December 2024

Sound Bars: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of sound bars rankings posted by key online experts, as of December 2024.

Summary

On 18 Dec 2024, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 93 sound bar endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

59 sound bars were endorsed in total, only 19 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 18 Dec 2024, Sonos Arc Ultra takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed sound bar with 6 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 sound bar' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking sound bars start at $119.99 (Ultimea Poseidon D50) and go up to $1499.95 (Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus). Median sound bar costs $487.98 (Sonos Beam Gen 2).
$119.99
$1499.95

At a glance - December Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Sound Bar
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
PCMag
What Hi-Fi
TechHive
World Wide Stereo
WIRED
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
1
New * Check price
Sonos Arc Ultra
-
3
1
1
1
-
-
6
-
2
2
-1 $488
Sonos Beam Gen 2
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact and stylish soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality for both music and movies, with versatile connectivity options and compatibility with Dolby Atmos, making it a recommended choice for Sonos fans and those seeking high-quality audio enjoyment.
6
-
-
7
4
4
10
-
2
-
3
- $1058
Samsung HW-Q990C
The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, immersive experience, and extensive connectivity options, making it a top choice for enhancing TV audio and creating a cinematic home theater experience.
-
-
-
6
-
5
-
5
-
1
4
+1 Check price
Samsung HW-Q990D
1
4
-
-
7
-
-
-
-
-
5
+1 $189
Polk Audio React
The Polk Audio React soundbar is a versatile and budget-friendly device that offers big, detailed, and immersive sound for movies, music, and TV shows, with four audio modes and a variety of connectivity options.
-
-
-
-
-
1
3
-
-
-
6
+2 Check price
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini
The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini is a compact soundbar with various connectivity options, wireless subwoofer, and Google Cast compatibility, delivering clear and powerful sound suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
-
-
-
5
-
-
1
-
-
-
7
+2 Check price
Vizio M-Series 5.1
The Vizio M-Series 5.1 Soundbar is a versatile and affordable audio system that offers excellent sound quality, making it suitable for a variety of audio content, including music and movies, and is compatible with most TVs on the market.
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
7
-
8
8
+11 $499
Bose Smart Soundbar 600
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a versatile and highly compatible soundbar with exceptional sound quality, a sleek design, and a range of connectivity options.
-
10
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
6
9
+1 $1000
JBL Bar 1300X
The JBL Bar 1300X is a highly regarded soundbar that offers impressive sound quality, connectivity options, compatibility with various devices and streaming services, a sleek design, and a range of features, making it suitable for creating an immersive audio experience in various use cases.
-
11
-
3
-
-
-
12
-
-
10
-6 Check price
Sony HT-A7000
The Sony HT-A7000 is a high-end soundbar with a neutral sound profile, wide and immersive soundstage, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great choice for enhancing the listening experience.
-
7
6
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
11
-4 $498
Sony HT-S2000
The Sony HT-S2000 soundbar is highly praised for its sound quality, clarity, and dialogue reproduction, making it suitable for both music and movie playback in larger rooms with high ceilings.
-
2
-
-
3
-
-
-
-
-
15
+1 $399
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
9
16
+1 $210
ZVOX AccuVoice AV157
The ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 soundbar is a great option for those who struggle to hear TV dialogue, with its proprietary AccuVoice and SuperVoice technologies improving the intelligibility of spoken words and its dedicated center channel aiding in dialogue clarity.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
10
17
+1 Check price
Devialet Dione
The Devialet Dione soundbar is a high-end, innovative speaker that offers exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, and a sleek design, making it suitable for both music and movie playback.
-
-
4
-
-
-
6
-
-
-
18
+2 $1500
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus is a versatile and high-end soundbar that offers impressive sound quality, advanced features, and customization options for an immersive audio experience.
-
-
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
7
19
-17 $805
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is a high-end soundbar with impressive sound quality, expansive soundstage, and modern design, ideal for those seeking an immersive surround sound experience for movies and music.
-
-
-
-
5
-
11
-
-
-
20
New * $1400
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2
7
-
-
-
-
-
-
13
-
-
21
- $209
Sonos Ray
The Sonos Ray soundbar is a high-quality and affordable option with excellent clarity and crispness in sound, Wi-Fi connectivity, multi-room setup capabilities, and compatibility with most TVs and wireless streaming devices.
-
-
-
-
-
-
12
-
-
11
22
New * Check price
Sony Bravia Theater Quad
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
11
-
13

