Speech enhancement mode on Sonos app to boost TV dialogue.
Can be incorporated into a larger multi-speaker system.Here is our expert pick of the best soundbars you can buy this year so far. If this is the case, you might want to consider the mid-range or premium models that offer surround sound or come with wireless subwoofers for that extra oomph. However, if you've invested a little more in building the ultimate cinematic experience, you'll want a soundbar that does it justice.
If you're just looking to upgrade the audio of an old TV, a budget soundbar costing under £200 is more than likely going to do the job you need it to. We'd also suggest that you consider how much you spent on the TV that you intend to use with the soundbar. However, there is some truth in the fact that the premium models tend to come with a more extensive range of features and more sophisticated audio processing technology. You don't need to spend a small fortune to get decent sound quality and specs. This can make it tricky to know how much to spend. The cost of soundbars varies drastically from anywhere around the £60 mark to upwards of £2,000. How much money should you spend on a soundbar? However, this can mean they're much bigger and require a more extensive setup. The premium soundbars are more likely to feature 360-degree sound, Dolby Atmos technology and more sophisticated audio modes. Models under £200 are unlikely to come with surround sound or a wireless subwoofer but will often be compact and simple to set up, making them great for rooms with limited space. You don't have to pay a lot for a soundbar to drastically improve your TV audio, but there are some features, such as surround sound, that do tend to push up the price. Price: With the price of soundbars varying so considerably, your budget will be an important part of which model you end up with.Then, you have the likes of the Roku Streambar, which combines a soundbar with a streaming device to give you access to Netflix, Disney+ and other apps that you can't usually watch without a smart TV. For example, Sonos has its own app featuring Sonos Radio, a streaming service containing curated stations based on genre, decade, artist, or mood. Features: Some models will come with additional features with the aim of drawing you away from their competitors.The colour options are limited, with most available only in black – or with the addition of white, in the case of Sonos. You'll also want to consider whether you'll want to mount the soundbar or for it to sit on a TV unit. Naturally, the latter will take up more space and tend to be in the mid-range or premium price point. There are two main design set-ups an all-in-one soundbar or a soundbar with an accompanying subwoofer. Design: Soundbars are available in a range of sizes and designs.This may be accompanied by audio modes found on an app or remote to fine-tune the sound further to increase bass or enhance the sound for speech. From Dolby Atmos to Sony's Vertical Surround Engine, each brand will have its own technique to refine the TV's output. Sound quality: If you're looking to buy a soundbar, improving your TV's audio quality is going to be a priority.Best mid-range soundbar: Yamaha YAS-209.Best soundbar for TV streaming: Roku Streambar.Best soundbar for Sony TVs: Sony HT-G700.And, keep everything tidy with our best HDMI cables and cable management ideas round-ups. Here is our hand-picked selection of the best soundbars to suit any budget, room size or TV set-up.įor other tech to upgrade your TV set-up, try our best streaming device guide.