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10 Best Soundbar With Optical Input 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Samsung HW-B550D 3.1 ch Soundbar w/ Dolby Audio, Surround Sound expansion, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound, DTS Virtual:X, Wireless Subwoofer, 2024

The Samsung HW-B550D is a 3.1 channel soundbar that offers a rich audio experience with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X technologies. These features help create surround sound and improve dialogue clarity, making it a great fit for home theater users who want immersive sound without extra speakers. The built-in center speaker and adaptive sound mode optimize voice clarity, so you won't miss important details in movies or games. It includes a wireless subwoofer with bass boost, adding satisfying depth to lower frequencies, which is ideal if you enjoy action-packed content or music with punchy bass.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,212
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
3298 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound quality competes with much more expensive brands, delivering impressive surround sound for the price.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity is seamless and switching between devices is effortless, enhancing the overall convenience.
Size and Design
The compact design fits neatly below most TVs and doesn’t detract from the room’s aesthetics.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer adds powerful, punchy bass that enriches both movies and music.
Brand and Reviews
This soundbar offers great value, outperforming previous Samsung models in both bass and overall sound crispness.
#2
9.1 score

Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bass Module 700 2X Wireless Surround Speaker, Black

The Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a strong choice if you want immersive, theater-like sound at home. It offers Dolby Atmos support and a 3.1 channel setup, which means you get good surround sound with a dedicated bass module and two wireless surround speakers for richer audio. With 300 watts of power, it can fill a medium to large room with clear, dynamic sound. Connectivity is versatile, including HDMI and optical inputs, making it easy to connect to most TVs and projectors. It also supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so you can play music from apps like Spotify and Apple Music.

Rating
9.1
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
78 reviews

Audio Channels
The system fills the room with clear and crisp sound, delivering an immersive audio experience.
Connectivity Options
Setup through the Bose app is reasonably easy, making the initial configuration straightforward.
Size and Design
The sound quality and design are exceptional, combining powerful performance with a sleek, low-profile look.
Subwoofer
The bass unit strikes the perfect balance—powerful yet unobtrusive in size.
#3
8.8 score

Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a compact soundbar designed to enhance your TV and music listening experience. It supports Dolby Atmos, which creates a 3D surround sound effect, making movies and shows feel more immersive. With 200 watts of power and a two-channel surround sound setup, it delivers clear dialogue and rich bass, though it lacks a built-in subwoofer. Instead, you can wirelessly add one later if you want deeper bass. Connectivity options are solid, including HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and an included optical audio adapter, making it compatible with most TVs and smart home setups.

Rating
8.8
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Sound Modes

Most important from
2309 reviews

Audio Channels
Dialogue clarity is exceptional, enabling viewers to understand nearly all spoken content without relying on subtitles.
Connectivity Options
The included HDMI-to-optical adapter works but a dedicated optical input port would have added convenience for some users.
Sound Modes
Adjustable bass and treble controls allow for personalized sound tuning, enhancing the listening experience.
Size and Design
The compact and sleek design fits unobtrusively on a shelf or in front of the TV, blending well with home decor.

Top 10 Best Soundbar With Optical Input 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Samsung HW-B550D 3.1 ch Soundbar w/ Dolby Audio, Surround Sound expansion, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound, DTS Virtual:X, Wireless Subwoofer, 2024

Audio Channels: 3.1
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, USB
Sound Modes: Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, adaptive
Size and Design: 2.9"D x 33.8"W x 2.3"H, Wall
Subwoofer: Wireless, 2.7" diameter, bass boost
Brand and Reviews: Samsung, 4.4/5 stars, 2,337 ratings

Chosen by 1212 this week

Bose Home Theater System Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bass Module 700 2X Wireless Surround Speaker, Black

Audio Channels: 3.1
Wattage: 300 Watts
Connectivity Options: HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos
Size and Design: 2.25"D x 27.5"W x 2.25"H, Wall Mount
Subwoofer: Wired
Brand and Reviews: Bose, 4.2/5 stars, 56 ratings

Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Audio Channels: 2.0
Wattage: 200 Watts
Connectivity Options: Ethernet, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Optical
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos
Size and Design: 3.9"D x 25.6"W x 2.7"H
Subwoofer: No built-in, Wireless connectivity
Brand and Reviews: Sonos, 4.4/5 stars, 2,104 ratings

Samsung Q-Series Soundbar HW-QS700F 3.1.2 ch Subwoofer (2025 Model) Convertible Fit, Wireless Dolby Atmos, Q-Symphony

Audio Channels: 3.1.2
Wattage: 345 Watts
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI, Wireless
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos
Size and Design: 9.8"D x 45.67"W x 9.91"H
Subwoofer: 6.5-inch wireless
Brand and Reviews: Samsung, 4.4/5 stars (1,028 ratings)

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black

Sound Quality: Stereo
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI ARC, Optical in
Size and Design: 4.02"D x 23.38"W x 2.21"H
Ease of Use: Straightforward setup, single TV connection
Brand and Reviews: Bose, 4.3 stars from 12,099 ratings

Samsung HW-Q600C 3.1.2ch Soundbar w/Dolby Audio, Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound, HDMI eARC, Game Mode Pro, Bluetooth, Acoustic Beam, Tap Sound

Sound Quality: Dolby Atmos, Adaptive Sound
Channels: 3.1.2
Connectivity Options: wired, wireless, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI eARC
Size and Design: 1"D x 1"W x 1"H, 8.38 pounds
Ease of Use: Remote Control, Bluetooth Multi Connection
Brand and Reviews: Brand: SAMSUNG, 4.4 out of 5

Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar with Built in Subwoofer (2025 Model) One Remote Control, Surround Sound Expansion, Voice Enhance Mode

Audio Channels: 2.0 channel
Wattage: 40 Watts
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI
Sound Modes: voice-enhance, surround sound expansion
Size and Design: 4.21"D x 25.23"W x 2.62"H
Subwoofer: built-in subwoofer
Brand and Reviews: Samsung, 4.4/5 stars, 1,859 ratings
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Buying Guide for the Best Soundbar With Optical Input

Choosing the right soundbar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. A soundbar with an optical input is a great choice for high-quality sound transmission. To make the best choice, you need to consider several key specifications that will determine the performance and compatibility of the soundbar with your existing setup. Here are the key specs you should focus on and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that the soundbar can play. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 soundbar has two channels (left and right), while a 2.1 adds a subwoofer for bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a simple upgrade from your TV speakers, a 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar might suffice. For a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, consider a 5.1 or 7.1 soundbar.
WattageWattage indicates the power output of the soundbar, which affects the volume and clarity of the sound. Higher wattage generally means louder and clearer sound. Soundbars typically range from 30 watts to over 300 watts. If you have a small to medium-sized room, a soundbar with 30-100 watts should be adequate. For larger rooms or if you prefer very loud audio, look for soundbars with higher wattage.
Connectivity OptionsWhile an optical input is essential for high-quality digital audio, it's also important to consider other connectivity options like HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC allows for easy connection and control with your TV remote, while Bluetooth enables wireless streaming from your devices. AUX is useful for connecting older devices. Choose a soundbar with multiple connectivity options to ensure compatibility with all your devices.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the soundbar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, news, or sports. These modes adjust the soundbar's equalizer settings to enhance dialogue clarity, bass, or overall sound quality. If you watch a variety of content, look for a soundbar with multiple sound modes to get the best audio experience for each type.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the soundbar should complement your TV and room decor. Soundbars come in various lengths and styles, from compact models to larger, more elaborate designs. Measure the space where you plan to place the soundbar and ensure it fits well without obstructing your TV screen or other components. Additionally, consider the aesthetic appeal and whether it matches your room's style.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate wireless or wired subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or action-packed movies, a soundbar with a subwoofer will provide a more satisfying audio experience. Decide whether you prefer an integrated or separate subwoofer based on your space and sound preferences.
Brand and ReviewsThe brand and customer reviews can give you insight into the soundbar's reliability, performance, and customer service. Established brands often have a reputation for quality and durability. Reading reviews from other users can help you understand the pros and cons of a particular model. Look for soundbars with consistently positive feedback and high ratings to ensure you're making a reliable choice.

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