May 2022
Sound Bars: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of Sound Bar rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2022.
At a glance - May 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Sound Bar |
Tom's Guide
|
World Wide Stereo
|
TechRadar
|
Rtings.com
|
What Hi-Fi
|
SoundGuys
|
CNN Underscored
|
PCMag
|
TechHive
|
WIRED
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $898 |
Sonos Arc
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
2
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $554 |
Sonos Beam Gen 2
|
7
|
5
|
5
|
5
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
4
|
|
3
|
- | $1498 |
Samsung HW-Q950A
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
3
|
17
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
3
|
|
4
|
+1 | $99 |
Roku Streambar
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
8
|
|
5
|
-1 | $4268 |
Sennheiser Ambeo 3D
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
|
6
|
- | $324 |
Vizio M-Series 5.1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
5
|
3
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $150 |
Roku Streambar Pro
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
+1 | $899 |
Bose Smart Soundbar 900
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
+16 | $954 |
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3
|
1
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
-2 | $350 |
Yamaha YAS-209
|
3
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
|
11
|
-1 | $527 |
Sonos Beam Gen 1
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
+12 | $498 |
Sony HT-G700
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
15
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
-2 | $549 |
Klipsch Cinema 600
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
New * | $399 |
Polk Audio Signa S4
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
15
|
-3 | $240 |
Polk Audio React
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
16
|
-3 | $1398 |
Sony HT-A7000
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
-2 | $400 |
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
-2 | $649 |
Denon Home 550
|
-
|
4
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
-2 | $1200 |
JBL Bar 9.1
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
-2 | $999 |
Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
-1 | $690 |
Samsung HW-Q800A
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
-1 | $1297 |
LG SP11RA
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
19
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
-1 | $849 |
Vizio Elevate
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
24
|
-1 | $278 |
Sony HT-S350
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Sonos Arc #1 in May 2022 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Arc as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best smart soundbar
|
Pros
Clear vocals and focused sound
Strong, Sonos-quality bass
Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
|
Cons
Will takes up quite a bit of space on a TV stand
|
TechRadar
The Best Soundbar You Can Buy Right Now
|
Pros
Dolby Atmos, TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus
Discrete all-in-one soundbar
Amazing surround sound and music playback
|
Cons
Needs TV of 55 inches or bigger
No HDMI passthrough
|
What Hi-Fi
Easily one of the best soundbars we've heard at the money.
|
Pros
Convincing Dolby Atmos
Dynamic, detailed and weighty
All of the usual Sonos smarts
|
Cons
Music could be better projected
Heavily reliant on your TV’s specs
|
PCMag
Best All-in-One Model / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Large sound field with powerful bass, even without a subwoofer
Supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Can easily be expanded with satellites and a subwoofer
Dolby Atmos compatibility with angled tweeters
|
Cons
Expensive
Only works with pricey Sonos subwoofer
|
We ranked Sonos Beam Gen 2 #2 in May 2022 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best-sounding soundbar for small TVs
|
Pros
Impressive sound for its size
3D audio with support for Dolby Atmos
Reliable TruePlay tuning
Best option for 55-inch and smaller TVs
|
Cons
Expensive
Some new formats not available at launch
|
TechRadar
The best small soundbar – great Dolby Atmos for 32 inches and up
|
Pros
Wide soundstage
HDMI eARC support
Hi-res audio compatibility
|
Cons
No upfiring tweeters
|
What Hi-Fi
The dinky Sonos Beam delivers a refined sound and excellent Dolby Atmos interpretation
|
Pros
Effective handling of Dolby Atmos
Warm, refined sound
Streaming smarts
|
Cons
No additional HDMI ports
Doesn’t support DTS:X
|
PCMag
A More Affordable Sonos Soundbar
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Not much deep bass without optional (and pricey) subwoofer
No Bluetooth support
Trueplay audio tuning only available for iOS
|
TechHive
Best mid-range soundbar, runner-up
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Virtualized height cues are subtle, and occasionally hissy
Drivers begin to struggle at high volume
DTS update didn't include DTS:X
|
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 May 2022 ranking
Tom's Guide
World Wide Stereo
TechRadar
Rtings.com
What Hi-Fi
SoundGuys
CNN Underscored
PCMag
TechHive
WIRED
We ranked Samsung HW-Q950A #3 in May 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
TechRadar
The best soundbar for total Dolby Atmos immersion
|
Pros
Hugely powerful movie playback
Remarkably well-rounded Dolby Atmos soundstage
Dolby Vision and HDR10+ passthrough
|
Cons
Expensive compared to rivals
A little unrefined with music
|
What Hi-Fi
Samsung’s HW-Q950A soundbar fires on all cylinders at all times
|
Pros
Extremely present centre channel
Room-filling sound
Excellent feature set
|
Cons
Rears can be distracting
Subwoofer not well integrated
Not the most nuanced or dynamic
|
TechHive
Best high-end soundbar
|
Pros
Thrillingly immersive sound with deep but controlled bass
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Alexa built in
Apple AirPlay 2 support
SpaceFit and Auto EQ room calibration
|
Cons
Annoyingly short power cords for satellite speakers
Alexa needs a discrete volume control
SpaceFit and Q-Symphony features only work with Samsung TVs
Pricey
|
We ranked Roku Streambar #4 in May 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best soundbar with integrated media player
|
Pros
4K streaming
Clear, loud sound
Compact design
|
Cons
Relatively weak bass
No Ethernet port
|
What Hi-Fi
This streamer-cum-soundbar represents very good value.
