Soundbars have become a mandatory sidekick for just about every new TV out there — after all, these products can significantly amplify onscreen content, making it louder, clearer, and more immersive.
To find the best wireless soundbars for every TV setup, we thoroughly researched and tested several products ourselves, ranging from affordable soundbars for less than $100 to luxury products that are design and tech masterpieces. We sifted through hardware specs, read reviews from industry experts, and analyzed consumer feedback to identify today’s finest soundbars. We scrutinized products from leading audio brands like Bose, Klipsch, Polk Audio, and TCL, just to name a few.
The Best Wireless Soundbars
- Our Top Pick: Polk Audio Signa S3
- Runner-Up: Klipsch Cinema 400
- Best Budget: TCL Alto 6+
- Most Feature-Packed: Bose Soundbar 900
- The Compact Pick: Bose Smart Soundbar 300
- Most Immersive: Klipsch Cinema 800
- Affordable Dolby Atmos: TCL Alto 8
How We Tested
During our testing process, we evaluated each soundbar based on the following criteria:
- Sound quality — how the products performed while delivering various types of audio content
- Design — their ability to blend in with one's home decor
- Ease of use — how easy it was to set up the product and access its features
- Connectivity features — availability of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Smart functionality — compatibility with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
To analyze sound quality, we spent time watching movies — which is essential in order to experience the overall acoustic performance of every soundbar, including the ability to process enhanced surround sound. We also followed the news to determine each product's ability to deliver crisp dialogue, and rocked out to an eclectic playlist to experience their bass, treble, and mid-range delivery.
We also factored in the soundstage presentation of each soundbar. By utilizing a combination of built-in hardware and audio processing tech, the feature can make a product sound “bigger” than it is. A product's soundstage is most notable while listening to music and watching movies. For example, when playing the right content, a soundbar with a wide soundstage can create the impression that you're attending a live music performance.
What to Consider
Hardware
The hardware specs of any soundbar are headlined by the number of audio drivers it has — and the more, the better. Compatibility with various types of enhanced audio content is also important.
In 2022, it's imperative that a soundbar supports surround sound from Dolby and DTS. It makes the viewing experience more engaging, even during seemingly mundane scenes. Enhanced content is best showcased during action-packed sequences, and it's abundant on all major streaming services.
Dolby Atmos is a must-have feature for premium soundbars. Content that uses this audio standard stands out, as it brings a multidimensional, sonic experience to the viewer. For example, action-packed scenes with flying objects will sound on a whole new level. Compatible top-shelf bars with onboard Dolby Atmos have upwards-facing speakers.
Connectivity
A good soundbar should play nicely — not only with your brand-new TV, but also from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This makes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth essential features to look for. Wi-Fi connectivity offers the ability to stream music with higher quality than Bluetooth. Wi-Fi also brings Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 wireless connectivity in many soundbars.
Even though these soundbars are wireless, they require connecting them to a TV with an HDMI or optical cable. We recommend products that use the former because it brings higher-quality audio with enhanced sound effects. The term “wireless” usually means that, in addition to Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connectivity, the soundbar has a separate subwoofer that doesn't require a cable to connect.
Additional Features
Some of the product category’s finest offerings are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, so keep this functionality in mind if you regularly use a virtual assistant: You will be able to play content and control compatible smart home products with voice commands. Many soundbars can work with both assistants, so you'll be able to choose the one you prefer.
A companion app is another bit to look for in a top-shelf soundbar. Having one will allow you to adjust the product’s sound, set up a virtual assistant, and even gain new features via firmware updates.
Learn more about our top picks now to discover the best wireless soundbar for your home.
1
Our Top Pick
Signa S3 Wireless Soundbar
- Good audio quality
- Solid connectivity
- Reasonable price
Key Features
- Sound: 2.1-channel setup with Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Other: Bundled wireless subwoofer
The Polk Audio Signa S3 is our top pick for most buyers. It has an elegant design with a fabric finish, an effortless setup, stellar audio performance, and onboard Wi-Fi with support for Google Assistant voice commands and Chromecast wireless playback. Best of all, the product has a reasonable sub-$300 sticker.
The soundbar delivers a cinematic sonic experience with plenty of bass and crisp dialogue. You can adjust both features to your liking via the product’s minimalist remote control.
More: Wi-Fi Speakers We Like in Various Price Points
2
Runner-Up
Cinema 400 Soundbar
- Excellent audio quality with powerful bass
- Top-tier design and workmanship
- Convenient remote
Key Features
- Sound: 2.1-channel setup with Dolby Audio decoding
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Other: Bundled wireless soundbar
The Klipsch Cinema 400 soundbar is an excellent alternative to our top pick — although it does have a slightly higher price tag. It offers a more immersive sound, a cooler design with natural wood bits, and a robust 3-year warranty. It lacks Wi-Fi connectivity, but its audio performance makes up for the omission.
