Television and streaming content have become the centerpiece of our entertainment systems. However, the audio quality of built-in TV speakers often falls short of expectations. This is where sound bars come in—a sleek and effective solution that enhances sound quality without taking up much space. From action-packed blockbusters to serene musical performances, the right sound bar can transform how you experience audio, bringing every scene to life.
In this article, I’ll explore some of the best soundbars available in 2024, catering to various needs and preferences. From budget-friendly options to high-end models featuring Dolby Atmos surround sound, there’s something for everyone. Let’s find the perfect sound bar to elevate your home entertainment setup!
What to consider when buying a sound bar
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:
Room size and setup
The size of your room will largely dictate the type of sound bar you need. For smaller spaces, a simple sound bar can suffice, delivering clear audio without taking up much space. However, in larger rooms, you’ll want a more powerful sound bar, ideally one with rear speakers and a subwoofer, to create an immersive surround sound experience.
Sound quality and features
When choosing a sound bar, sound quality should be your top priority. Look for features like Dolby Atmos and DTS (Digital Theater Systems), which provide immersive, 3D audio that brings movies, music, and games to life.
Connectivity options
Make sure your sound bar is compatible with your TV or other devices. Most sound bars today support HDMI ARC or eARC, which delivers high-quality audio and simplifies the connection. Wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi options are great for streaming music directly from your phone or other smart devices.
Design and space
Sleek, low-profile sound bars can blend seamlessly with your décor, while larger, more robust models may need more room but deliver more powerful audio. Be sure to measure your TV stand or wall space to ensure the sound bar fits comfortably without obstructing your screen.
Smart features
Many sound bars now come with built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant. This allows for hands-free control and easy integration with smart home devices. You can adjust settings, play music, or manage other devices simply by using your voice. For a fully connected setup, choose sound bars with multi-room audio support. This lets you sync with other smart speakers throughout your home.
To learn more about what to look for in a sound bar, read our sound bar buying guide.
Best sound bars in 2024
Bose smart soundbar 550 with Dolby Atmos
If you’re seeking premium sound in a compact and stylish package, the Bose smart soundbar 550 should be at the top of your list. Known for its stellar audio products, Bose has once again raised the bar with this model, delivering powerful sound that fills the room despite its small size.
Performance: The Bose soundbar 550 delivers crystal-clear dialogue, deep bass, and immersive sound, making it ideal for watching movies, listening to music, or even enhancing your gaming experience. It’s equipped with built-in voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control your entertainment hands-free.
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. Additionally, although the bass is strong for its size, users seeking deeper low-end performance may need to add an external subwoofer.
Who it’s for: The Bose soundbar 550 is perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality sound bar that doesn’t take up too much space. With voice control and exceptional sound clarity, it’s an excellent addition to any modern living room.
LG S55TR 5.1ch 420W sound bar with rear speakers
For those who want to bring the cinema experience into their home, the LG S55TR is a fantastic option. This 5.1 channel sound bar comes with wireless rear speakers, offering true surround sound that will fully immerse you in your favourite movies or games.
Performance: With 420 watts of power, this sound bar delivers room-shaking sound. The wireless subwoofer and rear speakers ensure that you get deep, rich bass and a full surround sound experience without cluttering your space with wires.
Pros: True 5.1 surround sound, powerful bass, wireless setup for rear speakers.
Cons: Bulky compared to simpler, single-unit sound bars, requires more room for setup.
Who it’s for: If you love action-packed movies or are a home theatre enthusiast, the LG S55TR offers the immersive experience you’re looking for. Its powerful sound and wireless design make it a great choice for larger living rooms or dedicated entertainment spaces.
Samsung Q850D 7.1.2ch sound bar
Samsung has always been at the forefront of audio and video innovation, and the Samsung Q850D is no exception. If you want superior sound, this 7.1.2 channel sound bar is an excellent choice. It features both Dolby Atmos and DTS. With up-firing speakers, it creates a fully immersive audio experience, surrounding you with sound from all angles.
Performance: This sound bar delivers powerful, room-filling sound with its up-firing speakers, which help create a three-dimensional audio environment. It’s perfect for creating a true cinematic experience in your home, especially when paired with a large TV.
Pros: Dolby Atmos and DTS support, immersive surround sound, wireless subwoofer included.
Cons: Higher price point, requires space for additional speakers and subwoofer.
Who it’s for: If you’re serious about home entertainment, the Samsung Q850D is a premium choice. With advanced sound technologies like Dolby Atmos, it’s perfect for those who want a theatre-like experience at home.
Samsung HW-C445/ZC sound bar with wireless subwoofer
The Samsung HW-C445/ZC is designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, making it a great choice for those who want a balance of convenience and quality. With 300W of total power output, this 2.1-channel sound bar is ideal for both movies and music. The inclusion of a wireless subwoofer adds a deep, punchy bass without the need for additional cables, providing a clean and flexible setup..
Performance: This soundbar provides rich, balanced sound with easy setup via Bluetooth or HDMI ARC. It’s a great choice for those who want an affordable upgrade without compromising on audio quality.
Pros: Easy setup, wireless connectivity, budget-friendly.
Cons: Lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models.
Who it’s for: The Samsung HW-C445/ZC is an excellent option if you’re seeking an affordable sound bar that offers great bass and flexible connectivity. Its features like Bluetooth pairing, Bass Boost, and tailored modes for gaming and late-night viewing make it a versatile choice for everyday home entertainment.
