September 2023
Sound Bars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of sound bars rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 3 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 97 sound bar endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
52 sound bars were endorsed in total, only 22 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 3 Sep 2023, Sonos Beam Gen 2 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed sound bar with 8 expert endorsements.
Brand breakdown
-
Vizio: 5 sound bars
(#1 is Vizio M-Series 5.1)
-
Sony: 5 sound bars
(#1 is Sony HT-A7000)
-
Samsung: 4 sound bars
(#1 is Samsung HW-Q990B)
-
Yamaha: 4 sound bars
(#1 is Yamaha SR-C20A)
-
Sonos: 3 sound bars
(#1 is Sonos Beam Gen 2)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Sound Bar |
TechRadar
|
Digital Trends
|
TechHive
|
Rtings.com
|
World Wide Stereo
|
Tom's Guide
|
SoundGuys
|
WIRED
|
PCMag
|
What Hi-Fi
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
+1 | $569 |
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.
|
7
|
-
|
4
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
8
|
3
|
|
2
|
+1 | $878 |
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.
|
6
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
4
|
|
3
|
+1 | $327 |
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.
|
-
|
8
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
5
|
-
|
|
4
|
-3 | $1188 |
Samsung HW-Q990B
The Samsung HW-Q990B soundbar is a high-end device with a True 11.1.4ch sound system, comprehensive connectivity options, and advanced features and customization options, making it a great choice for immersive audio experiences in larger rooms.
|
-
|
7
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
3
|
7
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $278 |
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.
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
6
|
+2 | $998 |
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.
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
7
|
-1 | $1862 |
Sennheiser Ambeo 3D
The Sennheiser Ambeo 3D Soundbar is a versatile and highly rated audio device that offers a fully immersive 5.1.4 channel 3D sound experience with deep 30Hz bass without the need for an additional subwoofer, making it ideal for home theaters, gaming setups, and music studios.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
1
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
|
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.
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
1
|
-
|
|
9
|
New * | $1140 |
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.
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
-3 | $798 |
Vizio Elevate
The Vizio Elevate soundbar offers a unique design with rotating speakers, a neutral and balanced sound profile with added bass, great stereo and center channel performance, a wide range of connectivity options, and a stylish two-tone finish, making it a great choice for movie and music enthusiasts.
|
-
|
5
|
6
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
-1 | $128 |
Roku Streambar
The Roku Streambar is a budget-friendly and versatile device that combines a 4K streaming player and a soundbar in one, offering clear dialogue and good tonal range for both music and movies.
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
7
|
|
12
|
-1 | $248 |
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
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
-1 | $999 |
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3
The Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 soundbar offers impressive sound quality and a wide range of connectivity options, but has some limitations in bass performance and soundstage.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
18
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
14
|
-1 | $258 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
15
|
-1 | $412 |
Klipsch Cinema 600
The Klipsch Cinema 600 is a high-quality soundbar with exceptional clarity, powerful bass, and a sleek design, making it suitable for both movies and music.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $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.
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $179 |
Roku Streambar Pro
The Roku Streambar Pro is a versatile and convenient all-in-one device that offers high-quality sound and streaming capabilities, with multiple connectivity options and virtual surround sound capabilities.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
20
|
+1 | $1999 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
+1 | $798 |
Sony HT-A5000
The Sony HT-A5000 soundbar is a high-end and versatile option for those looking for a premium sound experience with a neutral, slightly U-shaped sound profile, virtual surround sound options, and support for a wide range of audio formats.
|
-
|
6
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
+1 | $200 |
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.
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
+1 | $749 |
Bose Smart Soundbar 900
The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is a feature-packed soundbar with excellent sound quality, a range of connectivity options, and built-in voice control using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
24
|
New * | Check price |
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre
The Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre soundbar offers excellent sound quality, immersive audio experience, versatile connectivity options, and a sleek design, making it a highly praised and premium choice for music and movie enthusiasts.
