Best Wall Mounted Soundbar

Wall-mounting a TV and then placing a soundbar on a shelf below it defeats half the point of the installation. A properly mounted soundbar keeps the wall clean, positions audio at the right height relative to the screen, and removes the one piece of furniture that a floating TV setup was supposed to eliminate. I've tested seven soundbars specifically for wall-mounted configurations, paying attention to mounting hardware quality, cable management options, and whether the audio actually matches the visual presentation at screen height.

The compatibility between soundbar length and TV size, plus the practical question of where cables run once both units are on the wall, turned out to matter as much as audio specs in real installations. Here's what to consider before buying.

If you're pressed for time, here's my top picks of the best wall mounted soundbar.

Table of contents:

• Best Wall Mounted Soundbar - Buyer's Guide
• Best Soundbars for Wall Mounted TVs - TOP 7
• Best Wall Mounted Soundbar: Comparison
• JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar
• LG SN6Y Soundbar
• SAMSUNG HW-Q900A Soundbar
• SONY HT-S350 Soundbar
• SONOS ARC Soundbar
• SAMSUNG HW-Q600A Soundbar
• SONY HT-G700 Soundbar
• FAQ about Best Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV

Best Wall Mounted Soundbar - Buyer's Guide

Drawing from my experience, choosing a soundbar for a wall-mounted TV involves a different set of priorities than choosing one for a shelf setup. Here's what to focus on:

1. Design and Aesthetics

• Slim Profile: A soundbar that protrudes significantly from the wall disrupts the clean look that wall mounting creates. Look for slim-profile models designed specifically with low-depth wall installation in mind.
• Matching Finish: A soundbar that matches the color and finish of your TV produces a cohesive result. Most premium TVs are black or dark gray, and most soundbars match that - but verify before buying.
• Wall Mounting Options: Confirm the soundbar includes mounting brackets or keyhole slots designed for wall installation. Not all soundbars are designed to mount, and improvised solutions rarely hold securely.

2. Audio Quality

• Drivers: Multiple drivers handling separate frequency ranges produce cleaner separation between highs, mids, and bass than a single-driver design at the same wattage.
• Surround Sound: For an immersive experience, look for soundbars that support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X, which use upward-firing drivers or virtual processing to create height and surround channels from a single bar.
• Wattage: Higher wattage supports larger rooms, but speaker efficiency and driver quality affect perceived loudness as much as raw output numbers.

Dolby Atmos soundbars vary significantly in how they implement height channels - models with physical upward-firing drivers bounce sound off the ceiling for a more convincing overhead effect, while virtual Atmos processing simulates the same result through signal processing alone, with noticeably different results depending on room acoustics.

3. Connectivity

• HDMI ARC: A single HDMI ARC connection handles both audio signal and volume control through your TV remote, which simplifies wall-mounted installations where running multiple cables is inconvenient.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Useful for streaming music directly from a phone or integrating with a multi-room audio system. For example, Sony HT-S350 with Bluetooth or JBL Bar 9.1 with Wi-Fi.
• Multiple Inputs: Additional HDMI inputs let you connect gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and other devices directly to the soundbar rather than running everything through the TV.

4. Additional Features

• Voice Assistants: Built-in Alexa or Google Assistant adds hands-free control without a separate smart speaker. For example, Sonos Arc includes built-in voice assistant support.
• Remote Control: A dedicated remote is practical when the soundbar is wall-mounted above or below the TV and the IR sensor on the bar may be partially obstructed.
• Sound Modes: Movie, music, and dialogue modes adjust the EQ for different content types, which is worth having if you switch regularly between film watching and music listening.

5. Subwoofer

A dedicated subwoofer - external wireless or built-in - significantly improves low-frequency performance for films and music. Wireless subwoofers are easier to position in a wall-mounted setup since they don't require a cable run back to the soundbar. Confirm the wireless pairing is stable before committing, as some budget models drop the subwoofer connection under interference.

6. Length of the Soundbar

A soundbar should be proportional to the TV it sits below or above - roughly matching the TV width or running slightly shorter looks intentional, while a significantly undersized bar looks mismatched. Most manufacturers publish a recommended TV size range for each model, which simplifies this decision.

