Best Bose Speaker Deals For January 2023
Bose is one of the best audio brands out there, and their speakers are legendary. Bose also offers a lot of different speaker types, including portable Bluetooth options that you can take with you anywhere, and use poolside. Sure, Bose speakers can be pricey, but we are here to help with a list of the best Bose speaker deals happening today. Whether it’s a small pocket speaker for outdoor adventures or a full home theater upgrade, these Bluetooth speaker deals are ideal for a wide variety of situations.
Today’s best Bose speaker deals Bose SoundLink Micro — $100, was $120
The SoundLink Micro is rugged and ready for action, yet still delivers that powerful Bose sound you’ve come to know. It’s IP67 water-resistant so safe for use outdoors, in many different scenarios. Plus, it offers up to six hours of continuous use on a single charge, with easy charging thanks to the Micro-B USB port. It has a convenient strap, works with the Bose Connect mobile app, and also syncs with Siri and Google Assistant — offering voice controls on the go.
Bose SoundLink Color — $91, was $130
SoundLink speakers are designed to be carried with you anywhere. If you want something a little beefier than a pill-style speaker, the SoundLink Color is a great option. Its flat design makes it easier to direct the sound. You can put it in the corner of the room and be assured that you’re getting the full effect. You can connect your phone wirelessly up to 30 feet away from the speaker. It has an eight-hour battery, so you don’t have to worry about it dying in the middle of a day trip.
Bose Surround Sound Speakers 700 — $600, was $700
The Bose Surround Sound Speakers 700 are designed to fit into your home theater setup, ideally paired with a Bose soundbar. These speakers are compatible with the 900, 700, 500 and 300 Bose soundbar models. They are wireless, making them easy to arrange in any room without worrying about wires running back to your TV. They have strong bass levels, meaning you don’t have to shell out for a subwoofer if you don’t want to.
How to choose a Bluetooth speaker
Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsAs one of the top names in the home audio market, Bose’s speaker offerings range from compact wireless speakers to full-sized units designed for stereos and home theater systems. Most of the Bose speaker deals you’ll find online are for its ever-popular Bluetooth speakers, though, and chances are good that these are what you’re shopping for.
This is premium hardware, and it goes without saying that cheap Bose speakers aren’t exactly common. Thankfully, there are almost always Bose speaker deals to be found year-round, especially during seasonal sales. You can generally expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $300 for the most popular models when they’re on sale, with discounts between $30 and $100 being fairly regular. The size of these discounts naturally scales up with the price of the speakers. You’ll also want to settle on the features you want and which ones you can live without, such as built-in voice controls or streaming capabilities.
Shoppers prone to decision paralysis will be glad to know that Bose isn’t one of those brands that offer a bunch of similar products at identical price points — once you’ve got a budget in mind, it’s pretty easy to narrow down your choices. In the sub-$200 price bracket, you’ll find compact Bluetooth speakers like the Bose SoundLink Micro and SoundLink Mini as well as larger cheap Bose speakers like the SoundLink Color II. These are straightforward (but of course, well-made and nice-sounding) Bluetooth speakers without too many bells and whistles. This is reflected in their prices, as these models typically go for around $100-$170 when not on sale.
Moving above those cheap Bose speakers toward the $200-$250 price range brings us to the SoundLink Revolve and Revolve+ which, with their 360-degree design similar to that of the Amazon Echo, are great Bluetooth speakers for enjoying room-filling sound. The Bose Home Speaker 300 is another excellent option in this range and also offers 360-degree sound output along with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for the smart home crowd.
If your budget for Bose speaker deals is around $300-$350, then you’re squarely in top-tier territory with models like the Bose Home Speaker 500 and Bose Portable Smart Speaker. These pack the best drivers for delivering the highest-quality sound as well as smart features like Alexa and built-in streaming capabilities from services like Spotify and Pandora. The Home Speaker 500 is a great choice if you’re looking for a Bose speaker for your home, whereas the Portable Smart Speaker (as its name implies) is great for taking on the go.
Larger speakers, such as bookshelf speakers, soundbars, and floor speakers (the type you’d use for a home stereo or theater system) are a little more technically complicated than those of the Bluetooth variety. If you need some more info before shopping for Bose speaker deals for a larger sound system, check out our beginner’s guide to home audio.
