Best sound bars for smart TVs

Top pick: Samsung HW-Q990F — a full surround setup (bar, sub and rear speakers) that's the easiest way to make a smart TV sound like a cinema, and it's the best-reviewed of the bunch by a wide margin.

Who the others suit:

• Sonos Arc Ultra — best if you want one sleek bar, great dialogue, and a system you can add to later.
• JBL Bar 1300X — detachable rear speakers and big bass; the pick for movie nights and loud rooms.
• Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 — the match for a Sony TV and a cleaner, more premium look.
• JBL Bar 500MK2 — the sweet spot for most living rooms: real subwoofer, simple setup.
• Sonos Beam (Gen 2) — small rooms and smaller TVs where a full-size bar won't fit.
• LG S70TY — the budget route that still adds HDMI eARC and a sub.
• onn 20" LED bar — a bedroom or spare TV where cheap and cheerful is the point.

Skip the Boomin' — it's a portable promo speaker, not a TV soundbar.