When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn moreWe put top soundbars from Samsung, Sonos, and more to the test to find the best options for different budgets.Steven Cohen/Business InsiderMost TVs suffer from poor audio quality, with small integrated speakers that just don't sound very good. But if weak bass and muddy dialogue are ruining your movie nights, you're not out of luck. A soundbar is an easy solution, and even budget models can be a big upgrade. The best soundbars deliver clearer voices, punchier low frequencies, and a more immersive experience.My team of reviewers and I have spent more than a decade testing audio gear, and I've used that experience to pick the four best soundbars for a range of budgets and needs. My top recommendation is the Samsung HW-Q990F, a powerful Dolby Atmos system that includes rear speakers and a subwoofer for true surround sound. If you prefer a simpler setup, the Sonos Arc Ultra is the best stand-alone soundbar we've tested, delivering excellent performance without any extra components.Below, you'll find all my picks for the best soundbars you can buy, from affordable upgrades to massive 11.1.4-channel systems that bring serious cinematic impact to your home theater.Our top picks for the best soundbarsBest overall: Samsung HW-Q990F - See at AmazonBest on a budget: Vizio 2.0 SV200M-08 - See at WalmartBest midrange: Yamaha YAS-209 - See at AmazonBest all-in-one: Sonos Arc Ultra - See at AmazonBest overallThe Samsung Q990F is the best soundbar for anyone who wants to elevate their home theater with cinematic audio. This powerhouse 11.1.4-channel system isn't the most compact option, but it fills your room with rich, multidirectional sound that pulls you right into the action.One of the Q990F's standout features is its Dolby Atmos support, which creates a dome of sound, including effects that seem to come from above. To achieve this, the system utilizes four up-firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling, four side-firing drivers, dedicated rear speakers, a compact yet powerful subwoofer, and an array of front drivers for seamless coverage.Together, these components provide an immersive soundfield that enhances everything from blockbuster movies and gaming sessions to music playback. Beyond sheer volume, the Q990F impresses with its balance and smooth channel transitions, providing a natural, lifelike quality to everything from sitcoms to jazz.The Q990F is a powerful soundbar with Dolby Atmos up-firing audio.Tyler Hayes/Business InsiderCompared to previous Q990 soundbars, this model introduces a revised subwoofer with a smaller build and a sealed rather than ported design. This makes it easier to place and reduces rattling. Despite its more compact footprint, the sub still packs a punch, delivering deep, controlled bass even at its default settings.The Q990F also features a suite of modern conveniences, including hands-free Alexa voice control, support for high-res audio formats, and full compatibility with both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Connection options include an HDMI eARC port, an optical input, and two HDMI inputs with 4K HDR passthrough. Notably, those HDMI ports now handle 120Hz gaming signals, which weren't supported on the older Q990C.Owners of certain Samsung TVs also get an added bonus: Q-Symphony. This feature is compatible with some of the best Samsung TVs, such as the S90F/S90H and S95H, enabling the Q990F to sync with a display's built-in speakers for an even broader soundstage. The soundbar still shines on its own, but this is an interesting feature to use if you have a compatible TV. Editor's note: Samsung also has a 2026 edition of this soundbar, the Q990H. The updated model introduces some new software features, but appears to use the same core hardware. With that in mind, the cheaper Q990F remains our top pick while it's available at a lower price. Read our Samsung HW-Q990F soundbar review.Visit our guide to all the best Dolby Atmos soundbars.Best on a budgetThe Vizio SV200M is a basic 2.0-channel soundbar that's available for just under $100. It doesn't include a separate subwoofer, upfiring audio drivers, dedicated rear speakers, or voice control. Instead, it's a simple stand-alone bar with stereo audio separation. Though there are limitations to keep in mind, this budget-friendly soundbar still offers a solid upgrade over most built-in TV speakers.The SV200M replaces my previous pick in this spot, the older Vizio V-Series V21d-J8. That soundbar was also a great budget option, and I liked that it had a built-in woofer; however, it's no longer sold at most stores. As it stands, this newer 2.0-channel bar is the best value in Vizio's current lineup.At around 30 inches wide, the soundbar isn't as compact as some other budget options, but it's still easy to place on most consoles. It also utilizes Vizio's QuickFit design, which allows it to mount to the bottom of certain Vizio T
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