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The Best Wireless Soundbars for Turning Your TV Into an Epic Sound System

Because quality sound is crucial to a good viewing experience.

Headshot of Stefan VazharovBy Stefan Vazharov
best tested tcl and polk sound bars on credenza with remote
Trevor Raab

Soundbars have become a mandatory sidekick for just about every new TV out there — after all, these products can significantly amplify onscreen content, making it louder, clearer, and more immersive.

To find the best wireless soundbars for every TV setup, we thoroughly researched and tested several products ourselves, ranging from affordable soundbars for less than $100 to luxury products that are design and tech masterpieces. We sifted through hardware specs, read reviews from industry experts, and analyzed consumer feedback to identify today’s finest soundbars. We scrutinized products from leading audio brands like Bose, Klipsch, Polk Audio, and TCL, just to name a few.

The Best Wireless Soundbars

  • 1
    Signa S4 Wireless Soundbar

    Our Top Pick

    Signa S4 Wireless Soundbar

    Shop at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Alto 8 Plus Wireless Soundbar

    Runner-Up

    Alto 8 Plus Wireless Soundbar

    Read more
  • 3
    Cinema 400 Soundbar

    Best Bass for the Money

    Cinema 400 Soundbar

    Read more
  • 4
    Alto 6+ Wireless Soundbar

    Best Budget

    Alto 6+ Wireless Soundbar

    Read more
  • 5
    Smart Soundbar 900

    Most Elegant and Feature-Packed

    Smart Soundbar 900

    Read more

    How We Tested

    During our testing process, we evaluated each soundbar based on the following criteria:

    • Sound quality — how the products performed while delivering various types of audio content
    • Design — their ability to blend in with one's home decor
    • Ease of use — how easy it was to set up the product and access its features
    • Connectivity features — availability of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
    • Smart functionality — compatibility with virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

    To analyze sound quality, we spent time watching movies — which is essential in order to experience the overall acoustic performance of every soundbar, including the ability to process enhanced surround sound. We also followed the news to determine each product's ability to deliver crisp dialogue and rocked out to an eclectic playlist to experience their bass, treble, and mid-range delivery.

    We also factored in the soundstage presentation of each soundbar. By utilizing a combination of built-in hardware and audio processing tech, the feature can make a product sound “bigger” than it is. A product's soundstage is most notable while listening to music and watching movies. For example, when playing the right content, a soundbar with a wide soundstage can create the impression that you're attending a live music performance.

    What to Consider

    Hardware

    The hardware specs of any soundbar are headlined by the number of audio drivers it has — and the more, the better. Regarding the external subwoofer, the bigger it is, the more powerful bass it will deliver. Compatibility with various types of enhanced audio content is also important.

    Dolby Atmos

    In 2023, it's imperative that a soundbar supports multi-dimensional Dolby Atmos Sound — a serious upgrade over standard surround sound from Dolby and DTS. Once reserved for top-shelf soundbars, such content makes the viewing experience more engaging, even during seemingly mundane scenes. Soundbars with onboard Dolby Atmos have upwards-facing speakers.

    Dolby Atmos content is best showcased during action-packed sequences, and it’s abundant on all major streaming services. For example, scenes with flying objects, ambient nature sounds (e.g., rainstorms, wind gusts, etc.), and distant conversations not caught on camera will sound on a whole new level.

    Connectivity

    A good soundbar should play nicely — not only with your brand-new TV, but also your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This makes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth essential features to look for. Wi-Fi connectivity offers the ability to stream music with higher quality than Bluetooth. Wi-Fi also brings Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 wireless connectivity in many soundbars.

    Even though these soundbars are wireless, they require connecting them to a TV with an HDMI or optical cable. We recommend products that use the former because it brings higher-quality audio with enhanced sound effects. The term “wireless” usually means that, in addition to Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connectivity, the soundbar has a separate subwoofer that doesn't require a cable to connect.

    Additional Features

    Some of the product category’s finest offerings are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, so keep this functionality in mind if you regularly use a virtual assistant: You will be able to play content and control compatible smart home products with voice commands. Many soundbars can work with both assistants, so you'll be able to choose the one you prefer.

    A companion app is another bit to look for in a top-shelf soundbar. Having one will allow you to adjust the product’s sound, set up a virtual assistant, and even gain new features via firmware updates.

    Learn more about our top picks now to discover the best wireless soundbar for your home.

