10 Best Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar that aims to enhance your TV audio experience, especially when it comes to dialogue clarity. With its two angled full-range drivers, it provides a wide and natural sound, making it a good choice for movie watching, sports events, or just enjoying your favorite shows. One standout feature is its enhanced dialogue mode, which specifically focuses on making voices clearer, a major plus for those who often struggle to catch every word during dialogue-heavy scenes.

Connectivity is user-friendly, supporting Bluetooth, HDMI-ARC, Optical, and AUX, allowing you to easily pair your devices for streaming music or podcasts. The setup is straightforward, as a single cable connection links the soundbar to your TV, making it accessible even for those who aren't tech-savvy.

In terms of size, the Bose TV Speaker is just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to fit in front of your TV or mount on a wall, which is perfect for smaller spaces. The included remote control adds convenience, enabling features like bass boost and the dialogue mode. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the sound performance is solid for a small unit, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which might disappoint those looking for deeper bass. Although you can connect it to an external Bose Bass Module, that requires extra investment and isn't included. The soundbar is also not waterproof, limiting its use in more diverse environments.

The Bose TV Speaker is well-suited for individuals who primarily watch TV shows and movies and prioritize dialogue clarity. It’s user-friendly and compact, making it a practical choice for enhancing home entertainment. If you're seeking a robust bass experience or a more immersive sound setup, exploring additional speaker options or investing in the compatible subwoofer may be beneficial.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is designed for users who want an easy-to-set-up sound upgrade that improves TV audio without adding complexity. Its 3.1 channel setup includes a built-in subwoofer, which means you get balanced sound with decent bass without needing extra speakers. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, offering immersive 3D audio that enhances movies and shows. A dedicated center channel helps make dialogue clearer, which is great for catching every word in movies or sports.

Connectivity is straightforward with HDMI eARC/ARC, optical, USB-A, and Bluetooth, allowing you to easily connect to your TV and stream music from your phone. The size is moderate at 37 inches wide, fitting well under most TVs without being obtrusive. It also offers several sound modes like Movie, Music, Sports, and Night, letting you customize audio depending on what you watch. Fire TV integration means you can control both TV and soundbar with one remote, simplifying use if you’re already in the Amazon ecosystem.

A potential downside is that while the built-in subwoofer is convenient, it may not deliver the deep bass some users expect from a separate subwoofer unit. Also, the soundbar is optimized for TVs with HDMI eARC/ARC ports, so older TVs without these might not experience full feature support. This soundbar is well suited for those looking for a stylish, straightforward upgrade to their TV audio with smart features and solid surround sound effects, especially if they use Fire TV devices.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is designed to deliver an impressive audio experience, especially for those looking for high-quality sound in their home entertainment setup. With a robust 9.1.4 channel layout and Dolby Atmos support, it creates a rich and immersive spatial audio experience that enhances movies and music alike. The innovative Sound Motion technology is a standout feature, providing precise sound placement throughout the room, making it enjoyable in various listening environments.

In terms of usability, the Arc Ultra offers flexible connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI, allowing for easy integration with most TVs and streaming devices. The straightforward setup process is a plus, as users can quickly get started with guidance from the Sonos app. Additionally, the soundbar includes features like Speech Enhancement, which improves dialogue clarity, making it a great choice for watching films or shows with intricate plots.

The sleek design of the Arc Ultra adds to its appeal, blending seamlessly into modern home decor without drawing attention away from the screen. Voice control capabilities through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa make it convenient to manage playback without needing to reach for a remote. The soundbar is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market, which might not fit every budget. Also, while it delivers excellent sound on its own, the full potential of the Dolby Atmos experience can only be realized by adding additional Sonos components, like the Sub or rear speakers, which further increases the cost. The Arc Ultra is also not waterproof, limiting its placement options to indoor environments only.

If you're seeking a premium soundbar and are willing to invest in a more comprehensive sound setup, the Sonos Arc Ultra could be a fantastic addition to your home audio system, especially for movie lovers and music enthusiasts.