Best Soundbars 2023
Are you tired of the lackluster sound quality of your TV’s built-in speakers? Do you want to have a more immersive audio experience while watching your favorite movies or TV shows? Look no further than soundbars, the perfect solution for upgrading your home audio system.
And with the Best Soundbars 2023 guide, you can find the perfect one to fit your needs. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed a variety of soundbars, from high-end models like the Sony HT-A7000 to budget-friendly options like the Vizio M512a-H6. No matter what your budget or audio preferences are, we have you covered.
Each soundbar has been tested in dedicated viewing and listening rooms to ensure that you receive the most accurate and detailed recommendations. So whether you’re a movie buff, music lover, or just want clearer dialogue while watching your favorite TV shows, our guide has everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Get ready to elevate your home audio experience with the best soundbars of 2023.
Best Soundbars 2023
Let’s talk about some of the best soundbars of 2023.
Samsung HW-S60B is a budget-friendly option that delivers decent sound quality and easy setup.
If you’re looking for a more versatile performance and support for various audio formats, Samsung HW-Q990B and Vizio Elevate are great options with more advanced features and immersive listening experiences.
For a mid-range soundbar with clear and accurate sound, Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is a solid choice.
And if you’re in the market for a small soundbar, Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers a compact design and Dolby Atmos support.
SAMSUNG HW-S60B
The SAMSUNG HW-S60B 3.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X is a great option for those looking for a soundbar that delivers an immersive audio experience. With its 3 channels, 1 subwoofer, and 2 up-firing channels, it offers a true 3.1ch sound that is perfect for watching movies or playing games.
Plus, the Q-Symphony technology ensures that the audio is perfectly synchronized, creating an even more immersive experience. The Adaptive Sound feature optimizes audio and enhances voice clarity, making it easier to understand dialogue and whispers.
One downside to the SAMSUNG HW-S60B is its limited connectivity options with only one HDMI port. However, this can be resolved with Bluetooth or a splitter. Also, some users have reported that the voice feedback can be too loud and disturbing, but this can be bypassed with the app.
Overall, the SAMSUNG HW-S60B is a great value for the price and is worth considering for those looking for a non-premium soundbar with expandability options.
Product Specs:
- Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.4 x 26.4 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Manufacturer: Samsung
- ASIN: B09ZQ3PNBX
- Country of Origin: Vietnam
- Model Number: HW-S60B/ZA
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X for realistic 3D sound
- Q-Symphony technology for perfectly synchronized audio
- Adaptive Sound for optimized audio with enhanced voice clarity
- Game Mode for synced and directional audio
- Bluetooth multi-connection for easy sharing of sound between two smart devices
- Can be expanded with subwoofer and rear speakers for a complete home theater system
Pros:
- Immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X
- True 3.1ch sound with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer, and 2 up-firing channels
- Adaptive Sound enhances voice clarity for easier understanding of dialogue and whispers
- Can be expanded with subwoofer and rear speakers for a complete home theater system
Cons:
- Limited connectivity options with only one HDMI port
- Voice feedback can be too loud and disturbing
- Fancy expandability options may not be necessary for all users
SAMSUNG HW-Q990B
If you’re looking for a soundbar that offers a truly immersive audio experience, the SAMSUNG HW-Q990B may be worth considering. With wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, this soundbar creates a true 11.1.4ch sound with 11 channels, 1 subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels, which floods the room with surround sound from all angles.
Q-Symphony ensures perfectly synchronized, immersive audio, while SpaceFit Sound+ automatically calibrates audio for a true-to-life experience. In addition, the SAMSUNG HW-Q990B comes with Airplay 2 and Alexa Built-In, allowing you to play music and control the soundbar with your voice. Adaptive Sound optimizes audio with enhanced voice clarity, and up-firing rear speakers offer theater-like sound.
The dimensions of this soundbar are 5.4 x 2.7 x 48.5 inches, and it weighs 17 pounds.
