Best 10 Soundbars

Do you want to enhance your audio quality while you're watching a movie in the living room? Are you looking for a high-end speaker that offers a unique sound experience unlike any other? Sit back, relax, and watch your favourite TV shows with great sound as if you have your own home theatre. The best soundbars can transform your binge-watching with rich dialogues and a surround sound system. Set up your mini projector or karaoke microphone and have a lovely stay at home entertainment system for you and your friends to enjoy. Add some popcorn to your popcorn maker and let the streaming begin!

Do you want to learn a bit more about these smart speakers? Our buying guide will give you all the details you need to know before purchasing your own. Stay with us as we talk more about the features, the price range and what else you should know to make the best choice possible. 

What is a soundbar? 

A soundbar is a minimalist and sleek-looking speaker that offers impeccable quality of sound. It can be an all-in-one solution for your audio output around the house. Some like to use them to create a home theatre experience by connecting them to their TVs. Others enjoy the Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant capability to get voice notifications from afar. Some people also like to use them for gaming to connect with your computer to enhance the sound effects. 

They get their name because of their shape, which is a long bar, and they come in many different sizes and price points for all. You can go for a single soundbar or a set that comes with extra speakers or a wireless subwoofer. There are some with a remote control and added functionalities that can elevate your experience and give you immersive sound. 

Why should you buy a soundbar? 

There are many benefits to adding a soundbar to your current setup. The most common reason people go for such a speaker system is to bump up their TV audio. You can make the most out of your speaker with its multiple sound modes that give you just the right output you're looking for. Let's have a look at the most obvious reasons we recommend going for this product. 

1. They give you excellent quality sound. 

The most beneficial reason people like using soundbars is because of their premium sound output. They have fantastic advanced technology that gives you surround sound, making them perfect for when you want to have a movie night. If you're looking to boost your sound, some manufacturers include rear speakers, subwoofers, and other extras that give you a complete and satisfying Dolby Atmos sound experience. 

2. They are more space-saving than a full system. 

A compact soundbar is perfect for those with limited space who want a TV speaker without a full system. Even the best budget soundbars have DTS and Dolby digital compatibility, allowing you to enjoy your favourite shows or movies as if you’re in a cinema. That way, you don't have to rely on large and obstructive sets with wires; gain back precious space while also bumping up the volume around the house.  

3. They are versatile. 

Another superb advantage to soundbars is that they are super multi-functional and make your life easier. Most have Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth, multiple inputs and an HDMI port, 4K pass-through and more. You can connect your Chromecast, Spotify, or streaming services such as Netflix. Stream music or movies hassle-free. The most premium soundbars can even be compatible with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for more versatility. 

4. They are aesthetically pleasing.

Another advantage of these speakers is their design. While it may not be a functional benefit that improves its performance, the soundbar is very slim, sleek and elegant. It doesn't take up too much space to either connect it to the wall or tabletop. Bulky speakers aren't as aesthetically pleasing because they are chunky. On the other hand, soundbars are compact, portable and lightweight without compromising on performance. 

What to look for in a soundbar? 

Is it your first time buying a speaker? Do you want to learn more about the top features to consider so that you can make the best purchase possible? We've added up a list of the most important things to look for, so keep reading below!

1. Size 

The first and most important thing to consider is the size of the soundbar. You should pick a size that fits your needs, depending on your living room or other spaces that you want to place it in. Try to find one that is compact and portable enough to move it from one space to the other so that it fits nicely on any TV stand. Too big of a soundbar will resemble the full chunky systems you are trying to replace. Also, the bigger models may be obstructive to your TV view or gaming setup. 

2. Extra Speakers 

Do you want a single soundbar or one that comes with extra speakers? Some models include rear speakers for a fully immersive 7.1 sound, like the Dolby Atmos soundbars. The positive about having just one soundbar is that it requires less manual installation from you. They may lack a better bass and treble quality that the additional speakers can include with their built-in subwoofers. 