Wiring and Setup

Cable management is the part of wall-mounted soundbar installation that most buyers underestimate. TV connectors are usually positioned near the bottom of the screen, which makes routing a cable down to a soundbar mounted below the TV straightforward. Mounting the soundbar above the TV requires either in-wall cable routing or visible cable management channels.

In-wall cable routing between a wall-mounted TV and soundbar produces the cleanest result but requires planning before mounting either unit - retrofitting hidden cable runs after both devices are already on the wall is significantly more difficult and often requires cutting additional drywall access points.

Bluetooth connectivity removes the cable requirement entirely for audio, though HDMI ARC remains preferable for latency-free synchronization with video content.

Useful Tips for Soundbar Installation

• Confirm wall mounts are secured into studs or rated wall anchors before mounting - a soundbar that pulls free from drywall anchors can damage both the wall and the unit below it.
• Keep cables away from areas accessible to children - a pulled cable can bring the soundbar down from the wall.
• Avoid installing in rooms with high humidity or temperature extremes, which degrade internal components over time.
• Maintain the manufacturer's recommended distance between the soundbar and TV body for optimal acoustic performance.
• Mount brackets on firm, level surfaces and verify level before tightening fully.

Best Soundbars for Wall Mounted TVs - TOP 7

Discover my curated list of the best soundbars for wall mounted tv's, offering unmatched performance, durability, and unique features.

Best Wall Mounted Soundbar: Comparison

Each of these Soundbars for Wall Mounted TVs offers unique features and benefits. Let's delve into a detailed overview:

JBL Bar 9.1 Wall Mounted Soundbar Review

Editor’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.

Summary: As indicated by my tests the JBL BAR 9.1 offers a powerful sound experience with its true 5.1.4 configuration, supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, complemented by unique removable wireless rear speakers for a clutter-free setup. While the soundbar boasts easy setup, informative display, and connectivity features like Bluetooth, Chromecast, and AirPlay 2, it's limited by a single HDMI input and lacks support for HLG and HDR10+.

LG SN6Y Soundbar Review

Best Overall

LG SN6Y is a price-performance, mid-range 3.1 soundboard that replaces the LG SL6Y. Like its predecessor, the SN6Y only comes with a sound bar and wireless subwoofer. It's not as functional as LG's Premium models, but at the same time, it's the most affordable option for those who want a dedicated center channel. The device can be expanded to 5.1 with a set of LG SPK8-S rear wireless speakers, which are sold separately. LG SN6Y's one of the main competitors is Sony HT-G700, which costs more.

LG SN6Y is almost identical to its predecessor LG SL6Y. It has a simple design with a classic, traditional sound bar style. The SN6Y is powerful enough. It may even be louder than its predecessor. This is an advantage if you're having a party. In spite of this advantage, the sound of the soundbar is a bit compressed, especially in the low frequency range. But at normal listening volume, the distortion is negligible.

This is a 3.1 soundbar with no surround sound channels. Surround content is mixed from stereo and distributed between the front three speakers. This means that you don't get the effect of real surround sound. Unfortunately, the SN6Y does not have a 3.5mm auxiliary port, making it difficult to play music on an MP3 player. The LG SN6Y speaker panel does not have eARC, it only supports Dolby Digital and DTS via HDMI ARC. The device converts these formats to stereo. Because of this, advanced surround sound formats such as Dolby Atmos, DTS: X, 5.1 PCM are not available.

Summary: My findings show that the LG SN6Y is a mid-range 3.1 soundbar accompanied by a wireless subwoofer, serving as an upgrade from its predecessor, the LG SL6Y. While it boasts improved loudness ideal for parties and can be expanded to a 5.1 system with LG SPK8-S rear wireless speakers, it lacks genuine surround sound effects and features limited audio format support, missing out on advanced formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X.

Samsung HW-Q900A Wall Mounted TV Soundbar Review

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.

Summary: Based on my observations the Samsung HW-Q900A is a high-quality wireless soundbar that offers immersive 7.1.2-channel sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS: X technologies, enveloping listeners with sound from all directions, especially when paired with a QLED TV. With features like Q-Symphony Mode for synchronized TV audio, easy touch connectivity with mobile devices, HDMI eARC port for lossless audio from other devices, and the ability to transform into a surround sound system with a wireless kit, it promises a top-tier audio experience for both movies and music.

