Adding a sound bar to your TV is the fastest and easiest way to upgrade your home theatre audio. You can set up one in less than 10 minutes. It doesn’t take up a lot of space. And a sound bar for TV amplifies the audio such that you can get a more immersive sound experience. Add one to improve TV dialogue, increase volume, provide bass with ones that come with a companion subwoofer, and create better immersion without investing in a full home theatre system. That said, you can add more speakers later, like rear channels, to expand the setup as desired.
There are a lot of options in the world of sound bars. Here’s a look at how to choose the best sound bar for TV.
Table of contents
- What is a sound bar?
- Reasons to add a sound bar to your TV
- What to consider when buying a sound bar?
- Questions to ask before choosing a sound bar
- Tech features to look for in sound bars
- What’s the best sound bar for your TV?
- Sound bar deals, bundles, delivery, and installation
- Frequently asked questions
What is a sound bar?
A sound bar is an all-in-one speaker system designed to enhance your TV experience. Most sound bars are active, which means they’re self-contained with built-in amplifiers and audio processors. So, you don’t need any other gear. They are compact, sitting under your TV on your entertainment stand or mounted on bracket directly under a wall-mounted TV. Along with traditional HDMI connectivity, some have HDMI ARC or eARC so you can send audio to and from the TV with a single cable. Many also have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting to other audio sources. This is handy when you want to do things like play music without the TV.
What does a sound bar do?
A sound bar enhances the audio coming from your TV’s built-in speakers. They give you improved sound in a compact package, without the need for additional speakers. Inside are typically left, right, and centre channels to enhance audio. Some sound bars even come with a wireless subwoofer.
The most premium models, like sound bars with Dolby Atmos, can mimic the audio you’d traditionally get from more speakers, thanks to front- and up-firing speakers within. This provides a virtual surround sound experience. Atmos adds height channels for enhancing the sound of things like rain or planes flying overhead in a scene. With a subwoofer, you also get deeper bass. They are essentially a more affordable replacement for having multiple speakers in the room. Along with providing a wider soundstage, they can also provide clearer dialogue, especially with models like the Sonos Arc Ultra that has features like Speech Enhancement.
Sound bar vs. home theatre system
A home theatre system will include multiple speakers that provide an immersive experience within a room. While a sound bar may not perform as well as multiple speakers, the virtual effects provide a level up from the TV’s built-in speakers. And some premium sound bars may even rival entry-level home theatre systems in their ability to simulate a multi-speaker setup.
You can learn more about home theatre setups in our home theatre speakers buying guide.
Reasons to add a sound bar to your TV
People add sound bars to their TV because they are easy to install and instantly improve audio quality for movies, sports, TV shows, gaming, and more. While built-in speakers in TVs have improved over the years, they still can’t rival external speakers. Adding a sound bar is a great way to get better sound in a small and affordable package.
1. Better sound quality than built-in TV speakers
As TVs have become thinner, the size of TV speakers has become smaller, too. Most TVs also have downward-firing speakers that can sound flat or tinny. With thin-panel TVs, speakers are placed under the TV or on the back of the panel. That placement doesn’t always produce loud audio either.
Even if your TV uses digital audio enhancements to boost sound, it can’t produce the same cinematic sound quality that replicates a movie theatre experience. With a sound bar to amplify your TV’s audio, you’ll enjoy richer, fuller audio with better clarity and detail. You get clear audio, and in some cases, surround sound effects.
Models with dialogue enhancement and a dedicated centre channel can also make speech easier to hear. They level sound so you don’t have to turn up the volume to hear people speaking and then turn it down when a loud action sequence begins. That’s especially useful for action-heavy movies and TV shows, gaming, or broadcast content with louder commercials. If you watch movies that often switch from loud action scenes to quieter, subdued moments (think shows like Fallout, Reacher, and The Night Agent), you’ll notice this fuller experience without having to strain to hear quieter dialogue.
2. Sound bars create an instant home theatre
Sound bars are loved for how easy they are to install. To install most sound bars, it only takes one cable connected to the HDMI port or optical out and one cable connected to power. They pair easily with most TVs and some can even work with your TV’s remote so you can control your TV and your sound bar together. This makes it easy when you’re switching among apps, like going from streaming to binge a show to linear TV to watch the local news or sports. Plus, they conveniently double as speakers for music playback, even when the TV is off.
