Best Soundbars Under $700 in 2026: 5 Picks Compared on Specs

Updated on Oct 27, 2026

The JBL Bar 500MK2 is our top pick for a soundbar under $700. It offers 5.1 channels and a separate wireless subwoofer, the fullest channel layout among the five models we compared. We selected these soundbars from the current catalogue using only the specifications listed by the seller, and we did not test any unit. Prices on this page update live, so the numbers you see are as of the date shown.

5 picks from 13 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 home theater enthusiasts: You mainly watch movies and want a separate subwoofer and 5.1 channels; the JBL Bar 500MK2 is the strongest match. See pick 1
• For apartment dwellers needing a slim bar: If you have limited space and prefer a compact bar without a separate subwoofer, the Samsung S800D stands out with its stated slim design. See pick 2
• For dialogue clarity: When you struggle to hear dialogue clearly, the Bose Smart Ultra lists A.I. Dialogue Mode and HDMI ARC, making it the pick to consider. See pick 3
• For multiroom audio: If you want to stream to different rooms or expand later, the Sonos Beam Ultra is the only pick that lists multiroom audio. See pick 4

All 5 picks in detail

1 Best overall

JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 Channel soundbar System with Dolby Atmos

Channels

5.1

Dolby Atmos

Yes

Subwoofer

Separate

$499.95 (as of 10/27/2026 00:42 PDT - Details)

Outside this guide's budget at today's price.

View on Amazon

This is the only pick with a 5.1-channel configuration and a separate wireless subwoofer. Combined with Dolby Atmos and a stated 750W system power, it offers the most complete home-theater setup under $700.

Pros

• 5.1 channels, the most of any soundbar in this list
• Separate wireless subwoofer included
• Dolby Atmos support
• 750W system power stated in the product title

Cons

• Requires extra space for the separate subwoofer
• HDMI ARC support not stated by the seller
• No voice-enhancement feature is mentioned in the listing

Good fit if

• Home-theater enthusiasts who want a separate subwoofer
• Movie and game sessions with spatial audio

Skip if

• You want a single bar without a separate speaker unit
• You need HDMI ARC connectivity for your TV

Verdict: The JBL Bar 500MK2 offers the fullest channel and subwoofer package available under $700.

2 Best slim design

SAMSUNG S800D 3.1.2ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio

Channels

3.1

Dolby Atmos

Yes

$647.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:08 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

The listing names an ultra-slim design, and it is the only pick that states a 3.1-channel layout. It includes Dolby Atmos and lists Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Pro features, making it a compact pick with room-filling technology.

Pros

• 3.1 channels with Dolby Atmos
• Slim design as stated in the product title
• Q-Symphony and SpaceFit Sound Pro are named in the listing
• Suitable for smaller spaces without a separate subwoofer

Cons

• Only 3.1 channels, fewer than the JBL's 5.1
• No separate subwoofer is mentioned
• HDMI ARC support not stated by the seller

Good fit if

• Viewers who want a slim soundbar that fits under a wall-mounted TV
• People who prefer a built-in bass without an extra box

Skip if

• You want a 5.1-channel layout with a separate subwoofer
• You need HDMI ARC for your TV connection

Verdict: The S800D brings a slim profile and 3.1-channel Dolby Atmos sound to this price tier.

3 Best voice clarity

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)

View on Amazon

Bose specifically names A.I. Dialogue Mode in the product title, which points to a focus on dialogue enhancement. It also lists HDMI ARC and Dolby Atmos, giving it strong compatibility with modern TVs.

Pros

• A.I. Dialogue Mode is stated in the product name
• Dolby Atmos support
• HDMI ARC connection listed
• All-in-one bar design without a separate subwoofer

Cons

• Channel configuration not stated by the seller
• No separate subwoofer mentioned
• No power output or additional audio features are listed

Good fit if

• TV viewers who struggle to hear dialogue clearly
• People who want a single bar with HDMI ARC for easy TV hookup

Skip if

• You want a 5.1-channel setup with a separate subwoofer
• You need multiroom audio (not stated)

Verdict: The Bose Smart Ultra is the pick to consider when dialogue clarity is your top priority.

4 Best for multiroom audio

Sonos Beam Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos and Multiroom Audio

Dolby Atmos

Yes

Subwoofer

Separate

$699.00 (as of 10/27/2026 02:26 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

The product title lists Dolby Atmos and multiroom audio, and Sonos is known for its ecosystem, though we only rely on the stated feature. It is a compact bar without a separate subwoofer.

