Sound bars are pretty much mandatory when you get a new TV. They’re not upsells. They’re necessary devices to get proper audio quality. That’s because as TVs get thinner and thinner, it’s impossible to build in speakers that have any depth and resonance.
Read more about why you really need a sound bar here.
Sound bars come in all price ranges from inexpensive to premium, and there’s endless choice, so how do you know which one is the best choice for you and your home theatre set up? Use others’ experience to guide you. These are some of the top picks for sound bar options as rated by Best Buy customers.
Best for Small space: Polk Magnifi Mini
I had a chance to review this device hands on and I can tell you it really surprised me. The Polk Magnifi Mini is compact but powerful and sounds great. It also comes with a wireless subwoofer for that rumbling bass.
Don’t just take my word for it, check out what some Best Buy customers wrote:
“Fantastic sound from such a small footprint. Ideal for our limited space. Had this little baby for about 2 1/2 years, couldn’t be more pleased,” writes Justin from Toronto in his five star product review.
Larry from Fredericton raves, “I find it amazing for the prize. Really enhances TV or Netflix without cranking up my large stereo,” in another 5-star review.
Best Entry-level sound bar (with no separate subwoofer): Sony HTS200F
The Sony HTS200F 80-Watt 2.1 Channel Sound Bar has a nearly 5-star rating on the Best Buy site. Why? This space-saving soundbar features 2.1 channels and a built-in subwoofer in a simple, clean design. It’s got S-Force Pro Front Surround sound for improved audio quality and it offers HDMI ARC2 and Bluetooth technology for easy installation. Plus the price makes it truly affordable.
Brent from Cambridge writes in his online review, “This thing sounds great for the price, way better than the TV speakers. Can control volume with my TV remote when it’s plugged into HDMI arc, and turns on and off automatically when I turn my TV on and off,” while Trevor in Oshawa shares, “The unit is quite small and only 80 watts but I have to admit the sound is impressive. It works and sounds much better than I thought it could. Bass response is quite good and the range is definitely acceptable. This obviously isn’t a super hifi system and won’t replace a true home theatre system but it is quite good and leaps and bounds better than the TV speakers. Set up is easy. I believe there is very good value for the money here.”
Best Home Theatre bar: Sony HTS350
It’s back to Sony for another 5-star review on this home theatre bar. The Sony HTS350 320-Watt 2.1 Channel Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer will give you a lot more depth, detail and audio presence, thanks to a 2.1 channel design with S-Force PRO surround sound and a wireless subwoofer that delivers a crystal-clear, enveloping cinematic experience. Throw in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to allow you to conveniently pair cable-free to compatible devices and it’s easy to use too!
How do customers feel? Rockadile in Newmarket sums is up simply with a 5-star rating: “Easy to set up, easy connectivity. Good sound for a good price.”
Best Home Theatre bar, alternate option: Samsung HW-Q60R
These days, fussing with cords and cables just feels so old school. Samsung HW-Q60R sound bar lets you delve into rich, transformative sound thanks to a high quality sound bar with a wireless subwoofer. With 360W of power, this 5.1 channel sound bar enriches your entertainment area with a bass-enveloping audio that’s perfect for movies, music, gaming, and just about anything else you’ll watch.
Best Buy customers love this sound bar and sub combo. “Audiophile” from Toronto says in an online review, that it has “True immersive surround effect for movie lovers,” while Kathy writes from Winnipeg, “This sound bar is amazing! It has crisp and clear sound and a powerful base with the subwoofer. The Q60 delivers excellent sound quality at an affordable price. I highly recommend.”
Best Surround Home Theatre options: Klipsch RSB-6
This sound bar has a great balance of quality and affordability. The Klipsch Reference RSB-6 210-Watt Sound Bar with 6.5″ Wireless Subwoofer is a full-range sound bar with bass you can actually feel and dialogue that punches through loud and clear. This sleek and compact 210W system features Bluetooth, HDMI, optical, and dual RCA connectivity.
Karl’s 5-star review says it’s an “excellent product. Easy to use, easy to install, very good sound quality. Highly recommended.”
Best Surround Home Theatre options: Sony HT-Z9F
As your needs increase in your home theatre, and as your ear becomes better attuned to high quality audio, you may want to upgrade your equipment. This premium sound bar and wireless subwoofer from Sony is another top pick that’s highly rated by customers.
The Sony HT-Z9F 400-Watt 3.1 Channel Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer will bring true cinematic experience to your living room. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled, this sound bar features five different sound modes and it’s compatible with Google Home. Plus, with the 3D soundscape options Dolby Atmos technology provides, you get all-encompassing audio.
Reviewer Fae writes, “Amazing sound. You will feel like you are in the cinema. So far, soo good!”
Calgary reviewer Gravelman from Calgary posts in his Best Buy product review, “I bought this sound bar with subwoofer and rear speakers. The rears are wireless so no speaker wire running across the room. This system replaces my stereo set up I was using. I get crystal clear sound and it takes up less space than all the speakers I had before. Very pleased with my purchase.”
Consider this a shortlist for where to start your sound bar shopping at Best Buy. Use the experience and wisdom of previous buyers to guide your purchase. Or check out all the other amazing sound bar options you can find at Best Buy.
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