Are you one of those who is into action movies and playing lots of games? If you are using headphones for your audio content and want an excellent soundbar with exceptional sound quality, you are at the right place.
Soundbars with compelling built-in speakers and beneficial specs can provide a theater-like experience.
Finding a soundbar 1000 is not a hard task, but since it is a considerable amount, you must better invest in a product that is tailor-made to your lifestyle, music taste, and convenience.
We at Eagle TV have thoroughly researched and tested almost 50+ soundbars to save you from all the hassle. After research, testing, and experience, here is the list of the ten best soundbars under 1000.
1. Samsung HW-A550 (Best Overall)
Key Specs
Brand: SAMSUNG| Model Name: A550| Speaker Type: Soundbar| Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, HDMI| Special Feature: Dolby Digital 5.1/DTS Virtual:X; BASS Boost; Game Mode; Adaptive Sound Lite; One Remote| Streaming: Bluetooth| Dimension: 3.3 x 33.9 x 2.2 inches| Number of channels: 2.1
4.6/5 Overall
The Samsung HW-A550 is an excellent soundbar you will get under 1000 with the good build quality. The bar is mainly made of plastic, which feels solid and long-lasting, and the metal grille on the front protects its drivers.
Melamine makes up the majority of the sub. Unfortunately, the fabric on the sub appears to be easily ripped or dirty.
With calibration, the Samsung HW-A550 has an excellent stereo frequency response.The stereo frequency response of the Samsung HW-A550 is excellent.
With an out-of-the-box sound profile that is neutral. The bass range has a bit more punch, which will please fans of bass-heavy music like EDM.
However, because it lacks some low bass, you may not hear the deep rumble in action-packed movie scenes.
Voices and footsteps appear to come from a specific location, though it can be challenging to pinpoint their exact position.
The dynamic performance of the Samsung HW-A550 is excellent. It can get loud without much compression at maximum volume, making it suitable for listening to audio at parties and in large rooms.
The Samsung HW-A550 included several sound enhancement features. It consists of a graphic EQ for sound customization.
It also comes with many EQ presets, including ‘Standard,’ ‘Surround Sound,’ ‘Bass Boost,’ ‘Game,’ ‘Adaptive Sound,’ and ‘DTS Virtual X.’ The ‘Adaptive Sound’ mode also functions as a dialogue enhancement mode, making voices sound clearer and crispier.
The sub connects wirelessly to the bar. To use it, plug it into an outlet.
Check out: Distance Between TV And Soundbar
Eagle Verdict!
The Samsung HW-A550 is decent for mixed-use. It has a fairly neutral sound profile out of the box, making it suitable for listening to a wide range of audio content, giving that extra kick to the bass. It struggles, however, to reproduce a thumping low bass for action-packed movies and bass-heavy music. It also does not support Atmos, and its surround performance is subpar. Fortunately, it offers a variety of sound customization options.
Other Experts Say!
- Abt Electronics
“The HW-A550 offers a 2.1 channel setup with a wireless subwoofer. The inclusion of Dolby 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X support brings a cinematic experience right to your living room. The soundbar delivers crisp and clear dialogue, while the wireless subwoofer adds that much-needed punch to action scenes and bass-heavy music.”
- HQ Audio Exchange
“Samsung has included several sound modes to enhance your audio experience further. The Standard, Surround Sound, and Game Pro modes cater to different scenarios, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your liking.”
Pros
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Dialogue enhancement feature.
Cons
- Lacks some low bass.
- No Atmos support.
- Poor surround performance.
2. Sony HT-S400 (Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Under 1000)
Key Specs
Brand:Sony| Model Name:HT-S400| Speaker Type: Soundbar, Subwoofer| Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Optical, HDMI| Special Feature: Subwoofer| Streaming: Bluetooth| Dimension: 38 x 13.38 x 9.63 inches| Number f channels: 2.1
4.6/5 Overall
The Sony HT-S400 is an entry-level model that was released as part of Sony’s 2022 lineup that is an excellent option for a soundbar under 1000.
