The sound on most current televisions leaves a lot to be desired. The sound is usually projected downwards or backwards, so the sound never reaches the viewer directly. In addition, TVs are getting thinner and thinner and it is difficult to fit a good sound system into such a small space.
This is why soundbars are an excellent way of enhancing the sound from your TV’s built-in speakers. There are other options, such as home cinema, that allow us to enjoy a more immersive experience. This time, we are going to focus on the former and show you a list of some of the best options on the market, organised by price range.
But before we look at the list of the best soundbars in 2023, we are going to explain a few details to take into account when choosing a soundbar.
Soundbars with subwoofer or without subwoofer
Most soundbars include a separate subwoofer to enhance the bass. The subwoofer is a loudspeaker that is designed to reproduce the lower frequencies of the sound spectrum, as these frequencies are more difficult to reproduce and usually require a loudspeaker with certain characteristics and of a larger size. This subwoofer is usually wireless and self-powered (active), meaning that it is connected to the power supply but does not have a cable connected to the body of the bar.
Having a dedicated speaker to reproduce the lower frequencies usually results in a greater impact on the bass. These tend to be deeper and more powerful than when the subwoofer is integrated into the body of the bar.
However, this can sometimes be a problem, as you don’t always have the space to accommodate this speaker. Or, quite simply, it can be unsightly to have more speakers in the room.
For this reason, there are several options where the subwoofer is integrated into the bar itself, or replaced by one or more woofers.
Based on sound quality, connectivity and value for money, here is our list of the best 2023 soundbars. To help you choose the best option for your budget, we have divided this list into price categories.
List of the best soundbars of 2023
Not everyone is looking for the same thing or has the same budget, so in this list of the best 2023 soundbars, we’re going to recommend the best models you can buy based on price.
Premium soundbars
If you have a big budget and want the best of the best, here are our recommendations. When it comes to sound, not just anything will do, so to help you get the best audio possible, here’s our list of the best premium soundbars you can buy now in 2023.
Samsung HW-Q990C
Samsung HW-Q990C – Best Soundbars of 2023
We start this list of the best soundbars of 2023 with the impressive Samsung HW-Q990C, which has no less than 11.1.4 channels and 22 speakers.
The Samsung HW-Q990C, in our opinion, is the best soundbar you can buy right now if you want to enjoy a realimente immersive sound. It is the best option to enjoy home cinema, especially if you have Dolby Atmos content through a Blu-Ray, you have a Netflix Premium account or you are subscribed to Amazon Prime Video or Disney Plus.
This is Samsung’s top-of-the-range soundbar and it was created with the help of engineers from Harman Kardon, a company Samsung acquired a few years ago.
In order to achieve sound that projects in all directions, it has a total of 22 speakers inside, spread across the body of the bar, the subwoofer and the rear speakers. There are 11.1.4 channels, with the speakers facing the ceiling in the bar and the two rear speakers for maximum realism with Dolby Atmos.
There are 15 speakers integrated into the body of the bar, 6 in the rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer. There are 7.1.2 channels in the body, 4.0.2 in the rear speakers and the wireless subwoofer. On the sides, two angled woofers are integrated to give a wider sound.
Samsung HW-Q990C Wireless Wireless Rear Speakers
It has a design that does away with the fabric previously seen in other models and gives the entire bar a metallic finish, revealing the internal speakers.
“If you want maximum immersion, the Samsung HW-Q990C is the ideal soundbar. Thanks to its 11.1.4-channel system and 22 built-in speakers, you can hear the sound all over your living room.”
The Dolby Atmos experience is incredible and no other soundbar can deliver such immersive sound.
The Samsung HW-Q990C features the SpaceFit Sound+ system, which is based on sensors built into the bar that analyse the environment and the bar then adjusts the audio parameters based on this analysis.
If you also have a Samsung 2023 series TV, you can synchronise the sound from the bar and the TV’s speakers to create a more immersive sound experience.
View price Samsung HW-Q990C
Rear Speakers Included w/Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro
Sony HT-A7000
Sony HT-A7000 Soundbar
The main feature of Sony’s new top-of-the-range HT-A7000 is its compatibility with the Dolby Atmos audio format. This format is available on some Blu-ray movies, so if you like movies, this format allows you to experience a more immersive sound by using an object-based system rather than a channel-based one.
In order to play this format correctly, the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar has two speakers at the top that are directed towards the ceiling. This means that we can hear certain sounds above us.
The sound system is a 7.1 2-channel system with two upward-facing speakers, two beam tweeters and five front speakers, as well as a built-in dual subwoofer.
The Sony HT-A7000 is a soundbar that already has a built-in dual subwoofer for deep bass, but you can add a separate wireless subwoofer for extra low-frequency punch, as well as wireless rear speakers. This gives you a very complete set that will give you the most immersive experience.
Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Add one of the compatible SA-SW3 or SA-SW5 subwoofers. The soundbar’s built-in subwoofer handles vocals and bass, while the optional subwoofer focuses on the low end.