    1
    Our Top Pick

    Signa S4 Wireless Soundbar

    Editor’s Choice
    Signa S4 Wireless Soundbar
    1
    Our Top Pick

    Signa S4 Wireless Soundbar

    $399 at Amazon$299 at Walmart$299 at B&H Photo
    Pros
    • Excellent audio quality
    • Elegant design
    • Reasonable price
    Cons
    • No Wi-Fi connectivity

    The Polk Audio Signa S4 is our top pick for most buyers. It has an elegant design with a fabric finish, an effortless setup, and stellar audio performance with support for Dolby Atmos-enhanced sound. The product also has a reasonable price, especially considering its design and acoustic capabilities.

    The soundbar delivers a cinematic sonic experience with powerful bass and crisp dialogue, and you can finetune both via its minimalist remote. We wish it had Wi-Fi connectivity for more seamless music streaming from mobile devices. The cheaper Polk Audio Signa S3 has Wi-Fi but lacks Dolby Atmos capabilities.

    More: Wi-Fi Speakers We Like at Various Price Points

    Key Specs

    Sound3.1.2-channel setup, Dolby Atmos
    ConnectivityBluetooth
    OtherBundled wireless subwoofer
    2
    Runner-Up

    Alto 8 Plus Wireless Soundbar

    On Sale
    Alto 8 Plus Wireless Soundbar
    2
    Runner-Up

    Alto 8 Plus Wireless Soundbar

    Now 20% Off
    Pros
    • Immersive Dolby Atmos sound
    • Superb set of connectivity features
    • Seamless Roku integration
    Cons
    • Dialogue output could be better

    The latest TCL Alto 8+ soundbar is an excellent alternative to our top pick, with onboard Wi-Fi connectivity and a lower price tag. Impressively, the product is compatible with Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, and Spotify Connect. You can also control the playback with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri voice commands.

    In a head-to-head comparison with the Polk Audio Signa S4, the TCL Alto 8+ stands its ground admirably, producing immersive sound with Dolby Atmos content. That said, I’d give the pricier Signa S4 a slight edge in cinematic audio for its ability to deliver crisper dialogues.

    Sound3.1.2-channel setup, Dolby Atmos
    ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
    OtherBundled wireless subwoofer
    3
    Best Bass for the Money

    Cinema 400 Soundbar

    On Sale
    Cinema 400 Soundbar
    3
    Best Bass for the Money

    Cinema 400 Soundbar

    Now 18% Off
    Pros
    • Excellent audio quality with powerful bass
    • Top-tier design and workmanship
    • Convenient remote
    Cons
    • No Dolby Atmos support
    • No Wi-Fi connectivity

    The Klipsch Cinema 400 soundbar stands out with its beautiful design, top-tier build quality with natural wood bits, and a robust 3-year warranty, all at an agreeable price. The product's bass output is also impressive and a contender for the best in its price range.

    Klipsch has equipped the Cinema 400 with four audio drivers, including two with the brand’s legendary Tractrix Horn design and a beefy 8-inch subwoofer. The hardware produces a powerful sonic experience with a wide soundstage.

    Key Specs

    Sound2.1-channel setup with Dolby Audio decoding
    ConnectivityBluetooth
    OtherBundled wireless subwoofer
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    4
    Best Budget

    Alto 6+ Wireless Soundbar

    Amazon’s Choice
    Alto 6+ Wireless Soundbar
    4
    Best Budget

    Alto 6+ Wireless Soundbar

    Now 23% Off
    Pros
    • Good sound for the money
    • Understated design
    • Very affordable
    Cons
    • No Dolby Atmos

    TCL's Alto 6+ soundbar is our favorite for budget shoppers. It's priced at around $100, and it has an easy setup, good sound quality for the money, onboard Bluetooth, and a bundled wireless sub. If you're shopping on an even tighter budget, you can order an Alto 6 variant without a wireless subwoofer for less than $70.

    Hardware-wise, the Alto 6+ lags behind pricier products, but it's still very dependable. It can't deliver as much detail, but it's a massive upgrade over the built-in speakers of just about any TV. It is compatible with Dolby Digital-enhanced content, too.

    Key Specs

    Sound2.1-channel setup with Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding
    ConnectivityBluetooth
    OtherBundled wireless soundbar
    5
    Most Elegant and Feature-Packed

    Smart Soundbar 900

    On Sale
    Smart Soundbar 900
    5
    Most Elegant and Feature-Packed

    Smart Soundbar 900

    Now 22% Off
    Pros
    • Phenomenal sound quality
    • Best-in-class connectivity features
    • Elegant design
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Expensive, yes — but the Dolby Atmos-compatible Bose Smart Soundbar 900 is elegant and feature-rich in equal measure. Sporting a sleek glass and metal housing, it packs many smart features, including Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant compatibility, Chromecast, and Apple AirPlay 2 wireless playback.

