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 Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar offers an impressive home theater experience with its 13 speakers and advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The sound quality is enhanced by 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and Sound Field Optimization, which calibrates audio to your room, providing clear, immersive sound whether you're watching movies or listening to music. The soundbar is also expandable, allowing for the addition of a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers for even more powerful surround sound.

Connectivity is strong, with support for HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay 2, making wireless streaming simple and convenient. At 51.2 inches, this soundbar is suitable for larger spaces and comes with a variety of mounting options, including wall and table top. However, its size and the need for additional components to fully optimize the system might be a drawback for smaller rooms or users looking for a simpler setup.

The subwoofer connectivity technology is wired, which may limit placement flexibility. Despite these considerations, the Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a high-quality, expandable soundbar with robust smart features and industry-standard sound quality.

The JBL Bar 1300X is an impressive 11.1.4-channel soundbar designed for a high-end home theater experience. Its standout feature is the true Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MultiBeam technology, which delivers an immersive 3D surround sound. The detachable wireless surround speakers enhance the experience without the clutter of wires, and the powerful 1170W output ensures robust and room-filling audio.

A 12-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep, precise bass that enhances both movies and music. With built-in Wi-Fi, AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast, it offers extensive connectivity options and access to over 300 online music streaming services, which is a great advantage for music lovers. The soundbar also supports automatic software updates, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the latest features.

However, the unit is quite heavy at 59 pounds and its large size might be a concern for those with limited space. Additionally, it is not water-resistant, which limits its use to indoor environments only. The soundbar is controlled via a remote, which might be a downside if you prefer voice control. This soundbar is best suited for users looking for a sophisticated home theater setup with extensive features and powerful audio.