Our picks at a glance
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallSonos Beam (Gen 2) | Premium cinemaSonos Arc Ultra | ValueSamsung HW-Q600C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Consider | Buy |
| Typical price | £400–£500 | £800–£1,000 | £250–£350 |
| Best for | Clear dialogue | Premium cinema | Value |
| Key feature | Compact Atmos soundbar | Powerful Atmos sound | Soundbar with subwoofer and Atmos |
| Atmos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connection | HDMI eARC | — | — |
| Channels | — | 9.1.4 | — |
| Subwoofer | — | — | Included |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
Sonos · Soundbars
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Compact Atmos soundbar.
- Buy it if
- you want a compact soundbar
- Skip it if
- you want deep bass without a sub
Pros
- Clear speech
- Atmos
- Sonos ecosystem
Cons
- Bass limited
- Pricey
Key specifications
- Atmos
- Yes
- Connection
- HDMI eARC
Sonos · Soundbars
Sonos Arc Ultra
Powerful Atmos sound.
- Buy it if
- you want premium cinema sound
- Skip it if
- budget is tight
Pros
- Excellent sound
- Strong bass
- Atmos
Cons
- Expensive
- Large
Key specifications
- Atmos
- Yes
- Channels
- 9.1.4
Samsung · Soundbars
Samsung HW-Q600C
Soundbar with subwoofer and Atmos.
- Buy it if
- you want a sub and Atmos for less
- Skip it if
- you want a compact soundbar
Pros
- Subwoofer included
- Atmos
- Good value
Cons
- Bulky sub
- Average app
Key specifications
- Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Included
Compare more Soundbars on Amazon Paid link
Who this list is for
Soundbars for better TV sound, compared on dialogue clarity, Dolby Atmos and size. We show what each model does best, what it typically costs in the UK and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, UK warranty terms, running costs and typical UK prices, then gave every product a clear verdict: Buy, Consider or Skip. Our verdicts are based on this research, not on lab tests we have not done.
What to look for
- Clear dialogue matters more than huge bass for most people.
- HDMI eARC passes Dolby Atmos from your TV.
- Check the soundbar fits under your TV.
Buying in the UK
Soundbars from Sonos and Samsung drop sharply during UK Black Friday sales.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a subwoofer?
For films and music, it adds a lot. For TV dialogue, a good soundbar alone is fine.
What is Dolby Atmos?
A surround format that adds height effects. You need Atmos content and an Atmos soundbar to hear it.