The 10 Best Earc Soundbar Of 2024, Researched By Us

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV

Dolby Digital decoding creates incredible room-filling surround sound that easily beats anything you hear from your small speakers and TVs. Read Review

2. Best For Price: TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel

This soundbar is the perfect way to immerse yourself in your favourite entertainment with more extensive and transparent sound. You can also enjoy smooth setup, easy access to sound settings, and compatibility with your TCL Roku TV remote. Read Review

3. Best Voice Technology: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim

Features Polk's patented Voice Tuning technology, which allows you to customize voice levels without affecting the background music, so you always hear dialogues clearly. Read Review

4. Best Speakers: VIZIO MVIZIO M -Series 5.1.2 Premium

This soundbar delivers next-generation immersive surround sound powered by Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® for unprecedented audio fidelity that seems to come from anywhere around you. Read Review

As the years go by, more excellent new home audio standards are being introduced, and eARC is finally in a good place to look forward to this feature. If you're ready for a premium soundbar that includes eARC, you're at a home where you have the opportunity to future-proof your system and get the highest quality sound possible.

The latest soundbar technology is connected via HDMI eARC, providing stable connection and high-bandwidth data transmission. This results in high-quality sound, creating an immersive viewing experience, not only for music but also for movies, games, and other multimedia content. Our Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV, is perfect for home theatre and 'word for word' music listening. Polk Adjust technology to customize voice levels for crisp, precise dialogue reproduction. Here are some of the other best earc soundbars.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV
Our Score:
9.7
Polk Audio
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology
  • A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver BEAUTFUL RICH SOUND WITH DEEP BASS. POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICE ADJUST TECHNOLOGY & Dolby Digital Decoding maximizes sound clarity & reduces voice delays
  • SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV to the sound bar. Get set up and listening in minutes
  • UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & AUX
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At just over 2" tall, it fits most spaces — easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
TOP Choice #2 TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel
Our Score:
9.5
TCL
  • DEEP BASS WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life.
  • STREAM MUSIC WIRELESSLY: You can use your Bluetooth-enabled device to wirelessly stream music on your sound bar.
  • SPECIALIZED SOUND MODES: Specialized sound modes bring Movies, Music, and News to life.
  • QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE SETUP: With HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connections, you can go from unboxing to listening in minutes.
  • DOLBY DIGITAL: Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and creates incredible room-filling virtual surround sound.
TOP Choice #3 Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim
Our Score:
9.3
Polk Audio
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices via built-in Bluetooth technology
  • UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION - In addition to L/R Tweeters (1"), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7" x 1.6") and a 1" Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.6") utilize Atmos' height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head
  • POLK'S EXCLUSIVE VOICE AND BASS ADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4's center channel lets you customize voice and bass levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues and maximize bass without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar's bass using Bass Adjust Technology
  • NUMEROUS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES - Plug in your audio source via the provided inputs - (1) optical, (1) analog 3.5mm, or Bluetooth, and USB-A (for firmware updates). Enjoy uncompromised audio experience over the eight channels via the HDMI (eARC) output
  • ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR & WIRELESS SUB - The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array & a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.25" sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS
  • 1-CABLE SETUP, WORKS WITH ANY TV INCLUDING THE LATEST 8K ULTRA-HD TVs - Get this system up and running in less than 5 minutes—all you have to do is unbox, connect and you are ready to listen. A great addition to your home theater!
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE - At par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At 2.4" tall, the Signa S4 fits most spaces - easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
  • Dynamic and Accurate Sound - The 103dB sound pressure level and 45Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver high-performance sound.
  • 2 Upfiring Speakers - Reflect accurate overhead sound off the ceiling for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content.
  • Separate Tweeters and Woofers - True 2-way speaker design delivers pristine clarity and a wider audio range.
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X - Cinematic, life-like 3D surround sound around and above you.
  • 11 High-Performance Speakers - With separate tweeters and woofers, deliver fuller, clearer and more powerful sound.
5 Sony Z9F 3.1ch Sound bar
Our Score:
9.1
Sony
  • Wireless Subwoofer included
  • 4K HDR compatible
  • Voice enhancement for greater clarity
  • In the box: Remote (RMT-AH400U), Batteries for remote, HDMI Cable, Wall Hanging Bracket (with screws x 2), Wall Mount Template
