Here’s why you can trust our list of the best sound bars and trays.
CartePerformance has been evaluating sound bars since they came onto the market as a way to compensate for the weak sound of televisions. Our team of experts has seen all the trends and developments, from the rise of Dolby Atmos to the finer all-in-one units that do not require a subwoofer. We are aware of what people really expect from their soundbar.
None of our evaluations are sponsored, so all our buying tips are honest and unbiased.
However, we can make money if you click on one of the links to buy a sound bar. That means we want you to be happy with your purchase so that you come back to us the next time you need something.
Why buy a sound bar? Because your TV has a shabby sound. And not just yours – TVs generally began to sound awful since they became more aesthetic – and finer. There is no room for powerful audio components. Large speakers would solve the problem, but not everyone has or wants to sacrifice the space to accommodate them.
The solution: the sound bars, which exist to bring to your television a sound aid more than necessary. They are a smart and affordable way to improve your sound without the harshness (and cables) of traditional audio systems.
However, there are many kinds. You can buy a basic standalone soundbar, a more advanced model with a subwoofer, and the potential for satellite speakers or a sound deck on which to put your TV. We look forward to the soundbar Wohome, which seems to have an extraordinary ability to handle surround sound.
We are also very excited about the announcement of the new Sonos Beam, a compact smart soundbar featuring voice assistant Alexa and Google Assistant and Siri.
How we test the sound bars
The sound bars have been invented to make your TV sound better, so we end up spending a lot of time in front of the station. We look at all types of programs to ensure that Trusted Reviews’ passbars are subject to a real test: news bulletins for voices, films for direction effects and scale effects. We also play all kinds of music, since a good soundbar should also be able to double use as an audio system.
The more advanced sound bars have networking capabilities to connect to other speakers and play music throughout the house, so we evaluate their usability and verify they have no connection issues . We test everything from cheap bars from less than 100 € to models over 1000 €, so our valuations benefit from our in-depth knowledge of the market. Each product is compared to its competitors of the same price.
Here is a list of our favorite sound bars. For an explanation of the differences between sound bars and soundtracks, scroll to the bottom of the page.
The best sound bars in 2018
Wohome and sound: a love story that has lasted for several decades for an excellent result
Dimensions: 4.0 x 4.1 x 39.7 in
Power: 80 watts
Connections: Input: bluetooth, AUX in, 3.5mm in, USB, optical, coaxial,Frequency response: 40HZ-20K HZ
bluetooth system connector : yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 110USD on Amazon Product
Reviews users:
Most
Very good construction
Its well balanced
A lot of power
Easy to use
The lessers
Low-end remote control
Traditionally, sound bars could not compete with a real surround sound system with 5.1 or 7.1 speakers. The Yamaha MusicCast YSP-2700 proves effortlessly that this is no longer true.
It has the ingenious Soundbeam technology, which takes into account your environment and uses 16 speakers of 28mm to bounce the sound creating the very convincing impression that the sound field surrounds you. If you thought you needed more than one speaker to blow bullets and lasers to your ears, you could revise your opinion.
This soundbar (and the wireless subwoofer) are all that is enough to create a true cinematic experience. For superior sound without the hassle of installing a discreet system, this soundbar is the best alternative.
Sonos Playbase
There are the sound bars and there is Sonos: a unique concept for a unique sound
Dimensions: 72 x 38 x 5,8 cm
Power: NC
Connectivity: 1 optical digital audio input (Dolby Digital and stereo), 1 Ethernet port
Bluetooth: yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 799,00 € on Amazon
User rating:
Most
Pretty, solid construction
Seamless application integration
The Sonos app remains the best remote control app
Reactive keys
Can be expanded with additional speakers
The lessers
No HDMI
Dear if you want to build a system
If you have little space and a large amount of money to invest in a beautiful sound source, the Sonos Playbase is a good choice. Designed to be both an enhancement for your television and, in itself, a great streaming system, the Playbase brings to your TV stand a breathtaking sound and a huge list of compatible services.