The Sony HT-S400 is well-made. The bar is mainly made of plastic, giving it a cheap feel, especially compared to more expensive soundbars. The metal grille on the sides protects the drivers on the inside, which is a nice touch. The subwoofer is also quite sturdy.
The Sony HT-S400 has a good stereo frequency response. The overall sound is pleasing, with stereo content and balanced mids reproducing vocals and lead instruments. However, there is an extra emphasis on the mid-to-high bass range, which adds a different boom to the mix.
The subwoofer is pretty one-note—the lack of rumble in the low bass is noticeable, especially with bass-heavy tracks like EDM.
The bar includes Sony’s always-on surround mode, S-Force Pro Front Surround, which, like other manufacturers’ similar features, uses psychoacoustics principles to expand the soundstage.
The sound is wider than the bar itself, which is good, but it does not reach the walls of your room. The focus is also good, so sound effects come from a more general region rather than an accurate, pinpoint location in the soundstage.
The stereo dynamics on the Sony HT-S400 are excellent. When cranked up to maximum volume, it can fill a large room with sound without much compression. As a result, audio reproduction remains clean and pure even at maximum volume.
The Sony HT-S400 has poor surround performance, which is not surprising given its 2.1 setups. To play surround content, it must downmix it into stereo, which makes it sound less immersive.
Sound appears to come from a speaker directly in front of you, and sound effects do not spread throughout your room. The frequency response on these channels is also quite bass-heavy, giving the sound a boomy, muddy quality.
Eagle Verdict!
The Sony HTS 400 is okay for mixed-use. It’s a basic 2.1 bar with limited audio format support and sound enhancement tools, making it best suited for listening to stereo content like music and TV shows. Voices and lead instruments are reproduced clearly. Even with its S-Force Pro Front Surround, the S-Force Pro does not provide an immersive experience using surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital.
Other Experts Say!
- Editorji
“The Sony HT-S400 impresses with its S-Force PRO Front Surround Sound technology. This technology creates a virtual surround sound experience that engulfs you in the action, whether you’re watching a thrilling movie or playing your favorite video game.”
- Handy Andy Baryer
“This soundbar also includes a USB port, allowing you to play audio files directly from a USB drive. It’s a handy feature for those who want to enjoy their favorite music without needing an additional device.”
Pros
- Gets loud.
- Subwoofer level adjustment.
Cons
- Limited sound enhancement features.
- Poor surround sound
3. Bose Smart Soundbar 600 (best Bluetooth soundbar under 1000)
Key Specs
Brand: Bose| Model Name:Soundbar 600| Speaker Type: Soundbar| Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi| Special Feature: Alexa | Streaming: Wifi, Bluetooth, Chromecast built-in| Dimension: 4.09 x 27.34 x 2.21 inches| Number of channels: 3.0.2
4.5/5 Overall
The Bose Soundbar 600 is a fantastic solution to transform your bedroom into its Movie Theater, and that too is under 1000.
It has a high build quality and is mainly made of plastic, which feels solid and long-lasting. The metal grille on top also protects the internal up-firing drivers.
The stereo frequency response of the Bose Soundbar 600 is adequate. It’s a one-of-a-kind bar that uses TrueSpace technology to downmix stereo content with height effects when you listen.
The overall sound is pleasing, with a clear and detailed representation of voices and other lead instruments in the mix and a slight boost in the high bass.
It’s a little processed, though, as you can tell the bar is expanding the soundstage. TrueSpace cannot be disabled, but if you prefer a more cinematic sound, it isn’t a problem.
Of course, there isn’t much low-bass rumble as a standalone bar, but you can improve its bass reproduction by adding a separate subwoofer.
The Bose Soundbar 600 produces enough sound to fill larger, more open spaces, making it an excellent choice for living rooms and basements.
