Best Smart Soundbar For Home Theater This Year – Smart Home Reviews
Our winners of the Best Smart Soundbar For Home Theater this year are:
BEST OVERALL
Sonos Arc
- Dolby Atmos
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Trueplay tuning technology
- HDMI eARC
PREMIUM CHOICE
Bose Soundbar 700
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- HDMI ARC
- ADAPTiQ audio calibration
- Controllable with Bose Music app
Introduction
In the age of smart technology, elevating your home theater experience has never been easier. One essential upgrade is the smart soundbar, a device that not only enhances audio quality but also integrates seamlessly with your smart home ecosystem.
This article dives into the best smart soundbars for home theaters, providing you with a detailed buying guide, FAQs, and reviews of top-rated products available on Amazon. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and transform your home entertainment experience.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is a premium smart soundbar that offers exceptional sound quality and smart features, making it a top choice for home theaters.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Sonos Arc for its immersive Dolby Atmos sound and seamless integration with other Sonos products, offering a complete home audio solution.
Features
- Dolby Atmos
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Trueplay tuning technology
- HDMI eARC
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy setup
- Versatile connectivity
- Voice assistant support
- Sleek design
Cons
- Expensive
- No Bluetooth support
- Requires Sonos app for setup
- Limited HDMI ports
- Large size
Our Verdict
The Sonos Arc is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-end smart soundbar with superior sound quality and smart features.
2. Bose Soundbar 700
The Bose Soundbar 700 is known for its impressive sound quality and stylish design, making it a great addition to any home theater setup.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We love the Bose Soundbar 700 for its clear dialogue mode and powerful bass, which enhance the overall viewing experience.
Features
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- HDMI ARC
- ADAPTiQ audio calibration
- Controllable with Bose Music app
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Voice assistant integration
- Sleek design
- Easy setup
- Great build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires additional subwoofer for best performance
- Limited HDMI ports
- No Dolby Atmos
- Large size
Our Verdict
The Bose Soundbar 700 is ideal for those who prioritize sound quality and design, though it comes at a premium price.
3. Yamaha YAS-209
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a mid-range smart soundbar that offers excellent value for money with its rich sound and smart features.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Yamaha YAS-209 for its built-in Alexa support and DTS Virtual:X technology, which provide an immersive audio experience.
Features
- DTS Virtual:X
- Amazon Alexa
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Wireless subwoofer
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- Affordable
- Good sound quality
- Built-in Alexa
- Easy setup
- Wireless subwoofer
Cons
- Limited smart features
- No Dolby Atmos
- Basic design
- Limited HDMI ports
- Requires Yamaha app for setup
Our Verdict
The Yamaha YAS-209 is a great option for those seeking a balance between price and performance.
4. Vizio SB36512-F6
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is an affordable soundbar offering Dolby Atmos support and impressive sound quality, making it a popular choice.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Vizio SB36512-F6 for its excellent value and Dolby Atmos support, which enhances the home theater experience.
Features
- Dolby Atmos
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Wireless subwoofer
- 4K HDR compatibility
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- Affordable
- Good sound quality
- Dolby Atmos support
- Easy setup
- Wireless subwoofer
Cons
- Limited smart features
- Basic design
- Requires Vizio app for setup
- Limited HDMI ports
- No voice assistant support
Our Verdict
The Vizio SB36512-F6 is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable soundbar with Dolby Atmos support.
5. Samsung HW-Q90R
The Samsung HW-Q90R is a high-end soundbar offering a premium audio experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We love the Samsung HW-Q90R for its immersive sound quality and comprehensive features, making it a top choice for home theaters.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Amazon Alexa
- Wireless subwoofer
- 4K HDR compatibility
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Voice assistant support
- Easy setup
- Wireless subwoofer
- Comprehensive features
Cons
- Expensive
- Large size
- Requires Samsung app for setup
- Limited HDMI ports
- Basic design
Our Verdict
The Samsung HW-Q90R is perfect for those seeking a premium soundbar with top-tier audio quality and features.
6. LG SN11RG
The LG SN11RG is a high-performance soundbar offering Dolby Atmos and Google Assistant support for a seamless home theater experience.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the LG SN11RG for its powerful audio performance and smart features, making it a great addition to any home theater setup.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Wireless subwoofer
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- High-quality sound
- Voice assistant support
- Easy setup
- Wireless subwoofer
- Comprehensive features
Cons
- Expensive
- Large size
- Requires LG app for setup
- Limited HDMI ports
- Basic design
Our Verdict
The LG SN11RG is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-performance soundbar with smart features and top-tier audio quality.