The Soundstage Playbase is so wide and so high that it’s hard to believe there are no other speakers in the room. Its engaging and entertaining sound is enhanced by soft, direct mid-range frequencies, giving the voices a convincing weight. Everything is controlled via the excellent Sonos application and the compatibility with Alexa is even scheduled for the end of the year.
Plus, combine it with the Sonos Play: 1 speakers and a subwoofer of the brand, and you’ll have a great surround sound system. If you like the idea, but have your TV set on the wall, take a look at the Sonos Playbar.
Samsung HW-MS750
With a satisfactory power and facilities for streaming, the soundbar Samsung is enticing
Dimensions: 13 x 106 x 7.8 cm
Power: 220 watts
Connections: 2 HDMI input, 1 HDMI output, 1 Analog audio input (mini-jack), 1
Bluetooth optical audio input : yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 398.70 € on Amazon
User rating:
Most
Its loud and spacious
Medium range of clear and expressive tones
Treble clear and open
Very good streaming options
The lessers
Rather bulky
Expensive
Looking for a simple and unadorned soundbar like Dolby Atmos or compatibility with external devices? So that’s what Samsung has to offer in 2017. The Samsung HW-MS750 is an all-in-one solution that takes pride, for an entry-level improvement, to not need a subwoofer .
Its performance is based on 11 highly efficient speakers, two of which are upwards for pitch and a few wide dispersion tweeters for greater scale. The features are numerous, too: an impressive list that includes Bluetooth, multiroom and compatibility with high-resolution music.
The sound of this bar is powerful while remaining clear and the stereo separation is excellent. It is not given, but if you have the budget, you will not be disappointed.
Q Acoustics M2
Power, balance, efficiency: that’s what best defines the soundbar Q Acoustics M2
Dimensions: 550 x 93 x 338 mm
Power: 80 watts
Connectivity: 1 HDMI port, 1 optical input, 1 USB port (service only), 1 RCA line input, 1 stereo input jack 3.5 mm
Bluetooth: yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 407,91 € on Amazon
Users’ rating:
Most
Good build quality
A well balanced sound
A lot of power
Easy to use
The lessers
Low-end remote control
It seems that nothing that bears the name of Q Acoustics can be bad. Their hi-fi speakers are excellent. Their sound bars are excellent. And now we have their first sound board that is just as good.
The Q Acoustics M2 sound board is not complicated, but that’s exactly what a sound board should be; no more no less. It is sturdy enough to support a 25kg TV. It is deep enough and wide enough to accommodate most televisions with a central stand, and flat enough to be placed under televisions that span. The box is constructed of MDF with interior reinforcements to reduce unwanted resonance – the same process as for hi-fi speakers.
This box that looks like nothing works wonders for the sound of your television. The performance is much more spacious than you would suspect at first glance. The balance of tones is neutral, it never adds too much bass and never makes the voices crackle. There is nothing sophisticated like virtual surround modes, but if you want something to simply boost the audio performance of your TV, it will do the trick.
Panasonic SC-ALL70T
Panasonic gives us a combo soundbar and subwoofer very powerful and elegant
Dimensions: 180 x 378 x 303 mm (Subwoofer) 950 x 55 x 120 mm (soundbar)
Power: 350 watts
Connections: 1 HDMI output (TV), 1 HDMI input (BD / DVD), 1 digital optical audio input ( TV), 1 analog audio input (AUX)
Bluetooth: yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 476,07 € on Amazon
User rating:
Most
Low and attractive design
Generous feature range
Play music streaming without difficulty
An exciting and responsive sound with good intensity
The lessers
Display upwards
Tougher when the volume is high
Basses lacking control and definition
The Panasonic SC-ALL70T contains multiroom music, no less than 350W of shattering audio and a wide range of features in a slender design, though it is 950mm wide. This stylish sound bar brings depth, punch and live sound to your movie nights – as long as you have room to accommodate it.
