Soundbars Under $1,000: What to Check Before You Buy

A close-up shows the front of a black soundbar on a wooden surface.

Under $1,000 you can choose between a single premium bar and a full system with a subwoofer and rear speakers in the box. Both can sound great. The right one depends on your TV, your room and how much hardware you want in it.

5 things to check before you buy

  1. Check your TV connection. An HDMI eARC port on the TV gives a soundbar the best quality Dolby Atmos signal, so look for it before you order.
  2. Decide on a subwoofer and rears. A single bar keeps the room tidy. A wireless subwoofer and rear speakers do the most for movies and games.
  3. Match your TV brand. Samsung Q-Symphony and Sony Acoustic Center Sync let the TV speakers play together with the bar, and they only work with a TV from the same brand.
  4. Think about streaming. If you play music through the bar, check that it supports the apps and the voice assistant you already use.
  5. Measure your space. Measure the width of the TV stand and the gap under the screen. A bar that blocks the picture or hangs over the edge is a daily annoyance.

Three picks to start with

  • Best Overall: Sonos Arc Ultra, a 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos bar you can expand later with a Sonos subwoofer and rears.
  • Best for Samsung TVs: Samsung HW-Q900F, a 7.1.2 system with a wireless subwoofer and Q-Symphony with Samsung TVs.
  • Best for Big Rooms: JBL Bar 1300X, with 11.1.4 channels, a 12 inch wireless subwoofer and detachable battery-powered surround speakers.

All seven picks and a side by side table are in our guide to the Best Soundbars Under $1,000.

#ad As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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