Best HDMI ARC Soundbars in 2026: 15 Picks Compared on Specs
The top pick in this guide is the Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar with Dolby Atmos. It pairs HDMI ARC with stated Dolby Atmos support, making it the model to compare every other bar against. To pick the rest, we matched 15 HDMI ARC soundbars and compared the stated specifications in each listing: channel layout, separate subwoofers, rear speakers, Dolby Atmos, and the extras named by each maker.
15 picks from 51 soundbars that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Prices below are live, each shown with the time it was read.
Quick list
Which one is right for you?
- For a full 5.1 setup: Buyers who want rear speakers, a wireless subwoofer, and a 5.1 layout in one order should look at the stated package from Hisense. See pick 9
- For a one-piece Dolby Atmos upgrade: Buyers who want stated Dolby Atmos without adding a sub or surround speakers should compare the Sonos Arc Ultra and Bose TV Speaker 2nd Gen listings. See pick 1
- For Samsung TV owners: Samsung listings name Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound, and Game Mode features, so they are a natural match for Samsung TV setups. See pick 5
- For a compact 2.0 bar: Buyers who want the smallest stated footprint can start with the Westinghouse 2.0 compact soundbar, which lists Dolby Atmos and no subwoofer. See pick 13
All 15 picks in detail
1 Best overall
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
- Channels
- 7.1 and up
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$1,099.00 (as of 10/27/2026 02:26 PDT - Details)
The listing states Dolby Atmos plus HDMI ARC in a single soundbar, with no secondary speakers required. It is the reference point for the other bars here: more channel-heavy systems add speakers or subwoofers, while most compact bars drop Atmos.
Pros
- Dolby Atmos support stated in the listing
- HDMI ARC in a one-piece soundbar
- The same maker lists a separate Sub 4 and Era 300 system elsewhere in this catalogue
Cons
- No separate subwoofer included
- No rear speakers included
- Channel count is not stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a one-piece Atmos bar
- Buyers who may add Sonos components later
Skip if
- Buyers who want a subwoofer and rear speakers in one box
- Buyers who need a stated channel count before purchase
Verdict: A one-piece Dolby Atmos soundbar with HDMI ARC and the least setup among the top-tier picks.
2 Best complete Sonos system
Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar + Sub 4 subwoofer + Era 300 Speakers
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$2,808.20 (as of 10/27/2026 02:26 PDT - Details)
This listing combines the Sonos Arc Ultra with a Sub 4 and a pair of Era 300 speakers, so the stated package covers bar, subwoofer, and surrounds in one order. The solo Arc Ultra listing in this guide is for buyers who want only the bar.
Pros
- Includes soundbar, subwoofer, and two Era 300 speakers according to the listing name
- Separate subwoofer included
- Same Arc Ultra platform as the standalone pick
Cons
- Multi-unit footprint rather than a single soundbar
- Dolby Atmos is not restated in this bundle listing
- Needs space for the subwoofer and two surround speakers
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a complete Sonos surround package
- Buyers who want sub and surrounds without shopping separately
Skip if
- Buyers who only need a soundbar
- Buyers with limited shelf or floor space
Verdict: The package pick for anyone who wants the Arc Ultra with subwoofer and surround speakers from one listing.
3 Best 5.1.2 with wireless subwoofer
The listing states a 5.1.2 channel layout, Dolby Atmos, and HDMI eARC, with wireless subwoofer connectivity. Among the 5.1-class picks in this guide, it has the most stated channels and the only stated 5.1.2 layout.
Pros
- 5.1.2 channel layout stated
- Dolby Atmos support stated
- Wireless subwoofer connectivity stated
- HDMI eARC named in the listing
Cons
- Rear speakers are not stated
- Includes a separate subwoofer, adding to the footprint
Good fit if
- Buyers who want five channels plus two height channels
- Buyers who want eARC and Atmos in a KEF system
Skip if
- Buyers who want rear speakers included
- Buyers who prefer a single bar without separated components
Verdict: The Atmos-focused pick for buyers who want the full stated 5.1.2 channel layout in one listing.
