At a time when streaming services and home theater systems are becoming increasingly popular, good sound plays a crucial role. But not everyone has the space or budget for a full surround sound system. This is where soundbars come into play: compact devices that deliver impressive sound and can take your viewing experience to the next level.
Whether you’re watching movies, playing games or just enjoying music, the right soundbar can make all the difference. In this buying guide, we introduce you to the best soundbars, from inexpensive entry-level models to high-end solutions. You’ll also find out what you should look out for when buying so that you can find the perfect soundbar for your needs. Immerse yourself in the world of sound and find out how to get the most out of your home theater!
The best soundbars: Our recommendations
Rich sound in your home theater with up to 11.1.4-channel surround sound. The best soundbars deliver impressive three-dimensional surround sound that takes movies, series and games to the next level. Here are our recommendations for the best soundbars.
SAMSUNG HW-Q995GD
The Samsung HW-Q995GD is a premium soundbar that delights home theater fans with impressive 11.1.4-channel sound. Equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it delivers three-dimensional sound that brings movies, series and music to life. The included wireless rear speakers and powerful subwoofer create an immersive sound experience that puts you right in the middle of the action. SpaceFit sound technology ensures that the sound is automatically adapted to the room acoustics – ideal for any living room.
A highlight is the seamless integration with Samsung TVs thanks to Q-Symphony. Here, the TV speakers and soundbar work in sync to create an even more intense sound image. The connection options are versatile: HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, WLAN and AirPlay 2 enable easy integration into any setup. Gaming fans will also get their money’s worth, as Game Mode Pro optimizes the sound specifically for video games.
In addition to the outstanding sound quality, the HW-Q995GD impresses with its elegant design and simple operation. Functions such as Alexa voice control and the Samsung SmartThings app offer additional convenience. Whether it’s an action movie, concert stream or series marathon – this soundbar sets new standards and makes every audio experience unforgettable.
SAMSUNG HW-Q935GD
If you don’t want to spend quite so much money, the Samsung HW-Q935GD is a slightly cheaper alternative that also offers a full range of sound. This is a high-quality soundbar that provides impressive surround sound with a 9.1.4-channel system. Equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it creates a three-dimensional sound that transforms your living room into a home theater. Thanks to the wireless rear speakers and powerful subwoofer, you’ll experience deep bass and clear highs that intensify any movie or music experience. SpaceFit sound technology automatically adjusts the sound to your room acoustics for optimum sound quality.
The HW-Q935GD harmonizes perfectly with Samsung TVs thanks to Q-Symphony technology, which synchronizes TV speakers and soundbar. With versatile connectivity options such as HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2, integration into your home theater setup is as easy as can be. Gamers also benefit from Game Mode Pro, which is specially tailored to the sound requirements of video games and ensures an immersive gaming experience.
Design and ease of use are not neglected with the HW-Q935GD either. Its elegant, modern design blends seamlessly into any interior, while smart functions such as Alexa voice control and support for the Samsung SmartThings app make everyday use easier.
JBL Bar 1300
The JBL Bar 1300 is a powerful soundbar that delivers breathtaking sound with its 11.1.4-channel system. Equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, it produces impressive 3D sound that transforms your living room into a movie theater. A special highlight are the detachable wireless surround speakers, which offer maximum flexibility: Use them for a real surround sound experience or as separate Bluetooth speakers. The included subwoofer provides deep, powerful bass for a complete sound spectrum.
The JBL Bar 1300 also scores with its versatility. Thanks to state-of-the-art connection options such as HDMI eARC, WLAN, Bluetooth and AirPlay 2, the soundbar can be effortlessly integrated into any home theater setup. Support for voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant and the JBL One app for individual sound customization also make it particularly convenient to use. With the integrated PureVoice feature, dialog is highlighted clearly and distinctly – ideal for movies and series.
The JBL Bar 1300 also focuses on design and user-friendliness. Its minimalist and stylish appearance fits perfectly into modern living spaces. Whether for action-packed blockbusters, intense gaming sessions or studio-quality music.
