Best Soundbars for 2025: Top Picks for Every Budget in India
Upgrade your TV sound! Discover the 14 best soundbars in India for 2025. Our guide reviews top picks for every budget, explaining Dolby Atmos, channels, and connectivity to help you choose the perfect model.
Discover the best soundbars for 2025 in India, from budget to premium. Compare Dolby Atmos, connectivity, and top picks for TV audio upgrades.
I am assuming you are here to read this article because you understand that the sound output for most TVs these days is just so poor. So, let’s break down how to select the best sound bar for your needs.
Remember a sound bar lasts much longer than a TV. So, my recommendation is to choose one for quality even if you have to extend your budget a little bit. We will go over four key criteria for selecting a sound bar. The sound output, the sound quality, the connectivity and lastly the pricing service and warranty.
The sound output of Best Soundbars
Which is usually measured using the output wattage of the sound bar. And tells you how loud the sound bar would be. Not How Pleasant the Sound Will Be.
You need to select the right wattage based on your room size and setup. For medium-sized living rooms, a 200 to 500 W output is the sweet spot. Which will work for most of us. For large living rooms, home theatre setups, a 400-plus watt is ideal. For bedrooms, 150 W below is sufficient. Reiterating, going louder does not mean your sound quality will be better.
Sonos and Blaupunkt do not publish their output wattage. Budget brands like Boat, Zebronics, MIVI, Govo go are high on the wattage at a very low price point. But at loud volumes, the audio quality significantly degrades and is jarring.
The Sound Quality of Best Soundbars
The sound quality is determined by the channels supported by the sound bar system and the technology supported. The more the number of channels the better the surround sound quality.
Let’s break down how you have to determine the number of channels useful for you. You will commonly see a number like 2.1 or 5.12. Let’s call it X.Y or X.Y.Z.
From this, X is the number of output channels. For example, 2.Y means two output channels, left and right. 3.Y means three output channels, left, right and centre 5.Y means five output channels, left, right, centre, rear right, and rear left.
Next, Y is the number of subwoofers which is included which determines the bass performance, which adds depth and richness to the sound. For example, X.1 means one subwoofer, X.2 means two subwoofers and so on.
Some Samsung, Bose and Sonos models come only with horizontal channels and no subwoofers. And some like the old Yamaha 109 models that I use have inbuilt subwoofers.
Lastly, Z is the vertical element in the sound. Which determines how immersive the sound is. So, X.Y.2 means there are two vertical channels and two up-firing speakers.
The sound output and the channels determine the overall sound quality. But you don’t always need the best of all of this. It should be determined based on your room size and your usage. If you have a basic need to enhance the audio quality of your TV speakers, fewer channels is more than enough. If you need an immersive surround sound. Higher channels are better. The table below shows you a general guidance.
In addition to the Channel. The other thing that determines the sound quality is the audio technology supported. In simple terms when audio is delivered to our house. It is compressed to make it efficient in delivery. It is the job of the sound bar to uncompress the audio based on the number of channels that are available in the sound bar system.
Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X help to do just that. Uncompress into different channels, both horizontal and vertical. To get a better three-dimensional surround sound experience. Low-cost or budget sound bars do not include Dolby, and this affects the clarity and the separation of different sounds.
If we were comparing technologies. Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual X is better than Dolby digital audio is better than not having anything at all. Dolby digital audio while also giving a realistic audio experience lacks the depth and vertical element that does come with Dolby Atmos or DTS Virtual X. In the image you can see the soundbars in each of these categories.
Discuss Connectivity of Soundbars
When a system has a subwoofer and surround speakers. The connectivity can either be wired or wireless. Some audiophiles believe wired speakers have better quality and reliability compared to wireless speakers. But that has changed in recent times. In my opinion, a wired subwoofer is still okay as it sits close to the sound bar. For rare speakers consider going wireless. Unless you already have the wiring done.
