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Best Soundbar under $1000
If you're looking for the best soundbar under $1000 in April 2024 you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll recommend our top picks and tell you what to look for when choosing a soundbar. Whether you're a movie lover, TV series enthusiast or music fan, we've got you covered. So without further ado, let's get started!
If you're short on time, here are our top two soundbars under 1000.
Best Soundbar under $1000 - Buyer’s Guide
Drawing from our experience when searching for the best soundbar under $1000, it's important to balance quality, features, and value. Here are key factors to consider:
Acoustics
Soundbars can be passive or active. The first ones are connected to a receiver to run. And active soundbars are independent devices which are connected directly to the TV set. They have their own processor, power supply and a set of interfaces. Therefore, if the user needs a modern and compact device, the active soundbar will do. Passive models are recommended to choose if there is a receiver at home.
Subwoofer type
The soundbar is equipped with an external or built-in subwoofer. External subwoofers lose powerful bass, because they have large speakers. Therefore, if the room space allows, it is recommended to take a soundbar with an external subwoofer. At the same time, models with built-in speakers are compact, so they will save space in the apartment.
Connectivity (selection of interfaces)
Active soundbars are equipped with a set of connectors, which turn them from an ordinary speaker into a functional device. Simple models have a USB connector and an optical input. More expensive soundbars have HDMI. The more HDMI ports in the soundbar, the more devices you can connect to it (STB, Blu-ray player, laptop, etc.).
Wireless technology. Bluetooth support allows you to play music from your phone on the soundbar and control it remotely. And Wi-Fi access will make the soundbar part of the multi-room set. For example, Bose Smart Soundbar 900 with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth.
Total power of the speakers
This parameter affects the volume of the reproduced sound. When choosing the power, you should also take into account the size of the room. For example, if its area is 50 m2, you will need a model with 200 W power. However, a soundbar with 70-80 Watt power will be enough for medium-sized rooms and 30 Watt for small bedrooms. For example, SAMSUNG HW-Q900A Soundbar with 406 Watts max. , Sonos Arc Soundbar with 110 Watts.
Functionality of the device
If earlier soundbars were used only for sound enhancement, now these devices have become much more functional. They read information from memory cards and disks, as well as connect to gadgets via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. And advanced models can replace a home theater.
Installation
Depending on the size, soundbars are mounted on the wall, placed on a shelf or on a bedside table. Therefore, if the installation method is chosen beforehand, it is important to consider this parameter before choosing speakers.
Number of channels
The more channels, the more volume the speakers sound. For stereo sound, 2.1 and 3.1 standards are used. And for surround sound playback, you need versions 5.0 and higher.
Best Soundbars under $1000 - TOP 7
Delving into the world of Soundbar, we've compiled a list of the top 7 choices that offer the best value for under $1000.
Best Soundbars under 1000: Comparison
Now let’s get into details about each soundbar model, with is features, pros and cons.
| Soundbar | Sound Quality | Connectivity | Special Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bose Smart Soundbar 900 | Dolby Atmos, TrueSpace technology | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC | PhaseGuide, ADAPTIQ, Alexa |
| JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar | Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 5.1.4 configuration | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC | Removable wireless rear speakers, auto sound calibration |
| SAMSUNG HW-Q900A Soundbar | Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Atmos, 7.1.2-channel | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC | Q-Symphony, Alexa, room calibration |
| Sony Z9F Soundbar | Powerful audio with subwoofer protection | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI | Built-in subwoofer protection, sleek design |
| Sonos Arc Soundbar | 11 speakers, Dolby Atmos, PhaseGuide technology | Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, HDMI eARC | Apple AirPlay 2, multi-room support |
| Bose Smart Soundbar 700 | Dolby Digital, DTS, PhaseGuide technology | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC | QuietPort technology, Alexa, ADAPTIQ |
| LG SP9YA Soundbar | Meridian Technology, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2 | AI Room Calibration, Apple AirPlay, easy setup |
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 under 1000
Author’s Choice
With its suite of proprietary audio technologies, the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 can provide the highest level of realism. For example, the PhaseGuide system is designed to create the effect of omnidirectional sound in any point of the room, and TrueSpace technology will add virtual height channels even when playing content in formats that do not provide them. For Atmos, there are dedicated upward pointing radiators.
Users can connect the novelty to other wireless Bose speakers to get more powerful and voluminous sound. Music can be streamed to the Smart Soundbar 900 via AirPlay 2, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi using the Bose app. In addition, sound from the TV can be transmitted via optical cable, HDMI or eARC. Smart Soundbar 900 supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice assistants.
