Best Soundbars of 2024

The first one on our list is Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar presents a compelling audio solution for TV enthusiasts, boasting Dolby Atmos and AI-enhanced features. 

With a slim and sleek design, it complements screens 50 inches and above, making it visually appealing. The inclusion of nine speakers and proprietary TrueSpace technology creates a 5.1.2-channel audio experience, supporting Dolby Atmos spatial audio content.

What sets the Smart Ultra apart is its exceptional spatial audio performance with height channels, providing a detailed and expansive sound field. 

In terms of performance, the sound quality impresses with wide and immersive sound, delivering clear dialogue and effective AI Dialogue Mode for improved voice clarity. The upward-firing speakers contribute to the creation of virtual surround sound effects, enhancing the overall viewing experience. However, the bass performance is a notable drawback, occasionally sounding overstretched and struggling with low frequencies in certain movie soundtracks.

Setting up the Smart Ultra Soundbar is a breeze, with a smooth installation process via the Bose Music app. The quirky yet effective room calibration process, facilitated by the Adapt-IQ headset, optimizes the soundbar’s TrueSpace technology for various viewing positions in the room. The integration of Alexa voice control adds convenience, allowing users to adjust volume and access streaming services.

Despite lacking a dedicated subwoofer, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers a nearly complete package for enhancing TV audio. Its strengths lie in vocal clarity, making it a solid choice for movie enthusiasts who prioritize dialogue. 

In short, Whether you’re seeking detailed spatial audio imaging or a sleek design that fits seamlessly into your home theatre setup, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts.

The second one on our list is the Vizio Elevate Soundbar. The Vizio Elevate 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar system stands out as a compelling audio solution, offering a seamless blend of design, ease of use, and impressive sound quality. It caters to a broad audience seeking a well-rounded audio solution without compromising on quality.

From the moment you unbox the system, the sleek design of the soundbar, low-profile surround speakers, and compact wireless subwoofer contribute to an aesthetically pleasing setup.

Setting up the system is remarkably straightforward, with color-coded RCA jacks facilitating easy connections between the surround speakers and the wireless subwoofer. The soundbar requires only two connections – HDMI and power – ensuring a hassle-free installation. The included accessories, such as the remote control with a small LCD screen, allow for precise control over individual channels, including height channels, optimizing the audio experience for various setups.

In terms of sound quality, the Vizio Elevate impresses with a robust bass performance from its surprisingly capable subwoofer. Dialogue clarity is consistently excellent, and the midrange response enhances overall system clarity. Treble frequencies come through with clarity and detail, providing an immersive experience, especially when watching movies with intricate sound effects.

The system’s Dolby Atmos capabilities add a layer of heightened effects, expanding the soundstage and delivering a more immersive audio experience. While it may not achieve the pinnacle of Dolby Atmos effects, the Vizio M-Series Elevate still provides a noticeable enhancement over conventional soundbars. Plus, the sound quality tends to be bass-heavy, emphasizing rumbling lows but lacking clarity in the upper registers. 

In summary, the Vizio M-Series Elevate 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar system succeeds in delivering an impressive audio performance, user-friendly setup, and an aesthetically pleasing design. 

The third one on our list is the Sony HT-A7000. The Sony HT-A7000 is a powerhouse soundbar that delivers an exceptional audio experience. Boasting a wide range of features, this 7.1.2 soundbar stands out in a crowded market. 

The design of the HT-A7000 is both sleek and functional. Despite its substantial size, Sony has managed to minimize its appearance, incorporating black fabric panels to conceal the upward-firing drivers. The inclusion of touch controls on the glass surface adds a modern touch, and the on-screen interface via HDMI provides convenient access to settings and modes.

One of its standout features is its support for advanced audio technologies, including Dolby Atmos and DTS-X, providing an immersive audio experience. 

The inclusion of AirPlay 2, Chromecast, hi-res audio, and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio further enhances its appeal, catering to music enthusiasts and home theatre aficionados alike.

Sound quality is where the HT-A7000 truly shines. Whether handling movie soundtracks or music, its built-in subwoofer delivers powerful low-frequency effects, and the center channel ensures clear and precise dialogues. 

Boasting Sony’s advanced virtual surround technology and carefully tuned drivers, the HT-A7000 creates a cinematic atmosphere, even without the need for additional surround speakers. Plus, The sound signature of the HT-A7000 is well-balanced and versatile, excelling in reproducing high-quality audio content. 

While the lack of manual EQ settings may disappoint audiophiles, the soundbar’s automatic room calibration and adjustable parameters compensate for it. The inclusion of two HDMI inputs, 4K, 8K, Dolby Vision passthrough, and various connectivity options make it a versatile hub for audio sources.

In conclusion, the Sony HT-A7000 is a top-tier soundbar that justifies its premium status through its outstanding sound quality, extensive features, and user-friendly design.

