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Our labs evaluate soundbars for their features, ease of setup, and—most critically—sound quality. The best soundbars provide high-quality audio, but many other models fall short. Learn more about soundbars and make smarter shopping decisions.
View our ratings and reviews and browse our buying guide to find the best soundbars.
Most soundbars are long, thin enclosures that are mounted on the wall or placed on a shelf above or below the TV. There are also pedestal-style soundbars called sound bases that can serve as a base for a TV.
. . .As TVs slim down, the quality of their sound often follows suit. If you want richer, fuller sound, a soundbar is an easier and less expensive fix than a complete add-on component system. A soundbar has several speakers and the electronics to power them in one thin module you connect to the TV—no need for a receiver. Some have a separate subwoofer, usually wireless, and a few have rear speakers.
Top-rated models from our labs include options from Edifier, JBL, and Sonos, while one large, very expensive speaker falls far short on performance
March 27, 2024
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March 26, 2024
Don't overthink it. A soft cloth may be all you really need.
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CR's shopping experts help you find the best bargains on TVs, laptops, headphones, and more
March 26, 2024
After buying a satellite dish and signing up for a $120-per-month plan, my friend, a retired veteran who lives beyond the reach of cable or fiber connections, now has a 115-Mbps connection
March 25, 2024
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