Forget tacky LED speakers and portable Bluetooth pills — if you care even a little about how your music, TV, or films sound, it’s time to invest in a proper soundbar. Whether you’re watching a blockbuster, queuing up a playlist, or gaming into the night, a well-chosen soundbar can make every note and explosion land the way it should.
The main thing to remember? Size matters. Soundbars are designed to pair with televisions, so if your screen’s 50 inches or smaller, go for a compact option. Bigger screen? Scale up your soundbar to match — it’ll help sync the direction of the audio with what’s happening on screen.
Understanding Soundbar Technology
If you’re aiming high, there’s one term worth knowing: Dolby Atmos. This immersive audio system breaks sound into three dimensions, letting speakers map every small sonic detail around you for a surround-sound feel without a full theatre setup. The technology has revolutionized home audio, providing an experience that was once only available in high-end cinemas.
Dolby Atmos is not just a buzzword; it represents a significant leap in how sound is delivered. According to audio experts, the system’s ability to create a three-dimensional soundscape transforms ordinary viewing into an immersive experience.
Soundbar Options for Every Budget
Entry-Level Choices
A good entry-level choice is the LG Sound Bar S40T. Priced at around $400, it offers 300W of power for a speaker this small. It doesn’t include Dolby Atmos, but it does support Dolby Audio — clear, reliable sound without blowing your budget. This model is perfect for those who want to enhance their audio experience without a significant investment.
Mid-Range Selections
If you want that true 3D experience, step up to the JBL Bar Gen 4. Slim and minimalist, it packs Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI input, and HDMI ARC for easy connections. It’s ideal for those wanting cinematic depth and clean design in one unit — a sleek soundbar that’ll keep up with everything from a movie marathon to a late-night mix.
Sitting comfortably in the middle is the Bose Smart Soundbar, which combines Dolby Atmos with Bose’s TrueSpace technology to upscale any audio source. If you already own Bose earbuds or headphones, it can even broadcast selected sounds directly into them, creating a hybrid surround-sound setup perfect for apartments.
High-End Systems
For a high-end, all-in-one system, the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Mini delivers Atmos audio, Bluetooth, smart home integration, and self-calibration that tunes the sound to your room. It’s compact at 70 inches but packs the punch of a full speaker and subwoofer combo.
Then there’s the home-theatre route — impressive, but not cheap. Samsung’s Q-Series Soundbar HW-Q990F includes an 11.1.4 channel subwoofer and rear speakers for a fully immersive setup. Expect all the features above — but surrounding you on all sides, for just under $2000. Don’t tell your accountant.
Modular and Customizable Options
Finally, Sony offers modular systems that combine soundbars, subwoofers, and additional speakers to create anything from simple stereo setups to full Dolby Atmos experiences. If you like to mix and match while keeping premium quality across every piece, this is the brand to start with.
In short: whatever your space, there’s a soundbar that’ll make your entertainment sing — from entry-level models that boost clarity to full surround systems that turn your living room into a cinema.
FYI, this story includes some affiliate links. These don’t influence any of our recommendations or content, but they may make us a small commission. For more info, see Concrete Playground’s editorial policy.
Images: supplied
