The best soundbars for every budget – take your TV audio to the next level

These days, smart TVs come with a lot of technology. While most of them focus on image quality, there are plenty of audio enhancement features. Some even come with high-end speaker systems to provide immersive listening. But if you add one of the best soundbars to your setup, you can take your TV audio to the next level.

Now, before you ask, this upgrade doesn’t have to be expensive. Yes, there are many high-end soundbars. But if you don’t care about the extras, you can upgrade your TV’s audio without breaking the bank. As for the high-end options, not all of them are worth buying. But if you go through this guide, you’ll know which are the best choices for every budget and criteria.

Samsung HW-Q800C – The best soundbar for most

Craving a powerful sound upgrade without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Samsung HW-Q800C. This soundbar provides room-filling audio that brings movies and TV shows to life.

The HW-Q800C supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, creating an immersive surround sound experience. Up-firing drivers bounce sound off your ceiling, adding height for a truly immersive experience.

This soundbar offers fantastic performance for the price. Although it doesn’t quite match the power of its bigger brother (HW-Q900C), the HW-Q800C delivers exceptional 5.1.2-channel sound. Plus, the option to add rear speakers lets you customize your surround sound experience.

Despite being affordable, the soundbar feels like a quality product. The design may not win any awards, but the clean baked finish has a certain industrial charm.

Key highlights of the Samsung HW-Q800C

• At competitive prices
• Provides room-filling sound
• Offers the ability to hook up rear speakers
• Good appearance

Sony HT-S2000 – The best soundbar available with Dolby Atmos

Looking to upgrade your TV’s sound without breaking the bank? Then the Sony HT-S2000 could be your perfect partner.

For its price, the HT-S2000 offers exceptional sound quality. Clear dialogue and spacious virtual surround sound create a significant improvement over your TV’s built-in speakers.

The bass is not earth shattering. But it has enough power to keep you engaged. The real surprise, however, is the HT-S2000’s ability to handle Dolby Atmos content. This allows the soundtrack to create a surprising immersion that can bring you fully into the content.

Don’t let the price fool you. The HT-S2000 boasts a premium look with a solid mesh metal grille and rugged black body. It even provides visual feedback for remote control commands, a rare feature in budget soundbars.

Key highlights of the Sony HT-S2000

• Great dialogue clarity
• There is support for spatial codecs
• It comes with Dolby Atmos support
• Elegant construction

Sonos Arc – The ultimate high-end Dolby Atmos Soundbar

For audiophiles looking for a premium sound experience, look no further than the Sonos Arc. This award-winning soundbar boasts immersive Dolby Atmos support. And it comes with a robust speaker setup to take your listening to the next level.

The Sonos Arc uses upward-firing speakers to create an immersive surround sound experience. The sound bounces off your ceiling, creating a multi-dimensional soundscape that puts you right in the center of the action. Unlike some soundbars, the Arc delivers a balanced and natural Atmos experience without the need for excessive tuning.

In addition, the soundbar offers a variety of connectivity options. This includes AirPlay 2, Ethernet and eARC for lossless Dolby Atmos from compatible TVs. In addition, the built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa support enable voice-controlled playback.

Because you pay a premium price, you also get a premium build. Arc features a sleek design with touch-sensitive play/pause and volume controls. LED indicators provide clear status updates, and the soundbar seamlessly integrates with your existing Sonos ecosystem for multi-room listening.

Key highlights of the Sonos Arc

• Sporting Dolby Atmos support
• It has advanced speaker setup
• Elegant and premium construction
• Multiple connection options

Bose Smart Soundbar 600 – The Ultimate Compact Soundbar

Living in a cozy space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice captivating sound. The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 packs a powerful punch despite its compact size.

Don’t let its size fool you. This soundbar delivers impressive Dolby Atmos audio, filling your room with rich, detailed sound. At just 27 inches wide, it’s perfect for smaller apartments or entertainment venues with limited space.

Dialogue clarity from this soundtrack is also great. You can enjoy crisp and clear dialogue, ensuring you never miss a word during your favorite movies and TV shows. The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 also boasts true Dolby Atmos thanks to speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling, creating an immersive surround sound experience.

This soundbar has many convenient features. Expect to enjoy easy setup with the app, stream music seamlessly via AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, and control everything with one intuitive interface.

Key highlights of the Bose Smart Soundbar 600

• Small and compact design
• Comes with up-firing speakers
• It has Bluetooth, AirPlay, Chromecast and WiFi
• Dolby Atmos support