Best Soundbar for Music

Looking to elevate your music-listening experience? The best soundbar for music can transform the way you enjoy your favorite songs, offering rich, immersive sound that brings every note to life. Whether you’re streaming playlists, listening to vinyl, or enjoying live performances on your TV, a soundbar for music delivers clarity, depth, and balance that traditional speakers often lack.

With sleek designs and powerful audio technologies, these best soundbars for music in September 2024 don’t just improve your TV’s sound they provide a complete home audio upgrade.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to find the best sound bar for music to suit your space and sound preferences.

If you're pressed for time, here's my top picks of the best music soundbars:

Table of contents:

• Best Soundbar for Music - Buyer's Guide
• Best Soundbars for Music: TOP 5
• Best Music Soundbar: Comparison
• Sonos Arc Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
• Sony HT-A7000 Dolby Atmos Sound Bar
• JBL Bar 1000: Soundbar
• Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar
• Bose Smart Soundbar 700
• FAQ about Best Sound Bar Music
• Best Soundbar for Music: Conclusion

Best Soundbar for Music - Buyer’s Guide

Drawing from my experience цhen it comes to choosing the best soundbar for music, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you get the best audio experience possible. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Sound Quality

The most critical feature of any sound bar music system is, of course, sound quality. Look for sound bars that offer high-fidelity audio with clear highs, rich mids, and deep bass. A best music soundbar should have balanced audio performance across all frequencies to ensure you can enjoy every detail of your music. For a more immersive experience, soundbars with built-in subwoofers or external subwoofer support are a great option. Technologies such as Dolby Atmos or DTS Virtual can also enhance the audio by providing a wider, more dynamic soundstage. For example, Sonos Arc Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar with DTS Virtual:X.

Speaker Configuration

Another factor to consider when selecting the best sound bar for music is the speaker configuration. Most soundbars come with a 2.1, 3.1, or 5.1 channel setup. A 2.1 channel soundbar includes two speakers and one subwoofer, which is generally sufficient for music listening, offering a good balance of treble and bass. A 3.1 channel soundbar adds a dedicated center speaker, improving vocal clarity, which is great for podcasts and vocals in music. A 5.1 channel setup includes surround sound features that make your music experience more immersive and cinematic.

Connectivity Options

When selecting the best soundbar for music, you’ll want to ensure it has versatile connectivity options. The most common and essential connection for music lovers is Bluetooth—allowing you to stream directly from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Some soundbars also offer Wi-Fi connectivity for higher-quality wireless streaming. Wired connections like HDMI ARC, optical inputs, and AUX are important for connecting the soundbar to your TV or home audio system.

Compatibility with Streaming Services

If you stream your music through services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal, make sure your music soundbar is compatible with these platforms. Some sound bars offer built-in streaming capabilities, allowing you to directly access your music without needing to connect another device.

Size and Design

Consider the size of your room when choosing a soundbar for music. Smaller soundbars are ideal for compact spaces like bedrooms or small living rooms, while larger soundbars can fill bigger rooms with rich, dynamic sound. Additionally, the design of the soundbar should complement your home’s aesthetic. Some models come with sleek, modern finishes, while others offer minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with any decor.

Additional Features

Extra features can enhance your overall experience with a soundbar for music. For example, some soundbars come with voice assistant compatibility (like Alexa or Google Assistant), allowing you to control your music hands-free. Others might include built-in EQ modes that allow you to customize the sound profile based on the type of music you’re listening to—whether it’s classical, rock, or jazz.

Best Soundbars for Music - TOP 5

With so many options available, finding the best sound bar for music can be overwhelming. Here’s my curated list of the top soundbars for music lovers:

Best Music Soundbar: Comparison

Choosing the right soundbar for music can be tricky, but a quick comparison can make the decision easier. Here’s a summary of the top models. 

Sonos Arc Soundbar with Dolby Atmos for Music Review

Editor's Choice

Introducing the Sonos Arc Soundbar, the perfect companion to enhance your projector-based home theater. If you're aiming to elevate the audio quality of your projector setup, the Sonos Arc is an excellent choice.

When paired with a projector, the Sonos Arc’s Dolby Atmos technology creates a cinematic experience right in your living room. From quiet whispers to explosive action scenes, every sound is delivered with stunning clarity and precision, immersing you in a rich audio landscape that perfectly complements your projector’s visuals.

Equipped with advanced Trueplay tuning, the Sonos Arc automatically adjusts its sound to match the acoustics of your room, ensuring optimal performance. But it’s not just for movies the Sonos Arc becomes your entertainment hub when the projector is off, streaming music, radio, or podcasts through the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2 to keep the atmosphere vibrant.