Its distinct center improves vocal reproduction, and the channel provides a balanced and even frequency response, ensuring that dialogue remains clear and accurate in the mix.
The bar’s soundstage with Atmos content is impressive, given its small size. As if you’ve been dropped right into the middle of the action, sound extends into the space around you.
Helicopters and drones do not appear to fly overhead but seem centered in front of you. There’s not much rumble, but it’s sufficient for a small standalone bar.
If you decide to mount the bar to your wall, use the Bose Music app to activate the Wall EQ, which allows you to choose between different audio settings based on where you place it.
Eagle Verdict!
The Bose Soundbar 600 is suitable for a variety of uses. It accurately reproduces dialogue from your favorite TV shows and clear voices and instruments from various music genres. TrueSpace technology provides additional height effects even when listening to stereo and 5.1 surround content. Aside from bass and treble adjustments, there are a few customization options, and if you want better bass reproduction and surround sound, you’ll need to add a sub and satellites.
Other Experts Say!
- Jaboc Dark
“The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 boasts a minimalist design that seamlessly blends with any home decor. It comes in a sleek black finish that exudes sophistication. The build quality is top-notch, showcasing Bose’s commitment to durability.”
- Abt Electronics
“It offers various connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, making it compatible with a wide range of devices. The Bose Music app provides an intuitive interface for setup and customization, allowing you to fine-tune your audio preferences.”
Pros
- Dolby Atmos support.
- Separate sub and satellites available.
Cons
- No EQ.
- Lacks low bass.
4. Sony HT-A3000 (Best 3.1 Soundbar Under 1000)
Key Specs
Brand: Sony| Model Name: HTA3000| Speaker Type: Soundbar| Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi| Special Feature: Subwoofer| Streaming: Bluetooth, WiFi, Spotify Connect| Dimension: 7.4 x 39.96 x 7.5 inches| Number of channels: 3.1
4.4/5 Overall
The Sony HT-A3000 is a 3.1 setup that was released in 2022. It is a more affordable alternative to Sony’s premium options and has excellent build quality.
It’s made chiefly of texturized plastic and feels very solid and long-lasting. The metal grille on the front also helps protect the inside drivers.
The stereo frequency response of the Sony HT-A3000 is adequate. Its sound profile is pretty balanced, particularly in the mids. So, vocals and lead instruments in the songs are clear and vocals in TV shows and movies are accurately represented in the mix.
However, there is a slight lack of treble, so these instruments and voices need more detail. It allows you to turn on or off Sound Field, a virtual surround setting.
But the Sound Field feature did not provide good sound quality when using stereo content. Instead, the audio was muddy and unnatural. Turning it off improved the sound.
The Sony HT-A3000 has a subwoofer level adjustment feature that allows you to select one of three settings: MIN, MID (default), and MAX. We recommend setting it to MIN if you prefer a more neutral sound.
The stereo soundstage at the bar is adequate. It sounds less diffused, and you can pinpoint specific instruments and voices to more precise locations on the soundstage.
The stereo dynamics in the bar are excellent. It gets loud, so you can easily fill a typical living room with sound.
The Sony HT-A3000 delivers excellent center channel performance. This 3.1 setup includes a separate center channel, which improves overall vocal clarity.
As it’s a 3.1 bar, its surround performance could be more impressive. To play surround content, including Dolby Digital, it must be downmixed into stereo.
The resulting sound could be more immersive, and there’s no feeling that sound effects extend into the space around you. Instead, audio appears to come from a speaker placed before you.
You can use the Sony Music Center as a remote to control the bar’s settings. You can change the source, adjust the volume, and even play music from your device. You must, however, use the TV to access some additional settings, such as Virtual to Surround.
Eagle Verdict!
