Which soundbar should you choose in 2025? Our top 3 comparison to transform your audio experience
Whether you're a home theater enthusiast, a demanding gamer, or simply a fan of beautiful soundscapes, you know how disappointing the sound of a TV alone can be. Too flat, too weak, sometimes even muddy, it struggles to convey the intensity of an action movie or the richness of a live concert. Fortunately, today's soundbars have radically changed the game.
In 2025, the market is full of models promising total immersion, but not all are equal. Between the advertised power, the supported audio formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, etc.), the connectivity options, or even the presence of rear speakers or a dedicated subwoofer, choosing becomes a real challenge, especially if you want to avoid unpleasant surprises.
To help you make the right choice, we tested three of this year's most popular soundbars, selected from among the best on the market. Listed in descending order of price, they cover different profiles and varied needs: from premium home theater systems to more affordable solutions, but without compromising on sound quality. Each model was rigorously evaluated, as if you were holding it in your hands, to offer you a clear, comprehensive, and, above all, useful comparison.
Table of Contents
Bose TV Speaker: Clarity Above All
When we mention the name Bose , we immediately think of high-end sound quality and recognized mastery of acoustics. With the Bose TV Speaker , the American brand is not seeking to compete with the most powerful or immersive systems on the market, but to respond to a very concrete problem: the clarity of dialogue . A challenge that many users face, especially in films or series where sound effects too often overwhelm the voices.
Positioned in a mid-price range , this compact sound bar is a targeted response to an essential need. Without being the brand's most technological model, it offers a sound experience that is both accessible and polished, based on optimized vocal intelligibility . During our test, this promise was kept from the first minutes: the dialogues become significantly more audible, without it being necessary to excessively increase the overall volume. A major asset for movie nights as well as for classic television sessions.
Beyond this vocal axis, the Bose TV Speaker stands out for its balanced and natural sound , pleasant on a daily basis. It doesn't try to overdo it: no artificial spatialization effect, no exaggerated boom in the bass, but a clear, precise and coherent reproduction , adapted to all types of content, from music to shows and streaming platforms. Its ultra-compact format allows it to fit seamlessly into even the most minimalist TV cabinets, without ever sacrificing sound quality.
The Pros and Cons of the Bose TV Speaker
✔ Exceptional dialogue clarity , ideal for movies and series.
✔ Balanced and neutral sound , pleasant on all types of content.
✔ Discreet and compact size , perfect for small spaces.
✔ Modern and comprehensive connectivity: Bluetooth for streaming and HDMI ARC for easy integration.
✔ “Bass” mode available , allowing bass reinforcement with one click.
✔ Excellent user reputation , a guarantee of reliability and satisfaction.
✖ Slightly higher price than other models with equivalent features.
✖ Lack of sound spatialization (no Dolby Atmos or rear speakers).
✖ Less power than larger soundbars.
✖ Limited bass without adding an external subwoofer (optional).
Sony HT-S40R: home cinema immersion at your fingertips
Moving down the price range slightly from other, more premium models, we discover a system that deserves special attention: the Sony HT-S40R . This is not a simple soundbar, but a true 5.1 home cinema , designed for those who want to experience their films, series and video games at the heart of the action . With its rear speakers, dedicated subwoofer and main bar, this configuration offers a much greater immersion than all-in-one solutions.
From the moment you install it, you can see that Sony's goal with this model is clear: to reproduce an authentic cinema atmosphere in your home Dolby Digital compatibility , the sound effects benefit from realistic directionality: voices come from the front, ambient noises surround you, and explosions vibrate with intensity. This type of sound reproduction is particularly effective in action scenes and gaming environments, where the spatial precision of the sound makes all the difference.
In terms of power, the Sony HT-S40R does not disappoint. With its 600W total , it can easily fill a large room without saturating, delivering clear, dynamic and ample sound. Connectivity lives up to expectations: HDMI ARC optical input , USB , Bluetooth ... It connects to most TVs, consoles and players without difficulty. And despite this 5.1 configuration, the price-performance ratio remains very competitive: you can access a real home cinema without having to invest astronomical sums.