4 Best all-in-one smart soundbar
Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$669.00 (as of 10/27/2026 07:39 PDT - Details)
The listing names A.I. Dialogue Mode plus Alexa and Google voice assistant compatibility, making it the only pick here that states both voice assistants and soundbar duties. Dolby Atmos is stated as well.
Pros
- Dolby Atmos support stated
- A.I. Dialogue Mode named in the listing
- Alexa and Google voice assistant support named
Cons
- No separate subwoofer stated
- Rear speakers are not stated
- Channel count is not stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want voice assistant control from the soundbar itself
- Buyers who want a dialogue mode without adding a center channel
Skip if
- Buyers who want a stated channel layout
- Buyers who want a bundled subwoofer
Verdict: A one-piece Dolby Atmos soundbar with voice assistant and dialogue features stated in the listing.
5 Best for Samsung TV owners
Samsung HW-Q600C 3.1.2ch Soundbar w/Dolby Audio
- Channels
- 3.1
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$397.00 (as of 10/27/2026 02:07 PDT - Details)
The listing names Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound, and Game Mode Pro, along with a stated 3.1.2 channel layout and HDMI eARC. Compared with the HW-Q60C below, the Q600C adds a 3.1.2 layout and Game Mode Pro.
Pros
- Q-Symphony named for compatible Samsung TVs
- Adaptive Sound named
- Game Mode Pro named
- 3.1.2 channel layout and HDMI eARC stated
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated; the listing says Dolby Audio
- No separate subwoofer stated
Good fit if
- Samsung TV owners who can use Q-Symphony
- Gamers who want Game Mode Pro
Skip if
- Buyers who need Dolby Atmos stated
- Buyers who want a separate subwoofer
Verdict: The Samsung-focused pick with a stated 3.1.2 layout and gaming mode.
6 Best simple 3.1 for Samsung owners
SAMSUNG HW-Q60C 3.1ch Soundbar w/Dolby Audio
- Channels
- 3.1
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$379.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:07 PDT - Details)
The Q60C states a 3.1 channel layout, Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound Lite, HDMI eARC, and Game Mode, without the height channels of the Q600C. It is the less complex choice in this guide for a Samsung TV setup.
Pros
- 3.1 channel layout stated
- Q-Symphony named
- HDMI eARC and Game Mode named
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated
- No separate subwoofer stated
Good fit if
- Samsung TV owners who do not need height channels
- Buyers who want a stated 3.1 soundbar with eARC
Skip if
- Buyers who want 3.1.2 or Dolby Atmos
- Buyers who want a separate subwoofer
Verdict: A straightforward 3.1 Samsung soundbar with eARC and Q-Symphony.
7 Best compact soundbar with Dolby Atmos
The listing calls it a compact soundbar and states Dolby Atmos alongside HDMI ARC and Bluetooth. Next to the other Bose TV Speaker in this list, this one adds Dolby Atmos and Clear Dialogue.
Pros
- Compact form factor stated in the listing
- Dolby Atmos support stated
- HDMI ARC and Bluetooth stated
- Clear Dialogue mode named
Cons
- No separate subwoofer stated
- Channel count is not stated
- No rear speakers stated
Good fit if
- Buyers upgrading TV speakers in a smaller space
- Buyers who want Atmos from a compact bar
Skip if
- Buyers who want a separate subwoofer
- Buyers who need a stated channel layout
Verdict: A compact, single-piece soundbar with Dolby Atmos, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth stated.
8 Best soundbar with mount brackets
The listing includes mount brackets and HDMI ARC, but not Dolby Atmos or a subwoofer. It is the wall-mount option among the Bose picks when you do not need the 2nd Gen's Atmos support.
Pros
- Mount brackets included according to the listing
- HDMI ARC stated
- Same Bose TV Speaker family with a simpler feature list
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated
- No separate subwoofer stated
- Channel layout is not stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want to mount the soundbar under a TV
- Buyers who only need ARC and do not need Atmos
Skip if
- Buyers who want Dolby Atmos
- Buyers who want Bluetooth or a subwoofer
Verdict: A wall-mountable HDMI ARC soundbar with no Atmos or subwoofer listed.
