immersive, room-filling sound with clear, crisp dialogues

SYNCHRONIZED MULTI-ROOM AUDIO - Play the same song in every room, or play different songs from different sources in each room with the iOS/Android compatible B&W Music App. The bar features state-of-the-art music streaming at 24-bit/96kHz sound resolution

UPGRADE YOUR TV'S AUDIO - The sound bar is outfitted with an optical digital audio input that connects your TV and supports Dolby Digital for a cinematic audio experience. Through the B&W App, you can use your TV's remote control to command the soundbar

WIRELESS AUDIO PLAYBACK - With built-in Bluetooth 4.1, Apple AirPlay 2 & Wi-Fi, stream music directly from your mobile or computer using popular services like Tidal, Tune In, Qobuz, Soundcloud, Dash, & Spotify Connect, if you have a subscription

VOICE CONTROL WITH ALEXA - The Formation series supports voice-control via an Alexa-enabled device (sold separately) with simple voice commands. Get access to additional wireless streaming services like Pandora, SiriusXM, iHeartradio, Tune In, and more

RENEW YOUR EXISTING SYSTEM - No need to make any big changes. Convert your current passive system or components to a completely wireless streaming ecosystem, anywhere in your home by adding the Formation Audio Network Streamer (sold separately)

UPGRADE TO A COMPLETE HOME THEATER SETUP - Add the B&W Formation Bass wireless powered subwoofer for deep, impactful bass, and two Formation Flex speakers as rear surrounds to build a high-performance wireless surround sound system. (All sold separately)

PROS

CONS

TOP Choice

Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-Channel Surround Gaming and Entertainment Soundbar - Hardware Processing, Supports Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoding, Bluetooth-Enabled, for PC, Mac, PS4, and Other Consoles

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SCORE
8.5
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Creative

Features

Under monitor Audio system: so sleek, yet so powerful

Aurora reactive lighting system: light up your setup

5-driver design: expertly tuned acoustics

PROS

CONS

Most Saving

Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar | Works with 4K & HD TVs | Wireless Subwoofer | Includes HDMI & Optical Cables | Bluetooth Enabled, Black

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SCORE
8.5
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Polk Audio

Features

A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver BEAUTFUL RICH SOUND WITH DEEP BASS. POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICE ADJUST TECHNOLOGY & Dolby Digital Decoding maximizes sound clarity & reduces voice delays.Mounting Type: Tv Sound Bar,Bar Mount

EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At just over 2" tall, it fits most spaces — easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor

UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & AUX

WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology

SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV to the sound bar. Get set up and listening in minutes

PROS

CONS

Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System with Universal Remote Control, Black

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SCORE
8.0
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Bose

Features

Single sound bar provides better sound quality compared to your TV.The Solo 5 TV sound system is an easy solution, with advanced technologies that deliver the clear audio your TV can’t.

Dialogue mode to make every word and detail stand out

Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music from any of your devices

One connection to your TV. Optical audio input (digital); Coaxial audio input (digital); 3.5 mm aux input (analog)

Universal remote controls TV, bass, Bluetooth connections and more

Speaker:2.6 H x 21.6 W x 3.4 D (3.73 lbs), Remote control:4.1 H x 1.6 W x 0.4 D (5 oz)

PROS

CONS

Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer, Dolby Atmos 3D Surround Sound, Compatible with 8K, 4K, HD TV, eARC and Bluetooth, Black

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SCORE
8.0
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Polk Audio

Features

ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR & WIRELESS SUB - The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array & a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.25" sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS

UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION - In addition to L/R Tweeters (1"), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7" x 1.6") and a 1" Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.6") utilize Atmos' height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head

POLK'S EXCLUSIVE VOICE AND BASS ADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4's center channel lets you customize voice and bass levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues and maximize bass without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar's bass using Bass Adjust Technology

EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE - At par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At 2.4" tall, the Signa S4 fits most spaces - easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor

1-CABLE SETUP, WORKS WITH ANY TV INCLUDING THE LATEST 8K ULTRA-HD TVs - Get this system up and running in less than 5 minutes—all you have to do is unbox, connect and you are ready to listen. A great addition to your home theater.

WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices via built-in Bluetooth technology

NUMEROUS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES - Plug in your audio source via the provided inputs - (1) optical, (1) analog 3.5mm, or Bluetooth, and USB-A (for firmware updates). Enjoy uncompromised audio experience over the eight channels via the HDMI (eARC) output

PROS

CONS

Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2.4 Channel Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar with Dual 10" Subwoofers (Wireless), 4 Rear Surround Effects Speakers, eARC and SSE Max Technology (2022)

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SCORE
8.0
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Nakamichi

Features

BF STARTS NOW! Lowest price of ALL 2022 guaranteed. Sale price $1477. For purchases made at regular price ($1899) in the last 30 days, email Nakamichi directly on Amazon or [email protected] for price adjustment. Do not contact Amazon customer Support as they cannot do price adjustments. MEET THE REINVENTION OF #1 RATED DOLBY ATMOS SOUNDBAR. Get ready for a powerfully convincing audio experience like never before with upgraded Dual Wireless Subs and Four Modular Surround Speakers (2nd Gen)

Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) MAX TECHNOLOGY: A PERFECT CONVERGENCE OF POWER, PROCESSING AND PERFORMANCE. Combining new, upgraded custom-matched hardware and Nakamichi-exclusive software into state-of-the-art architecture, our precisely-tuned high output amplifiers, extended range twin-cone drivers and silk dome surround effects tweeters deliver enhanced multi-directional surround from 3 advanced audio processing engines, delivering the most immersive 360° cinema, music and gaming experience.

