Top rated best soundbars in 2022

The soundbar is a technical innovation of the latest generation, which allows you to expand the boundaries of the sound perception of TV shows and movies watched on TV. The compact device can enhance the sound quality and bring the owner to their own home theater with surround sound in minutes and little money. An increasing number of people are thinking about purchasing this device, and many soundbars are already actively used. How not to make a mistake with the decision, and which soundbar is better to buy, will be prompted by the rating of quality products, which includes only the best manufacturers and the most popular models.

Soundbar - what is it

A soundbar is a small electro-acoustic device whose main purpose is to amplify and enhance the sound of a TV when connected. This is a monoblock with built-in speakers. As a rule, the soundbar is oriented horizontally and is extremely compact; several types of these devices are distinguished by functionality and characteristics, connection type and capabilities.

According to the type of connection to the TV, there are 2 types of soundbars:

1. Active type soundbars - connect directly to the TV, have a slightly worse sound quality, but are easy to connect and control;
2. Passive type soundbars - connected to the TV through an AV receiver, they are more difficult to install, but the sound quality will be on top.

The functionality and characteristics of soundbars allow you to distribute devices into several groups depending on the goals pursued by the buyer:

Criterias of choice	Replacement of standard TV acoustics	Home theater acoustic component	Multifunctional audio system
Speaker configuration	2.0/ 2.1/ 3.1	5.1 or 7.1 and above	4.1 and up
pros	Low cost, compact	The sound is close to the surround sound of home theaters, compact	Surround sound TV, the ability to listen to music in the highest quality
Minuses	Sound quality leaves much to be desired, small feature set	High price	High price
Who will suit	If the purchased TV has poor sound quality, and the owner does not expect anything special from the soundbar	If the buyer wants to have high-quality surround sound without littering the apartment with speakers	If the buyer plans to use the soundbar not only for TV, but also as a full-fledged audio system

Soundbar or home theater?

A few years ago, to ensure the sound of a simple PC, the user needed to install a system of no less than 3 speakers and a stationary unit. Today, technology has stepped far forward, and a small soundbar can replace bulky equipment, saving space for pleasant things and other useful gizmos.

Home theater at one time became a real breakthrough in the gadget market: with its help, you can achieve perfect surround sound at home, no worse than in a real cinema. The home theater system is not designed for a small room: it includes several speakers that need to be placed around the entire perimeter of the room, having thought through the scheme of hiding the wires and choosing the ideal installation locations. For these purposes, they often even purchase a built-in ceiling system, which only increases the already considerable costs of the product itself.

The soundbar, on the other hand, is easy to install and takes up a minimum of space: you don’t need to call specialists to assemble it. But even the most expensive soundbar will not provide perfect acoustics in a larger than average room.Thus, the soundbar will be an excellent solution for small apartments, while owners of large areas should pay attention to home theaters. Well, the choice of a soundbar or speakers seems obvious today: if funds allow, it is better to stop at a soundbar: with a smaller volume, it will turn out to be much more functional and provide a rich sound.

How to connect a soundbar

Connecting a soundbar is not a very complicated process, you just need to figure out which input system the TV and the soundbar itself are equipped with.

• HDMI is a standard connector compatible with ARS technology. Any modern TV is equipped with at least one HDMI input, and connecting a soundbar through it will allow you to control the volume of the device through the TV remote control;
• A digital audio input is a popular way to connect a soundbar to a TV that does not allow you to control the volume with the TV remote control. The Toslink jack or coaxial input of the TV is connected to the same jack on the soundbar. It is important that the input and output must be of the same type, so if the type of digital audio output of the devices is different, you will have to stock up on an additional cord;
• Analog stereo (RCA) - if the only possible option for connecting the soundbar to a TV is an RCA connector, you will have to say goodbye to multi-channel sound. To connect a soundbar in this way, you will need an additional adapter from RCA to mini-jack;
• Bluetooth - almost all popular soundbar models allow you to transfer data from your smartphone wirelessly.For this function to work, you will need to establish a connection between the soundbar and the mobile device, the procedure will be easier if the soundbar is equipped with NFC technology - in this case, the whole process will come down to the fact that you will need to bring the mobile to a certain place on the soundbar case;
• DLNA is a specific technology for transferring data between a TV and a soundbar over a home Wi-Fi network, such a connection is highly efficient and reliable, but will only work with Smart TV. Setting up DLNA will take time and installation of special programs on a PC or laptop.