3. Sleek and space-saving
A big advantage with sound bars is that they are compact. You can mount or place one below the TV without taking up too much room. This is ideal for smaller homes, rooms, or even apartments. They blend well with most living room setups, leaving you space throughout the room for other decor or more living space. Many are matched to TVs, either by brand or size. Some TV manufacturers like Samsung and LG even design sound bars specifically to pair with certain model TVs.
4. Smarter audio features
The best sound bar comes with multiple options for connectivity, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. This makes it simple to connect to a mobile device like your phone, tablet, or laptop if you just want to listen to music, or enhance the audio from a video you’re watching on the computer. They also feature voice assistant support, functioning as smart speakers. Additionally, you’ll find features like adaptive sound modes that can adjust audio based on what you’re watching, whether it’s a daytime soap opera, a rom-com, a high-octane movie, or an intense video game. Many also support HDMI ARC/eARC, Dolby Atmos, and low-latency audio, which further enhances content like dramatic streaming shows, music, and gaming.
What to consider when buying a sound bar for TV
Choosing the right sound bar is not just about picking the best-sounding model. There are other factors to keep in mind to ensure it fits your setup and needs:
Sound quality and features
When choosing a sound bar, sound quality should be your top priority. Look for features like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which provide immersive, 3D audio that brings movies, music, and games to life.
TV compatibility
Most sound bars work with most TVs. But consider what ports your TV has (HDMI versus HDMI eARC) and if there are benefits with brand matching that are worth considering. If you’re getting a sound bar that supports HDMI ARC/eARC, make sure the TV does, too. Otherwise, you may need an optical cable as well.
What if my TV does not have HDMI eARC? If you have an older TV that doesn’t have HDMI ARC/eARC, you can still connect. You will just need separate cables for HDMI and optical audio. Keep this in mind as you may need to buy them separately, or they could come in the box.
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.
Wireless connectivity
Wireless Bluetooth or Wi-Fi options are great for streaming music directly from your phone or other smart devices. Some devices come with one or the other. Premium models have both.
Design and space
Sleek, low-profile sound bars can blend seamlessly with your decor, 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.
AI features
Yes, you can find AI technology even in sound bars. These AI-powered enhancements can do things like adjust sound in real time based on not only what you’re watching but also where you’re sitting. It analyzes the room’s acoustics and optimizes things like bass level, surround effects, and volume accordingly. AI-enhanced dialogue clarity is a very useful feature as well. It uses machine learning to isolate voices and make speech easier to hear. This is a game-changer for those who often watch TV late at night when others are asleep and have to turn the volume down low or use captioning to be able to understand quieter dialogue or dialogue in scenes with louder background noise.
Entertainment needs
Consider not only where the sound bar will be, but what you most often watch (and listen to) with it. If you’re into movies, a sound bar with Dolby Atmos is worth the investment so you can enjoy immersive sound. For gamers, look for features like HDMI 2.1 passthrough, low input lag, and VRR support to ensure you get a good experience with video and audio that’s perfectly in sync. Music lovers should consider a sound bar with high-res audio support or even a dedicated music mode. This will afford better clarity and audio separation. You’ll also want one with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support so you can stream seamlessly from mobile devices.
| Home set-up | Sound bar type |
| Small room | Compact sound bar with 55-inch or 65-inch TV |
| Movies | 65-inch TV or bigger with premium 5.1 or higher sound bar with Dolby Atmos, HDMI ARC/eARC, subwoofer |
| Gaming | 65-inch TV or bigger with compact 3.1 sound bar |
| Music | 2.1 sound bar with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Budget setup | Smaller TV, compact 2.1 or 3.1 sound bar |
Questions to ask before choosing a sound bar
There are a few different kinds of sound bars. You can narrow down your choices by asking yourself these questions:
1. How many channels would you like to have?
Sound bars contain two, three, or more speakers within the speaker cabinet. These speakers are called channels, and the channels inside of a sound bar produce treble, bass, and height throughout different areas of the room. Some sound bars are also packaged with a subwoofer or extra wired or wireless speakers. Models like the JBL Bar 1000 even come with detachable wireless speakers you can place as rears.
It’s important to understand what channels are on a sound bar. These are listed in the form of numbers that might look like 2.0, 3.1, or even 5.1.2. The first number is the number of main channels for the left, right, centre, rear, and side. If the second number is a “1” (as in 2.1), this means that the sound bar includes a subwoofer. And if there’s no number or a “0,” it does not have a sub. The third number pertains to up-firing or height speakers, which denote Dolby Atmos integration.