3. Connectivity 

There are many connection methods that you can find for your soundbar. You will find some of the most common ones with the HDMI in and out, optical, Ethernet, 4K pass-through, eARC. All of these are very tech-specific, but depending on what you want to stream, you should spend some time reviewing the options available. For example, if you want HDR playback for video, make sure that your soundbar supports it. 

4. Mounting Method 

The two most popular ways of mounting your soundbar will be on the tabletop or your wall. The manufacturer will say whether you can mount it on the wall or not in the product description. Don't assume that you can do so as you will find that not all are fit for wall mounting. Small portable ones don't come with the accessories to install it anywhere besides the desktop. It's a matter of personal preference, depending on what the rest of your space looks like. 

5. Advanced Features

Some soundbars have advanced features, including virtual assistant voice commands. They are versatile to connect with Google's Chromecast, Roku or other streaming services, including Spotify and Netflix. If you want an all-in-one product that you can use as your home entertainment system, try to find one that includes these features via Bluetooth. 

What’s the difference between a soundbar and a speaker system?

There are a few differences between the two, without one being necessarily better than the other. It's a matter of personal preference and what you want out of your system. Let's have a look at some of the feature differences between the two.

1. The biggest difference between the two is that the soundbars have an improved and high-quality audio output compactly. 
2. They don’t have as many wires and cables as speaker systems that are complex with a lot of wiring. 
3. You can connect them to your devices via Bluetooth. 
4. Even the most expensive soundbars can be more affordable than a complete home cinema speaker system. 

In what ways can you mount a soundbar? 

You can either mount your soundbar on the wall or a desktop. Whichever way you pick, we recommend that you avoid placing it vertically. By putting it horizontally, you get a stunning and wide soundstage around the room with stronger volume because of the treble, subwoofers and other built-in audio enhancing technologies. 

Mounting it on a tabletop is going to be way less of a hassle for you, especially if you're not good at DIYing. If you have the tools at your disposal, wall-mounting it can be a smart way of tucking it out of plain sight. But, if you don't know how to install it on your own, you may need to hire a professional that can add up the costs. 

How can you connect a soundbar? 

Most soundbars have multiple connection modes, either wired or wireless. Depending on your personal preference, you can find some connecting with an HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Apple Airplay 2 or optical. The low-end priced ones will be wired with HDMI inputs and Ethernet, but you will find wireless ones with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi if you up your price tag. 

How much do soundbars cost? 

There are many options available in the market fit for any pocket. From affordable to mid-range to premium ones, you're guaranteed to find one even if you're on a tight budget. There may be some differences in terms of connection or advanced functions, but if you want a sound system that gives you high-quality output, you can find choices that will do the trick no matter what. 

Affordable 

The most affordable options can start from just £15 to £35, and these will be wired speakers that may have wireless Bluetooth. The cables they include will be AUX for phones & tablets, RCA for TV and USB for other devices. These low-end models are more likely to be desktop ones, and they can also have a micro SD card slot or other neat features like a small control. 

Mid-Range 

In the mid-range, you will find options starting from £35 to £100. These may have better surround sound quality with subwoofers, fit for home cinema use. They can also be wall-mountable, more suitable for wireless streaming. The connectivities are vast with these options, too, as you can choose between HDMI, optical, AUX, USB. For ease of use, the control for remote access will be larger too.

High-End

The most premium options can start from £100 and go all the way above £800. You can find high-tech choices with voice control features, fully wireless installations, and wall or desktop mounting. The quality of sound will be top-notch, and the remote control convenient and hassle-free. With these choices, you get the most versatility to connect any Bluetooth device you want, from Roku to turntables and anything else you enjoy.

Closure

Turn the volume up on any movie and blast immersive sound across the whole room with the best soundbars. Bring your dance rhythm to the next level with the crystal clear HD music playback and the multiple functionalities that you can get out of this fantastic device.

We are optimistic that our soundbar review has helped you better understand them so that you make the most informed decision possible. Spend some time and check out our top picks to select the one that matches your needs. Whether it's gaming, movies, jamming to your favourite tunes, the best soundbars offer versatility for an all-around home entertainment system. Which TV show are you watching first?