Product Specs:
- Model: HW-Q990B/ZA
- Wireless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- True 11.1.4ch Sound with 11 channels, 1 subwoofer, and 4 up-firing channels
- Q-Symphony for perfectly synchronized, immersive audio
- SpaceFit Sound+ for automatic audio calibration
- Up-firing rear speakers for theater-like sound
- Airplay 2 and Alexa Built-In
- Adaptive Sound for optimized audio with enhanced voice clarity
- Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.7 x 48.5 inches
- Weight: 17 pounds
Pros:
- Dolby Atmos experience without optical cables
- Floods the room with surround sound from all angles
- Compatible with Samsung TVs and soundbars with Q-Symphony
- Automatically calibrates audio for a true-to-life experience
- Alexa can be used to play music and control the soundbar
- Dynamically optimized audio with enhanced voice clarity
Cons:
- Some customers had issues with firmware updates and compatibility with Mac computers
- SmartThings app may not be intuitive
- Remote could be improved
- Some customers experienced connectivity issues with WiFi and Bluetooth
Vizio Elevate
You may want to consider the Vizio Elevate for a high-quality audio experience with its revolutionary auto-rotating Adaptive Height Speakers and wide range of connectivity options.
With 18 speakers and a frequency range of 30Hz – 20KHz, this soundbar delivers impressive Atmos effects and a wider soundstage with clearer vocals in standard surround and stereo modes. The auto-rotating side speakers on the soundbar may seem gimmicky, but they are practical in providing a more immersive audio experience.
In addition to its impressive audio quality, the Vizio Elevate offers a variety of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, three HDMI ports with eARC, and Chromecast built-in. The soundbar also has a voice assistant input, allowing you to control it with voice commands.
The setup is clean and simple, and the remote has plenty of adjustments to fine-tune the sound to your liking. However, keep in mind that the system may be bass-heavy out of the box and may need some adjustments. Also, some users have reported non-audio issues, such as connectivity problems with the iOS app.
Product Specs:
- Brand: Vizio
- Model: P514a-H6
- Dimensions: 48 x 2.64 x 6.50 inches (sound bar), 10.83 x 15.60 x 13.78 inches (subwoofer), 2.80 x 5.91 x 3.74 inches (satellites)
- Weight: 53 pounds
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi (802.11n), Bluetooth (Version 4.1)
- Number of speakers: 18
- Frequency range: 30Hz – 20KHz
- Sound pressure level: 107dB
- Supported audio formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
Pros:
- Revolutionary auto-rotating Adaptive Height Speakers
- Wide range of connectivity options
- Chromecast built-in and Bluetooth streaming
- High-quality sound with impressive Atmos effects
- Wider soundstage and clearer vocals in standard surround and stereo modes
Cons:
- May be bass-heavy out of the box and need adjustments
- Some non-audio issues reported, such as connectivity problems with the iOS app
- Delivery drivers may not handle the package with enough care
Vizio M Series M512a-H6
You’re in for an absolute treat with the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 soundbar – it’s got 11 high-performance speakers with separate tweeters and woofers, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating a 3D surround sound experience that will immerse you in your favorite movies, TV shows, and music.
In addition, the soundbar has two upfiring speakers for accurate overhead sound, and a true 2-way speaker design for a wider audio range. With a sound pressure level of 103dB and a frequency range of 45Hz – 20kHz, this soundbar delivers powerful and clear audio that will take your entertainment experience to the next level.
The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 soundbar also has a low profile design that makes it easy to fit in front of your TV. Its remote control has a digital display for easy input changing. The left and right speakers come with plenty of cord length, ensuring that you can set them up in the most optimal position for your space.
However, keep in mind that this soundbar may take 5-10 seconds to start playing sound when watching surround content, and the Bluetooth connection can be slow to start playing music compared to video.
Overall, if you’re looking for a soundbar that can take advantage of Dolby Atmos technology, the Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is a great option to consider.
Product Specs:
- 11 high-performance speakers with separate tweeters and woofers
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for 3D surround sound
- 2 upfiring speakers for accurate overhead sound
- True 2-way speaker design for wider audio range
- 103dB sound pressure level and 45Hz – 20kHz frequency range
Pros:
- Immersive 3D surround sound experience
- Low profile design that fits easily in front of TV
- Digital display on remote control for easy input changing
- Plenty of cord length for left and right speakers
Cons:
- May take 5-10s to start playing sound when watching surround content
- Bluetooth connection can be slow to start playing music compared to video
- Not recommended for those who don’t know what Dolby Atmos is or don’t have the necessary setup to take advantage of it.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Get ready to upgrade your home entertainment experience with the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) – this voice-controlled smart speaker with Amazon Alexa built-in delivers rich, room-filling sound and can be paired with other Sonos speakers for a whole-house sound system.
