10 Best Surround Sound Systems 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers an impressive 5.1 channel surround sound experience, making it a strong contender for anyone looking to elevate their home theater setup. It includes a subwoofer and two surround speakers, which add depth and immersion to movies, music, and gaming. The inclusion of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enhances audio quality, allowing sound to move around you, creating a more lifelike and engaging experience. One of the standout features is the dedicated center channel for crystal clear dialogue, ensuring you don’t miss any key conversations during shows or movies.

Setup is user-friendly, as you simply plug in the components and connect them to the soundbar. The soundbar also has optimized modes for different types of content—like Movie, Music, Sports, and Night modes—offering tailored audio experiences based on your viewing preferences. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy streaming from your phone or tablet.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The soundbar's performance can be limited if you have a small room, as the full potential of surround sound is best experienced in larger spaces. Furthermore, while the soundbar is compatible with most smart TVs, users should ensure their TV has the necessary ports for a smooth connection. The wireless connectivity for both the subwoofer and surround speakers can introduce slight latency, which might be an issue for serious gamers or those who are particular about audio sync. Lastly, while the initial warranty is a plus, additional extended service options come at extra cost, which some users may find inconvenient. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a fantastic choice for movie lovers and music enthusiasts looking for an all-in-one solution with great sound quality and easy usability.

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact and straightforward soundbar designed to enhance your TV audio experience. It features two angled full-range drivers to deliver a wide and natural sound, focusing on clarity and dialogue enhancement. This makes it particularly useful for those who struggle with hearing TV dialogue clearly. The soundbar is quite small at just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to place in front of your TV or mount on a wall (mounting brackets are sold separately).

Connectivity options are versatile, including Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical, and AUX inputs, allowing you to connect multiple devices easily. However, it lacks dedicated surround sound channels, which are crucial for a true surround-sound experience. While it does not include a subwoofer, it is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700, which can be purchased separately for added bass. One notable convenience is its simple setup, requiring either an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately).

The included remote control offers extra features like dialogue mode and bass boost. On the downside, the speaker doesn’t support water resistance and uses Bluetooth version 4.2, which is not the latest version available. Additionally, it might not satisfy users looking for a full surround-sound setup due to its stereo output mode. This soundbar is best suited for users who want an easy-to-use, space-saving solution to improve TV audio, particularly for dialogue clarity.

The Arc Ultra Soundbar from Sonos stands out in the surround sound system category, particularly for users looking to enhance their home entertainment experience. With a robust 9.1.4 channel setup, it delivers an impressive spatial audio experience thanks to Dolby Atmos, immersing listeners in sound that feels all around them. The inclusion of Sound Motion technology ensures that audio fills the entire room, enhancing both movie dialogue and music clarity, which is further supported by the Speech Enhancement feature for ultra-clear dialogue.

On the connectivity front, the soundbar is user-friendly, allowing control through multiple methods: TV remote, Sonos app, voice commands via Amazon Alexa, and Sonos Voice Control. It offers flexible streaming options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, catering to various user preferences. The setup process is simplified by a single HDMI eARC connection and guided assistance through the app, which is a great advantage for users who may not be tech-savvy.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The Arc Ultra's price point might be on the higher end, which could be a barrier for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, while the soundbar can function well standalone, it truly shines when paired with additional Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers, which may require an extra investment for those seeking the ultimate surround sound experience. Its sleek design, while aesthetically pleasing, may not suit everyone’s taste and the soundbar itself lacks waterproofing, which is something to keep in mind for those planning to use it in more versatile environments.