And if you want to take the experience to the next level, you can add the SA-wireless RS3S rear speakers to create a truly immersive sound system.
With a power output of 500W, it is ideal for large rooms. It includes excellent connectivity with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and integrates Google Chromecast.
If price is not an issue, the Sony HT-A7000 soundbar should definitely be on your list.
Advantages Sony HT-A7000
- Immersive experience
- Highly realistic dialogue and effects
- Ceiling facing speakers for Dolby Atmos.
View price Sony HT-A7000 soundbar
DTS:X and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, works with Alexa and Google Assistant
Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage
B&O Beosound Stage Bronze version
As usual, Bang & Olufsen has given the Beosound Stage soundbar a premium design with a simple and elegant frame, available in a variety of finishes. It is available in natural aluminium, bronze-coloured aluminium or smoked oak.
Attention has been paid to every detail and the natural and bronze-coloured frames are made from a single piece of forged aluminium with no visible welds. The smoked oak version features handmade dovetail joints.
In terms of sound quality, we find a 3.0 system with 11 drivers, each with its own 50W amplifier. Inside the Beosound Stage, we find four 4-inch woofers for the low frequencies, four 1.5-inch midrange drivers and three 3/4-inch tweeters for the high frequencies.
Beosound Stage Natural version
The centre channel, which reproduces the mid-range frequencies, is made up of two 1 ½” mid-range drivers. They are accompanied by a ¾-inch tweeter and a 4-inch woofer to produce a powerful bass.
The left and right channels of the Beosound Stage are designed to deliver a three-dimensional sound. This is achieved by adding a 1½-inch midrange driver and a ¾-inch tweeter on each side, positioned at a 45-degree off-axis angle to simulate a three-dimensional sound effect.
This model does not include a separate subwoofer, as the bass performance is more than adequate with the woofers built into the bar itself.
The Beosound Stage supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos sound via Dolby True HD, so you can enjoy a fully immersive experience.
Advantages B&O Beosound Stage
- Premium design and finish
- Powerful and defined sound
See price Bang & Olufsen Beosound Stage
High-end soundbars (up to 800€)
If, after looking at the previous models, you find that you like them all, but their price is a little high for what you had in mind, don’t worry, here we leave you with models that are a little more affordable, but that will still give you a very good performance in terms of sound quality and features.
Samsung HW-Q800C
Samsung HW-Q800C 5.1.2 channel soundbar
Another Samsung model that could not be missing from this list of the best soundbars of 2023 is the HW-Q800C. This is a more affordable model than the HW-Q990C we saw at the beginning, but it will still give you a great immersion thanks to its 5.1.2 channel system.
The Samsung HW-Q800C series features a 5.1.2 channel system with overhead speakers that output audio to the ceiling. This provides a much more immersive sound by bouncing off the ceiling so you can hear sounds overhead. In addition to this, it incorporates two side speakers to further expand the sound. And it comes with a center speaker, which is dedicated for dialogues allowing for clearer dialogues.
In total, the Samsung HW-Q800C soundbar integrates 11 speakers, with 5 woofers, 3 tweeters, the two top speakers and the 8-inch subwoofer.
Total power output is 360W and, as we saw on the HW-Q990C, comes with the Q-Symphony feature to combine audio if you have a 2023 Samsung TV.
It has built-in Wi-Fi and Chromecast, and is also compatible with Alexa so you can give voice commands.
This Samsung HW-Q800C is undoubtedly one of our favourite options if you want a powerful and good quality soundbar, but at a price that is not as high as the models we have just seen.
View price Samsung HW-Q800C
Mid-range soundbars (up to 500€)
We continue with the review of the most recommended soundbar models for a price of less than €500.
LG SPD7Y
The LG SPDY7 offers a more compact size compared to the models we have just seen. It has a 3.1.2 channel system with a power output of 380W.
It has a dedicated centre speaker for dialogue, so that when you are watching a film, you can hear it more clearly and separate it from the music and effects. If you want to enjoy a 5.1 system, you can add the SPK8 rear speaker kit, which is compatible with this model.
We found the LG SPD7Y soundbar to be a very interesting addition to improve the sound of your TV. It has a more compact design than other models in this range, making it suitable for both medium and large-screen TVs.
Despite its more compact size, it maintains the quality we have enjoyed with other soundbars, such as the SL8YG. This is a soundbar with a well-defined sound that allows you to hear dialogue very clearly. Adjusting the bass and treble settings, as we have said, gives you a very balanced and neutral sound to enjoy a very realistic experience.
It supports the new HDMI eARC, which allows you to listen to uncompressed Dolby Atmos via Dolby True HD for the best experience. It also has two speakers facing the ceiling, so you can hear the sound in the vertical plane as well.
The sound equalisation and the design and positioning of the speakers were developed in collaboration with Meridian Audio, who have extensive experience in high-fidelity sound.