With its compact design, the Sonos Beam fits seamlessly into any space and can even be used as rear home theater surrounds with the Arc or Beam. You can control the speaker with your voice, the Sonos app, or other devices, and it works with Apple AirPlay2 and more.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) boasts excellent sound quality and is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality soundbar. The voice control feature is a huge plus, making it easy to control your entertainment experience hands-free. Additionally, it’s humidity-resistant, which means you can place it in a bathroom without worrying about damage.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality
- Voice control for hands-free control
- Can be paired with other Sonos speakers for a whole-house sound system
- Can be used as rear home theater surrounds with the Arc or Beam
- Compact design fits in any space
Cons:
- Some customers have reported issues with integration with Amazon Alexa software
- Large number of speakers may lead to more hassle and difficulty in controlling them all
- May not be the most affordable option on the market
Product Specs:
- Product name: Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Manufacturer: Sonos
- ASIN: B09M9DGM9B
- Item model number: BEAM2US1BLK
- Product dimensions: 25.6 x 2.7 x 3.9 inches
- Item weight: 6.21 pounds
- Connectivity: Can be connected wirelessly to other Sonos speakers for a whole-house sound system
- Voice control: Amazon Alexa built-in for hands-free control
- Stereo sound: Pair with a Sonos Sub for added bass and a pair of Sonos One SL speakers for surround sound
- HDMI eARC: For easy setup and control
- Humidity resistant: Can be placed in bathrooms
Things to Consider When Buying a Soundbar
When considering audio quality and power output, you should think about the size of your room and your listening preferences.
Compatibility with your TV or other devices is crucial, so check the soundbar’s connectivity options before buying.
You may also want to consider additional features such as voice control or virtual surround sound, as well as the brand reputation and customer reviews to ensure you get the best value for money.
Audio quality and power output
If you’re looking to add some serious oomph to your TV audio, this section on audio quality and power output is where you’ll find the meat and potatoes of what makes a soundbar worth investing in.
When it comes to audio quality, you want a soundbar that can reproduce sound accurately and with clarity. Look for soundbars that have a wide frequency response range, which means they can handle both low and high frequencies well.
This is important for getting a fuller, more immersive sound. It’s also worth paying attention to the number of drivers a soundbar has, as more drivers generally mean better sound quality.
Power output is another important aspect to consider. The power output of a soundbar is measured in watts, and generally, the higher the wattage, the louder the soundbar can go. However, it’s important to note that wattage isn’t the only factor when it comes to volume and overall sound quality.
The efficiency of the drivers and the quality of the amplifiers also play a role. So, when looking at power output, make sure to also consider other factors, such as the number and quality of drivers, to get a better idea of how the soundbar will perform.
Compatibility with your TV or other devices
Moving on from audio quality and power output, another crucial factor to consider when choosing the best soundbars for 2023 is compatibility with your TV or other devices.
After all, what’s the use of a powerful soundbar if it doesn’t work with the rest of your home entertainment setup?
When selecting a soundbar, it’s important to make sure that it can easily connect to your TV or other devices, whether through HDMI, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.
Many soundbars now offer smart connectivity options, allowing for seamless integration with your favorite streaming services and voice assistant devices.
Some soundbars even come with their own apps, making it easy to customize your audio settings and control your soundbar from your smartphone or tablet.
Overall, the best soundbar for you will be one that fits seamlessly into your existing setup, enhancing your audio experience without causing any headaches or compatibility issues.
Connectivity options (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, etc.)
You’ll be happy to know that connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI, are crucial factors to consider when choosing a soundbar that fits seamlessly into your existing setup and enhances your audio experience without causing any headaches or compatibility issues.
Bluetooth is a popular option for those who want to stream music wirelessly from their smartphone, tablet, or laptop, and it’s a convenient way to play your favorite tunes without any cords or cables.
Wi-Fi, on the other hand, provides a more stable and reliable connection, especially if you want to use your soundbar for multi-room audio or to access streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, or Tidal.
HDMI is a must-have feature for those who want to enjoy the latest 4K or 8K content from their Blu-ray player or gaming console, and it’s essential for those who want to use their soundbar for eARC or Dolby Atmos passthrough.
When it comes to connectivity options, it’s essential to look for a soundbar that offers a variety of inputs and outputs to accommodate all your devices and peripherals.
Some soundbars come with only one HDMI port, while others have multiple HDMI inputs for your cable box, game console, or streaming device.