Sound Bar
#5 $188.99 Polk Audio React
#21 $209 Sonos Ray
#16 $209.99 ZVOX AccuVoice AV157
#7 $368.04 Vizio M-Series 5.1
#15 $399 Klipsch Flexus Core 200
#2 $487.98 Sonos Beam Gen 2
#11 $498 Sony HT-S2000
#8 $499 Bose Smart Soundbar 600
#10 $589.34 Sony HT-A7000
#19 $805.12 Sonos Arc
#9 $999.95 JBL Bar 1300X
#3 $1057.95 Samsung HW-Q990C
#20 $1399.99 Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2
#18 $1499.95 Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

We ranked Sonos Arc Ultra #1 in December 2024 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked Sonos Arc Ultra as #1.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best one-box soundbar

Full sound and great speech clarity
Very good Dolby Atmos effects
Compact for such good sound

No DTS-HD/DTS:X support
No HDMI passthrough
Not as immersive as surround options

Go to ranking

Tom's Guide

The best soundbar you can buy today

Clear Dialogue
Great new controls across the top
Brilliant Dolby Atmos performance
Combine with Sub 4 for very solid bassy rumble

A full set-up quickly becomes very expensive

Go to ranking

PCMag

Best Overall

Excellent bass response
Immersive Atmos performance
Highlights dialogue well
Versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth

Expensive
Large

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

A big upgrade on the original Sonos Arc and overall the best soundbar you can currently buy.

Clean, precise, spacious and three-dimensional sound
Deep, tuneful and expressive bass
Terrifically detailed for a soundbar

No HDMI passthrough
No DTS support
Still some app issues

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Stand-Alone Dolby Atmos

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Digital Trends

Best expandable Dolby Atmos soundbar

Big, powerful bass
Clear and intelligible dialogue
Immersive Dolby Atmos
Great for music and movies
Lots of expansion options
Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay

No HDMI input
No remote
Highs can be slightly harsh
Sonos app is still buggy

Go to ranking

We ranked Sonos Beam Gen 2 #2 in December 2024 because:

  • 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact and stylish soundbar that delivers excellent audio quality for both music and movies, with versatile connectivity options and compatibility with Dolby Atmos, making it a recommended choice for Sonos fans and those seeking high-quality audio enjoyment.
Critic endorsements:
Rtings.com

Best Small Soundbar

Go to ranking

PCMag

Best Midrange Sonos Soundbar

Big sound field for its size
Full and crisp sound, from low-mids to highs
Dolby Atmos audio sounds precise and immersive, even without rear speakers

Not much deep bass without optional (and pricey) subwoofer
No Bluetooth support
Trueplay audio tuning only available for iOS

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Awards 2023 winner. If space and budget are limited, there isn't a better virtual Dolby Atmos soundbar that we'd recommend

Effective handling of Dolby Atmos
Warm, refined sound
Streaming smarts

No additional HDMI ports
No Bluetooth
Doesn’t support DTS:X

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TechHive

Best mid-range soundbar, runner-up

Expansive sound
Dolby Atmost and HDMI eARC support
Can be upgraded to a full surround sound system with extra speakers and a subwoofer
Apple AirPlay 2 support in addition to Sonos' own fabled multi-room audio support

Virtualized height cues are subtle, and occasionally hissy
Drivers begin to struggle at high volume
DTS update didn't include DTS:X

Go to ranking

World Wide Stereo

The Best Smart Sound Bar

Go to ranking

SoundGuys

Best Smart Soundbar

Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support
Size
Dolby Digital Support
Easy Setup
Simple to connect other Sonos Speakers

Not the biggest sound
Price

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend sound bars.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of sound bars, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for December 2024 ranking

We ranked Samsung HW-Q990C #3 in December 2024 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 4 Sep 2023)
The Samsung HW-Q990C soundbar is highly praised for its exceptional sound quality, immersive experience, and extensive connectivity options, making it a top choice for enhancing TV audio and creating a cinematic home theater experience.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best for Samsung TVs

Detailed, immersive 11.1.4-channel audio
Powerful bass
Supports Apple AirPlay and Spotify Connect
Built-in Alexa voice control
Q-Symphony support for compatible Samsung TVs

Expensive
Only supports SBC codec for Bluetooth
Minor upgrades from previous model

Go to ranking

TechHive

Best high-end soundbar

Big, immersive, yet detailed and subtle sound
Syncs its audio with Samsung TVs
SpaceFit Sound room correction
AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect support

No discrete volume for built-in Alexa
Power cords for satellite speakers are too short
Q-Symphony and wireless Dolby Atmos require a Samsung TV
No Chromecast

Go to ranking

WIRED

Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

The best soundbar for most people

Great sound for movies and music
Impressive volume capabilities
Clear dialog
Immersive Dolby Atmos experience

No support for HDMI 2.1
A bit expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Samsung HW-Q990D #4 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Samsung HW-Q990D as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Rtings.com

Best Soundbar

Go to ranking

TechRadar

The best soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround sound

Full, immersive spatial audio
Great power and detail
Gaming features including 120Hz refresh rate

Pricey
Obscured front LED display

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Samsung's latest soundbar package manages to outdo the previous generation, stepping into five-star territory.

