Turn a regular TV into something special with a top-notch soundbar. Modern TVs are great at displaying images, but their built-in speakers usually don’t measure up, creating a disconnect between what we see and what we hear. A soundbar for TV fixes this issue by providing clear dialogues, immersive surrounding sound, and deep bass that make movies, shows, and games feel hyper-real.
Essential Features to Consider When Choosing a Soundbar for TV
When choosing a soundbar for TVs, there are some factors you must consider. To get the best bang for your buck, consider these key features.
- Audio Channels and Setup – Notice numbers such as 2.0, 3.1, or 5.1. The first digit represents normal speakers, while the decimal denotes a subwoofer. A 3.1 setup delivers left, centre, and right speakers plus a subwoofer, perfect for even sound and crisp conversation.
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support – These advanced audio technologies create three-dimensional sound by adding height channels, making sounds appear to come from above, and creating a more immersive experience during movies and games.
- Connectivity Options – Modern soundbars should offer HDMI ARC/eARC for high-quality audio transmission, optical inputs for older TVs, Bluetooth for wireless streaming, and Wi-Fi for smart features and multi-room audio capabilities.
- Sound Bar for TV with Subwoofer – Whether built-in or wireless, a dedicated subwoofer enhances bass response significantly. Wireless subwoofers offer flexible placement options while maintaining powerful low-frequency performance.
- Smart Features and Voice Control – Integration with virtual assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, along with smartphone app control, adds convenience and expanded functionality for streaming and system control.
- Room Calibration Technology – Advanced soundbars include automatic room calibration that adjusts audio output based on room acoustics and layout, optimizing sound for your specific space.
- Size and Design – The audio bar needs to balance your TV’s width without overwhelming the space. A slender shape and wall-mounting options offer versatility in setup while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Best Soundbars for TV in 2024: Our Top 5 Recommendations
1. SONOS Beam (Gen 2) Compact Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos, Alexa & Google Assistant – Black
Upgrade your home sound with the SONOS Beam (Gen 2) Compact Sound Bar. This snazzy, neat soundbar for TV offers splendid Dolby Atmos virtual surround sound. It makes all movies, songs, or podcasts feel like you’re right there in the action. Its 5 finely tuned speakers bring out crisp highs and rich bass, while Night Sound ensures clear audio without disturbing others. Easily connect with Alexa or Google Assistant for voice control, or stream directly using Apple AirPlay 2. With a refined perforated grille design and quick setup via just two cables, this compact soundbar effortlessly enhances your space and integrates with your Sonos multi-room system for a complete audio solution.
2. LG US60TR 5.1 Wireless Sound Bar
Boost your entertainment with the LG US60TR 5.1 Wireless Sound Bar. It’s designed to give a film-like audio experience in your own home. With 5.1 channel surround sound, wireless rear speakers, and a strong subwoofer, it lets you dive into each scene. This bluetooth soundbar for TV delivers thunder-like bass and crystal clear sound. Its AI Sound Pro technology fine-tunes the audio, whether you’re watching films or streaming songs via Bluetooth. The WOW Orchestra feature makes your LG TV and soundbar work well together and surrounds you with sound from all directions. Chic, flexible, and user-friendly, this soundbar for TV perfectly tops off your home theatre setup.
3. BOSE Smart Compact Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos & Amazon Alexa
Experience a new level of audio comfort at home with the nifty Bose Smart Compact Soundbar. It boasts Dolby Atmos for lifelike, cinema-like audio that doesn’t require extra speakers. Bose’s unique TrueSpace technology boosts non-Atmos content, giving you a virtual surround sound. The AI Dialogue Mode provides clear conversations, even in the quietest scenes. It includes 5 finely-calibrated transducers, including ones that projects sound upward, ensuring sound flows into every space in your room. Stream your much-loved music and radio without hassle through WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, or Chromecast, you can even use Amazon Alexa built right in for hands-off operation. You can team it up with Bose Ultra Open earbuds for a more private experience or with WiFi-enabled Bose speakers for a multi-room sound system.
4. JBL BAR 1000 7.1.4 Wireless Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos
Transform your home audio experience with the JBL BAR 1000 7.1.4 Wireless Soundbar for TV. Featuring Dolby Atmos, two up-firing drivers create immersive 3D surround sound, bringing every movie and song to life. You can detach the end speakers, place them around the room, and enjoy wireless flexibility with battery-powered convenience. With a powerful 720 W output, a 10” wireless subwoofer, and PureVoice technology for crystal-clear dialogue, this soundbar for TV delivers exceptional performance. Easily stream from over 300 music services and connect via HDMI eARC for a seamless setup with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough.
5. SONY BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) 11.0 Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 boosts your audio with awesome tech and immersive sound. With 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, it cranks out dynamic surround-sound without extra gear. It’s like the action happens right around you! Also, X-Balanced Speaker Units push out mighty bass and sharp vocals. Meanwhile, Sound Field Optimization tailors the sound to fit your room and seating position. Perks like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced bring movie-theater quality sound into your living room. Plus, features like Spotify Connect, AirPlay, and VRR support make listening to tunes, watching films, and gaming even better.
Conclusion
The right soundbar for TV can revolutionise home entertainment without the complexity and cost of a full surround sound system. With options available for every budget and space, upgrading TV audio has never been more accessible. Whether streaming the latest shows, enjoying movie nights, or gaming with friends, a quality soundbar for TV ensures the audio experience matches the stunning visuals of modern televisions.
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