Looking for the best sound bar? Choose one with features that elevate your experience from watching action-packed blockbusters to serene musical performances. What features might those be?
Dolby Atmos support, for example, offers a more immersive listening experience with movies and gaming. HDMI 2.1 pass-through is important for gamers, too. AI sound enhancements help tune the sound to the type of content you’re watching (or listening to), perfect for families with members who have different viewing interests. Some even come with detachable rear speakers for even more immersive sound in big spaces, as well as wireless subwoofers for booming bass.
In this article, we explore some of the best sound bars available in 2026, catering to various needs and preferences. From budget-friendly options to high-end models featuring Dolby Atmos surround sound, there’s something here for everyone.
Top sound bars snapshot
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick snapshot of the top sound bar picks.
| Best overall sound bar: Samsung HW-Q990F Delivers theatre-like surround sound with rear speakers and subwoofer—perfect for serious home entertainment setups, especially if paired with a Samsung TV. |
| Best Sonos sound bar: Sonos Arc Ultra Seamlessly integrates with other Sonos gear for an easy-to-use, premium home theatre experience with top-notch cinematic sound. |
| Best budget sound bar: LG S40T A great value pick with AI-enhanced sound and a wireless sub, suitable for small rooms or apartments, especially if you own an LG TV. |
| Best all-in-one sound bar: Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 HT-S60 Boasting full surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X this system fits larger living spaces or those wanting high-end features without the high-end price. |
| Best small sound bar: TCL S4BH Compact and affordable with immersive sound tech like Dolby Atmos—great for condos, dorms, or casual TV watchers. |
| Best Bluetooth sound bar: Sony HTS100F Simple and compact with Bluetooth and clear audio, ideal for small rooms or listeners upgrading from basic TV speakers. |
| Best sound bar for gaming: Sony Bravia Theatre Bar HT-B600 Built for gamers with spatial audio and a wireless sub for powerful effects and dialogue clarity in mid-size rooms. |
| Best modular sound bar: JBL BAR1000 MK2 With a detachable speaker on either side you can use as rear surrounds, along with an included wireless subwoofer, it’s ideal for smaller homes. |
| Best whole-home sound bar: Bluesound Pulse Cinema Mini If you have other Bluesound or BluOS equipped audio gear in the home or plan to invest, this is the perfect complement to expand the system. As a hifi sound bar, it’s ideal for music lovers. |
| Best hifi sound bar: Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus You’ll get a hifi experience with all types of content and room-filling sound that adapts and calibrates to your specific room layout. It’s great for big families, movie watchers, and gamers. |
Choosing the right sound bar is not just about picking the best-sounding model. There are a few important factors to keep in mind to ensure it fits your setup and needs. This includes room size and available space, sound quality, connectivity options, and smart features, like voice assistant and app support.
To learn more about what to look for in a sound bar, read our sound bar buying guide.
Best sound bars in 2026
From performance perks to who it’s really for, here’s a closer look at what sets each top sound bar apart.
Best Samsung sound bar (Best overall sound bar)
Samsung HW-Q990F
You get 11.1.4 channels for a full surround experience thanks to the included rear speakers and subwoofer. With Q-Symphony, it works in perfect harmony with compatible Samsung TVs. SpaceFit Sound Pro analyzes your room layout to optimize sound. Compatible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can even control it via the Amazon Alexa voice assistant.
- Performance: The Samsung HW-Q990F delivers crystal-clear dialogue, deep bass, and immersive sound. It’s ideal for watching movies, listening to music, or even enhancing your gaming experience.
- Pros: Compact, sleek design, outstanding sound quality, smart voice control features.
- Cons: While it offers impressive features, its premium price may be a drawback compared to other compact models. It’s also not the best option if you’re looking for a compact set-up with just a sound bar and no additional speakers.
- Who it’s for: It’s a great all-in-one package system if you have space for the sub and rear speakers as well.
Best Sonos sound bar:
Sonos Arc Ultra
Sleek in design, the Sonos Arc Ultra integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers. If you own Sonos Ace headphones, Audio Swap lets you easily switch from private listening to the sound bar. Get room-filling sound and control it using your TV’s remote, the Sonos app, Alexa, or Sonos Voice Control.
- Performance: This sound bar delivers powerful, room-filling sound through 14 drivers and a centre channel that’s optimized to ensure vocal clarity. It’s perfect for creating a true cinematic experience in your home, especially when paired with a large TV.
- Pros: It works seamlessly with other Sonos speakers, including the Era 300 and Sonos Sub, as well as Sonos Ace headphones for TV Audio Swap. It’s easily upgradeable as you add more speakers.
