10 Best TV Soundbars 2026 in the United States

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar is designed to offer a cinematic surround sound experience with its 13 speakers and support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This makes it a great option for those looking to enhance their home theater setup with immersive audio. The inclusion of 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Sound Field Optimization means the sound adapts well to your room, providing clear and room-filling audio whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or listening to music.

Additionally, its compatibility with industry-standard formats ensures high-quality audio playback for various content types. The soundbar is expandable, allowing you to add optional wireless subwoofers and rear speakers for an even more immersive experience, which could be beneficial for those who want to build a comprehensive surround sound system over time. Featuring multiple connectivity options like HDMI 2.1, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and support for Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, it offers versatile ways to stream your favorite content.

One potential drawback is the wired connectivity for the subwoofer, which may not be as convenient as a fully wireless setup. The soundbar's design is sleek with a 51.2-inch width, making it suitable for various mounting options, whether on a wall or tabletop. While it supports voice control through app control, it may not have built-in voice assistants like some other models. With a power output of 585 watts, it promises robust performance, though users might find the frequency response limited to 60 Hz. Therefore, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar is a solid choice for those prioritizing high-quality, adaptable audio in their home entertainment systems.

The Samsung Q990D soundbar is a great choice if you want a powerful home theater audio experience with immersive surround sound. It features an 11.1.4 channel setup, which means it has multiple speakers including four that fire upward to create Dolby Atmos’s 3D sound effects. This setup is enhanced by wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer, so you get deep bass and sound coming from all around the room. You can connect it wirelessly via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or use the included HDMI cable, reducing cable clutter.

The soundbar smartly adjusts audio based on your room with SpaceFit Sound Pro and Adaptive Sound, making voices clearer and optimizing music, movies, or games automatically. Speaking of games, the Game Mode Pro enhances gaming audio without needing manual setup. It also supports voice control through built-in Alexa and works well with Samsung TVs using Q-Symphony, which combines TV and soundbar speakers for richer sound.

The design is sleek but quite wide and heavy, so make sure you have enough space and a sturdy place or wall mount. With multiple sound modes and easy tap-to-play music from your phone, it’s a versatile system. It is not waterproof and might be more than what casual users need or can comfortably fit in smaller rooms. If you want a premium, all-around soundbar with smart features and easy wireless integration, the Samsung Q990D is a strong option.

The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a powerful and versatile 11.1.4 channel soundbar system designed to deliver immersive home theater sound. It stands out with its detachable wireless surround speakers that are easy to move and recharge, allowing you to create true Dolby Atmos 3D surround sound without messy wires. The system pumps out a hefty 1570 watts of power, supported by a large 12-inch wireless subwoofer that provides deep bass to enhance movies, shows, and music.

Connectivity is rich, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical, and USB, so you can connect it easily to TVs, phones, and other devices. The sound modes like MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0 help fill the room with clear, realistic sound and make dialogue easier to hear, which is great for movies and sports. The night listening mode is a thoughtful addition, letting you enjoy audio quietly without disturbing others.

The sleek, rectangular design fits well under most TVs, but the soundbar is quite heavy at 65 pounds, which might need sturdy support or wall mounting. While it doesn’t have built-in voice control, it integrates well with apps and popular streaming services for convenient music playback and customization. For those seeking a high-end system that brings cinema-quality 3D sound into their living room and can accommodate the size and weight, this JBL soundbar offers excellent performance and flexibility. However, if a lightweight or voice-controlled setup is preferred, other options might be more suitable.