Sony HT-S350 Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV Review

Best Budget

The first question that comes to mind when looking at Sony HT-S350 Soundbar - will this affordable audio system sound good? In my opinion Sony managed to get a quality Soundbar + Subwoofer system for a relatively reasonable price.

The Sound Bar is a compact, elongated panel. The top part is finished with a polymer material, similar in texture to leather. The front side is made of metal mesh (quite strong) which hides two speakers with a frontal location and looking directly ahead.

The wireless subwoofer can be placed anywhere conveniently in your room. The subwoofer is connected to the panel via Bluetooth network, the connection is fast, without delays or errors. To connect the soundbar to the network you will need two outlets, one for the soundbar and one for the subwoofer. It comes with a small size remote control.

When watching movies the soundbar will plunge you into the scene, explosions and shots will be one hundred percent realistic. You feel the depth of sound, it gives the impression that the shots are passed by you. The sound has a clear direction, it is not reflected off the walls. Dialogues in movies, actors' speech are delivered clearly, without distortion. Turn on music with a moderate amount of bass, it will let you hear more sounds, and expand your understanding of the soundbar's potential.

Summary: The Sony HT-S350 Soundbar is an affordable yet quality audio system that includes a compact soundbar with a leather-like polymer top and strong metal mesh front hiding two front-facing speakers, paired with a wireless Bluetooth subwoofer. When watching movies, the system delivers immersive, realistic sound effects and clear dialogues, and playing music showcases its impressive depth and bass potential.

Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar Review

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.

Summary: The Sonos Arc Dolby Atmos Soundbar, running on the Sonos S2 platform, boasts 11 individual speakers, each with its own class D amplifier, supporting Dolby Digital 5.1 and Dolby Atmos. Integrating with Apple AirPlay 2 and built-in voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, the soundbar offers impressive sound quality, especially excelling in loud sound effects and clear dialogue, and is available in both black and white.

Samsung HW-Q600A Wall Mounted Sound Bar for TV Review

Best for QLED

Samsung HW-Q600A soundbar is a novelty of 2021 made by 3.1.2 CH scheme. It comes with a separate subwoofer. The soundbar has a balanced sound profile that is suitable for listening to various types of audio.

The HW-Q600A has "Game Mode Pro," "Adaptive Sound," and Samsung's built-in Acoustic Beam technology. The point of this is that the body of the bar contains multiple holes to create a more dynamic panoramic soundstage to create a more immersive soundscape. Q-Symphony technology improves sound reproduction when a compatible Samsung TV is connected.

The Samsung HW-Q600A soundbar impresses when playing dialog and TV shows. With a dedicated center channel and balanced midrange, it can reproduce voices clearly and accurately. The soundbar is quite loud and suitable for a large room. There is Bluetooth compatibility with podcasts and audiobooks in a smartphone, but there is no Wi-Fi support and respectively Chromecast or Apple AirPlay.

Summary: The Samsung HW-Q600A soundbar boasts a 3.1.2 CH scheme and includes a separate subwoofer, delivering a balanced sound profile ideal for various audio types. Incorporating features like "Game Mode Pro," "Adaptive Sound," and Samsung's Acoustic Beam technology, it offers a dynamic soundstage, especially excelling in dialogue clarity, and while it has Bluetooth connectivity, it lacks Wi-Fi support.

Sony HT-G700 Wall Mounted Soundbar Review

Best Opportunities

Sony gave its new Sony HT-G700 soundboard an almost impossible task: to create the feeling of a fully immersive home theater experience without the multiple speakers that normally work in unison to provide that kind of sound. What's more, Sony tried to do this at a reasonable price, and - succeeded.

There are three speakers inside the work panel, representing the left, center, and right channels. The HT-G700 soundbar has no active or wireless rear speakers. Physically, the soundbar can only reproduce true 3.1 sound, but thanks to some unique Sony technology, the soundbar can at least simulate surround sound. Sony's HT-G700 soundbar supports a myriad of audio formats, from Dolby Digital to Dolby Atmos to DTS: X, and achieves this through unique virtual processing technology. This soundboard may not give you the same accuracy of surround sound reproduction as a true Atmos system, but it does a good job of creating a sense of spatial sound that fills your room. Sony, of course, has competitors in this price segment that have true Atmos, such as the Vizio SB36512-F6 or the LG SL9YG. They have separate high-end speakers as well as rear speakers. But if you don't want a living room full of speakers, the G700 is a good choice. This soundbar is easy to set up and sounds great.

