Best Soundbars with Rear Speakers in 2026: 15 Picks Compared
We make the Samsung HW-Q930F our top pick when you want physical rear speakers. The listing combines a stated 9.1.4 channel layout, a separate subwoofer, wireless rear speakers, and Dolby Atmos in one package. To choose the rest, we compared 15 models from a pool of 19 rear-speaker soundbars using only the sellers' stated specs and the site's live listings.
15 picks from 37 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 upgrade: You want real rear speakers and a separate subwoofer without chasing a large channel count. The LG S40TR is straightforward: the listing specifies 5.1 channels, separate rear speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. See pick 9
- For Dolby Atmos home theater: Dolby Atmos is your priority, with enough channels to fill a living room. The Samsung HW-Q930F states 9.1.4 channels, wireless rear speakers, a separate subwoofer, and Dolby Atmos. See pick 1
- For a 5.1 Dolby Atmos setup: You want surround sound without moving to a 7.1 or higher system. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus states 5.1 channels, a separate subwoofer, surround speakers, and Dolby Atmos in one package. See pick 6
- For rear speakers without a separate sub: If you only want the rear effect and do not want to place a separate subwoofer, the LG S6FTR lists 5.1 channels and rear speakers with no separate subwoofer stated. See pick 15
All 15 picks in detail
1 Best overall
Samsung HW-Q930F Q-Series Soundbar
- Channels
- 7.1 and up
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$979.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:07 PDT - Details)
The HW-Q930F is the best-supported full package in this group. Its listing states a 9.1.4 channel layout, a separate subwoofer, wireless rear speakers, and Dolby Atmos, which covers the features most people buy rear speakers for. The two picks with more channels leave out at least one of those stated pieces: the Q990F does not list Dolby Atmos, and the JBL Bar 1300X does not list a separate subwoofer.
Pros
- 9.1.4 channel layout stated in the listing
- Wireless rear speakers and separate subwoofer both included
- Dolby Atmos listed
- One of the highest channel counts here with all three listening elements stated
Cons
- DTS:X is not stated by the seller
- 9.1.4 channels are fewer than the 11.1.4 layouts of two picks
Good fit if
- Anyone replacing a 5.1 system with a fuller living-room setup
- Viewers who want Atmos plus real rear and subwoofer channels
Skip if
- Anyone who specifically wants DTS:X support stated in the listing
- Buyers who only need a basic 5.1 layout
Verdict: The HW-Q930F is the most complete stated rear-speaker package in this guide.
2 Best 11.1.4 for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
JBL Bar 1300X
- Channels
- 7.1 and up
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$1,199.95 (as of 10/27/2026 00:42 PDT - Details)
The JBL Bar 1300X states an 11.1.4 channel layout with detachable surround speakers, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. It is the only pick here that combines a stated 11.1.4 layout with both formats, though the seller does not list a separate subwoofer.
Pros
- 11.1.4 channel layout, the top count in this list along with the Samsung Q990F
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X both stated
- Detachable surround speakers let the bar shrink when rear channels are not needed
Cons
- Separate subwoofer not stated by the seller
- No channel-count details beyond the 11.1.4 layout are given by the seller
Good fit if
- Home theater owners who want the highest stated channel count and both major object-based formats
- People who like detachable rear speakers for flexible placement
Skip if
- Anyone who wants a separate subwoofer explicitly listed in the bundle
- Basic TV viewers who rarely use Atmos or DTS:X content
Verdict: The Bar 1300X is the strongest statement-spec 11.1.4 system for format-heavy buyers.
3 Best 11.1.4 with separate subwoofer
Samsung Q-series Soundbar HW-Q990F 11.1.4 ch Subwoofer + Rear Speaker
- Channels
- 7.1 and up
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$2,199.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:08 PDT - Details)
The Samsung HW-Q990F is the only 11.1.4 pick here whose listing names a separate subwoofer alongside its rear speaker. It does not state Dolby Atmos, so it is aimed at buyers who care less about that format and more about a complete speaker layout.