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Editors' RecommendationsBose Is Having A Huge Sale On Headphones And Portable Speakers
Pump up the volume with a pair of headphones, wireless earbuds, or a portable speaker from Bose. Here are the best deals at Amazon:
In the market for a new pair of headphones? Or maybe you're seeking a portable speaker to bring the party wherever you go. Whatever your needs, Bose products deliver, serving up some of the best headphones you can find. They're often the music lover's choice, offering superior sound quality, excellent noise-canceling capabilities, and sleek designs that look and feel great.
For a limited time, Amazon has a wide selection of Bose headphones and portable speakers on sale(opens in a new tab) for up to 30% off. You can opt for a dazzling pair of over-the-ear headphones or lock in a purchase on some of the best wireless earbuds on the market right now.
Whether you're looking to splurge on some new audiophile-grade products or you need a last-minute holiday gift, there's a little something for everyone on offer. Read on for more details and shop our picks before they're gone.
OUR TOP PICK
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Credit: Bose
Why we love itBose is known for its quality, reliable over-the-ear headphones. If you haven't already pulled the trigger on Bose's bestselling QuietComfort 45 Noise-Canceling Headphones and want a step up from there, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700(opens in a new tab) are the premium option you'll want to spring for.
Mashable reviewer Alex Perry called them "a joy to use," thanks to their "top-notch sound" with "excellent, controllable noise cancellation." They make chatting on your phone a joy, thanks to their four-microphone setup, and help to immerse you in your favorite songs with fantastic sound quality. No matter your use case, these headphones won't disappoint.
BEST WIRELESS EARBUDS
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Credit: Bose
Why we love itIf noise cancellation is high on your list of must-haves with wireless earbuds, but you still want that booming, all-inclusive sound, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds(opens in a new tab) should be on your radar. Mashable reviewer Alex Perry wrote that "it's hard to imagine anything outshining the slightly more-expensive Bose QC Earbuds when it comes to raw audio quality and noise cancellation."
He praised their ability to deliver "deep sound and thumping bass" and their ANC system, which is comparable to what the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 offer. These are a more affordable, more portable option than their over-the-ear cousin, and make taking your favorite music on the go a joy.
BEST PORTABLE SPEAKER
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Credit: Bose
Why we love itIf you're looking to share your music with others instead of enjoying it privately, a great portable speaker is hard to beat. The Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II(opens in a new tab) brings 360-degree sound in a seamless, water-resistant aluminum body. It delivers loud, balanced sound for your favorite tunes, and precise, accurate voice reproduction with podcasts and audiobooks.
You can get up to 12 hours of sound on a single charge with this speaker, so it's a good option for lengthy gatherings. You can use the speaker's Bluetooth capabilities to control Alexa or Siri or connect two Revolve speakers to double the fun.
The Best Soundbar In 2023: Boost Your TV Sound With These Top Buys
What is Dolby Atmos?
More and more of the best soundbars are embracing Dolby Atmos, which is a surround sound technology designed to simulate the immersive 3D audio you'd get from a movie theater. The big difference between Atmos and traditional surround sound is that you'll hear sound move up and down and not just side-to-side, allowing you to get extra immersed when, say, a car flies overhead in an action movie. For more a in-depth explanation and to find out how to get it, see Dolby Atmos explained.
Picking the best soundbar can solve many of your TV sound issues. Can't hear what's being said on your TV? A soundbar's dialog settings can help. Do big-budget blockbusters lack the explosive sound to match the on-screen images? A good soundbar will bring movie soundtracks to life.
All the soundbars listed below have the kind of performance to match today's vibrant big screen images. We spend hours testing soundbars at home just as they're intended to be used and rate them on ease of setup and daily use, dialog sound quality, power output, design, and of course how well they create an immersive surround sound experience for several listeners.
Read on to find out which are the best performing soundbars we've tested that bring a boost to TV sound.
Top 3 best soundbarsWhy you can trust Tom's Guide Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
What are the best soundbars to buy right now? (Image credit: Devialet)Bags of power to deliver big movie thrills at home with gusto
SpecificationsSize: 3.5 x 47.2 x 6.5 inches
Inputs/outputs: 1x HDMI in; 1x HDMI out (eARC/ARC); Digital optical; Ethernet
Audio channels: 5.1.2
Wireless: AirPlay 2; Bluetooth 5.0; Spotify Connect; UPnP
Subwoofer: Built-in
Power output: 950W
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +Expansive, informative and assertive full-range sound
+Intriguing design and high-quality finish
+Flexible about placement
Reasons to avoid -Eye-wateringly expensive
-No HDMI passthrough
-No remote control
Never knowingly understated, Devialet's Dione soundbar manages to bring a little of the high-end company's customary design drama to the world of do-it-all, add-on TV speakers. In keeping with much of its luxury output, the Dione is properly expensive, strikingly stylish, and a full-on 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos affair, designed to deliver a surround-sound experience from a single unit.