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and easy BLUETOOTH streaming
  • Ultimate Home Theater Upgrade with 3.1ch Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Sound Engine
  • High-resolution Audio capable
  • Stream and control audio content with your favorite smart devices
  • Seven sound modes for enhanced movies, music, gaming, news and sport
  • Stream music, online radio, and podcasts from your Amazon connected device directly to your Z9F soundbar. Just ask Alexa.
6 Bose Smart Soundbar 700
Our Score:
9.0
Bose
  • Control: Easily control your smart soundbar with three different ways to manage what you hear: your voice, the Bose Music app, or context-sensitive universal remote
  • Bose SimpleSync: Use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair a member of the Bose Smart Family with select Bose headphones for a personal listening experience or with a Bose Bluetooth or SoundTouch speaker for synchronized music playback
  • Best Bose soundbar: The best-performing soundbar from Bose, featuring immersive sound, deep bass, and easy access to your entertainment. Use the Bose Music app for guided setup
  • Built-in Alexa: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are built into this smart soundbar for hands-free voice control. And a noise-rejecting mic system listens in every direction for your voice
  • Compatible products: This smart soundbar is part of the Bose Smart Family and works with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars for a multi-room listening experience
  • Connectivity: Stream your favorite music and more via a Bluetooth connection, your home Wi-Fi network, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect
  • Make or take calls: With Alexa only, make or take calls from this smart soundbar to Bose smart products, Amazon Echo products, and anyone in your contacts list. Hands free, phone free, and free of charge.
  • TV voice control: Exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology expands your Alexa capabilities, allowing you to control this smart soundbar, your TV, and your cable/satellite box with one voice command
7 SAMSUNG HW-Q950T 9.1.4ch Soundbar
Our Score:
8.8
SAMSUNG
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND: Soundbar Q950T analyzes your content to automatically deliver optimized sound based on each scene, letting you hear speech clearly even at the lowest volumes
  • UP-FIRING REAR SPEAKERS INCLUDED: With wireless up-firing, rear speakers included, sound wraps around and above by reflecting sound off the ceiling to deliver breathtaking overhead audio for the ultimate theater sound quality right in your home
  • 3D TRUE SURROUND SOUND (DOLBY ATMOS AND DTS: X): Explore the depths of sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X. Dual technology that captures each distinct sound as it flows above and around you
  • SAMSUNG AUDIO LAB: Designed, tested, and tuned at our state-of-the-art California Audio Lab, where world-class audio engineers apply advanced acoustic technologies and cutting-edge computer modeling to give you perfectly balanced, room-filling sound.
  • TRUE 9.1.4CH SOUND: Through the 20 speaker system, the soundbar's 9 channels, 1 subwoofer channel, and 4 up-firing channels envelope you in sound. With wide speakers on both corners of the soundbar, powerful audio fills the space and rear speakers amplify the surround sound experience
  • Q-SYMPHONY: Breakthrough technology that synchronizes Samsung QLED TV speakers with the Q-Series soundbar speakers for fuller, more immersive, cinematic sound
  • ALEXA BUILT-IN VOICE ASSISTANT: Your soundbar comes with Alexa Built-in. Enjoy all the things you know and love about Alexa, with the advantage of powerful, optimized sound from your sound bar
8 VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater
Our Score:
8.6
VIZIO
  • Powerful Full-Range Speakers 2 full-range speakers in the sound bar create brilliant clarity.
  • DTS Virtual:X: Enhances any content with room-filling, floor-to-ceiling virtualized 3D sound.
  • Loud and Clear The 96dB sound pressure level and 50Hz – 20kHz frequency range deliver dynamic and accurate Sound.
  • Optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio: Bring out the best audio performance from your 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio when connected through HDMI.
  • New low-profile design Packed with performance and a sophisticated new low-profile design that slides beneath your TV for a clean look.
  • 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
  • Tuned to perfection - Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology optimizes the sound for the unique acoustics of the room
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.)
  • 3D sound with Dolby Atmos - Experience shows, movies, and games with the precise and immersive sound of Dolby Atmos
  • 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
  • Receiver-like connectivity with 3 HDMI inputs, HDMI ARC and more
  • Listen to your favorites with Spotify Connect
  • Experience Dolby Atmos in a 7.1.2ch, 800W sound bar
  • Google Home compatibility and wireless multi-room listening
  • Chromecast built-in
  • Enjoy the rich, detail of Hi-Res Audio in a stylish design
  • Enjoy high-quality streaming via Bluetooth
  • Maintain quality from source to screen with 4K HDR support and HDCP 2.2
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best earc soundbar?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

Conclusion

So, what's the easiest approach to get the best earc soundbar you need quickly? You may use what we know about cognitive neuroscience concepts in your marketing approach. 

When choosing the ideal product, you must have a clear idea of what you want in terms of price, quality, and function. If you don’t like any model in this list, then the Sony HT-G700: 3.1CH Dolby Atmos will be your new buddy.


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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.