Thus, a 7.1.4 channel sound bar has seven main channels in the sound bar, one external subwoofer, and four height channels. By contrast, a 5.1 system would include five main channels and a sub. You’ll want to keep in mind that 5, 7, and 9 channel sound bars may be wider and longer than 2 or 3 channel sound bars. Since a sound bar with more channels may have a longer cabinet, it will take up more space under your TV and should be used with a larger TV.
For more details, check out our guide on sound bar channels.
2. Do you want extra speakers to connect to your sound bar?
If you want a sound bar that functions like home theatre speakers would, you can choose a sound bar with extra speakers that connect via a wire or wirelessly to the sound bar and subwoofer. For example, a 5.1.2 channel sound bar has five main channels in the speaker cabinet, one subwoofer, and two height speakers you can place away from your TV. This type of sound bar is a great choice for rooms that are larger or if you’d like to have extra speakers to amplify sound in the room.
You may find surround sound versus a single sound bar best for sports, movies, and other similar content.
3. What sound bar size do you need?
Ideally, you’ll match the size of the sound bar to the width of the TV. It also depends on the furniture if you plan to mount it that way as well as the room layout and your aesthetic preference. Typically, sound bars will note in their description what size TVs they work best with. But as a general rule, the width should be about the same as the width of your TV, or even slightly smaller.
So, a 55-inch TV, for example, goes perfectly and looks balanced with a 40-45-inch sound bar. Consider the size of the room itself as well. A compact 2.0 or 2.1 sound bar that measures anywhere from 30-36 inches is enough for a bedroom, den, or other small living space. For larger living rooms or dedicated home theatres, consider a wider sound bar that’s over 45 inches in length with 3.1 or 5.1 channels or more. This will better fill the space with sound and support surround sound and Dolby Atmos set-ups.
4. Do you want a passive vs active sound bar?
One of the choices when selecting a sound bar is whether you’d like a passive or active sound bar. A passive sound bar does not have a built-in amplifier. If you choose a passive model, you’ll need to own a receiver or amplifier to use it.
An active sound bar has a built-in amplifier, so it’s a stand-alone speaker system that doesn’t require any other components to work. If you plan on using your sound bar as part of a home theatre speaker system with an outside amplifier or receiver, you may want to choose a passive sound bar. If you just want your sound bar to work out of the box without extra speakers or devices, an active sound bar may be for you
5. Which brand should you choose?
Generally, you don’t need a specific brand of sound bar to match your TV. But there are some advantages in doing so. As noted, both LG and Samsung have technologies in their latest sound bars that combine the audio from a compatible sound bar with that of the TV’s built-in audio to further enhance and sync sound.
Some even come with mounting brackets specifically designed for perfectly paired sound bars. When pairing a Sony sound bar with a Sony Bravia TV, for example, you unlock special features you can control right from the TV’s interface, like acoustic centre sync, quick setting menus, and Voice Zoom dialogue enhancement. This helps reduce clutter and simplify the process. But typically, sound bars are designed to be universal. As long as it has the right connections, they can be used with any TV from any brand.
Sound bars from third-party brands like Sonos, Bose, and JBL offer their own advantages. Sonos sound bars can pair seamlessly with other Sonos speakers in the home. So, you get the advantage of effortless connectivity, controlling audio through a single app, and being able to effortlessly play music through multiple speakers, including the sound bar. Bose excel in areas like heavy bass. JBL, as noted, has unique models like the Bar sound bars that have detachable, battery-operated speakers. You can position them around the room when you want a more immersive experience or keep them attached when you want more focused audio.
6. Do you need a subwoofer with a sound bar?
You don’t necessarily need a subwoofer with a sound bar, but this will depend greatly on the type of content you watch and your preference. For things like action movies and shows, you might appreciate the extra bass a separate subwoofer provides. If you’re using it for music and listening to genres like house or rap, a subwoofer will replicate your songs with greater precision and provide the bass-thumping tunes you might be seeking. A separate subwoofer will also provide richer, fuller sound overall. Note that some sound bars ship with a subwoofer as part of the package while others require that you purchase one separately.