Klipsch has equipped the Cinema 400 with four audio drivers, including two with the brand’s legendary Tractrix Horn design. Combined with a beefy 8-inch subwoofer, the hardware produces a sonic experience with plenty of power, clear dialogue scenes, and a wide soundstage. You can adjust the sound via the bundled remote.
3
Best Budget
Alto 6+ Wireless Soundbar
- Good sound for the money
- Understated design
- Very affordable
Key Features
- Sound: 2.1-channel setup with Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
- Other: Bundled wireless soundbar
TCL’s Alto 6+ soundbar is our favorite for budget shoppers. It's priced at around $100, and it has an easy setup, good sound quality for the money, onboard Bluetooth, and a bundled wireless sub. If you're shopping on an even tighter budget, you can order an Alto 6 variant without a wireless subwoofer for less than $70.
Hardware-wise, the Alto 6+ lags behind pricier products, but it’s still plenty dependable. It can't deliver as much detail, but it's a massive upgrade over the built-in speakers of just about any TV. It is compatible with Dolby Digital-enhanced content, too.
4
Most Elegant and Feature-Packed
Smart Soundbar 900
- Phenomenal sound quality
- Best-in-class connectivity features
- Elegant design
Key Features
- Sound: 5.0.2-Channel-channel setup with Dolby Atmos
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Other: Optional wireless subwoofer, surround speakers
Expensive, yes — but the Dolby Atmos-compatible Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is elegant and feature-packed in equal measure. Sporting a sleek glass and metal housing, it packs many smart features, including Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2 wireless playback.
The product's audio performance is worthy of its high price tag. The Soundbar 900 produces immersive and spacious sound, creating the impression that you're listening to an audio system with multiple speaker units — not just one soundbar. You can even convert the device into a full-fledged surround-sound system by adding a wireless bass module and surround speakers.
5
The Compact Pick
Smart Soundbar 300
- Sleek and compact
- Impressive audio performance
- Best-in-class connectivity features
- Audio upgrades are pricey
Key Features
- Sound: 3-channel setup with Dolby Digital decoding
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Other: Companion app, optional wireless subwoofer, surround speakers
The Bose Smart Soundbar 300 is the best compact soundbar, offering a balance among elegant design, great sound, and plenty of smart features. These features include full Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration to go with Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2. The soundbar also allows you to wirelessly connect a pair of Bose headphones to enjoy content without disturbing anyone.
The 27-inch device’s four full-range drivers made it sound much bigger than it actually is: During my testing, it cast subtle acoustic effects well beyond its range. You can upgrade the Soundbar 300 with an external bass module and surround speakers too, just in case you want a bigger experience.
6
Most Immersive
Cinema 800 Wireless Soundbar
- Great sound with class-leading bass
- Beautiful design and craftsmanship
- Rich set of connectivity features
- No Apple AirPlay or Google Chromecast
Key Features
- Sound: 3.1-channel setup with Dolby Atmos
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Other: Companion app, bundled wireless subwoofer, optional surround speakers
The Klipsch Cinema 800 is the most powerful, immersive soundbar that a $1,000 budget can get you. Measuring at 48 inches wide, the Dolby Atmos-compatible product will instantly transform your living room into a legit movie theater with three-dimensional sound.
The device has seven onboard drivers, which deliver the brand’s signature sound, and its 10-inch wireless subwoofer with natural wood housing is the most powerful on this list. A booming bass can add more excitement to movie scenes, as well as console gameplay.
7
Affordable Dolby Atmos
Alto 8 Wireless Soundbar
- The most immersive sound for the money
- Solid set of connectivity features
- Reasonable price
Key Features
- Sound: 2.1-channel setup with Dolby Atmos
- Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Other: Seamless Roku TV integration
The Alto 8 wireless soundbar by TCL offers an elegant design and solid audio performance that belies its price. Unlike its sub-$200 rivals, the product is compatible with Dolby Atmos content. It’s the one to get if you're looking for a cinematic experience on the cheap.
You can play your favorite tunes on the Alto 8 from your smartphone via an up-to-date Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay, or Google Chromecast. Its sound is driven by powerful audio drivers and a duo of subwoofers. For only $60 more, you can snag an Alto 8+ with a beefier external subwoofer.
Stefan Vazharov
Senior Technology Editor
Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015; He previously covered tech products for GSMArena.com and his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
