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The 6 best soundbars for Samsung TVs in 2025

Tested By Digital Trends Samsung HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos Soundbar.
Samsung HW-Q990D Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
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Not only does Samsung produce some of the best TVs on the market in 2025, but the brand is also renowned for its strong lineup of soundbars. And while you don’t actually need a Samsung TV to treat yourself to one of these audio devices, features like Q-Symphony make ecosystem pair-ups all the more enticing. 

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a soundbar to join your Samsung TV, or you’re looking to treat yourself to an a la carte soundbar purchase for a non-Samsung-branded TV, we’ve gone ahead and rounded up all the best soundbars for Samsung TVs in 2025 to help you hone in on the system that’s right for you and yours.

SAMSUNG HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Audio
Samsung HW-Q990C
The best soundbar for Samsung TV
Jump to details
SAMSUNG S60D 5.0ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, All-in-One Design, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-S60D/ZA (Newest Model)
Samsung HW-S60D
The best budget soundbar for Samsung TV
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Recommended Videos
Recommended Product 2023 Samsung HW-Q990C.
Samsung

Samsung HW-Q990C

Pros
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Adaptive Voice Amplifier
  • Alexa built-in
Cons
  • Expensive
Specification:
Size 48.5 x 2.7 x 5.4 inches; 17 pounds
Power Up to 384 watts
Connectivity 1 x HDMI eARC, 2 x HDMI 2.1, digital optical, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Supported formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD MA, PCM
Voice assistant Alexa

If you want the best audio for your Samsung TV without compromise, the Samsung HW-Q990C is the soundbar for you. It's not cheap (regularly listed for a staggering $1,900), but it's about as robust as a soundbar can get. Featuring support for Dolby Atmos, it has no problem filling a room with directional audio, throwing sounds around better than nearly every other product on the market.

Another cool feature is Adaptive Voice Amplifier, which helps to optimize dialog so it's not muted out by louder noises in the background. Toss in plenty of ports for all your other devices, support for Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2, and Alexa built-in, and you've got a premium soundbar that'll mesh perfectly with your Samsung TV.

All told, its 11 front-facing speakers do an incredible job of enhacing the quality of your home theater. Its performance is optimized to your space thanks to a unqiue SpaceFit Sound Pro feature, which lets the soundbar analyze your layout and determine how to best enhance its acoustic properties – so whether you're in a cramped studio or sprawling basement, the Q990C is up to the task of improving your audio.

SAMSUNG HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Audio
Samsung HW-Q990C
The best soundbar for Samsung TV
Recommended Product HW-S60D
Samsung

Samsung HW-S60D

Pros
  • Compact design
  • Dolby Atmos
  • Alexa support
Cons
  • Not ideal for large TVs
Specification:
Size 26.3 x 2.4 x 4.1 inches; 9 pounds
Power Up to 200 watts
Connectivity 1 x HDMI eARC, digital optical
Supported formats Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, PCM
Voice assistant Alexa

Working with limited space or need a soundbar for a small room? Then check out the Samsung HW-S60D, which clocks in under 30-inches long and is perfect for compact setups. Despite its small size, you'll still get a premium product that hits many of the same notes as its larger siblings.

The big draw of this little soundbar is Dolby Atmos, allowing it to produce room-filling sound with directional audio. Like most other Samsung soundbars, this one uses adaptive sound to improve each scene and includes a variety of listening modes – along with one built specifically for gaming. Pairing it with a Samsung TV is a hassle-free process, and with support for Alexa, you can quickly dish out voice commands or sync it with other gear.

Best of all, it uses the same SpaceFit Sound Pro feature avaialble on the expensive Q990C. That means you'll benefit from sound optimization features tpyically reserved for soundbars in a much higher price bracket, allowing the S60D to pump out audio that's more impressive than its size would suggest.

SAMSUNG S60D 5.0ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, All-in-One Design, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-S60D/ZA (Newest Model)
Samsung HW-S60D
The best budget soundbar for Samsung TV
Tested By Digital Trends Samsung HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos Soundbar.
Best Soundbars under $500 Simon Cohen / Digital Trends

Samsung HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Pros
  • Excellent sound quality and immersive soundstage
  • HDMI 2.1 connectivity (4K/120Hz)
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Comes with rear speakers and wireless sub
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Might be overkill for some households
Specification:
Size 48.5626 x 2.8125 x 5.4375 inches; 17 pounds
Power Up to 384 watts
Connectivity 1 x HDMI eARC, 2 x HDMI 2.1, digital optical, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Supported formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD MA, PCM
Voice assistant Alexa

There’s no denying the engulfing effect of a complete Dolby Atmos or DTS:X surround codec, but not everyone has the funds for a full 5.1.4 setup, which is why we’re glad Samsung has products like the HW-Q990D Dolby Atmos Soundbar. Thanks to four up-firing drivers and HDMI eARC connectivity (two in the bar and two on the rear speakers), the Q990D is able to virtualize up to an 11.1.4 setup, filling every inch of your listening space with audio. But the Q990D does a fantastic job with stereo imaging, too, should you be watching a movie or playing a game that isn’t encoded for surround sound. 