7. How do I connect a sound bar to my TV without HDMI?
If you have a very old TV that’s still working just fine and you want to enhance audio–say up at a cottage or in your kid’s bedroom–you can still connect a sound bar. You would simply need to use an optical cable, RCA/Aux cable, or a Bluetooth connection. If the TV itself does not have Bluetooth, you may be able to use a USB Bluetooth adapter.
Tech features to look for in sound bars
Sound bars have a lot of unique features and technology. Here are a few features you’ll want to look for when choosing the best sound bar for your TV.
1. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound bars
Some sound bars have support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both types of object-based surround sound technology. The main difference between the two is that Dolby Atmos requires a sound bar to use height channels while DTS:X is more flexible in terms of where you can position the speakers. Dolby Atmos adds height effects so you better hear things like rain, airplanes, and moments from up above. DTS:X is object-based and it can be more flexible depending on the system.
When you watch Dolby Atmos content and DTS:X content on a Dolby Atmos or DTS:X powered sound bar you’ll experience the best in 3D audio. Sound will track across the sound bar, so if someone is running from gunfire or there is a helicopter flying overhead, you’ll hear the sound move along the length of the sound bar.
2. Virtual surround sound technology
A sound bar with virtual surround sound, also known as beam technology, can make you feel as though you are surrounded by audio. A sound bar with this technology and Dolby Atmos support will push audio outward and away from the TV, amplifying it so it feels as though it’s beside you and above you. This creates a surround sound experience without the need for extra speakers.
3. Room tuning technology
A sound bar with room tuning technology can calibrate your audio specifically for the room it’s placed in. This type of sound bar will walk you through a setup process to determine the acoustics in your room. Some types will use an app to calibrate the sound bar, while others will use a tuning device that’s included with your purchase.
4. Sound bar modes
Some sound bars offer different sound modes. These sound modes will have names like Surround Sound, Adaptive, Sports or Game mode. You can choose adaptive sound if you’d like your sound to be the same decibel level overall, for example. When in adaptive mode your sound bar will adjust audio levels so dialogue and sound effects all sound like they are at the same volume level. Game mode is used to enhance audio when playing on gaming consoles. Surround sound will virtually project audio throughout your room to mimic the output of multiple speakers.
5. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on sound bars
Many sound bars have integrated Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Google Cast, or AirPlay connections so you can stream audio from your phone or tablet. This type of sound bar will connect to a compatible app you can use to control the sound bar, adjust your settings, or stream music from apps like Spotify or Apple Music.
6. Night sound
Some sound bars offer a mode called Night sound. This mode will let you keep your volume low but enhances dialogue so you can hear clearly without waking anyone up due to loud sound effects or loud dialogue.
7. Remote control
Most sound bars include a remote control. Some also let you pair your sound bar with your TV’s remote control or will pair easily with a universal remote. You can add your sound bar to your TV and control volume, channel, and streaming playback from one central remote. Some sound bars also work with their own dedicated app so you can control audio from your phone or tablet.
8. Voice control
Some sound bars are compatible with your favourite voice assistant. You can connect it to Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa and control it with voice commands. Other types of sound bars have a virtual assistant built-in, so you can use voice commands and your sound bar will respond. Once set up in the companion app, you can use voice commands to queue up music, adjust volume, and more.
Want to make it easy? You can shop by specific features on Best Buy, including Dolby Atmos sound bars, wireless and/or Bluetooth sound bars, and sound bars that come with a subwoofer.
What’s the best sound bar for your TV?
To help you decide on the best sound bar for your TV, let’s break it down by some typical scenarios with a few recommendations worth considering.
Best sound bar for small rooms: TCL S4BH
The TCL S4BH compact sound bar offers 100W sound and packs in premium features like Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. While there’s no Wi-Fi nor AirPlay and only two channels, it’s suitable for small rooms or apartments. You’ll enjoy an improvement from the TV’s built-in speakers.
Best sound bar for large rooms: JBL Bar 1000 MK2
The JBL Bar 1000 MK2 has detachable wireless speakers on either side you can use as rears for a more immersive experience. Or, keep them connected for fuller focused sound. This unique design is perfect for bigger rooms. It pairs with a 10-inch subwoofer as well. You also get Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MultiBeam 3.0 for a wider soundstage to fill a big room.
Best sound bar for 65-inch TVs: JBL Bar 300 MK2
With five channels, the JBL Bar 300 MK2 is a moderately priced sound bar that will fit perfectly under a 65-inch TV. There’s also Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience. It has built-in bass ports so you don’t need a separate sub and helps enhance details in dialogue. With HDMI eARC and the JBL ONE app for customizing sound, it’s a solid match for any TV.