Pros
- Stated 11.1.4 channel layout, tied for the highest count here
- Separate subwoofer and rear speaker both named in the listing
- Samsung Q-Series naming matches the top tier of the company's soundbar line
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated in the listing
- DTS:X is not stated in the listing
Good fit if
- Buyers who want maximum channel count plus a clearly stated subwoofer
- Samsung TV owners interested in a Q-Series soundbar
Skip if
- People who want Atmos or DTS:X listed on the spec sheet
- Buyers who prefer detachable rear speakers over separate wireless units
Verdict: The HW-Q990F is the 11.1.4 choice when a separate subwoofer matters most, as long as you can skip listed Atmos.
4 Best 7.1.4 with detachable surround
JBL Bar 1000MK2-7.1.4 Channel soundbar System
- Channels
- 7.1 and up
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$799.99 (as of 10/27/2026 00:42 PDT - Details)
The JBL Bar 1000MK2 gives a stated 7.1.4 layout, separate subwoofer, detachable surround speakers, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X. It sits below the 9.1.4 and 11.1.4 systems above but adds more stated pieces than many cheaper 5.1 bars.
Pros
- 7.1.4 channel layout with both Atmos and DTS:X stated
- Separate subwoofer listed
- Detachable surround speakers included
Cons
- Lower channel count than the 9.1.4 and 11.1.4 systems here
- Only one channel-count tier is offered in this model
Good fit if
- Buyers who want Atmos, DTS:X, a sub, and rear speakers without an 11.1.4 footprint
- Fans of JBL detachable surround bars
Skip if
- Anyone who wants more than seven horizontal channels
- Buyers who would rather have wireless rear speakers than detachable ones
Verdict: A well-rounded 7.1.4 bundle with every major feature spelled out in the listing.
5 Best 5.1 for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
TCL S65K S Series 5.1 Channel Soundbar System with Dolby Atmos
- Channels
- 5.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
The TCL S65K is the only pick with a 5.1 layout that lists both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it also states a wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers. That makes it a complete 5.1 package for people who do not need more channels.
Pros
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X both stated
- 5.1 channel layout with wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers
- Simple upgrade path from TV speakers
Cons
- Only 5.1 channels, so height effects depend on Atmos processing rather than extra speakers
- Channel layouts above 5.1 are not offered in this model
Good fit if
- Viewers with Atmos and DTS:X content who want a complete 5.1 setup
- Rooms without space for a 9.1 or 11.1 speaker spread
Skip if
- Buyers who want more than a 5.1 layout
- People who need a smart soundbar platform rather than a plain audio bar
Verdict: The S65K packs the two big surround formats into a practical 5.1 system.
6 Best 5.1 with Dolby Atmos
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers
- Channels
- 5.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$414.99 (as of 10/27/2026 05:36 PDT - Details)
The Fire TV Soundbar Plus states 5.1 channels, a separate subwoofer, surround speakers, and Dolby Atmos in one box. It shares the same channel count as the TCL pick but does not list DTS:X, keeping its spec sheet simpler.
Pros
- 5.1 channel layout with separate subwoofer and surround speakers
- Dolby Atmos listed
- Fire TV branding points to a streaming-oriented product
Cons
- DTS:X is not stated in the listing
- Only 5.1 channels in the stated layout
Good fit if
- Streaming viewers who want Atmos in a 5.1 package
- Buyers who prefer a named product ecosystem from the Fire TV line
Skip if
- Anyone who needs DTS:X support listed
- Buyers with a large room who want 7.1.4 or higher channels
Verdict: A clean 5.1 Atmos option with surround speakers and a subwoofer in the listing.
7 Best complete 5.1 theater system
Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 5.1ch Soundbar
- Channels
- 5.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$798.00 (as of 10/27/2026 02:27 PDT - Details)
The Sony BRAVIA Theater System 6 lists a 5.1 channel count, separate subwoofer, and rear speakers under a Theater System name. It keeps the package straightforward, but does not state Dolby Atmos or DTS:X in the pool entry.
Pros
- Complete 5.1 theater system with subwoofer and rear speakers
- BRAVIA Theater series naming aligns it with Sony TV products
- Straightforward layout with all physical pieces listed
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated in the listing
- DTS:X is not stated in the listing
Good fit if
- People replacing a TV-only setup with a simple 5.1 system
- Buyers in the Sony BRAVIA ecosystem who want a matched theater product
Skip if
- Viewers who require Atmos or DTS:X in the spec sheet
- Buyers who want more than five satellite channels
Verdict: A no-frills 5.1 theater system with all three physical pieces listed.
