Modern televisions offer incredible picture quality. However, their sound often remains mediocre. Flat screens simply lack the volume for good speakers. A soundbar effectively solves this problem. It transforms your living room into a real movie theater. The market offers many references in 2026. Making the right choice becomes complex.

We have analyzed three essential models. This guide covers every need. You will find a compact option, a design-focused model, and a complete system. Discover our selection to enhance your audio experience right now.

Why invest in a soundbar this year?

Visuals are not enough. Audio plays a crucial role in immersion. A soundbar brings dynamic energy. It clarifies dialogues that are often muffled. It also adds deep bass to action scenes. You essentially rediscover your favorite movies and series.

Moreover, these devices are versatile. They stream your music via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. They often replace a traditional Hi-Fi system. Installation remains simple and fast. It is a durable investment for your entertainment.

Sonos Ray: The Compact and Affordable Solution

The Sonos Ray represents the ideal entry-level choice. It targets small spaces. Its reduced size appeals immediately. It measures less than 60 centimeters wide. It slides easily into narrow TV furniture. Its “unibody” design with rounded lines is very elegant. The matte finish resists fingerprints well.

Extremely simplified connectivity

Sonos makes a bold technical choice. The soundbar possesses only an optical input. It totally ignores the HDMI port. This simplifies installation for beginners. You plug in a single cable, and it works. However, this limits certain advanced features. You control the volume via the infrared of your TV remote.

Amazing performance for the size

Do not be fooled by its small size. The Sonos Ray delivers rich sound. Voices stand out with great clarity. This is a major strong point for TV programs. The bass remains honest without a dedicated subwoofer. However, it can become muddy at high volume.

The Sonos app offers a key feature: TruePlay calibration. This option adjusts the sound according to your room. It requires an iPhone to work. The result balances frequencies perfectly. Bass becomes less overwhelming. Listening gains precision. It is the perfect choice for a bedroom or studio.

Sonos Arc Ultra: The Premium All-in-One

The Sonos Arc Ultra targets demanding users. It promises cinema sound without clutter. It is a single bar, without a separate subwoofer. Its design remains faithful to the brand. The aesthetic is minimalist and very neat. It fits perfectly under a large wall-mounted television.

A technological revolution: Sound Motion

The big innovation lies inside. Sonos integrates Sound Motion technology. This system uses a revolutionary flat woofer. It moves a lot of air within a thin chassis. Consequently, bass descends very low. The extension in the lower end surprises for a standalone bar. You feel impacts without a bulky external box.

Immersion and connectivity

The soundbar simulates a 9.1.4 system. It handles Dolby Atmos for three-dimensional listening. Spatialization is precise. Sound effects surround you effectively. Highs can sometimes seem slightly metallic. Nevertheless, the package remains very versatile.

Regarding connectivity, Sonos remains stingy. There is a single HDMI eARC port. You cannot plug a console directly into it. Bluetooth 5.3 is fortunately present. Wi-Fi allows access to streaming services. It is the reference for those who want big sound without cables everywhere.

Samsung HW-Q995F: The Ultimate Cinema Immersion

The Samsung HW-Q995F plays in a different league. It is a complete home theater system. The pack includes the bar, a subwoofer, and two rear speakers. It aims for pure performance. It is the model to choose for a large living room.

A redesigned subwoofer

Samsung revised its design for 2025. The new subwoofer is more compact. It adopts a design with rounded curves. It uses a “push-pull” configuration. Two drivers operate back-to-back. This reduces cabinet vibrations. Yet, the power remains phenomenal. Explosions make your sofa shake. Physical immersion is total.

Paradise for gamers and movie buffs

This soundbar excels in home cinema. It decodes Dolby Atmos on 11.1.4 channels. Effects fly from everywhere. The sound bubble is dense and realistic. Dialogues always remain intelligible.

Gamers also enjoy exclusive features. The bar has two HDMI 2.1 inputs. It supports 4K at 120 Hz and VRR. You connect your consoles directly to it. This preserves image quality and fluidity. The tiny display remains its only small ergonomic flaw.

Comparison: How to make the right choice?

The choice depends primarily on your usage. Analyze your environment well before buying.

• For small spaces: The Sonos Ray wins the match. It costs less. It takes up little space. It drastically improves the sound of a standard TV.
• For design and simplicity: The Sonos Arc Ultra wins. It offers powerful bass without an additional box. Its installation is very clean.
• For the grand spectacle: The Samsung HW-Q995F has no competitor here. The contribution of rear speakers is undeniable. It is the only system that offers a real 3D bubble.

Also, consider the ecosystem. Sonos offers a fantastic mobile application. Multiroom is very stable. Samsung bets everything on HDMI connectivity. This is crucial if your TV lacks ports.

The importance of audio calibration

No matter your choice, adjust your equipment. Every room reacts differently to sound. Naked walls reflect waves. Rugs absorb them.

Sonos offers the TruePlay system. It is very effective at correcting these flaws. Samsung uses SpaceFit Pro technology. The bar analyzes the room via its microphones. It adapts the sound in real-time. Do not neglect this step. It radically changes the final rendering. A good setting sublimes the qualities of your soundbar.