whatsoundbars

Written like 5.1.2. First number: main sound channels (more means more surround-like sound). Middle: subwoofer for deep bass (0 = none). Last: channels that bounce sound off the ceiling, for sound from above.

How the soundbar plays the sound-from-above part of Dolby Atmos. Up-firing: it has speakers that aim sound at the ceiling, which bounces it down to you (the last number in the speaker setup, like the 2 in 5.1.2, or up-firing or height speakers the maker names without a setup). Virtual: no height speakers; it simulates overhead sound with processing, a weaker effect.

Which speakers come in the box: just the bar, or the bar plus a subwoofer (deep bass) and/or rear speakers. Speakers you can buy and add later are under "Is extendable".

Extra speakers you can buy later and connect to the bar: a subwoofer (deep bass), rear speakers (surround) or another speaker; the icons show which. "Full setup included" means they already come in the box.

The maker's suggested price in US dollars (MSRP). Shop prices can differ.

A rough features-for-the-price score, compared with every soundbar listed. Bars gain points for things like Dolby Atmos, Wi-Fi and room tuning, and lose points without them. Dolby Atmos with up-firing speakers earns more than virtual Atmos. Cheaper bars lose fewer points, or none, for missing premium extras (Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC, up-firing speakers). 100 is the best deal listed. Based on specs only, not on how it sounds.

Like Overall value, but each soundbar is compared only with soundbars in its own price band: up to $300, $300–500, $500–800, $800–1,200 or over $1,200. 100 is the best deal in that band. Based on specs only, not on how it sounds.

Can hang on a wall, for example under a wall-mounted TV. The wall bracket is not always included: check "What's in the box".

What comes in the box with the soundbar.

Ways to connect your TV, phone or other devices. For the TV, "HDMI eArc" gives the best sound, including full-quality Dolby Atmos (sound from above); "HDMI Arc" or optical also work, at lower quality.

How many game consoles or streaming boxes you can plug into the soundbar. Does not count the HDMI port that connects to the TV (ARC/eARC).

Music services and radio the soundbar can play on its own, without the TV, plus ways to send music from your phone or computer over Wi-Fi (like AirPlay or Chromecast).

Voice assistants (like Alexa or Google) you can talk to, to control the soundbar, either built into the bar or through a separate smart speaker.

Sound formats the soundbar can play as intended from films, streaming apps and games. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X add sound from above, for a more 3D effect.

Adjusts its sound to your room's shape and furniture, usually by measuring with a microphone. A note next to the tick means it only works in some setups.

What a console or streaming box plugged into the soundbar still gets on the TV: best resolution, HDR picture formats (DV = Dolby Vision), smooth-gaming features (VRR, ALLM) and copy-protection version (HDCP). "4K*" means 4K with the refresh rate not stated. "?" means the maker does not state it; a missing format is not stated, not unsupported.