The Best Airplay 2 Soundbar For 2024

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar

Sonos has managed to cram all of its surround sound solutions into its Arc soundbar. This soundbar will be a great addition to your Sonos collection. Read Review

2. Best Soundbar Design: Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar

Samsung's HWQ950A soundbar delivers 16 channels of sound. The soundbar is especially impressive. It delivers a rich Dolby Atmos soundstage. Read Review

3. Best Soundbar Mid-range: Samsung Hw-q800a/zf Soundbar 3.1.2/ Dolby Atmos DTS:x/Ava

It can provide a more convincing Atmos height than soundbars with up-firing speakers. We also found the horizontal soundstage to be quite wide. Read Review

4. Best Affordable: Sony HT-G700: 3.1CH Dolby Atmos Soundbar

The Sony HT-G700 significantly compromises price, features, and sound quality. The soundbar can be used as a wireless subwoofer and soundbar. Read Review

It is hard to find a good soundbar. We can help you choose the right soundbar, whether you are looking to build the home theater system of your dreams or simply need a reliable, affordable audio source to connect with your TV. An external soundbar is a must for the best Samsung TV or best LG TVs. This will allow you to have the best airplay 2 soundbars.

Be sure to see our recommendations for the best airplay 2 soundbars and the most affordable soundbars.

The Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar is a very good overall soundbar. It sounds well-balanced right out of the box and features a lot of customization tools to make it sound the way you want. It’s a premium-feeling soundbar setup that has an amazing surround and good Atmos performance. 

 

