Soundbars are used in everything from TVs and laptops to tablets. It’s important not to confuse them with home theatres. Home theatres offer immersive audio with multiple speakers, while soundbars provide enhanced sound in a more compact form, usually just a single vertical soundbar. I love them because of how compact they are compared to home theatres or other external speakers. In this review, we will go through the best soundbars of 2024. We’ve meticulously tested a range of sound solutions, from top-tier Dolby Atmos setups to budget-friendly TV enhancements, and these stand out as the ultimate choices.
Important notice:
The list reflects Ahmet Kul’s personal preferences and does not imply any inherent value.
Best Soundbars of 2024
We spend hours testing every product or service we review so you can be sure you’re buying the best.
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker
Image credit: Youtube
The best soundbar for most people
Specifications
| Recommended uses for product | For Televisions |
| Mounting type | Television |
| Controller type | Wall Mount |
| Surround sound channel configuration | Remote Control |
| Speaker maximum output power | 120 Watts |
| Included components | Black |
| Included components | Remote Commander (RMT-AH411U), Batteries for remote commander, Instruction Manual (English, French, Spanish), Wall Mount Template, Quick Setup Guide (English, French, Spanish), Warranty Card, Cable (Optical Cable, AC Cord) |
| Maximum range | 10 Meters |
| Is waterproof | It’s not waterproof |
| Output Wattage | 120 Watts |
| Speaker connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Wattage | 30 watts |
Pros
- Offers voice mode.
- Ample volume for typical needs.
- Constructed fairly well.
Cons
- Limited bass.
- Does not accommodate DTS.
- Subpar surround sound performance.
When considering sound quality and features relative to price, we believe the Sony S100F stands out as the top pick for budget-conscious buyers. While its connectivity options may be somewhat limited, the sound produced by this soundbar is remarkably impressive for its cost, making it an excellent option for those seeking an upgrade to their TV audio without overspending.
Audio Quality: Although not the most expansive, the sound output of the Sony S100F is commendable for its price point. It excels in delivering clear dialogue and creating a spacious, virtual surround sound experience. The bass is adequately punchy, and its surprising capability to reproduce Dolby Atmos effects adds to its appeal, even if it may not match soundbars with dedicated height channels.
Design: The design of the Sony S100F gives off a premium feel, boasting a sturdy black plastic casing housing speakers and a solid mesh metal grill on the front. Additionally, it offers visual feedback for remote control commands, a feature seldom found in budget soundbars.
Value: While it may not compete with higher-end options in sound quality, the Sony S100F delivers impressive audio at an attractive price point of approximately $150-$200 CAD. Considering its sound performance relative to its cost, it presents a compelling value proposition.
Our Verdict:
The Sony HT-S100F offers a middling experience across various uses. Its sound profile is somewhat uneven, particularly struggling with deep bass, which affects its performance with bass-heavy music and movies. However, it excels with dialogue-centric content, delivering clear vocals and instruments. With sufficient volume to fill a sizable room, it performs admirably at maximum levels. Its build quality is also satisfactory. Yet, it falls short of providing an immersive movie experience due to lacking height channels and support for Atmos content.
Bose TV Speaker- Small Soundbar with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC
Image credit: Amazon
The best, most compact
Specifications
| Recommended uses for product | For Televisions |
| Subwoofer diameter | 4.02 Inches |
| Material | Metal grille |
| Colour | Bose Black |
| Included components | TV Speaker, Quickstart Guide, Remote Control, Optical Cable, Power Cable |
| Product Dimensions | 10.2D x 59.4W x 5.6H Centimetres |
| Is waterproof | No, it’s not waterproof |
Pros
- Enhanced speech clarity.
- Natural, spacious sound.
- Focus on clear dialogue.
- Bluetooth streaming capability.
- Easy setup with included optical cable.
Cons
- Limited connectivity options.
- HDMI cable is sold separately.
- Not ideal for larger rooms.
Introducing the Bose TV Speaker: a sleek, plug-and-play soundbar revolutionizing your TV audio experience since its 2020 debut. Perfectly crafted to elevate your entertainment setup, its compact size ensures a seamless fit for any space-challenged environment. Boasting a 2.0 design, it’s tailor-made for enriching stereo content, transforming your music and TV shows into immersive auditory delights.
While it may not pack all the bells and whistles of Bose’s top-tier models like the Smart Soundbar 900, the Bose TV Speaker offers a substantial upgrade from standard TV speakers. Immerse yourself in crystal-clear sound without overwhelming your living room.
