Best soundbars for films
AnyFilm is reader-supported. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. How this works.
The best soundbars for films, from compact bars for smaller TVs to full Dolby Atmos systems with wireless subwoofers and rear speakers. In short: the Sonos Arc Ultra is the best single soundbar for films, the Samsung HW-Q990F is the one to buy for real surround sound in one box, and the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the best small bar.
Quick picks
- Best overall: Sonos Arc Ultra: spacious, detailed Dolby Atmos sound from a single bar.
- Best full surround package: Samsung HW-Q990F: bar, subwoofer and two rear speakers in the box.
- Best compact: Sonos Beam Gen 2: big sound for its size, and expandable later.
Also consider: the Hisense AX5125H (a full surround package for less money) and the KEF XIO (a premium single bar).
Comparison
| Soundbar | In the box | Up-firing speakers | DTS:X | HDMI inputs for other kit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Arc Ultra | Bar only (sub and rears optional) | Yes | No | No (eARC to the TV only) |
| Samsung HW-Q990F | Bar, wireless sub, two rears | Yes | Yes | Yes, with 4K 120 Hz pass-through |
| Sonos Beam Gen 2 | Bar only (sub and rears optional) | No (virtual height) | No | No (eARC to the TV only) |
The picks in detail
Sonos Arc Ultra
Best for: anyone who wants one bar under the TV that sounds big, with the option to add a Sonos sub and rears later.
Good
- Spacious, detailed sound with convincing Dolby Atmos height
- Surprisingly tuneful bass for a single bar
- Easy to expand with Sonos speakers
Not so good
- No HDMI inputs for other kit: everything goes through the TV
- No DTS support, which matters for some Blu-rays
- Relies on the Sonos app, which has had problems
Samsung HW-Q990F
Best for: a lounge where you want true surround sound without wiring a speaker system.
Good
- Immersive sound, with real rear speakers and a subwoofer included
- Supports DTS:X as well as Dolby Atmos
- HDMI 2.1 pass-through with 4K 120 Hz for a games console
Not so good
- Expensive
- The subwoofer may need tweaking for music
- Automatic room calibration isn’t perfect
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Best for: smaller rooms and TVs, or a first step towards a bigger Sonos system.
Good
- Big, Dolby Atmos-capable sound for its size
- Trueplay tuning adapts it to your room
- Add a Sonos sub and rears later
Not so good
- No up-firing speakers, so height effects are processed
- One HDMI port and no DTS
- Limited deep bass without a subwoofer
How we choose
We haven’t tested these products in our own rooms. Our picks come from reading published expert reviews and awards (including What Hi-Fi?, EISA, Trusted Reviews, Expert Reviews and AVForums), checking makers’ specifications, and weighing the strengths and weaknesses reviewers consistently report. Where sources disagree, we say so or leave the figure out.
We don’t invent scores. Prices, stock and model ranges change often, so check the current price and that a model is still on sale before you buy. Picks last checked October 2026.
What to look for
- HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos and lossless sound from your TV.
- Real up-firing drivers if you want height effects. Some Atmos-labelled bars only process the signal.
- A subwoofer, included or as an add-on. Films need it.
- Expandability: wireless rear speakers and a sub you can add later.
- Size: roughly as wide as your TV or a little narrower, and low enough not to block the screen.
- Room calibration and a dialogue enhancement mode.
Still deciding between a soundbar and a full system? Read soundbar or separates.
Questions
Do I need eARC?
For Dolby Atmos from streaming apps on the TV, ARC can carry the compressed version. For lossless Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio from a player through the TV, you need eARC on both.
Can a soundbar really do surround?
Bars use angled drivers and processing to simulate it, and some do it convincingly. Real rear speakers are always more convincing.
Does a soundbar work with a projector?
Yes. Connect it to the projector’s eARC or ARC port, or to a streaming box or player with a separate audio output.