The best soundbars to boost your TV audio in 2024

The integrated speakers in many televisions are often insufficient to deliver the deep, enveloping sound needed to bring movies and TV shows to life in your living space. Fortunately, acquiring an extensive surround sound system isn’t necessary to enhance your listening experience. Many people believe that a soundbar, sometimes in conjunction with a subwoofer, significantly improves the quality of content that supports Dolby Atmos. I’ve created a guide of the top soundbar options across various price points to aid your home cinema selection, detailing what distinguishes them. Remember, investing more usually equates to superior sound quality and additional features.

Features

With features, a higher price generally means more perks. Entry-level units under $150 enhance your TV’s audio, but that’s it. In the mid-tier, priced between $300 and $400, you’ll encounter smart soundbars featuring voice control, wireless streaming, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and sometimes Android TV. These add convenience by eliminating the need for multiple remotes, although the finest sound quality typically belongs to the premium segment, supporting advanced audio standards like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X.

Port

Connectivity is paramount, especially for budget-friendly models that may only offer an optical input or a single HDMI port. The Sonos Beam, priced at $449, provides just one HDMI port, underscoring the importance of evaluating a soundbar’s connection capabilities, particularly for users looking to connect multiple devices directly for optimal audio quality.

Channels

Understanding soundbar channels is crucial. Numbers like 2.1 and 7.1.2 represent the speaker and subwoofer configurations. A soundbar’s immersive audio capability, especially for formats like Dolby Atmos, hinges on these channels.

Wireless

Most modern soundbars offer Bluetooth and WiFi, which provide various wireless streaming possibilities, including music and podcasts from popular apps.

Size

Consider the size of the soundbar relative to where you’ll place it in your home. A mismatch in dimensions can be frustrating, especially with premium models with a significant footprint.

Ultimately, your TV type, audio goals, and space should guide your soundbar purchase, whether you’re seeking a simple upgrade or a transformation into a full-fledged home cinema experience.

After rigorous testing, we at Engadget have identified standout soundbars across price brackets, ready to enhance your audio setup as we move into 2024.