The Sony HT-A3000 is suitable for mixed-use. It’s a simple 3.1 bar with a distinct center channel to improve the clarity of your audio dialogue. When listening to stereo content, such as most music and television shows, voices and instruments are fairly clear. However, as with most standalone bars, there needs to be more emphasis on the low bass, reducing the rumble you hear.
Other Experts Say!
- Tech Sing
“The Sony HT-A3000 3.1ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a stellar addition to any home theater setup. Its exceptional audio performance, support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping create a truly immersive audio experience. The sleek design, user-friendly interface, and compatibility with Google Assistant add to its appeal.”
- B The Installer
“The HT-A3000 offers a plethora of connectivity options, including HDMI ARC/eARC, optical, and Bluetooth. Its compatibility with Google Assistant makes it easy to control the soundbar using voice commands, adding convenience to your setup.”
Pros
- Subwoofer and satellites sold separately.
- Bluetooth, WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2, and Chromecast built-in compatibility.
Cons
- Downmixes surround and height content.
- Lacks low bass.
5. Samsung HW-B550 (Best Budget)
Key Specs
Brand: SAMSUNG| Model Name: HW-B550/ZA| Speaker Type: Soundbar| Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth| Special Feature: Voice Enhancer, Night Mode| Streaming: Bluetooth| Dimension: 3 x 33.9 x 2.3 inches| Number of channels: 2.1
4.4/5 Overall
Samsung B550 is yet another great soundbar for your home theatre setup under 1000.
A metal grille covers the front and sides, and the body is mainly plastic. It is also quite lightweight, and the angled shape on the sides makes this model stand out.
The Samsung B550 is well-constructed, and the metal grille on the front and sides of the bar protects the drivers inside more than the fabric sides of the Samsung HW-B450.
The bar is made mostly of robust and lightweight plastic. On the other hand, the sub is the weaker part of the design because the fabric is thin. It also gathers a lot of dust.
The Samsung B550 includes numerous sound enhancement features to help you get the best sound for your needs. Using it in its default settings is ideal if you want a more neutral reaction.
The center channel performance of the Samsung B550 is adequate. Using its left and right stereo speakers as a 2.1 bar, it simulates a phantom center channel.
Surround performance on the Samsung B550 is average, with 2.1 bars. It must downmix 5.1 surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital and DTS to play them, resulting in a less immersive audio experience.
The Samsung B550 has a good selection of sound enhancement features. The graphic EQ, bass, and treble adjustments allow you to customize the sound extensively.
Other preset modes include “Standard,” “Surround Sound,” “Bass Boost,” “Game,” and “Adaptive Sound Lite” if you don’t want to mess with the sound too much.
Related: Best Soundbar Under $100
Eagle Verdict!
The Samsung B550 is suitable for a wide range of uses. Because of the neutral tone, voices and lead instruments will reproduce right out of the box, and you have a wide range of customization tools to change the sound. When compared to more expensive models, the bass lacks rumble.
Other Experts Say!
- Abt Electronics
“The sound quality of this Samsung soundbar is where it truly shines. With Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X support, you can expect immersive, room-filling sound. The bass boosted technology delivers a punchy, deep low end that enhances your movie and music experiences.”
- Walts Tv Appliances
“The HW-B550/ZA comes in a sleek, modern black design that will complement any home decor. It’s well-built, and the wireless subwoofer adds to its aesthetic appeal. While it’s not the most compact soundbar on the market, it won’t dominate your living space either.”
Pros
- Graphic EQ and presets.
- Bass and treble adjustments.
Cons
- Lacks some low bass.
- No satellites included.
6. LG SP9YA Soundbar
Key Specs
Brand: SAMSUNG| Model Name: SP9YA| Speaker Type: Soundbar, Subwoofer| Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi Bluetooth Optical Input HDMI 2.1| Special Feature: High Resolution Audio, Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC| Streaming: Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast built-in, Apple AirPlay Voice Control| Dimension: 48 x 5.7 x 2.2 inches| Number of channels: 5.1.2
4.4/5 Overall
The LG SP9YA has a simple design, is primarily made of plastic, and has a metal grille that runs around the sides. On top, there are two round metal grilles and touch-sensitive controls.