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar
Our Score:
9.7
Sonos
  • 3D sound with Dolby Atmos - Experience shows, movies, and games with the precise and immersive sound of Dolby Atmos
  • Tuned to perfection - Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology optimizes the sound for the unique acoustics of the room
  • Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback (Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors.)
  • Build out your home theater - Wirelessly connect Sub and a pair of One SL rears for an even more immersive listening experience
  • Immerse yourself in the music - Stream music, radio, podcasts, and more from your favorite services with the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2 when the TV is off
  • Compatible with the new generation of the Sonos app, Sonos S3
  • Blends in beautifully - With its elongated shape, soft profile, and seamless facade, Arc discreetly mounts to the wall or sits beneath the TV without pulling focus
  • Voice control - Amazon Alexa is built right in, so you can play music, check news, set alarms, get your questions answered, and more, completely hands free
  • All-new Sonos Arc - Bring all your entertainment to life with the brilliantly realistic sound of Arc, featuring Dolby Atmos. Enjoy control with your TV remote, voice, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more
  • Hear every word - Arc was specially tuned with the help of Oscar-winning sound engineers to emphasize the human voice. Turn on speech enhancement in the app to clarify dialogue
TOP Choice #2 Samsung HW-Q950A 11.1.4 Channel Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Our Score:
9.6
SAMSUNG
  • True 11.1.4 ch sound
  • The soundbar and TV sound sync together, creating a more immersive experience
  • 1 Year Extended Epic Protect Warranty in Addition to the Included Full Manufacturer Warranty. Intended for Residential Use Only
  • Get room-filling sound customized for the space you’re in with automatically calibrated tones and enriched bass with SpaceFit Sound+
  • Object-based formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies provide elevated 3D true surround sound in every direction
TOP Choice #3 Samsung Hw-q800a/zf Soundbar 3.1.2/ Dolby Atmos DTS:x/Ava
Our Score:
9.4
SAMSUNG
  • Original brand product.
  • Two-year warranty against factory defects.
  • Enjoy high quality movies with 4K HDR pass through
  • Connect to your TV wirelessly via Bluetooth
  • Utilize a simple, clean connection with one-cable HDMI ARC
  • Wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass sound
  • Immersive AE (Audio Enhancer) upscale audio closes to 7.1.2 each sound
  • EARC enabled to easily enjoy immersive Dolby Atmos audio from your favorite streaming providers
  • Multiple easy connections so you can enjoy all your media
  • 3.1ch Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Surround Engine
  • Sound modes to customize listening to movies and music
5 LG SP9YA 5.1.2 Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Our Score:
9.2
LG
  • High Resolution Audio 24bit/192kHz with 4K Passthrough (HDCP 2.3)
  • Meridian Audio Technology
  • Dolby Vision & HDR10 Passthrough
  • 4K Passthrough (HDCP 2.3)
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
  • 5.1.2ch with 520W Total Output Power
  • Multi-Platform Support (Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect)
  • HDMI eARC
  • Wireless Surround Sound Ready (SPK8-S) - Available Separately
  • Stream music, radio, podcasts, and audiobooks over WiFi when the TV is off.
  • Control with the Sonos app, your TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and your voice.
  • Experience a 3D surround sound effect with Dolby Atmos.
  • Effortless setup with only two cables and smart Trueplay tuning.
  • Enrich your entertainment experience with vibrant bass, crystal clear dialogue, and a panoramic soundstage.
  • WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND COMPATIBLE - Turn your soundbar into a complete surround sound system with optional rear Samsung speakers in a few simple steps without the mess of wires
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Enhanced audio tracking for your content in real time, with technology that equalizes background music and consistent volume control
  • ONE REMOTE - Streamline control of both your Samsung TV and soundbar with just the Samsung TV remote
  • SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer is included so you can enjoy deep bass right out of the box All-in-one
  • GAME MODE - Boost your gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio that moves with the action on-screen and crosstalk cancellation that minimizes distractions
  • BLUETOOTH TV CONNECTION - Set up is a breeze. Easily connect your soundbar to your TV by connecting wirelessly
  • BASS BOOST - Give your bass an instant boost with the push of a button on the soundbar
8 Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR Surround Soundbar
Our Score:
8.7
Polk Audio
  • INCLUDES PLUG AND PLAY WIRELESS SUBWOOFER & TWO WIRELESS SPEAKERS, which are instantly recognized by the sound bar the moment you power them on. The sub supports an 8” downward firing driver and the wall mountable speakers each have a 3" full range driver
  • EXPERIENCE TRUE 5.1 WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND WITH POLK'S PATENTED SDA AUDIO TECHNOLOGY that creates an expansive surround stage & detailed stereo image delivering a room-filling listening experience, the same as what you would get in a concert or theater
  • Polk's exclusive Voice Adjust Technology even lets you INDEPENDENTLY CONTROL VOICE LEVELS maximizing sound clarity and minimizing voice delays and muzzled sounds. Equipped with INDEPENDENT MODES FOR MOVIES, MUSIC, AND SPORTS, it delivers balanced sound clarity so that hear every word, making your movie, sports and music experience exquisite
  • BIGGER, MORE DYNAMIC SOUND - Packed inside this slim and sleek sound bar 7 powerful drivers and tweeters produce exceptionally clear sound, more superior than any traditional sound bar
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC with GOOGLE CHROMECAST from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible Android devices for a multi room system. You can now cast your favorite music tracks to your sound bar and enjoy unlimited playback using services like Pandora, Spotify and others. Connect to a host of smart devices, TV, speakers and enjoy high quality sound instantly
  • ENDLESS CONNECTION OPTIONS - 3 HDMI Inputs (HDCP 2.2 compliant), 1 HDMI-ARC output, an Optical port for Blu-Ray players & set-top box, an Aux Analog input (3.5mm) for any non-digital device, plus Bluetooth, USB and Internet connectivity
9 Bowers & Wilkins Panorama 3 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
Our Score:
8.4
Bowers & Wilkins
  • EFFORTLESS CONNECTIVITY - Experience exceptional sound clarity by connecting your TV to the soundbar via the HDMI eARC input that supports a wide range of audio formats and delivers high-quality, room-filling audio for your movies, music, and TV shows
  • LATEST VOICE CONTROL INTEGRATION - With built-in Amazon Alexa you can play your favorite song, radio channel, or playlist with just a voice command. Panorama 3 also features AirPlay 2, Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, and Spotify Connect for maximum flexibility
  • GREAT SOUND FROM A SINGLE COMPONENT - With (3) 0.75in decoupled titanium-dome tweeters, (6) 2in midrange drivers, (2) 2in up-firing Dolby elevation drivers and (2) 4in subwoofers the B&W Panorama 3 offers immersive sound with Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD
  • WIDE RANGE OF MUSIC UNDER ONE PLATFORM - Access your favorite music, podcasts and radio stations in 24-bit hi-res quality from popular streaming apps like Deezer, NTS Radio, Qobuz, SoundCloud, TIDAL and TuneIn with the iOS/Android compatible B&W Music App
  • FIRST EVER MULTIROOM-FUNCTIONALITY - The Panorama 3 will extend the reach of your music to any room with its all-new multi-room technology. This feature will allow you to create one connected eco system with other B&W digitally enabled products
  • A RICH HISTORY OF AUDIO EXCELLENCE - With more than 50 years of delivering exceptional audio quality, Bowers & Wilkins constantly develop new-age, innovative designs backed up by world-leading R&D to bring to you premium home audio speakers and headphones
  • DISCREET, ELEGANT DESIGN - Featuring an ultra-low-profile design, the soundbar can easily be installed below modern flat-panel TVs or wall-mounted using the included brackets. Its hidden-till-lit user interface and minimalistic look complements any decor
10 Creative Stage V2 2.1 Soundbar
Our Score:
8.2
Creative
  • POWERED BY SOUND BLASTER | Experience improved vocal intelligibility and wider surround experience with Clear Dialog and Surround, audio processing technologies powered by Sound Blaster’s expertise, to give you a cinema-like experience at the comfort of your own home
  • MATCHES ANY DÉCOR | Minimalist and sleek, the Creative Stage V2 is the perfect complement to your glorious TV set and blends seamlessly into any room regardless of their interior design. It won’t steal your attention from the screen, but it makes its presence felt loud and clear regardless. For the space-constrained, the soundbar is also wall-mountable so you can hang it on the wall below your TV
  • CONVENIENT CONTROLS VIA REMOTE | The Creative Stage V2 comes with a remote control which not only allows you to control playback features conveniently, but also adjust treble and bass setting, select audio modes, or change the input option with ease
  • ALL-IN-ONE AUDIO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM | Armed with all the possible connectivity options you can think of—TV ARC, optical, AUX, Bluetooth, and even USB audio, the Creative Stage V2 is the one-stop audio entertainment system for all your devices from TVs and computers to mobile phones and gaming consoles
  • HIGH-PERFORMANCE 2.1 SPEAKER | Housing two custom-tuned mid-range drivers and accompanied by a powerful long-throw tower-sized subwoofer, the Creative Stage V2 is capable of filling your room with captivating immersive audio and deep thumping bass
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Are the Most Critical Aspects of best airplay 2 soundbar That You Should Concentrate on?

You must know the best airplay 2 soundbar to make a substantial purchase. There's a slew of additional issues which have to be looked at and assessed. Each commodity has its own set of difficulties. As a result, you can rely on us to give you comprehensive counsel and support.

You might quickly become overwhelmed in your quest for the best airplay 2 soundbar because there are so many models and features. Avoid being suffocated by an expensive item that only serves to take up room in your cupboard by following our advice.

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

FAQs

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.