How to Choose the Right Soundbar (2025): Size, Price, Surround Sound, and Subwoofers

Most soundbars also offer optical audio inputs for older TVs without HDMI ARC support, but you'll want to check to make sure (or you could just upgrade to a new TV too!). We recommend sticking to soundbars with HDMI ARC at a minimum. It's a much simpler connection, and it's the minimum requirement for sending 3D audio formats that use height channels like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Most soundbars support wireless streaming via Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth. Higher-quality models may also provide spare HDMI inputs to plug in source devices directly and pass video through to your TV like a traditional A/V receiver. What you need depends entirely on your use case, but for most people, a simple HDMI connection for HDMI ARC/eARC will suffice. These cables are usually included in the box. If not, here is an affordable cable we like. What About Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos? Samsung HW-Q950A Surround Speakers Photograph: Samsung Surround sound is exactly what it sounds like—you're surrounding yourse ... Read full article.