The best soundbars in the budget segment

Budget soundbars are not a substitute for high-end music equipment, but they can be a great addition to a TV with poor sound. This category includes installations with configuration 2.1, the price segment of which does not exceed 20,000 rubles.

1st place - Samsung HW-K450

The device has good stereo sound when properly installed. Excellent sound, compactness, light weight - only 2 kg, affordability - all this makes the model an ideal option for a small room and complementing the TV with the best audio equipment.

Ideally, the Samsung HW-K450 soundbar is paired with a TV of the same brand: otherwise, the Bluetooth function will be redundant. The fact is that the soundbar does not pair well wirelessly with devices from other companies, in which case the sound is lost, or there is no contact at all. If a non-Samsung TV is installed in the house, the only way to connect is via HDMI.

How much it costs - 14500 rubles.

• Excellent sound;
• Compactness;
• Ease of setup and operation;
• Wireless subwoofer included;
• Good power - 300 W;
• Sound control with the TV remote control.

• The Bluetoorh module has not been improved.

2nd place - SONY HT-CT80

Loudness for a connoisseur of high-quality sound is not a convincing reason for buying a soundbar, the main thing is the richness of the sound of the system. And SONY knows a lot about it. The total power of the HT-CT80 model is only 80 W, but even this volume will be more than enough for a small room. High frequencies sound amazingly clear, and the included subwoofer delivers beautiful bass sound.

This model lacks many bells and whistles, but it does its job remarkably: it is an excellent basic model, albeit without an indication panel, Bluetooth function and other components. SONY HT-CT80 is the answer to the question of how to choose a good soundbar and not go broke.

The average price is 11,000 rubles.

• Very attractive price;
• Beautiful sounding of both high and low frequencies;
• Optimal power for a small room;
• Subwoofer included;
• Easy to install and operate.

• Not suitable for large rooms;
• Lack of many additional features of more expensive models.

3rd place - LG LAS655K

Stylishly designed LG soundbar is a well-equipped speaker system with karaoke function, built-in FM tuner and, of course, mesmerizing sound. For little money, the user gets several important functions, skillfully built into a small panel.

The sound of movies, music and games will become much cleaner, and bass problems will no longer arise thanks to the included subwoofer.However, there is still a fly in the ointment in a barrel of honey: setting up and managing the device is quite complicated, and the Bluetooth function is poorly implemented, the sound of music transmitted not through a wire will be of much worse quality.

The average price is 16,000 rubles.

• Excellent price;
• Built-in connectors for microphones;
• Soundbar with radio;
• Good sounding of all sound frequencies.

• The volume periodically changes by itself;
• Poor sound transmission when connecting the soundbar via Bluetooth;
• The soundbar speakers are not covered, they are difficult to clean over time.

4th place - Samsung HW-R550

The active soundbar with a total power of 320 W is equipped with one front speaker shelf type. The body of the equipment is closed, bass-reflex. The design can be installed on a flat surface or mounted on a wall (the delivery set contains everything you need for this). Also available: optical cable, batteries for remote control and the remote control itself. Subwoofer and rear speakers can be connected wirelessly. Dolby Atmos and Digital, DTS act as decoders. There is Bluetooth. There are 4 interfaces in total.

For such a cost, this model fully justifies itself, plus the fact that the company is a well-known brand that has a good reputation in the equipment sales market.

How much it costs - 13440 rubles.

• Good sound;
• Looks stylish;
• Convenient remote control;
• You can control the remote control from the TV "Samsung";
• Minimalism;
• The presence of a wall;
• Build quality.

• Lack of NFC.

5th place - JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass

Shelving model closed type with two bands and a total power of 300 watts, equipped with one speaker, Bluetooth and Dolby Digital. The subwoofer connects wirelessly.The system is controlled via the remote control. The package contains everything you need. Of the interfaces, there are: stereo - line input, digital optical input and HDMI output / input.

How much does it cost - 16590 rubles

• Uniform distribution of sound in all directions;
• High-quality sound;
• Appearance;
• Integration with TV remote control;
• Powerful;
• Hull strength.

• Lack of equalizer modes;
• Only the HDMI cable is included in the package.

6th place - LG SL4

For those who appreciate the quality of sound transmission without various bells and whistles in the system - this design is just for you. The total power of the unit is 300 W, digital optical input, wireless subwoofer connection and Bluetooth. The equipment is controlled by a remote control, has Dolby Digital, DTS decoders. The delivery set contains all the necessary elements for installing and working with the soundbar.

Features: the ability to control the remote control from the TV or via a smartphone Bluetooth Remote App.