8 Best 5.1 with HDMI ARC listed
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 Hisense HS5100 is the only pick here whose pool entry lists HDMI ARC, and it pairs that with a 5.1 layout, wireless subwoofer, and rear surround speakers. Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X are the stated formats, not Dolby Atmos.
Pros
- HDMI ARC explicitly listed, useful for TV audio return
- 5.1 layout with wireless subwoofer and rear speakers
- Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X stated
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated in the listing
- Channel count is limited to 5.1
Good fit if
- TV owners who want one HDMI ARC connection for soundbar audio
- Buyers who want rear speakers and a sub without Atmos
Skip if
- People who specifically need Dolby Atmos
- Viewers who want a higher channel count than 5.1
Verdict: The HS5100 is the standout 5.1 pick when HDMI ARC matters and Atmos is not required.
9 Best 5.1 with rear speakers and wireless subwoofer
LG S40TR 4.1 ch. Home Theater Soundbar
- Channels
- 5.1
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$199.99 (as of 10/27/2026 01:02 PDT - Details) Typical price: $249.99, 20% off
The LG S40TR keeps the rear-speaker idea simple: the pool entry lists 5.1 channels, separate rear speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. It does not list Dolby Atmos, so it is best for buyers who care more about the rear channel than the format name.
Pros
- 5.1 channels with separate rear speakers
- Wireless subwoofer stated
- LG home theater lineup, a familiar brand in soundbars
Cons
- Dolby Atmos is not stated in the listing
- No DTS:X stated
Good fit if
- Buyers who want true rear speakers without an Atmos requirement
- Smaller rooms where a 5.1 system is enough
Skip if
- Viewers who want Dolby Atmos listed
- Anyone looking for more than five horizontal channels
Verdict: A no-nonsense 5.1 rear-speaker package with a wireless sub.
10 Best 5.1.2 with detachable surround
JBL Bar 800-5.1.2-Channel soundbar
- Channels
- 5.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$849.95 (as of 10/27/2026 00:42 PDT - Details)
The JBL Bar 800 states a 5.1.2 channel layout with detachable surround speakers, a 10-inch wireless subwoofer in the name, and Dolby Atmos. It occupies a niche between the plain 5.1 bars and the larger 7.1.4 models.
Pros
- 5.1.2 channel layout with height channels stated
- Dolby Atmos listed
- Detachable surround speakers and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer named
Cons
- DTS:X is not stated in the listing
- Fewer channels than the 7.1.4 and higher systems here
Good fit if
- Viewers who want Atmos height effects without a 7.1.4 speaker layout
- Buyers who like detachable rear speakers
Skip if
- People who need DTS:X listed
- Large rooms that would benefit from 7.1.4 or 9.1.4
Verdict: A middle-ground JBL system with detachable rears and Atmos.
11 Best 5.1 with detachable surround and Dolby Atmos
JBL Bar 700: 5.1-Channel soundbar
- Channels
- 5.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$499.95 (as of 10/27/2026 00:42 PDT - Details)
The JBL Bar 700 is the simpler sibling to the Bar 800 in this guide. It states a 5.1 layout with detachable surround speakers and Dolby Atmos, but the pool entry does not list a separate subwoofer.
Pros
- 5.1 channel layout with detachable surround speakers
- Dolby Atmos stated
- JBL detachable surround design used across the Bar series
Cons
- Separate subwoofer not stated by the seller
- Only 5.1 channels, no 5.1.2 height layer as on the JBL Bar 800
Good fit if
- Buyers who want detachable rear channels in a compact system
- People who already have a subwoofer or do not need one listed
Skip if
- Anyone who wants a separate subwoofer in the listing
- Viewers who require a 5.1.2 or higher layout
Verdict: A lean 5.1 Atmos option with detachable surrounds, but bass is left unstated.
12 Best premium modular kit with dedicated rear speakers
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Sound Bar
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$2,944.00 (as of 10/27/2026 02:27 PDT - Details)
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 kit pairs the Theater Bar 9 soundbar with the Sub 9 wireless subwoofer and Rear 9 wireless rear speakers. The pool entry gives no channel count or Atmos/DTS:X details, so it earns its place by bundling every physical piece in a premium configuration.
Pros
- Soundbar, separate subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers all bundled
- Sony BRAVIA Theater family naming
- Sub 9 and Rear 9 are matched components in the listing
Cons
- Channel count not stated by the seller
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X not stated in the pool entry
Good fit if
- Buyers who want a complete premium Sony stack without reading separate product pages
- People who prioritize matched components over format claims
Skip if
- Shoppers who need a channel count or Atmos/DTS:X spelled out
- Buyers who do not need a multi-piece premium kit
Verdict: A premium matched kit for buyers who already trust the BRAVIA Theater brand.
13 Best Dolby Atmos kit with named surround speakers
Harman-Kardon Enchant-1100 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$1,689.80 (as of 10/27/2026 00:23 PDT - Details)
The Harman Kardon Enchant 1100 group includes the Enchant soundbar, Enchant Sub, and Enchant Surround speakers, with Dolby Atmos stated. It carries no channel count in the pool entry, so it is less spec-verbose than Samsung or JBL systems but still names all three pieces.
Pros
- Dolby Atmos stated
- Enchant Sub and Enchant Surround speakers named in the listing
- Separate subwoofer and rear speakers both included
Cons
- Channel count not stated by the seller
- DTS:X not stated in the listing
Good fit if
- Buyers who like the Harman Kardon Enchant product family
- People who want a complete Atmos kit with named rear speakers
Skip if
- Anyone who wants a specific channel count such as 5.1 or 11.1.4 in the spec sheet
- Buyers who prefer detachable surrounds over separate speaker units
Verdict: A complete named-component Atmos kit, though the channel count stays unspecified.
14 Best 3.1.2 system
Samsung Q-Series Soundbar HW-QS700F 3.1.2 ch Subwoofer
- Channels
- 3.1
- Dolby Atmos
- Yes
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
$895.98 (as of 10/27/2026 02:08 PDT - Details)
The Samsung Q-Series HW-QS700F is the only pick whose listing states a 3.1.2 layout, with a separate subwoofer and Dolby Atmos. It still has rear speakers in the pool, making it a compact way to add rear channels without building out a full 5.1 spread.
Pros
- 3.1.2 channel layout with a separate subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos stated
- Convertible Fit is named in the listing for adjustable setup
Cons
- Only 3.1 horizontal channels, fewer than every 5.1 pick here
- Rear speaker details are less explicit than on the multi-piece Samsung systems
Good fit if
- Smaller rooms where a full 5.1 spread is overkill
- Buyers who want Atmos plus rear speakers in a compact unit
Skip if
- Home theater owners who want a true 5.1 or higher surround layout
- Anyone who expects all rear-speaker placement details in the listing
Verdict: A compact Atmos option with rear speakers built into a 3.1.2 design.
15 Best 5.1 with rear speakers and no listed subwoofer
LG S6FTR 5.1 ch Home Theater Soundbar
- Channels
- 5.1
- Subwoofer
- Separate
- Rear speakers
- Yes
- HDMI ARC or eARC
- Yes
$310.42 (as of 10/27/2026 01:02 PDT - Details)
The LG S6FTR states a 5.1 channel layout and rear speakers but, unlike the other LG 5.1 pick, does not list a separate subwoofer. The name shows it as a home theater soundbar with rear speakers, which suits buyers who want the rear effect without placing another bass box.
Pros
- 5.1 channel layout with rear speakers listed
- Dolby Audio stated
- Simple LG soundbar with no separate subwoofer to place
Cons
- Separate subwoofer not stated by the seller
- No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X stated
Good fit if
- People who want rear speakers in a compact setup without a separate sub
- TV viewers who mainly watch broadcast and streaming, not object-based formats
Skip if
- Buyers who want a subwoofer listed in the package
- Anyone who wants Dolby Atmos listed
Verdict: The leanest way in this guide to get rear speakers without a listed subwoofer.
Specs compared
How we chose these
The rear-speaker filter returned 24 priced listings on the feed before near-duplicate entries were folded; that left 19 distinct products, and we selected 15 for this guide. Shortlisting rules were: keep only listings that state rear speakers are included, remove duplicate models, prefer products from established makers, and preserve a range from compact 5.1 bars to 11.1.4 systems. We did not run audio tests or listen to any unit. Prices shown on the page are read live from the product listings at the time printed next to each model, so they can change. The comparisons below are based on stated specifications and maker-published listing details only.
What to look for
What rear speakers add to a soundbar
The three numbers in a system like 7.1.4 stand for horizontal channels, subwoofer channels, and height channels. Rear speakers are part of the horizontal count: in a 5.1 layout, the 5 includes left, center, right, and two surround or rear channels. This guide is limited to listings where the seller states rear speakers are included, so the surround channels are real physical outputs, not only virtual processing.
Channel counts: 5.1, 5.1.2, 7.1.4, 9.1.4, and 11.1.4
The listings here range from compact 3.1.2 bars to full 11.1.4 systems. A 5.1 system with rear speakers is the classic surround setup; 5.1.2 adds two height channels; 7.1.4, 9.1.4, and 11.1.4 add more speakers in front, around, and above. More channels usually means more speakers to place, so match the layout to your room and the content you watch.
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and virtual formats
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are spatial audio formats that add height and placement information. Some listings in this guide state both, some state only Atmos, and some state Dolby Audio or DTS Virtual:X instead. DTS Virtual:X is not DTS:X; a listing that says Virtual:X is describing a virtual processing mode, not the full object-based format. If a format matters to you, look for it by name in the listing.
Subwoofer and rear speaker placement
Many of the picks list a separate wireless subwoofer, which handles deep bass; others state no separate subwoofer at all. Rear speakers can be described as wireless rear speakers, detachable surround speakers, or simply rear speakers. Whether they are wireless or detachable, they still need a location behind or beside the listening position. Check the listing for placement details and for how the speakers connect to the bar.
Connections: HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and TV compatibility
Most modern soundbars connect to a TV through HDMI, and the HDMI specification includes the ARC feature that carries audio from the TV back to the bar. If your TV has an ARC-capable HDMI port, a bar with HDMI ARC listed, like the Hisense HS5100, gives you a clearer connection path. Bluetooth Classic is a common radio for wireless audio streaming, but it is not the same as a multi-channel surround connection; check the TV output and the soundbar inputs for surround formats.
Questions
What does rear_speakers mean in a soundbar listing?
It means the seller states that the system includes physical rear or surround speakers, not just software that fakes rear sound. In a 5.1 layout, rear speakers are part of the first number. All picks in this guide have that specification set to true, so the rear effect is based on real speaker channels rather than virtual processing.
Do I need HDMI ARC for a rear-speaker soundbar?
Not always, but HDMI ARC makes it easier to pass TV audio to a soundbar with one cable and can carry the formats your TV supports. The HDMI specification covers ARC and related audio return features. Check whether your TV's HDMI port is labeled ARC or eARC; a bar that lists HDMI ARC, like the Hisense HS5100, is a direct choice for that kind of connection.
Are detachable surround speakers the same as wireless rear speakers?
Not exactly. Detachable surround speakers, found on several JBL bars here, are part of the main soundbar and pull off to sit behind you. Wireless rear speakers are separate units listed alongside the bar and subwoofer. Both count as rear speakers in this guide, but they have different setup considerations, so read the listing for how each model expects you to place them.
Is Dolby Atmos required for good rear speakers?
No. Rear speakers create the surround effect in a channel-based system, while Dolby Atmos adds height-related information on top of it. Many picks in this guide do not state Dolby Atmos and still deliver real rear channels. If you want Atmos, look for the name in the listing; if you only want rear sound, a 5.1 system can be enough.
Can loud movie volume damage hearing?
Yes. The NIDCD says long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss, and movie theater sound can range much higher. For home theater, keep volume at a level where speech stays comfortable and take breaks. It is a particularly good habit with action-heavy surround mixes that push rear channels loudly.
Update history
- : First published.