The touch controls of the unit are located on a glass panel, which is located above the metal grille that surrounds the speaker. The dimensions of the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are approximately 104 × 102 × 5.8 cm. The soundbar is available in black and white colors.
It is possible to control the soundbar using touch buttons on the device itself or using the remote control that is included. Besides, there is a possibility to connect the soundbar to Bose Music application.
The new soundbar can be used not only as a separate independent device, but also together with Bose speakers and subwoofers (Bass Module 700 and Surround Speakers 700 models are recommended).
Pros:
- Easy setup and connectivity
- Good bass from all angles
- Control music with the help of Bose music app
Cons:
- No DTS support
Summary: As indicated by our tests the Bose Smart Soundbar 900 boasts advanced audio technologies like PhaseGuide and TrueSpace to deliver omnidirectional sound and virtual height channels, even for content without native support, and has dedicated radiators for Dolby Atmos. It features versatile connectivity options including AirPlay 2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical cable, HDMI, and eARC, supports voice assistants, and offers touch controls on a glass panel, with the option to expand sound with additional Bose speakers and subwoofers.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
- Dolby Atmos, Bose Music app
- Built-in Alexa and Google Assistant
JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar System under $1000
People’s Choice
The JBL BAR 9.1 is an impressive soundbar thanks to its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS: X in a true 5.1.4 configuration. The panel design is functional rather than catchy, but the removable wireless battery-operated rear speakers are an elegant solution for adding rear channels without overloading your living room.
The system is easy to set up, and there's even an automatic sound calibration feature, which is nice. The display is informative and easy to read, and the remote is quite successful, even though the buttons have multiple functions. There is no dedicated mobile app for this system, but you do get Bluetooth, Chromecast and AirPlay 2.
There is only one HDMI input, but on the positive side, there is an HDMI output with eARC support. This allows lossless audio to be sent back to the soundbar from a compatible TV. The BAR 9.1 can transmit HDR10 and Dolby Vision, but not HLG and HDR10+, which is certainly not great, but bearable. Most importantly, though, this JBL soundbar sounds great (even with a slightly narrow soundstage), and the included subwoofer is a real monster.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Quick installation
- Dolby Atmos
- Wireless connections
Cons:
- The dialogues in some movies are not that audible enough
Summary: Our findings show that the JBL BAR 9.1 soundbar excels with its true 5.1.4 configuration supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, featuring a functional design with innovative removable wireless rear speakers for a clutter-free setup. It offers easy setup with automatic sound calibration, a clear display, a multifunctional remote, and connectivity options like Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2, but lacks a dedicated app and has limited HDMI input, though it supports eARC, HDR10, and Dolby Vision.
- Wi-Fi, HDMI
- Dolby Atmos and DTS: X
- Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision
SAMSUNG HW-Q900A Sound bar under 1000
Premium Choice
The Samsung HW-Q900A wireless soundbar is truly a new level of sound quality!
Full immersion in surround sound: Dolby Atmos and DTS: X let you hear every single sound as it flows around and above you, just like in real life.
True 7.1.2-channel sound. 7 main soundbar channels, 1 subwoofer channel, and 2 speaker channels radiating upwards create an enveloping sound field. The built-in oversized edge speakers fill the entire space between the soundbar and the rear speakers with sound, enhancing the sense of surround sound. The perfect match for your QLED TV.
Q-Symphony Mode. The Q950T soundbar speakers sync with your Samsung TV for an immersive audio experience. The soundbar's speakers work with your TV speakers to amplify the surround sound effect, giving you a more immersive viewing experience than ever before.
If you're listening to your favorite tracks on your phone, just touch your phone to the soundbar. The soundbar will respond to your touch with vibration - it will recognize your device, connect it, and start playing your music.
Thanks to the HDMI eARC port, you can listen to high-quality, lossless sound even when the soundbar is connected to other devices via your TV, such as DVD players or game consoles.
A wireless surround back speaker kit turns the soundbar into a surround sound system without any extra wires. With this soundbar, you can create a multi-channel audio system and enjoy surround sound while watching TV.
Pros:
- The perfect sound for your space with SpaceFit Sound+
- Game Pro Mode
- Built-in voice assistant
- Adaptive Sound to optimize the sound for each scene
Cons:
- Lack of deep bass
Summary: Our research indicates that the Samsung HW-Q900A/RU wireless soundbar offers exceptional sound quality with true 7.1.2-channel sound, integrating Dolby Atmos and DTS: X for a fully immersive surround sound experience that envelops the listener. It features Q-Symphony Mode for synchronized audio with Samsung TVs, easy connectivity with devices via touch, HDMI eARC support for high-quality sound from various sources, and the option to expand into a wireless surround system, enhancing the audio experience for both music and TV viewing.
- Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI
- Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
- One Remote Control Alexa(Built-in)
Sony Z9F Sound bar under $1000
Best Budget
Sony Z9F soundbar is an excellent option for any entertainment system at home. It's easy to set up and stunning to look at. This sound system has a powerful wireless subwoofer to provide a deeper, more rich sound that's great for most popular films. The system even has a built-in subwoofer protection system that reduces noise pollution coming from other audio systems.
The soundbar is made of metal frame with an incredible black finish. The soundbar is great for those who want entertaining in their homes as much as they want to listen to music. It's also looks stylish in any room. If you are looking for aBest Soundbars for Sony Bravia TV, there are more options for it.
Pros:
- High-quality, durable appearance and feel
- Many audio formats to choose from
- Great dialogue rendering
Cons:
- There is no adjustment for bass or treble
Summary: The Sony Z9F soundbar is an outstanding addition to any home entertainment system, boasting a sleek design with a metal frame and black finish, and is particularly compatible with Sony Bravia TVs. It features a powerful wireless subwoofer for rich sound quality, ideal for movies and music, and includes a built-in subwoofer protection system to minimize interference from other audio sources.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, works with Alexa
- Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Sound Engine
- 7.1.2ch surround sound, 3.1ch, 4K HDR
Sonos Arc Soundbar under $1000
Best Cinema Surround Sound
Arc operates on the software platform of the new generation Sonos S2. This powerful speaker is equipped with 11 speakers. And each of them got its own class D amplifier. The device supports Dolby Digital 5.1 or Dolby Atmos. You can use Apple AirPlay 2 to transmit sound from your smartphone, which means that the soundbar easily turns into a smart speaker for listening to music.
The Sonos Arc also includes microphones. They are needed to work with voice commands. With the help of built-in voice assistants Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa you can play music, check the news, set alarms and so on.
By the way, you can easily connect the remote from your TV to the speaker to adjust the volume. If you want, you can also connect a Sonos Sub subwoofer to the Arc, and One SL speakers for surround sound. These, of course, are purchased separately.
The Sonos Arc uses 11 speakers: 8 elliptical speakers to provide precise midrange and vocal frequencies in addition to bass; 2 Atmos speakers point into the ceiling at specific angles; and 3 angled tweeters with silk domes. They create crisp high frequencies and clear dialogue.
The first thing you notice when listening is the perfect reproduction of loud sound effects, such as explosions, destruction, sharp sounds are transmitted instantly and with great power. The impression is that you are in a movie theater. So if you like action movies, movies with an abundance of all sorts of rumbling, the Sonos Arc will definitely get you in! The second is speech reproduction. It's just amazing here. In movies, you can see it in the background of music and other sounds, where speech stands out and the voice comes through clean and clear.
The Sonos Arc is available in two colors, black and white.
Pros:
- It's simple to use because of voice control with Alexa as well as Google Assistant
- A sleek look that's simple on the eye and blends well with any style
- It is able to be connected to the majority of smart devices
- Sonos app is convenient in use
Cons:
- Some users find that basses could be better
Summary: The Sonos Arc is a next-generation soundbar featuring 11 speakers, each with its own Class D amplifier, supporting Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Atmos, and offering Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility for seamless music streaming. It includes built-in microphones for voice commands using Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allows TV remote connectivity for volume control, and can be expanded with additional Sonos Sub and One SL speakers for enhanced surround sound. The Arc's sophisticated speaker array delivers impressive loud sound effects and crystal-clear dialogue, making it ideal for action-packed movies and ensuring voices stand out against background noise.
- HDMI
- 3D sound with Dolby Atmos
- Voice control - Alexa , Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2
Bose Smart Sound bar 700 under 1000
Best for Multiroom System
The Bose Soundbar 700 is a world-leading speaker in its class. With a unique combination of stylish premium design and crystal clear sound with crushing power, the Bose Soundbar 700 is equipped with the most advanced technology to maximize your movie and music enjoyment. Built-in Amazon Alexa support allows you to control the soundbar with your voice.
Specially designed low-profile speakers with provide clear and powerful sound with a small thickness of the soundbar.
The acoustic waveguide, made with proprietary PhaseGuide technology, distributes and directs the speakers' sound, creating surround, evenly saturated frequencies. You'll hear sounds from points beyond the soundbar. Optimal sound in all environments with ADAPTIQ sound calibration, which adjusts the soundbar to the acoustics of the room.
QuietPort technology avoids air turbulence caused by the high amplitude oscillation of the speakers in a small volume. As a result, the bass of the Bose Soundbar 700 remains crystal clear. You won't hear any low-frequency distortion, even at high volume. Bose Soundbar 700 supports Apple AirPlay 2 technology, allowing you to play content wirelessly on compatible devices.
