### The Definitive Guide to Selecting the Optimal Soundbar for Your Home Entertainment Setup
Establishing the ideal home entertainment environment requires time and thoughtful consideration. If you’re perusing this, it’s likely that you’ve already discovered [the perfect television](https://mashable.com/article/best-time-to-buy-a-tv), arranged [smart lighting](https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/philips-hue-play-gradient-lightstrip) to set the mood, and are now prepared for the subsequent step: investing in a premium soundbar.
A quality soundbar can elevate your living area into a cinematic atmosphere, yet selecting the right one can be complex. Although you could engage in extensive research on Dolby Atmos and subwoofer advantages, you can expedite the process by relying on expert suggestions.
### Reasons to Invest in a Soundbar
The majority of televisions are equipped with built-in speakers located at the back, which does not optimize sound quality. A soundbar resolves this dilemma by projecting audio outward, thereby enhancing clarity and richness.
So, what should you expect to pay for a quality soundbar? Prices fluctuate from $75 up to more than $1,500, with most top-tier choices residing between $200 and $700. To streamline your hunt, we’ve compiled the best selections across low, mid, and high-end price categories.
A soundbar proves to be an economical solution to enhance your TV’s audio without the need for a comprehensive [home speaker system](https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/soundbar-vs-speakers-which-tv-audio-system-is-best-for-you/).
### Essential Features to Examine When Selecting a Soundbar
In addition to pricing, several elements should be considered when picking a soundbar. Thankfully, contemporary soundbars are more user-friendly than ever, thanks to HDMI ports that allow for straightforward plug-and-play setup.
Here are some vital features to evaluate:
#### **1. Dolby Atmos**
Dolby Atmos is a form of spatial audio that offers a three-dimensional auditory experience. However, not all soundbars featuring Dolby Atmos perform equally.
It’s crucial to understand that Dolby Atmos alone does not ensure genuine surround sound. As expert Ty Pendlebury clarifies, “The most common misconception about soundbars is that if it has a Dolby Atmos label, it delivers surround sound, particularly if it costs merely $200. True surround sound necessitates dedicated speakers.”
#### **2. Subwoofers and Surround Sound**
To achieve deep bass and immersive surround sound, additional speakers are necessary. While some soundbars come with built-in bass, a dedicated subwoofer significantly enhances the experience.
If achieving surround sound is critical, consider a setup with separate speakers. For instance, our **upgrade recommendation**, the Sonos Arc Ultra, provides outstanding audio but requires extra speakers for a genuine surround setup.
#### **3. Connectivity Options**
Most soundbars are now equipped with HDMI connections for hassle-free setup. However, Bluetooth and WiFi compatibility can further enhance functionality.
– **Bluetooth** allows for streaming audio directly from your mobile device.
– **WiFi** enables streaming from platforms like Spotify while conserving your phone’s battery.
#### **4. Smart Features**
Numerous soundbars offer integration with smart home ecosystems, providing compatibility with voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant. Some models, like the Sonos Arc Ultra, can even operate as independent smart speakers when the television is powered off.
### Our Recommended Soundbars
#### **Best Overall Soundbar: Bose Smart Soundbar**
**Price:** $499.00 at Amazon
[**Purchase Now**](https://zdcs.link/9yXYv6?pageview_type=RSS&template=article&module=shop-card&element=offer&item=buy-button&element_label=Shop%20Now&object_type=article&object_uuid=02BnEBUX2cRhXvjwdTvrd9U&short_url=9yXYv6&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Ffeeds%2Frss%2Fall)
**Why We Recommend It:**
The Bose Smart Soundbar offers an excellent balance of pricing, features, and audio quality. It provides robust, crisp sound without occupying excessive space.
– **Five transducers** (including two upward-firing) improve sound clarity.
– **Dolby Atmos compatibility** enhances audio experience.
– **AI Dialogue Assist** clarifies voices, minimizing the need for subtitles.
– **Various connectivity options**, including HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and Google Cast.
Though it doesn’t come with a subwoofer, you have the option to add one later for an enhanced audio experience.
#### **Best Affordable Option: Roku Streambar**
**Price:** $129.99 at Amazon
[**Purchase Now**](https://zdcs.link/9yXmom?pageview_type=RSS&