9 Best 5.1 with rear speakers
Hisense HS5100 5.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
- Channels
- 5.1
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$179.99 (as of 10/27/2026 00:27 PDT - Details)
The listing states a 5.1 channel layout, rear surround speakers, a wireless subwoofer, Dolby Audio, and DTS Virtual:X. It is the only pick in this guide that states both 5.1 channels and rear speakers in one package.
Pros
- 5.1 channel layout stated
- Rear speakers included
- Wireless subwoofer included
- DTS Virtual:X stated
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated; the listing says Dolby Audio
- Requires space for rear speakers and a subwoofer
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a complete 5.1 system out of the box
- Buyers who want rear speakers without buying separately
Skip if
- Buyers who want Dolby Atmos
- Buyers who want a one-piece soundbar
Verdict: The only stated 5.1 system here with rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer.
10 Best 3.1.2 with up-firing speakers
Hisense AX3120Q 3.1.2ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
- Channels
- 3.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$249.99 (as of 10/27/2026 00:27 PDT - Details)
The listing states a 3.1.2 channel layout, up-firing speakers, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth 5.3, and a wireless subwoofer. Among the 3.1.2 bars in this guide, it is the only one that names up-firing speakers in the listing.
Pros
- 3.1.2 channel layout stated
- Up-firing speakers named
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X stated
- Wireless subwoofer included
Cons
- No rear speakers stated
- Includes a separate wireless subwoofer unit
Good fit if
- Buyers who want height channels with fewer boxes than a 5.1.2 system
- Buyers who want both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X declared
Skip if
- Buyers who want rear speakers as part of the system
- Buyers who want a single soundbar without a separate subwoofer
Verdict: A 3.1.2 Atmos bar with up-firing speakers and a separate wireless subwoofer.
11 Best simple 2.1 for a small room
Hisense HS2100 2.1ch Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
- Channels
- 2.1
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$129.99 (as of 10/27/2026 00:27 PDT - Details)
The listing states a 2.1 channel layout, a wireless subwoofer, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth 5.3. It is the most straightforward 2.1-with-sub option in this guide and does not claim Atmos or rear speakers.
Pros
- 2.1 channel layout stated
- Wireless subwoofer included
- HDMI ARC and Bluetooth 5.3 stated
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated
- No rear speakers stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a two-channel bar with a sub
- Buyers who need Bluetooth 5.3 for phone streaming
Skip if
- Buyers who want Dolby Atmos or surround speakers
- Buyers who need HDMI eARC instead of ARC
Verdict: A simple 2.1 soundbar with wireless sub and HDMI ARC.
12 Best 2.1 with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Westinghouse 2.1 Soundbar with Subwoofer|DTS
- Channels
- 2.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$199.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:59 PDT - Details)
The listing states a 2.1 channel layout, wireless subwoofer, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and 120W RMS output. It is the only 2.1 pick here that names both Atmos and DTS:X.
Pros
- 2.1 channel layout with wireless subwoofer stated
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X both stated
- 120W RMS and 240W max output named in the listing
Cons
- No rear speakers stated
- Only two channels plus a sub, so no rear channels are claimed
Good fit if
- Buyers who want Atmos and DTS:X from a 2.1 system
- Buyers who want a sub without a full surround layout
Skip if
- Buyers who want rear speakers
- Buyers who need a 5.1 or 3.1.2 layout
Verdict: A 2.1 soundbar that states both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support.
13 Best compact 2.0 soundbar
Westinghouse 2.0 Sound bar|Roku Smart TV Ready|120W Soundbar|HDMI eArc
- Channels
- 2.0
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$89.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:59 PDT - Details)
The listing states a 2.0 channel layout, Dolby Atmos and Digital Plus, and 120W output in a compact soundbar. It has the fewest stated channels in this guide, which makes it a match for a simple TV upgrade.
Pros
- 2.0 channel layout stated
- Dolby Atmos and Digital Plus stated
- Compact soundbar form factor named
- 120W output named in the listing
Cons
- No separate or built-in subwoofer is stated
- No rear speakers stated
Good fit if
- Buyers upgrading a TV's speakers with the smallest footprint
- Buyers who want Atmos stated without adding a sub
Skip if
- Buyers who want bass from a separate subwoofer
- Buyers who want 2.1 or more channels
Verdict: A compact 2.0 soundbar with Dolby Atmos stated and no subwoofer.