- Cons: Higher price point, large and heavy.
- Who it’s for: Sonos households will appreciate this sound bar since it integrates so seamlessly. It has tons of smart features, too, and is simple to set up for non-tech-savvy individuals.
Best budget sound bar
LG S40T
The LG S40T is not just ultra affordable, it even ships with a wireless subwoofer. It has features like Wi-Fi and AirPlay support. The WOW Interface lets you control sound modes and profiles from a compatible LG TV. Meanwhile, AI Sound Pro helps intelligently balance sound based on what you’re watching.
- Performance: With Dolby Atmos, WOW Interface, and AI Sound Pro, the LG S40T tailors its sound to your preferences and what you’re watching, ensuring you get the best possible experience. It works seamlessly with LG TVs but also offers excellent performance with other TV brands.
- Pros: Ultra affordable with some premium features, deep bass, customizable sound.
- Cons: Best suited for LG TVs, only offers 2.1 channels of sound, not as powerful as others.
- Who it’s for: The LG S40T is a must-have for anyone who values top-tier audio quality. It’s suitable for condos, renters, and smaller rooms. While it’s designed to ideally pair with an LG TV, it’s a fantastic option for any home theatre setup.
Best all-in-one sound bar
Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 HT-S60
The Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 HT-S60 sound bar is a full home theatre system that includes the sound bar, a wireless subwoofer, and rear speakers. Along with Dolby Atmos, you also get DTS:X support, another object-based immersive audio format.
- Performance: Despite its more affordable price, the HT-S60 delivers rich, immersive sound thanks to its Dolby Atmos capabilities. Moreover, the 5.1-channel setup is ideal for a full surround sound system.
- Pros: Those who like to watch TV late at night will appreciate Voice Zoom 3. It enhances dialogue so you don’t have to keep turning the volume up and down to avoid waking family members. If you own a compatible Sony TV, you can use the Centre Sync input for a simple connection with enhanced playback, and easily control the sound bar from the TV menu.
- Cons: Might be more than you need, not ideal for smaller spaces.
- Who it’s for: If you’re looking for great value without sacrificing sound quality, the Sony Bravia Theatre System 6 HT-S60 sound bar is a perfect set-up for larger rooms and bigger sound for a reasonable price.
Best small sound bar
TCL S4BH
Get big sound on a small budget with the TCL S4BH. Enjoy both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for a immersive, 3D-like listening experience.
- Performance: Bluetooth makes it easy to pair with your TV, smartphone, or other devices. You’ll get crisp sound and deep bass.
- Pros: Compact design, incredibly affordable, Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X.
- Cons: Limited advanced feature, no Wi-Fi or AirPlay, only two channels, not as powerful as others.
- Who it’s for: If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use sound bar for smaller living spaces on a budget, this is a good option. It’s perfect for music or podcast listeners or those who tend to watch traditional TV, like news and sitcoms.
Best Bluetooth sound bar
Sony HTS100F
If you just want a simple Bluetooth sound bar, the Sony HTS100F is powerful yet compact, filling small spaces with great audio. It connects to all types of sources wirelessly as well as your TV via HDMI ARC2.
- Performance: Bluetooth makes it easy to pair with your TV, smartphone, or other devices. You’ll get crisp sound and deep bass.
- Pros: Compact design, incredibly affordable, Dolby Atmos, S-Force Front Surround Sound fill a room.
- Cons: Limited advanced feature, no Wi-Fi or AirPlay, only two channels, not as powerful as others.
- Who it’s for: It’s great for those who listen to music or podcasts. For movie nights, it’s also a step-up from the TV’s built-in speakers.
Best sound bar for gaming
Sony Bravia Bar 6 HT-B600
Gamers will appreciate the 3.1.2 channels and included wireless subwoofer with this Sony sound bar. The three front-firing and pair of up-firing speakers reproduce wonderful spatial sound while retaining clear dialogue as well, so you can keep on top of other players and characters as well as the action. It has both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
- Performance: Get immersive sound thanks to the three front-firing and dual up-firing speakers with spatial effects and clear dialogue. The included wireless subwoofer adds deeper bass dimensions.
- Pros: Easy connectivity via Bluetooth, included wireless subwoofer, clear dialogue.
- Cons: Limited advanced feature, no Wi-Fi or AirPlay, only three channels, not as powerful as others.
- Who it’s for: If you’re looking for a sound bar for the bedroom, den, or even office, this one fits the bill.
