Top 7 Best All-in-One Soundbars in 2025
By Robert Jones · 2022-10-24
Right, so you want to upgrade your TV's sound without all the faff of separate speakers and wires? I've put the latest all-in-one soundbars through their paces in my workshop; here's my honest take.
Alright, let's get straight to it then. All-in-one soundbars, eh? For years, I've heard people groan about separate components, all the wires, the space they take up. And I get it, honestly. Not everyone wants a full 7.1 system taking over their living room, or even has the room for it. But for a long time, "all-in-one" meant "compromise". You'd get something that sounded a bit better than your TV's built-in speakers, but not by much. You'd miss out on that real cinematic punch, that deep rumble that makes you feel the explosions, or the crystal-clear dialogue that stops you rewinding every five minutes. Things have changed, though. A fair bit, actually. Over the past few years, technology has caught up. We're seeing some genuinely clever stuff packed into these single-bar solutions. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, proper spatial audio processing, even some decent bass without needing a separate sub – though I'll always champion a good subwoofer if you can squeeze one in. My workshop's practically a shrine to them, you know. But for those who just can't, or simply don't want to, this guide's for you. I've had a good few of these models pass through my doors in Bristol, some have stayed for weeks of rigorous testing, others have been swiftly packed away. I've spent countless hours with them, playing everything from old BBC dramas to full-throttle action films, and my favourite obscure jazz records. So, here's my take on the best all-in-one soundbars you can get your hands on in 2025. **Quick Verdict: The Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max is still the king for those chasing genuine immersion, but the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the best all-rounder for most UK homes.** ### Why an All-in-One Soundbar, Anyway? Look, I've been doing this for over two decades. I've seen trends come and go. But the desire for a simple, effective home cinema upgrade? That's never changed. Modern TVs are cracking for picture quality, but their speakers? Usually an afterthought. Thin panels mean tiny drivers, and that means thin sound. No surprise there. An all-in-one soundbar fills that gap. It's one box, one power cable, maybe an HDMI lead, and you're done. No faffing with speaker placement, no running wires under carpets, no trying to hide a hulking AV receiver. For smaller flats, bedrooms, or even just for simplifying the living room setup, they make a lot of sense. And frankly, some of them sound bloody brilliant now. ### What I Look For in a Good All-in-One Soundbar It's not just about loudness, mind. Anyone can make a speaker loud. It's about clarity, balance, and that elusive "oomph" factor. Here's my checklist when I'm putting these things through their paces: * **Dialogue Clarity:** Absolutely essential. If you can't hear what people are saying without cranking the volume to eleven, it's failed the first test. * **Bass Response:** Can it deliver a decent low-end thump without sounding muddy or boomy? Does it give a bit of weight to explosions and music? * **Soundstage & Immersion:** For Atmos bars, does it actually create a sense of height and width? Can it make you feel like the sound is coming from all around you, not just from a box under the TV? * **Connectivity:** HDMI eARC is a must. Optical is nice to have for older TVs. Bluetooth for music streaming is expected. Wi-Fi for multi-room or higher-res streaming? Even better. * **Build Quality:** Does it feel like a premium product or a cheap bit of plastic? Will it last? * **Ease of Use:** Is setup a nightmare? Is the remote intuitive? Are the app controls stable? * **Value for Money:** This is key. Is what you're paying reflected in the performance? Does it beat out competitors at a similar price point? Right, let's dig into the contenders.  *Top 7 Best All-in-One Soundbars in 2025 — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## The Contenders: My Top All-in-One Soundbars for 2025 #### 1. Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max Still, after all these years, the Ambeo Max is a beast. If you've got the budget (and the space, because it's enormous), nothing else comes close for sheer immersion from a single bar. Sennheiser knows a thing or two about sound, and they've poured it all into this. I first got my hands on one of these about three years back. Setup was a bit fiddly, I won't lie – the room calibration takes its sweet time, but it's worth it. Once it's done, it maps your room's acoustics to create a genuinely convincing 3D sound experience. We're talking Atmos and DTS:X that actually sounds like it's above and behind you. Not just a vague sense of height, but proper distinct effects. Dialogue is pristine, even in the most chaotic action scenes. The bass? Surprisingly weighty for not having a separate sub. It won't shake the foundations like a dedicated 12-inch unit, but it’s got enough impact for most films and music. It’s got Chromecast, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2, and Bluetooth, so all your streaming bases are covered. **Pros:** * Unrivalled immersive sound for a single bar * Exceptional dialogue clarity * Powerful, well-controlled bass * Premium build quality * Excellent connectivity options **Cons:** * Extremely expensive (often £2,000+) * Massive footprint, very heavy * Room calibration can be a bit long-winded **Who it's for:** Serious home cinema enthusiasts with deep pockets and plenty of room. Those who want the absolute best 3D sound from a single unit. **Who should skip it:** Anyone on a budget, or with a smaller TV unit/room. If you're not bothered about top-tier immersion, you'll find better value elsewhere. #### 2. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is my go-to recommendation for most people who just want better TV sound with smart features. It's not trying to be a full-blown cinema system, but it does what it does incredibly well, and for a sensible price, usually around £450-£500. I've probably recommended more of these than any other soundbar in the last couple of years. Why? It's so ridiculously easy to set up. Plug it in, connect it to your TV via HDMI eARC, open the Sonos app, and you're away. The app itself is one of the best out there, making multi-room audio a doddle if you've got other Sonos bits. Sound-wise, it's a big step up from TV speakers. Dialogue is clear and present. It creates a much wider soundstage than you'd expect from its compact size. It handles Dolby Atmos, using psychoacoustic trickery to give you a sense of height, and it does a pretty good job. It's not the Ambeo Max, obviously, but it's effective. Bass is decent for its size, but it's the one area where you might eventually feel the need for a separate Sonos Sub Mini or Sub Gen 3 if you really want that trouser-flapping action. **Pros:** * Compact and stylish design * Incredibly easy setup and use * Excellent dialogue clarity * Decent virtual Dolby Atmos effect * Superb Sonos multi-room ecosystem integration * Good value for money **Cons:** * Bass can be a little lacking for some without a separate sub * No separate physical remote (relies on TV remote or app) * No Bluetooth (relies on Wi-Fi for streaming) **Who it's for:** Anyone wanting a compact, stylish, easy-to-use soundbar that significantly upgrades TV sound and integrates well into a multi-room system. Great for flats and smaller living rooms. **Who should skip it:** Those who demand truly physical bass without adding a separate subwoofer, or who primarily rely on Bluetooth for music streaming. #### 3. Sony HT-A7000 The Sony HT-A7000 sits in an interesting spot. It's a premium bar, usually around £900-£1000, that offers a more convincing Atmos experience than the likes of the Beam, but without the colossal price tag of the Ambeo. It's also got a trick up its sleeve: you can add optional rear speakers and a subwoofer later if you want to expand. I spent a good month with the A7000 paired just as a standalone unit. It's a solid, well-built piece of kit, quite wide, but still manageable for most TV stands. Sony's S-Force PRO Front Surround and Vertical Surround Engine tech work together to create a very wide and tall soundstage. It really does sound like effects are moving around and above you, which is impressive from a single bar. Dialogue is never an issue here, and the bass response from its built-in subwoofers is genuinely good. It's got punch and depth, enough for most films and music. Connectivity is top-tier: two HDMI 2.1 inputs (pass-through for 4K 120Hz and 8K), HDMI eARC, optical, USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It's pretty much got everything you could ask for. Plus, it supports 360 Reality Audio, which is a nice bonus if you're into that sort of thing. **Pros:** * Excellent virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance * Strong, balanced sound with good bass * Fantastic connectivity (HDMI 2.1 pass-through) * Expandable with optional sub and rears * Premium build quality **Cons:** * Still quite expensive for a standalone unit * A bit wide for smaller TV setups * Room optimisation takes a bit of time **Who it's for:** Those wanting a premium, expandable single soundbar with convincing virtual surround sound and future-proof connectivity. A great stepping stone to a fuller system. **Who should skip it:** Budget-conscious buyers. If you're not planning on adding rears or a sub, there might be slightly better pure value in non-expandable options. #### 4. JBL Bar 1000 Now, this one's a bit different. The JBL Bar 1000, usually around £800-£900, technically isn't *just* an all-in-one in the strictest sense, because it comes with a subwoofer. But crucially, it also has these brilliant, detachable, battery-powered wireless rear speakers. When you don't want full surround, they clip onto the main bar, charging up and acting as part of the front soundstage. When you do, you just pull them off and pop them behind your sofa. Clever, eh? I had this in the workshop for a fortnight, and it really impressed me with its versatility. As a standalone bar (with the sub, obviously), it delivers a powerful, room-filling sound. Dialogue is clear, and the bass from the included 10-inch wireless subwoofer is immense – proper movie theatre rumble. But the real magic happens when you detach those rears. You get true, discrete surround sound, with actual speakers behind you, not just virtual effects. It handles Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with aplomb. The up-firing drivers in the main bar and the detachable rears