Given a full-on, action-packed Dolby Atmos soundtrack to deal with, the Dione is a dynamic, expansive and quite nuanced listen. For a soundbar that goes without the low-frequency reinforcement of a partnering subwoofer, the straightforward amount of bass it’s able to produce really is quite remarkable. ‘Punch’ and ‘rumble’ are both available, and are of an order of magnitude that eludes all but the most accomplished of the Devialet’s rivals. Width and height soundstage elements are deeply effective, which all adds up to a must-hear soundbar if you happen to have deep pockets and are looking for one of the best-sounding and most elegant Dolby Atmos soundbar solutions on the market right now.
Read our full Devialet Dione review.
(Image credit: Bowers & Wilkins) (opens in new tab)The best soundbar overall for movies and music
SpecificationsSize: 2.6 x 47.6 x 5.5 inches
Inputs/outputs: HDMI; Digital optical; Ethernet; USB-C (service only)
Audio channels: 3.1.2
Wireless: AirPlay 2; Bluetooth aptX Adaptive; Spotify Connect
Subwoofer: Integrated
Power output: 400W
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +Lively, muscular and expansive movie sound
+Properly accomplished with music
+Useful touch controls and app
Reasons to avoid -Dolby Atmos effect not as pronounced as some
-Close rivals cost less
Although the most expensive model in this buying guide, the Panorama 3 is Bowers & Wilkins' most affordable soundbar to date. It's more costly than the Sonos Arc but if it’s sound quality you prize, the Panorama 3 is worth every penny. The 3.1.2 speaker configuration integrates forward-firing left, right and center channels and for cinematic rumble and punch there a two built-in subwoofer drivers along with Dolby Atmos Elevation drive units.
Powered by a total of 400 watts of Class D amplification, means the Panorama 3 can deal with those big dynamic shifts so beloved of cinema the world over without breaking sweat and is expressive and articulate where music is concerned too. It's extremely well judged and coherent with all kinds of music and movie content, while Dolby Atmos content projects well beyond the confines of the speaker cabinet, and in all directions. There’s real width to the soundstage the Bowers & Wilkins establishes, and there’s a proper sensation of movement as effects pan from one side of the stage to the other as soundtrack are served up with plenty of confidence and no little style.
Read the full Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 review.
(Image credit: Sonos)The best smart soundbar
SpecificationsSize: 45 x 4.5 x 3.4 inches
Inputs/outputs: Ethernet; HDMI ARC
Audio channels: Not specified
Wireless: Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 capable
Subwoofer: No
Wattage: Not specified
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +Clear vocals and focused sound
+Strong, Sonos-quality bass
+Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
Reasons to avoid -Takes up quite a bit of space on a TV stand
The Sonos Arc is the best soundbar you can buy if you’re able to splurge. This premium speaker stands out with its gorgeous curved design, which is built to be a centerpiece of your living room as much as it’s meant to enhance your TV’s sound. And it certainly doesn’t skimp on sound performance, delivering deep bass and clear treble for your favorite movies and TV shows complete with Dolby Atmos support.
Thanks to Sonos’ TruePlay technology, the Arc can automatically tune itself to whatever room it’s in to deliver the crispest, most accurate audio possible. It also supports voice controls via Alexa and Google Assistant, making it one of the smartest soundbars you can buy. If you have a larger entertainment area — and big budget, the Sonos Arc is the top premium soundbar out there.
Read our full Sonos Arc review.
(Image credit: Yamaha)Best soundbar speaker with a subwoofer and Alexa
SpecificationsSize: 36.6 x 4.3 x 2.5 inches (soundbar); 36.6 x 4.3 x 2.5 inches (subwoofer)
Inputs/outputs: 1x HDMI in; 1x HDMI out; 1x Optical in
Audio channels: Not specified
Wireless: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.2
Subwoofer: Yes (wireless)
Wattage: 200W (soundbar) 100W (subwoofer)
Reasons to buy +Clear and intelligible dialog
+Excellent for music
+Alexa voice control
Reasons to avoid -Subwoofer lacks punch with some movie effects
-Only 1 HDMI input
Launched in 2019 and still going strong, the YAS-209 soundbars is aimed at delivering great features at an affordable price. This excellent package comes with a wireless subwoofer to boost low-end frequencies and has Alexa integration onboard. The smart and versatile combo brings movie soundtracks to life with a rich and powerful sound, and has an impressively wide soundstage when 3D Surround mode is enabled. Movie dialog is easy to understand and has excellent depth and gravitas, and the Yamaha doubles as a great-sounding music system, too.
