10 Best Soundbars 2026 in the United States

The Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a top-notch choice for home entertainment enthusiasts seeking immersive sound quality. This system is designed to deliver a powerful audio experience with its 3.1 channel configuration and a maximum output power of 300 watts. The included Bass Module 700 and two Surround Speakers 700 enhance the overall sound experience, making it well-suited for movies, gaming, and music. The support for Dolby Atmos ensures a more immersive and three-dimensional audio experience, perfect for bringing cinema-like sound to your living room.

Connectivity is versatile, offering options like HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, which makes it easy to connect to various devices such as televisions, projectors, and gaming consoles. The inclusion of voice assistants, Alexa and Google Assistant, along with the Voice4video technology, allows for convenient voice control, which is a significant plus for ease of use.

However, the soundbar does have a few drawbacks. The subwoofer requires a wired connection, which might limit placement flexibility. Additionally, the system's weight (59.4 pounds) and larger size (27.5 inches wide) could be a concern for some users, particularly if space is limited or if wall mounting is not an option. The price point may also be higher compared to other soundbars in the market, but this is often justified by the premium sound quality and brand reputation. In summary, the Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar is an excellent choice for those seeking superior sound quality and a seamless, smart home audio experience, though it might not be the best fit for users with limited space or budget constraints.

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.

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a powerful and versatile soundbar system designed for those who want immersive home theater audio without complicated setup. It features an 11.1.4 channel setup, including six up-firing speakers and detachable wireless surround speakers, delivering true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X 3D surround sound. This means you get realistic height effects and rich, room-filling audio that makes movies and music feel more lifelike. The 12-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep, punchy bass to enhance explosions or music beats.

One standout feature is the detachable surround speakers with long-lasting batteries, which you can easily move around or take with you for audio in another room, all without extra wires or power connections. The JBL ONE app lets you customize sound settings, update software, and control features like night listening, which lowers volume so you won’t disturb others. Connectivity is comprehensive, with options including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical, and USB, making it easy to link with TVs, smartphones, and streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Thanks to features like MultiBeam 3.0, the sound spreads evenly in your room, and PureVoice 2.0 clarity helps you catch every dialogue line.

The soundbar is quite large (over 55 inches wide and nearly 62 pounds), so it requires sufficient space and might be less ideal for smaller rooms or tight setups. Also, while detachable speakers are convenient, they need regular charging. The system’s premium features come with a higher price tag, which may not fit casual listeners’ budgets. For those seeking a top-tier soundbar with excellent 3D sound, flexible placement, and smart features for a true cinematic experience, the JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is an excellent choice, especially for users with enough space and a desire for a wire-free surround sound setup with strong bass and easy streaming options.