WikiCompare live prices on soundbar across Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, AliExpress, and curated Awin partner merchants. Soundbar size should roughly match TV size — a 36-inch bar under a 65-inch TV looks small but sounds fine. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($499) and Bose Smart Soundbar ($499) are the consensus picks for ~55-65" TVs. Add a wireless subwoofer if you want movie-theater bass — without it, dialogue is clear but action scenes feel flat. Dolby Atmos requires either upward-firing drivers in the bar (5.1.2) or ceiling reflection — most effective in rooms with flat ceilings 8-10 feet high. Click any card to open the seller's product page; we earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions about soundbar
What size soundbar should I get for my TV?
Roughly match TV size — a 40-inch bar under a 65-inch TV looks balanced, a 36-inch under 55-inch TV is fine. Larger isn't always better; many smaller premium soundbars (Sonos Beam) outperform bigger budget bars. Wall-mounted TVs should pair with wall-mountable soundbars to keep the visual line clean.
Do I need a subwoofer with my soundbar?
For movies and gaming, yes — built-in soundbar bass is anemic. Quality soundbars (Sonos Beam, Bose Smart Soundbar 600) sound dramatically better with a wireless sub paired. For dialogue-focused TV viewing only (news, sitcoms), a sub is unnecessary. Look for soundbars that bundle a sub at purchase to save $200-400.
Sonos Beam vs Bose Smart Soundbar — which is better?
Sonos Beam Gen 2 ($499) wins for ecosystem (multi-room with other Sonos speakers, Apple AirPlay 2, multiple voice assistants). Bose Smart Soundbar 600 ($499) wins for dialogue clarity and Dolby Atmos performance. Both have wireless sub options. Sonos has the longer-term software support track record.
Is Dolby Atmos in a soundbar worth it?
In a flat 8-10 foot ceiling room, yes — upward-firing drivers create real height effects in Atmos-mixed movies (most Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+ content). In high ceilings, vaulted ceilings, or rooms with ceiling fans, Atmos effect is muted. The Sonos Arc, Samsung Q990C, and LG SC9S are the best-implemented Atmos soundbars.
Can I connect a soundbar via Bluetooth instead of HDMI?
Yes, but Bluetooth maxes out at 2-channel stereo — you lose surround, lose Atmos, and gain audio-video sync issues. HDMI ARC (or eARC for full Atmos) is the right connection. Optical works for older TVs but caps at 5.1 Dolby Digital. Always use HDMI eARC when available.
How do I fix soundbar lip-sync issues?
Most TVs have an Audio Sync setting in their audio menu — adjust in 10ms increments until the audio matches the video. Soundbars also have their own delay setting. The fix is usually 80-150ms of delay added on the soundbar side, since modern TVs process video slower than audio over HDMI.