A slim, single speaker unit placed beneath a television, the sound bar for TV has become one of the most popular home audio upgrades in the UK. Modern flat-screen TVs have sacrificed speaker size for design, often leaving their built-in audio sounding thin. A dedicated sound bar restores depth and clarity, providing a more cinematic experience without the complexity of a full home theatre system. This guide covers the best models for 2025 and 2026, focusing on wireless connectivity, top brands like Samsung and LG, budget-friendly options, and the best UK deals.
With major UK retailers like Currys and Richer Sounds offering extensive ranges, and with features like HDMI ARC and wireless Dolby Atmos becoming standard, choosing the right sound bar involves understanding both your TV’s compatibility and your own listening habits. Below, we break down the top recommendations, from premium flagship systems to entry-level soundbars, ensuring you find the perfect match for your living room.
What is the Best Sound Bar for TV?
Sound Bar for TV: Quick Overview
- Best Overall: Samsung HW-Q990F
- Best Budget: Sonos Ray
- Best Wireless: LG S95TR (with WOWCAST)
- Best for Samsung / LG TVs: Samsung HW-Q990F / LG S95TR
Key Insights at a Glance
- Most soundbars are wireless in terms of speaker-to-subwoofer and rear satellite connections, but they require a single mains power cable.
- HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the preferred connection method for the best audio quality, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
- Currys and Richer Sounds offer in-store demo rooms across the UK, allowing you to hear the difference before buying.
- Adding a dedicated subwoofer significantly enhances low-end sound effects and music, though it adds physical bulk to your setup.
- For a truly cable-free connection to the TV, technologies like LG’s WOWCAST and Samsung’s Wireless Dolby Atmos are available on select 2025/2026 models.
- Prices for a quality sound bar for TV can range from under £250 for budget models to over £1,200 for premium 9.1.5 channel systems.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Feature | Importance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI ARC | High | Must-have for modern TVs |
| Wireless | Medium | Reduces cable clutter |
| Subwoofer | Medium | Recommended for bass lovers |
| Dolby Atmos | High | Best for immersive height effects |
| Room Calibration | Medium | Optimises sound for your room |
| Dialogue Mode | High | Improves speech clarity |
Which Sound Bar is Best for TV: Samsung or LG?
The choice between Samsung and LG often comes down to the brand of your television. Both manufacturers have engineered specific wireless integrations that work best with their own TVs. According to reviews from RTINGS and TechRadar in 2026, the Samsung HW-Q990F is cited as the best overall soundbar, offering an 11.1.4 channel setup with Wireless Dolby Atmos and powerful rear satellites. For LG TV owners, the LG S95TR (a 9.1.5 channel system) is a top pick, utilising LG’s exclusive WOWCAST technology for a lossless, cable-free Dolby Atmos connection.
What is the Best Budget Sound Bar for TV?
For shoppers on a tighter budget, the Sonos Ray offers a solid entry point at around £219, though it lacks Dolby Atmos support. In the £250-£500 bracket, the LG S70TY (priced around £297) provides a 3.1 channel system with a subwoofer and compatibility with LG’s WOWCAST, making it a strong option for a budget LG TV upgrade. Another contender is the JBL Bar 300MK2, which features detachable battery satellites for a unique, truly wireless rear speaker experience.
Check the latest bundles at Currys and Richer Sounds. LG UK frequently offers up to 50% off soundbars when purchased with a compatible LG TV.
How Do I Connect a Sound Bar to My TV?
Connecting a sound bar for TV is generally straightforward, but the best method depends on your television’s ports and the sound bar’s features. The goal is to transmit audio from the TV to the sound bar with minimal loss. Most modern setups rely on HDMI ARC or its enhanced version, eARC.
Using HDMI ARC / eARC (Best Quality)
This is the gold standard. You simply plug an HDMI cable from the TV’s HDMI ARC/eARC port to the sound bar’s HDMI Out port. This enables the transmission of high-resolution audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Once connected, you can control the sound bar volume with your TV remote.
How Do I Connect a Sound Bar to a TV Without HDMI ARC?
If your TV is older and lacks an HDMI ARC port, you still have options. The most common alternative is an optical cable (TOSLINK). This will provide excellent 5.1 surround sound but cannot carry object-based audio like Dolby Atmos. Some very old TVs may require an analogue connection via 3.5mm AUX or RCA (red/white) cables, though audio quality will be lower.
What is the Best Wireless Sound Bar for TV?
For a completely cable-free connection between the TV and the sound bar, look for proprietary wireless tech. For LG TVs with newer OLED models, WOWCAST syncs lossless Dolby Atmos without any cable. Samsung offers Wireless Dolby Atmos for a similar experience. Standard Bluetooth is a backup option but offers lower sound quality and potential audio lag.
For optimal performance, connect your sound bar in this order: 1) HDMI eARC (best quality), 2) HDMI ARC (great quality), 3) Optical (good quality, no Atmos), 4) Bluetooth (convenient but lower quality).
Where to Buy a Sound Bar for TV in the UK
The UK has a healthy market for sound bars, with a mix of online specialists and high-street retailers. Your choice may depend on whether you value in-person demos or the best online price. According to expert reviews, Currys and Richer Sounds are consistently mentioned as the go-to places for expert advice and listening tests.
For online convenience, Amazon UK and Argos offer wide selections and frequent deals. For those looking for high-end models or specific bundles, visiting a dedicated audio store like Richer Sounds can be invaluable for hearing the difference between models like the LG S95TR and the Samsung HW-Q990F before you buy.
