10 Best TV Soundbars

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a compact and stylish soundbar that fits well in smaller living rooms or bedrooms where space is limited. It offers 2.0 audio channels with dynamic drivers and supports Dolby Atmos, which helps create an immersive 3D surround sound experience ideal for movies and TV shows. Although it has a modest maximum power output of 25 watts, it delivers clear dialogue and vibrant bass, thanks partly to its built-in 6.5-inch woofer. However, it does not have a separate subwoofer included, which might mean bass won’t be as deep compared to systems with dedicated subs.

Connectivity is a strong point, with WiFi and Apple AirPlay 2 support making it easy to stream music, podcasts, or radio from your phone or other devices even when the TV is off. It connects wirelessly and can be controlled via the Sonos app, your TV remote, or voice commands, which adds convenience for everyday use. Setting up the Beam is straightforward with just two cables and app guidance, plus it offers Trueplay tuning to optimize sound based on your room.

Smart features like TV Audio Swap allow you to quietly switch the sound to compatible Sonos headphones, a nice touch for late-night listening. The design is sleek and modern with a lightweight build, making it easy to place on a tabletop or mount under a TV. This soundbar suits users who want a simple yet smart upgrade for TV sound and music streaming without extra bulky components. If deep bass or more powerful output is a priority, adding a subwoofer or choosing a larger system might be necessary. Its ease of use, compact size, and good sound quality make it a solid choice for most UK homes looking to improve their entertainment sound.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is designed to enhance your TV audio experience with its 3.1 channel setup, which includes a built-in subwoofer for added bass. This all-in-one soundbar provides a powerful sound with an easy setup, utilizing an HDMI eARC/ARC connection for quick integration with your TV. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it offers immersive 3D sound that can elevate your viewing experience by delivering audio that moves around you, creating a more lifelike and engaging atmosphere.

One of the standout features is its crystal-clear dialogue, thanks to a dedicated center channel that improves speech clarity, making it easier to follow your favorite shows and movies. The soundbar also includes various EQ modes such as Film, Music, Sport, and Night, allowing you to tailor the audio according to the content you're watching.

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar supports Bluetooth, which enables you to stream music from your phone or tablet seamlessly. It also comes with multiple port options including HDMI, optical, AC, and USB-A, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices, including smart TVs and streaming media players.

However, the all-in-one design means that the subwoofer is built-in, which might not deliver the same depth of bass as a separate unit might. For those looking for a more powerful bass experience, this could be a consideration. The soundbar's size is relatively compact, but at 4.0 kg, it might require a sturdy setup if wall-mounted.

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a stylish and convenient option for anyone seeking an upgrade from basic TV speakers, particularly if you value ease of use, clear dialogue, and immersive sound. Its smart features, like integration with Fire TV for remote control and sound customization, make it a modern choice for enhancing home entertainment systems.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is a high-end soundbar designed to deliver an immersive home theater experience with its 9.1.4 channel setup and Dolby Atmos support. This enables it to create rich, three-dimensional sound that fills the room, making movies and music feel more lifelike. The soundbar also offers clear dialogue, featuring a special Speech Enhancement to make voices easier to hear.

It boasts a sleek, modern design in white that fits well in most living rooms without drawing too much attention. Connectivity is straightforward with a single HDMI eARC cable to your TV, plus options like WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect for streaming music. Control options include your TV remote, the Sonos app, voice commands (including Alexa), or touch controls on the unit itself. The sound can be fine-tuned for your room using the Trueplay feature, which adjusts audio based on your space.

While it doesn't include a subwoofer in the box, you can add the Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers wirelessly to boost bass and create a full surround sound setup. At about 10 kilograms and just under 1.2 meters wide, the Arc Ultra is designed for tabletop placement and is also waterproof, adding durability. The price is higher than many simpler soundbars, and it might be more than needed if you only want basic TV sound improvement. Additionally, the setup relies on the Sonos app and compatible TVs with HDMI eARC, so it may not work perfectly with older models. This makes the Sonos Arc Ultra an excellent choice for those seeking premium, room-filling sound with smart controls and expandability, especially for movies and music lovers who value sound quality and convenience.