The Ultimate Soundbar Buying Guide for 2024

Soundbars have become the default audio solution for a lot of people these days but some consumers struggle to figure out which one they should purchase.

In 2024, the amount of soundbars available can be overwhelming, but the key is to find one that fits both your space and your sound preferences.

It’s essential to consider a few factors to ensure you make the right choice.

Size does matter—you’ll want a soundbar that compliments the size of your TV and room so it doesn’t look out of place.

Sound quality is the most important; look for features like subwoofer integration, channel configuration, and whether it supports high-resolution audio formats.

Connectivity is another critical factor.

Whether you prefer seamless wireless options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi or the reliability of wired connections, there’s a soundbar tailored to your needs.

Given the pace of technological advancements, some soundbars offer smart features such as voice control through popular virtual assistants, multi-room audio integration, and even support for immersive audio formats such as Dolby Atmos.

These features can significantly enhance your viewing experience, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.

Ready to find the perfect one for your cozy movie nights?

Let’s dive into the world of soundbars.

What to Consider Before Buying a Soundbar

Shopping for a soundbar can be a breeze when you know what to look for.

Here’s the lowdown on buying the perfect audio companion for your home in 2024.

Budget

Your budget sets the stage for the type of soundbar you can get.

Whether you’re eyeing a basic model or one with all the whistles, prices can range from affordable to high-end.

Generally speaking, you can get a high-quality Soundbar for as little as $200, brands like Vizio exceed at producing these types of soundbars at such a low cost.

However, if you are looking for a Dolby Atmos soundbar that can fill a medium/large room then you probably want to increase your budget to $700-1,000 dollars.

This is because to fill a room you likey need rear speakers and a subwoofer which are added costs to the soundbar.

These costs are worth it in my opinion, especially the rear speakers as they make sound much more immersive.

Advanced Features

Soundbars today come packed with advanced features like voice control, room calibration, and built-in streaming services.

Figure out which features are the best before you make your purchase.

Connectivity

Think about the connectivity options you need.

Most soundbars are connected to the TV with HDMI cables. For Dolby Atmos Soundbars you will want a HDMI eArc port on your TV and a compatible cable.

This isn’t mandated but you will be getting the best sound quality, optical cables can work as well as just standard HMDI Cables but they arent recommended as they can’t fully support high-quality audio.

Compatibility With Speakers/Subwoofer

If you’re looking to expand your system, check the compatibility with additional speakers or a subwoofer.

Some soundbars offer easy integration, while others might require a bit more fiddling.

Lower cost Budget Soundbars typically don’t come with rear speakers or a sub, the rare exception is the Vizio V Series Soundbar.

Most of the time you will need to purchase a mid-range soundbar ($500 or so) and get a subwoofer and rear speaker bundle.

Companies make this hard by only allowing you to purchase the rear speakers and sub as a bundle with the soundbar, for example, you cannot decide to purchase a soundbar and then later on add speakers/sub, you have to do it all at first purchase.

Although this is not true for all companies, Sonos allows you to add any of their existing speakers or subwoofers to pair with your soundbar which is a huge reason why they are so popular.

Specifically, the Sonos Beam is probably the most popular soundbar on the market.

If I’m not mistaken Polk also allows separate sales of their rear speakers for select soundbars, although nowhere near the seamless integration and extensive options as Sonos.

Soundbar Design and Placement

When you’re shopping for a soundbar, the design and how you’ll place it in your room are crucial.

No one wants a soundbar that looks like an eyesore and will be mocked by guests.

You want a soundbar that not only fits well with your TV but also integrates seamlessly into your living space.

Considering Soundbar Size

Size matters when it comes to soundbars.

You’ll need to measure the area where you plan to put the soundbar to ensure it fits.

Ideally, it should be just a bit narrower than your TV for a visually appealing setup.

The right-size soundbar will not only look good but also help with the sound dispersion throughout the room.

Mounting Options and Space Requirement

Are you short on space? Wall-mountable soundbars can be a great space-saver.

There are designs that hang neatly below your wall-mounted TV, looking sleek and unobtrusive.

Some soundbars come with their own mounting kits, whereas others may require separate purchases, which you should factor into your setup budget.

It isn’t much-added cost, you can get a universal soundbar mount for cheap.

The other option you have is too simply place your soundbar on top of your entertainment center, this is what most people do.

Best Soundbars of 2024

There are so many soundbars to choose from, which are the best? Let’s discuss!

Budget Soundbars

• Roku Streambar: This is a good soundbar if you just want enhanced dialogue clarity and an upgrade over your TV speakers, you also have the option to enhance this setup by adding roku speakers and a sub. The Streambar has a built-in Roku player, meaning you have easy access to streaming services.
• Vizio V Series Bundle: This soundbar is a fantastic choice if you want quality without the hefty price tag. In my opinion this is the best bang for your buck on the market, you not only get the soundbar but also rear speakers and a sub. Of course, if you don’t want the bundle you can also buy the soundbar individually. The only con is the soundbar does not have Dolby Atmos, but it’s still an incredible value for the price.
• Vizio M Series: Same situation as the V series but you get Dolby Atmos with this soundbar.
• JBL MultiBeam: If you want a budget soundbar with an aggressive bass response this is the pick. JBL is known for their bass and this soundbar delivers, the only con is that it cannot be paired with rear speakers, however you can get a subwoofer with it. Although, if you don’t even want rear speakers than this makes a lot of sense.
• Polk Magnifi Mini: To My Knowledge, this is the smallest Dolby Atmos soundbar on the market, it’s a great minimalist design that will fit nicely near a TV stand. For those you have a already cluttered area under their TV this soundbar will be perfect for you.

Mid Range Champions

• Sonos Beam: This is the most popular soundbar on the market and for good reason. The Sonos Beam is a good looking soundbar and a high performing one as well. But what really makes the beam unique is it’s ability to be paired with high quality existing Sonos speakers and subwoofers. If you decide the beam is not enough you can easily pair it with the Sonos Era 100s or Sonos Era 300s.
• Polk Magnifi Max AX SR: This soundbar is a great choice for those seeking a more immersive mid range option. It has 7.1.2 channels and has 11 drivers built in, which means the soundbar has the ability to hit you with sound from a litany of angles.
• Vizio Elevate: Similar to the polk the Elevate provides more channels and speakers than most mid range soundbars.

High-End Picks

• Samsung Q990C: The Q990C stands out with its 11.1.4-channel system, delivering intricate spatial audio that can transform your listening experience. It gets constant praise for its thunderous bass response as well. It is by far the most popular high end option on the market.
• JBL Bar 9.1: Comes with detectable surround speakers which is very cool. Capable of producing 820 watts for a very loud and room-filling sound.
• Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra: The showckwafe Ultra is very unique in that it comes with 4 rear speakers and 2 subwoofers for an immersive home theater experience that no other soundbar can rival. This is the best option on the market if you want a top-notch audio experience centered around a soundbar.