10 Best Soundbars in 2026

Tom's Guide called the Arc Ultra the "best soundbar, bar none" — their strongest endorsement. RTings rated it their #1 all-in-one soundbar (no separate subwoofer required). The Arc Ultra uses Sound Motion technology — 14 custom drivers arranged for precise overhead and surround virtualization — to produce convincing Dolby Atmos height effects from a single bar. Trueplay automatically tunes the sound to your room's acoustics. Wi-Fi multi-room integrates with the full Sonos ecosystem. For a living room where a subwoofer isn't practical, nothing delivers more immersive sound.

RTings' #1 soundbar system with subwoofer — the HW-Q990F is the most complete home theater soundbar available. Eleven channels (11.1.4) with wireless rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer fills a room with genuine directional surround sound, not virtualization. Q-Symphony syncs with compatible Samsung TVs to use the TV's built-in speakers as additional channels. Game Mode Pro minimizes audio latency for gaming. The 2025 update improves on the already class-leading Q990D. For buyers building a true home theater without an AV receiver, this is the benchmark.

TechRadar's #1 overall soundbar pick for 2026. The HW-Q800F delivers 5.1.2 channels with a wireless subwoofer and Dolby Atmos height channels at $549–$799 — roughly half the price of the Q990F. Q-Symphony and Game Mode Pro carry over from the flagship. For Samsung TV owners who want a meaningful upgrade from built-in TV speakers without going all-in on a full 11.1.4 system, the Q800F hits the best price-to-performance point in the lineup.

Tom's Guide and RTings both recognize the S95TR as LG's flagship soundbar and a top-tier 2026 pick. Wow Orchestra syncs with compatible LG OLED and QNED TVs to use the TV's speakers alongside the soundbar — similar to Samsung's Q-Symphony but for LG owners. WOWCAST wireless connection eliminates HDMI cables between the soundbar and TV. 9.1.5 channels with wireless rear speakers means genuine surround. The best choice for LG OLED TV owners, where the TV + soundbar integration delivers its full benefit.

Tom's Guide's best all-in-one soundbar system. The 1300X has a unique feature no competitor offers: the rear surround speakers detach from the main bar and have their own built-in batteries — use them as wireless surrounds at home or take them as standalone Bluetooth speakers. MultiBeam technology bounces sound off walls and ceilings for Atmos height effects. 11.1.4 channels with a wireless sub delivers a full home theater experience. The detachable speakers make it the most versatile high-end system available.

Tom's Guide's best value soundbar and TechRadar's best budget Atmos pick. The HT-S2000 delivers Dolby Atmos and a built-in subwoofer in a compact, single-bar form at $299–$499. For buyers who want genuine Atmos without the complexity of a full surround system, this hits the sweet spot. The built-in sub eliminates the need for a separate box while providing real low-frequency output. HDMI eARC handles lossless audio from your TV. The best choice for apartment living rooms or bedrooms where a subwoofer isn't practical.

Tom's Guide's best soundbar under $100 with 8,000+ Amazon reviews — one of the most-reviewed soundbars available. The HT-S100F is a no-frills TV audio upgrade: plug it in via optical or AUX, connect Bluetooth for streaming, and immediately hear more dialogue clarity and fuller sound than any TV's built-in speakers. The bass reflex design extends low-frequency output without a subwoofer. Ideal for small TVs, bedrooms, office setups, or anyone who just wants cleaner TV sound without complexity.

Tom's Guide named the Heston 120 one of their favorite product launches of 2025. It brings Marshall's iconic rock-and-roll aesthetic — cream grille cloth, gold Marshall logo, analog knobs for volume, bass, and treble — to a full-featured Dolby Atmos soundbar with a built-in subwoofer and Wi-Fi connectivity. 3.1.2 channels with dedicated upward-firing drivers for genuine Atmos height effects. If you want a soundbar that looks as interesting as it sounds, nothing else on this list competes visually. Few reviews reflect how recently it launched, not a quality concern.

TechRadar's best all-in-one soundbar system pick from October 2025. The Flexus Core 300 is a collaboration between Klipsch (known for efficient horn-loaded speakers) and Onkyo (legendary AV receiver manufacturer) — a pairing that brings genuine audiophile engineering to a soundbar. Dirac Live room correction is a professional-grade acoustic calibration system that analyzes your specific room and applies corrective EQ, typically reserved for $500+ AV receivers. 5.1.2 channels with a wireless sub provides real surround at a competitive price point.

TechRadar's best budget Atmos surround soundbar, and the best value-per-dollar on this list. The AX5140Q delivers 5.1.4 channels with a wireless subwoofer and Dolby Atmos at $349 — roughly a quarter of what the Samsung Q990F costs for similar channel count. Roku TV Ready for direct Roku integration. Bluetooth 5.3 for low-latency wireless connections. 4.5 stars from 375+ reviews is strong validation for a budget Atmos system. If you want real Dolby Atmos surround on a tight budget, this is the pick.