Best modular sound bar
JBL BAR1000 MK2
A modular sound bar? Yes, the JBL’s BAR models, like this new JBL BAR1000 MK2, employ a unique design. You can detach individual speakers on either side and use them as rear surrounds when you want a more immersive experience or keep them connected for more focused sound. The system comes with a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and it works with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the JBL ONE app.
- Performance: With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support along with the detachable speakers and four up-firing speakers, you get a 3D audio experience through a single sound bar. MultiBeam 3.0 delivers further cinema-like sound while PureVoice 2.0 enhances dialogue.
- Pros: Offering fantastic sound quality, it has detachable speakers you can use for a surround sound experience.
- Cons: Having to recharge the satellites can be frustrating for longer viewing sessions.
- Who it’s for: It’s perfect for small apartments, condos, small rooms but you still want to get a surround sound experience.
Best whole-home sound bar
Bluesound Pulse Cinema Mini
The Bluesound Pulse Cinema Mini sound bar is compact in size yet it’s perfect for a secondary or small room or apartment. It works seamlessly with other Bluesound speakers to provide a whole-home listening experience. If you use an advanced smart home system like Control4, Crestron, or RTI, it’s ready to integrate with it, too.
- Performance: You get a 2.1-channel experience with Dolby Atmos processing along with HDMI eARC and optical inputs. Enjoy deep, rich bass, clear voices, and an immersive experience, especially when connecting other speakers.
- Pros: Enjoy a simple set-up and control through the BluOS Controller app. The built-in BluOS lets you stream high-res audio and control playback from your phone. It’s expandable with additional speakers.
- Cons: With no native Dolby Atmos Music support, it works best with an optional sub. This high-end sound bar is at higher price point.
- Who it’s for: It’s great for smaller spaces. Music lovers will love listening to their playlist on repeat. It’s also best for those who already own or plan to buy other Bluesound or BluOS products.
Best hifi sound bar
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus
Many of these sound bars provide fantastic hifi audio. But the Sennheiser Ambeo Plus really focuses on the immersive, room-filling sound experience with its virtualization technology that can make it sound like you’re listening to a 7.1.4 system through just the single sound bar.
- Performance: It self-calibrates based on the room to create an ideal sonic experience, including deep bass through the built-in 4-inch dual subwoofers (you can also connect a separate sub if desired). With Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 360 Reality Audio, leverage the EQ settings to adjust to your liking.
- Pros: Enjoy lots of sound customization options, including voice enhancement and night mode, AMBEO/OS for connecting via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Tidal Connect, Dolby Atmos Music support, built-in Chromecast, app control, Alexa built-in, Google Home, Apple Home voice control options as well.
- Cons: Expensive, bigger and heavier than some other models.
- Who it’s for: Best for larger living rooms, it offers great sound for movie watchers and video gamers, families, music lovers, anyone who wants an uber-connected, bass-heavy experience.
Other sound bars to consider
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) 5.0-channel smart sound bar with Dolby Atmos: If you want a more affordable entry into the Sonos ecosystem, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a smart sound bar. Dolby Atmos seamlessly integrates into a Sonos system, or marks a great way to start one. It’s more affordable than the Arc Ultra. Though it won’t offer as premium an audio experience, you still get stereo sound, built-in voice assistance, and features like speech enhancement.
Bose smart sound bar 550 with Dolby Atmos: Employing a boxier, more industrial-looking design, you might prefer the look of the Bose smart sound bar 550, which comes in at a reasonable price as well. It boasts powerful output and IMAX enhanced and Dolby Atmos to assure you’re hearing audio as intended. TrueSpace technology works to separate dialogue from other sounds, even instruments, so you get faithful reproduction whether you’re listening to a music playlist or watching an action flick.
Klipsch Flexus Core 100: This 100W, 2.1-channel Dolby Atmos sound bar might not be the most powerful, but the Klipsch Flexus Core 100 gets rave reviews. This sound bar is an affordable upgrade if you want something simple that’s better than the TV’s built-in speakers. It has Bluetooth and Klipsch Transport technology that makes it easy to connect other speakers once you’re ready to expand the system. It’s a good mid-level option for singles, couples, and small families who enjoy casual TV viewing and the odd movie or gaming.
How we decide what’s best
At Best Buy Canada, curating a “Best of” or “Top X” list is a thoughtful and transparent process. We evaluate products based on brand reputation, popularity, customer interest, and relevance within their category. Our bloggers then bring deep product knowledge and hands-on experience to help identify the best options for you.