Sennheiser Ambeo Max
Another advantage of the AMBEO Soundbar MAX is its intelligent room calibration. With the help of integrated microphones, the sound is optimally adapted to the acoustics of your room, guaranteeing a perfect listening experience. The wide range of connection options, including HDMI eARC, optical inputs, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Chromecast, ensures maximum flexibility. The soundbar is also compatible with voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, making operation particularly convenient.
The AMBEO Soundbar MAX also impresses visually with its elegant and timeless design, which blends seamlessly into any living room. It is aimed at discerning users who appreciate uncompromising sound and state-of-the-art technology. Whether it’s a blockbuster, a concert stream or a gaming adventure.
Sonos Arc Ultra (Surround Set)
The Sonos Arc Ultra Surround Set offers an immersive home theater experience with 3D sound, precise bass and flexible control. It combines the Arc Ultra soundbar, the powerful Sub 4 subwoofer and two Era 100 speakers for first-class surround sound. Dolby Atmos technology provides an immersive sound experience that brings movies, music and games to life.
Thanks to easy setup via the Sonos app and versatile streaming options, the set can be seamlessly integrated into any home. With Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 and voice control, it offers state-of-the-art technology and convenience.
The elegant design fits perfectly into any living space and can be easily combined with other Sonos products. This set is aimed at anyone looking for uncompromising audio quality and a smart sound experience.
Teufel Cinebar Ultima
The Teufel Cinebar Ultima is an impressively large and powerful soundbar that impresses with a rich sound image and outstanding workmanship. With an output of 380 watts and six speakers, including two subwoofers, it provides a powerful, room-filling sound that is particularly effective for movies and bass-heavy music. The “Dynamore Ultra” technology enables virtual surround sound, which enhances the home cinema experience.
Visually, the Cinebar Ultima impresses with its elegant, robust design and high-quality materials. The speakers are protected by magnetic covers and their golden accents give the soundbar a classy touch. The extensive connection options, including HDMI, Bluetooth and optical input, make it easy to integrate into any home cinema system.
One drawback of the soundbar is the lack of WLAN and LAN as well as the lack of cables in the scope of delivery. Nevertheless, the Cinebar Ultima’s flexibility and excellent sound make it ideal for use in a variety of scenarios. Anyone looking for an affordable but powerful home theater experience will find this an excellent choice.
The best gaming soundbars: Our recommendations
Soundbars are not just for the living room. Soundbars also prove to be a space-saving and powerful sound solution for gaming on the PC. Here are our recommendations for the best models.
Razer Leviathan V2 Pro
The Razer Leviathan V2 Pro is an advanced soundbar designed specifically for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts. With its virtual headset mode and beamforming technology, it offers an immersive sound experience that precisely directs the sound to the user – regardless of their sitting position. Supported by Dolby Atmos and a powerful subwoofer, the soundbar delivers clear, detailed 3D sound and deep bass, ideal for games, movies and music.
The Leviathan V2 Pro’s connectivity options include USB and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to PCs, consoles and mobile devices. The Razer Synapse software allows users to adjust the sound and customize the RGB lighting, which is divided into 30 zones. The head-tracking feature ensures that the soundbar delivers the optimal sound even when the user moves, creating an exceptionally immersive audio experience.
The design of the Leviathan V2 Pro is compact and elegant, making it ideal for desks and small rooms. However, it requires two power sockets – one for the soundbar and one for the subwoofer – and comes with a premium price tag. Nevertheless, thanks to its innovative technologies and excellent audio quality, it offers a unique experience for discerning users who want to get the most out of their gaming or multimedia setup.
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X
The Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X is a compact soundbar designed specifically for gaming enthusiasts. With an output of 90 watts RMS, it offers powerful sound despite its space-saving design. Supported by an external subwoofer, the soundbar provides precise bass and clear highs that create an immersive gaming experience. The integrated Sound Blaster Acoustic Engine offers numerous adjustment options to optimize the sound.
Thanks to versatile connection options such as HDMI ARC, USB, optical input and Bluetooth, the Katana V2X can be used flexibly. It is suitable for consoles and PCs as well as mobile devices. Dolby Audio support also ensures a high-quality surround experience. The RGB lighting, which can be customized via the software, allows the soundbar to fit perfectly into gaming setups.