The Q990D borrows a lot of specs from Samsung’s previous-gen flagship, the HW-Q990C, but adds HDMI 2.1 connectivity (up to 4K/120Hz), making it ideal for console and PC gaming. Get ready for fast response times on minimal input lag on your Samsung QLED! Other new Q990D features include Private Listening Mode, which pushes all audio to the rear speakers. This is great for those of us who watch TV late at night but don’t want to wake others. There’s also Sound Grouping, a feature that allows the rears to play LR stereo audio when enabled. 

The Samsung HW-Q990D has Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities, too, so you’ll be able to stream music and podcasts from a phone or tablet. The system also supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast, along with Alexa (built-in) and Google Assistant (region-specific). 

Usually priced over $1,500, the Samsung HW-Q990D is definitely one of the more expensive Samsung soundbars on our list. Still, we’re talking about an audio system that delivers one of the most convincing Dolby Atmos experiences we’ve ever heard from a bar, rears, and single subwoofer.

Recommended Product The Samsung HW-Q800D Dolby Atmos Soundbar hooked up to a wall-mounted TV.
Amazon

Samsung HW-Q800D Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Pros
  • Great sound quality and solid soundstage
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
  • Built-in Alexa and Samsung Bixby
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities
Cons
  • No HDMI 2.1 connectivity
  • No rear speakers
  • Not as immersive as more advanced models
Specification:
Size 43.75 x 2.375 x 4.6875 inches; 11.2 pounds
Power Up to 200 watts
Connectivity 1 x HDMI eARC, 1 x HDMI 2.1, digital optical, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Supported formats Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, PCM
Voice assistant Alexa

If the HW-Q990D is a bit too much for your budget, the Samsung HW-Q800D knocks close to $1,000 off the price and delivers a great audio experience. With its 5.1.2 design and engineering, the Q800D is able to virtualize Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround tracks. However, the absence of rear speakers (and another two up-firing drivers) does put a damper on how immersive your Atmos experience will be. Still, if you’re going to be watching a lot of movies and shows, it’s worth having a soundbar that can tackle Atmos and DTS:X when the codecs pop up. 

The HW-Q800D doesn’t have HDMI 2.1 connectivity either, so you’ll probably want to hook up game consoles and PCs directly to your TV for the best visuals and response times. Fortunately, features like Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound and Q-Symphony are available on this model, so you’ll be able to fine-tune the system to match your room acoustics best. And if you own a compatible Samsung TV, Q-Symphony will let you pair the Q800D with your Samsung TV speakers for an even bigger soundstage. 

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities are on tap, too, as well as AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby. The lack of rear speakers cuts into the kind of immersion that systems like the HW-Q990D can create, but if you want to save close to $1K (we don’t blame you), the Samsung HW-Q800D Dolby Atmos Soundbar should be a solid contender.

Recommended Product The Samsung HW-S800D Soundbar mounted below a wall-mounted TV.
Amazon

Samsung S800D Soundbar

Pros
  • Excellent stereo performance and solid surround emulation
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities
  • Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung Bixby
  • Q-Symphony-certified
Cons
  • Rear speakers are sold separately
  • Not as immersive as other Samsung soundbars
  • No HDMI eARC or HDMI inputs
Specification:
Size 45.6 x 1.4 x 1.5 inches; 17.2 pounds
Power Up to 120 watts
Connectivity 1x HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Supported formats Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM
Voice assistant Alexa

Mounting a soundbar below a wall-mounted TV is quite the attention-grabbing look, but the Samsung HW-S800D Dolby Atmos Soundbar also pulls attention with its slim form factor. This is a soundbar that looks just as good wall-mounted as it does sitting on an entertainment center. The low-profile soundbar is less bulky than other Samsung models, allowing the S800D to blend with most home decor seamlessly. 

Billed as a 3.1.2 system, the S800D’s main racetrack of drivers delivers all the treble and midrange frequencies, while most of the low end is taken up by the wireless sub. There are also two up-firing speakers to beam sound toward the ceiling and back down, which is what checks the box on this system’s Dolby Atmos/DTS:X capabilities. 

