Soundbars Soundbars Compared: 7 to Upgrade Your TV Sound
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By the Pickpedia Team
·7 picks compared
·Last verified September 2026
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Quick answer
The Samsung HW-B550F is the best soundbar overall, clear and value packed with a wireless subwoofer. For surround the JBL Bar 500 wins, and the VIZIO V-Series is the best budget pick.
Soundbars Compared: 7 to Upgrade Your TV Sound at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared these picks using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, current retailer listings, and patterns in owner feedback, alongside editorial research. We focus on measurable differences such as performance, capacity, usability, and build quality. Pickpedia does not present editorial research as laboratory testing, and we do not claim hands-on testing unless it was actually performed.
How we chose: We compared channels and subwoofers, Dolby Atmos, dialogue clarity, features and value across seven current soundbars, alongside how owners rate real TV and movie sound.
A soundbar is the easiest way to fix thin, muffled TV speakers, adding clear dialogue and real bass without a full speaker system. The Samsung HW-B550F is our overall pick, clear and great value with a wireless subwoofer.
The choice comes down to channels, whether it includes a subwoofer and if you want Dolby Atmos. Bigger rooms and movie fans want surround and Atmos, while small rooms suit a compact bar. We compared the specifications and owner feedback to match each to a real living room.
Our top picks
A 2.1 channel bar with a wireless subwoofer that adds clear dialogue and real bass to any TV, with virtual surround for movies. It sets up easily and suits most living rooms. The mix of sound, features and value makes it the top pick.
Channels2.1 with subwoofer
SurroundVirtual surround
SetupEasy
Best forAll round TV sound
Pros
- Clear dialogue and bass
- Wireless subwoofer
- Great value
Cons
- Not true surround
- No up firing Atmos
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A 2.1 channel bar with a powerful wireless subwoofer and Sony sound processing for punchy, room filling audio. It brings weight to films and music. The pick when you want strong bass.
Channels2.1 with subwoofer
BassPowerful wireless sub
ProcessingS-Force surround
Best forBass heavy content
Pros
- Strong, deep bass
- Room filling sound
- Trusted Sony audio
Cons
- No Atmos
- Bulkier subwoofer
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A single bar that delivers Dolby Atmos height effects and clear voice with smart features and no separate subwoofer needed. It suits those who want premium sound in one unit. The pick for a clean, high end setup.
TypeAll in one bar
SoundDolby Atmos
FeatureSmart, voice clarity
Best forPremium single bar
Pros
- Atmos height effects
- Clear dialogue
- No separate sub needed
Cons
- Premium price
- Less bass than a sub setup
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A 5.1 channel system with MultiBeam surround, Dolby Atmos and a wireless subwoofer that wraps sound around the room for movies. It brings a cinematic feel without rear speakers. The pick for surround sound.
Channels5.1 with subwoofer
SurroundMultiBeam, Atmos
SubWireless
Best forSurround feel
Pros
- Cinematic surround
- Dolby Atmos
- Wireless subwoofer
Cons
- Virtual rears not true speakers
- Higher price
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A 3.1 channel bar with a dedicated centre channel and wireless subwoofer that sharpens dialogue and adds bass for everyday viewing. It balances features and price well. A well rounded mid range pick.
Channels3.1 with subwoofer
FeatureDedicated centre channel
SubWireless
Best forBalanced everyday use
Pros
- Clear dialogue centre
- Wireless sub
- Good value features
Cons
- No up firing Atmos
- Virtual surround only
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An affordable bar that brings Dolby Atmos height effects and a wireless subwoofer to a living room for less than most Atmos systems. It adds real depth to films. The pick for value Atmos sound.
SoundDolby Atmos
SubWireless
PriceValue Atmos
Best forAffordable Atmos
Pros
- Atmos on a budget
- Wireless subwoofer
- Good movie depth
Cons
- Fewer smart features
- Simple display
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A compact 2.0 bar that gives a big step up over TV speakers for a low price, with Dolby Audio and Bluetooth. It fits small TVs and rooms. A dependable budget upgrade.
Channels2.0 compact
AudioDolby Audio, DTS:X
ExtraBluetooth
Best forBudget small rooms
Pros
- Very affordable
- Compact for small TVs
- Clear over TV speakers
Cons
- No separate subwoofer
- Limited bass
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What to look for
Channels and subwoofer
More channels add width and a centre for dialogue, so a 3.1 or 5.1 bar like the LG or JBL sounds fuller than a 2.0 bar. A wireless subwoofer, included with most here, adds the bass TV speakers lack. For the biggest upgrade, choose a bar with a subwoofer.
Dolby Atmos
Atmos adds a sense of height and space for movies, using up firing or virtual effects, as on the Bose, JBL and Polk. It makes films more immersive but costs more. If you mainly watch TV shows, a good 2.1 bar is plenty.
Dialogue clarity
If clearer speech is your goal, a bar with a dedicated centre channel like the LG S60T or a voice clarity feature like the Bose helps a lot. This is the most common reason people buy a soundbar. Look for a centre channel or dialogue mode.
Room size and connections
Match the bar to your room, since a compact 2.0 bar like the VIZIO suits small spaces while a 5.1 system fills a large room. Check for HDMI eARC for the best sound and easy control, and Bluetooth for music. Size and connections matter as much as channels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best soundbar overall?
The Samsung HW-B550F is the best all rounder, clear dialogue and real bass from a wireless subwoofer at great value. For surround the JBL Bar 500 is the pick, and the VIZIO V-Series is the best budget choice.
Do I need a soundbar with a subwoofer?
For the biggest upgrade, yes. A subwoofer, included with most bars here, adds the deep bass that flat TV speakers and 2.0 bars lack, making movies and music fuller. If space is tight, an all in one bar like the Bose still improves sound.
Is Dolby Atmos worth it in a soundbar?
For movie fans, yes. Atmos adds height and space that makes films more immersive, and bars like the Bose, JBL and Polk deliver it. If you mainly watch TV shows and news, a good 2.1 bar gives most of the benefit for less.
Will a soundbar improve dialogue?
Yes, this is the top reason people buy one. Bars with a dedicated centre channel like the LG S60T or a voice clarity feature like the Bose make speech much clearer than TV speakers. Look for a centre channel or dialogue mode.
How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?
The best way is HDMI eARC, which carries high quality sound and lets your TV remote control the bar. Optical is a good alternative on older TVs. Most bars, and all here, support one or both. Check your TV ports before buying.
What size soundbar should I get?
Match the bar to your TV and room. A compact 2.0 bar like the VIZIO suits small TVs and rooms, while a 3.1 or 5.1 system fills a larger living room. A bar roughly as wide as your TV usually looks and sounds best.
Can a soundbar play music?
Yes. Most bars, including these, support Bluetooth so you can stream music from a phone, and some add wifi and apps. A bar with a subwoofer gives music satisfying bass. It doubles as a simple music system for the living room.
Are budget soundbars any good?
Yes for a clear upgrade over TV speakers. The VIZIO V-Series improves sound noticeably for little money. The trade offs are less bass and no separate subwoofer, not poor clarity. For bass and surround, step up to a bar with a sub.
The verdict
Samsung HW-B550F 2.1ch Soundbar
9.0/10
The Samsung HW-B550F is the soundbar most people should buy, clear and value packed with a wireless subwoofer. The JBL Bar 500 is the pick for surround sound, while the VIZIO V-Series is the value way to upgrade TV audio.
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Our top pick, secure checkout via Amazon
Note: Availability and specifications change often. Always confirm the current details on Amazon before buying.