More often than that, budget models have wired connectivity to control the pricing. Sony systems continue to have wired connectivity in some cases.
Connection of Soundbars
While connecting your TV to the sound bar. HDMI ARC port is preferred. The HDMI ARC port helps to operate the sound bar using your TV’s remote, which makes it more convenient.
If you are buying a soundbar with Dolby Atmos. The HDMI eARC port is important. And all sound bars that support Dolby Atmos have it. If your TV is a bit old, and you want to connect other devices, you may need to rely on optical or AUX connections. So double check your TV ports and make sure your sound bar supports it. Accepts the Sono Arc and Sonos Beam 2 all other sound bars that support Bluetooth connectivity.
Support Alexa and Google Assistant in Soundbars
Only the soundbars you see in this image support Alexa and Google Assistant. That is, you can use them as a smart assistant without having a separate device for it.
Pricing Service And Warranty of Soundbars
Price is quite varied among sound bar systems ranging from Rs 5k to over a lakh for premium brands. But like I mentioned earlier you need to select a sound bar based on your room size and your content preferences. Warranty in general is one year with only HoneyWell giving two year warranty on the sound bar.
After going over thousands of reviews. I have noticed that the serviceability of budget brands like Zebronics, Govo, Mivi, Boat and so on needs some improvement. As users have raised concerns regarding reaching the service and service resolution time. Traditional brands like Bose, Sony, Yamaha, Philips, and Samsung have delivered a good service experience. But like I always say, always ensure that the brand services your area before ordering.
Now that we understand how to narrow down our shortlist based on our needs. Here are my top recommendations for sound bars. If you are on a budget under Rs 10k then I have three recommendations for you.
JBL Cinema SB 510 SoundBar
For small to medium sized rooms, you can consider the JBL Cinema SB 510 Sound Bar, if you are looking for a sleek and compact sound bar without an external subwoofer. With a 200 watts output, Dolby audio and inbuilt subwoofer, it gives crystal clear dialogue for movies and TV.
As for the Cons Some users had issues with the remote control function. But considering you can connect this using the HDMI ARC port. You can always operate it with your TV remote.
The Zebronics Juke Bar 1000 SoundBar System
The Zebronics Juke Bar 1000 Sound Bar System. This is ideal for people who prefer more bass and an external subwoofer. This is one of the few sound bars at this budget that also supports Dolby Atmos. With a 2.1 channel soundbar and 150W output. This Zebronics sound bar is ideal for small to medium-sized rooms only.
As for the cons, users have reported inadequate Dolby Atmos performance and challenges in wall mounting this sound bar. For people needing full home theatre systems on a budget under Rs 10k.
The Mivi Fort H750 SoundBar
The Mivi Fort H750 SoundBar. This is a 5.1 channel soundbar with 750 Watt output with Dolby audio for a decent surround sound experience. It delivers clear dialogue and deep bass. Making it ideal for movies and music. As for the cons, it’s wired rear speakers. So, the wiring is cumbersome. Some users have also reported the bass being a bit overpowering in some settings but this can be adjusted.
Best Soundbars Under 20k
Budget under 20k. I have four recommendations for you. This Rs 10k to Rs 20k segment is where you will get the best value for your money. For small to medium sized rooms.
The JBL Cinema SB 271
The JBL Cinema SB 271. This is a 2.1 channel soundbar with 220 W output, Dolby Digital and a wireless subwoofer. Giving good audio quality and deep bass for movies and TV shows. As for the cons, it does not have an export, so not compatible with older TVs.
The Sony HTS 20R Soundbar System
The Sony HTS 20R sound bar system. Ideal for medium to large-sized rooms. With 5.1 channels, 400 W output. This home theatre sound bar system offers real surround sound with rear speakers, a three-channel front speaker, and a subwoofer.
The only one who is connected. The subwoofer and the rear speakers are both wired. So, inconvenient if you have not already done your wiring. But overall, premium quality on a budget.