Best sound bar for movies: Sennheiser AMBEO Max
Sennheiser has a reputation for fantastic sound with its headphones and the Sennheiser AMBEO Max sound bar brings that to your home theatre. It’s pricey but you get a 5.1.4 sound experience alongside 30Hz deep bass without even needing a separate subwoofer. It even has Upmix Technology, which can turn 5.1 audio or even stereo into a 3D virtual experience. That gives you rich, full sound from one single unit.
Best sound bar for music: Sonos Arc Ultra
The Sonos Arc Ultra can connect seamlessly to other Sonos speakers in the home (or work on its own). Thus, it’s perfect for adding to a whole-home music system. Control playback from the Sonos app, Sonos Voice Control, or Alexa. It has Bluetooth and Spotify Connect.
Best premium sound bar: Bluesound Pulse Cinema
This wireless, multi-room Bluesound Pulse Cinema streaming sound bar is a great upgrade to your home theatre. It offers BluOS support for connecting to other speakers for a more immersive movie watching or music experience. It boasts Dolby Atmos and dedicated modes for movie, music, even late night viewing.
Best sound bar for bass: Bose TV Speaker
Bose is known for its bass reproduction. If you want a sound bar that will make the furniture shake and create powerful bass with movies, gaming, or music, the Bose TV Speaker is a good option. It’s compact with a pair of full-range angled drivers and a bass button specifically for kicking up the bass.
Best sound bar for Samsung TVs: Samsung HW-Q990F
The Samsung HW-Q990F model pairs beautifully especially with Samsung TVs. It provides 11.1.4 channels since the package includes both a subwoofer and pair of rear speakers. It boasts the Q-Symphony feature for seamlessly syncing audio with a Samsung TV’s built-in speakers.
Best sound bar for LG TVs: LG Sound Suite H7
LG launched its Sound Suite system at CES 2026, providing a modular and adaptable set-up for living rooms. Among the speakers is the LG Sound Suite H7 that’s a good starting point and a perfect complement to an LG TV. Using Dolby FlexConnect, you can connect seamlessly through Wi-Fi and the ThinQ app. As your needs grow, add more Sound Suite speakers and they will instantly calibrate for room-filling sound. But even just with this sound bar, you get features like AI Sound Pro+ that upscales stereo sound to spatial audio.
From the best overall sound bar to the one most optimized for gaming, find more sound bar recommendations this 2026.
Sound bars deals, bundles, delivery, and installation
There are always home audio deals at Best Buy. You can find deep discounts and great prices on some of the best sound bars under $500 and best affordable sound bars, and even the best sound bars for movies. Don’t forget to check for TV and home theatre bundle offers.
You can also leverage Geek Squad experts to help install your entire home theatre if you’re picking up a TV and/or other speakers as well. Still not sure you want to install and connect a sound bar on your own?
Which sound bar is best for your home?
As you can see, there’s a lot of choice when it comes to choosing a sound bar for TV. Whether you choose a 3.1 channel sound bar or a 9.1.5 channel sound bar with extra speakers, you’ll love how your new system upgrades the audio of your TV. Don’t forget to consider size, placement, type of content you generally watch, and additional features as well, like Dolby Atmos or smart assistance. Once you run through that checklist, you’ll find the perfect sound bar match.
Sound bar FAQs
Yes. The only limitation might be connectivity with older TVs that may require different cables. You do get some advantages when pairing certain sound bars with certain TVs from the same brand, like Samsung, LG, and Sony. But any sound bar from any brand will work with any TV from any brand.
Do I need the same brand sound bar as my TV?
Most sound bars can be used with virtually any TV, regardless of manufacturer. There are sound bars designed to pair seamlessly with TVs from the same brand, unlocking features such as combined TV and sound bar audio or simplified remote control. However, these features are optional.
No. You can use regular HDMI ARC or optical cable. But HDMI eARC offers the advantage of sending audio to and from the TV from a single cable, and the option to use a single remote. You also get better audio quality and it reduces issues like lip sync. But your TV needs an HDMI eARC port.
Yes, you get a more immersive sound experience with richer, room-filling sound and the addition of height channels. You’ll notice the benefits most with content like action movies and shows and gaming. However, note that you need compatible source content to unlock the benefits of Dolby Atmos.