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Sonos Beam Gen 2 #1 in September 2023 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
TechRadar
The perfect smaller soundbar for music
|
Wide soundstage
HDMI eARC support
Hi-res audio compatibility
|
No upfiring drivers
No HDMI passthrough
|
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
|
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
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
Doesn’t support DTS:X
|
We ranked Sonos Arc #2 in September 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Arc as #1.
TechRadar
The best soundbar for Sonos fans
|
Dolby Atmos, TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus
Discrete all-in-one soundbar
Amazing surround sound and music playback
|
Needs TV of 55 inches or bigger
No HDMI passthrough
|
Digital Trends
The best overall
|
Excellent surround sound
Easy and simple setup
Decent Dolby Atmos from a single speaker
Choice of Alexa or Google Assistant
|
No HDMI inputs
Not ideal for all music genres
|
Tom's Guide
Best Sonos soundbar overall
|
Clear vocals and focused sound
Strong, Sonos-quality bass
Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
|
Takes up quite a bit of space on a TV stand
Full Dolby Atmos requires add-on surrounds
|
PCMag
Best One-Piece, Multi-Room Soundbar / Editors' Choice
|
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
|
Expensive
Only works with pricey Sonos subwoofer
|
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
|
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 September 2023 ranking
TechRadar
Digital Trends
TechHive
Rtings.com
World Wide Stereo
Tom's Guide
SoundGuys
WIRED
PCMag
What Hi-Fi
We ranked Vizio M-Series 5.1 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
PCMag
Best Affordable 5.1-Channel System / Editors' Choice
|
Well priced for a system with a subwoofer and rear satellites
Good surround imaging with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Powerful bass
|
Treble isn't quite crisp as it could be
Small visual control panel on the remote
|
We ranked Samsung HW-Q990B #4 in September 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Digital Trends
The best home theater replacement
|
Excellent fidelity
Impressive Dolby Atmos effects
Solid bass performance
Granular-level controls
Handles large rooms easily
|
Power cords are too short
|
TechHive
Best high-end soundbar for Samsung TV owners
|
11.1.4 channels of terrific, room-filling audio
SpaceFit room correction now works for everyone
AirPlay 2 and built-in Alexa
Wireless Dolby Atmos connectivity
|
Q-Symphony and wireless Atmos only works with Samsung TVs
Power cords for the rear speakers are too short
No Chromecast support
4K video passthrough doesn’t support Dolby Vision
|
Tom's Guide
Best 5.1 home theater package
|
Impressive Dolby Atmos
Two HDMI inputs
Easy to set up
|
Missing UI and streaming apps
Weak 5.1 surround
Troubling disconnecting issues
|
PCMag
Most Features
|
Wide, accurate surround imaging with height channels
Powerful, balanced sound
Supports Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Spotify Connect
Interesting Samsung TV-compatible features, like Q-Symphony
|
Higher frequencies aren't super crisp
Only supports SBC codec for Bluetooth
Expensive
|
We ranked Sonos Ray #5 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sonos Ray as #1.
Digital Trends
Best Sonos for smaller rooms and smaller budgets
|
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
|
What Hi-Fi
An assertive, punchy and petite soundbar with sparkling vocal clarity
|
Excellent vocal clarity
Punchy, forthright projection
Detailed high end
|
Not much low-end extension
Delivery a touch clinical
Narrow soundfield
|
We ranked Sony HT-A7000 #6 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sony HT-A7000 as #1.
TechRadar
The best soundbar for gaming
|
Clear dialogue
Two HDMI 2.1 ports
Atmos, DTS:X and 360 Reality Audio
|
Limited height channels
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
|
What Hi-Fi
Powerful, room-filling Dolby Atmos from a single TV soundbar
|
Robust low-end
Excellent Atmos performance
Feature-rich
|
No VRR or ALLM at launch
EQ controls would be nice
Slightly confused styling
|
We ranked Sennheiser Ambeo 3D #7 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Sennheiser Ambeo 3D as #1.
SoundGuys
Best All-Around
|
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
Number of Inputs
Chromecast built-in
|
Price
Fairly large soundbar
|
We ranked JBL Bar 1300X #8 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked JBL Bar 1300X as #1.
