When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Today’sbest soundbarsdon’t just offer stereo sound: the best of them are all-singing, all-dancing surround sound systems that can add a whole new dimension to your home entertainment audio.
1. Even the best TVs sound awful
Okay, okay. Maybe not the very best TVs, the ones so expensive that if you have to ask the price then you can’t afford them.Samsung’s Object Tracking Sound andSony’s Acoustic Surface Audio technologies are both really good. But, and it’s a but so big Sir Mix-A-Lot would rap about it, the vast majority of flat-screen TVs have pretty tiny speakers, and those speakers can’t match the sheer thump of a decent soundwoofer system.
2. Atmos is everywhere
Wherever you get your movies and TV shows from, chances are it’s available in Atmos: you’ll find Atmos onNetflix, onDisney+, onAmazon Prime Video, onApple TV+, on Sky… you get the idea. Most 4K Blu-Rays are now Atmos too, and so are manyXbox Series SandXbox Series Xgames.
3. Atmos in soundbars really works
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
4. You don’t need to run cables
I’ve got an Atmos system at home, but it’s a wired one through an AV receiver and I can confidently tell you that wiring it up was a right pain in the backside – and because of the shape of the room it’s in, I had to spend ages running and taping down cables for various speakers so they wouldn’t be visible or become trip hazards. Even the most complex sub-and-speakers soundbar system is much simpler, much more elegant and much less likely to make you use terrible swear words.
5. You don’t necessarily need an Atmos sound source
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B deals$1,368ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B deals$1,368ViewWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Samsung HW-Q990B deals
$1,368View
$1,368View
$1,368View
$1,368View
$1,368
$1,368
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar review: low-cost soundbar offers a middling upgradeThis cheap soundbar can’t match the best
This cheap soundbar can’t match the best
Loewe packages its best speakers into some seriously stylish home cinema setsWatch movies in style
Watch movies in style
Philips' new soundbars are designed to be heard, not necessarily seenThe Philips TAB6309, TAB5309, and TAB5109 soundbars are slim, sleek and spec-filled
The Philips TAB6309, TAB5309, and TAB5109 soundbars are slim, sleek and spec-filled
Get better sound for less
Philips Fidelio FB1 review: maximum bass, minimum fussThis Atmos soundbar might be the best choice for anyone looking for deep bass from a single unit
This Atmos soundbar might be the best choice for anyone looking for deep bass from a single unit
Denon DHT-S517 review: a solid way to scale up your TV’s soundThe Denon DHT-S517 is a well-priced soundbar that gets more right than wrong
The Denon DHT-S517 is a well-priced soundbar that gets more right than wrong
3 cheap soundbars that deliver awesome audio upgradesA soundbar is one of the biggest TV upgrades you can make, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend big money
A soundbar is one of the biggest TV upgrades you can make, but that doesn’t mean you need to spend big money