How much it costs - 11200 rubles.

• Quick connection;
• Nothing extra;
• TV remote control;
• Good power;
• Inexpensive;
• Build quality.

• Fast bass, lack of sound depth;
• Automatic shutdown after 15 minutes;
• No AUX.

7th place - Denon DHT-S316

Active sound model with digital optical, HDMI and line inputs is equipped with one speaker. Provides wireless subwoofer connection, remote control. The body is equipped with Bluetooth and Dolby Digital, DTS decoders.

Distinctive design features - low weight and dimensions, good technical base.

How much does it cost - 20,000 rubles.

• Balanced sound;
• Appearance;
• Value for money;
• Fast bass;
• Compact;
• Simple control;
• Possibility of wall mounting.

• Not identified.

The best midrange soundbars

Mid-range soundbars range in cost from 30,000 to 45,000 rubles. As a rule, they differ from budget ones in configuration, power and better sound.

1st place - Yamaha YSP-1600

An excellent soundbar from a Japanese brand that can easily compete with full-fledged home theaters in terms of power and beauty of sound. The active soundbar does not require an additional amplifier, and the 5.1 configuration allows you to create a surround sound effect.

The front speaker is attached to the ceiling, and all control can be carried out using a remote control or a smartphone. For owners of Apple technology, the soundbar has a built-in AirPlay option. The sound of the audio system with a built-in subwoofer sounds good at any rate, and the stereo line output allows you to connect additional speakers to the system.

Average price: 44,000 rubles.

• Richness of sound;
• Built-in subwoofer;
• Ability to connect to an external network via an Ethernet connector;

• Only 1 HDML connector;
• Not very intelligible web interface.

2nd place - Canton DM 55

An excellent soundbar with a built-in subwoofer built right into the product, resembling a set-top box in appearance. The panel is quite light - only 5 kg, but this "baby" is capable of reproducing sound with a power of up to 200 watts.

The manufacturer did not provide for the possibility of connecting the Canton DM 55 soundbar via HDMI, but it has a linear and digital optical input, as well as Bluetooth.

The average price is 25,000 rubles.

• Unusual design;
• Built-in subwoofer;
• High power;
• Little weight;
• Quality sound, good bass without an additional subwoofer.

• Lack of HDMI connector.

3rd place - Samsung HW-Q60R

Design features: standard 5.1, built-in center channel, inputs / outputs: 5 pcs., including stereo, digital optical and HDMI input, USB Type A, HDMI output.

Good soundbar with beautiful design, quality build and sound transmission (total power 360W). With a wide and well-defined soundstage structure and plenty of bass from a separate subwoofer, it meets all your TV's sound quality requirements. This model is suitable for gamers. Although the lack of built-in Wi-Fi and few features (Dolby Digital, DTS, subwoofer, Bluetooth) will surprise many buyers.

How much it costs - 33,000 rubles.

• The sound is really voluminous;
• Compact dimensions;
• Design;
• Build quality;
• Expand your TV sound experience.

• Does not always pick up the image;
• No USB adapter.

4th place - LG SL6Y

A 3.1 standard device with a built-in center channel, one front speaker has a total power of 420 watts. High sensitivity of 82 dB transmits excellent sound (clear, surround). Closed case, there are 2 bands, subwoofer wireless connection. The inputs are digital optical and HDMI, the output is HDMI. There is Bluetooth, decoders: Dolby Digital, DTS, DTS Virtual X. The setting can be done using the remote control from the TV or via the smartphone Bluetooth Remote App.

How much it costs - 35550 rubles.

• Clear, rich sound;
• Convenient to connect;
• Multifunctional;
• You can control your phone, TV remote control;
• Qualitative.

• Expensive.

5th place - YAMAHA MusicCast BAR 400

Technique with great possibilities of standard 2.1. a small power indicator of 200 W is equipped with two bands, a subwoofer, a bass reflex cabinet. There are linear, digital optical and HDMI inputs. Decoders: Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Virtual: X. Wi-Fi, AirPlay supported. The design works stably, is easy to set up and transmits high-quality sound.

How much it costs - 37890 rubles.

• The sound of movies and music will move perfectly;
• Value for money;
• Good management through a proprietary application;
• Nice design;
• Functional;
• Expandable to 5.1

• Not a handy remote.

6th place - Sony HT-S700RF

The main feature of this 5.1 soundbar is a huge power rating (1000 W), light weight and 2 speakers in the package. The case is equipped with a built-in center channel, digital optical and HDMI inputs, USB Type A output. There are Bluetooth, Dolby Digital and DTS decoders.

