Do You Need a Soundbar? Soundbar Buying Guide for Your TV

If you keep turning the volume up just to hear what people are saying, you're not alone. Modern TVs are thinner than ever, which leaves almost no room for proper speakers. They're usually small, they fire downwards or backwards, and they struggle with both clear dialogue and deep bass.

A soundbar is the simplest fix. It's one slim speaker that sits under your TV, connects with a single cable and often works with your existing TV remote. This guide explains whether you actually need one, the different types, how to connect it and what to look for so you buy the right one first time.

For most flat-screen TVs, yes. A soundbar is the cheapest and easiest way to get clearer speech and fuller sound, and an entry-level model costs less than £60.

You'll probably notice a big difference if:

• You often turn on subtitles or rewind to catch what someone said
• Explosions and music drown out the dialogue, so you're always reaching for the remote
• Your TV sounds thin, tinny or "boxy", especially at low volume
• You watch a lot of films, sport or gaming and want more bass and atmosphere
• You'd like better sound without the speakers and cables of a full surround system

You might not need one if:

• You already have a hi-fi amplifier and speakers you can connect to the TV
• Your TV is a premium model with built-in upward-firing speakers and you're happy with it
• The TV is in a small room such as a kitchen or bedroom and is mainly used for background viewing

Not sure? Try watching with headphones for an evening. If dialogue suddenly sounds much clearer, a soundbar will make a similar difference without cutting you off from everyone else.

Soundbars are described with numbers like 2.1 or 5.1. The first number is the count of main speaker channels. The second shows whether there's a subwoofer for bass (1) or not (0).

What about Dolby Atmos? Atmos adds height to the sound, so a helicopter can seem to fly overhead. Atmos soundbars use upward-firing speakers that bounce sound off your ceiling. They give the most immersive results, but you'll only hear the full effect with Atmos content from streaming services, 4K Blu-ray or games consoles, and with a flat ceiling that isn't too high.

If you're deciding between a bar with a built-in sub and one with a separate sub, think about your room. A separate subwoofer gives noticeably deeper bass. A wireless one only needs a mains socket, so you can tuck it beside the sofa. In a flat with close neighbours, a bar with built-in bass is easier to live with.

Use HDMI ARC if both your TV and soundbar have it. It carries the best sound quality, and your TV remote can usually control the soundbar's volume.

To connect with HDMI ARC, plug an HDMI cable into the port marked ARC or eARC on your TV. Then turn on HDMI-CEC in the TV's settings (each brand gives it its own name, such as Anynet+, Simplink or Bravia Sync). Finally, set the TV's audio output to the external speaker or receiver.

Not sure whether you have ARC or eARC, or why it matters? Our guide What Is HDMI ARC? explains the difference and how to fix common connection problems.

Check these six things before you buy:

1. Size. Pick a bar no wider than your TV. Bars from 60cm to 80cm suit 32" to 43" TVs, and anything around 90cm or more suits 50" and up. Check the height too, so it doesn't block the TV's IR sensor or the bottom of the screen.
2. Connections. Look for HDMI ARC at minimum, and eARC if you want Dolby Atmos. Optical is a useful backup for older TVs. Bluetooth lets you play music from your phone.
3. Dialogue or voice mode. This boosts the frequencies of speech so voices stand out. It's worth having if clear dialogue is your main reason for buying.
4. Bass. A built-in sub is fine for most rooms. For films and gaming, a separate subwoofer makes a noticeable difference.
5. Power (watts). Higher wattage means more volume headroom, but it isn't a reliable guide to quality. A well-designed 70W bar can sound clearer than a cheap 200W one.
6. Mounting. If your TV is on the wall, check that the soundbar comes with brackets or can be wall-mounted.

Budget guide:

• Under £60: A big step up from TV speakers, mainly for clearer dialogue
• £60 to £130: 2.1 systems with built-in or wireless subwoofers for fuller sound
• £130 and up: 5.1 surround and Dolby Atmos systems for a home cinema feel

Browse the full range in our sound bars collection.

• Place it centrally. Put the soundbar directly below the TV, at the front edge of the unit and not tucked back inside a shelf, which muffles the sound.
• Turn off the TV speakers. Set the TV's audio output to the soundbar so both don't play at once.
• Set up the subwoofer. A wireless sub works almost anywhere, but placing it near a wall or corner gives stronger bass. Keep it on the floor and avoid enclosed cabinets.
• Try the sound modes. Use Movie for films, Music for streaming and Voice or Night mode for late-night viewing at low volume.
• Fix lip-sync issues. If voices are out of step with lips, look for an "AV sync" or "audio delay" setting on the TV or soundbar.
• Wall-mount it neatly. If your TV is on a bracket, mount the soundbar 5 to 10cm below the screen. Our TV bracket guide can help you plan the setup.

If you struggle to hear dialogue or your TV sounds flat, a soundbar is the single best upgrade you can make. Connect it with HDMI ARC for the simplest setup. Pick a 2.1 model with a subwoofer if you want fuller sound, or step up to 5.1 or Dolby Atmos for a true home cinema.

Ready to upgrade? Explore our range of sound bars, from compact Bluetooth bars to full 5.1 surround systems. Want to understand speakers in more depth? Read our guide to active vs passive speakers.