10 Best Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar that aims to enhance your TV audio experience, especially when it comes to dialogue clarity. With its two angled full-range drivers, it provides a wide and natural sound, making it a good choice for movie watching, sports events, or just enjoying your favorite shows. One standout feature is its enhanced dialogue mode, which specifically focuses on making voices clearer, a major plus for those who often struggle to catch every word during dialogue-heavy scenes.

Connectivity is user-friendly, supporting Bluetooth, HDMI-ARC, Optical, and AUX, allowing you to easily pair your devices for streaming music or podcasts. The setup is straightforward, as a single cable connection links the soundbar to your TV, making it accessible even for those who aren't tech-savvy.

In terms of size, the Bose TV Speaker is just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to fit in front of your TV or mount on a wall, which is perfect for smaller spaces. The included remote control adds convenience, enabling features like bass boost and the dialogue mode. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the sound performance is solid for a small unit, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which might disappoint those looking for deeper bass. Although you can connect it to an external Bose Bass Module, that requires extra investment and isn't included. The soundbar is also not waterproof, limiting its use in more diverse environments.

The Bose TV Speaker is well-suited for individuals who primarily watch TV shows and movies and prioritize dialogue clarity. It’s user-friendly and compact, making it a practical choice for enhancing home entertainment. If you're seeking a robust bass experience or a more immersive sound setup, exploring additional speaker options or investing in the compatible subwoofer may be beneficial.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar is designed to deliver an impressive audio experience, especially for those looking for high-quality sound in their home entertainment setup. With a robust 9.1.4 channel layout and Dolby Atmos support, it creates a rich and immersive spatial audio experience that enhances movies and music alike. The innovative Sound Motion technology is a standout feature, providing precise sound placement throughout the room, making it enjoyable in various listening environments.

In terms of usability, the Arc Ultra offers flexible connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI, allowing for easy integration with most TVs and streaming devices. The straightforward setup process is a plus, as users can quickly get started with guidance from the Sonos app. Additionally, the soundbar includes features like Speech Enhancement, which improves dialogue clarity, making it a great choice for watching films or shows with intricate plots.

The sleek design of the Arc Ultra adds to its appeal, blending seamlessly into modern home decor without drawing attention away from the screen. Voice control capabilities through Sonos Voice Control and Amazon Alexa make it convenient to manage playback without needing to reach for a remote. The soundbar is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market, which might not fit every budget. Also, while it delivers excellent sound on its own, the full potential of the Dolby Atmos experience can only be realized by adding additional Sonos components, like the Sub or rear speakers, which further increases the cost. The Arc Ultra is also not waterproof, limiting its placement options to indoor environments only.

If you're seeking a premium soundbar and are willing to invest in a more comprehensive sound setup, the Sonos Arc Ultra could be a fantastic addition to your home audio system, especially for movie lovers and music enthusiasts.

The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar stands out for its impressive sound quality and advanced features. It utilizes the proprietary TrueSpace technology to deliver an immersive audio experience, making it ideal for movie enthusiasts and TV show lovers. The A.I. Dialogue Mode enhances clarity, ensuring you won't miss any dialogue. The soundbar's compact design houses five transducers, including upward-firing ones, to create a spacious and realistic soundstage. This can be a significant advantage for those with limited space but who still want high-quality audio performance.

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar offers multiple streaming options like Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in, providing flexibility in how you play your content. Voice control is also comprehensive with built-in Amazon Alexa and compatibility with Google Assistant, allowing you to manage your TV and other devices hands-free. However, the necessity of additional purchases, like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for a full surround sound experience, might be a downside for some users. Additionally, the soundbar's reliance on proprietary technologies means you may not get the same experience with non-Dolby Atmos content.

It fits seamlessly on a shelf but might require additional mounting accessories for other setups. If you're looking for a powerful yet compact soundbar with advanced voice control and versatile connectivity options, this Bose model is a solid choice, though it may come at a higher price point compared to others in the market.