|
Pros
Direct, well-projected sound
Great feature list
Can go loud
|
Cons
Doesn't sound cinematic
|
TechHive
Best budget soundbar, runner-up
|
Pros
A pretty good soundbar integrated with a very good media streamer
Excellent remote control, with support for voice commands
Can be upgraded with a wireless subwoofer and surround speakers
Can also stream content from a NAS box or USB drive
|
Cons
Not as good as a speaker as it is a streamer
A little weak on bass response
HDR support does not include Dolby Vision
|
We ranked Sennheiser Ambeo 3D #5 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sennheiser Ambeo 3D as #1.
What Hi-Fi
You'll need plenty of space, but this is the best soundbar for those with deep pockets.
|
Pros
Rich, balanced sound
Excellent dynamics
Impressive surround effect
|
Cons
Large
Fussy about positioning
|
SoundGuys
Best All Around/Editors Choice
|
Pros
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Number of Inputs
Chromecast built-in
|
Cons
Price
Fairly large soundbar
|
We ranked Vizio M-Series 5.1 #6 in May 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
PCMag
Affordable 5.1 Surround/Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Well priced for a system with a subwoofer and rear satellites
Good surround imaging with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Powerful bass
|
Cons
Treble isn't quite crisp as it could be
Small visual control panel on the remote
|
TechHive
Best mid-range soundbar
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Bass can be boomy versus tight
No Wi-Fi adapter
|
We ranked Roku Streambar Pro #7 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Roku Streambar Pro as #1.
SoundGuys
Best Features
|
Pros
Integrated Roku Player
HDMI ARC output
Google Assistant and Alexa support
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming
Remote access via Roku app
Value
|
Cons
Sound clarity lacking
|
PCMag
Best for Roku Media Streaming/Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Affordable
Solid audio performance
Lots of media streaming options
Remote with headphone jack
|
Cons
Relatively weak bass response
|
We ranked Bose Smart Soundbar 900 #8 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bose Smart Soundbar 900 as #1.
Tom's Guide
Best soundbar with Dolby Atmos and multiroom
|
Pros
Slim and sleek design
Automatic room correction
Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
Dolby Atmos support
Good overall levels of sound for movies
|
Cons
Bass output is so-so
Not so great for music listening
|
What Hi-Fi
An impressively wide-sounding, articulate and crisp Dolby Atmos soundbar
|
Pros
Expansive breadth
Sleek design
Clear vocal projection
|
Cons
No DTS support
Noticeably processed sound
Not as Atmos-y as the best
|
We ranked Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 #9 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 as #1.
Tom's Guide
The best soundbar overall for movies and music
|
Pros
Lively, muscular and expansive movie sound
Properly accomplished with music
Useful touch controls and app
|
Cons
Dolby Atmos effect not as pronounced as some
Close rivals cost less
|
TechRadar
An excellent rival for the Sonos Arc
|
Pros
Precise and engrossing sound with movies
Genuinely adept with music
Nice selection of control options
|
Cons
Dolby Atmos could be more effective
|
What Hi-Fi
A competent, detailed and weighty soundbar
|
Pros
Sleek low profile design
Weighty bottom end
Self-contained
|
Cons
Voices lack clarity
Not a particularly expansive soundstage
Tonally inconsistent
|
We ranked Yamaha YAS-209 #10 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best soundbar speaker with a subwoofer and Alexa
|
Pros
Clear and intelligible dialog
Excellent for music
Alexa voice control
|
Cons
Subwoofer lacks punch with some movie effects
Only 1 HDMI input
|
We ranked Sonos Beam Gen 1 #11 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best soundbar for sound and smart features at the price
|
Pros
Easy set up
Alexa inside
Wide soundstage
|
Cons
Bass lacks detail
No Bluetooth audio
|
SoundGuys
Best Smart Soundbar
|
Pros
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant support
Size
Dolby Digital Support
Easy Setup
Simple to connect other Sonos Speakers
|
Cons
Doesn't support any object based codecs
Overpriced
|
We ranked Sony HT-G700 #12 in May 2022 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
TechRadar
The best affordable Dolby Atmos soundbar with a subwoofer
|
Pros
Impressively wide and tall sound
Dolby Atmos & DTS:X support
4K HDR HDMI passthrough
|
Cons
Can't manage true height
Not as dynamic as higher priced options
|
What Hi-Fi
A good entry-level soundbar with plenty of bass and Dolby Atmos support.
|
Pros
Big, weighty sound
Impressive Atmos effect
Solid and stylish
|
Cons
Lack of crispness and clarity
No streaming functionality
|
We ranked Klipsch Cinema 600 #13 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Klipsch Cinema 600 as #1.
