Crave the immersive audio experience of a cinema but don’t have the space or budget for a full-blown home theater setup? Fear not, audiophiles! It’s time to delve into the world of standalone soundbars, where the audio magic unfolds through these sleek, unobtrusive guardians of spectacular sound.
Here’s a list of the top 10 soundbars worth considering, each suited to transform your mundane TV nights into a portal for exceptional sound experiences.
| Best Standalone Soundbars | ||
|---|---|---|
| Product Name | Description | Purchase |
| Sonos Beam Smart TV Soundbar | Smart TV soundbar from Sonos. | Buy Now |
| Samsung HW-Q90R | High-quality soundbar from Samsung. | Buy Now |
| Bose Soundbar 700 | Premium soundbar from Bose. | Buy Now |
| VIZIO SB36512-F6 | VIZIO’s SB36512-F6 soundbar. | Buy Now |
| JBL Bar 9.1 | JBL’s Bar 9.1 soundbar. | Buy Now |
| Yamaha YAS-209 | Yamaha’s YAS-209 soundbar. | Buy Now |
| LG SK9Y | LG’s SK9Y soundbar. | Buy Now |
| Sony HT-X8500 | Sony’s HT-X8500 soundbar. | Buy Now |
| Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar | Sennheiser’s Ambeo soundbar. | Buy Now |
| Klipsch Cinema 1200 | Klipsch’s Cinema 1200 soundbar. | Buy Now |
1. Sonos Beam
Description
The Sonos Beam is a compact smart soundbar, perfect for small to medium-sized rooms. With built-in voice assistants and the ability to control it via your smartphone, its user-friendly nature makes it a must-have for a seamless entertainment experience.
Features
- Alexa, Google Assistant, and AirPlay 2 compatibility
- Easy setup with Sonos app
- HDMI ARC connection
- Trueplay room calibration
- Expandable with other Sonos devices
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent sound quality. | No Bluetooth audio streaming. |
| Multiple voice assistant options. | May not be suitable for larger spaces. |
| Seamless integration with Sonos ecosystem. | |
| Supports multi-room audio. |
2. Samsung HW-Q90R
Description
The Samsung HW-Q90R is a powerful and versatile soundbar that delivers an all-encompassing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience. With wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer, this soundbar brings the power of a complete home theater system in the form of a standalone device.
Features
- Supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- 7.1.4 channel configuration
- HDMI 2.0 eARC connectivity
- Wireless rear speakers and subwoofer
- Adaptive Sound technology
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Outstanding audio quality. | Expensive. |
| Immersive surround sound experience. | Bulky and requires space. |
| Easy to set up and use. | |
| Wide range of connectivity options. |
3. Bose Soundbar 700
Description
The Bose Soundbar 700 is a stylish and feature-packed soundbar that delivers top-notch sound quality. With an integrated, powerful DSP and Dolby Digital and DTS decoding, it can uplift your listening experience beyond the usual TV speakers.
Features
- Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri)
- HDMI ARC and eARC support
- Bose Music app for easy control
- ADAPTiQ audio calibration technology
- Support for Dolby Digital and DTS decoding
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exceptional sound quality. | No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support. |
| Attractive, modern design. | Pricey. |
| User-friendly app for control. | |
| Various voice assistant options. |
4. VIZIO SB36512-F6
Description
The VIZIO SB36512-F6 offers an affordable entry point into Dolby Atmos and DTS:X immersion. Supporting a 5.1.2 configuration and including wireless rear speakers and a subwoofer, it guarantees an enthralling sonic adventure at an unbeatable price.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- 5.1.2 channel configuration
- HDMI ARC and eARC support
- Chromecast built-in
- Wireless rear speakers and subwoofer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience. | Limited voice assistant options. |
| Great sound quality. | Not ideal for larger rooms. |
| User-friendly configuration. | |
| Good connectivity options. |
5. JBL Bar 9.1
Description
The JBL Bar 9.1 brings the excitement of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X into your home without the hassle of running wires. It includes detachable, wireless surround speakers and a subwoofer for added convenience and versatility.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Wireless subwoofer and detachable surround speakers
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Chromecast integration
- JBL MultiBeam technology for expansive sound
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive, powerful sound. | Limited customizability. |
| Flexible wireless setup. | Pricey. |
| Sleek design. | |
| Good connectivity options. |
6. Yamaha YAS-209
Description
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a soundbar that combines excellent audio quality with easily accessible smart features. It includes a wireless subwoofer and offers Amazon Alexa compatibility for effortless voice control.