7. Sony HT-G700
The Sony HT-G700 is a mid-range soundbar that offers excellent sound quality and Dolby Atmos support at a reasonable price.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Sony HT-G700 for its immersive sound and value for money, making it a great option for home theaters.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Bluetooth
- Wireless subwoofer
- 4K HDR compatibility
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Affordable
- Easy setup
- Wireless subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos support
Cons
- Limited smart features
- Basic design
- Limited HDMI ports
- No Wi-Fi
- Requires Sony app for setup
Our Verdict
The Sony HT-G700 is a great option for those seeking a balance between price and performance without compromising on sound quality.
8. Polk Audio Command Bar
The Polk Audio Command Bar is an affordable soundbar with built-in Alexa support, offering great value for money.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Polk Audio Command Bar for its smart features and good sound quality, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers.
Features
- Amazon Alexa
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Wireless subwoofer
- 4K HDR compatibility
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- Affordable
- Built-in Alexa
- Good sound quality
- Easy setup
- Wireless subwoofer
Cons
- Limited smart features
- Basic design
- Limited HDMI ports
- Requires Polk app for setup
- No Dolby Atmos
Our Verdict
The Polk Audio Command Bar is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable soundbar with smart features and good sound quality.
9. Roku Smart Soundbar
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a budget-friendly option that combines a soundbar with a built-in streaming device, offering great value for money.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We appreciate the Roku Smart Soundbar for its built-in Roku streaming capabilities and good sound quality, making it a versatile addition to any home theater.
Features
- Built-in Roku streaming
- Bluetooth
- Voice remote
- 4K HDR compatibility
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- Affordable
- Built-in streaming
- Good sound quality
- Easy setup
- Voice remote
Cons
- Limited smart features
- Basic design
- Limited HDMI ports
- No Wi-Fi
- No Dolby Atmos
Our Verdict
The Roku Smart Soundbar is a great option for those looking for an affordable soundbar with built-in streaming capabilities.
10. JBL Bar 9.1
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a high-end soundbar offering Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, providing an immersive audio experience.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We love the JBL Bar 9.1 for its detachable surround speakers and powerful sound, making it a top choice for home theaters.
Features
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- Detachable surround speakers
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Wireless subwoofer
- HDMI ARC
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Detachable speakers
- Easy setup
- Wireless subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos support
Cons
- Expensive
- Large size
- Requires JBL app for setup
- Limited HDMI ports
- Basic design
Our Verdict
The JBL Bar 9.1 is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end soundbar with immersive sound and unique features.
Buying Guide
When shopping for the best smart soundbar for your home theater, there are several key factors to consider:
- Audio Quality: Look for soundbars with high-definition audio capabilities, such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. These technologies provide a more immersive sound experience. For more information, check out CNET and TechRadar.
- Connectivity: Ensure the soundbar has multiple connectivity options like HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. This allows for easy integration with various devices.
- Smart Features: Opt for soundbars that support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. This feature allows for hands-free control and seamless integration into your smart home ecosystem.
- Size and Design: Choose a soundbar that fits well with your TV setup and complements your home decor. Some models offer wall-mounting options, which can save space and enhance aesthetics.
- Price and Warranty: Determine your budget and look for soundbars that offer the best value for money. Additionally, check the warranty options to ensure long-term satisfaction with your purchase.
FAQs
What is a smart soundbar?
A smart soundbar is an advanced audio device that enhances the sound quality of your TV and home theater system. It often comes with built-in features like voice assistants, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless integration with other smart home devices.
How do I connect a smart soundbar to my TV?
Most smart soundbars can be connected to your TV using an HDMI ARC cable, optical cable, or Bluetooth. Refer to the soundbar’s user manual for specific instructions tailored to your model.
Do I need a subwoofer with my smart soundbar?
While many smart soundbars come with built-in subwoofers, adding an external subwoofer can significantly enhance the bass and overall sound quality. Some models may include a subwoofer as part of the package.
Can I control my smart soundbar with a voice assistant?
Yes, many smart soundbars are compatible with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Siri, allowing you to control the device hands-free using voice commands.
What is Dolby Atmos, and why is it important?
Dolby Atmos is a surround sound technology that creates a more immersive audio experience by adding height channels to traditional surround sound. This makes the sound feel more three-dimensional and lifelike.
Conclusion
Choosing the best smart soundbar for your home theater involves considering several key factors like audio quality, connectivity, smart features, size, design, and price. By understanding these elements, you can make an informed decision and enhance your home entertainment experience significantly.