The Best Gaming Soundbars For 2024

Harlan Ellison By, Harlan Ellison
Updated
Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar for TV, Movies, Music, Gaming
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar for TV, Movies, Music, Gaming

The Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar for TV, Movies, Music and Gaming. The curved shape of the Sonos Arc blends in beautifully with its surroundings. It discreetly mounts to the wall or sits beneath your TV without pulling focus. Build out your home theater with wirelessly connected Sub and a pair of One SL rears for an even more immersive listening experience. Read Review

2. Best Quality: Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-Channel Gaming and Entertainment Soundbar

With a 7.1 surround sound system, the Sound BlasterX Katana multi-channel gaming and entertainment soundbar is perfect for all your entertainment needs. With its light reactive RGB lighting system, its 5 drivers, and reactive audio effects, the Katana will blow you away with rich sound while dazzling you with the newest in gaming technology. Read Review

3. Best Powerful: Soundbar, KMOUK Soundbar for Wired Gaming Speaker

Bring your TV to life with the KMOUK Soundbar. Designed for gaming and movie soundtracks, this small, unobtrusive speaker is discreet enough to transform any home entertainment setup. Ideal for small TVs under 30 inches, it brings a realistic auditory experience as if you're stepping into the game world. Read Review

4. Best Performance: Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Under-Monitor Soundbar

The Creative Stage 2.1 Channel Under-Monitor Soundbar is the perfect solution for your home entertainment needs. With 160W peak power and two custom-tuned, dual-driver speakers with a subwoofer, it's the ideal speaker system to enjoy movies, music, and TV shows. Read Review

If you love gaming, then you know the importance of sound. Even with high-end graphics, if the audio is not immersive enough, it can take away from the experience and even break your immersion entirely. So what’s the solution? A gaming sound bar of course!

The best gaming soundbars will give you a boost in audio performance, ease of setup, and more. Whether you’re just starting out as a casual gamer or are an enthusiast who plays for hours on end every day, reading this article will prove helpful to find affordable and best gaming soundbars for your home.

We think Sonos Arc - The Premium Smart Soundbar for TV, Movies, Music, Gaming is the best of the best among the top models. If you were dissatisfied with the preceding item, you have the option of selecting Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-Channel Gaming and Entertainment Soundbar as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.