We just wish there was more than one HDMI port on the back, but even so, the YAS-209 has a lot to like.
Read our full Yamaha YAS-209 review.
Best soundbar with Dolby Atmos and 360 Reality Audio
SpecificationsSize: 51 1/4 x 3 1/4 x 5 5/8 inches
Inputs/outputs: 2x HDMI in; 1x HDMI out (eARC/ARC); Digital optical; 3.5mm analog audio jack in; USB-A; Ethernet
Audio channels: 7.1.2
Wireless : AirPlay 2; Bluetooth SBC, AAC, LDAC; Chromecast; Spotify Connect
Subwoofer: No
Power output: 500W
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +High build quality
+Best for surround format support
+Clear sound with dialog
Reasons to avoid -Small display
-Subwoofer sold separately
-High price compared to rivals
Like its predecessor (HT-ST5000), the HT-A7000 is a full-featured home-theater speaker system designed to be the mainstay of any home TV, music, and gaming setup for years to come. Its feature-laden spec highlights include full support for Dolby Atmos soundtracks and hi-res audio, music streaming, as well as two HDMI 2.1 ports that enable users to connect both a PS5 and Xbox Series X to the soundbar at the same time.
The Sony HT-A7000 soundbar is an elegant TV speaker solution with impressive sound that enhances the performance of even the best TVs. It achieves a wrap-around cinematic effect with the right content, and Dolby Atmos material has a more enveloping effect thanks to the Sony's format handling and up-firing speakers — the only downside is the difficult to decipher display showing the audio format. Dialog was clear and has enough weight to give booming voices gravitas to carry them with conviction, but for real cinematic performance and satisfaction, you're really going to have to factor in a wireless sub.
Read the full Sony HT-A7000 review.
The best low-cost soundbar and subwoofer combo
SpecificationsSize: 26.8 x 3 x 3.9 inches, 4.4 pounds
Inputs/outputs: Optical, 3.5mm, HDMI ARC, USB
Audio channels: 2.1
Bluetooth: Yes
Subwoofer: Yes
Wattage: 160W
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +Very cheap
+Varied ports
+Adjustable sound
Reasons to avoid -Short subwoofer cable
-Plastic attracts dust
Cheap and compact but deceptively rich-sounding, the Creative Stage V2 is another fantastic choice for those on tight budgets. The dedicated subwoofer treats lower frequencies much better than the majority of cut-price standalone soundbars, and the clearness of dialog impressed in our testing.
There's also a "Surround" mode that widens the soundstage beyond the Stage V2's modest dimensions, and you can tweak the sound even further with bass and treble boost settings. Connectivity is very good for the money, too — in addition to the expected optical and 3.5mm inputs, there's HDMI ARC, USB and Bluetooth to play with too.
Read our full Creative Stage V2 review.
Most affordable Sonos soundbar yet and a great entry to its ecosystem
SpecificationsSize: 22 x 3.5 x 2.8 inches
Audio inputs: Optical digital
Audio channels: 2.0
Bluetooth: Yes
Subwoofer: Optional
Wattage: Not specified
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +Pleasingly compact
+Nicely balanced sound
+All the usual plus-points of Sonos multi-room
Reasons to avoid -Not the most expansive sound
-No HDMI
The brand new Sonos Ray is the company's most affordable soundbar yet and has a sound that's unified, confident and detailed. It's compatible with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround information but is essentially a stereo speaker. Nevertheless, it’s got the punch to propel a Hollywood blockbuster forwards, and the deft powers of communication to make sure you never miss a moment’s nuance where dialogue is concerned. It’s even quite an engaging listen when used as a music speaker, too.
If you already have a Sonos speaker or two, and are after a usefully compact soundbar with some genuine performance highlights, go right ahead: the Sonos Ray is here to charm and delight you. If you’re unconcerned about wider multi-room possibilities, though, this soundbar is far from the only game in town — and it’s possible to buy just as much of the good stuff the Ray delivers without spending quite as much as Sonos is asking.
Read our full Sonos Ray review.