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 Samsung HW-Q990C #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Samsung HW-Q990C as #1.
TechRadar
The best soundbar for Dolby Atmos surround sound
|
Exceptional power and range
Uniquely complete surround sound
16 'real' audio channels
|
No 4K 120Hz HDMI passthrough
Bass levels on music is inconsistent
|
We ranked Vizio Elevate #10 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Digital Trends
The best Dolby Atmos for under $1,000
|
Simple setup, clear chart showing connections
Wonderfully unique design
Deep control over sound output levels
Exceptionally clear dialogue
|
Effects dependent on room
Costly
|
TechHive
Best high-end soundbar, runner-up
|
Thrilling 3D sound
Rotating height drivers can also bolster stereo channels
Chromecast built in
Three HDMI ports, with eARC support on one
|
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 Roku Streambar #11 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
TechHive
Best budget soundbar, runner-up
|
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
|
Not as good as a speaker as it is a streamer
A little weak on bass response
HDR support does not include Dolby Vision
|
What Hi-Fi
A great value budget soundbar with streaming onboard
|
Direct, well-projected sound
Great feature list
Can go loud
|
Doesn't sound cinematic
|
We ranked Polk Audio React #12 in September 2023 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 Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 #13 in September 2023 because:
- 2 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
Best dedicated soundbar with Dolby Atmos
|
Lively, muscular and expansive movie sound
Properly accomplished with music
Useful touch controls and app
|
Dolby Atmos effect not as pronounced as some
Close rivals cost less
|
We ranked Polk Audio MagniFi Mini #14 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best small soundbar
|
Powerful bass and clear vocals
Wireless subwoofer
Google Cast audio integration
|
No onscreen display or mobile app
Harsh treble
|
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 Klipsch Cinema 600 #15 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
PCMag
Best Affordable 3.1 Audio / Editors' Choice
|
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
|
No user-adjustable EQ
|
We ranked Bose Smart Soundbar 600 #16 in September 2023 because:
- 2 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
|
Single HDMI port
Limited bass
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 Roku Streambar Pro #17 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
SoundGuys
Best Features
|
Integrated Roku Player
HDMI ARC output
Google Assistant and Alexa support
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi streaming
Remote access via Roku app
Value
|
Sound clarity lacking
|
PCMag
Best for Media Streaming / Editors' Choice
|
Affordable
Solid audio performance
Lots of media streaming options
Remote with headphone jack
|
Relatively weak bass response
|
We ranked Devialet Dione #18 in September 2023 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 Sony HT-A5000 #19 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Digital Trends
The best for music and gaming
|
8K-ready HDMI input
Excellent movie and music sound
Easy on-screen setup
Tons of connection options
Hi-res, Sony 360RA, and DTS:X
|
No EQ adjustments
Some settings are buried
Poor integration of music services
|
TechHive
Best high-end soundbar and wireless speaker package
|
Delivers a theater-like experience with a fully wireless speaker setup
Immersive Dolby Atmos performance
Frictionless setup and sound field optimization
Can use the speakers in certain Sony TVs as the center channel
|
Optional SA-SW3 subwoofer calls attention to itself
Some boxiness to the sound, particularly with music
|
We ranked ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 #20 in September 2023 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 Bose Smart Soundbar 900 #21 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
Tom's Guide
Best Bose soundbar
|
Slim and sleek design
Automatic room correction
Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
Dolby Atmos support
Good overall levels of sound for movies
|
Bass output is so-so
Not so great for music listening
|
We ranked Bang & Olufsen Beosound Theatre #22 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best sound bars” rankings.
TechHive
Best money-is-no-object soundbar.
|
Big, bold, dynamic, full-range sound
Customizable aesthetic elements
Expandable to 16 assignable speakers
Advanced room correction
AirPlay 2, Chromecast, and Spotify Connect support
|
Room correction offers a single measurement point only
Expensive
Lacks LDAC or aptX Adaptive hi-res Bluetooth streaming codecs
|