The sub is about the size of a standard desktop computer. Because it connects to the bar wirelessly, you can place it anywhere in your room as long as it is plugged into a power outlet.
The LG SP9YA has high durability. The bar is mainly made of plastic, which gives it a solid, long-lasting feel. The side-to-side metal grille provides additional driver protection.
Even though the sub is also made of plastic, the fabric covering could easily rip or become dirty.
Although the LG SPK8 rear speakers are not included with this setup, they are available for purchase separately.
When the bass and treble are set to “-1,” this soundbar has an excellent stereo frequency response and a more neutral and balanced sound profile.
It has an AI Room Calibration feature that automatically adjusts audio reproduction to the room you’re listening in. This feature produces a neutral, balanced sound profile with a hint of extra punch and booms in the bass range when enabled.
The LG SP9YA’s surround sound performance is subpar. Because it uses side-firing speakers to produce phantom localization, voices and footsteps aren’t as precisely localized on the soundstage. Audio can come directly in front of you instead of from speakers around you.
Eagle Verdict!
The LG SP9YA is suitable for a wide range of uses. Its room correction feature produces a very neutral, balanced sound profile ideal for listening to a wide range of audio content. It has many sound customization features, including EQ presets and treble and bass adjustments. Although it supports Atmos and surrounds sound, the listening experience could be more immersive.
Other Experts Say!
- SkyCaptain5
“The LG SP9YA features a 5.1.2 channel configuration with Dolby Atmos support, and it truly shines in delivering immersive sound. The upward-firing speakers create a sense of height, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action.”
- Andrew Robinson
“This soundbar supports eARC, which ensures high-quality audio transfer from compatible TVs. It also offers various connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, and more. The inclusion of Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration means you can control your soundbar with just your voice.”
Pros
- Bass and treble adjustments.
- Room correction feature.
Cons
- Poor surrounding performance.
7. LG S90QY
Key Specs
Brand: LG| Model Name: S90QY| Speaker Type: Soundbar| Connectivity Technology: HWi-Fi, HDMI| Special Feature: Center Up-firing speaker, IMAX Enhanced, 5.1.3ch with Dolby Atmos| Streaming: Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast built-in, and Apple AirPlay.| Dimension: 1200mm x 63mm x 135mm.| Number of channels: 5.1.3
4.3/5 Overall
LG S90QY is another excellent under 1000 that provides a balanced and detailed sound. The sound system will convince your brain that something is playing to your left, right, behind, and all around you.
LG responds faster to remote control inputs, does not have distorted sound during action scenes, and never cuts out.
The grille is a simple design made mostly of plastic, but with a tight fabric around its sides instead of metal, it gives it a sturdy appearance. Overall, the LG S90QY has a high level of build quality.
Like other high-end models, it has a room correction feature called AI Room Calibration, which automatically adjusts audio reproduction based on the characteristics of your room.
The stereo dynamics of the LG S90QY are adequate. It can fill an average living room with sound because it gets very loud. It’s not ideal for listening in larger spaces because it’s less loud than other models.
In Atmos, the LG S90QY performs well. Atmos movies provide a bit of height and a lot of bass rumbling during intense action scenes.
The bar has an incredible array of sound-enhancement features. Furthermore, the sub connects wirelessly to the bar, so all you have to do to use it is plug it into a power outlet.
LG’s TV Sound Mode Share feature allows the LG S90QY to be paired with compatible LG TVs.
Make sure your TV is set to “Enjoy Soundbar Sound Mode” rather than “Enjoy TV Sound Mode” for the part to work; otherwise, it may downmix higher-quality formats like Dolby Atmos into PCM content. This feature, according to the manufacturer, improves sound quality.