Best soundbar with Dolby Atmos and multiroom
SpecificationsSize: 41.14 x 4.21 x 2.29 inches
Inputs/outputs: HDMI eARC; Optical in; Ethernet port; ADAPTiQ; Subwoofer out
Audio channels: 5.0.2
Wireless: Wi-Fi; Bluetooth (4.2); AirPlay 2
Subwoofer: No (optional)
Wattage: Not specified
Wall mountable: Yes (via optional kit)
Reasons to buy +Slim and sleek design
+Automatic room correction
+Alexa and Google Assistant built-in
+Dolby Atmos support
+Good overall levels of sound for movies
Reasons to avoid -Bass output is so-so
-Not so great for music listening
Bose’s first soundbar to support immersive surround sound technology through Dolby Atmos, also offers multiroom audio, integrated voice assistants and there's even room for expansion via wireless Bose surrounds and a wired subwoofer. Like the Sonos Arc it's priced at $899, but the Bose separates itself with a smaller and more sleek design, but while it sounds good overall, it can’t match the Arc when it comes to bass and virtual surround sound.
Easy to setup with plenty of options to help you tune the sound to your own surroundings, the Bose performs well with movies, although the addition of a subwoofer would give movie soundtracks a useful further boost. Dolby Atmos effects come across well, but bass levels can get a bet overzealous when playing music. All-in-all, the Bose is well-featured and a good choice for those already signed up to its ecosystem but ultimately is outperformed by the Sonos Arc at the same price.
Read our full Bose Smart Soundbar 900 review
The best soundbar for smaller spaces
SpecificationsSize: 13.4 x 4.3 x 3.1 inches
Inputs/Outputs: HDMI, Digital Optical, Ethernet, USB
Audio Channels: 5.1
Bluetooth: Yes
Subwoofer: Yes
Wattage: N/A
Wall mountable: No
Reasons to buy +Powerful bass and clear vocals
+Wireless subwoofer
+Google Cast audio integration
Reasons to avoid -No onscreen display or mobile app
-Harsh treble
No soundbar packs huge audio into a tiny package quite like the Polk MagniFi Mini does. This unassuming speaker will fit seamlessly into any setup, and delivers crisp dialogue and deep bass with the help of its included wireless subwoofer. Plus, with Google Cast support, the MagniFi Mini doubles as a great home music speaker.
The MagniFi Mini gets loud enough to fill most bedrooms and small apartments, and we found it reliable for getting immersed in movies and TV shows. Factor in a handy remote and an easy setup process, and you've got the best soundbar out there for folks short on space. And at $300, it won't set you back much, either.
Read our full Polk MagniFi Mini review.
The best-sounding soundbar for small TVs
SpecificationsSize: 25.6 x 2.3 x 3.9 inches, 6.2 pounds
Inputs/Outputs: HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2
Audio Channels: Stereo
Bluetooth: No
Subwoofer: No
Wattage: Not stated
Wall mountable: No
Reasons to buy +Impressive sound for its size
+3D audio with support for Dolby Atmos
+Reliable TruePlay tuning
+Best option for 55-inch and smaller TVs
Reasons to avoid -Expensive
-Some new formats not available at launch
An upgrade to one of the best soundbars available, the second-gen Sonos Beam brings a new CPU, tweaked profiles, more audio formats, and HDMI eArc support into the mix. The drivers have been re-tuned, resulting in a crisper central channel that emphasizes vocal clarity and dialog. Dolby Atmos and other home-theater sound formats grant you numerous ways to experience wide 3D sound in your living room. Other unique features like NFC for seamless setup, as well as TruePlay to curate sound to your space and optimal couch position, bring more value to this small speaker system. It also pairs perfectly with 55-inch (or smaller) HDTVs.
You should know that Sonos products don’t come cheap and the price tag on this beauty might be a bit steep for the average consumer. Those who can afford it will find this to be a welcome addition to their ecosystem of Sonos products.
Read our full Sonos Beam (Gen 2) review.
The best soundbar for affordable Atmos
SpecificationsSize: 27.9 x 2.3 x 3.9 inches
Inputs/Outputs: HDMI ARC, Digital Optical, Ethernet, USB
Audio Channels: 5.0
Bluetooth: Yes
Subwoofer: No
Wattage: 250W
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +Good Dolby Atmos performance
+Auto calibration
+Doesn't need a subwoofer
Reasons to avoid -Limited sound controls
-No mobile app
Yet more proof that you don't need to spend big to get quality Dolby Atmos integration, the JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam defies its standalone form factor with a respectable attempt at digital surround sound — not to mention powerful bass, even without a subwoofer.