Designed with an elongated and sleek form, the Sonos Arc seamlessly blends into your projector setup without taking away from the visuals. And with built-in Amazon Alexa, this soundbar does more than just deliver incredible sound. You can control your entertainment, manage tasks, and access information hands-free, all without interrupting your movie or music experience.

Summary: My research shows that the Sonos Arc Soundbar is a prime example of how modern audio technology can excel when combined with a user-centric design. Its capacity to deliver a personalized, immersive listening experience, along with its advanced smart features, makes it a must-have for anyone seeking high-end audio performance. 

Sony HT-A7000 7.1.2 Dolby Atmos Music SoundBar Review

Best Overall

The Sony HT-A7000, ideal for music, is a versatile powerhouse that brings the cinematic experience directly into your living room. As someone who enjoys experimenting with audio setups, I was immediately drawn to its expandability and feature-packed design.

Straight out of the box, the HT-A7000 impresses with its 7.1.2 channel configuration, featuring two up-firing speakers for that essential Dolby Atmos height effect. The 500W of total power ensures that whether you're watching an action-packed blockbuster or a subtle indie film, every sound is delivered with clarity and impact.

One feature that particularly stood out to me is Sony's Immersive Audio Enhancement. It’s like having a magic tool that transforms regular stereo sound into a 3D-like experience. Initially skeptical, I was amazed by the noticeable difference when I tested it on some of my older favorite movies, adding depth and dimension to even non-Atmos content.

Music lovers will also appreciate the support for 360 Reality Audio. Far from just marketing hype, this feature truly adds a layer of immersion to your music experience. I found myself rediscovering details in familiar tracks, almost as if I were in the recording studio with the artists.

What really sets the HT-A7000 apart is its expandability. While it already offers exceptional sound on its own, you have the option to add rear speakers and a separate subwoofer in the future. This flexibility is perfect for those who want to start with a high-quality soundbar and gradually build up to a complete surround sound system.

Summary: As indicated by my tests the Sony HT-A7000 is an excellent choice for those seeking premium Dolby Atmos sound. Its versatility, expandability, and compatibility with various audio formats make it a smart, future-proof investment for any home theater setup. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, its superior quality and feature set make it well worth the price for dedicated audio enthusiasts.

JBL Bar 1000: 7.1.4 ch Soundbar for Music Review

Premium Choice

The JBL Bar 1000 exemplifies JBL's dedication to delivering cutting-edge audio technology. Featuring True Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and MultiBeam surround sound, this soundbar provides a theater-like 3D audio experience that immerses you in both movies and music.

What sets the JBL Bar 1000 apart is its ability to deliver true surround sound without the hassle of wires or power cords. Two detachable, battery-powered surround speakers can be placed behind you, creating a genuine surround sound environment that is both immersive and convenient.

With the JBL Bar 1000, accessing online music streaming is effortless. It supports over 300 streaming services via AirPlay, Alexa MRM, and Chromecast built-in. The built-in Wi-Fi allows for high-definition streaming of music, Internet radio, and podcasts, while automatic software updates ensure the soundbar is always equipped with the latest features.

Beyond its clarity, the JBL Bar 1000 brings serious power to your home theater setup. With 880 watts of total system power, this soundbar transforms your listening experience, whether it's movies, music, or gaming. The powerful 10" wireless subwoofer delivers deep, precise bass that brings impact to action scenes and depth to your favorite tracks, ensuring you feel every beat and explosion.

Summary: My findings show that the JBL Bar 1000 Soundbar is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to enhance their home entertainment setup. With its advanced technology, powerful sound, and intuitive features, it delivers a truly immersive audio experience. Whether you're enjoying a movie, streaming music, or gaming, the JBL Bar 1000 ensures your sound comes alive in a way that transforms your listening experience.

Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Music Sound Bar Review

Best Budget

The Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar is a versatile and powerful sound system designed to deliver an enhanced audio experience, especially for music lovers. Its easy setup, wireless subwoofer, and voice control integration make it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their music listening or home entertainment experience.

Setting up the YAS-209BL is straightforward with options to connect via HDMI or optical cable. The wireless subwoofer automatically connects to the soundbar, simplifying the process and allowing you to place the subwoofer flexibly anywhere in the room for optimal bass response. The center unit's compact size (36-5/8 x 2-1/2 x 4-1/4 inches) and the subwoofer (7-1/2 x 16-1/2 x 16 inches) make it easy to fit the sound system into most living spaces without being intrusive.

