January 2025
Sound Bars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of sound bars rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 8 Jan 2025, 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 8 Jan 2025, 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
-
Vizio: 7 sound bars
(#1 is Vizio M-Series 5.1)
-
Sony: 6 sound bars
(#1 is Sony HT-A7000)
-
LG: 5 sound bars
(#1 is LG S90TR)
-
Sonos: 4 sound bars
(#1 is Sonos Arc Ultra)
-
Yamaha: 4 sound bars
(#1 is Yamaha SR-C20A)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Sound Bar |
Rtings.com
|
TechRadar
|
Tom's Guide
|
PCMag
|
What Hi-Fi
|
TechHive
|
World Wide Stereo
|
WIRED
|
SoundGuys
|
Digital Trends
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Sonos Arc Ultra
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
2
|
|
2
|
- | $483 |
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
|
- | $1298 |
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
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
1
|
|
4
|
- | $1498 |
Samsung HW-Q990D
|
1
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $227 |
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
|
- | 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
|
- | 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
|
+1 | $1300 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
-1 | Check price |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
6
|
|
10
|
- | 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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $298 |
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
|
- | $350 |
Klipsch Flexus Core 200
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
9
|
|
16
|
+1 | $2199 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | $1000 |
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
|
|
18
|
+1 | $702 |
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
+1 | $1400 |
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
-4 | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
10
|
|
21
|
+1 | Check price |
Sony Bravia Theater Quad
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
13
|
|
22
|
-1 | $199 |
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
|
We ranked Sonos Arc Ultra #1 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Sonos Arc Ultra as #1.
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
|
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
|
PCMag
Best Overall / Editor's Choice
|
Excellent bass response
Immersive Atmos performance
Highlights dialogue well
Versatile connectivity options, including Bluetooth
|
Expensive
Large
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Sonos Beam Gen 2 #2 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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 January 2025 ranking
Rtings.com
TechRadar
Tom's Guide
PCMag
What Hi-Fi
TechHive
World Wide Stereo
WIRED
SoundGuys
Digital Trends
We ranked Samsung HW-Q990C #3 in January 2025 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #1.
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
|
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
|
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
|
We ranked Samsung HW-Q990D #4 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Samsung HW-Q990D as #1.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Polk Audio React #5 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polk Audio React as #1.
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
|
We ranked Polk Audio MagniFi Mini #6 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polk Audio MagniFi Mini as #1.
PCMag
Best Small Soundbar
|
Powerful sound for the size
Strong bass from the subwoofer
Plenty of wireless streaming options
|
Spatial audio falls flat
|
We ranked Vizio M-Series 5.1 #7 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked JBL Bar 1300X #8 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Bose Smart Soundbar 600 #9 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Sony HT-A7000 #10 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Sony HT-S2000 #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Klipsch Flexus Core 200 #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Devialet Dione #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus #14 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Sonos Arc #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2 #16 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
We ranked ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 #17 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Sony Bravia Theater Quad #18 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Sonos Ray #19 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|