Group test: What's the best soundbar?

The best soundbar

Six of the best soundbars available to buy today.

 

 

Sonos Playbar

  • RatingRated 9 out of 10
  • Reviewed on: 04 March 13
  • RRP: £599 inc. VAT

Sonos' Playbar is the company's first foray into the soundbar market. It comes at a price, but we could hardly find fault in this stunning speaker system.


 

Samsung HW-E551

  • RatingRated 8 out of 10
  • Reviewed on: 11 July 12
  • RRP: £280 inc. VAT

The Samsung HW-E551 is a stylish soundbar with a versatile design. It has plenty of features too, although not all of them are useful. Powerful and well-rounded sound quality combined with a mid-range price make this a good choice.


 

Orbitsound M12

  • RatingRated 8 out of 10
  • Reviewed on: 05 March 13
  • RRP: £399 inc. VAT

Orbitsound's M12 is exactly what you would expect a soundbar to look like, but it has a nifty trick up its sleeve.


Sony HT-CT60

  • RatingRated 7 out of 10
  • Reviewed on: 06 March 13
  • RRP: £149 inc. VAT

The Sony HT-CT60 is a basic 2.1 soundbar system with looks that might not suit your tastes. It's also lacking in standout features and physical inputs. However, the combination of its affordable price and surprisingly good sound quality make it a decent choice if your budget is limited.


 

Bose Solo review

  • RatingRated 6 out of 10
  • Reviewed on: 05 March 13
  • RRP: £349 inc. VAT

The Bose Solo will certainly provide better sound than your flat TV. However, it can do little else thanks to a lack of inputs. Add in the non-adjustable sound and a reasonably high price and it's an average soundbar.


Toshiba Mini 3D (SBM1W)

  • RatingRated 6 out of 10
  • Reviewed on: 06 March 13
  • RRP: £124 inc. VAT

At a glance, the Toshiba Mini 3D looks like a typical iPhone dock or wireless speaker but it's actually a compact soundbar.


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