SUPERCHARGED DUAL 10” WIRELESS SUBWOOFERS (INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE) propel bass performance to new heights, featuring upgraded high output amplifiers (up to 600W) and subwoofer drivers that harness effortless power, transforming your entire room into a sweet spot filled with thunderous, yet balanced lows as deep as 20Hz without any localization or distortion even at cinema-level volumes. Real bass is felt, not heard. Our system showcases TWO subwoofers which are a must for the ultimate home theater.

2ND GEN QUAD 2-WAY SURROUND SPEAKERS (INDUSTRY-EXCLUSIVE). A significant upgrade featuring extended range twin-cone drivers and silk dome tweeters, our surround speakers transport you into a rich, all-enveloping 360° sound bubble filled with lifelike surround objects. MODULAR in form, they can be used as 4 individual speakers (signature setup) or attached to dipoles for expanded 360° surround effects with minimal footprint. Each speaker connects to sub via RCA cable (included).

FUTURE-PROOF CONNECTIVITY: HDMI eARC and 3 HDMI inputs (w Dolby Vision and 4K HDR pass-through) ensure the best transfer of audio and video possible. Enjoy all new 24-bit high-resolution wireless audio streaming brought to you by aptX️ HD. Get up to 4x more wireless range with Bluetooth 5.0. Devices can also be connected via Optical, Coaxial or 3.5mm Aux-in. Experience seamless control even in the dark with our 2nd Gen remote, with large color-coded, backlit buttons.

PROS

CONS

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control & Bass Module Connection Cable

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SCORE
8.0
KT Score

KT Score is a ranking system developed by our team of experts. It from 0 to 10 are automatically scored by our advanced technological tool based upon the data collected. Our website is an independent organization and has no relation to the manufacturers, so our reviews are completely objective.
Brand
Bose

Features

Product 1: Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound.

Product 1: Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.

Product 1: Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation.

Product 1: Bluetooth TV speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts.

Product 2: Bose Bass Module Connection Cable for use with the Bose TV Speaker

Product 2: A 15′ (4. 6 m) cable with 3. 5 mm connectors for a wired connection from a Bose Bass Module to the Bose TV Speaker.

Product 2: Expand your system with an optional bass module for a more heart-pounding, cinema-quality experience.

Product 2: The Bose TV Speaker requires a wired connection and is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700

PROS

CONS

Last update on 2023-09-21 / Prices / Affiliate links / Images, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

How We Tested

We put these products through an extensive testing process. First, we play all sound sources, such as the audio directly from a TV through HDMI or Optical output. It includes broadcast TV, streaming services, and audio applications.

After offering it an extended break-in period, we assess wireless connections for audio quality and stability when applicable.

We also take an eye on the speaker's sound quality. Therefore, we perform a lot of music to evaluate its more delicate performance elements.

Finally, we evaluate each speaker to others in the same segment and similarly priced alternative sound options. For example, the TCL Alto R1 Roku and TCL Alto 6+ are in the same price range.

FAQs

Who Should Get A Soundbar?

It is the way to go if you want greater sound than your TV's speakers but do not want to put together different components.

Separate components usually deliver greater value for money. However, they take up more room, need more cords, and are more difficult to operate.

An excellent soundbar achieves a balance between ease of use and performance, providing better sound quality in a form that is easy to install and operate.

What Is The Most Affordable Soundbar?

The SAMSUNG 5.0ch S60A is an elevated soundbar that offers superb sound at a reasonable price.

However, there are less expensive solutions, particularly if searching for a compact speaker for your PC. If you're looking for a decent budget horizontal speaker for gamers, look into the Razer Leviathan.

Where To Put A Soundbar?

You typically have two selections for soundbar installation: wall-mounting it or putting it below your TV on the cabinet.

If your speaker is particularly tall, wall-mounting may be the ultimate idea, as it may hide your TV's IR receiver, leaving your remote unusable.

Will A Soundbar Make A Difference In Sound Quality?

Modern televisions have relatively minor speakers that reflect sound off the TV stand. So, they might seem tinny and distant.

Installing a VIZIO SB3620n-H6 soundbar or a soundbase on most TVs improves the sound quality almost immediately, especially in replicating voice, and it also allows you to listen to music.

Can This Bar Of Sound Play Music?

It nearly always sounds much better when connecting it to your TV and playing music via it. Most of them offer Bluetooth, so you do not have to watch TV to hear music.

The one with a cordless subwoofer is better for music streaming in general since it helps to reproduce dynamics and deep bass.

Conclusion

To sum up, we gather here some of the best soundbars you can buy today.

Best For Overall: Klipsch Cinema 600
Best For Connectivity: Bose 838309-1100
Best For Bass Lovers: Nakamichi Ultra 9.2 DTS-X/Atmos/eARC/SSE Max
Best For Budget: Polk Audio Signa S3 Soundbar + Subwoofer w/ Chromecast
Best Mini Soundbar: Bose Solo 5
Best For Gaming: Creative Sound BlasterX Katana
Best Under $600: Polk Audio Signa S4
Best Hires soundbar: Bowers & Wilkins Formation Bar - 3

After reading this article, we hope you can choose the best soundbar for your home theater. Remember to buy the one that meets the balance of performance and budget, such as Klipsch Cinema 600.

Thank you for reading!