Sound Bar Features: Do You Need a Subwoofer?
This is one of the most common questions for anyone buying a sound bar for TV. A subwoofer is a dedicated speaker designed to handle low frequencies (bass). It makes explosions in action movies feel powerful and adds punch to music. While many sound bars come with a wireless subwoofer in the box (like the LG S70TY or Samsung HW-Q800D), some, like the Sonos Beam, require you to buy one separately.
Whether you need one depends largely on your room size and audio preference. In a small flat, a soundbar without a subwoofer might be sufficient and more neighbour-friendly. In a larger living room, a subwoofer is highly recommended to fill the space with sound. Reviews indicate that wireless rear speakers, which are often part of larger systems like the Samsung HW-Q990F, further improve immersion but are not essential for a basic upgrade.
What Size Sound Bar Do I Need for My TV?
A general rule of thumb is to choose a sound bar that is roughly the same width as your TV. A unit that is significantly wider can look odd, while one that is much narrower may not project a wide enough soundstage for your screen size. Measure the gap between your TV’s legs and the depth of your TV stand to ensure a good physical fit.
Evolution of the TV Sound Bar
Understanding how the technology has evolved can help you decide which features are worth paying for in a current model.
- 2010: First soundbars introduced as slim, all-in-one alternatives to bulky home theater systems. Basic stereo sound.
- 2015: HDMI ARC becomes a standard feature, simplifying single-cable connections and enabling better audio quality.
- 2020: Dolby Atmos support becomes common in mid-range soundbars, using up-firing speakers to create a sense of height.
- 2025: AI-driven room calibration (like LG’s AI Calibration Pro) and seamless voice assistant integration become standard in premium models.
Is a Sound Bar Right for You?
While a soundbar is almost always an improvement over a TV’s built-in speakers, it’s important to ground expectations in fact. Here is what is well established versus what remains a matter of personal preference.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Soundbars significantly improve TV audio clarity and volume. | Whether a specific soundbar will physically fit your TV stand’s dimensions. |
| Wireless rear speakers improve surround immersion. | Whether you need a subwoofer depends heavily on room size and personal audio preference. |
Why Sound Bars Are Replacing Home Theater Systems
The rise of the soundbar in the UK is tied directly to the changing shape of living rooms and viewing habits. Flat-screen TVs leave little room for large speakers, and sound bars offer a space-saving alternative without a total sacrifice in audio quality. Modern streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ demand good audio to enjoy their Dolby Atmos mixes, and a soundbar provides this more affordably and less obtrusively than a full A/V receiver and speaker setup.
The popularity surge has been driven by customers looking for a simple, clutter-free upgrade. As expert sources note, retailers like Samsung and LG have leaned into this trend, offering soundbars that perfectly complement their latest TV series, promising seamless integration and high performance out of the box.
What Do the Experts and Retailers Say?
Expert reviews and retailer quotes help frame the value of a sound bar for TV purchase. Here are key takeaways from the sources used in this guide.
“The smartest, most compact, and very best TV soundbars to take your home-cinema sound to the next level.”
— What Hi-Fi? on the best soundbars, 2025
“Unbeatable prices in store and online.”
— Richer Sounds, specialist retailer.
The general consensus from T3 and TechRadar is that the LG S95TR is the best partner for LG TVs, while RTINGS (as of early 2026) favours the Samsung HW-Q990F as the best overall investment, especially when discounts are available.
What Should You Buy Next?
For 2026, the trend is moving towards soundbars with built-in streaming capabilities and even tighter integration with smart home mesh audio systems. Whether you choose a premium Samsung system or a budget-friendly LG model, the most important step is to ensure it matches your TV’s size and connectivity. For more personal audio options, check out our guide on the Best Over-Ear Headphones. Alternatively, for a smaller, personal listening experience, read our Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a sound bar improve dialogue clarity?
Yes, many sound bars feature a dedicated ‘Dialogue’ or ‘Voice’ mode that amplifies speech frequencies, making it much easier to hear conversation over background noise.
Can I use a sound bar with an old TV?
Yes. If your older TV lacks HDMI ARC, you can use an optical cable (TOSLINK), or as a last resort, an analogue AUX or RCA connection.
Are sound bars easy to install?
Yes, most soundbars are plug-and-play. You connect them to power, connect to the TV via HDMI or optical, and you are ready.
Will a sound bar work with any TV remote?
If connected via HDMI ARC, the soundbar typically learns the TV remote’s volume commands automatically. For optical connections, you may need to use the soundbar’s own remote.
Is a sound bar better than TV speakers?
In almost every case, yes. Soundbars have larger drivers and dedicated amplifiers, producing significantly better sound quality and volume than built-in TV speakers.
Do I need a subwoofer for a small room?
Not necessarily. In a small room or flat, a soundbar without a subwoofer can provide a balanced sound that is less likely to disturb neighbours.
What is the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC?
eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) offers higher bandwidth than standard ARC, allowing for uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby TrueHD Atmos.
Can I use a sound bar for music?
Yes. Most soundbars include Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming, making them suitable for playing music from your phone or computer.
Does a sound bar need a special wall mount?
Many soundbars come with a wall-mounting template and bracket in the box. However, some heavier models may require a third-party mount for secure installation.
How long do sound bars last?
A quality soundbar from a reputable brand like LG, Samsung, or Sonos should last 5 to 10 years with normal use, depending on the reliability of its electronics.
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Oliver Reeves is Standards & Fact-Checking Lead at BritainNow.uk, responsible for editorial accuracy, corrections and fact-checking.