The fourth one on our list is the Sonos Beam Gen 2. The Beam Gen 2 is a notable upgrade from its predecessor, boasting an array of features that enhance its performance and versatility.

In terms of design, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 maintains Sonos’ signature clean lines and minimalistic aesthetic. The switch to a plastic grille, while primarily an aesthetic choice, adds practicality by being easier to clean.

This compact soundbar, designed for smaller spaces, stands out with its Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC compatibility, elevating your audio experience. The refreshed design not only enhances aesthetics but also aligns with the sleek minimalism characteristic of Sonos products.

One of the standout features is the wide soundstage, providing an immersive audio experience that belies the soundbar’s compact size. The integration with the broader Sonos ecosystem allows for expansion, letting users pair it with additional speakers like the Sonos Sub or Sonos One SL for an enhanced setup.

Setting up the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a straightforward process through the Sonos S2 app, offering easy connectivity to Wi-Fi and enabling voice assistant integration. One of the standout features is its Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling seamless integration into your Sonos ecosystem. 

The TruePlay technology, while limited to iOS devices, enhances audio calibration, ensuring optimal sound quality tailored to your room’s dimensions.
The addition of HDMI eARC is a welcome enhancement, allowing the soundbar to handle advanced audio formats, including hi-res audio codecs. However, the virtual Dolby Atmos may not match the experience of soundbars with up-firing drivers, such as the Sonos Arc.

In summary, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a commendable choice for those seeking a mid-range soundbar with powerful audio performance and a compact design suitable for smaller rooms. 

The fifth one on our list is the LG S95QR. The LG S95QR emerges as a formidable contender in the realm of soundbars, boasting a 9.1.5 channel configuration that sets it apart from conventional options.

The four-piece system’s design is well-balanced, with a compact main soundbar that can fit beneath most TVs. The wireless rear speakers and subwoofer, though functional, also boast a sleek design. The soundbar is eco-certified, utilizing recycled materials for a more sustainable approach.

A standout feature is the introduction of an up-firing center speaker, a pioneering move aimed at enhancing dialogue delivery by projecting sound upwards.

In terms of performance, the S95QR showcases its prowess, delivering a genuinely immersive experience with both movies and music. The soundbar’s power and dynamic range are commendable, creating a three-dimensional sound space that envelops the listener. The newly designed subwoofer adds depth to action scenes while remaining versatile enough to adapt to subtler shifts in dynamics. The placement of sound details is accurate, contributing to a rich and expressive mid-range.

The inclusion of Meridian’s up-mixer enhances stereo recordings, expanding the soundstage for a more immersive experience.

Setting up the S95QR is a hassle-free experience, with wireless connectivity between speakers and effective auto-calibration. The soundbar can be controlled via the LG Sound Bar app, offering convenience beyond basic functions. The value proposition is strong, especially for those seeking a full Dolby Atmos experience.

The sub and surround speakers may exhibit mediocre sound quality, and the limited height sound could be a concern for users expecting a more robust performance in the height channels. 

Overall, the LG S95QR impresses with its innovative features, powerful performance, and versatility across different types of audio content, making it a top-tier choice in the competitive soundbar market.

The last one on our list is Samsung HW-Q990C. The HW-Q990C Soundbar emerges as a cinematic spectacle, solidifying Samsung’s expertise in crafting high-end Dolby Atmos soundbars.

Design-wise, the Q990C impresses with a sleek black finish, resembling a premium bookshelf speaker for the rear components. The display, though, falls short in sharpness, prompting reliance on the SmartThings app for convenient adjustments. Weighing around 62 pounds, the soundbar commands attention with its expansive size, making it a prominent feature in any living room.

Boasting an 11.1.4-channel configuration with 22 drivers, this flagship system creates a breathtaking three-dimensional soundstage that elevates the audio experience. 

Setting up the Q990C is relatively ordinary for a high-end soundbar, requiring power connections and an HDMI link to the TV, with the option for wireless pairing on select Samsung TVs. However, the short rear speaker cables may pose placement challenges.

Under the hood, the Q990C is feature-rich, offering Q-Symphony mode and Game Mode Pro for Samsung TV owners, along with Tap Sound for compatible Samsung phones. 

Notably, the soundbar seamlessly integrates with various platforms, from Apple AirPlay to Amazon Alexa, and can function as a SmartThings Hub for smart home device connectivity.

Performance-wise, the Q990C shines. This soundbar delivers a showstopping audio experience across different content genres. Dialogue clarity in documentaries and versatility in handling music playlists further showcase its capabilities.

Despite minor inconveniences like short power cables and a small display, the Q990C proves its worth for those seeking top-tier Dolby Atmos Performance.

In conclusion, Samsung’s HW-Q990C is a formidable flagship system that excels in sound quality, ease of use, and feature integration, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts invested in the Samsung ecosystem.