Soundbars
A soundbar is a long, thin speaker designed to sit just in front of or below your television, to provide much bigger, clearer and more immersive sound than a TV alone can manage. Today’s flat and thin TVs don’t have much space for powerful speakers, so their sound is often thin and unsatisfying. Adding a soundbar can just make people’s voices clearer – or it can create a home theater experience.
Soundbars come in different sizes, with different levels of features, aimed at different budgets. You can get small ones suitable for TVs of 32 inches that just add louder, clearer sound, for example. You can get mid-sized ones that start from being cheap and simple, but will range up to options with virtual surround sound. And you can get big soundbars suitable for TVs of 55 inches and up that deliver a huge audio upgrade, usually with Dolby Atmos 3D sound.
Pretty much all soundbars either connect over HDMI ARC to a compatible HDMI port on your TV, or over an optical digital connection. HDMI ARC means you can control them from your TV’s remote with no extra steps, so is usually the preferred option – and it’s the only way to get Dolby Atmos. Some soundbars come with subwoofers for better bass, or even rear speakers to deliver a true surround-sound experience.
Latest about Soundbars
Sony's 2024 Dolby Atmos soundbar range has arrived - here's what you need to know
By James Davidson published
Two new soundbars, a wireless speaker system and a personal home theater neckband make up Sony's 2024 audio range.
Want an easy TV sound upgrade? Meet 3 budget-friendly Dolby Atmos soundbars that also save on space
By James Davidson published
If you want Dolby Atmos sound without big speakers everywhere, these compact soundbars might be just what you're looking for.
The best soundbars for 2024
By Matt Bolton last updated
Updated From budget-friendly bars to Dolby Atmos wonders, the best soundbars make it easy to get a serious TV audio upgrade.
The best cheap soundbar deals for April 2024
By Alison Barretta last updated
These cheap soundbar deals prove that you don't need to spend a fortune on spectacular, room-filling sound.
The best Dolby Atmos soundbars 2024
By Matt Bolton last updated
Updated Our picks of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, for small or large TVs, and a range of budgets.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review
By Olivia Tambini last updated
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the perfect soundbar for smaller spaces—and the price isn’t too bad, either.
Sonos Arc review
By Joel Burgess last updated
Updated The Sonos Arc is a Dolby Atmos enabled flagship soundbar that delivers surround sound without relying on rear speakers.
Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos Soundbar review
By Nick Pino last updated
Its sticker price is shocking, but the HT-A7000 delivers clear dialogue and has room for two HDMI 2.1 inputs.
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