Sonos Beam (Gen 2) - Best Overall
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers clear dialogue and rich mids thanks to its four full‑range drivers and a dedicated tweeter. It supports Dolby Atmos when paired with a Dolby Vision TV, and its built‑in voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) let you control music, smart home devices and TV volume hands‑free. Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, optical audio, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, making it versatile for most setups. The Sonos app provides easy multi‑room grouping and regular software updates that keep the sound bar future‑proof.
Check price on Amazon →Discover the top five sound bars of 2026, each chosen for performance, value and ease of use.
A good sound bar can transform a modest TV speaker setup into a cinema‑like experience without the clutter of a full‑size home‑theater system. In 2026 the market offers a mix of sleek designs, smart integration and powerful drivers, so picking the right one depends on room size, budget and feature preferences.
Below you’ll find a concise comparison of the five models that stood out in our comparison, followed by deeper looks at each product. Every link points to Amazon with our affiliate tag, so you can check the latest price and availability instantly.
Our testing process
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
Quick comparison
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) - Best Overall | Check price | ||
| Bose Smart Soundbar 300 - Best Budget | Check price | ||
| Samsung HW-A650 - Best for Atmos | Check price | ||
| Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 - Best Value | Check price | ||
| JBL Bar 2.0 - Best Entry Level | Check price |
Reviewed in detail
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) - Best Overall
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 delivers clear dialogue and rich mids thanks to its four full‑range drivers and a dedicated tweeter. It supports Dolby Atmos when paired with a Dolby Vision TV, and its built‑in voice assistants (Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) let you control music, smart home devices and TV volume hands‑free. Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, optical audio, Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth, making it versatile for most setups. The Sonos app provides easy multi‑room grouping and regular software updates that keep the sound bar future‑proof.
Bose Smart Soundbar 300 - Best Budget
Bose’s Smart Soundbar 300 packs a surprising amount of power for its size, using a single tweeter and three mid‑range drivers to fill a room with balanced sound. It lacks Dolby Atmos but offers crisp dialogue and a built‑in ADAPTiQ room calibration that tailors the output to your space. Voice control works through Alexa and Google Assistant, and you can link the bar to Bose’s wireless surround speakers for a fuller experience. HDMI ARC, Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi give you flexible connection options at a price that’s lower than many competitors.
Samsung HW-A650 - Best for Atmos
The Samsung HW‑A650 is a 3‑1‑2 channel sound bar that brings true Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support to midsize rooms. It features two upward‑firing drivers that bounce sound off the ceiling, creating height effects that make movies feel more immersive. A 7.1‑channel surround sound mode works with Samsung’s Wireless Rear Speaker Kit for an expanded soundstage. Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi and a dedicated subwoofer output. The bar also supports Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem for easy integration with other Samsung devices.
Vizio M-Series M512a-H6 - Best Value
Vizio’s M‑Series M512a‑H6 offers a solid 3‑1‑2 channel configuration with a wireless subwoofer for deep bass, all at a very competitive price. It supports Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X, delivering a respectable sense of height without the need for ceiling speakers. HDMI eARC, Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi are all present, and the Vizio SmartCast app lets you stream music services directly to the bar. While it doesn’t have built‑in voice assistants, it works with external devices that do.
JBL Bar 2.0 - Best Entry Level
The JBL Bar 2.0 is a straightforward 2.0 channel sound bar that focuses on delivering clear dialogue and punchy bass through its built‑in passive radiator. It lacks HDMI ARC, relying on an optical input and Bluetooth for connectivity, which keeps the price low. The bar includes JBL’s MultiBeam technology that widens the soundstage, making it a good fit for small apartments or bedroom setups. Its simple remote control and minimal setup process make it an ideal choice for users who want a plug‑and‑play upgrade.
How to choose
What to consider
When selecting a sound bar, start by measuring your room and deciding how many channels you need. A 2.0 or 2.1 setup works well in compact spaces, while a 3‑1‑2 or 5.1 configuration is better for larger living rooms and for those who want immersive formats like Dolby Atmos. Look for HDMI eARC or ARC support to ensure a single‑cable connection to your TV, which also carries high‑resolution audio.
What to consider
Next, consider smart features. If you already use Alexa or Google Assistant, a bar with built‑in voice control can reduce the number of remote controls you need. For music lovers, Wi‑Fi streaming and multi‑room compatibility (such as Sonos or Bose ecosystems) add convenience. Finally, compare the price against the included subwoofer and any optional rear speakers, as these accessories can significantly affect the overall cost and performance.
Common questions
Yes, most modern sound bars include an optical input or Bluetooth, allowing you to connect even if your TV lacks HDMI ARC.
The Samsung HW-A650 and Sonos Beam both support Dolby Atmos, giving you an immersive, three‑dimensional audio experience.
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