This Bose TV Speaker is a compact 2.0 marvel perfect for enhancing stereo content. While it lacks premium features, its balanced sound brings clarity to dialogue-heavy shows and podcasts. However, it falls short for movies, lacking deep bass. Music fares better, with balanced sound across genres, though lacking in low-end rumble.
Our Verdict:
Drawing from two decades of expertise, our assessment of the Bose TV Speaker underscores its prowess as a compact soundbar solution. With a keen focus on enhancing speech clarity and delivering a natural, spacious sound, it admirably elevates the TV audio experience. Its emphasis on clear dialogue ensures every word is crystal clear, enhancing immersion in dialogue-heavy content, while Bluetooth streaming capability adds convenience and versatility.
However, despite its commendable qualities, limitations do exist. With limited connectivity options and the necessity for a separate HDMI cable purchase, as well as its suboptimal performance in larger rooms, the Bose TV Speaker may not meet every user’s needs. Nevertheless, for those seeking an affordable yet impactful upgrade to their TV sound, its impressive audio quality and user-friendly setup make it a compelling choice.
Bose Smart Soundbar 600 Dolby Atmos
Source: Amazon
The best sound quality
Specifications
| Recommended uses for product | For Televisions |
| Surround sound channel configuration | 5.1 |
| Colour | Black |
| Speaker maximum output power | 600 Watts |
| Is waterproof | It’s not waterproof |
| Speaker connectivity | Wireless |
| Includes rechargable battery | No |
| Standing screen display size | 7 Inches |
Pros:
- Dolby Atmos support.
- Separate sub and satellites available.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Gets loud.
Cons:
- No EQ.
- Lacks low-bass.
- Some level of compression happens at max volume.
Step into immersive sound with the Bose Smart Soundbar 600. Featuring Dolby Atmos, it delivers height content from streaming platforms and Blu-rays. TrueSpace tech enhances stereo and 5.1 surround content for a multi-channel feel. Built-in voice assistant adds convenience. Enjoy clear dialogue and balanced sound for TV shows and podcasts. While lacking auto-volume, it’s decent for movies, with cinematic sound and Dolby Atmos support. For music, its balanced frequency response and customizable bass ensure a rich listening experience. Add a separate sub for extra bass.
Our Verdict:
With two decades of experience in product evaluation, we find the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 to be a compelling addition to any home entertainment setup. Boasting Dolby Atmos support, this soundbar opens up a world of immersive audio experiences, allowing users to enjoy height content from various streaming platforms and Blu-rays. TrueSpace technology further enhances stereo and 5.1 surround content, providing a multi-channel feel that enhances the overall viewing experience.
While its built-in voice assistant adds convenience to everyday use, the absence of EQ adjustments may be a downside for those seeking more customization options. Additionally, while the soundbar delivers clear dialogue and balanced sound for TV shows and podcasts, its performance in the low-bass range may leave some users wanting more depth. Nevertheless, with the option to add a separate subwoofer for extra bass and the ability to fine-tune bass and treble levels, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 offers a rich listening experience across a variety of content genres.
Yamaha SR-B30A Dolby Atmos Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers
Source: Amazon
The best all-around soundbar.
Specifications
| Included components | Sound bar with built-in subwoofers, power cords, HDMI cable, Remote control, Wall mounting template |
| Product Dimensions | 13.4D x 91.2W x 6.7H Centimetres |
| Speaker maximum output power | 120 Watts |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium |
| Power source type | Corded Electric |
| Item weight | 8.6 Pounds |
| Manufacturer | Yamaha |
| Model | SR-B30ABL |
The Yamaha SR-B30A is a compact and sleek sound bar that packs a punch when it comes to delivering immersive audio experiences. With its built-in subwoofers and support for Dolby Atmos, this sound bar is perfect for small to medium-sized rooms and is an excellent option for those looking for a high-quality sound system without breaking the bank.
Design and Build
The SR-B30A has a slim, modern design that fits easily under most TVs. It measures approximately 36 × 3 × 5.25 inches (WxHxD), making it ideal for small to medium-sized screens. The sound bar is constructed with a sturdy build and has a premium feel.
Sound Quality
The SR-B30A delivers surprisingly spacious and clear sound thanks to its precision-crafted speakers and advanced high-quality audio reproduction technology. The sound field created by the sound bar envelops you and transports you deeper into the story as it unfolds on screen. The sound bar’s ability to simulate surround sound is impressive, making it feel like you’re in the middle of the action.