Samsung’s Adaptive Sound and SpaceFit Sound Pro technologies are built into the HW-S800D, so the system analyzes and optimizes sound in real time to ensure you’re getting the best audio based on your room layout. And thanks to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, you’ll even be able to stream tunes from a phone or tablet using services like Spotify and Tidal. The S800D supports AirPlay 2 and Chromecast as well, along with Alexa and Google Assistant. 

If you find yourself wanting to add rear speakers down the line, you can purchase the Samsung Dolby Atmos Wireless Rear Speaker Kit separately, too. 

Reviewed By Digital Trends Sonos Arc Ultra.
Simon Cohen / Digital Trends
Pros
  • Big, powerful bass
  • Clear and intelligible dialogue
  • Immersive Dolby Atmos
  • Great for music and movies
  • Lots of expansion options
  • Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay
Cons
  • No HDMI input
  • No remote
  • Highs can be slightly harsh
  • Sonos app is still buggy
Specification:
Size 48.38 x 2.95 x 4.35 inches; 13.1 pounds
Power N/A
Connectivity 1 x HDMI eARC, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Supported formats Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS, PCM
Voice assistant Alexa

Last but certainly not least, we have the Sonos Arc Ultra. We had the opportunity to test Sonos’ new and improved flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar and reviewer Simon Cohen walked away a very happy camper. And as far as non-Samsung-branded soundbars go, we can’t think of a better system to hook up to your new Samsung QLED or QD-OLED. 

Thanks to a revamped design that places a lot of focus on soundbar acoustics and Sonos’ new Sound Motion feature for increased bass response, Sonos claims the Arc Ultra can virtualize up to a 9.1.4 Atmos/DTS:X configuration, so expect some pretty convincing surround virtualization from this bad boy. Sonos’ TruePlay feature also does a nice job of optimizing audio output based on the listening space you’re working with. 

Sold as a standalone soundbar or as part of several Sonos bundles, you don’t necessarily need a dedicated subwoofer and rears, but adding a Sonos Sub and Era 100 or 300 speakers to the Arc Ultra is a decision you won’t regret making! 

As far as actual ports go, the Arc Ultra only comes with HDMI eARC and Ethernet connections. Rest assured if your TV doesn’t have an HDMI ARC/eARC connection, though, as you’ll be able to purchase an HDMI to optical adapter separately.    Once connected to Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to use the Sonos app to stream music, make audio adjustments, and access features like AirPlay 2, Alexa, and Google Assistant. You’ll also be able to group the Arc Ultra with other Sonos speakers on your Wi-Fi network.

How we chose the best soundbars for Samsung TV

There are a lot of soundbars to choose from, and many of them look the same or offer similar specs. To sift through all the products, here's a look at everything we considered.

Audio quality

Above all else, a soundbar needs to sound good. Whether it's connected to a Samsung TV or not, a soundbar needs to be packed with premium hardware that'll churn out impressive audio regardless of what you're watching. From booming explosions to delicate conversations, a soundbar should be able to pick all of it up.

Pricing

Soundbars can be had for as little as $100 or well over $1,000. Pricing was factored into the equation, ensuring that you get value for your money and aren't overpaying for features that won't be used.

Compatibility

Soundbars that work seamlessly with Samsung TVs were prioritized over all others, and that largely means the items we picked were developed by Samsung. Samsung products play nicely with other Samsung products, and getting a Samsung soundbar synced with a Samsung TV is a breeze.

Expandability

Decide you want to add additional speakers to your home theater? We considered whether or not products could be linked to other audio gear to build a robust audio experience. While the soundbars on this list are great on their own, many can be bundled into larger systems if you decide to expand your setup down the line.

How we tested

Here at Digital Trends, we’ve been vetting and testing soundbars for quite some time. While most models vary when it comes to cosmetics, there are plenty of ubiquitous soundbar features we check up on when testing one of these audio devices. This includes criteria like overall design, wired and wireless connections, sound quality, ease of use, and price. 

We also suggest taking a look at this guide for a more complete explanation of how we test soundbars.

Why trust us

Your pals at Digital Trends know a thing or two about the wider world of consumer tech devices. When it comes to AV products, our trusted team of hands-on reviewers and industry experts have years of experience to pull from. And if there’s a concept or new feature we’re not familiar with, we conduct thorough research to find the answers to our questions. 

Editor-at-large Caleb Denison is also a regular fixture on our YouTube channel, specializing in all things AV, including TVs, soundbars, and streaming devices. 

Jon Bitner
Former Digital Trends Contributor

Jon Bitner is a writer covering consumer electronics, technology, and gaming. His work has been published on various websites beyond Digital Trends, including The Wall Street Journal, Metacritic, GameSpot, and Slickdeals. He holds a degree in Biology and previously worked as a Medical Editor.

When not playing video games, he can be found running, reading, or checking out the latest series on Netflix.

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