Best soundbars 2023
Home entertainment systems have evolved, and finding the perfect sound solution for your living room has become more crucial than ever. Whether you’re an avid movie buff, a passionate music lover, or someone who just wants to enhance their TV experience, investing in the best soundbars of 2023 will transform the way you enjoy audio. In this article, we’ve carefully curated a list of the top soundbars that will not only elevate your auditory experience but also complement your home’s aesthetics. So, sit back and let us guide you through the best soundbar selections this year to help you make the right choice for your entertainment needs.
Products at a Glance
Features and considerations
When searching for the best soundbars of 2023, it’s essential to consider a few key features that will make a difference in your audio experience. First, think about the sound quality, which can vary greatly between models. Look for features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or immersive audio support to ensure a rich, cinematic sound.
Next, consider the connectivity options. A soundbar should have multiple inputs like HDMI ARC/eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or even built-in voice assistants for seamless integration with your other devices. This will make it easy to connect your TV, gaming console, or music streaming services.
Size and design are also important. Make sure the soundbar complements your TV setup and fits nicely in your living room. Some soundbars come with a separate subwoofer for an enhanced bass experience, so consider whether you have space for that as well. However, if you’re not entirely convinced a soundbar is the way to go, you can browse our picks of the best gaming speakers to broaden your search.
Product Reviews
- Excellent virtual surround sound
- Built-in subwoofer for deep bass
- Simple, sleek design
- No separate rear speakers
- Limited HDMI inputs
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
The Sony HT-X8500 soundbar takes the top spot as our editor’s choice among the best soundbars of 2023. It boasts a sleek, single-bar design that fits seamlessly into most living spaces, without the need for extra speakers or subwoofers. Despite its compact size, this soundbar delivers exceptional audio performance, thanks to its Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
What really sets the HT-X8500 apart is its built-in dual subwoofers, which provide deep, powerful bass without taking up any additional space. The soundbar also features Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine, which creates a virtual surround sound experience that truly envelops the listener. With its easy-to-use interface and multiple connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, the Sony HT-X8500 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home audio experience.
- Compact design with great sound
- Seamless integration with other Sonos speakers
- Supports voice assistants
- Pricier than some competitors
- Limited to Dolby Atmos support
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is our top pick for the best smart soundbar of 2023. This second-generation model builds on the success of its predecessor with some significant improvements, most notably the addition of Dolby Atmos support. This feature ensures an immersive, cinematic audio experience that will truly elevate your movie nights.
The Beam (Gen 2) is more than just a soundbar, though – it’s an integral part of the Sonos ecosystem, allowing for seamless integration with other Sonos speakers and products. This makes it easy to create a multi-room audio setup or expand your home theater system as needed. Plus, with built-in voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you can control your soundbar and connected devices using simple voice commands.
The compact design of the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) ensures it fits comfortably under most TVs, and its easy-to-use app allows for quick setup and customization. Overall, if you’re looking for a smart soundbar with exceptional audio quality and cutting-edge features, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is an excellent choice.
- Impressive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Comes with rear speakers for true surround sound
- Numerous connectivity options
- Expensive
- Large size may not suit all spaces
- Setup may be more complex
For those who crave a truly immersive audio experience, the Samsung HW-Q990B is our top pick for the best Dolby Atmos soundbar of 2023. This premium soundbar delivers a room-filling, 3D audio experience that rivals many high-end home theater systems. Its 7.1.4 channel setup includes a separate subwoofer and rear speakers, providing a complete surround sound experience that fully envelops the listener.
The HW-Q990B is equipped with Samsung’s Acoustic Beam technology, which uses an array of speakers and sound reflections to create a more natural, expansive soundstage. The system is also compatible with Samsung’s Q-Symphony technology, allowing it to sync with select Samsung TVs for an even more harmonious audio experience.
With its sleek design and intuitive user interface, the Samsung HW-Q990B is an excellent choice for anyone looking to take their home theater setup to the next level.
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- Decent sound quality for the price
- Lacks advanced audio features
- No voice assistant support
- Limited bass compared to higher-end models
The Vizio M Series 2.1 soundbar proves that you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy high-quality audio in your home. This budget-friendly soundbar offers impressive sound quality and features for its price, making it our top pick as a budget option among the best budget soundbars of 2023.
The 2.1 channel setup includes a separate subwoofer that delivers deep, powerful bass to complement the soundbar’s crisp highs and clear midrange. The M Series 2.1 also supports DTS Virtual:X, providing a more immersive, 3D audio experience without the need for additional speakers.
The Vizio M Series 2.1 soundbar is easy to set up and offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and an auxiliary input. Its compact design ensures that it fits comfortably in most living spaces, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their audio experience without spending a fortune.
How we picked the best soundbars of 2023
Picking the best soundbar of 2023 required thorough research and careful consideration of various factors. We started by examining the latest soundbars on the market, considering the most reputable brands and the newest technologies they offer.
We then looked into expert reviews and user feedback, taking into account the real-life experiences of people who have used these soundbars in their homes. This helped us to gauge their performance, ease of use, and overall satisfaction levels.
Additionally, we paid close attention to the features mentioned in the “Features and Considerations” section, such as sound quality, connectivity options, and design. We made sure to include soundbars that cater to different budgets and preferences, so you can find the perfect match for your needs.
By combining all this information, we were able to narrow down our list and present you with the best soundbar options for 2023.
What is the lifespan of a soundbar?
The lifespan of a soundbar can vary depending on several factors, such as the brand, build quality, usage, and care. On average, a well-built soundbar should last anywhere from 5 to 8 years, or even longer with proper maintenance and care. To prolong your soundbar’s lifespan, keep it clean and free from dust, avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, and handle it with care during setup or when moving it.
Are high-end soundbars worth it?
If you are an audiophile or a home theater enthusiast who values top-notch audio quality and advanced features, a high-end soundbar can certainly enhance your overall listening experience. These premium soundbars often come with features like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X support, and multi-channel setups, which can provide a more immersive and rich audio experience compared to budget options.
However, if your primary concern is to improve your TV’s audio quality without breaking the bank, a mid-range or budget soundbar might be sufficient for your needs. There are many affordable options available that offer significant improvements in sound quality over built-in TV speakers.
Our Verdict
