Best soundbar for your TV

Most people should get a soundbar with HDMI eARC, clear dialogue and the option to add a subwoofer later. For a large living room with Dolby Atmos films, the Sonos Arc Ultra is a strong choice; the Sonos Beam suits smaller rooms.

Updated 4 October 2026 · by Peter Scheel, Magelo · How Magelo recommends

What to look for

ConnectionHDMI eARCOne cable, TV remote control and support for Dolby Atmos.

DialogueDedicated centre channel or speech modeClear voices are the main reason most people buy a soundbar.

Dolby AtmosUp-firing drivers for real height effectsWithout them, Atmos is only simulated.

BassIncluded or optional subwooferA sub adds weight to films and music.

SizeRoughly as wide as your TV or narrowerAlso check the height so it does not block the screen or IR sensor.

StreamingWi-Fi with AirPlay 2 or Chromecast, or Spotify ConnectBetter quality and fewer dropouts than Bluetooth for music.

Our picks

Best for large rooms

Sonos Arc Ultra

A full Dolby Atmos soundbar with strong bass for its size and room calibration via Trueplay.

Read the summary →Live price

Best for smaller rooms

Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Compact with clear dialogue and eARC; Atmos is virtual rather than up-firing.

Find options with Magelo →Live price

Best on a budget

2.1 soundbar with wireless subwoofer

A simple, affordable upgrade that adds clear dialogue and real bass over TV speakers.

Find options with Magelo →Live price

Picks are based on published specs and common review findings. Prices and availability change daily; use "Live price" to check.

Buying tips

Check that your TV has an HDMI port labelled eARC or ARC and use that one.
Turn on the TV's audio output to the soundbar and set it to pass-through or auto for Dolby formats.
Measure the space under your TV and the gap between its feet before buying.

Questions and answers

What is the difference between ARC and eARC?

Both send sound from the TV to the soundbar over HDMI. eARC has much more bandwidth, so it can carry lossless formats such as Dolby TrueHD with Atmos.

Do I need a subwoofer with a soundbar?

Not always. Larger soundbars produce decent bass on their own, but a subwoofer adds noticeably more impact to action films and music.

Product summarySonos Arc Ultra ComparisonSonos Arc Ultra vs Sonos Beam Shopping guideBest TV for gaming