The Best Soundbars under $1000: You can enjoy good sound without being an audiophile. Most TVs nowadays have poor sound quality, so if you don’t use a soundbar, you’re missing out on better audio. A soundbar can make your programs more exciting and enhance your favorite songs with powerful bass and clear details.
However, not all soundbars are the same. To make a decision, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each soundbar. Do you like surround sound? You should think about getting a soundbar with more channels. Do you enjoy having strong bass in your sound? To find a good soundbar, look for one that has a subwoofer included or built-in.
Picking the right one for your space can feel overwhelming. DigitalMagazine has compiled a list of the best soundbars that we have personally tested and reviewed. These are our top recommendations. The Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch soundbar is our top pick for most people. We also considered soundbars from Roku, Philips, Bowers and Wilkins, and other brands.
The Best Soundbars of 2023
We list some of the best soundbar systems you can consider;
Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Soundbar – Best Soundbar
The tech specs for the Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Soundbar are: Power: 500W Subwoofer: 6.5-inch with 180W max power Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, or optical
The Hisense soundbar is a top choice for most people. The device is not designed for audiophiles and has only a few EQ adjustments. However, considering its affordable price of $350, it offers a satisfying movie or TV-watching experience that many people seek. It has everything you need for a great listening experience – a subwoofer and two wireless surround-sound speakers. The soundbar has nine built-in speakers.
Here are the key features: 5.1.2 Surround sound with a maximum audio power of 500W, Dolby Atmos support, seven preset EQ modes, compatibility with Roku TV, and additional features.
The soundbar is better than expected, especially regarding its ease of use and surprisingly good sound quality given its price. Regarding bass, it is punchy but reasonable. The subwoofer enhances the overall sound. The soundbar is a simple device that can be set up and used within minutes. The soundbar has simple sound adjustments, making it user-friendly and not overly complicated. You can consider it among the best soundbar under $1000.
Roku Streambar – Best Budget Soundbar
Here are the technical specifications for the Roku Streambar: Power: Not applicable. Subwoofer: Not included. Connectivity: Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and optical
The Roku Streambar is more than just a soundbar. It offers 4K streaming for your favorite shows, over 300 live TV channels, and access to Roku Originals. Dolby Audio enhances movies and shows with 4K resolution for superior picture quality. Enjoy the convenience of multiple connectivity options like Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, and Wi-Fi. The package includes a remote control for those who prefer it over voice control.
The action elements were still noticeable but didn’t dominate everything else. And this was without going into the settings and making detailed adjustments. It had great audio right away. The soundbar is wireless, which makes it simple to set up and also allows it to be used as a Bluetooth speaker for music. It is one of the best soundbar you can consider.
Philips Fidelio FB1 – Top Soundbar for Audiophiles
Here are the technical specifications for the Philips Fidelio FB1: Power: 310W Subwoofer: Not included Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical, USB
The Philips Fidelio FB1 soundbar has two up-firing speakers and 15 drivers powered by a 310W amplifier. It supports Dolby Atmos and Play-Fi, allowing you to connect additional subwoofers or speakers. It is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant. Philips Fidelio FB1 is one of the best soundbar under $1000.
You can adjust the sound settings and customize the soundbar using two apps. However, the user interface of these apps may need to be more user-friendly. The product also includes a mic that adjusts each channel’s output for excellent surround sound.
I tested this soundbar for a few days and was impressed with its specifications and clear sound for different media types. Listening to a crackling Yule log on the TV felt like being immersed in a fiery experience, with flames and sparks surrounding you.
This soundbar is perfect if you enjoy experimenting with various options and customizations. It delivers a sound tailored to your ears and suits whatever you’re listening to.
Bowers and Wilkins Panorama 3 – Best Soundbar Splurge
Here are the technical specifications for the Bowers and Wilkins Panorama 3: Power: 400W with two built-in subwoofers. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, and optical.
This Bowers and Wilkins soundbar costs $1,000, which is expensive. However, the brand is well-known for its high-quality speakers and audio systems used by professionals. So, you can expect good value for your money with this soundbar.
The speaker has 13 drivers and a hexagonal design that creates surround sound by delivering Dolby Atmos audio to your ceiling. It supports high-resolution playback with HDMI eARC compatibility and has a frequency response of 43Hz – 48kHz.
Bowers and Wilkins packed a variety of speakers into the soundbar, allowing it to produce a wide range of sounds up to 48kHz. The device can deliver more accurate and realistic audio, especially for high-frequency sounds like cymbals and breaking glass. It is one of the best soundbar available in the market.