PCMag
Best Affordable 3.1 Audio / Editors' Choice
|
Pros
Powerful audio performance with deep, theater-like sub-bass and crisp high-end definition
Wireless subwoofer
Bluetooth streaming
Virtual surround mode sounds good
Can be expanded to a true 5.1 system
|
Cons
No user-adjustable EQ
|
We ranked Polk Audio Signa S4 #14 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Polk Audio Signa S4 as #1.
We ranked Polk Audio React #15 in May 2022 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
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
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 Sony HT-A7000 #16 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sony HT-A7000 as #1.
TechRadar
Sony’s newest flagship is a big ‘bar for big bucks
|
Pros
Supremely clear dialogue
Two HDMI 2.1 ports
Atmos, DTS: X and 360 Reality Audio
|
Cons
Limited height channels
|
What Hi-Fi
Powerful and muscular room-filling Dolby Atmos from a single soundbar
|
Pros
Robust low-end
Excellent Atmos performance
Feature-rich
|
Cons
No VRR or ALLM at launch
EQ controls would be nice
Slightly confused styling
|
We ranked JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam #17 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
Tom's Guide
The best soundbar for affordable Atmos
|
Pros
Good Dolby Atmos performance
Auto calibration
Doesn't need a subwoofer
|
Cons
Limited sound controls
No mobile app
|
What Hi-Fi
This compact soundbar won’t blow a hole in your budget
|
Pros
Big, full-bodied presentation
Dolby Virtual Atmos
Multi-room options
|
Cons
Could be more detailed
Dynamic expression poor
Slovenly sense of timing
|
We ranked Denon Home 550 #18 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
TechRadar
The best smaller soundbar for bigger, bolder sound
|
Pros
Well specified and flexible
Poised, large-scale sound (at reasonable volumes)
Nicely made and finished
|
Cons
Becomes socially aggressive at higher volumes
Doesn’t feel as nice as it looks
Dolby Atmos effect is lacking
|
We ranked JBL Bar 9.1 #19 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
PCMag
Best True Surround Sound
|
Pros
Powerful audio with thunderous bass depth
Dolby Atmos drivers
Wireless rear channel speakers
Easy setup
|
Cons
Expensive
Large
Could use more precise EQ controls
|
We ranked Bluesound Pulse Soundbar+ #20 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
What Hi-Fi
The Soundbar+ deftly handles virtual Dolby Atmos with precision and directness
|
Pros
Satisfying Dolby Atmos delivery
Direct and solid presentation
Detailed, open sound
|
Cons
Music lacks drive and drama
No 'native' sound mode
No auto-detect of HDMI input
|
We ranked Samsung HW-Q800A #21 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
TechRadar
The best soundbar for mid-range cinematic thrills
|
Pros
Powerful, immersive, room-filling sound
Excellent bass support from the subwoofer
|
Cons
Some features only available with newer Samsung TVs
|
What Hi-Fi
This Dolby Atmos soundbar packs a punch
|
Pros
Spacious presentation
Weighty, articulate sub
Good range of features
|
Cons
Could be more insightful
Height channel lacks precision
|
We ranked LG SP11RA #22 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
TechRadar
A soundbar that revels in the details
|
Pros
Exceptionally detailed sound
Adapts well to music as well as films
Very attractive and compact design
|
Cons
Sound can lack grunt at times
Doesn’t quite justify its price
|
What Hi-Fi
An enjoyable and immersive top-end soundbar package
|
Pros
Detailed top end
Large, well-spread soundscape
Comprehensive feature set
|
Cons
Looks don’t match the price tag
Lacks a little punch
Sub feels one dimensional
|
We ranked Vizio Elevate #23 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
TechHive
Best high-end soundbar, runner-up
|
Pros
Thrilling 3D sound
Rotating height drivers can also bolster stereo channels
Chromecast built in
Three HDMI ports, with eARC support on one
|
Cons
Bass is a bit overdone
SmartCast app frequently disconnected from the soundbar
Clunky, non-backlit remote control
No native music service support (e.g., Spotify Connect)
|
We ranked Sony HT-S350 #24 in May 2022 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Sound Bars” rankings.
PCMag
The Best Affordable 2.1 Audio/Editor's Choice
|
Pros
Relatively affordable.
Powerful, clear audio with multiple sound modes and adjustable subwoofer levels.
Easy to set up and operate.
|
Cons
Sound signature is quite sculpted, regardless of mode.
|