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Best Sound Bars of 2017

Posted: 29 Jan 2017 07:40 AM PST

Soundbars are often mistaken for Bluetooth speakers. But now, even they can stream music via Bluetooth, so there isn't much separating these two. Soundbars are meant for those listening to low-quality audio, muffled audio from their television speakers. They offer top-notch hardware for the best possible output and you will notice a world of difference once they are set up. That is not all. Soundbars are sleek and non-obtrusive and will go well in any room. So, this is my take on the Best 2017 Soundbars that you can buy right now.

Philips Fidelio B5

The Fidelio B5 offers the complete package. It comes with a sound bar, 2 surround speakers, and a subwoofer. They can be used for on-demand surround sound by placing them where you like and connecting them wirelessly. With support for Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II surround, you'll never go back to your old TV speakers ever again. The Fidelio B5 speakers can also be used as Bluetooth speakers. With so many advantages it is obvious why it is present on the list of the Best Soundbars you can buy right now.

Razer Leviathan

The Fidelio B5 from Philips costs $700. Naturally, you would think that something from Razer would cost as much. But the Razer Leviathan comes just under $200 making it an extremely enticing option for many. It is compact and supports 5.1 surround sound. Due to its small size, it is apt for desktop monitors rather than larger TVs but works well in both cases. This one supports live Bluetooth streaming as well and is the Best Soundbar for budget users.

Bose SoundTouch 300

There can never be a list of audio products without a product from Bose. You might be a bit skeptical about the pricing but even this one costs $700. But unlike the Fidelio B5, it doesn't come with surround speakers and a subwoofer. Don't mistake this for bad sound quality. The SoundTouch 300 might just be the best investment you make for an audio product. It uses technologies like ADAPTiQ, QuietPort and Bose's PhaseGuide for an unforgettable experience.

Sony HT-NT5

The Sony HT-NT5 is my favorite soundbar for its sleek design. You might be wondering what's different in a soundbar's design. One look at the picture above and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Even though it is extremely slim, Sony hasn't compromised on the features. The HT-NT5 supports Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as the ability to add compatible speakers wirelessly. This is the best Soundbar in terms of design.

Sonos Playbar

Sonos might be a brand that will not strike a chord along with names like Yamaha, Bose, Philips and Sony. But Sonos has been producing smart speakers for over 15 years and they know what they're doing. The Playbar also costs $700 but take a minute before judging it. There are nine amplified drivers, six mid-woofers and three high range tweeters built into this beast for the ultimate audio-visual experience. Never miss a dialogue and be at the heart of all the action with one of the Best Soundbars that you can buy right now.

Focal Dimension

This one is another beast from a lesser known brand. For a price tag of nearly $1000, you'd only expect the best of the best. The Focal Dimension is extremely large and is for those looking unmatched sound quality. The subwoofer that comes with it can easily support TVs of screen sizes up to 70-inches. This is largely because of the rigid frame of the subwoofer. The bundle with the subwoofer comes for around $1000, while the one without the subwoofer comes for $800.

Samsung HW-K950

Now we're entering a segment of soundbars that have very little between them and are at the epitome of sound quality. If you want an experience that you would only get from a multiplex, the HW-K950 is the one for you. At a price tag of $1,300, it is not meant for everyone. It comes with 15 built-in speakers, which includes 4 upward firing ones, and rear wireless speakers. This will definitely transport you out of this world and is the runner-up in our list of the Best Soundbars that you can buy right now.

Yamaha YSP-5600

Last, but not the least, is a powerhouse from Yamaha. The YSP-5600 is the world's first soundbar with support for 7.1.2 multi-channel surround sound. What's more? It comes with 46 speaker drivers and uses Yamaha's very own Digital Sound Projector technology for delivering Dolby Atmos and DTS-X. The YSP-5600 is also the first soundbar to create height channels. This means that six array speakers are placed on each end at an angle to give you the feeling of realistic sound from the ceiling. At a price tag of nearly $1,600, it is the most expensive soundbar in our list of the Best Soundbars, as well as the best overall winner.