The film is playing, but the voices sound tinny and the bass is missing. Anyone who knows this will quickly think about a soundbar. It should deliver rich sound – without a large system, without tangled cables. In the test we show which standalone models up to 1,000 euros can do this. And where price and performance are really right. The focus: sound, features and functions.
The best soundbars
Table of Contents
- The best soundbars
- Soundbars: The other top models
- Sonos Arc Ultra – best bass, best music
- Sonos Arc Ultra
- Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar – the best surround sound
- Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
- JBL Bar 500 MK2 – the smallest soundbar
- JBL Bar 500 MK2
- Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 – mit IMAX-Enhanced
- Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8
- Klipsch Flex Core 200 – strong and balanced
- Klipsch Flex Core 200
- Nubert Nupro AS-2500 – precise and powerful
- Nubert Nupro AS-2500
- Conclusion: Strong sound has many faces
Compact design, clear sound, no cable chaos: these soundbars show that less can be more. Here are the winners of the test.
Test winner: Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar
The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus offers numerous functions and strong sound. Its virtual 7.1.4 set-up with nine drivers delivers around 400 watts of power. It supports Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, MPEG-H and 360 Reality Audio. Streaming works via Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify and Tidal.
Sennheiser Ambeo sound bar
The AMBEO 3D processing and the automatic calibration via microphone create an impressively spatial soundscape.
At Performance and sound The soundbar impresses with its wide stage, precise effects and powerful bass, even without an external subwoofer. Voices remain easily understandable in films. A dialogue mode also helps with quiet scenes. The only thing missing is the very deep cinema bass without an additional Ambeo sub, which can be retrofitted if desired.
© IMTEST/Stefan Schomberg
Die Ease of use is good: Simple connection via HDMI-eARC, complete control via app including a short automatic measurement of the installation room and a clearly structured remote control are very helpful.
The Smart Control app offers sound modes, EQ, AMBEO intensity and source selection; Alexa is directly integrated, Google Home and AirPlay Multiroom are supported. Only one display is missing from perfection.
At the Value for money The main focus is on the strong performance: the RRP is 1,499 euros, the Ambeo Plus can be found in stores from 850 euros – expensive, but justifiable given the features, workmanship and sound.
Why test winner? Strong sound, lots of features and a great app including measurement ensure a place at the top of the winner’s podium. Particularly praiseworthy are the spaciousness, bass without an external sub and the well-thought-out operation – which is why it is the reference among premium soundbars up to 1,000 euros. Further information can be found in the detailed individual test.
- PRO
- Extensive features with modern app measurement, many streaming options and user-friendly operation as well as strong, spatial sound.
- AGAINST
- No display and at around 850 euros a high price in the upper segment.
IMTEST result:
gut 1,90
Price-performance winner: Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus
At Functions and features The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is rather reserved. It is a 3.1 all-in-one soundbar with an integrated subwoofer, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus
It offers HDMI-eARC/ARC, an optical input, USB and Bluetooth, as well as four sound modes (film, music, sports, night) as well as dialogue amplification and DTS TruVolume to prevent volume jumps. However, WiFi streaming or Fire TV interface are not integrated.
Despite its compact design, it impressed in the test with clear dialogue thanks to the center channel and dialogue enhancer. The bass is also surprisingly powerful for their size.
For series, news and films the sound gain clearly audible compared to TV speakers, even if the 3D effects remain subtle. The Amazon soundbar reproduces music solidly, but its strengths are clearly evident in home cinema.
Just as uncomplicated as their sound is the service: Connect HDMI-eARC – done. You can control it either with your own remote control or conveniently with that of the television. An app is not necessary, which makes it pleasantly easy to use.
It’s also impressive when it comes to price. The RRP is 269.99 euros, during promotions the price often drops to around 160 euros. The 3.1 soundbar therefore offers a very good price-performance ratio and an affordable entry into the Dolby Atmos world.
Why price-performance winner? The decisive factors are the very good speech intelligibility, easy operation and the overall harmonious sound at a particularly affordable price – making the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus the most attractive budget soundbar for better TV audio. You can find more information about the device in the detailed individual test.
- PRO
- Very good speech intelligibility, easy operation and harmonious sound, plus an attractive price, which often falls to around 160 euros during promotions.
- AGAINST
- Limited functionality with no WiFi streaming and no integrated Fire TV interface, which requires additional hardware.
IMTEST result:
satisfactory 2.93
Soundbars: The other top models
In addition to the test winners, there are other soundbars that score points with special features, great sound or a good price-performance ratio without an external subwoofer and additional rears. These models are presented below.
Sonos Arc Ultra – best bass, best music
The Sonos Arc Ultra delivers what you expect from a top soundbar: differentiated, powerful sound with clear dialogue and deep bass. The latter can be expanded with Sub 4 and rear speakers.