Naturally, this rich sound comes at a price in terms of size. Installation is a little more complex than with a traditional soundbar, and the whole thing takes up more space in your living room. This system is therefore aimed more at an audience ready to make this compromise for an immersive audio experience , without breaking the bank.
The Pros and Cons of the Sony HT-S40R
✔ True 5.1 home theater system with rear speakers and subwoofer included.
✔ Dolby Digital technology for convincing sound spatialization.
✔ 600W power , ideal for large rooms.
✔ Full connectivity: HDMI ARC, optical, USB, Bluetooth.
✔ Very good value for money for a set of this size.
✖ Longer and more technical installation than a classic sound bar.
✖ Larger footprint , less discreet than an all-in-one system.
Samsung HW-T420: the best compromise between budget and performance
If your priority is to boost your TV's sound without breaking the bank, the Samsung HW-T420 is a particularly well-thought-out budget-friendly solution . This entry-level model demonstrates that affordability doesn't necessarily mean compromising on sound quality. For a price of around $100, this soundbar manages to tick a surprisingly high number of boxes.
What strikes you from the first uses is the presence of a wireless subwoofer . In this price range, it's rare, and it changes everything: the bass gains depth , the sound impact is clearer, and the listening experience simply becomes more lively. The system develops a total power of 150 W , more than enough for a living room or a medium-sized bedroom. The audio rendering, if it remains simple, is punchy , with a good tonal balance and clear reproduction of dialogues.
Smart Sound technology automatically adjusts audio settings based on the type of content being viewed: crisper dialogue for shows, enhanced bass for action movies, and more. A real plus for those who don't want to bother with manual settings. The design, meanwhile, remains understated and easy to integrate under any modern TV, with a sleek, understated black finish.
On the connectivity side, Bluetooth connectivity allows you to stream audio wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet. However, this soundbar does not include an HDMI ARC port , which will slightly limit the most modern installation possibilities. Likewise, the sound customization options are fairly basic. But given its ultra-competitive price positioning , these limitations are largely offset by the product's overall performance.
The pros and cons of the Samsung HW-T420
✔ Very affordable price , ideal for small budgets.
✔ Wireless subwoofer included , providing beautiful depth in the bass.
✔ 150W power , sufficient for a medium-sized room.
✔ Smart Sound technology , for automatic audio adjustment according to content.
✔ Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming.
✔ Elegant design , compact and easy to integrate.
✖ Less immersive than a true multi-channel home theater system.
✖ Limited connectivity: no HDMI ARC, nor advanced optical input.
✖ Simple audio settings , with few customization options.
Our final verdict: choosing your soundbar
After thoroughly testing and analyzing the three models presented in this comparison, it appears that each sound bar stands out with a clear proposition and specific advantages, depending on your use, the space you have available and your budget.
If your priority is dialogue clarity and you're looking for a compact soundbar that fits easily into your home, the Bose TV Speaker is a particularly good choice. It emphasizes vocal intelligibility while maintaining a natural and balanced sound. It's an ideal solution for viewers who primarily consume films, series, or programs where voices are at the forefront. Simple to use, well-designed, and discreet, it fulfills its mission perfectly.
Sony HT-S20R, on the other hand, offers a completely different experience. With its full 5.1 setup, including a subwoofer and rear speakers, it offers a much more immersive sound experience. This is the model to choose if you want to transform your living room into a real cinema. It's particularly suitable for fans of thrills and audio realism, without requiring a huge budget.
Finally, the Samsung HW-T420 is positioned as the best compromise for small budgets. Despite its very affordable price, it includes a wireless subwoofer and produces a powerful and pleasant sound. Its simple installation and sleek design make it an excellent choice for users looking for an efficient, accessible system without technical complexity.
| In summary | |
|---|---|
| Bose TV Speaker | Ideal for exemplary vocal clarity and a discreet format. |
| Sony HT-S20R | Perfect for home cinema immersion thanks to its true 5.1 system. |
| Samsung HW-T420 | Great value for money for those who want big sound at a lower cost. |
Whatever your profile, one of these soundbars will meet your expectations. The key is to clearly identify your priorities, between sound precision, immersion, and ease of use.
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