How much it costs - 32490 rubles.

• Easy setup;
• Appearance;
• Build quality and sound;
• Long wires;
• Stable work;
• Good bass;
• Clear sound.

• The balance of the rear speakers is not adjustable.

Premium soundbars

1st place - Yamaha YSP-5600

This soundbar is a real miracle of technical thought, in terms of technical characteristics it can easily compete with full-fledged studio equipment. Yamaha specializes in audio equipment and is the most sought after brand in today's audio market. If the user doubts which company is better to buy an audio system, the choice should be stopped on Japanese equipment. The YSP-5600 features 46 audio channels, delivering thick, tactile sound. And if you add a subwoofer to the system, the purity and power of the sound will reach its climax.

With a complex design, the soundbar is surprisingly easy to control, and there will be no problems with connecting the system. The only inconvenience that the device will bring is a possible rearrangement in the room to accommodate all its components in certain places. But the many features and great sound more than justify the price and bulkiness of the product.

The average price is 130,000 rubles.

• Several connectors for connecting to a TV;
• Nice powerful sound
• 3D sound;
• Easy to install and use;
• Convenient interface.

• Dimensions and weight - almost 12 kg;
• High price.

2nd place - SONOS Playbar

SONOS is making the future a reality by making a significant contribution to building the home of the future. The multifunctional audio system has a huge number of possibilities and will appeal to every household: it does not require a cable connection to connect, these versatile soundbars integrate into your home Wi-Fi network and will receive a signal from any device that broadcasts sound. If the music tracks on the device have come to an end, the soundbar will find them on the Internet on its own.

The premium soundbar has 9 built-in speakers, and the ability to direct sound to any room in the house provides additional popularity of models.The device allows you to direct sound to every speaker built in the house: unobtrusive classics can sound in the kitchen, and alternative rock can sound in the living room. Special attention, of course, is attracted by the sound purity of the soundbar: it is a beautiful, powerful sound that any music lover will appreciate.

The average price is 68,000 rubles.

• Beautiful, clear sound;
• Ability to connect additional speakers to the system;
• Compatible with any device;
• Wireless connection;
• Smartphone control;
• Playing music directly from the Internet was made available by the built-in media center.

• The absence of a subwoofer;
• Price.

3rd place - YAMAHA YSP-2700

Stylish modern 7.1 soundbar with a subwoofer power of 75 W is equipped with a large number of decoders and interfaces. There is one front speaker, video / music transfer via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, AirPlay is provided; Ethernet connector. The transmission of sound waves is true surround, but only within the range of the microphone for calibration.

To listen to music, it is better to use the stereo mode. It is possible to program the Internet radio, connect wireless headphones to it.

Due to the low body, the design does not overlap the TV screen (intended for installation on a shelf). This model is ideal for users who like to watch HD movies and do not like wires. The build quality, the sound is almost like in a movie theater, clear, voluminous with an appropriate source, deep bass, the ability to intelligently adjust the sound through a microphone are the main advantages of technology.

How much does it cost - 90,000 rubles.

• Stable work;
• Several color solutions;
• Design;
• surround sound;
• Very convenient management;
• Multifunctional;
• Build quality;
• Low power consumption;
• Long service life.

• No equalizer setting;
• Expensive.

4th place - Bose SoundTouch 300

The single-speaker shelf soundbar features efficient and voluminous sound even without a subwoofer and rear channels, original design, modern functionality and the ADAPTIQ equalization system. NFC is supported, there are Bluetooth and Dolby Digital, DTS decoders.

The interfaces are: inputs - stereo, digital optical, HDMI; outputs - subwoofer, HDMI.

As for the transmission of sound waves, there are no complaints, but if the user needs high standards, then you can find models with advanced functionality and capabilities.

The average cost is 55,000 rubles.

• sound;
• Mobility;
• Smart sound calculation system;
• Practically does not lag when connecting gadgets: tablet, computer, phone, TV;
• It plays only in the existing room, in other rooms the technician is not audible at all: calculates the working space;
• Switching bass using the remote control;
• Can play Internet radio independently via the Internet;
• Multifunctional;
• Stylish design.

• No airplay
• Glossy coating (you can see how dust settles, fingerprints remain);
• Price.

Whatever soundbar the user ultimately chooses, with its purchase, the idea of ​​watching movies at home will change significantly for the better. The acoustic pleasure from using this gadget is so great that the time is not far off when a person, buying a TV, will certainly ask to arrange a soundbar for it.