Clear voice recognition. Microphones are located on the front and back of the soundbar, so Alexa can hear you even when the music is loud.
Elegant indicator light bar to make sure Amazon Alexa hears you and responds to your voice commands. With the Amazon Alexa Virtual Assistant built into the Bose Soundbar 700, you can use voice commands to control music playback from various sources, get the news, the weather forecast, and many other everyday tasks.
Bose Smart Home models installed in different rooms of the house are combined into a single multi-room music space, to which you can add new Smart Home systems. Amazon Alexa Virtual Assistant is your guide to the world of music on your mobile devices, home network, and online. Just ask the virtual assistant to play your favorite music. Additional control features are provided by the Bose Music mobile app. Welcome to a new dimension of quality sound and convenient playback control - in any room of your home.
Pros:
- Audio Calibration with ADAPTiQ
- Voice control
- Dedicated app
Cons:
- No HDMI inputs
Summary: The Bose Soundbar 700, designed for true sound enthusiasts, combines a stylish premium design with powerful, crystal-clear sound, and features advanced technology for an immersive movie and music experience, including built-in Amazon Alexa for voice control. It boasts low-profile speakers, PhaseGuide technology for surround sound, ADAPTIQ sound calibration for optimal room acoustics, QuietPort technology for clear bass without distortion, and supports Apple AirPlay 2 and multi-room setups with other Bose Smart Home models, all controllable via the Bose Music mobile app.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect
- Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Bose Music app
LG SP9YA Dolby Atmos Soundbar under $1000
Best for Enterntainment
The LG SP9YA is the perfect soundbar for anyone looking for great audio quality without any complicated features. It's simple, stylish, and easy to use - just connect it to your TV and start enjoying amazing sound. Plus, with AI Room Calibration, you can customize the sound to perfection based on the room you're in. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line soundbar that delivers incredible sound without any fuss, then look no further than the LG SP9YA.
This 5.1.2 soundbar has been upgraded with even more features than its predecessor, the LG SN9YG. With Apple AirPlay, more EQ presets, and the 2021 LG TV AI Processor, you'll enjoy amazing audio quality that brings your entertainment to life. Meridian Technology ensures accurate reproduced sound, making this soundbar perfect for any home theater setup.
If you are looking for a Soundbar for your LG OLED TV, there are more options for it.
Pros:
- Can be integrated to your SmartHome system
- Bluetooth support
- Comes with all you need out of the box
Cons:
- Rather heavy
- No Wi-Fi support
Summary: Based on our observations the LG SP9YA soundbar offers excellent audio quality in a simple, stylish, and user-friendly package, ideal for those who want great sound without complex features, and includes AI Room Calibration for tailored audio experiences. This 5.1.2 soundbar is an upgrade from its predecessor with additional features like Apple AirPlay, more EQ presets, and the 2021 LG TV AI Processor, enhanced by Meridian Technology for accurately reproduced sound, making it a superb choice for home theater setups.
- 5.1.2ch with 520W Total Output Power
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- Support (Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect)
Best Sound bar under $1000 - FAQ
Answering your most pressing questions about finding the right soundbar under $1000.
Are high end soundbars worth it?
Yes, they are definitely worth it. Soundbars are an effordable option for home entertainment that provides excellent sound quality, are simple to set up and use and are built to function with the most recent technology.
Is Dolby Atmos worth the price?
Dolby Atmos is a system that will create the most immersive listening experience for your home theater. The additional height channel brings life to movies like never before, making it as close as you can get without being there in person!
What is TV eARC?
eARC allows you to stream audio to your TV from cable, satellite, streaming, or source devices to your AVR or soundbar through a single HDMI cable. This provides easy connection and the ability to listen to the original sound.
Best Soundbar under 1000: Conclusion
So, the best soundbars under $1000 offer the perfect combination of high-quality sound, advanced features, and stylish design, making them a great investment for any home entertainment system.
These soundbars deliver immersive sound, often with support for the latest audio technologies such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, like the Bose Smart Soundbar 900, SAMSUNG HW-Q900A, or JBL Bar 9.1, and include convenient features such as voice assistant compatibility, wireless streaming, and easy integration with existing devices.
Under $1000, these soundbars deliver exceptional performance and value, ensuring great sound without the extra cost, whether you're looking to enhance your movie experience, amplify your music, or take your gaming sessions to the next level.
Go Deeper:
Our geeky guru has been slicing through tech on gagadget.com since 2020, from projectors, tvs to speakers and many more, unearthing the truth behind the specs with sharp, insightful reviews.