Sonos Beam Gen 2 sound bar
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the ideal sound bar for those looking for a balance between performance, size, and smart home integration. Sonos is known for its superior sound quality and seamless multi-room audio systems, and the Beam Gen 2 lives up to this reputation by adding Dolby Atmos support to its already impressive feature set.
Performance: Despite its compact size, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers rich, clear sound, making it ideal for smaller spaces like apartments or bedrooms. Additionally, with Dolby Atmos, it offers an immersive experience for movies and music. Furthermore, its smart home integration with Alexa and Google Assistant makes controlling your audio effortless.
Pros: Compact size, Dolby Atmos support, multi-room audio compatibility, smart features.
Cons: Smaller sound stage compared to larger models, not as bass-heavy without an external subwoofer.
Who it’s for: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is perfect for those who want premium sound without taking up too much space. It’s ideal for smaller living spaces and is a great way to introduce Dolby Atmos into your home setup. Its sleek design and smart features make it an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts.
Sony HTA8000 BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8
If you own a Sony BRAVIA TV or simply want a sound bar that offers high-end performance, the Sony HTA8000 is a fantastic option. This 8-channel sound bar delivers detailed, immersive sound that brings movies, music, and games to life. Additionally, it optimizes the audio to fit your room, ensuring the best sound experience in any space.
Performance: With Dolby Atmos, DTS, and Sound Field Optimization, the HTA8000 tailors its sound to your room’s acoustics, ensuring you get the best possible experience. It works seamlessly with Sony BRAVIA TVs but also offers excellent performance with other TV brands.
Pros: Dolby Atmos and DTS support, room optimization features, 8-channel sound.
Cons: High price point, best suited for Sony BRAVIA setups.
Who it’s for: The Sony HTA8000 is a must-have for anyone who values top-tier audio quality. With its advanced sound optimization technology, this sound bar ensures you’re getting the best possible sound no matter where you place it in the room. While it’s designed to pair with Sony BRAVIA TVs, it’s a fantastic option for any home theatre setup.
Sony HTS2000 3.1CH Atmos sound bar
For a more budget-friendly option, the Sony HTS2000 offers a 3.1 channel setup with Atmos support, delivering impressive sound at an affordable price.
Performance: Despite its more affordable price, the HTS2000 delivers rich, immersive sound thanks to its Dolby Atmos capabilities. Moreover, the 3.1 channel setup is ideal for smaller rooms or for users who don’t require a full surround sound system.
Pros: Affordable, Atmos support, easy setup.
Cons: Limited sound stage compared to premium models.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for great value without sacrificing sound quality, the Sony HTS2000 is a fantastic choice for those who want Atmos on a budget.
Toshiba SBX-1020 2.1 Bluetooth sound bar
The Toshiba SBX-1020 offers a simple yet effective upgrade for your TV’s sound, with Bluetooth connectivity and built-in subwoofers for deep, rich audio. It’s a 2.1-channel system that provides a simple yet effective audio upgrade for any TV.
Performance: With its built-in subwoofers, the Toshiba SBX-1020 delivers powerful bass, while Bluetooth makes it easy to pair with your TV, smartphone, or other devices.
Pros: Built-in subwoofers, Bluetooth connectivity, compact design.
Cons: Limited advanced features like Atmos.
Who it’s for: If you’re looking for an affordable and easy-to-use sound bar with great bass, the Toshiba SBX-1020 is a reliable choice. Additionally, it’s especially well-suited for smaller living spaces.
Other sound bars to consider
Yamaha YAS-209 sound bar with wireless subwoofer
With built-in Alexa and DTS Virtual, the Yamaha YAS-209 delivers cinematic, 3D virtual surround sound without the complexity of multiple speakers. Its wireless subwoofer enhances bass, making this an excellent choice for those wanting superior sound on a budget.
Sennheiser Ambeo Max 5.1.4 channel sound bar
For those seeking a premium sound experience, the Sennheiser Ambeo Max offers Dolby Atmos and Ambeo 3D technology with room calibration, creating a rich and immersive sound stage. It’s ideal for audiophiles looking for superior 5.1.4 channel audio without a full speaker system.
LG S95QR 810-Watt 9.1.5 channel sound bar with wireless subwoofer
The LG S95QR offers 9.1.5 channels with up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos and DTS support. With a wireless subwoofer and rear up-firing speakers, this model brings cinema-quality sound to your home, delivering clear dialogue and dynamic bass.
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 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.
Do I need a subwoofer with my sound bar?
A subwoofer enhances bass, making movies, music, and games sound more dynamic. Some sound bars, like the Toshiba SBX-1020, come with built-in subwoofers, while others, like the LG S55TR, have 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 Samsung Q850D 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, HDMI, or even Bluetooth if the TV has these ports. 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.
Enhance your audio experience with a new soundbar
Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment system or simply looking to improve your TV’s sound quality, the best soundbars of 2024 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.
Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment system or looking for the perfect gift, these best soundbars of 2024 offer exceptional sound quality and smart features.
Shop sound bars at Best Buy Canada today to find the best sound bar for your needs!
Table of Contents
- What to consider when buying a sound bar
- Best sound bars in 2024
- Bose smart soundbar 550 with Dolby Atmos
- LG S55TR 5.1ch 420W sound bar with rear speakers
- Samsung Q850D 7.1.2ch sound bar
- Samsung HW-C445/ZC sound bar with wireless subwoofer
- Sonos Beam Gen 2 sound bar
- Sony HTA8000 BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8
- Sony HTS2000 3.1CH Atmos sound bar
- Toshiba SBX-1020 2.1 Bluetooth sound bar
- Other sound bars to consider
- Frequently asked questions
- Enhance your audio experience with a new soundbar
