10 Best TV Soundbars 2026 in the United States

The LG S90TR soundbar is a strong choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home TV audio with a rich, immersive experience. It offers a 7.1.3 channel setup, which means it has multiple speakers including rear surround and up-firing channels to create a 3D sound environment, great for movies and shows with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. The included wireless subwoofer adds deep bass without needing extra cables, keeping your space tidy. Connectivity is versatile with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI, plus it supports popular streaming options like Chromecast and AirPlay 2, making it easy to use with various devices. The soundbar’s advanced room calibration adjusts audio based on your room’s size and shape, helping the sound feel balanced wherever you sit.

A helpful feature is the center up-firing speaker that improves dialogue clarity, which often gets lost in big sound systems. Design-wise, it’s fairly large but sleek and can be wall-mounted or placed under your TV. Voice control is flexible since it works with Google Assistant, Alexa, or your TV remote, letting you pick your favorite method to adjust settings hands-free. On the downside, the soundbar is quite heavy at nearly 45 pounds, which might be tricky for some users to install. Also, it requires a power cord, so placement near an outlet is necessary.

Though priced toward the higher end, its advanced features and compatibility with LG TVs make it especially attractive for those with LG OLEDs who want seamless integration. For anyone seeking a comprehensive, high-quality surround sound system without complicated wiring or separate receivers, the LG S90TR offers a premium cinema-like experience with user-friendly controls.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact, stylish soundbar designed to significantly improve your TV audio with its clear dialogue and rich bass. It offers a 2.0 channel surround sound setup enhanced by Dolby Atmos, which creates a more immersive, three-dimensional sound experience. This makes it a great choice for watching movies and shows with more dynamic audio. At 200 watts, its power is sufficient for most medium-sized rooms, delivering vibrant sound without overpowering your space.

Connectivity options are flexible, including HDMI, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi, allowing easy connection to your TV and other devices. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 for streaming music directly from your iPhone or iPad. The soundbar features a wireless subwoofer connection, which means you can add a subwoofer later if you want deeper bass, but it does not come with one built-in. This might be a drawback if you prefer a heavier bass experience right away.

Setup is straightforward with only two cables needed, and the Trueplay tuning feature optimizes sound based on your room's acoustics, enhancing the listening experience. Control is versatile: you can use the Sonos app, your TV remote, or voice commands via built-in microphones. This voice control adds convenience, especially if you like hands-free operation. The Beam Gen 2's slim and unobtrusive design fits nicely in front of your TV or mounted on a shelf without taking much space. It supports multi-room audio, which is great if you plan to expand your audio system across your home. While the soundbar excels in delivering clear sound and has many smart features, it may not satisfy those looking for a powerful bass out-of-the-box since the subwoofer is sold separately. Additionally, it only offers a 2.0 channel configuration, so it won't replace a full surround sound system but works well for enhanced TV audio and casual music listening.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a premium soundbar designed to deliver an immersive audio experience for both TV and music lovers. Featuring a 9.1.4 channel setup and Dolby Atmos support, it produces rich surround sound that fills the room, making movies and shows feel more lifelike. The AI-powered Speech Enhancement clarifies dialogue, which is particularly helpful for those who often struggle to hear what’s being said.

Control options are versatile, including your TV remote, the Sonos app, touch controls on the device itself, voice commands with Sonos Voice Control, and Alexa. It connects to your TV via a single HDMI eARC cable and supports wireless streaming through WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, allowing easy music playback from various devices. The design is sleek and modern, fitting well in most living rooms, although its width of over 46 inches requires ample space.

This soundbar does not include a built-in subwoofer but supports adding a Sonos Sub and rear speakers for a fuller surround sound setup. It is intended for indoor use only and is not water-resistant. For those seeking a high-end soundbar with excellent surround sound, clear voice features, and flexible controls, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a compelling option. However, its size and price might be more than necessary if you prefer a simpler or more budget-friendly solution.