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Best Soundbars in 2025: Upgrade Your TV Audio Experience

Dominic Kelly avatar
Best Soundbars in 2025: Upgrade Your TV Audio Experience

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This blog contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the site and allows us to continue providing helpful content. Thank you for your support!

Some Smart TVs might not have the sound quality you were hoping for when you first purchased, but don’t worry — there are plenty of soundbars that will drastically improve your audio experience when watching your favourite films, TV shows, or sports, really bringing the action to life. On the market, it can be difficult to decide which soundbar is best to buy. There are multiple factors to consider, such as compatibility with your TV and devices, sound quality for different types of content, ease of setup, and, of course, cost. The right soundbar can transform your living room into a mini‑cinema or stadium, making you feel closer to the action than ever before. Whether you’re after deep, rumbling bass for explosive moments, crystal‑clear dialogue for commentary, or immersive surround sound for big match days, there’s an option to suit every budget and space. To help you choose, we’ve reviewed five of the best soundbars currently available on Amazon UK, each offering a different balance of performance, features, and value.

To help you choose, we’ve reviewed five of the best soundbars currently available on Amazon UK, each offering a different balance of performance, features, and value.

SONOS BEAM1UK1

Image of the SONOS BEAM1UK1 Soundbar

The original Sonos Beam is still one of the most popular compact soundbars on the market. Designed to fit neatly under your TV, it delivers a big upgrade over built‑in speakers without taking up much space. It connects via HDMI ARC or optical, integrates seamlessly with the Sonos multi‑room ecosystem, and has Amazon Alexa built‑in for hands‑free control. Apple AirPlay 2 is also supported, making it easy to stream music from iOS devices. While it doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, the Beam’s sound profile is impressively balanced for its size. Dialogue is crisp, bass is tight, and the midrange is warm — making it equally good for films, TV, and music.

Pros: Compact design; Alexa and AirPlay 2 built‑in; integrates with Sonos multi‑room audio.

Cons: No Dolby Atmos; bass is limited without a subwoofer; premium price for a single‑unit bar.

SONOS BEAM (Gen 2)

Image of the SONOS BEAM (Gen2) Soundbar

The Beam Gen 2 builds on the original with Dolby Atmos support thanks to a faster processor and advanced audio processing. While it uses forward‑firing drivers rather than dedicated up‑firing speakers, the virtual Atmos effect is convincing for a bar this size — adding height and spaciousness to films and games. It retains the same compact footprint, making it ideal for smaller rooms or minimalist setups. HDMI eARC ensures high‑quality audio from compatible TVs, and you still get Alexa, Google Assistant, AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. The Sonos S2 app allows for Trueplay tuning (iOS only), which optimises sound for your room’s acoustics.

Pros: Dolby Atmos support; compact and stylish; excellent clarity and balance; smart assistant integration.

Cons: No HDMI passthrough; no Bluetooth; Atmos effect is virtual, not from dedicated height drivers.

ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar

Image of the ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar

If you want true surround sound without breaking the bank, the ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 Boom is a standout. This 5.1‑channel system includes the main soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two rear speakers, delivering genuine multi‑directional audio. Dolby Atmos support adds height and depth, making action scenes and gaming sessions far more immersive. With 340W peak power, it has more than enough volume for larger rooms. The included app allows you to fine‑tune EQ settings, switch modes (Movie, Music, Game, Night), and control the system from your phone. Connectivity is excellent, with HDMI eARC, optical, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB all supported. Setup is straightforward, and wall‑mount hardware is included.

Pros: True 5.1 surround with Dolby Atmos; powerful bass; app control and multiple EQ modes; excellent value.

Cons: Rear speakers wired to subwoofer; build quality not as premium as high‑end brands; larger footprint than single‑bar setups.

Assistrust Sound Bar

Image of the Assistrust Sound Bar

The Assistrust 90W soundbar offers a strong balance of performance and affordability. It features Auto Volume Boost to keep sound levels consistent, plus three customisable EQ modes (Movie, Music, News) so you can tailor the audio to your content. The 2‑in‑1 detachable design means you can use it as a single bar or split it into two vertical speakers for a different look. Reviewers appreciate its ease of setup, clear dialogue, and solid bass for the price. It’s not as refined as premium models, but for under £100, it’s a noticeable upgrade over TV speakers.

Pros: Affordable; versatile connectivity; detachable design; EQ modes for different content.

Cons: No Dolby Atmos; build quality is basic; bass can’t match larger systems.

Saiyin Sound Bar

Image of the Saiyin Sound Bar with a TV in the background

The Saiyin 50W soundbar is a compact, budget‑friendly option ideal for smaller rooms or secondary TVs. It delivers clear dialogue and a noticeable bass boost, making everyday viewing more enjoyable. Three EQ modes (Movie, Music, News) let you adjust the sound profile to your preference. While it won’t match the immersion of larger systems, it’s a simple, effective upgrade for anyone frustrated with thin TV audio.

Pros: Very affordable; compact size; Bluetooth 5.3 and multiple inputs; clear dialogue.

Cons: No HDMI ARC; limited bass depth; not suitable for large rooms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it depends on your specific needs. If cost is the highest priority, then the Saiyin 50W is the best choice despite the performance being slightly lower than the others mentioned. If quality is the number one priority, then Sonos is the best option despite coming at a much higher price. Ultimately, the best soundbar is the one that complements your viewing habits, fits your room, and enhances your enjoyment of every film, show, or sporting event. Investing in the right audio setup can make all the difference, turning everyday viewing into a truly engaging experience you’ll look forward to every time you switch on the TV.