Our Top Picks

  • Hear every word - Arc was specially tuned with the help of Oscar-winning sound engineers to emphasize the human voice. Turn on speech enhancement in the app to clarify dialogue
  • Blends in beautifully - With its elongated shape, soft profile, and seamless facade, Arc discreetly mounts to the wall or sits beneath the TV without pulling focus
  • Immerse yourself in the music - Stream music, radio, podcasts, and more from your favorite services with the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2 when the TV is off
  • Compatible with the new generation of the Sonos app, Sonos S3
  • 3D sound with Dolby Atmos - Experience shows, movies, and games with the precise and immersive sound of Dolby Atmos
  • Voice control - Amazon Alexa is built right in, so you can play music, check news, set alarms, get your questions answered, and more, completely hands free
  • Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback (Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes, and other factors.)
  • All-new Sonos Arc - Bring all your entertainment to life with the brilliantly realistic sound of Arc, featuring Dolby Atmos. Enjoy control with your TV remote, voice, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2, and more
  • Build out your home theater - Wirelessly connect Sub and a pair of One SL rears for an even more immersive listening experience
  • Tuned to perfection - Enhanced Trueplay tuning technology optimizes the sound for the unique acoustics of the room
  • Aurora reactive lighting system: light up your setup
  • Under monitor Audio system: so sleek, yet so powerful
  • 5-driver design: expertly tuned acoustics
TOP Choice #3 Soundbar, KMOUK Soundbar for Wired Gaming Speaker
Our Score:
9.6
KMOUK
  • ➤High-quality music: KMOUK wireless soundbar Music mode brings deep rich bass and bright treble, naturally feel the rhythm of the music. After connecting sound bar to a laptop or mobile phone, sit on a comfortable sofa and enjoy high-quality music.
  • ➤Slim but powerful: Dual driver and passive vibration plate design for more powerful sound. 2.0 channels for a better hearing experience. Compact design allows to place it almost anywhere, either in front of PC or small TV, even mounted on the wall.
  • ➤Improve TV Sound: KMOUK speakers its movie mode is a great way to improve TV sound, a few claim to have built-in voice-enhancement technologies. This soundbar is a must-have device to accompany small TVs under 30 inch, brings best leisure experience.
  • ➤Multiple connections: This soundbar supports 3.5mm (AUX&RCA) and optical wired audio input to seamlessly connect with PC or TV. In addition, it can also be used as a Bluetooth 5.0 soundbar to easily play various streaming music stored on the phone.
  • ➤Ultimate gaming experience: Switch KMOUK small soundbar to game mode brings amazing clarity in every detail: faint whispers, light footsteps. This gaming soundbar brings a realistic auditory experience as if you're stepping into the game world.
  • Various connectivity options Conveniently connect your TV, PC/Mac, and mobile phones through our myriad of connectivity options such as wireless Bluetooth, 3. 5mm aux-in, optical Audio input, TV (ARC), and USB MP3. These extensive sound bar connections make it an easy choice for any audio upgrade
  • Dual-driver with subwoofer for room-filling audio This high performing 2. 1 speaker system produces 160W peak power and houses two custom-tuned, mid-range drivers for enhanced dialog clarity and stunning mid-range. Paired with a long Throw dedicated subwoofer, The Creative stage is capable of deep, thumping bass that will captivate you in the immersiveness of your movies and music in any room size
  • Clutter-free, under-monitor sound bar for computer and TV fits perfectly under a PC monitor and blends naturally into any room interior with its sleek, subtle design. The sound bar also comes with a wall mounting kit that allows you to install the Creative stage easily onto your wall with included instructions and hardware. The sound bar is conveniently powered by a single built-in power Plug, providing you with a clutter-free desktop and TV console – just connect it to a power source
  • Convenient controls with remote Controls are conveniently located at the side of the sound bar for easy reach and hassle-free control. For added convenience, there is an included remote control that allows you to access preset EQ selections like movies, music, Concert, and even gaming mode! Apart from the usual Audio and volume playback controls, the remote also allows you the ability to increase and reduce treble and bass settings
  • Legendary Mackie acoustic design and tuning
  • 3 selectable sound-enhancing presets
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Compact desktop design fits perfectly under most monitors
  • USB connectivity for Mac/PC plus 1/8” Stereo input
  • Designed for Gamers, by Gamers: Panasonic partnered with the Final Fantasy XIV (FFIXV) Online sound team to design PC gaming speakers with a breakthrough immersive audio experience to fill your entire environment
  • Industry-Leading Technology: 2.1 channel 3-way speaker system with built-in subwoofer uses 4K HDR passthrough for zero loss in image quality; Supports DTS:X and DTS:X Virtual surround sound technology
  • Dedicated Modes for the Games You Play: Three sound modes, RPG, FPS, or Voice Mode, optimize audio for intensity and realism across every gaming genre
  • Dolby Atmos-Powered Immersive Sound: A 3D sound experience for gaming and home theater, featuring revolutionary Dolby Atmos technology; gaming speaker with realistic, detailed sound that moves around you
  • Add Drama and Realism to Your Home Theater: More than a speaker for PC or TV gaming, the SC-HTB01 premium soundbar gives you a whole-body connection to music and movies too, with dimensional dialogue, ambient music and environmental sound
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND: Enjoy dynamically optimized audio with enhanced voice clarity so you can follow along with action-packed games and blockbuster films
  • BLUETOOTH MULTI-CONNECTION: Connect two smart devices simultaneously and share the sound tower with ease; No more jumping back and forth, just deciding what’s next*****
  • TRUE 3.1ch SOUND: Enjoy a cinematic audio experience, with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer and 2 up-firing channels combined to put you at the center of the action
  • GAME MODE: Optimize your gaming experience with synced, directional audio that moves with the onscreen action and eliminates distractions***
  • Q-SYMPHONY: Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive audio floods your room all at once, using every speaker in compatible Samsung TV and soundbars**
  • Dolby Atmos / DTS Virtual:X: Elevate your favorite content; Dolby Atmos creates realistic 3D sound by projecting it from all around you, including from above, while DTS Virtual: X expands your listening experience without having to add extra speakers*
  • BLUETOOTH MULTI-CONNECTION: Connect two smart devices simultaneously and share the sound tower with ease; No more jumping back and forth, just deciding what’s next*****
  • EXCELLENT SOUND QUALITY: Feel the excitement and the beat of the music. Ideal for gaming, smart TVs, PCs, monitors, projectors, laptops, and flat screens. It works nicely with all sizes of televisions
  • MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS: You are free to use any connection you want as this has USB port, Built in bluetooth and Input connector jack. You can always locate a compatible connection for your new device
  • EASY TO SET UP: The Wave Base Built-in Bluetooth Tabletop Soundbar supports 3.5mm AUX. With optical audio connector jacks. Compatibility with mobile phones, tablets, televisions, computers, and projectors
  • POWERFUL SOUNDBAR: Upgraded high-definition sound quality the soundbar features a slim design and slim shape, with new and improved sound drivers, and built-in Bluetooth. This also produces high-quality cinematic sound
  • BLUETOOTH V5.0: Fast mobile phone-to-sound-bar connection, effective and stable transmissions, and strong anti-interference. Connect the soundbar to your phone via Bluetooth to set the mood for your next party or to relax with a nice song
  • GAME MODE: Claim more glorious victories with a special setting that boosts game sound effects
  • WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Feel the subtle rumble of distant thunder and earthshattering sound as it pounds the air around you in the wireless subwoofer that boasts a frequency response (amp) of 42Hz~20kHz
  • PAIRS WITH SAMSUNG TVS: Optimized to work seamlessly with Samsung TVs and deliver a superior entertainment experience
  • CLUTTER-FREE WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth connectivity for easy wireless connections allows you to enjoy music from your mobile devices with no strings attached
  • SMART SOUND TECHNOLOGY: The soundbar automatically analyzes the content and optimizes the sound setting for the best experience
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best gaming soundbars?

You may know that best gaming soundbars is a kind of product many customers are hesitant to pay for. It is not due to its quality but the fact that there are many factors you must consider. Nevertheless, all your worry is not a problem for us. Our knowledgeable staff will help you with the right decision.

Tech-evaluated and high-rated products are available in our list of eligible items. Here are some indispensable things you shouldn’t ignore:

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

FAQs

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

2 ratings

About Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison

Harlan Ellison is a writer and audio equipment enthusiast. He's particularly interested in home theater HiFi audio, and he has been the editor of The Audio Insights since its inception. Harlan is known for his sharp wit and scathing critiques, but he also has a great love of music and audio gear. When he's not writing or editing, Harlan can be found listening to music or watching movies with his wife.