Advantages LG SPD7Y
- More compact dimensions
- Ceiling mounted speakers for Dolby Atmos
View price LG SPD7Y
Yamaha YAS-209
2.1 Yamaha YAS-209 2.1 Soundbar
If you’re looking for a bar that’s particularly suitable for watching films, the Yamaha YAS-209 is the best in its price range. It offers exceptional dialogue clarity by adjusting its volume above other effects so that it can be heard more clearly.
The set consists of a bar with four woofers and two tweeters, plus a 6.25-inch wireless subwoofer. The Yamaha YAS-209 has an output of 200W.
Unlike the Q800C and SPD7Y models above, the YAS-209 does not support Dolby Atmos sound. Whether or not this is essential will depend on the content you are watching. Dolby Atmos content is fairly limited at the moment, so unless you have a premium account with Netflix, Disney Plus or Amazon Prime Video, or a 4K Blu-ray player that supports it, you won’t be missing out for the time being.
Without a doubt, the Yamaha YAS-209 is one of the best 2023 soundbars we can find for the money.
Advantages Yamaha YAS-209
- Clear dialogues
- Very balanced and natural sound
See price Yamaha YAS-209
Sony HT-S40R
Sony HT-S40R 5.1 Soundbar
This model differs from the others in that it comes with the rear speakers. In this case, the two speakers are wireless from the bar and the subwoofer, but are connected by cable to the wireless amplifier. This is an improvement on the previous S20R series, where everything was wired.
You still have to pull cables, but not back to front, so you won’t have cables all over the living room.
It has NFC and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as an HDMI ARC output and, of course, an optical cable input. The USB player port is on the front, along with the subwoofer.
Sony HT-S40R Soundbar Connections
In conclusion, the Sony HT-S40R is a good option if you want a 5.1 bar with rear speakers at a reasonable price.
Sony HT-S40R advantages
- 5.1 system with rear speakers included
- High power
View price Sony HT-S40R 5.1 channels
Budget soundbars (up to 200€)
If you’re not really a fan of sound and just want to improve the sound quality of your TV, check out our recommendations for budget soundbars under €200.
JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One MK2
The JBL Bar 2.0 MK2 is a great option if you are looking for a compact soundbar without a separate subwoofer. It has HDMI and optical connections and can be connected to a mobile phone or tablet via Bluetooth, as well as to your TV if it has Bluetooth connectivity.
You can use this model with a small-screen TV, as it can be placed directly underneath it if it uses a leg stand.
The sound quality is quite acceptable for its size, but as expected, it lacks a more powerful bass as it does not have a separate subwoofer. Inside, there are two dome tweeters with an output of 80W.
In terms of sound, we can say that it is well defined and clearly audible. It has a function to recreate a more surround sound, which partly helps the sound is not so direct, although due to its size and the fact that it only integrates two speakers, do not expect great results.
Given its limitations in terms of size and price, it is undoubtedly one of the best options on the market in this category if you are looking for something simple that does not take up a lot of space.
View price JBL Bar 2.0 All In One MK2
Sony HT-SF100
Sony HT-SF100 Soundbar
We conclude our list of the best soundbars of 2023 with the Sony HT-SF100. As you know, Sony is not usually the brand with the cheapest products, but in this case, the HT-SF100 is one of the cheapest soundbars on the market. It is the entry-level model in the 2023 range and offers excellent value for money. The sound quality is similar to that of the JBL Bar 2.0 that we have just looked at, with acceptable bass given that it does not have a subwoofer.
This is a two-channel system, with two woofers for the mid-range and bass, and two tweeters for the high frequencies. The total power output is 120 W.
2 channel soundbar Sony HT-SF150
If you are looking for a compact unit without the pretension of getting something high fidelity for around €100, this is a model to consider.
Advantages Sony HT-SF100
- Ideal if you are looking for a simple soundbar without subwoofer.
- Value for money
View price Sony HT-SF100
This is our selection of the best 2023 soundbars you can buy right now. As you can see, we have put together a comprehensive list that includes the best models in different price ranges, as well as soundbars with and without subwoofers. We hope this article has been helpful and, as always, if you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
What is the best sound bar I can buy?
As you can see, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best 2023 soundbars you can buy right now. We included what we think are the best models at different price points, as well as soundbars with and without subwoofers.
If you are looking for a high-end soundbar and have a large budget, our recommendation is to buy the Samsung HW-Q990C. In our opinion, this is the model that will give you maximum immersion as it has an 11.1.4-channel sound system with rear speakers included and four top speakers to enjoy Dolby Atmos.
If you also have a Samsung Neo QLED TV from the 2022 or 2023 series, you can take advantage of the wireless Dolby Atmos and Q-Symphony 2.0 features.
If your budget is more limited, you have interesting options like the HW-Q800C, also from Samsung, which allows you to keep some of the features like Dolby Atmos, or the Sony HT-S40R if you want 5.1 sound, although you sacrifice Dolby Atmos support.
