10 Best Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is designed to deliver an impressive audio experience, especially for those looking for high-quality sound in their home entertainment setup. With a robust 9.1.4 channel layout and Dolby Atmos support, it creates a rich and immersive spatial audio experience that enhances movies and music alike. The innovative Sound Motion technology is a standout feature, providing precise sound placement throughout the room, making it enjoyable in various listening environments.

In terms of usability, the Arc Ultra offers flexible connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI, allowing for easy integration with most TVs and streaming devices. The straightforward setup process is a plus, as users can quickly get started with guidance from the Sonos app. Additionally, the soundbar includes features like Speech Enhancement, which improves dialogue clarity, making it a great choice for watching films or shows with intricate plots.

The sleek design of the Arc Ultra adds to its appeal, blending seamlessly into modern home decor without drawing attention away from the screen. Voice control capabilities through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa make it convenient to manage playback without needing to reach for a remote. The soundbar is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market, which might not fit every budget. Also, while it delivers excellent sound on its own, the full potential of the Dolby Atmos experience can only be realized by adding additional Sonos components, like the Sub or rear speakers, which further increases the cost. The Arc Ultra is also not waterproof, limiting its placement options to indoor environments only.

If you're seeking a premium soundbar and are willing to invest in a more comprehensive sound setup, the Sonos Arc Ultra could be a fantastic addition to your home audio system, especially for movie lovers and music enthusiasts.

The Samsung HW Q600F is a 3.1.2 channel soundbar designed to deliver an immersive, theater-like audio experience at home. Its standout feature is the inclusion of up-firing speakers that create multidimensional sound, making you feel like the audio comes from all around and even above you. The 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer, paired with an 8-inch passive radiator, provides powerful bass that adds depth to movies, music, and games. This soundbar works especially well with Samsung TVs, thanks to Q-Symphony technology that syncs the TV and soundbar speakers for richer sound. It also features Adaptive Sound, which automatically adjusts audio settings based on what you’re watching, so voices and effects come through clearly without needing manual tweaks.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and HDMI, making it easy to connect to various devices like smartphones, gaming consoles, and TVs. The soundbar is moderately sized (about 40.5 inches wide), which fits nicely below most TVs or can be wall-mounted. A handy feature is SpaceFit Sound Pro, which uses your TV’s microphone to analyze your room’s layout and fine-tune the sound for the best experience. Gamers will appreciate the automatic 3D sound optimization that helps detect audio cues like footsteps or sirens, enhancing gameplay immersion. While it requires a power cord and uses a remote control, setup is straightforward, and the soundbar is lightweight for its category.

The Bluetooth version (4.2) is a bit dated compared to newer models, and it lacks smart assistant integration, so voice control isn’t available. Also, it’s intended for indoor use only and isn’t waterproof. This Samsung soundbar is an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful, immersive audio upgrade for TV watching and gaming, especially when paired with a compatible Samsung TV. It balances strong bass, clear dialogue, and surround effects at a reasonable price point, though users looking for the latest wireless features or smart assistant support might want to consider other options.

The Samsung Q800F is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio with immersive surround sound. It features a 5.1.2 channel setup with side and upward-firing speakers that deliver Dolby Atmos, creating a 3D sound experience that makes you feel like sounds are coming from all around and above you. The included wireless subwoofer packs a punch with an 8-inch driver and passive radiator, providing deep bass without taking up much space. It’s great for movie nights, gaming, or music, with a total output of 400 watts that fills the room nicely.

One of its standout features is the ability to work seamlessly with compatible Samsung TVs using Q-Symphony, which blends the soundbar and TV speakers for richer audio. The soundbar also automatically calibrates itself to your room’s acoustics using built-in microphones, so you don’t have to fuss with settings to get clear dialogue and balanced sound. Game Mode Pro helps sharpen audio cues for gaming, making it easier to pinpoint action. Connectivity options are user-friendly, including Bluetooth, HDMI, Wi-Fi, and support for voice assistants like Alexa, plus streaming via Apple AirPlay 2 and Google Cast. This makes it easy to control and stream from your smartphone or other devices.

On the downside, at nearly 28 pounds and about 44 inches wide, it’s quite substantial, so you’ll need enough space for placement or wall mounting. Also, it’s designed primarily for indoor use and isn’t waterproof. Some users might find the setup a bit involved if they’re not familiar with soundbars, but the auto-calibration helps simplify this. If you want a powerful, smart soundbar that delivers immersive Dolby Atmos audio with flexible connectivity and clear voice enhancement, the Samsung Q800F is a great fit. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy movies, gaming, and music in a dedicated home theater space.