Some soundbars also offer USB, optical, or auxiliary inputs, which can be useful for connecting older devices or non-Bluetooth gadgets.
It’s also essential to consider the wireless protocols and standards supported by your soundbar, such as Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 4.2 or Bluetooth 5.0, or AirPlay 2 or Chromecast built-in.
By choosing a soundbar with the right connectivity features, you can ensure that you’ll be able to enjoy all your favorite content with ease and convenience, without any lag or distortion.
Size and design to fit your space and aesthetic preferences
Don’t settle for a soundbar that doesn’t fit your space or aesthetic preferences – choose one that’s the perfect size and design for you.
When selecting a soundbar, consider the size of your TV, the size of your room, and your personal style preferences.
Some soundbars are more compact, while others are larger and more powerful. Additionally, some soundbars feature sleek and modern designs, while others have a more traditional look.
Spend some time researching and comparing different options to find the perfect fit for your space and style.
To help you find the right soundbar size and design, here are some factors to consider:
- TV size: Match the size of your soundbar to the size of your TV, so it doesn’t look out of place.
- Room size: A larger room may require a larger soundbar to fill the space adequately.
- Style: Consider the style of your room and your personal preferences when choosing a sound bar. Some soundbars come in various finishes and colours, while others have a more minimalist design.
- Mounting: Determine whether you want to mount your soundbar on the wall or place it on a shelf or cabinet. This can affect the size and design of the soundbar you choose.
By taking these factors into account, you can find a soundbar that not only sounds great but also looks great in your space.
With so many options on the market, it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs and preferences.
Additional features such as voice control or virtual surround sound
If you want to enhance your soundbar experience, consider models with additional features like voice control or virtual surround sound. Voice control allows you to adjust the volume, change tracks, and play or pause music with just your voice.
This makes it easier to control your soundbar without having to reach for a remote. Some soundbars even have built-in voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing you to control other smart home devices or get information while you’re watching TV.
Virtual surround sound is another feature that can make your soundbar experience more immersive. This technology uses advanced audio processing to create the illusion of a surround sound system, even though you only have a single soundbar.
This means you can enjoy a multi-dimensional audio experience without having to install multiple speakers around your room. Some soundbars even have dedicated rear speakers or up-firing speakers to create a more realistic surround sound experience.
When choosing a soundbar, consider which additional features will enhance your listening experience and make it more convenient to use.
Brand reputation and customer reviews
Moving on from the additional features of soundbars, let’s talk about brand reputation and customer reviews. When it comes to purchasing a soundbar, you want to make sure you’re investing in a brand that has a reputation for producing quality audio products.
You don’t want to end up with a soundbar that doesn’t live up to your expectations or breaks down after a few uses. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and read customer reviews to get an idea of what you can expect from each brand.
To help you make an informed decision, here are some things to consider when looking at brand reputation and customer reviews:
- Look at the overall rating of the brand and specific soundbars on websites like Amazon, Best Buy, and RTINGS.com.
- Read through the customer reviews to get an idea of the pros and cons of each soundbar.
- Pay attention to any recurring issues or complaints mentioned by multiple customers.
- Consider the warranty and customer service offered by the brand. Do they have a good reputation for addressing customer concerns and offering solutions?
Remember, choosing the right soundbar is an investment in your home entertainment experience. Taking the time to research and read customer reviews can help ensure you make a wise investment and find the best soundbar to buy, which meets your needs and expectations.
Price and value for money
When you’re looking to buy a soundbar, it’s important to consider the price and value for money, as the average cost of a soundbar ranges from $100 to $1,000, with some high-end models costing even more.
The most expensive soundbars may offer more features and higher sound quality, but you don’t necessarily need to spend a lot to get a quality soundbar that improves your TV viewing experience.
When considering the price, make sure to also look at the features included, such as connectivity options, sound enhancement technologies, and customization options.
A soundbar with a lower price tag may not have all the bells and whistles of a more expensive model, but it may still have all the features you need for an immersive audio experience.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between price and features that works for your budget and needs.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the best soundbars 2023. With a wide range of options available, there’s sure to be a soundbar that fits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re a movie buff, music lover, or just looking to enhance your TV’s sound quality, these soundbars are sure to impress. The proof is in the pudding, and these soundbars have been rigorously tested and reviewed by experts in the field.
They’ve been put through their paces in dedicated viewing and listening rooms, ensuring that you get the best possible sound for your money.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music with the best soundbars of 2023.
