The Best Soundbars (2026)
Flat TVs have thin, tinny speakers. A soundbar is the simplest way to get clearer dialogue and fuller sound for films, sport and music. These are the soundbars UK buyers rate most, from compact upgrades to full Dolby Atmos systems.
Our picks at a glance
| Product | Award | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Best Overall | 9.0/10 | Amazon → |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | Best Premium | 9.2/10 | Amazon → |
| Sonos Ray | Best Compact | 8.4/10 | Amazon → |
| Bose TV Speaker | Best for Dialogue | 8.1/10 | Amazon → |
| Yamaha SR-C20A | Best Value | 8.0/10 | Amazon → |
1. Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Best for: Most living rooms · Price: Mid-range
Compact, clear and smart, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) gives most TVs a big sound upgrade, supports Dolby Atmos and slots into a wider Sonos system.
| Connections | HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Wi-Fi |
|---|---|
| Audio formats | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital |
| Voice assistant | Amazon Alexa, Sonos Voice Control |
| Size | About 65cm wide |
Pros
- Clear dialogue
- Compact size suits most TVs
- Excellent app and multi-room
- Can add a sub and rear speakers later
Cons
- Atmos effect is subtle
- No Bluetooth
2. Sonos Arc Ultra
Best for: Big screens and home cinema · Price: Premium
Sonos' flagship soundbar delivers powerful, room-filling Dolby Atmos sound with deeper bass than its size suggests.
| Connections | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Audio formats | Dolby Atmos |
| Size | About 117cm wide |
Pros
- Impressive Atmos effect
- Strong bass from the bar alone
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Excellent app
Cons
- Expensive
- Large, suits bigger TVs
3. Sonos Ray
Best for: Small rooms and bedrooms · Price: Budget
Sonos' smallest soundbar is a simple, affordable upgrade over TV speakers, with clear dialogue and the Sonos app.
| Connections | Optical, Wi-Fi, Ethernet |
|---|---|
| Audio formats | Dolby Digital, DTS |
| Size | About 56cm wide |
Pros
- Compact
- Clear speech
- Sonos multi-room
Cons
- No HDMI or Atmos
- Limited bass
4. Bose TV Speaker
Best for: Clearer speech on TV · Price: Mid-range
Bose's compact soundbar focuses on making voices clearer, which makes a big difference for news, dramas and sport.
| Connections | HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, AUX |
|---|---|
| Size | About 59cm wide |
Pros
- Very clear dialogue
- Bluetooth for music
- Compact
Cons
- No Atmos
- Bass is limited without a sub
5. Yamaha SR-C20A
Best for: A cheap TV sound upgrade · Price: Budget
Yamaha's compact soundbar has built-in subwoofers and a clear voice mode, making it one of the best cheap soundbars around.
| Connections | HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth |
|---|---|
| Features | Built-in subwoofers, clear voice mode |
| Size | About 60cm wide |
Pros
- Excellent value
- Surprisingly full sound
- Bluetooth
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or Atmos
- Basic remote
How to choose soundbars
Connect with HDMI eARC if you can
HDMI ARC or eARC lets your TV remote control the soundbar's volume, and eARC carries the highest-quality surround formats.
Dolby Atmos adds height
Atmos soundbars bounce sound off the ceiling or use upward drivers to place effects above you. It's impressive in films, but not essential for everyday TV.
Think about a subwoofer
Many soundbars have decent bass built in. A separate subwoofer adds deep rumble, but takes floor space.
Check the size
Make sure the soundbar fits in front of your TV without blocking the screen or IR receiver.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily. Many compact soundbars have good bass for TV and music. A subwoofer makes the biggest difference for action films.
What's HDMI eARC?
It's an HDMI connection that lets your TV send audio to the soundbar, including high-quality formats like Dolby Atmos. Look for a port labelled eARC on your TV.
Will a soundbar work with my TV remote?
Usually, yes, when it's connected by HDMI ARC or eARC with HDMI-CEC switched on.
Our scores are editorial ratings based on specifications, pricing and published performance data. Rankings reflect popularity among UK buyers and our assessment of value. How we choose and score products.