Best Soundbars 2026

Ranked by aggregated score from RTINGS, What Hi-Fi?, SoundGuys and CNN Underscored. Dolby Atmos and stereo soundbars — judged on sound quality, surround immersion and value.

SAMSUNG

Samsung HW-Q990F

#1 Overall 11.1.4

Updated August 2026

Samsung HW-Q990F

The true surround king — an 11.1.4 system with wireless rears and subwoofer that fills the room

THE undig SCORE — 4 SOURCES, UNTANGLED

90

Out of 100

SONOS

Sonos Arc

#2 Overall 5.0.2

Updated August 2026

Sonos Arc

The best single-bar system — premium Atmos, room-tuning Trueplay and the whole Sonos ecosystem

THE undig SCORE — 3 SOURCES, UNTANGLED

88

Out of 100

BOSE

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

#3 Overall 5.1.2

Updated August 2026

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

The dialogue and room-fill specialist — Bose's widest Atmos soundfield with class-leading clarity

THE undig SCORE — 3 SOURCES, UNTANGLED

86

Out of 100

SONY

Sony HT-A3000

#4 Overall 3.1

Updated August 2026

Sony HT-A3000

The premium 3.1 all-rounder — great single-bar sound that expands into a full Sony surround system

THE undig SCORE — 3 SOURCES, UNTANGLED

85

Out of 100

SONY

Sony HT-S2000

#5 Overall 3.1

Updated August 2026

Sony HT-S2000

The value Atmos bar — big, clear sound and built-in bass for a fraction of the flagship price

THE undig SCORE — 3 SOURCES, UNTANGLED

83

Out of 100