There are some touch-sensitive buttons at the top of the bar. You can change the input of the bar, change the information, play or pause your audio, and connect to Bluetooth and WiFi.
Finally, the LG Sound Bar app provides access to all of the bar’s settings, which is extremely useful. It’s a great feature to be able to change all of the settings from the comfort of your couch using the app.
Eagle Verdict!
The LG S90QY versatile 5.1.3 system includes numerous sound enhancement features, including a room correction mode. When this is enabled, the sound is uniform, the vocals are clear and accurate, and the bass is strong. Even though it does not entirely replicate sounds from above or behind you, its Atmos performance is quite immersive.
Other Experts Say!
- Simply Review
“The performance of this soundbar is where it truly shines. Thanks to the wireless subwoofer, the sound quality is fantastic, with crisp highs, rich mids, and deep, punchy bass. Whether watching an action-packed blockbuster or listening to your favorite music, the LG S90QY delivers a powerful and immersive audio experience.”
- Andrew Robinson
“The LG Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer S90QY is an impressive addition to any home theater setup. Its sleek design, powerful audio output, and support for advanced audio technologies like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and IMAX Enhanced make it a top contender in its category.”
Pros
- Room correction feature.
- Dolby Atmos support.
- LG sound app bar
- sound-enhancement features
- Great built quality
Cons
- Poor surround performance.
8. Sonos Arc Soundbar
Key Specs
Brand:Sonos| Model Name: Sonos Arc| Speaker Type: Soundbar, 3D| Connectivity Technology: HWi-Fi, HDMI| Special Feature: Subwoofer, Radio| Streaming: WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2| Dimension: 3.4 x 45 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 6.25kg
4.2/5 Overall
Sonos Arc Soundbar is an excellent soundbar for those under 1000. Not only is the sound from this soundbar clear and rich, but it also appears to come from all around you. Keep in mind that this soundbar does not include a subwoofer.
Sonos Arc Soundbar is the best investment you will make to create a complete home theater, thanks to its sleek premium design and integrated voice assistant function. The bar is too wide to fit between the legs of the 55-inch stand, but it’s not too tall to block your TV screen.
There is a Sonos S2 app that allows you to pair with other Sonos ecosystem devices to spread sound throughout the house.
You can also use the touch-sensitive controls on this soundbar to play or pause music, adjust the volume, and mute the microphone. Swipe right or left on the controls to move to the next or previous soundtrack.
Like most high-end models, the soundbar has a room correction feature that optimizes the bar’s output based on the acoustics of the specific room- Sonos calls this feature TruePlay, and it is only compatible with iOS devices.
When this feature is enabled, the bar produces a reasonably balanced sound. If you have an iOS smartphone, you can use the Trueplay room correction feature through the bar’s app.
As a standalone soundbar, you won’t get long low bass and won’t feel much rumble when listening to bass-heavy genres like EDM. Conversely, the bar gets very loud and can fill a large, crowded room. Furthermore, there isn’t much compression at maximum volume, so you can crank up the music without sacrificing sound quality.
Eagle Verdict!
The Sonos Arc is a high-end standalone soundbar with clean, rich sound. On compatible iOS devices, you can use the Trueplay room correction feature to optimize music reproduction based on your room’s unique acoustics. Even though the sound profile is a little loud, vocals and lead instruments are accurately reproduced.
Other Experts Say!
- Smart Home Sounds
“To give you a sense of how the Sonos Arc performs in real-world scenarios, I tested it across a range of content. Whether I was watching a blockbuster movie with explosive action sequences, jamming out to music, or immersing myself in a gaming world, the Arc delivered consistently exceptional audio.”
Pros
- Sleek and very well-built design.
- Supports Atmos.
- Great stereo soundstage.
- Stellar sound for music and TV
- An All-in-one unit doesn’t need a subwoofer
Cons
- Compression artifacts at max volume.
- No full EQ.