The Motorola AmphisoundX Soundbar System
The Motorola AmphisoundX sound bar system. Again ideal for medium to large sized rooms with a 600 W output. Unlike the other two recommendations. This does support Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience. As for the cons, some users find the Dolby Atmos limited and not comparable to premium brands, which may be expected at this price point. This has wired subwoofers but wireless satellite speakers which is convenient.
Best Soundbars Under 30k
Now, for a budget under Rs 30,000, I again have four recommendations for you. If you’re looking for a sleek system for a small to medium-sized room.
The Yamaha YAS 209 Sound Bar System
This is a 2.1 channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer and has a 200 Watt output and supports DTS Virtual X for good surround sound. It also supports Alexa, so you can directly stream music and control the sound bar using voice commands. This is ideal for people looking for a sleek and premium sound bar system at a mid-range price. As for the cons at this price, it does not support Dolby Atmos and eARC. But with the support of DTS Virtual X, the difference is marginal.
The LG S65TR sound bar system
My next recommendation is for medium to large rooms. It is the LG S65TR sound bar system, which has a 600 W output with 5.1 channels. The subwoofer and rear speakers are wireless, making it convenient to set up.
As for the cons, it does not have Dolby Atmos support. But does have Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround Sound. Sound quality is great despite this. With a similar feature set at a higher budget.
The Sony HT S40R Soundbar
The Sony S40R soundbar. Between the two, I would pick the Sony for better overall sound experience and its history in sound output. It offers a clear dialogue and deep bass for medium to large sized rooms. Best for buyers looking for a premium experience.
The Zebronics Jukebar 9900 SoundBar System
The Zebronics Jukebar 9900 Soundbar System. With a 725 W output and 5.2.2 channels. This has dual subwoofers plus two up firing speakers. This delivers a strong bass performance. Ideal for listening to music as well. As for the cons ones, the build quality is subpar and there have been occasional connectivity issues with the wireless subwoofers and the rear speakers.
Best Premium Soundbars
Now, coming to the premium segment. If you have a home theatre system, I have three recommendations for you. Two of which can be used in large rooms as well. If you are looking for great audio with a sleek sound bar without extra subwoofers for a small to medium entertainment room.
The Bose Smart Soundbar
The Bose Smart Soundbar. Even with a 3.0.2 channel. This Dolby Atmos sound bar delivers impressive sound and crisp dialogue clarity. The term smart in the name is a bit deceptive, in my opinion. As the only smart feature it has is an AI dialogue mode, and True Space technology for enhancing the sound experience. Not smart in its traditional sense. It is quite expensive for this form factor and is ideal for buyers seeking premium audio performance in a stylish, high-end sound bar.
The Sony HT S500RF Sounbar System
My next recommendation for large rooms and a full home theatre experience is a Sony model that you see on the screen with a 1000-Watt output and 5.1 channels. It delivers clear dialogue and immersive sound for movies, sports, and TV. As for the cons, it does use a wired subwoofer and rear speaker connectivity. So, cumbersome if you don’t already have your wiring done.
The Samsung Q930 series soundbar system
The Samsung Q930 series soundbar system with an impressive 9.1.02 channels, including up-firing and centre-firing speakers. The bass from this system is really good. With built-in Alexa, Spotify, Google Assistant and AirPlay support, it gives the flexibility of operating the sound bar system from anywhere. As for the cons.
The connectivity with the SmartThings app is not great. Overall, it is a great upgrade for your home theatre system with easy connectivity. It has a wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers.
The Sonos soundbar
The Sonos soundbars offer excellent sound quality. But the price points for it are significantly high in India, and may not justify the limited bass that soundbars without subwoofers or inbuilt subwoofers provide. But if pricing is not a concern for you at all. Then the Sonos Beam 2 is an option to consider. It is ideal for small to medium sized rooms.
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