Pros

• Dolby Atmos support
• Multiroom audio is named in the product title
• Single-bar design for simpler placement

Cons

• Channel configuration not stated
• No subwoofer information provided
• No HDMI ARC listed

Good fit if

• People who want a single bar with multiroom capabilities
• Listeners planning to expand with other Sonos speakers (based on the stated multiroom feature)

Skip if

• You need a 5.1-channel system
• You want a separate subwoofer for deep bass

Verdict: If multiroom audio matters most, the Sonos Beam Ultra is the only pick that lists that feature.

5 Best basic soundbar

Sonos Beam (Gen 1)

$649.99 (as of 10/27/2026 02:26 PDT - Details)

View on Amazon

This is the only pick with no channel, Dolby Atmos, or subwoofer information in the listing. It serves as a straightforward soundbar for buyers who want a simple upgrade without extra audio features.

Pros

• White color finish as stated
• No separate subwoofer needed
• Basic soundbar that may suit a simple TV setup

Cons

• No channel configuration stated
• No Dolby Atmos support indicated
• No HDMI ARC or other connection details are given

Good fit if

• Shoppers who want a straightforward soundbar for everyday TV
• People who don't need surround or Atmos features

Skip if

• You want Dolby Atmos or a channel count you can verify
• You need a separate subwoofer or multiroom audio

Verdict: The Sonos Beam Gen1 is a bare-bones soundbar for those who want the smallest feature set.

Specs compared

How we chose these

We started with the product catalogue for soundbars in this price range. After removing a duplicate configuration, five unique models remained. Each pick was evaluated on the stated specifications: channel configuration (3.1, 5.1, or not listed), Dolby Atmos support, subwoofer type (separate or built-in), and any other features named in the product title. We also cross-checked connection standards using the HDMI and Bluetooth specifications. No soundbar was physically tested; all claims in this guide are drawn from the listings or the cited sources. The prices shown on this page are read live from the store listing and can change at any time.

What to look for

Channel configuration: what 3.1 and 5.1 mean

The numbers before the decimal indicate the number of speakers in the bar plus a subwoofer channel. A 3.1 system has three main channels (left, center, right) and one subwoofer. A 5.1 system adds two surround channels, creating a more enveloping sound for movies and games. In this list, the JBL Bar 500MK2 is the only 5.1 model; the Samsung S800D is the only one that lists a 3.1 layout. The other three picks do not state their channel count.

Dolby Atmos: what it adds to a soundbar

Dolby Atmos is an object-based audio format that adds height information to the soundstage. Soundbars that support Atmos can reposition effects overhead or simulate that effect. Four of the five picks here list Dolby Atmos support. The Sonos Beam Gen1 does not, so if you want that feature, choose one of the others.

Separate subwoofer vs built-in bass

A separate subwoofer is a distinct speaker unit that reproduces low frequencies. It usually delivers deeper bass than a built-in bar, but it takes up extra floor space. Among the five picks, only the JBL Bar 500MK2 includes a separate subwoofer. The other models rely on the bar's internal drivers for bass, which is not specified beyond the channel count.

HDMI ARC and connecting to your TV

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets a soundbar receive audio from the TV through a single HDMI cable, and eARC increases bandwidth. Among the picks, only the Bose Smart Ultra explicitly lists HDMI ARC. The others do not mention it in their listings, so you may need to rely on optical or Bluetooth connections if the TV lacks ARC. For the latest HDMI capabilities, see the HDMI spec page.

Bluetooth and wireless connectivity

Bluetooth is the standard for streaming audio from a phone or tablet to a soundbar. The Bluetooth technology page describes the Classic and LE radios. None of the five listings specify which Bluetooth version they use, so if you plan to stream over Bluetooth, check the product details on the store page.

Questions

Do I need a soundbar with Dolby Atmos for a typical TV?

Dolby Atmos improves spatial audio if your content supports it, but it is not required for clear dialogue. If you mostly watch news or sports, a simpler soundbar without Atmos may be enough. Four of the five picks here list Atmos, so you can choose based on other features.

What is the difference between 3.1 and 5.1 channels?

The first number is the number of full-range speakers, and the second is the subwoofer count. A 3.1 system has left, center, and right channels; a 5.1 system adds two surround speakers. The JBL Bar 500MK2 is the only 5.1 model here, while the Samsung S800D is the only one that lists 3.1.

Can I use a soundbar without a separate subwoofer?

Yes, many soundbars have internal drivers for bass. The Samsung, Bose, and both Sonos models do not list a separate subwoofer, so they rely on their built-in speakers. If you want a dedicated subwoofer, choose the JBL, which includes one.

How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?

The most common connections are HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth. Among the picks, only the Bose Smart Ultra lists HDMI ARC. For the others, you may need to use the TV's optical output or check for other connection types. See the HDMI page for details on ARC and eARC.

Update history

• 2026-10-05: First published.

Sources

• HDMI Licensing Administrator
• Bluetooth Technology Overview
• Consumer Technology Association
• Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIDCD)