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- Best overall: Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black
- Best budget: Sonos Ray Black
- Best premium: Sonos Arc Ultra Black
- Best for dialogue: Bose Smart Soundbar (Black): Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the compact pick for Dolby Atmos, app-based control and a small-to-medium room.
- Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) prioritizes clear dialogue and simple setup in a compact design.
- Sonos Arc Ultra and Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar deliver more immersive sound for larger rooms.
- Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA includes a subwoofer and rear speakers for a fuller surround setup.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) are compact Dolby Atmos soundbars aimed at improving TV audio without filling a room with equipment. For Black Friday 2026, the right choice comes down to the sound profile, streaming features and connection options that fit your setup.
I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven soundbars, including premium upgrades and a complete surround package. The short version: choose Sonos Beam (Gen 2) for Sonos multiroom integration and flexible streaming, or Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) for Bose dialogue features and an especially straightforward compact setup.
How We Picked
- Compared published channel layouts, speaker counts and supported audio formats.
- Checked HDMI eARC, HDMI ARC and optical connections for TV compatibility.
- Considered streaming, voice control and multiroom options across each product.
- Reviewed owner feedback for setup, dialogue clarity and everyday usability.
- Included compact, premium and complete surround-system options at several feature levels.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Audio channels | TV connection | Dolby Atmos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black | Compact Sonos setup | 5.0 virtualized | HDMI eARC or ARC | Yes |
| Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) | Dialogue clarity | Not specified as channel count | HDMI eARC | Yes |
| Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Black) | Premium Bose single bar | Not specified as channel count | HDMI eARC | Yes |
| Sonos Arc Ultra Black | Immersive Sonos audio | 9.1.4 | HDMI eARC | Yes |
| Sonos Ray Black | Small rooms | Stereo | Optical | No |
| Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) Black | Sony TV owners | 5.0.2 | HDMI eARC | Yes |
| Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA | Complete surround package | 11.1.4 | HDMI eARC | Yes |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black is the best compact Sonos soundbar for listeners who want Dolby Atmos and multiroom audio, with 5.0 virtualized channels in a small enclosure.
Best for: Small-to-medium rooms and Sonos households
- Audio
- 5.0 virtualized channels
- Format
- Dolby Atmos
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC or ARC
- Control
- Sonos app, TV remote and voice control
- Compact footprint suits a TV stand or wall mount.
- Supports Dolby Atmos and broad music streaming.
- Fits into a Sonos multiroom system.
- No separate subwoofer or rear speakers are included.
Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black is worth considering for compact rooms and Sonos households. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black's 5.0 virtualized-channel design, Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC connection make it a capable all-in-one option, while a separate subwoofer remains an optional upgrade.
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#2
Bose Smart Soundbar (Black)
The Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) is the best compact Bose soundbar for TV dialogue and streamlined streaming, with 5 transducers in its single-bar design.
Best for: Clear dialogue and compact Bose setups
- Transducers
- 5
- Audio
- Dolby Atmos with TrueSpace
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Dialogue feature
- AI Dialogue Mode
- AI Dialogue Mode emphasizes speech.
- TrueSpace processing expands compatible audio.
- Compact form keeps the setup simple.
- A separate bass module and surround speakers are extra components.
Is the Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) is a strong fit for viewers who value speech clarity and easy setup. Five transducers, Dolby Atmos with TrueSpace and AI Dialogue Mode give it useful TV-focused features without requiring separate rear speakers.
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#3
Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Black)
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Black) is the best premium Bose all-in-one for cinematic sound and dialogue, with 9 transducers and Dolby Atmos support.
Best for: Premium Bose audio without a full speaker bundle
- Transducers
- 9
- Audio
- Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Dialogue feature
- AI Dialogue Mode
- Room-filling sound comes from one main bar.
- Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace add spatial effects.
- AI Dialogue Mode gives speech extra emphasis.
- Optional bass and surround components add to system complexity.
Is the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Black) is worth a look for listeners seeking a premium single-bar system. Nine transducers, Dolby Atmos and TrueSpace provide a more expansive feature set than a basic TV soundbar, with optional Bose speakers available for a larger system.
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#4
Sonos Arc Ultra Black
The Sonos Arc Ultra Black is the best premium Sonos soundbar for immersive TV and music, with a 9.1.4-channel spatial-audio layout.
Best for: Large rooms and premium Sonos systems
- Audio
- 9.1.4 spatial audio
- Drivers
- 14
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Format
- Dolby Atmos
- Four height channels create a more immersive presentation.
- Integrates with Sonos speakers and services.
- Sound Motion technology supports low-frequency output.
- The larger bar suits wider TV stands and bigger rooms.
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Arc Ultra Black is worth considering for larger rooms and listeners building a premium Sonos system. The Sonos Arc Ultra Black's 9.1.4 spatial-audio layout and 14 drivers provide more immersive sound than compact bars, with HDMI eARC for a compatible TV connection.
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#5
Sonos Ray Black
The Sonos Ray Black is the best entry-level Sonos soundbar for smaller rooms and simple TV upgrades, with 4 built-in amplifiers.
Best for: Small rooms and optical-only TV connections
- Amplifiers
- 4 Class-D
- Drivers
- 4
- TV connection
- Optical
- Audio formats
- Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround
- Compact size fits smaller TV setups.
- Works with Sonos multiroom audio.
- Optical connection supports TVs without eARC.
- No HDMI eARC or Dolby Atmos support.
Is the Sonos Ray Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Ray Black is worth considering for a smaller room, a basic TV upgrade or a TV with an optical output. Four Class-D amplifiers power its compact design, but shoppers wanting HDMI eARC or Dolby Atmos should choose another soundbar.
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#6
Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) Black
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) Black is the best Sony upgrade for immersive TV sound, with 11 speakers in its soundbar.
Best for: Sony TV owners and spatial-audio fans
- Speakers
- 11
- Audio
- 5.0.2 channels
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Spatial feature
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping
- Up-firing speakers add height effects.
- 360 Spatial Sound Mapping expands the sound field.
- Optional wireless subwoofer and rear speakers are available.
- A separate subwoofer is not included.
Is the Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) Black worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) Black is worth considering for Sony TV owners and listeners seeking spatial sound from one bar. Eleven speakers and 5.0.2 channels support immersive playback, while optional subwoofer and rear-speaker additions expand the system.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA
The Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA is the best complete surround package for viewers who want speakers included, with 11.1.4-channel audio.
Best for: Full surround sound without separate component shopping
- Audio
- 11.1.4 channels
- Included components
- Soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Format
- Dolby Atmos
- Subwoofer and rear speakers are included.
- 11.1.4 channels provide a full surround layout.
- HDMI eARC supports compatible high-quality TV audio.
- The multi-piece system needs more room and setup than a single bar.
Is the Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA is worth considering for shoppers who want a complete surround setup in one package. The Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA's 11.1.4-channel layout includes a soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers, reducing the need to select and connect separate audio components.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, Sonos Beam or Bose Smart Soundbar?
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black is the stronger pick for Sonos streaming and multiroom audio, while Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) emphasizes dialogue with 5 transducers and AI Dialogue Mode. Both soundbars support Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC, making them suitable for modern TV setups.
Choose Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black if app-based music streaming and adding Sonos speakers later matter most. Choose Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) if clear speech and a compact Bose system are the priorities. Neither product includes a separate subwoofer or rear speakers, so both keep the initial setup simple.
Which soundbar is best for a small room?
Sonos Ray Black and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black are the best small-room options, with the Ray using 4 built-in amplifiers and the Beam offering Dolby Atmos. Their compact designs suit limited TV-stand space better than larger premium soundbars.
Sonos Ray Black is the simpler choice for optical-only TVs and straightforward stereo playback. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black adds HDMI eARC and virtualized Atmos for viewers who want a more advanced feature set. Measure the TV stand and check the available connection before choosing either model.
Which soundbar gives the most immersive surround sound?
Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA gives the most complete surround setup in this group, with 11.1.4 channels and included rear speakers and subwoofer. The package creates a more traditional surround arrangement than an all-in-one soundbar.
Sonos Arc Ultra Black is a strong alternative for shoppers who prefer a single main bar and Sonos integration; its 9.1.4 layout delivers height-focused spatial audio. Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) Black offers 5.0.2 channels with optional expansion. Room size, speaker placement and TV compatibility all influence the final experience.
Do Sonos and Bose soundbars need a separate subwoofer?
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black and Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) work as standalone bars, while each brand offers optional subwoofer upgrades. Both products keep setup simple without requiring extra components for TV dialogue and everyday viewing.
Listeners who want stronger bass should compare the cost and placement needs of each brand’s compatible subwoofer before committing to a system. Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Black) and Sonos Arc Ultra Black also function as premium main bars, with optional system expansion. Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA includes its subwoofer from the start.
What should I check before buying a soundbar on Black Friday 2026?
Check TV connections, room size and included speakers before choosing a soundbar for Black Friday 2026. HDMI eARC is useful for compatible TVs and advanced audio formats, while optical remains a practical connection for basic setups such as Sonos Ray Black.
Also check soundbar width against the TV stand, confirm whether a subwoofer or rear speakers are included, and consider the app or voice-control ecosystem. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black and Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) suit compact systems; Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA is a better fit for buyers who want a multi-speaker surround package.
Buying Guide
Match the soundbar to your TV connection
HDMI eARC is the most flexible connection for newer TVs, and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black, Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) and Sonos Arc Ultra Black include it. Sonos Ray Black uses optical, so check the TV’s output before selecting it.
Choose a channel layout for your room
Sonos Arc Ultra Black offers 9.1.4 spatial audio, while Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black uses 5.0 virtualized channels. Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA provides 11.1.4 channels with rear speakers for a more complete surround arrangement.
Decide whether you want a separate subwoofer
Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) and Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black are standalone bars, with optional expansion available. Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA includes a subwoofer, which suits buyers who want stronger bass without choosing a separate component.
Consider streaming and voice features
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black is a natural choice for households using Sonos multiroom audio. Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) includes AI Dialogue Mode, while each product’s supported services and controls should match your devices and listening habits.
Measure the TV stand and speaker locations
Compact Sonos Ray Black suits small spaces, while Sony BRAVIA Theatre Bar 8 (HT-A8000) Black and Sonos Arc Ultra Black need more room. For Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA, reserve space for the subwoofer and rear speakers as well as the main bar.
FAQ
Is Sonos Beam better than Bose Smart Soundbar?
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black is better for Sonos multiroom audio and streaming flexibility, while Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) is a strong choice for dialogue emphasis and Bose features. Both support Dolby Atmos and HDMI eARC, so choose based on ecosystem and sound preferences.
Does Sonos Beam (Gen 2) support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black supports Dolby Atmos and uses virtualized 5.0-channel audio to create a wider presentation from its compact enclosure. A compatible TV connection and Atmos content help deliver the format’s intended effects.
Does Bose Smart Soundbar include a subwoofer?
No. Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) is a standalone soundbar with 5 transducers, Dolby Atmos and AI Dialogue Mode. Bose offers compatible bass and surround components separately for listeners who want a larger system or stronger low-frequency sound.
Which soundbar is best for dialogue?
Bose Smart Soundbar (Black) is a strong dialogue-focused choice because it includes AI Dialogue Mode, which emphasizes speech. Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar (Black) also includes the feature. Dialogue clarity depends on the content, room acoustics and TV settings.
Which soundbar includes rear speakers and a subwoofer?
Samsung HW-Q990F/ZA includes a soundbar, subwoofer and rear speakers in its 11.1.4-channel system. The complete package is designed for shoppers who want surround audio without selecting each component separately.
Is Sonos Ray compatible with HDMI eARC?
No. Sonos Ray Black connects to a TV through optical rather than HDMI eARC. Check that the television has an optical audio output before purchase. For HDMI eARC, consider Sonos Beam (Gen 2) Black or another compatible soundbar.