TV speakers are thin and tinny. A soundbar is the easiest upgrade for clearer dialogue and fuller sound. Here is how to choose one.

Understand the channels

Numbers like 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1 tell you how many speakers are inside and whether there is a subwoofer. The number before the dot is the speaker channels, and the number after is the subwoofer. More channels create a wider, more immersive sound.

Dolby Atmos

Dolby Atmos adds height to the sound, so effects like rain or helicopters seem to come from above. It works best with Atmos content from streaming services and Blu-ray discs.

Subwoofer

A subwoofer handles deep bass for movies and music. A wireless subwoofer is easier to place, because you only need a power outlet nearby.

Connections

• HDMI ARC or eARC: the simplest way to connect to a modern TV
• Optical: a good fallback for older TVs
• Bluetooth: stream music straight from your phone

Desktop soundbars

If you mostly game or work at a desk, a compact RGB desktop soundbar saves space and adds lighting to your setup.

Browse our soundbars and home theater audio, including models from ULTIMEA and Redragon.