Fortunately, most soundbars have speech enhancement feature settings that will typically raise the volume of the centre channel and crispen up the EQ to help improve dialogue audibility. Not every brand implements this with sophistication, and sometimes these modes can sound thin and harsh, but once again, it's always worth experimenting to find what works for you and your space. How we test soundbars How we test soundbars The Ray has been conceived to slot into cabinets without its sonic dispersion being impacted. However, it doesn’t feature the virtual Dolby Atmos decoding of Sonos’ more premium soundbars – the Beam Gen 2 and Arc (both below). So, pragmatically, Sonos also decided to ditch the HDMI eARC connections of its pricier products in favour of a classic optical input, which almost every TV will have, but monitors and consoles may not.

The HW-S800B stands out from Samsung’s typically somewhat chunky soundbar range by delivering a beautifully elegant, slimline design without sacrificing sound quality nearly as much as you might expect. Key specs – Elements: Soundbar, subwoofer, two rear speakers; Channel configuration: 9.1.4; Stated power: 540W; Connections: 1 x HDMI input, 1 x HDMI output, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical digital audio input; HDMI passthrough support: 4K/60Hz, HDR10+, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+; HDMI ARC/eARC support: Yes/yes; Dimensions (WDH): Soundbar – 1111 x 120 x 60mm, subwoofer – 210 x 403 x 403mm, rears – 201 x 140 x 130mm; Weight: Soundbar – 9.87kg, subwoofer – 9.8kg, rears – 3.1kg each The best Samsung soundbars to buy in 2023 1. Samsung HW-Q990B: The best Samsung soundbar for immersion

However, this is a speaker with practicality and affordability in mind. Its ultra-compact dimensions, tapered build and forward-facing speakers mean it takes up little space and removes any need for a clear line of sight for upward- and side-firing drivers, making it a practical choice for small rooms and even desktops. Gamers, meanwhile, may enjoy the Q800C’s new Game Mode Pro feature, which tweaks the audio presentation to create a more dynamic and three-dimensional soundstage to make it easier to place where specific sounds are coming from. The soundbar can even automatically switch to its Game mode when your TV does (provided that TV is a Samsung model equipped with Game Hub menu support).

Samsung’s soundbars with HDMI passthrough typically support HDR10+ though, and most also support Dolby Vision. At the time of writing, no Samsung soundbars support 4K/120Hz passthrough. We’re also impressed by the width afforded by the virtual surround technology. It’s no match for real surround speakers, but as Dennis Nedry makes his escape through the driving rain you’re almost convinced that sound is coming from either side of you. Later, the herd of Gallimimus sweeps past the camera and the sound moves from one side to the other. There’s a couple of other audio features, such as Smart Volume, which keeps sound at a consistent level to account for fluctuations between programmes and scenes, plus Dynamic Range Control for late-night listening.Unfortunately, ARC/eARC can sometimes introduce a slight audio lag resulting in lipsynching issues that can vary depending on your TV-soundbar combo. However, many brands include controls to adjust the delay on a soundbar's app, and sometimes there's also an option to modify it on a TV's settings. Assuming you’re in the market for a soundbar first and foremost to bring movies and TV shows to life, the Q800C represents excellent value. It undercuts its rivals, despite serving up the most powerful, impactful and accurately presented Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound stage I’ve heard from a two-piece soundbar system. The HW-Q990B is Samsung’s flagship soundbar and delivers the most immersive sound performance of any soundbar we’ve heard. It immaculately envelops you in a hemisphere of sound, and delivers a three-dimensional sense of space that includes sounds above you, behind you and down your sides. This is essential to a true Dolby Atmos experience, and the 11.1.4-channel setup delivers this in a uniquely effective way. ARC/eARC also allows your main TV remote to control the basic volume and power functions of your soundbar via HDMI CEC(Consumer Electronics Control). Some soundbars come with their own remotes and/or have app control, but if your connection to your TV uses an optical cable, you may still be able to use your regular controller. Certain models, such as the Sonos Ray and B&W Panorama 3, can 'learn' to recognise the commands of both IR and RF remotes, but the set-up will depend on your TV manufacturer. If your soundbar comes with its own automatic calibration software, then make sure you run it, so the soundbar’s audio output is matched to your room’s layout and characteristics. The Sonos Arc, for example, uses Sonos's Trueplaysoftware in conjunction with your smartphone's microphone to tailor its sound.

Otherwise, though, setup is pretty straightforward. Especially if you install Samsung’s SmartThings app on your phone, which provides a nice menu system to support the pleasingly simple layout of the soundbar’s small, slim remote control. The soundbar also carries built-in support for the Alexa voice control system, and can additionally work with Google Assistant voice control via external listening devices.

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The included-as-standard 5.1.2 channels break down into a center speaker, front left and right speakers, side left and right speakers, two up-firing speakers built into the soundbar’s top edge, and a bass channel provided by the external wireless subwoofer. You can also effectively add more speakers to the system via Q Symphony, where the speakers in compatible Samsung TVs can intelligently join forces with those in the soundbar to deliver a bigger, more precisely detailed soundstage. The soundbar works just fine with any TV – compatible Samsung TVs just get an extra boost.