What's your pick for the best mid-range soundbar of 2025?

[Leon98]

Hey everyone,
I'm in the market for a new soundbar and I’m trying to figure out what might end up being the best mid-range model this year.

Based on what we’ve seen so far — which models do you think will take the crown for the best value in the mid-range segment?
What's your pick for the best mid-range soundbar of 2025?

 

[Bobby Bass]

I don’t know what your criteria are for mid-range but I’ve had a positive experience with the Sonos Arc Ultra which is larger than the Beam 2 which I also have enjoyed.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

This feels like AI lol.
While I would never buy one, I’ve heard Klipsch and Yamaha make solid ones. I’ve heard that about Bose too, but I’ve never met a product of theirs that I liked. Well maybe the noise cancelling headphones…..

 

[Wardog555]

Do not buy them.

 

[TLS Guy]

Hey everyone,
I'm in the market for a new soundbar and I’m trying to figure out what might end up being the best mid-range model this year.

Based on what we’ve seen so far — which models do you think will take the crown for the best value in the mid-range segment?
What's your pick for the best mid-range soundbar of 2025?

As you are finding out, soundbars are not popular among our forum members, and with good reason. If course we are all familiar with them, as we have heard them in other people's houses. I would say universally we a glad we don't have one.
If it is good sound you are after rather then convenience, then consider something better.

 

[highfigh]

As you are finding out, soundbars are not popular among our forum members, and with good reason. If course we are all familiar with them, as we have heard them in other people's houses. I would say universally we a glad we don't have one.
If it is good sound you are after rather then convenience, then consider something better.

If you have a chance, maybe you could check out the new KEF soundbar. I don't think I would consider it 'mid-range, though- it retails for $2499.99 and I have been told that it sounds really good.

 

[Tiani]

Explain to me, as a beginner, which soundbar would be best to buy?

 

[TLS Guy]

Explain to me, as a beginner, which soundbar would be best to buy?

Honestly no idea. There are so many out there and most of us on this forum have not gone out listening to them, and actually have a loathing for them on the whole. We don't have many, if any, sound bar users on this forum.

So the most pertinent question I have for you, is do you really need a sound bar or something better? What are your expectations?

 

[3db]

Honestly no idea. There are so many out there and most of us on this forum have not gone out listening to them, and actually have a loathing for them on the whole. We don't have many, if any, sound bar users on this forum.

So the most pertinent question I have for you, is do you really need a sound bar or something better? What are your expectations?

I actually supplied a REW measurement of a soundbar that you responded to saying that it was a fairly good response. Just saying.

 

[TLS Guy]

I actually supplied a REW measurement of a soundbar that you responded to saying that it was a fairly good response. Just saying.

I am an old man and don't remember that. Which one was it? When I do hear them, they all sound pretty awful and are only marginally better than the TV speakers.

 

[3db]

Explain to me, as a beginner, which soundbar would be best to buy?

I have two soundbar setups, one is from JBL in a bedroom, the other from Monoprice, pulls double duty in my cottage in the camping season, and in the other bedroom over the winter months. I very much like both. I chose soundbars over dedicated AVR and speakers because of space constraints. They are not my main listening systems.

That being said, you have to ask yourself why you are choosing a sound bar over an AVR and seperate speakers? Do you have space constraints? Are you technology shy or adverse? (Youtube and audioforums such as these can help you overcome this). Are you choosing a soundbar for aesthetic reasons?

The last question is, what is your budget?

 

[3db]

I am an old man and don't remember that. Which one was it? When I do hear them, they all sound pretty awful and are only marginally better than the TV speakers.

Measurement results of Soundbars

I have two soundbar systems, one per guest room, that Im going to take in room measurements of because I'm really curious how they fare. Its a morbid curiosity. :) I will measure and post the results sometime next week.

forums.audioholics.com

 

[Cydia]

Do not buy them.

Why?