Large, immersive sound
Dynamic, weighty and detailed
Two HDMI 2.1 inputs

Occasional bassy crackle
Hard-to-read display

Go to ranking

We ranked Polk Audio React #5 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polk Audio React as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Polk Audio React soundbar is a versatile and budget-friendly device that offers big, detailed, and immersive sound for movies, music, and TV shows, with four audio modes and a variety of connectivity options.
Critic endorsements:
TechHive

Best budget soundbar

Clean, nuanced sound given its price tag
Alexa onboard, including multi-room audio support
Expandable with wireless subwoofer and surround speaker options
Night mode and dialog volume level adjustments

No support for Dolby Atmos, DTS-X, or DTS Virtual:X
HDMI ARC only (doesn't support eARC)
Remote control buttons are flat and difficult to find in the dark

Go to ranking

World Wide Stereo

The Best Sound Bar Under $300

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We ranked Polk Audio MagniFi Mini #6 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polk Audio MagniFi Mini as #1.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Polk Audio MagniFi Mini is a compact soundbar with various connectivity options, wireless subwoofer, and Google Cast compatibility, delivering clear and powerful sound suitable for small to medium-sized rooms.
Critic endorsements:
PCMag

Best Small Soundbar

Powerful sound for the size
Strong bass from the subwoofer
Plenty of wireless streaming options

Spatial audio falls flat

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World Wide Stereo

The Best Small Sound Bar Under $500

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We ranked Vizio M-Series 5.1 #7 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Vizio M-Series 5.1 Soundbar is a versatile and affordable audio system that offers excellent sound quality, making it suitable for a variety of audio content, including music and movies, and is compatible with most TVs on the market.
Critic endorsements:
TechHive

Best mid-range soundbar

Aggressively exciting audio performance
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
HDMI with eARC
Can be augmented with a smart speaker via 3.5mm input or Bluetooth

Bass can be boomy versus tight
No Wi-Fi adapter

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WIRED

Dolby Atmos for Under $500

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Digital Trends

The best budget soundbar

eARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X support
Impressive subwoofer
Seamless surround effects
Comprehensive control
Excellent fidelity

One HDMI input
Less suitable for larger rooms

Go to ranking

We ranked Bose Smart Soundbar 600 #8 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is a versatile and highly compatible soundbar with exceptional sound quality, a sleek design, and a range of connectivity options.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best small soundbar for Dolby Atmos

Compact, attractive design
Dolby Atmos with up-firing speakers
Extensive streaming options
Easy, app-based setup

Single HDMI port
Limited bass
Basic front-panel display
No DTS:X support

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WIRED

Best Compact Bar

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Digital Trends

The best small soundbar

Easy setup
Excellent Atmos for its size
Clear and engaging dialog
AirPlay and Chromecast
Good music quality

No HDMI inputs
Smart speaker is Alexa-only
Limited in-app music services

Go to ranking

We ranked JBL Bar 1300X #9 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 21 Jul 2023)
The JBL Bar 1300X is a highly regarded soundbar that offers impressive sound quality, connectivity options, compatibility with various devices and streaming services, a sleek design, and a range of features, making it suitable for creating an immersive audio experience in various use cases.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best soundbar for flexibility

Dolby Atmos and DTS:X processing
Rechargeable wireless surround speakers
Four HDMI ports (one with eARC)

Pricey
No HDMI 4K 120Hz pass-through
Surround speakers need regular recharging

Go to ranking

PCMag

Best for Spatial Audio / Editors' Choice

Accurate spatial audio with height channels
Thunderous subwoofer
Detachable wireless rear satellites
Alexa MRM, Apple AirPlay, and Google Cast support

Expensive
Satellites need to be charged regularly

Go to ranking

WIRED

For Those Who Hate Wires

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We ranked Sony HT-A7000 #10 in December 2024 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 2 May 2023)
The Sony HT-A7000 is a high-end soundbar with a neutral sound profile, wide and immersive soundstage, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced features such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great choice for enhancing the listening experience.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best soundbar for gaming

