Top Soundbars for Better TV Sound (2026)

Best for: Movie and music fans with a TV of 55 inches or more

Both sites' top soundbar. Tom's Guide says its Dolby Atmos beats almost anything without separate surround speakers, with clear dialogue. What Hi-Fi? calls the sound clean, precise, spacious and three-dimensional, with deep, tuneful bass from the Sound Motion woofer.

Skip it if: You need extra HDMI inputs or DTS:X

Best for: TVs from 32 to 48 inches when you just want clearer dialogue

Tom's Guide's best under $100 and What Hi-Fi?'s best cheap soundbar, where it is sold as the HT-SF150. Both say it is a clear step up from TV speakers, with clearer dialogue and a wide, balanced sound.

Skip it if: You want Atmos or deep bass

Best for: Movie watchers who want Atmos with a sub for a mid-range price

Tom's Guide's best soundbar for movies: crystal-clear dialogue, immersive 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos and a good included subwoofer for impactful bass. What Hi-Fi? lists the Theatre Bar 7 with its subwoofer as a beautifully balanced package that is hard to fault.

Skip it if: You mainly listen to music or have a very large TV

Best for: Buyers who want the best sound from one bar and have the budget

What Hi-Fi?'s best premium soundbar, with detailed, precise sound, tight bass and Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It says the XIO can double as a standalone music system. Tom's Guide calls it one of the best-sounding, best-looking and best-built soundbars it has tested.

Skip it if: You want value or need HDMI passthrough

Both sites test it as a solid mid-range Dolby Atmos bar. Tom's Guide says it brings a lot to the table in a compact model with a subwoofer in the box. What Hi-Fi? says it gives room-filling sound and a lot of kit for the money.

Skip it if: You want the best detail or smart features, where the Theater Bar 7 does more