Soundbars: What to know before you buy

Soundbars: What to know before you buy

A soundbar is one of the best upgrades you can make to your TV, but there are so many to choose from. Here’s what you should know and a selection of excellent soundbars hand-picked by CNET editors.

You can see the products featured in this video here 👇
Sennheiser Ambeo https://bit.ly/31pTSua
Sonos Arc https://bit.ly/2ZP5W87
Vizio V21 https://bit.ly/3DjUYoO
Roku Streambar https://bit.ly/3ry4aDI
*CNET may get a commission from these offers.

Read about all the best soundbars here:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/best-soundbar/

Subscribe to CNET: https://www.youtube.com/user/CNETTV
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnet
Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cnet
Follow us on Instagram: http://bit.ly/2icCYYm
Follow us on TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMd2h6yac/

50 Comments

  1. @drizzle3010 on April 18, 2025 at 12:14 pm

    That’s the price of 08 Honda

  2. @Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator on April 18, 2025 at 12:15 pm

    Great info.
    Hisense speakers sound pretty good but, I just sent back my $60 10w Soundbar connected via HDMI EARC to a $100 Hisense HS2100 240w Soundbar to pair with my 65"

  3. @shelbyflf on April 18, 2025 at 12:15 pm

    My Sony 65 in 900E has HDMi Arc but not E arch can it still be plugged in soundbar with E arch?thx

  4. @CoolStuffZone on April 18, 2025 at 12:18 pm

    Just looking for a soundbar with built in audio compression. I want to turn the dialog up and action sequences down. I also would like the ability to turn off surround sound, for I have never cared for it…virtual surround sound is even worse. Thanks for the help 🙂

  5. @mangakey on April 18, 2025 at 12:18 pm

    In general and "especially" with budget sound bars you want a subwoofer if you expect some decent bass.. There are some all in ones that promise bass but they either fall short or cost lots of money..

  6. @youdaman1410 on April 18, 2025 at 12:21 pm

    i already have a klipsh self powered sub and looking for a soundbar i can plug my subwoofer into
    thanks ahead for help!!!

  7. @tylon2999 on April 18, 2025 at 12:22 pm

    Why do would you need to turn of your TV’s speakers with a soundbar?

  8. @zakihilmi7660 on April 18, 2025 at 12:26 pm

    Worst build equality comes from Vizio and won’t last

  9. @kingkobra1956 on April 18, 2025 at 12:26 pm

    All that good reflecting only works in the perfect setting. I have a tower on each side of my display. My living room is open to the dining room. I’m all messed up. No reflecting for me.

  10. @Totalplonker on April 18, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    I’ve had several soundbars and surround sound package but it was only when I purchased a budget AVR and a pair of budget speakers that I realised what I was missing, (stereo imaging, thumping bass, fully enveloping soundstage imaging etc) besides going down this route one can always add to it overtime… surround speakers, subwoofers etc. One can even get height speakers and have the full ‘non virtual’ Dolby Atmos experience. Nowadays AVRs has so simple to setup they even walk you through the process.

    Remember movies are made up of 50% visuals and 50% audio and there are occasions when the audio out does the visuals.

  11. @adesolashittu3294 on April 18, 2025 at 12:27 pm

    No

  12. @scott21784 on April 18, 2025 at 12:28 pm

    The new tv sound just good as soundbar with no sub.

  13. @darylang2575 on April 18, 2025 at 12:30 pm

    Should I get a sound bar for my room usage link w my laptop. Or it’s overkill

  14. @Infoindia01 on April 18, 2025 at 12:31 pm

    You should watch how review and recommendation videos work. Just a friendly feedback.

  15. @imrecsuri5893 on April 18, 2025 at 12:31 pm

    “Sennheiser ambeo: Downsides:…music doesn’t sound great..” you clearly don’t know how good music sounds or didn’t bother using the right settings. Music is on another level on the ambeo.

  16. @Psychommuniter on April 18, 2025 at 12:33 pm

    Vizio, Vizio and Vizio. Its a brand that only sells in North America, no recomendatios for the rest of the world?

  17. @scd2125 on April 18, 2025 at 12:35 pm

    Not budget at all

  18. @Down4Brown13 on April 18, 2025 at 12:36 pm

    should I still use tv speaker while using Soundbar?

  19. @reviews6652 on April 18, 2025 at 12:39 pm

    Your video is relevant and to the point! Thank you!!!

  20. @RollerSkatinActor on April 18, 2025 at 12:40 pm

    One warning, LG TVs are not compatible with Sony Soundbars. After purchasing an LG C1 55" a few weeks ago I then searched for an Atmos SB. I purchased the Sony X8500 Atmos and after 1 frustrating week, I find this out. I wish either LG or Sony would notify customers. Now Im back on the hunt and may as well stick with an LG Atmos.