Testing goes far beyond unboxing—products are used in real-world scenarios, with our bloggers putting themselves in your shoes to better understand how a device or accessory performs day to day and whether it meets expectations. Where possible, they compare similar models and assess key factors such as design, performance, and category-specific features to offer well-rounded, informed recommendations. For niche or new product categories where broader hands-on testing might not be possible within that category as a whole, our skilled bloggers evaluate the products using every objective method they can.
In some cases, a blogger may not have direct experience with a specific product. When that happens, they draw on broader expertise, such as time spent with comparable items, an understanding of the brand’s current lineup, and its overall reputation. We also draw on insights from Best Buy’s in-house category experts and aggregate feedback from both trusted reviewers and customer ratings to make the best selections.
We’ll always be clear about the basis of our recommendations—whether they stem from first-hand testing or extensive research. Authenticity matters to us. Every “Best of” guide is built on objective insights, product knowledge, and a commitment to helping you make confident buying decisions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the best sound bar for my TV?
When choosing a sound bar, start by considering your room size and the TV’s connectivity options, like HDMI ARC or Bluetooth. Compact sound bars work well in smaller spaces. On the other hand, larger sound bars with subwoofers and rear speakers offer a more immersive experience if you have the room to accommodate them.
Do I need a subwoofer with my sound bar?
A subwoofer enhances bass, making movies, music, and games sound more dynamic. Some sound bars come with built-in subwoofers, while others come bundled with wireless subwoofers for deeper, richer sound.
What’s the difference between Dolby Atmos and DTS?
Both Dolby Atmos and DTS are advanced surround sound technologies. Dolby Atmos adds height channels to create a 3D sound experience, making it feel as if the sound is coming from above and around you. DTS is more flexible, working without the need for height speakers and offering greater control over sound placement. Sound bars like the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 support both, giving you an enhanced listening experience.
Can I use a sound bar with an older TV?
Yes, most sound bars can connect to older TVs via optical cables or HDMI if the TV has these ports, or even wirelessly via Bluetooth. Ensure your TV has compatible outputs for the sound bar you choose.
Should I wall-mount my sound bar or place it on a shelf?
Both options work well, depending on your setup. Wall-mounting your sound bar can save space and provide a clean look, while placing it on a shelf or TV stand allows for more flexibility in placement.
How do I connect my sound bar to my TV?
Most sound bars use HDMI ARC or optical cables for connection. HDMI ARC is the best option, as it allows the sound bar to communicate directly with the TV and control sound settings like volume. Alternatively, Bluetooth can be used for wireless connectivity with compatible TVs.
Is Dolby Atmos still the gold standard?
Dolby Atmos remains the most recognized and widely supported immersive audio format. Those who want a full 3D experience for movies, gaming, and music playback still view Dolby Atmos as the go-to. It’s supported across not only sound bars but also TVs, speakers, streaming services, and gaming consoles. There are other formats like DTS:X and Sony 360 Reality Audio, too. Some sound bars (and other products) support multiple formats so you have your pick of the litter depending on the source content. But Dolby Atmos continues to dominate in terms of availability and ecosystem compatibility.
Are AI-enhanced sound bars worth it?
Many new sound bars include AI features like real-time room calibration, adaptive sound profiles, and AI-enhanced dialogue clarity. These aren’t just “cool” features. They have practical benefits. Clearer dialogue, for example, means you don’t have to keep adjusting the volume up and down to prevent loud scenes from being too loud. You will get better balanced volume, ideal for late-night TV watchers. Sound can also adjust to your room’s acoustics, affording a more personalized and customized listening experience. Sound bars with these features are ideal for open-concept rooms, families or individuals who watch varying content types, like cartoons versus action movies, or those who don’t want to have to manually tweak settings often.
Do detachable rears improve surround audio?
Sound bars with detachable rear speakers are a unique and clever design. Removing these speakers and placing them at the rears of the room can significantly improve surround sound compared to virtual surround setups. Virtual effects are designed to mimic actual speakers in other places of the room. But they can never compare to actual physical speakers. True directional audio with physical rear speakers can provide a more immersive, realistic-sounding experience. The JBL Bar line is known for this design. It’s especially helpful for those who want surround sound without running permanent wires since the rears run on battery power.
Enhance your audio experience with a new sound bar
Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment system or simply looking to improve your TV’s sound quality, the best sound bars of 2026 offer exceptional performance and smart features to transform your viewing experience. From immersive Dolby Atmos support to wireless connectivity, these sound bars cater to all needs and preferences.
Shop sound bars at Best Buy Canada today to find the best sound bar for your needs.
