10 Best Soundbars

The LG US95TR Soundbar is designed to significantly enhance your TV sound experience, especially if you own an LG OLED TV. It features an impressive 9.1.5 channel setup, meaning it offers nine main speakers, one subwoofer, and five upward-firing speakers for overhead effects, which creates a rich, immersive surround sound. This is further boosted by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, providing a three-dimensional audio experience that makes movies and games feel more lifelike. The wireless subwoofer adds deep bass without the hassle of extra cables, making placement easier.

A standout feature is the AI Room Calibration Pro, which automatically adjusts sound settings based on your room's layout and speaker placement, delivering balanced audio without distortion. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, HDMI, and optical inputs, so you can easily connect a TV, gaming console, or smartphone. At 125 cm wide and weighing over 31 kg, it's relatively large and best suited for bigger TV setups or rooms where space isn't tight.

Since it lacks built-in voice assistants or streaming apps, the focus here is on high-quality sound performance rather than smart features. For those seeking a premium soundbar that delivers cinematic surround sound and pairs perfectly with an LG TV, this model is a strong choice. However, if you desire a more compact soundbar or require extensive smart functions, other options might better suit your needs.

The LG S80QR soundbar is designed to deliver a rich home theater experience with its 5.1.3 channel setup, including three up-firing speakers and rear speakers, which help create immersive, three-dimensional sound. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it excels in producing surround sound that makes movies and games feel more engaging. The wireless subwoofer adds strong bass, and the total 620-watt power output ensures the audio is loud and clear. Thanks to Meridian Audio technology and support for Hi-Res Audio, the sound quality is detailed and crisp.

Connectivity options are versatile, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI with 4K pass-through, optical, and support for popular streaming functions like Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. Smart features include compatibility with Google Assistant and Alexa, so you can control the soundbar with voice commands. The AI Room Calibration feature is a smart addition that adjusts the sound based on your room’s layout, making the audio more natural without manual tweaking.

The soundbar is relatively slim and can be wall-mounted, which helps it fit well in most living rooms without taking up much space. However, weighing almost 23 kg, it is on the heavier side, so setup might require some effort. LG does not specify guaranteed software updates, which could affect long-term smart feature improvements. For those seeking a powerful, feature-rich soundbar for immersive movies, gaming, and music, especially with smart controls and advanced sound tuning, the LG S80QR offers substantial value. It may be more than needed for simple setups or smaller rooms, but it is well suited for surround sound enthusiasts.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a versatile soundbar designed to enhance your audio experience with its impressive 3.1 channel setup, offering clear dialogue via a dedicated center channel. This soundbar integrates Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, providing immersive 3D sound that envelops you, making it ideal for movie nights and sports events. Its all-in-one design includes a built-in subwoofer, eliminating the need for separate components, which is convenient for users seeking a tidy setup without sacrificing bass quality.

The soundbar is relatively compact, with measurements of 6.4 cm x 94.0 cm x 13.2 cm, making it suitable for various living spaces without being obtrusive. Connectivity is seamless with HDMI eARC/ARC ports, enabling simple and synced audio setup, and Bluetooth support allows for versatile streaming from mobile devices. Smart features cater to Fire TV users, with remote control integration simplifying operation.

While the sound modes (Film, Music, Sport, Night) are a thoughtful addition, offering sound optimization based on content type, this may appeal more to users with diverse viewing habits. However, those seeking a soundbar with external subwoofer options might find the built-in subwoofer limiting. Although the soundbar is compatible with most TVs and media players, it primarily enhances experiences when used with Fire TV setups, potentially limiting appeal for users with other smart TV ecosystems. The included accessories, such as wall mount kits and remote, make for an easy installation process. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a strong contender for those prioritizing ease of use, integrated smart features, and immersive sound quality.