    The product's audio performance is worthy of its high price tag. The Soundbar 900 produces immersive and spacious sound, creating the impression of an audio system with multiple speaker units spread around your space — not just one soundbar.

    You create a full-fledged surround-sound system by adding a wireless bass module and surround speakers, though the upgrade will cost you. After months of testing, I found the standalone Soundbar 900 to be superb.

    Key Specs

    Sound5.0.2-Channel-channel setup, Dolby Atmos
    ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
    OtherOptional wireless subwoofer, surround speakers
    6
    Best Compact Soundbar

    Smart Soundbar 600

    On Sale
    Smart Soundbar 600
    6
    Best Compact Soundbar

    Smart Soundbar 600

    Now 10% Off
    Pros
    • Sleek and compact
    • Excellent audio performance
    • Wi-Fi connectivity brings plenty of useful features
    Cons
    • Dated Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity standard

    The Wi-Fi-equipped Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is the compact soundbar to get, offering a fusion of sleek design, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, and a ton of smart features, including Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration to go with Chromecast and Apple AirPlay 2 connectivity. The latter also includes the option to connect a pair of Bose headphones wirelessly to enjoy content without disturbing anyone.

    The 27-inch device’s five built-in drivers — two of which are upward firing — made it sound much bigger during my testing. The immersive sonic experience was second only to bigger and more expensive Dolby Atmos soundbars. You can supplement it with an external bass module and surround speakers, just like the bigger Soundbar 900.

    Key Specs

    Sound5.0.2-Channel-channel setup, Dolby Atmos
    ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
    OtherOptional wireless subwoofer, surround speakers
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    7
    Best for Audiophiles

    HT-A5000 Wireless Soundbar

    On Sale
    HT-A5000 Wireless Soundbar
    7
    Best for Audiophiles

    HT-A5000 Wireless Soundbar

    Now 20% Off
    Pros
    • Phenomenal sound quality
    • Rich set of connectivity features
    • Reasonably priced optional speakers
    Cons
    • Dull design

    If music quality is as important as enhancing the on-screen sound, you need to have the Sony HT-A5000 soundbar on your radar.

    The high-end product is compatible with audiophile-grade Hi-Res Audio content, as well as 360 Reality Audio, with the latter being a cutting-edge audio format for lifelike listening. To top things off, like the tech giant’s headphones and audio players, the soundbar can make compressed audio content sound better via sophisticated upscaling tech.

    Of course, the Sony HT-A5000 can also produce awe-inspiring Dolby Atmos sound that’s worth every penny of its hefty price tag. The device’s onboard wired and wireless connectivity features are just as impressive.

    Unlike similarly priced soundbars that cost a pretty penny to upgrade with additional hardware, the HT-A5000 has a rich selection of reasonably priced optional subwoofers and surround speakers.

    Key Specs

    Sound 5.1.2-Channel-channel setup, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio-compatible
    ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
    OtherOptional wireless subwoofer, surround speakers
    8
    For Big Sound in Small Spaces

    MagniFi Mini AX Soundbar

    MagniFi Mini AX Soundbar
    8
    For Big Sound in Small Spaces

    MagniFi Mini AX Soundbar

    Pros
    • Impossibly compact
    • Size-defying sound
    • Plenty of connectivity features
    Cons
    • Similarly priced rivals are more powerful

    The Polk MagniFi Mini AX is the best soundbar for enjoying cinematic sound in small spaces. Measuring less than 15 inches wide — on par with a good portable Bluetooth speaker — the Dolby Atmos product will instantly transform your space into a private movie theater with multidimensional sound and rumbling bass via its down-firing wireless subwoofer.

    Polk Audio equipped the MagniFi Mini AX with five audio drivers, which deliver crisp and powerful audio that defies its impossibly compact housing. Best of all, despite its tiny size, the device doesn’t skimp on essential connectivity features like Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Google Chromecast, among others.

    Key Specs

    Sound3.1-channel setup, Dolby Atmos
    ConnectivityBluetooth, Wi-Fi
    OtherBundled wireless subwoofer
    Headshot of Stefan Vazharov
    Stefan Vazharov
    Senior Technology Editor

    Stefan is the senior technology editor for BestProducts.com, where he’s been covering the tech industry and testing the latest gadgets since 2015. He has more than a decade of experience covering consumer tech products, especially smartphones, tablets, laptops, and audio gear. He was previously the US editor for GSMArena.com; his work can also be found on Popular Mechanics and other Hearst publications.In the rare moments when he’s not playing with a new gadget, Stefan likes to watch live Premier League games or hang out with his cat and rabbit. He’s also an espresso snob.

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