Which Soundbar Is Right for Me?

How to Choose the Right Soundbar

Modern TVs are thinner than ever, which means their built-in speakers are worse than ever. A soundbar is the easiest way to dramatically improve your TV's audio without the complexity of a full surround-sound system. But with hundreds of models on the market — from $50 budget bars to $2,000 premium systems — choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.

The most important factors are your room size, what you watch, and your budget. A bedroom doesn't need a 7.1.4 Atmos system, and an open-concept living room won't be well-served by a tiny 2.0 bar. Matching the soundbar to your space is the single biggest decision that separates a great purchase from a disappointing one.

For most people, a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer in the $200–$500 range hits the sweet spot. You get deep bass for movies, clear dialogue for shows, and enough volume to fill a typical living room. If you want true surround sound, step up to a system with wireless rear speakers — it's the best of both worlds between a simple soundbar and a full speaker system.

Dolby Atmos soundbars with up-firing speakers have become increasingly popular, and they do add a sense of height to compatible content. However, the effect depends heavily on your ceiling height and material — flat, hard ceilings under 9 feet work best. If your ceiling is vaulted or very high, the Atmos effect may be minimal, and you might be better off investing in better front-channel sound quality instead.