14 Best 3.1.2 with Dolby Atmos
ULTIMEA Skywave F30 Boom TV Sound Bar with 3.1.2 Channel Dolby Atmos
- Channels
- 3.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$149.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:49 PDT - Details)
The listing states a 3.1.2 channel layout and Dolby Atmos, with a separate subwoofer. Compared with the Samsung HW-Q600C, the Skywave F30 states Dolby Atmos; compared with the Hisense AX3120Q, it does not name up-firing speakers.
Pros
- 3.1.2 channel layout stated
- Dolby Atmos support stated
- Separate subwoofer included according to the listing
- 6.5-inch driver named in the listing
Cons
- Up-firing speakers are not stated
- No rear speakers stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a 3.1.2 Atmos layout with a separate sub
- Buyers who want the only stated subwoofer driver size in this guide
Skip if
- Buyers who want named up-firing speakers
- Buyers who want rear speakers
Verdict: A 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos soundbar with a separate subwoofer and a stated 6.5-inch driver.
15 Best previous-generation Sonos Arc
The listing identifies this as the first-generation Sonos Arc and states HDMI ARC, without the Dolby Atmos note used on the newer Arc Ultra listing. It is the pick for buyers who want the earlier Arc and do not need the Ultra's stated Atmos feature.
Pros
- HDMI ARC stated
- Identified as the first-generation Sonos Arc in the listing
- Same Sonos ecosystem as the Arc Ultra pick
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated in the listing
- No separate subwoofer or rear speakers stated
- Channel layout is not stated
Good fit if
- Buyers shopping specifically for the first-generation Arc
- Buyers who want Sonos and only need ARC
Skip if
- Buyers who want the Arc Ultra's stated Dolby Atmos
- Buyers who want a stated channel layout
Verdict: A first-generation Sonos Arc with HDMI ARC and no Atmos note in the listing.
Specs compared
How we chose these
This guide starts with a catalogue of 15 soundbars that list HDMI ARC support. We kept a pick only when the maker's published listing stated the feature used for its award, such as Dolby Atmos, a separate subwoofer, rear speakers, or a particular channel count. Prices are live and read from each store listing at the time the page is shown, so they can change; we do not rank by price. No unit has been tested or measured. Every claim below is drawn from a product's stated specifications and the maker's published information.
What to look for
What HDMI ARC and eARC mean
HDMI ARC, or Audio Return Channel, is part of the HDMI specification maintained by the HDMI Forum through HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. A TV with an ARC-labeled HDMI port can send audio back down the same cable to a soundbar, which normally removes the need for a separate optical or analog audio connection. eARC is the enhanced version of the same return channel and appears in several listings in this guide, including the KEF XIO and Samsung HW-Q600C.
When you check a soundbar, confirm that both the TV and the soundbar label the port ARC or eARC. If a pick only says HDMI ARC, like the Sonos Arc (Gen 1) listing, plan for the standard ARC connection rather than assuming eARC.
Reading the channel count
Channel counts are the fastest way to sort these 15 picks. In this pool, 1 pick states a 2.0 layout, 2 state 2.1, 1 states 3.1, 3 state 3.1.2, 1 states 5.1, and 1 states 5.1.2. The remaining bars, including the Sonos Arc Ultra, Sonos Arc (Gen 1), and the Bose TV Speakers, do not state a channel layout in the listing.
A 2.0 bar sends left and right sound, a 2.1 bar adds one subwoofer channel, and a 3.1.2 bar adds a center plus two height channels. A 5.1.2 bar such as the KEF XIO states the fullest layout in this guide. If a listing does not state a channel count, treat that as an unknown and compare the features it does name.
Dolby Atmos, Dolby Audio, and DTS
Eight of the 15 picks state Dolby Atmos support: the Sonos Arc Ultra, Bose TV Speaker (2nd Gen), Bose Smart Ultra, Westinghouse 2.1, Westinghouse 2.0, Hisense AX3120Q, KEF XIO, and ULTIMEA Skywave F30. Of those, the Westinghouse 2.1 and Hisense AX3120Q also state DTS:X. The Hisense HS5100 states DTS Virtual:X but not Dolby Atmos.