Sonos Arc Ultra
Technically it is fully equipped – with Dolby Atmos (9.1.4), WiFi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, voice control and multiroom connection to the Sonos ecosystem.
Setup is quick and easy thanks to HDMI-eARC, Sonos app and Trueplay measurement.
Touch surfaces on the device and the TV remote control make operation suitable for everyday use. However, there is no separate remote control and there is also no display.
With an RRP of 999 euros and street prices starting at around 680 euros, it is one of the expensive models – but offers a harmonious overall package.
In the test, it was particularly impressive with its music playback: for music, it is the best standalone soundbar in the field.
- PRO
- Technically well equipped with very good voice control and multi-room connection, and easy to set up.
- AGAINST
- The lack of a remote control and no display restrict operation, and the price is high at 999 euros.
IMTEST result:
gut 2,16
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar – the best surround sound
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers Dolby Atmos, Bose TrueSpace, a particularly good AI-supported dialogue mode, ADAPTiQ room measurement as well as WLAN, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and integrated Alexa/Google Assistant voice control.
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar
The soundbar impresses with its powerful, detailed sound and very clear voices. Bass and surround can be significantly expanded with optional subwoofers and rear speakers – even without a player, it offers the best surround sound in the test.
Technically it is fully equipped: Dolby Atmos, Bose TrueSpace, ADAPTiQ room measurement, WLAN, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, Chromecast and voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant are on board.
Setup is quick thanks to the HDMI eARC and Bose Music app, and operation via app or remote control is pleasantly easy.
With an RRP of around 999 euros and street prices starting at around 600 euros, the Bose soundbar offers a strong premium package – with convincing sound, smart functions and high-quality workmanship.
- PRO
- Technically advanced with AI dialogue mode, powerful and clear sound, modularly expandable and easy to set up.
- AGAINST
- Premium price – at 999 euros in the upper segment.
IMTEST result:
gut 2,17
JBL Bar 500 MK2 – the smallest soundbar
The JBL Bar 500 MK2 is designed as a 5.1 soundbar with 750 watts of peak power and a wireless 10-inch subwoofer. However, in the test it performed without the subwoofer – and still surprised with its powerful, dynamic sound.
JBL Bar 500 MK2
It supports Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0 and PureVoice 2.0 for clear dialogues. It is versatilely networked via WLAN with AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify, Tidal and Roon as well as HDMI-eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough.
Without an external subwoofer, it delivers the weakest bass in the test field, but scores with high dynamics and very good surround – ideal for films and games.
Setup is quick thanks to the JBL One app, simple room calibration and the included HDMI cable, and a display makes operation easier.
With an RRP of around 650 euros and street prices starting at around 520 euros, the Bar 500 MK2 (with sub) offers a lot of home cinema for the money – even if it’s not a bargain.
- PRO
- Versatile networked with numerous connection and streaming options and quickly set up thanks to the intuitive JBL app.
- AGAINST
- Weakest bass in the test, less pressure in the low frequency range.
IMTEST result:
satisfactory 2.57
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8 – mit IMAX-Enhanced
The Sony Bravia Theater Bar 8 relies on Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, eleven integrated drivers and 360 spatial sound mapping with IMAX Enhanced certification – for impressive surround sound.
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 8
It supports HDMI-eARC, WLAN, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect and can be expanded with subwoofer and rear speakers.
In the test it sounded full and clear, sometimes a bit bright. Dialogue remains easy to understand, but occasionally seems slightly exaggerated.
Despite the complex technology, it wasn’t entirely convincing in the surround area, and there’s a bit of a lack of fine dynamics when it comes to music.
Setup is quick via HDMI and app, especially in combination with Bravia TVs and Acoustic Center Sync.
With an RRP of around 699 euros and street prices starting at around 560 euros, it offers a modern, well-equipped soundbar in the premium segment with a balanced overall package.
- PRO
- Quick setup and ready to use straight away.
- AGAINST
- The sound is sometimes too bright and the surround area is not completely convincing with a lack of dynamics and spatiality.
IMTEST result:
gut 2,26
Klipsch Flex Core 200 – strong and balanced
The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is a 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar with 185 watts RMS, integrated 4-inch subwoofers and Onkyo electronics.
Klipsch Flex Core 200
It can be expanded to a wireless 5.1.2 system with Flexus Sub 100 and SURR 100. HDMI-eARC, optical input, Bluetooth and USB-C ensure flexible connections.
In the test, it impressed with its powerful bass and clear dialogues – ideal for films and series.
When it came to 3D sound, however, it remained reserved, and music lacked a bit of depth and space.
Setup is quick and easy via HDMI eARC and the Klipsch Connect Plus app. EQ, night mode and dialogue boost are directly integrated.
With street prices starting at around 400 euros, it offers a lot of film fun for the money, but still leaves room for improvement in terms of sound.
- PRO
- Flexible connections and good bass with clear dialogue reproduction.
- AGAINST
- Lacks depth of sound, therefore less suitable for music listeners.
IMTEST result:
gut 2,52
Nubert Nupro AS-2500 – precise and powerful
The Nubert nuPro AS-2500 is a slim 3-way soundbar with 160 watts of power. It offers Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, HDMI eARC, coax, optical and analog inputs as well as Bluetooth with aptX HD and AAC.
Nubert Nupro AS-2500
In the test, it impressed with its natural, finely resolved sound and precise, powerful bass.
Voice+ mode and Wide function highlight dialogue and expand the stage for films and TV. However, depending on the content, this requires frequent switching between modes.
It’s also pleasantly easy to use: the rotary control and LED ring on the device as well as a clear remote control ensure quick access, and streaming works easily via Bluetooth.
Workmanship and scope of delivery with wall bracket and cables are high quality.
With an RRP of 495 euros and street prices around 450 euros, the AS-2500 offers a good price-performance ratio for everyone who is looking for good stereo and TV sound without having to use an app.
- PRO
- Resolved sound with precise bass, high-quality workmanship and simple, intuitive operation.
- AGAINST
- Frequent switching between sound modes is necessary.
IMTEST result:
satisfactory 3.05
Conclusion: Strong sound has many faces
In the test of standalone sound bars up to 1000 euros, it was convincing Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus as Test winner: clear, powerful sound and best music reproduction.
Die Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivered that best surround sound and a well-rounded premium package.
If Price-performance winner proved that Amazon Fire TV Soundbar – simple, cheap and sounds significantly better than TV speakers.
For stereo fans the Nubert nuPro AS-2500 natural, precise sound without the need for an app.
One thing is clear: good sound is possible from just 160 euros – the real home cinema class starts at 600 euros.
Soundbar test 2025: The reviews in detail
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about sound bars
The best soundbar in the test is the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus, which delivers very good and full sound for home theater and music, produces great surround sound, has excellent speech intelligibility, offers many features and is the best package overall.
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus offers the best price-performance ratio thanks to full sound, good speech intelligibility and easy operation at a very low price.
This primarily depends on personal taste: Is the sound from the television sufficient, can you always understand speakers and can you get by without bass or 3D sound? If not, a cheap soundbar usually improves these points audibly.
If there is enough space to set it up on the TV stand or attach it to the wall, the size of the soundbar doesn’t matter. However, the installation location must always be centrally under the television or projector screen. If you don’t have room for rear speakers but still want surround sound, you should pay attention to good 3D sound with standalone soundbars. More bass also increases immersion for most listeners and creates a cinematic feeling. The larger the room, the higher the performance of the soundbar should be, although a specification in RMS (sine) is more reliable than PMPO (music/short-term maximum power). There are usually no restrictions on compatibility – so the soundbar does not have to come from the same manufacturer as the television, although this sometimes offers advantages.
An external subwoofer usually produces stronger and deeper bass due to its design. This ensures that, if desired, explosions really “crack” like in the cinema and are physically noticeable. Subwoofers are also almost mandatory for certain types of music such as hip-hop or dubstep. Because of their installation location, rear speakers ensure that noises can also come from the side or even from diagonally behind. This brings even more immersion, a real “right in the middle” feeling. However, good standalone soundbars today create a similar, if not quite as good, surround impression by specifically reflecting sound from walls and ceilings while taking up less space.
Basically, Dolby Atmos is always worth it – be it to be able to really hear 3D sound or just to be able to play and watch/listen to corresponding material. As an object-based, modern 3D sound format, Dolby Atmos also ensures that sound comes not only from the front, back and sides, but also from above. Instead of rigid channels (left, right, etc.), Atmos works with sound objects. Every sound gets a precise position in space. This allows the system to place the sound more precisely around the listener.
In practice, this means: With suitable speakers or a Dolby Atmos soundbar, a significantly more spatial, cinema-like sound is created, in which effects can be heard in a targeted manner above and around the user. It is important to carry out automatic calibration so that the soundbar can “position” noises to the characteristics of the room. The only way to find out with certainty whether it is as good in your own four walls as in the projection room is to try it out. Recommendations from tests should be the first point of contact, but do not replace personal testing at the planned installation location.
Modern soundbars should be connected via HDMI-eARC. Thanks to the return channel, only one cable is required for picture and sound and sound formats such as Dolby Atmos & Co. are played without any problems. Thanks to HDMI-CEC (Consumer Electronics Control), the volume can be determined using the television’s remote control as before. If the television does not have ARC/eARC, an optical cable (Toslink) is the method of choice. This means that you usually have to do without HD sound formats and some convenience functions, but there are rarely problems with time-shifted sound. Analogue connections such as jack or RCA should only be used as a last resort.
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