combine to create a very believable overhead effect. For music, it's punchy and dynamic, and it supports Chromecast, AirPlay 2, and Alexa multi-room music. Two HDMI inputs and an eARC output mean good connectivity for your devices. **Pros:** * Detachable, battery-powered wireless rear speakers for true surround-on-demand * Powerful, deep bass from included 10-inch wireless subwoofer * Excellent Dolby Atmos and DTS:X performance * Great for both movies and music * Good connectivity **Cons:** * Requires charging the rear speakers (though they last for ages) * The included subwoofer is quite large * Still a significant investment **Who it's for:** Those who want the option of true wireless surround sound without the permanence, and who aren't afraid of a bit of extra bass. Perfect for mixed-use living rooms. **Who should skip it:** People who absolutely, definitively want *just* a single bar, or who have no space for a separate subwoofer. #### 5. Bose Smart Soundbar 900 The Bose Smart Soundbar 900, typically around £750-£800, is a serious competitor to the likes of the Sony A7000 and even the higher-end Sonos Arc. Bose has a knack for making things sound bigger than they are, and this bar is a prime example. It's sleek, it's understated, and it delivers a surprisingly wide and tall sound from a relatively compact chassis. I've always appreciated Bose's approach to design, and the 900 is no exception. It looks fantastic under a TV. Sound-wise, it really excels with its spatial audio. Bose's PhaseGuide technology and up-firing transducers create a very convincing sense of immersion, especially with Dolby Atmos content. Dialogue is consistently clear, and the overall sound signature is balanced and refined. Bass is solid for a standalone bar, but much like the Sonos Beam, if you crave that earth-shattering rumble, you'll want to consider adding a Bose Bass Module 500 or 700. It's got Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in, along with Alexa and Google Assistant voice control. Connectivity is primarily HDMI eARC and optical, so it keeps things simple. **Pros:** * Sleek, premium design * Excellent virtual Dolby Atmos spatial audio * Clear dialogue and balanced sound * Good smart features and voice assistant integration * Expandable with optional sub and rears **Cons:** * Bass could be deeper without an optional subwoofer * Only one HDMI input (eARC output) * Not as versatile as some competitors for expandability **Who it's for:** Those who prioritise elegant design and strong virtual Dolby Atmos performance in a standalone bar, with the option to expand later. Bose fans, obviously. **Who should skip it:** Anyone needing multiple HDMI inputs on the soundbar, or those who expect truly thunderous bass straight out of the box without extra purchases. #### 6. LG SP11RA (with included rears & sub) Okay, I know, I know. This one's technically *not* an "all-in-one" in the strictest sense because it comes with dedicated rears and a subwoofer right in the box. But hear me out. For the price, often found around £700-£900, it offers a complete, true 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system in one purchase. You don't have to buy anything extra. It's an "all-in-one *system*", if you will, and it provides incredible value for those wanting full immersion without the faff of mixing and matching. I've had this setup in for review a few times, and it's always a pleasant surprise how much sound you get for your money. The main bar itself is well-built and substantial, but the key here are those wireless rear speakers with up-firing drivers, and the powerful wireless subwoofer. Together, they create a genuinely enveloping sound field. You get distinct overhead effects and proper sound coming from behind you. Dialogue is always clear, and the bass from the 7-inch wireless sub is robust and cinematic. With Meridian Audio tuning, music also sounds pretty good. Connectivity is solid, with two HDMI inputs (with 4K pass-through), HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. It also supports Google Assistant and Alexa. If you've got an LG TV, there's even some neat "AI Sound Pro" integration that uses the TV's processor to further optimise sound. **Pros:** * Complete 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos system out of the box * Excellent value for true surround sound * Powerful and immersive audio * Good bass from the included subwoofer * Strong connectivity **Cons:** * Requires space for separate rear speakers and a subwoofer * Rears need power outlets * Not a single-bar solution, if that's your absolute priority **Who it's for:** Those who want a full, true Dolby Atmos surround sound system in one purchase, without the complexity or high cost of separate components. Great for dedicated home cinema rooms or larger living spaces. **Who should skip it:** People who genuinely have *no* space for separate rear speakers or a subwoofer, or who are dead set on a single-bar design above all else. #### 7. Yamaha SR-B20A Alright, let's come back down to earth a bit with something for the tighter budgets. The Yamaha SR-B20A, often found for under £200, is a fantastic option if you just want a significant upgrade over your TV's speakers without breaking the bank. It's a simple, no-frills soundbar that focuses on doing the basics well. I keep one of these in my spare room, hooked up to an older TV. It's