The soundbar doesn’t have a subwoofer or extra speakers for traditional surround sound, but it still delivers satisfying bass for those who love deep sound.
Razer Leviathan V2 – Best Soundbar for Gaming
Here are the tech specs for the Razer Leviathan V2: Power: 150W Subwoofer: Down-firing Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
This soundbar is designed specifically for gamers and is perfect for placing on your desk in front of your monitor. It enhances your gaming setup without taking up much space. This device has excellent features for gamers, like THX Spatial Audio, customizable lighting with Razer Chroma, and a compact design with detachable rubber feet to keep it angled toward you for better sound.
The sound of this device covers a range of 45Hz to 20 kHz. It achieves this through two full-range drivers, two tweeters, two passive radiators, and a subwoofer that faces downwards.
The 7.1 surround sound feature enhances your listening experience by accurately reproducing the direction of instruments, sound effects, and voices as game designers and artists intended. The subwoofer’s bass adds depth and a rumbling feeling to explosions and shots, which are usually not present with flatter speakers. It is the best soundbar for gamers.
Which soundbar is the best?
The Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Soundbar is the top choice. It has the latest technology and is affordable. It also comes with separate surround-sound speakers and a subwoofer. Here’s a quick overview of the size and cost of the top soundbars for comparison.
| Soundbar | Price | Subwoofer | Connectivity |
| Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch | $350 | 6.5-inch subwoofer with 180W max power | HDMI, Bluetooth, or optical |
| Roku Streambar | $130 | Not included | Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and optical |
| Philips Fidelio FB1 | $630 | Not included | HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical, USB |
| Bowers and Wilkins Panorama 3 | $1,000 | 2 built-in | Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, optical |
| Razer Leviathan V2 | $230 | Down-firing | Bluetooth 5.2 |
What’s the best soundbar for you?
Here are some expert tips to help you choose the perfect soundbar for your home.
| Soundbar | Features |
| Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2Ch Soundbar | The top soundbar choice for most individuals. Setting it up is a breeze and the sound quality is excellent for both movies and TV shows. |
| Roku Streambar | Something accessible. The Roku Streambar is a budget-friendly soundbar that offers great connectivity and a variety of free channels. |
| Philips Fidelio FB1 | This soundbar is perfect for audiophiles, as it offers a wide range of EQ customizations. The product also includes a mic that adjusts intelligently for optimal sound quality. |
| Bowers and Wilkins Panorama 3 | To treat yourself to a top-notch soundbar from a well-known brand. The design is hexagonal and it delivers Dolby Atmos spatial audio surround sound. |
| Razer Leviathan V2 | A soundbar for gaming. It’s small enough to fit on your desk and you can customize the RGB animations. |
How did we pick these soundbars?
We only included soundbars that we have personally tested. We considered several factors when selecting these top soundbars.
Channels
Soundbars typically have between two and 16 sound channels. Soundbars with five or more channels have surround sound for a more immersive experience.
HDMI inputs
If you have more devices, check how many HDMI ports are available. Consider whether you have gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, or other devices that need to be connected to your soundbar.
Sound experience
If a soundbar doesn’t sound good, it’s not worth having. We thought about our experiences using these soundbars and how they sounded with movies, TV shows, music, and games.
Price
Remember to consider your budget when shopping—the soundbars on this list range in price from around $100 to over $1,000.
Can any soundbar be used with any TV?
Soundbars can work with any TV and can be easily connected using the HDMI ARC connection for audio. Before choosing a soundbar, ensure it works with your TV.
What is the price range for the best soundbars?
The price of soundbars can vary a lot based on their design and included features. Soundbars can be priced between $120 and nearly $2,000. Their prices increase as soundbars gain more channels, EQ customization, and smart home features. If you don’t prioritize these things, you can save money by purchasing a less expensive soundbar.
Are there other soundbars that are worth considering?
I found some other soundbars that you should consider.
JBL Bar 9.1 Channel Soundbar System
This soundbar enhances your home cinema sound with Dolby Atmos and 3D surround sound. Place the two detachable surround sound speakers behind you without concerns about additional wires or power connections.
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc can be connected to the Sonos app, Amazon Alexa, or Apple AirPlay 2. You can enhance your home theater experience by pairing the Sonos Era 300 speaker with the Sonos Arc.
Sony HTS100F
This soundbar is priced at $100, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Despite its affordable price, it features S-Force Front Surround technology, replicating the experience of expensive surround-sound systems.
