10 Best Soundbars 2025 in the UK

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a versatile soundbar designed to enhance your audio experience with its impressive 3.1 channel setup, offering clear dialogue via a dedicated center channel. This soundbar integrates Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, providing immersive 3D sound that envelops you, making it ideal for movie nights and sports events. Its all-in-one design includes a built-in subwoofer, eliminating the need for separate components, which is convenient for users seeking a tidy setup without sacrificing bass quality.

The soundbar is relatively compact, with measurements of 6.4 cm x 94.0 cm x 13.2 cm, making it suitable for various living spaces without being obtrusive. Connectivity is seamless with HDMI eARC/ARC ports, enabling simple and synced audio setup, and Bluetooth support allows for versatile streaming from mobile devices. Smart features cater to Fire TV users, with remote control integration simplifying operation.

While the sound modes (Film, Music, Sport, Night) are a thoughtful addition, offering sound optimization based on content type, this may appeal more to users with diverse viewing habits. However, those seeking a soundbar with external subwoofer options might find the built-in subwoofer limiting. Although the soundbar is compatible with most TVs and media players, it primarily enhances experiences when used with Fire TV setups, potentially limiting appeal for users with other smart TV ecosystems. The included accessories, such as wall mount kits and remote, make for an easy installation process. The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a strong contender for those prioritizing ease of use, integrated smart features, and immersive sound quality.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is a compact 2.0 channel sound system designed to enhance your TV's audio experience. With its sleek design, it fits well into most entertainment setups, offering an easy-to-install solution with its HDMI eARC/ARC port connectivity. The soundbar provides an immersive audio experience thanks to DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, delivering three-dimensional surround sound and clearer dialogue. This makes it a good fit for those who want better sound quality from their TV without the bulkiness of more extensive surround sound systems.

Connectivity is further enhanced by Bluetooth support, allowing you to stream music from your phone or tablet effortlessly. Although it does not include a subwoofer, which might limit the depth of bass for bass enthusiasts, the dual speakers still manage to produce a reasonably deep bass sound for general use. Smart features are a highlight, as the soundbar is designed to integrate seamlessly with Fire TV, offering the convenience of controlling both TV and audio with a single remote. This makes it particularly appealing for users within the Amazon ecosystem or those who frequently use streaming services.

Sustainability is considered with the use of 18% recycled materials, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. However, it's worth noting that the soundbar’s audio power of 2 x 20W might not satisfy users looking for high-power audio output for larger rooms. This soundbar suits users looking for an affordable, easy-to-use audio upgrade to their smart TV setup, especially within smaller spaces. It may not satisfy audiophiles seeking extensive audio customization or those desiring extensive bass presence. The absence of a subwoofer and moderate power output are notable limitations for those seeking a more robust sound system.

The Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar offers a high-quality audio experience, particularly excelling in surround sound with its 9.1.4 channel configuration and Dolby Atmos support. This makes it a strong choice for home theater enthusiasts and those who prioritize immersive sound for both TV and music. The soundbar features Sound Motion technology, which ensures sound fills the room and is precisely placed, enhancing the audio experience.

Its clear dialogue performance, with a dedicated Speech Enhancement feature, ensures you won't miss any important conversations during movies or shows. Control options are versatile, including the TV remote, Sonos app, touch controls, Sonos Voice Control, and Amazon Alexa, making it very user-friendly. The setup is straightforward with a single HDMI eARC connection, guided by the Sonos app, and Trueplay allows for sound fine-tuning to suit your room's acoustics.

In terms of connectivity, the Sonos Arc Ultra provides multiple options such as WiFi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect, catering to various streaming preferences. However, it's worth noting that the soundbar does not come with a subwoofer, which might be a downside for bass enthusiasts. While the elegant design and quality materials (metal and high-quality plastic) ensure it looks good in any home setup, the size (117.3 cm wide) might be too large for smaller spaces. Additionally, expanding the system with a Sonos Sub and Era 300 rear speakers is recommended for an optimal surround sound experience, but these are additional purchases. Ideal for those seeking premium audio quality and smart features in a home theater setup, this soundbar may be less suited for casual users or those with limited space.