This budget-priced 2.1-channel system delivers good overall sound, so more casual listeners should find that it works well for both music and movie soundtrack playback. It lacks some features usually found in pricier models, however. It’s not compatible with voice-enabled digital assistants, and you can’t use it to stream tunes directly from online music services.

But this soundbar does have built-in Bluetooth for streaming music from a portable device, as well as a wired subwoofer. Note that this model is getting harder to find. It’s being replaced by the Creative Stage V2 2.1. We’ll be buying one for our labs to test.

This budget-priced 2.1-channel system delivers good overall sound, so more casual listeners should find that it works well for both music and movie soundtrack playback. It lacks some features usually found in pricier models, however. It’s not compatible with voice-enabled digital assistants, and you can’t use it to stream tunes directly from online music services.

But this soundbar does have built-in Bluetooth for streaming music from a portable device, as well as a wired subwoofer. Note that this model is getting harder to find. It’s being replaced by the Creative Stage V2 2.1. We’ll be buying one for our labs to test.

The model has a lot of features but is priced several hundred dollars below the company’s Arc soundbar, which is also highly recommended. (See below for info on the Arc.) Compared with the first-gen model it replaces, the new Sonos Beam has more processing power, plus support for HDMI eArc, which provides a big boost in bandwidth and speed. It supports Dolby Atmos immersive audio, though it lacks upfiring drivers.

It comes in a choice of black or white. If your budget and room are a bit smaller, the newer Sonos Ray might fit the bill. It, too, has very good overall sound quality.

The Sonos Arc is a highly rated soundbar, an all-in-one Dolby Atmos model that has a built-in subwoofer. It delivers very good overall sound quality, and with the addition of optional rear speakers, it expands into a full-blown surround-sound system.

Like the Sonos Beam, the Sonos Arc has both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built in, and it supports AirPlay 2 for streaming audio from Apple devices. The speaker has built-in WiFi for music streaming from several services, as well as Bluetooth for beaming music from smartphones and other compatible devices.

The Sony HT-G700 soundbar offers immersive sound with its support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great option for movie and music enthusiasts. Its easy setup and operation also make it a user-friendly choice for those who want a hassle-free audio experience. However, it has limited connectivity options, which may be a drawback for those who want to connect multiple devices.

The Vizio M Series M512a-H6 is an affordable and versatile soundbar that offers good value for the price. It supports popular audio technologies like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, making it a great option for movie and TV enthusiasts. However, its soundstage can be limited, so it may not be the best choice for those who want a wider sound field.