Its slim design makes the Katana V2X ideal for small rooms, while still delivering an impressive sound image. Creative extras such as the ability to save sound profiles and control via the Creative app make it particularly user-friendly. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers who are short on space but don’t want to compromise on audio quality.
Panasonic SoundSlayer soundbar
The Panasonic SoundSlayer soundbar combines compact dimensions with impressive sound quality, ideal for smaller rooms. Thanks to Dolby Atmos and an integrated subwoofer, it creates immersive 3D sound that brings movies, music and games to life. Panasonic collaborated with the Final Fantasy XIV team to develop specially adapted audio modes for RPG, FPS and dialog-based games for this soundbar.
The SoundSlayer has versatile connectivity, including HDMI, Bluetooth and optical input, and supports 4K HDR passthrough. Its special design allows it to be used in tight spaces without compromising on audio quality. Different sound modes such as Cinema, Music and Gaming optimize the sound for different content.
With a sleek design and sophisticated features, the SoundSlayer is perfect for anyone looking for a space-saving but powerful audio upgrade.
Sonos Beam
.
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact but powerful soundbar that impresses above all with its support for Dolby Atmos and improved audio formats. Compared to its predecessor, it comes with a faster processor and new phased speaker arrays that provide an improved sound image. It offers excellent 3D simulation and is ideal for movie and gaming experiences, although it only simulates the rear and upper speaker channels.
The soundbar can be controlled via the Sonos app, TV remote and voice assistants and offers flexible connectivity options such as HDMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2 and more. Its design remains minimalist, with a new perforated polycarbonate grille for better sound and a modern look. Setup is quick and easy via the app.
The Beam Gen 2 will also offer DTS support and Ultra HD audio formats such as Amazon Music Ultra HD through future updates. These regular upgrades make it a future-proof choice for audiophiles and Sonos fans looking for compact, high-quality sound.
Buying the best soundbars: What you should look out for
A soundbar is the perfect addition to your TV if you want impressive sound without having to set up a complete surround system. But with so many models and features available, choosing the right soundbar can be a challenge. In this article, we’ll show you what you should look out for when buying to find the ideal solution for your home theater.
1. sound quality: the most important factor
The main reason for buying a soundbar is to improve the sound. Therefore, make sure that the sound quality meets your requirements. There are models with 2.1 channels (two speakers and a subwoofer) all the way up to 7.1.2 systems that support Dolby Atmos. If you want to enjoy movies with surround sound, you should consider a soundbar with virtual surround functions.
2. size and design
The soundbar should match your TV both visually and practically. A soundbar that is too small could look lost, while one that is too large can clutter the picture. Many manufacturers offer models with a slim, unobtrusive design that blend seamlessly into your living room.
3. connections and compatibility
The right connectivity is crucial. Check whether the soundbar offers the right connections for your TV, such as HDMI (with ARC or eARC), optical inputs or Bluetooth for wireless connections. Modern models also support Wi-Fi, allowing you to integrate the soundbar into a multi-room system.
4. subwoofer: yes or no?
An external subwoofer provides rich bass, which is particularly impressive for movies and music. Some soundbars have integrated subwoofers, which are more space-saving, while others come with separate devices that offer more flexibility. Think about how important powerful bass is to you and whether you have the space for an external subwoofer.
5 Smart features
Many soundbars today are equipped with smart features, such as voice assistants (e.g. Alexa or Google Assistant), app control or the integration of streaming services. These functions can increase ease of use, but are not necessary for everyone. Decide whether these extras are important to you.
6 Budget: How much do you want to spend?
Soundbars are available in all price ranges – from entry-level models for under 100 euros to premium devices costing several thousand euros. Think about your budget before you buy and check test reports and customer reviews to find the best value for money.
7 Brands and warranty
Brands such as Sonos, Samsung, Bose or Sony have made a name for themselves with soundbars and often offer reliable quality. Also pay attention to the warranty conditions – a good model should have at least a two-year warranty.
Conclusion: find your perfect soundbar
Choosing the right soundbar depends on your individual needs and budget. Think about which features are important to you and, if possible, test different models to experience the sound quality for yourself. With the right soundbar, your living room will become a true cinematic experience – and every movie, series and piece of music will be a pleasure.