  21. @ArcaneBlip on April 18, 2025 at 12:41 pm

    “I hope you’re sitting down” – should’ve lied down dead 💀

  22. @dougiemac8417 on April 18, 2025 at 12:42 pm

    Awesome video. Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to more from your channel. 👍🏾👍🏾

  23. @terrybillington2482 on April 18, 2025 at 12:42 pm

    25 hundred for crap.with no bass.
    I could achieve a better sound for less than 200

  24. @AJJJ-co2vd on April 18, 2025 at 12:43 pm

    Does anyone have the TCL 8i. I’m thinking about buying it but not sure if it’s any good

  25. @BackwardTravisty on April 18, 2025 at 12:44 pm

    Looks like Ty Pendleberry needs to hit the gym. Seems like the heaviest things he picks up is lunch. Geez! Need a back brace, bruh?

  26. @MAYK1NG on April 18, 2025 at 12:44 pm

    With the vast array of choice, why would you waste yours and our time reviewing some of the overpriced, inferior products?

  27. @EffectualPoet on April 18, 2025 at 12:46 pm

    2:52 Are you serious? 🤣

  28. @the-bu3lb on April 18, 2025 at 12:47 pm

    I would like to get tho sonos arc sub and wireless speakers you just mentioned however when I see the options it shows a power cord needed for the speakers can u explain please thanks

  29. @KalyxYT on April 18, 2025 at 12:48 pm

    headphone jack to tv. goodbye dolby audio.

  30. @frankbarwald6948 on April 18, 2025 at 12:48 pm

    Music does not Sound great on a Sennheiser Ambeo….. omg …. You got no idea what you are talking about…. Sry Man….

  31. @noki448 on April 18, 2025 at 12:50 pm

    One of the Best sound bar is Samsung Harman/Kardon HW-Q90R!!!..

  32. @ulysse21 on April 18, 2025 at 12:50 pm

    Tech changes all the time, but it’s unable to provide customers with TVs featuring a decent sound. Modern tech Industry sucks

  33. @KevinBrownTV. on April 18, 2025 at 12:52 pm

    Does it matter sticking to the same brand from the TV ?

  34. @Nick-of-Tyme on April 18, 2025 at 12:55 pm

    Which tv comes with excellent built-in speakers?

  35. @Jmp5nb on April 18, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    The Roku also causes tears in the matrix.

  36. @edwinoloo6536 on April 18, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    I’d like to get a sound bar though I’m not interested in getting a tv, is it a wise move?

  37. @leebjorkman9063 on April 18, 2025 at 12:58 pm

    $2,500 with no sub and music sounds bad. People buy this? For $2,500 you could get a very nice HT

  38. @Brobiee on April 18, 2025 at 12:59 pm

    I have the best tv

  39. @warlockboyburns on April 18, 2025 at 12:59 pm

    I think I read that the further you sit from the speaker the bigger the cone size should be which means sound bars don’t make any sense because they all have very small speakers. They are just a money grab I believe. Overpriced crap.

    I bought a sound base and for me it only sounds good about a meter away.

  40. @davec6037 on April 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    Stupid adverts on these do your head in

  41. @kdizzy07 on April 18, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    – Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar available
    – $2500 !
    – Music doesn’t sound great
    Huh??????

  42. @philb-ze8sz on April 18, 2025 at 1:01 pm

    Sound bars are excellent for easy setup over TV sound. I have heard many and this one and they all sound thin. While my ZVOX 580 does not do surround and such, it sounds much fuller than the Sony, Samsungs, and LG I have heard. PLUS the ZVOX has subout so I can connect my Martin Logan Depth-i Sub which outputs to other smaller subs placed around my family room. These brands will not use sub out because they want to lock you into their subs, the ONLY sound bar I would consider is the AMBIO series dues to having sub out.

  43. @Viqsyy on April 18, 2025 at 1:01 pm

    Is there any soundbars which have an option to reverse the right and the left side? The setup I have right now at home requieres them to be reversed

  44. @KuyaArbee on April 18, 2025 at 1:02 pm

    AMBEO HANDS F*CKING DOWN! the ability to UPSCALE audio is HUGE! it’s amazing!

  45. @michael-4k4000 on April 18, 2025 at 1:03 pm

    Have 2 Ambeo stacked on top of each other and it sounds amazing, now I can’t see much of my TV but the fact is that I get so many channels it’s worth it!!!

  46. @bruceleeshamuon4487 on April 18, 2025 at 1:05 pm

    Why isnt there a sample sound?

  47. @TravionMusic on April 18, 2025 at 1:06 pm

    Proud Ambeo owner here, but I’m starting to miss surrounds, traded my entire Sonos setup, and while I don’t regret it. I just miss having dedicated surround speakers

  48. @CNET on April 18, 2025 at 1:09 pm

    You can see the products featured in this video here 👇
    Sennheiser Ambeo https://bit.ly/31pTSua
    Sonos Arc https://bit.ly/2ZP5W87
    Vizio V21 https://bit.ly/3DjUYoO
    Roku Streambar https://bit.ly/3ry4aDI
    *CNET may get a commission from these offers.

  49. @MrKnothead63 on April 18, 2025 at 1:09 pm

    sound on may tv varies. it will cruising along and a commercial comes on and blows you out of the room. will a sound bar fix this

  50. @ntsakomukansi4997 on April 18, 2025 at 1:11 pm

    Watching this on my Volkano Shockwave 2.0 soundbar!!

Leave a Comment