Supremely clear dialogue
Two HDMI 2.1 ports
Atmos, DTS: X and 360 Reality Audio

Limited height channels
Sub and surround speakers cost extra
Small LED display

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Tom's Guide

Best Sony soundbar

High build quality
Best for surround format support
Clear sound with dialog

Small display
Subwoofer sold separately
High price compared to rivals

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WIRED

Best for Gaming

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We ranked Sony HT-S2000 #11 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 7 Dec 2023)
The Sony HT-S2000 soundbar is highly praised for its sound quality, clarity, and dialogue reproduction, making it suitable for both music and movie playback in larger rooms with high ceilings.
Critic endorsements:
TechRadar

The best budget soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Affordable
Impressive sound quality
Supports both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X

Wireless streaming limited to Bluetooth
No voice assistant support

Go to ranking

What Hi-Fi

Sony’s budget Dolby Atmos soundbar is exceptional value for money

Simple plug-and-play functionality
Crisp, clear dialogue
Solid dynamics

Not loads of bass weight
Sound Field mode is a miss
Not as full-bodied as rivals

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We ranked Klipsch Flexus Core 200 #12 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Best Stand-Alone Soundbar

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Digital Trends

Best single-speaker soundbar under $800

Fabulous sound
Striking levels of bass
Easy setup
Wired subwoofer output
Backlit remote

No Wi-Fi
Slightly tame height channels
Can't save settings per input

Go to ranking

We ranked ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 #13 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 soundbar is a great option for those who struggle to hear TV dialogue, with its proprietary AccuVoice and SuperVoice technologies improving the intelligibility of spoken words and its dedicated center channel aiding in dialogue clarity.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Best for Those With Hearing Loss

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Digital Trends

The best for dialog enhancement

Small footprint
Easy connections and setup
Super-clear and adjustable dialog

Expensive for a small speaker
No wireless connections for music

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We ranked Devialet Dione #14 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Devialet Dione soundbar is a high-end, innovative speaker that offers exceptional sound quality, powerful bass, and a sleek design, making it suitable for both music and movie playback.
Critic endorsements:
Tom's Guide

Best Dolby Atmos soundbar with auto placement configuration, but pricey

Expansive, informative and assertive sound
Luxury styling and finish
Auto surround configuration for wall or table-top placement

High price compared to rivals
No HDMI passthrough
No remote control

Go to ranking

World Wide Stereo

The Best High End Dolby Atmos Soundbar

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We ranked Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus #15 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus is a versatile and high-end soundbar that offers impressive sound quality, advanced features, and customization options for an immersive audio experience.
Critic endorsements:
World Wide Stereo

The Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Go to ranking

Digital Trends

The best Dolby Atmos sound from a single speaker

Fantastic 3D sound
Lots of connections
Built-in room tuning
Up to 4 wireless subs/1 wired sub
AirPlay/Chromecast/Tidal Connect
Alexa built-in
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Sony 360/MPEG-H

Still expensive
Only HDMI 2.0a
Relies heavily on mobile app
Weird Alexa integration

Go to ranking

We ranked Sonos Arc #16 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Sonos Arc is a high-end soundbar with impressive sound quality, expansive soundstage, and modern design, ideal for those seeking an immersive surround sound experience for movies and music.
Critic endorsements:
What Hi-Fi

Still one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars for TV that we've heard

Convincing Dolby Atmos
Dynamic, detailed and weighty
All of the usual Sonos smarts

Music could be better projected
Heavily reliant on your TV’s specs
No Bluetooth or DTS:X support

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World Wide Stereo

The Best All-in-One Soundbar

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We ranked Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 #17 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Rtings.com

Best Soundbar For Large Rooms

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WIRED

The Bassiest Setup

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We ranked Sonos Ray #18 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Expert Consensus
(as of 16 May 2023)
The Sonos Ray soundbar is a high-quality and affordable option with excellent clarity and crispness in sound, Wi-Fi connectivity, multi-room setup capabilities, and compatibility with most TVs and wireless streaming devices.
Critic endorsements:
World Wide Stereo

The Best Compact Sound Bar Under $300

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Digital Trends

Most versatile budget soundbar

Compact for versatile placement
Impressive sound for its size
Expandable to a full 5.1 system
Easy setup and control

Pricey for a small soundbar
Lacks a bit of midrange detail

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We ranked Sony Bravia Theater Quad #19 in December 2024 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
WIRED

Best Discreet Dolby Atmos System

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Digital Trends

Best soundbar alternative for everyone

Incredibly flexible
Excellent sound quality
Convincing Atmos surround
Easy placement and setup
Great for movies and music

Very expensive
Buggy app

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