The YAS-209BL is equipped with a wireless subwoofer that delivers deep, rich bass, enhancing your overall listening experience. The soundbar also features DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound, which creates a more immersive soundscape, perfect for enjoying music, movies, and even gaming. With its Clear Voice technology, dialogue is crisp and easy to understand, making it ideal for podcasts and vocal-heavy content. Whether you're listening to bass-heavy tracks or smooth vocals, the YAS-209BL delivers balanced sound across all frequencies.

One of the standout features of the Yamaha YAS-209BL is the integration of Alexa voice control. With Alexa, playing music is as simple as asking for a song, artist, or genre from Amazon Music, and other streaming services. This hands-free functionality also extends to controlling other smart home devices, setting alarms, checking the weather, and more, all from the comfort of your couch.

The YAS-209BL supports a variety of ways to play your music. With Wi-Fi, Spotify Connect, and Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream music from your favorite apps or directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. This makes it a perfect choice for music lovers who want flexibility in how they access their playlists and podcasts.

Summary: The Yamaha YAS-209BL Sound Bar is a fantastic option for anyone looking to improve their music listening experience with clear sound, deep bass, and flexible connectivity options. The wireless subwoofer adds power to your music, while Alexa voice control makes it easy to manage your music and smart home devices hands-free. Whether you're streaming through Spotify or using Bluetooth, this soundbar is perfect for music lovers who want convenience without sacrificing quality.

Bose Smart Soundbar 700 for Music Review

Built-in Alexa Voice Control

The Bose Smart Soundbar 700 stands out as one of the best-performing soundbars from Bose, delivering rich, immersive sound and deep bass that enhances any music-listening experience. Designed for both audiophiles and casual listeners, this soundbar offers seamless access to all your entertainment through the Bose Music app, making setup and control effortless.

One of the standout features is the built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which provide hands-free voice control. Thanks to the noise-rejecting mic system, the soundbar can clearly pick up your voice commands from any direction, ensuring a smooth experience when controlling your music or smart home devices. Additionally, the exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology expands Alexa’s capabilities, allowing you to control not only the soundbar but also your TV and cable or satellite box with a single voice command.

The Bose Smart 700 Soundbar also supports making and taking calls via Alexa, letting you connect with other Bose smart products, Amazon Echo devices, or anyone in your contact list. This feature allows for hands-free, phone-free communication, adding extra convenience to your home setup.

In terms of connectivity, the soundbar offers multiple options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. This versatility makes it easy to stream your favorite music from any source or device. Whether you're using your home network, streaming directly from Spotify, or connecting through Bluetooth, the soundbar provides a hassle-free, high-quality audio experience.

You can control the Bose Smart 700 Soundbar in three ways: through your voice, the Bose Music app, or the universal remote, which adjusts based on the content you're accessing. Additionally, the soundbar is part of the Bose Smart Family, meaning it can be paired with other Bose smart speakers or soundbars for a seamless multi-room listening experience.

Summary: The Bose Smart 700 Soundbar is a top-tier soundbar for music enthusiasts who want a blend of superior audio quality, advanced smart features, and seamless control. It’s an investment in sound and convenience that is perfect for modern homes.

FAQ about Best Sound Bar Music

Curious about soundbar for music? Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you out.

Can all soundbars be used for music?

Yes, but for the best experience, choose a soundbar for music with high-fidelity sound and a good range of frequencies.

Do I need a subwoofer for music listening?

While not necessary, a subwoofer enhances bass, providing a fuller sound for genres like hip-hop, rock, and electronic music.

Are soundbars compatible with music streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music?

Many soundbars for music support streaming services either through Bluetooth or built-in apps, making them compatible with platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

Can I use voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant with my soundbar?

Some soundbars come with built-in voice assistant compatibility, allowing you to control your music hands-free using Alexa or Google Assistant.

Best Music Soundbar: Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the best soundbar for music, the Sonos Arc, Sony HT-A7000, and JBL Bar 1000 are all outstanding choices, each offering a premium audio experience for music lovers.

The Sonos Arc stands out for its sleek design and powerful Dolby Atmos performance, perfect for those seeking immersive sound and smart integration. The Sony HT-A7000 impresses with its 7.1.2 channel configuration and expandability, allowing users to enhance their audio setup over time. Finally, the JBL Bar 1000 delivers an unmatched 7.1.4 channel surround sound experience, making it ideal for those who want deep bass and high-quality sound for both music and home entertainment.

Each of these soundbars is packed with advanced features, providing rich, immersive sound, making them the top choices for anyone looking to elevate their music-listening experience. Whether you prioritize connectivity, sound clarity, or multi-room functionality, these models have you covered.

Go Deeper:

• Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar
• Best Soundbar for Projector
• Best Soundbar for Samsung TV