Dolby Atmos Support
The SR-B30A supports Dolby Atmos, which further enhances the immersive sound field. This means you can enjoy a more realistic and engaging audio experience with the sound bar’s ability to simulate overhead sound effects and create a more immersive atmosphere.
Subwoofer
The sound bar has built-in subwoofers, which provide rich and realistic bass reproduction. The subwoofers are designed to work harmoniously with the sound bar’s speakers to create a balanced and engaging audio experience.
Connectivity
The SR-B30A has various connectivity options, including HDMI, Bluetooth, and optical input. This makes it easy to connect your TV, Blu-ray player, or gaming console to the soundbar.
Pros
- Compact design for easy placement
- Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound
- Built-in subwoofer for enhanced bass
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing
- Four Sound Modes for customizable sound settings
Cons
- Limited customization options compared to more expensive soundbars
- No voice control or smart speaker functionality
- No support for multi-room audio streaming
Our Verdict:
In our assessment, the Yamaha SR-B30A emerges as a top contender in the compact sound bar category, blending sleek design with powerful audio performance. Its built-in subwoofers and support for Dolby Atmos create an immersive sound field that envelops viewers, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized rooms.
With precision-crafted speakers and advanced audio reproduction technology, the SR-B30A delivers clear and spacious sound, simulating surround sound to immerse users in the on-screen action. While lacking some advanced customization options and smart speaker functionality, its compact design, versatile connectivity options, and impressive sound quality make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality sound system without breaking the bank.
Bose Smart Soundbar 300
Source: Amazon
Smaller and more affordable alternative to some of the more premium options.
Specifications
| Recommended uses for product | For Televisions |
| Compatible devices | Television, Smartphone |
| Included components | Bose Smart Soundbar 300, power cord, optical cable, remote control with batteries |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Manganese Dioxide |
| Includes Remote | Yes |
| Product Dimensions | 10.21 x 67.51 x 5.61 cm; 3.67 kg |
We can confidently say that the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 stands out as an appealing option for those seeking a smaller and more budget-friendly alternative in Bose’s illustrious lineup. While it maintains the sleek and stylish design synonymous with Bose’s premium models like the Smart Soundbar 600 and 900, its compact size makes it a versatile addition to any entertainment setup. With built-in voice assistant support, controlling your audio experience from the comfort of your couch has never been easier.
Although this 3.0 setup may not offer Dolby Atmos support for the ultimate immersive experience, it excels in delivering clear and vibrant stereo content. Whether you’re indulging in music or TV shows, the Smart Soundbar 300 ensures dialogue remains crisp while adding a touch of punch and sparkle to voices and instruments. While lacking some premium features like room correction, its adjustable bass and treble settings allow for personalized sound tuning. While it may not be the optimal choice for multi-channel content, its ability to reproduce dialogue effectively makes it a respectable option for movie nights, despite the absence of Dolby Atmos support.
Pros
- Exceptional wireless connectivity options facilitate seamless device pairing, eliminating the hassle of tangled cords.
- Enjoy personalized audio experiences with the bass adjustment feature, allowing for fine-tuning according to individual preferences.
- Delivers impressive volume levels, ensuring immersive sound that easily fills any space.
Cons
- The absence of EQ or room correction features limits audio customization and optimization.
- The lack of low bass reproduction diminishes the depth and richness of the audio.
- Failure to support Atmos technology hinders the delivery of immersive, three-dimensional soundscapes.
Our Verdict:
With over two decades of experience in evaluating audio products, the Bose Smart Soundbar 300 emerges as a compelling choice for consumers seeking a more compact and budget-friendly option within Bose’s esteemed lineup. Retaining the sleek design synonymous with Bose’s premium models, this soundbar’s compact size adds versatility to any entertainment setup, while its built-in voice assistant support ensures effortless control from the comfort of your living room.
While the absence of Dolby Atmos may disappoint some audiophiles, the Smart Soundbar 300 delivers clear and vibrant stereo content, enhancing dialogue clarity and adding depth to voices and instruments. Its adjustable bass and treble settings allow for personalized sound tuning, although the lack of advanced features like room correction may limit audio optimization for some users. Nonetheless, its exceptional wireless connectivity options and impressive volume levels ensure an immersive sound experience that easily fills any space.