9. JBL Bar 9.1
Key Specs
Brand: JBL| Model Name: JBL Bar 9.1| Speaker Type: Soundbar, Subwoofer| Connectivity Technology: HWi-Fi, HDMI| Special Feature: Bluetooth Wireless Streaming,Detachable Surround Speakers,Built-In Chromecast,Ultra Hd 4K Pass-Through| Streaming: Bluetooth, WiFi, Chromecast, and Airplay 2.| Dimension: 34.8 x 34.8 x 2.4 inches| Number of channels: 5.1.4
4.2/5 Overall
Another soundbar you will get under 1000 with some greatest features is JBL Bar 9 which has excellent build quality.
The metal part covering the top and front protects its speakers while also giving it a sleek appearance. Although the back and bottom are made of plastic, it feels sturdy and long-lasting.
As the speaker is located on the subwoofer’s underside, it is elevated on four plastic pegs. It’s made of melamine, which feels sturdy.
The satellites are made of the same material as the bar and have a similar metal grill-type mesh on the top, front, and sides.
Both satellites are wireless, and you can easily charge them by connecting back to the sides of the bar or by micro-USB. You can even use them while charging, which is a helpful feature.
The stereo frequency response of the JBL Bar 9.1 is excellent. When set to ‘Standard’ mode and room correction is enabled, the bass is present and thumpy, making it ideal for action movies or bass-heavy music.
A room correction feature is also available and it can also get quite loud in a large room or a crowded environment, such as a house party. At maximum volume, however, there is some thumping and artifacts.
The JBL Bar 9.1 is a 5.1.4 setup with exceptional center channel performance. Dialogue and vocals in your favorite content sound clear and accurate, thanks to its dedicated center speaker. It also gets quite loud, which is nice.
The surround performance of the JBL Bar 9.1 True Wireless Surround with Dolby Atmos is outstanding. Its 5.1.4 setup includes dedicated surround speakers that produce accurate object localization in its soundstage.
The subwoofer connects wirelessly to the bar but still requires a power source.
This soundbar’s companion app is Google Home. While it can be used with this bar, we no longer consider it a companion app due to its limited functionality.
Eagle Verdict!
The JBL Bar 9.1 is ideal for many uses. It has a balanced sound profile right out of the box, with a little extra bass from the subwoofer. While it can get loud enough for a large or crowded room, at maximum volume, there is some compression. Nonetheless, it can clearly and accurately reproduce dialogue, and with wireless options, you can stream podcasts or audiobooks directly to the bar.
Other Experts Say!
- Andrew Robinson
“Setting up the JBL Bar 9.1 is straightforward. Simply place the soundbar under your TV, position the wireless rear speakers wherever you like in your room, and connect the subwoofer.”
- Audio Advice
“One standout feature is the powerful subwoofer. It delivers deep and thunderous bass that can truly shake your room. Whether you’re watching an action-packed movie or listening to your favorite music, the JBL Bar 9.1 excels in delivering a cinematic audio experience.”
Pros
- Well-balanced sound profile.
- Can get loud.
- Supports Atmos for an immersive experience.
- You can play audio while charging with wireless subwoofer.
Cons
- No graphic EQ and limited EQ presets.
10. Sonos Ray Soundbar
Key Specs
Brand: Sonos| Model Name: Sonos Ray| Speaker Type: Soundbar| Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi| Special Feature: Add two Sonos Ones as rear speakers for surround sound and add Sub to complete a 5.1 system| Streaming: WiFi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect.| Dimension: 22 x 2.8 x 3.7″ | Number of channels: 2.0
4.1/5 Overall
The Sonos Ray soundbar is suitable for those who want better sound but do not require features such as Dolby Atmos or room-shaking bass. The Ray is even more compact than the already compact Sonos beam with a plastic finish, giving it a high-end and sturdy look.