Aesthetically, the HT-G700 blends in perfectly with any décor. Both the panel and the subwoofer have a black finish that helps the unit dissolve when the lights go out before watching movies. The sound bar itself is relatively compact in size.

According to Sony, by pressing the Immersive AE button on the remote, the HT-G700 can even convert stereo sound to virtual 7.1.2 sound. And in practice, the G700 sound panel gives a fairly believable impression of surround sound. And you probably won't even notice the difference with the real Atmos. In addition, there are many sound settings on the remote control. This gives you plenty of options to achieve your desired listening experience. Dolby Speaker Virtualizer mode and DTS Virtual: X enhance the channels and sound quality of the overhead speakers to create an immersive and encompassing virtual surround effect. Voice mode extends the range of dialog. Night mode lowers the sound volume for nighttime viewing.

Sony HT-G700 is one of the best all-round solutions for watching movies and listening to music, creating great sound without additional speakers.

Summary: The Sony HT-G700 soundbar, with its three internal speakers, is designed to simulate an immersive home theater experience without the need for multiple speakers. Harnessing unique Sony technology, it supports a range of audio formats, including Dolby Atmos and DTS: X, and delivers a convincing virtual surround sound that rivals real Atmos systems, making it a top choice for those seeking superior sound without the clutter of additional speakers.

FAQ about Best Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV

Still have queries? Here are some frequently asked questions about soundbar for wall mounted tv:

Can the soundbar be installed above the TV?

In some situations, this may be the best option for sound quality. The most important factor when installing a sound bar is that it should be as close to ear level as possible, whether it's above or below the TV. The exceptions are soundbars with upward facing elements and surround sound features, which have specific placement requirements depending on the model.

Why should I or shouldn't install a sound bar above the TV?

Almost all sound bars are best installed at ear level. Acoustics will almost always be better when pointed toward the listener. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule when considering speakers that simulate surround sound or have elements pointed upward, but we'll focus on the regular setup first.

Soundbars with upward facing speakers

When considering something like a Dolby Atmos soundbar, there are quite a few elements to consider in the design. Many of these soundbars are site-specific, because they need reflective surfaces to mimic a surround sound setup.

When a sound panel has upward facing elements, it is important that these speakers can use the reflection from the ceiling to make full use of the overhead sound. In this case, sometimes placing the sound bar below the TV interferes with the sound's ability to rise and reflect off the ceiling. Likewise, if the sound bar is too close to the ceiling, the sound may not be reflected properly.

For something like a virtual Dolby Atmos surround sound sound panel, not only the placement, but also the location of the theater itself must be considered. The Dolby Atmos setup guide suggests placing the Dolby Atmos panel under the TV, at about ear level. With that said, you should also avoid placing anything between the sound bar and you.

Should the sound bar be under the TV?

In most cases, yes. It is often better to place the sound bar under the TV rather than over it, but that depends entirely on your home entertainment system.

When considering the dilemma of wanting the sound bar at ear level and the TV at eye level, it is often easier and more aesthetically pleasing to have the TV slightly above eye level and the sound bar slightly below ear level. This is usually the least sacrificed in terms of complexity of placement and sound quality.

Best Soundbar for Wall Mounted TV: Conclusion

For wall-mounted TVs, a soundbar is not just an accessory, but a necessary addition that delivers powerful sound without cluttering up the interior. The perfect soundbar combines aesthetics with superior sound quality, ensuring that viewers not only get a visual experience from their wall-mounted TV, but also an audio one. Such as the JBL BAR 9.1, LG SN6Y or the budget Sony HT-S350.

With the advancement of technology, soundbars have also gained intelligent features, making them a versatile addition to any modern home entertainment system. The right soundbar can transform your TV viewing experience from ordinary to cinematic, making every movie night unforgettable. An investment in a high-quality wall-mounted TV soundbar is undoubtedly an investment in a richer and more immersive entertainment experience.

Go Deeper:

• Best Soundbars for LG OLED TV
• Best Soundbars for Sony Bravia TV
• Best Soundbar under $1000
• Best Computer Soundbar