incredibly easy to set up – just an optical cable or HDMI (though no eARC, so you'll use optical for most older TVs). For its size and price, it throws out a surprisingly wide soundstage. Yamaha's "Virtual 3D Surround" technology (DTS Virtual:X) gives a bit of height and width, making movies more engaging. Dialogue is clear, and the dual built-in subwoofers provide a decent amount of bass. Don't expect window-rattling low-end, but it's got enough weight to make action scenes feel more impactful. It's also got Bluetooth for music streaming. It's not fancy, but it's effective and robust. A proper workhorse of a soundbar for its price. **Pros:** * Extremely affordable * Significant upgrade over TV speakers * Good dialogue clarity * Surprisingly wide soundstage and decent bass for the price * Simple setup and use **Cons:** * No true Dolby Atmos * Limited connectivity (no HDMI eARC) * Not as powerful or refined as more expensive options **Who it's for:** Budget-conscious buyers, students, or for a secondary TV in a bedroom or kitchen. Anyone who just needs a simple, effective sound upgrade without breaking the bank. **Who should skip it:** Enthusiasts chasing true surround sound, deep bass, or advanced features like Dolby Atmos and multi-room audio. ## Comparison Table: The Best All-in-One Soundbars at a Glance | Feature | Sennheiser Ambeo Max | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Sony HT-A7000 | JBL Bar 1000 | Bose Smart SBR 900 | LG SP11RA | Yamaha SR-B20A | |:--------------------|:---------------------|:-------------------|:---------------------|:------------------------|:-------------------|:--------------------|:--------------------| | **Price (approx.)** | £2,000+ | £450-£500 | £900-£1,000 | £800-£900 | £750-£800 | £700-£900 | Under £200 | | **Dolby Atmos** | Yes (True) | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (True w/ rears) | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (True) | No (DTS Virtual:X) | | **DTS:X** | Yes | No | Yes (Virtual) | Yes (True w/ rears) | No | Yes (True) | Yes (Virtual:X) | | **Subwoofer** | Built-in (powerful) | Optional | Built-in (good) | Included (10-inch) | Optional | Included (7-inch) | Built-in (modest) | | **Rears** | No | Optional | Optional | Detachable, Battery-powered | Optional | Included (Wireless) | No | | **HDMI eARC** | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | | **HDMI Inputs** | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | | **Connectivity** | Wi-Fi, BT, AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi, BT, AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi, BT, AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi, BT, AirPlay 2 | Wi-Fi, BT | BT | | **Voice Asst.** | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google | No | | **Size** | Large, Heavy | Compact | Wide | Wide (main bar) | Sleek, Medium | Wide, Medium | Compact | ## Finding the Right All-in-One for Your Pad Choosing a soundbar isn't just about checking a spec sheet; it's about your room, your budget, and what you actually want out of it. If you've got a tiny flat, a massive Ambeo Max is just going to overpower the space and your bank account. Likewise, a budget bar isn't going to satisfy someone used to a full component system. ### Room Size and Layout Smaller rooms (think bedroom, small living room): The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) or Bose Smart Soundbar 900 are ideal. They're compact, sound great for their size, and won't dominate the space. The Yamaha SR-B20A is perfect for really tight budgets or secondary rooms. Medium to larger rooms: This is where the Sony HT-A7000 or even the Sennheiser Ambeo Max (if you're feeling flush) come into their own. They have the power and spatial processing to fill a bigger space convincingly. The JBL Bar 1000 is also a fantastic option here, giving you true rears when you want them. Consider your room's acoustics too. Lots of hard surfaces? Sound will bounce around. Lots of soft furnishings? Sound will be absorbed. Some soundbars (like the Ambeo Max or Sony A7000) have room calibration to help with this, but it's always something to keep in mind. ### Your Budget – Be Realistic! Soundbars range from under £100 to well over £2,000. Decide what you're comfortable spending and stick to it. Don't stretch for a feature you won't really use. If your budget is tight, focus on dialogue clarity and a balanced sound rather than chasing virtual Atmos that might not impress you at the lower price points. The Yamaha SR-B20A proves you don't need to spend a fortune for a big improvement. ### What Are You Watching/Listening To? Mostly movies and TV? Look for Dolby Atmos/DTS:X support (even virtual) and good dialogue enhancement. The Sennheiser, Sony, Bose, and LG (as a system) are brilliant here. The Sonos Beam is also very competent. Lots of music? Look for good music streaming options (Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2, Chromecast) and a balanced sound profile. Sonos, Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony all do well with music. The JBL Bar 1000 is also a strong contender for its dynamism. Gaming? Low latency HDMI inputs and good positional audio can enhance the experience. The Sony HT-A7000 with its HDMI 2.1 pass-through is a clear winner here, ensuring no compromise on video quality. ### Expandability: Future-Proofing? Some soundbars are truly "all-in-one" with no option to add more speakers. Others, like the Sonos Beam, Bose Soundbar 900, and Sony HT-A7000, allow you to add a subwoofer and/or rear speakers later. This is a brilliant feature if you're on a budget now but want to upgrade gradually. The JBL Bar 1000 effectively gives you expandability in one box, which is a neat solution. ## Setting Up Your Soundbar for the Best Sound I've seen countless people plug in a soundbar and just leave it, wondering why it doesn't sound like the review they read. A bit of effort goes a long way, trust me. 1. **HDMI eARC is Your Friend:** Always use the HDMI eARC (or ARC) port on your TV. This is crucial for getting high-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos to your soundbar. If your TV doesn't have eARC, you might need to use the optical port, but you'll be limited to older formats. 2. **Placement Matters:** Centre the soundbar directly under your TV. Don't put it inside a cabinet unless it's specifically designed for that, as it'll muffle the sound, especially up-firing drivers. Make sure nothing is blocking the drivers (especially the up-firing ones for Atmos). 3. **Room Calibration:** If your soundbar has it (like the Sennheiser or Sony), *use it*. It makes a massive difference, tuning the sound to your specific room acoustics. It's not a gimmick; it's essential. 4. **Experiment with Settings:** Don't be afraid to tweak the EQ, dialogue enhancement modes, or bass levels. Every room and every ear is different. What sounds good in my workshop might not sound perfect in your living room. Take your time to fine-tune it. 5. **Firmware Updates:** Always keep your soundbar's firmware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that improve sound quality, fix bugs, or add new features. ## FAQ: Your Burning Soundbar Questions, Answered ### Q: Do I really need Dolby Atmos for an all-in-one soundbar? A: "Need" is a strong word, but it certainly adds to the experience. Virtual Dolby Atmos on a single bar creates a much wider and taller soundstage, giving you a better sense of immersion. True Atmos (with up-firing speakers in the bar itself, or dedicated rears) is even better. If you watch a lot of films or play games, it's a worthwhile feature to look for, but don't feel like you're missing out entirely if your budget only stretches to a non-Atmos bar. Good stereo sound with clear dialogue is still a huge upgrade. ### Q: Can I use an all-in-one soundbar for music too? A: Absolutely, most modern soundbars are designed with music in mind. Many offer Bluetooth, Wi-Fi streaming (via AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect), or even multi-room integration like Sonos. While a dedicated stereo setup will often beat a soundbar for pure musicality, the top all-in-ones deliver a perfectly enjoyable music experience for casual listening. Just remember to experiment with any "music modes" or EQ settings. ### Q: What's the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC? A: Good question, that one trips a lot of people up. ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets you send audio from your TV back to the soundbar over a single HDMI cable. It's handy. But eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) is the real star for home cinema. It has much higher bandwidth, meaning it can handle uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which ARC often can't. If your TV and soundbar both have eARC, always use it. If only ARC, it's still better than optical for most situations. ### Q: Should I wall-mount my soundbar or put it on the TV stand? A: It really depends on your TV setup and personal preference. If your TV is wall-mounted, mounting the soundbar directly below it is often the neatest and best-sounding solution, keeping the sound integrated with the picture. If your TV is on a stand, placing the soundbar on the stand directly in front is fine. Just ensure it doesn't block the bottom of your TV screen or the IR receiver for your remote. Crucially, if your soundbar has up-firing drivers for Atmos, make sure they aren't obstructed by anything above them, like a shelf. ## Final Word: My Advice, Straight Up Right, so there you have it. The world of all-in-one soundbars isn't quite the minefield it used to be. You can genuinely get some cracking sound from a single unit these days, and even some proper immersive experiences if you're willing to spend a bit. My ultimate bit of advice? Don't just buy on specs alone. Read reviews, sure, but if you can, try to hear a few of these in person. What sounds brilliant to one person might not tickle your fancy. Everyone's ears are different, and every room is different. For the vast majority of you looking to properly upgrade your TV's pitiful built-in speakers, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is where I'd start. It's compact, sounds great, and the Sonos ecosystem is hard to beat for ease of use. If you've got a bit more cash and want to feel those explosions, the Sony HT-A7000 is a brilliant stepping stone, or the JBL Bar 1000 if you fancy those clever detachable rears. And if you're chasing the absolute pinnacle of single-bar sound and money's no object? The Sennheiser Ambeo Max still holds its crown. Just make sure you've got a sturdy TV unit and a chiropractor on speed dial for when you try to lift it. Cheers for reading, I hope that's cleared a few things up for you.