The Sonos Ray has a good stereo frequency response. It offers a Trueplay room correction feature on compatible iOS devices, which automatically improves the bar’s audio reproduction based on the specific acoustics of your space.
The lack of bass is noticeable, especially in bass-heavy genres such as hip-hop and EDM. However, the vocals are excellent and detailed if you usually listen to dialogue-driven TV shows with few basses.
The sound could be more immersive, coming only from the speakers directly in front of you. Only some sound effects appear to be coming from specific directions. You can always add rear speakers if you want a clearer and more realistic representation of surround content.
The Sonos Ray has several touch-sensitive controls. They allow you to control the volume as well as play/pause your music. However, the Sonos S2 app must use the bar’s additional functions.
Eagle Verdict!
The Sonos Ray is acceptable for podcasts and TV shows with a lot of dialogue. There is a night mode option and a dialogue enhancement mod to balance the volume when watching TV at night. However, because it is a 2.0 arrangement, a discrete center channel is required to help give dialogue in the soundstage a clearer, more realistic representation, as seen in more premium models.
Other Experts Say!
- Engadget
“The Sonos Ray Essential Soundbar is undoubtedly an investment, but it’s one that pays off in terms of the premium audio experience it delivers. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market, it’s a worthy choice for those seeking top-notch sound quality.”
- Apple Insider
“This soundbar comes with smart features like built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant), allowing you to control it with just your voice. It also supports Apple AirPlay 2 and can connect to your Wi-Fi network for easy streaming and multi-room audio.”
Pros
- Clear and accurate vocal reproduction.
- Dialogue enhancement mode.
- Compact bar with sturdy built
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to set up
Cons
- No graphic EQ.
- No Bluetooth support
Buying Guide for Best Soundbar Under 1000
Buying a soundbar for less than $1,000 is not a big risk but a thoughtful decision to create a home theatre or cinematic vibe without breaking the bank. We will highlight some common but necessary elements you must consider to get the soundbar for less than $1000.
1. Budget
You probably have set a budget already if you are here, and 1000 dollars is a lot of money to ease things. It would be best if you were sure of the product you would invest in.
Because the price of a soundbar varies depending on its sound quality, channel configuration, and other advanced features, it’s best to be clear about what you want and why you’re buying a soundbar. It will help you in choosing the right product.
2. Sound Modes
Sony HT-CT790 soundbars include many sound modes that can be used to enhance performance. These pre-adjusted sound quality profiles can be found in the settings.
Each method, which includes news, movies, sports, and games, is optimized to provide the best possible sound for the content being viewed at the time.
Some models include a night mode. This reduces the volume while maintaining high-quality audio at lower volumes. You can look for additional ways to improve the soundbar’s performance.
3. Connectivity
Having more connectivity options can be beneficial at times. More connections will give you more options if you change your TV setup.
Having multiple connection modes may be unnecessary if you already know what connections you require. You will likely have access to HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, and WiFi in this price range.
4. Design
Because everyone has their sense of style, the design of a soundbar will always be quite personal. On the other hand, many soundbars are designed to be simple and neat.
This helps the soundbar blend in with all TV setups and reduces how distracting the bar can be while watching TV.
Whatever your style, we recommend investing in high-quality materials that will last a long time. Also, if you don’t have a strong sense of style, go with a sleek and sophisticated soundbar. That way, it will fit perfectly in your setup and always stay in style.
Verdict
The best soundbar is an excellent way to enhance the quality of your home theatre. With so many features, it isn’t easy to know which one is right for you.
Our goal was to find the best soundbar for most people with little audio experience or money to spend.
This list of the ten best soundbars under 1000 should help narrow your options by highlighting various features that may interest you.
Jason Reynolds
I have been working in the electrical and Audio/Visual field for over 19 years. My focus for EagleTVMounting is to provide concise expertise in everything I write. The greatest joy in life is to provide people with insight information that can potentially change their viewpoints. Our #1 goal is just that!