Although we'd have liked a few more ways to manually adjust the sound output, the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam also features a handy auto calibration feature that tunes Atmos playback for the dimensions of your living room specifically. This helps contribute to a strong sense of audio positioning, again something you can't always be sure about with single soundbars. Still, it works, and is just another reason the Bar 5.0 MultiBeam is one of the best soundbars.
Read our full JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam review.
The best soundbar with integrated media player
SpecificationsSize: 14 x 4.2 x 2.4 inches
Inputs/Outputs: HDMI, USB, optical audio
Audio Channels: Stereo
Bluetooth: Yes
Subwoofer: No
Wattage: N/A
Wall mountable: Yes
Reasons to buy +4K streaming
+Clear, loud sound
+Compact design
Reasons to avoid -Relatively weak bass
-No Ethernet port
The Roku Streambar is Roku's second soundbar outing, and just might be the company's best yet. This unique all-in-one device is both a compact soundbar and a 4K Roku streaming player at once, allowing you to enjoy great sound for shows and movies while tapping into your favorite streaming services all from the same hardware.
Don't let its size fool you, though — the Streambar delivers impressive sound for its size and price. Packing four 1.9-inch drivers, this small soundbar can easily fill a living room with crisp audio for your next Netflix or Disney Plus binge. And since you're getting Roku software inside, you'll be able to watch just about every streaming service out there, with an intuitive interface and an included remote for navigation. Better yet, you can pair the Streambar to the Roku TV Wireless Speakers and Roku Wireless Subwoofer if you want even more immersive sound.
Read our full Roku Streambar review.
How to choose the best soundbar for youSoundbar size: There are a number of factors that play into deciding which soundbar you should buy. Size will likely be prohibitive for most customers; you obviously need a soundbar that will suit your TV and space constraints within your entertainment console. And, because a soundbar is one of the centerpieces of your home theater setup, it has to look good and fit stylistically.
Then you have to factor in the size of the room you're dealing with, and the distance viewers would typically be sitting from the TV. If you're dealing with a larger space, it's probably best to target soundbars that come with a subwoofer — you'll surely appreciate the extra bass.
Connectivity: Connectivity is crucial too, both in terms of wired and wireless access. Not every soundbar comes with an HDMI port; some force you to make do with optical audio. That's perfectly fine if you want to use your TV as a pass-through, but those who are in dire need of more HDMI ports — because their capacity is limited between game consoles, streaming boxes and so on — will need to prioritize options that offer those additional connections.
Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best soundbars. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a soundbar the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if the sound quality is poor.
As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now there are plenty of sales on with many of our favorite models discounted at online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our best tech deals page to keep track of the latest savings.
How we test the best soundbarsWhen testing for inclusion in our best soundbars page, we play a range of media — including movies, music and games — in order to evaluate overall sound quality. We also test any companion software that may come with a soundbar, and factor in how easy it is to set up and use each device.
Other features we consider include a soundbar's inputs, outputs and ability to be wall mounted, all of which determine how well it will work with your home entertainment setup. We also take into account each soundbar's wattage, its supported audio channels and whether it includes a subwoofer — all factors that greatly affect how each speaker will sound in your living room.
Once testing is completed, we rate the best soundbars based on our five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). Products that hit nearly every mark are awarded an Editor's Choice badge.
Contributions from: Simon Lucas, Michael Gowan
More: Find out how we test for more information on our reviewing procedures.
Next: For further TV help don't forget to check out how to chose the right big-screen TV for you as well as our guide to the best TVs that we've tested. If you're considering a Dolby Atmos soundbar, then our new guide to the best Dolby Atmos soundbars provides expert advice.
Plus: Yamaha unveils SR-C30A entry-level soundbar to rival Sonos Ray.
Round up of today's best deals
Devialet Dione
(opens in new tab)$2,400
(opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab)Reduced Price
Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3
(opens in new tab)$999
(opens in new tab)$700.35
(opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab)Sonos Arc
(opens in new tab)Yamaha YAS-209
(opens in new tab)$299.77
(opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab)Sony HT-A7000
(opens in new tab)$1,398
(opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab)Creative Stage v2
(opens in new tab)$109.99
(opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab)Sonos Ray
(opens in new tab)Bose Smart Soundbar 900
(opens in new tab)Reduced Price
Polk MagniFi Mini Soundbar
(opens in new tab)Reduced Price
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
(opens in new tab)$449
(opens in new tab)$419.99
(opens in new tab) View (opens in new tab)