Features
- Built-in Amazon Alexa
- Wireless subwoofer
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- DTS Virtual:X 3D surround sound
- HDMI and optical connections
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Engaging audio performance. | No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support. |
| Comfortable voice control with Alexa. | No AirPlay 2 or Chromecast. |
| User-friendly app. | |
| Good value for money. |
7. LG SK9Y
Description
The LG SK9Y is a feature-rich soundbar that offers support for Dolby Atmos in a 5.1.2 configuration. It boasts high-resolution audio playback, wireless capabilities, and compatibility with Google Assistant.
Features
- Dolby Atmos support
- Google Assistant compatibility
- Wireless subwoofer
- 5.1.2 channel configuration
- Hi-Fi Quad DAC for an enhanced audio experience
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Impressive sound quality. | Bulky size. |
| Accessible voice control with Google Assistant. | No DTS:X support. |
| High-resolution audio playback. | |
| Robust connectivity options. |
8. Sony HT-X8500
Description
The Sony HT-X8500 is a sleek, single-unit soundbar that delivers a convincing virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience via its built-in dual subwoofers and Vertical Sound Engine technology. It’s an ideal choice for consumers seeking simplicity, style, and power.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Single-unit design with built-in dual subwoofers
- Vertical Sound Engine technology
- HDMI eARC and Bluetooth connectivity
- S-Force PRO Front Surround sound
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and stylish design. | Limited customization options. |
| Convincing virtual surround sound. | Not as immersive as multi-channel soundbars. |
| Simple, clutter-free setup. | |
| Affordable price point. |
9. Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
Description
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar is a premium, feature-packed soundbar that delivers an astonishing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience. With 13 high-end drivers and a powerful built-in subwoofer, it guarantees top-notch sound quality to enthrall your senses.
Features
- Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MPEG-H formats
- 5.1.4 immersive sound configuration
- Ambeo 3D sound technology
- HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity
- Automatic room calibration
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unmatched audio performance. | Expensive. |
| All-in-one solution for true 3D sound. | Large size. |
| Expansive connectivity options. | |
| Minimal setup required. |
10. Klipsch Cinema 1200
Description
The Klipsch Cinema 1200 is a premium soundbar delivering an expansive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X experience. It features a 5.1.4 channel configuration that includes a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers, along with 8K video passthrough and HDMI eARC.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- 5.1.4 channel configuration
- Wireless subwoofer and rear speakers
- 8K compatible HDMI eARC
- Klipsch Tractrix horn technology
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immersive surround sound. | Expensive. |
| Impressive audio performance. | No built-in voice assistant support. |
| Elegant, classic design. | |
| Simple wireless setup. |
FAQs
Can standalone soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X?
Yes, many standalone soundbars offer support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing an immersive and captivating audio experience.
Can I connect my soundbar to devices other than my TV?
Absolutely! Soundbars can be connected to various devices like smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, HDMI, or optical inputs.
How do I choose the right soundbar for my room size?
Consider the power output, number of channels, and types of audio formats supported by the soundbar, as well as the room’s acoustics. Generally, standalone soundbars work well in small to medium-sized rooms. For larger spaces, multi-channel soundbars with rear speakers and subwoofers might be necessary.
Do I need a subwoofer for my standalone soundbar?
It depends on your audio preferences and budget. Some soundbars come with built-in subwoofers or separate wireless subwoofers, which enhance the low-frequency sounds and overall audio experience. However, you can still enjoy decent sound quality without a subwoofer, especially if you mostly watch TV shows or news broadcasts.
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SOUNDBAR INFORMATION
I am Saima Yasmeen, with 10 years of experience in the soundbar industry. I have worked with numerous soundbar companies as a product review expert. I have a passion for testing soundbars and providing feedback. My interest in speakers dates back to my youth when I used to experiment with various audio equipment, including LCDs and other computer-related devices.
Today, I am here to share my expertise with those who seek assistance in selecting the perfect soundbar to meet their specific needs.