If you’re looking for true 3D sound, you’re not going to be disappointed. Launch an action movie and activate the 3D mode to hear the missiles go by and the explosions populate each end of the soundbar. Still someone to make fun of your oversized soundbar?
The ability of the SC-ALL70T to “restream” the devices connected to it to other speakers on the network, including Bluetooth and Blu-Ray, is particularly impressive. This means that you could buy two of Panasonic’s SC-ALL2 wireless speakers and place them behind you for a discreet 5.1 configuration.
DALI Kubik One
Exceptional sound for a product made in Denmark: welcome to the high-end world
Dimensions: 162 x 980 x 102 mm
Power: 100 watts (4 times 25 watts)
Connections: 1 mini-jack input 3.5 mm, 1 RCA stereo line input, 2 inputs S / PDIF optical Toslink, 1 micro-USB type B (PC / MAC audio playback), 1 LFE RCA
Bluetooth output : yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 999,00 € on Amazon
Notice by users:
Most
Stunning design and build quality
Its natural, powerful and well balanced
Excels in both music and movies
The lessers
No HDMI connection
Horrible remote control
Movies sound better with a subwoofer
The DALI Kubik One is simply breathtaking. Minimalist design, impressive build quality and attractive color schemes are combined to make it a device everyone wants in their living room. It can also be hung on a wall or placed on a flat surface – and have style in both cases.
At the back hides a wide range of connections, with grooves and pliers to prevent cables from hanging, but there is unfortunately no HDMI port, highlighting Dali’s music-oriented approach. Bluetooth connectivity is also present. Its price of € 999.00 is justified by its performance: the sound of music, television and movies is clear, balanced and very detailed without losing power. You can also adjust the sound via the Neutral, Bass Enhance and Bass Boost switches on the back of the unit.
Denon Heos Bar
The high fidelity sound seen by Denon: power, finesse and ultra-complete connectivity
Dimensions: 14.8 x 110 x 7.2 cm
Power: 100 watts (5 x 20 watts)
Connections: 4 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI (ARC) output, 1 IR input, 1 optical digital audio input, 1 coaxial digital audio input , 1 mini-jack auxiliary input, 1 USB audio port, 1 RJ45
Bluetooth network port : yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 928,08 € on Amazon
User rating:
Most
Many connections
Aesthetic design
Excellent sound
Easy to use
The lessers
Not the best in the direction of the effects
Could benefit from a little more depth of bass
HEOS was previously Denon’s wireless line, but it’s now a brand as such – and the HEOS bar is Sonos in the crosshairs.
What we have here is a universal audio system that excels at playing music as well as reproducing movie soundtracks. It’s a soft, warm and muscular sound that has clearly drawn lessons from Denon’s hi-fi heritage. Add to this its fluid application, similar to that of Sonos, as well as its competitive price, and you get success at all levels.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution to serve as a sound centerpiece for your home, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more versatile model.
Sony HT-ST5000
The inventor of the Walkman has not finished to impress us
Dimensions: 122 x 61 x 29.5 cm
Power: 800 watts
Connectivity: 3 HDMI inputs, 1 HDMI output, 1 line input (3.5 mm jack), 1 USB port, 1 RJ45 Ethernet port
Bluetooth: yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 1 421,41 € on Amazon
User rating:
Most
Very good value for money
Fine and discreet
Boost decent voices
The lessers
Remote control of poor quality
Few details and poorly controlled bass
Polk Signa Solo
A very good price / quality ratio, a very clean and discreet design and a really excellent rendering for the voices: the ingredients of a success
Dimensions: 990.5 x 91.7 x 99.3 mm
Power: 120 watts
Connectivity: optical and mini jack
Bluetooth: yes
Remote control: yes
Best price: 142,62 € on Amazon
User rating:
Most
Very good value for money
Fine and discreet
Correct Boost of Voices
The lessers
Remote control of poor quality
Few details and poorly controlled bass
Cheap does not mean bad. The Polk Signa Solo is a discreet and elegant sound bar at a super low price – it’s about the cheapest model for improving the built-in sound of your TV. It’s an ingenious one-piece addition: even though this bar does not offer different levels of detail or bass to shake the floor, it does improve voice clarity.