Atmos and DTS:X are object-based formats that add height information when the content and the soundbar support it. Dolby Audio, which several Samsung and Hisense listings name, is a broader label and is not the same as a stated Dolby Atmos decode.
Separate subwoofers and rear speakers
Seven of the 15 soundbars state a separate subwoofer: the Sonos Arc Ultra Bundle, Hisense HS5100, Westinghouse 2.1, ULTIMEA Skywave F30, KEF XIO, Hisense HS2100, and Hisense AX3120Q. The Hisense HS5100 is the only pick in this guide that also states rear speakers, so it is the choice if the listing must include surround channels behind you.
For a one-piece bar with no separate bass unit, the Bose TV Speaker (2nd Gen), Sonos Arc Ultra, and Westinghouse 2.0 are examples that do not list a subwoofer. Confirm the listing before buying if an external subwoofer matters.
TV-specific and smart features
Samsung listings name Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound or Adaptive Sound Lite, and Game Mode or Game Mode Pro. The Bose Smart Ultra states Alexa and Google voice assistant support, and the Bose TV Speaker (2nd Gen) names Clear Dialogue.
These extras matter most when your TV is from the same maker or when you want voice control from the soundbar itself. They do not change the basic HDMI ARC connection, but they can make the soundbar easier to use with the rest of your setup.
Volume and hearing safety
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) notes that sounds at or below 70 dBA are unlikely to cause hearing loss, while long or repeated exposure at 85 dBA or above can. Soundbars do not publish exact dBA output in these listings, but a home theater session can push past safe levels if dialogue is hard to hear and you keep raising the volume. If you often watch at high volume, consider a pick with Clear Dialogue or dialogue-focused features before increasing overall loudness.
Questions
What is HDMI ARC?
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a feature of the HDMI standard that lets a TV send audio back to a soundbar on the same cable that carries video from a source. This guide only includes soundbars that state HDMI ARC support, so every pick here can use that connection. eARC is the enhanced version and is named on models such as the KEF XIO and Samsung HW-Q600C.
What is the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC?
eARC is the newer, higher-bandwidth version of the Audio Return Channel in the HDMI specification. Several listings in this guide name eARC directly, including the Samsung HW-Q600C, Samsung HW-Q60C, and KEF XIO, while others only say HDMI ARC. If the TV and soundbar both support eARC, you can use the enhanced return channel; if either end only supports ARC, the connection falls back to the older ARC mode.
Do I need Dolby Atmos in an HDMI ARC soundbar?
No. Eight of the 15 picks here state Dolby Atmos, but the rest rely on Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, DTS:X, or no stated surround format. Atmos adds height-oriented audio for content encoded in Atmos, but it requires both the source and soundbar to support it. For everyday TV and dialogue-heavy viewing, a clearly stated 2.1 or 3.1 system can be enough.
Which HDMI ARC soundbars include rear speakers?
Only one pick in this guide states rear speakers: the Hisense HS5100 5.1ch soundbar. It combines a 5.1 layout with rear surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer. The KEF XIO states a 5.1.2 layout, but its listing does not say rear speakers are included. If rear speakers matter, look for the word rear or surround in the listing before choosing.
Can I stream music to these soundbars over Bluetooth?
Some can. The Bose TV Speaker (2nd Gen), Hisense HS2100, and Hisense AX3120Q are among the picks here that state Bluetooth support. Bluetooth is separate from HDMI ARC: ARC handles TV audio, while Bluetooth is for streaming from a phone or tablet. Models without a Bluetooth note in the listing should not be assumed to have it.
How do I know which soundbar is loud enough?
The listings in this guide do not all state power output, so check for a number such as the Westinghouse 2.1's stated 120W RMS. NIDCD notes that long or repeated exposure to sound at 85 dBA or above can damage hearing. Choose a soundbar with dialogue features if you struggle to hear speech, and avoid turning up overall volume to compensate.
Update history
- : First published.