With this model, Sony goes to serious things. If you’ve just bought a massive TV and want a sophisticated soundbar to accompany it, Sony wants to be your first choice. The Sony HT-ST5000 is the sound bar containing the most features the brand has ever produced. Among its main attractions are Dolby Atmos, High-Res Audio, Bluetooth and Chromecast compatibility. It also has three HDMI ports for transmitting 4K video signals in addition to simpler digital optical and analog audio options.
It also offers a fantastic sound. This is not quite the surround effect obtained with a true Atmos configuration, but you will find it difficult to find such a large amplitude, depth, dynamism or clarity in most alternatives. If you are looking for a 2.1 audio system without compromise, few are better or as well equipped. In addition to all this, the design of the bar is very good. Remove the fabric protectors and you will find golden speakers. Exaggerated, but still a nice attention. If you’re looking to go crazy with a soundbar, look no further.
If you can not decide between a bar and a sound board, here is a brief explanation of their differences.
Sky Soundbox
With a unique design and powerful bass, the Sky Soundbox will be a sensation, both in your eyes and in your ears
Dimensions: 37.5 x 21 x 9.5 cm
Power: NC
Connectivity: optical (in), HDMI (in and out), USB
Bluetooth: yes
Remote control: yes
Most
Important bass
Sky Q optimization modes generally work well
Large sound for a compact unit
The lessers
The sound lacks subtlety to listen to music
Its bizarre shape makes it difficult to position
Due to the higher price, is not worth it for who is not Sky’s customer
The Sky Soundbox is a strange model in more ways than one. His first quirk is his form, resembling that of a sound board, but too small for a TV. Finding the ideal location for this device can be complicated.
The other special feature of the Soundbox is that Sky’s customers can buy it at a truly exceptional price. No one should have to pay the € 800 they charge, but at € 300 for Sky subscribers, or € 250 for Sky Q Multiroom users, there is no need to think twice.
The sound amplitude is impressive for such a compact device and some Sky Q-specific sound modes help achieve a better sound balance for sports, movies and more.
For music, this soundbar is a little loud and the bass can be exaggerated, but it is very good for most video content – provided you have not invested more than the reduced price.
Sound Bars Vs Sound Trays – Which One is Right for You?
If you want to improve the sound of your TV without cluttering your living room with a 5.1 surround system, you have two possibilities: a sound bar or a sound tray.
The sound bars are essentially thin speakers that can be mounted on the wall under your television, or placed in front of it on a piece of furniture. Sound bars have emerged as an alternative to poor-quality built-in TV speakers. Most are stereo, but some of the most powerful are technologically advanced enough to deliver a compelling virtual surround sound experience.
Most of the sound bars you will find are 2.1 configurations. This means that you will have two speakers and a separate subwoofer. Some exceptions combine the subwoofer and even more speakers in one device. The advantage of a wide soundbar is that it offers better stereo, but a thin design also makes it almost mandatory the presence of a separate subwoofer.
The sound trays are much flatter units designed to be placed under the television, on a piece of furniture or a stand. They will typically offer more bass than sound bars, which means most will not need a separate subwoofer.
Sound trays are often categorized according to the weight of the televisions they can support and, because of the extra space they occupy, they will usually have better audio processing than the sound bars.
Soundbars and soundboards sometimes have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming content from smartphones, tablets, and computers. Physical connectors can include USB ports for connecting external hard drives, HDMI inputs and outputs for Full HD and 3D TV playback. A recent trend is to have a unique optical port that lets you plug everything into your TV, with just one cable to connect the bar or sound tray. The new Sonos Playbase follows this trend.
