As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
- Best budget: VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8)
- Best premium: Sonos Arc Ultra
- Best for full surround: VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6)
- Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the strongest compact pick for buyers who value simple setup, Dolby Atmos support and Sonos multiroom audio.
- VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) is the more complete surround package, with a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers included.
- VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) suits buyers who want a straightforward TV upgrade with a separate subwoofer.
- For bigger rooms and a premium feature set, Sonos Arc Ultra and JBL Bar 500 offer distinct paths to room-filling sound.
- Choose by room size, included speaker components, connection needs and the audio ecosystem you plan to use.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a strong compact soundbar choice, while VIZIO soundbars deliver a range of configurations from simple 2.1 audio to full 5.1.2 surround. This Black Friday 2026 guide compares both brands and alternatives by features, speaker layout, connections and intended use, so shoppers can match a soundbar to a TV and room.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to identify where each model stands out. On paper and in owner reviews, the clearest difference is the approach: Sonos emphasizes a streamlined connected-speaker ecosystem, while VIZIO offers bundles with separate subwoofers and surround speakers. The short version: choose Beam for compact smart audio, and compare VIZIO configurations when included speakers matter most.
How We Picked
- Compared channel layouts, Dolby Atmos support and included subwoofer or rear-speaker components.
- Checked HDMI, optical and other connection options for compatibility with common TV setups.
- Considered soundbar width and speaker arrangement for small, medium and larger rooms.
- Reviewed owner feedback for setup, everyday usability, dialogue clarity and app experience.
- Selected products with clear differences in price tier, features or room suitability without relying on a single brand.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Channels | TV connection | Included subwoofer or rear speakers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Compact smart audio | 5.0 | HDMI eARC | No separate subwoofer |
| VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) | Full surround package | 5.1.2 | HDMI eARC | Subwoofer and 2 rear speakers |
| VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) | Simple TV upgrade | 2.1 | HDMI ARC | Wireless subwoofer |
| VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8) | Single-bar Atmos setup | 2.1.2 | HDMI eARC | No separate subwoofer |
| Sonos Ray | Small rooms and optical TVs | 2.0 | Optical | No separate subwoofer |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | Premium Sonos systems | 9.1.4 | HDMI eARC | No separate subwoofer |
| Bose Smart Soundbar | Compact premium audio | 5.0.2 | HDMI eARC | No separate subwoofer |
| JBL Bar 500 | Bass-forward movie sound | 5.1 | HDMI eARC | 10-inch wireless subwoofer |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the best compact smart soundbar for listeners who want Dolby Atmos support and easy expansion, with a 5.0-channel design in a 25.6-inch-wide cabinet.
Best for: Compact rooms and Sonos households
- Channels
- 5.0
- Width
- 25.6 inches
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Atmos
- Dolby Atmos support
- Compact cabinet fits many TV stands
- Supports Dolby Atmos and voice control
- Works with Sonos multiroom audio
- No separate subwoofer included
- Requires HDMI eARC for the simplest TV connection
Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is worth considering for compact rooms, especially when a simple Sonos setup and Dolby Atmos support are priorities. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2)'s 5.0-channel design keeps the system contained, while optional Sonos speakers add a path to expanded surround sound.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6)
The VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) is the best complete surround package for buyers who want separate speakers included, with a 5.1.2-channel layout.
Best for: Surround sound without building a system piece by piece
- Channels
- 5.1.2
- Included speakers
- Soundbar, subwoofer and 2 rear speakers
- Atmos
- Dolby Atmos
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Separate subwoofer and rear speakers included
- Up-firing drivers support height effects
- Provides a full surround layout in one package
- More components and cables to place
- Takes more room than a single-bar setup
Is the VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) is worth considering for buyers who want surround speakers and a subwoofer in one package. The VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6)'s 5.1.2-channel layout supports Dolby Atmos and gives movie sound more separation than a basic 2.1 bar.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8)
The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) is the best simple TV-audio upgrade for shoppers who want a separate bass speaker, with 2.1 channels.
Best for: Everyday TV and a simple subwoofer setup
- Channels
- 2.1
- Included subwoofer
- Wireless
- TV connection
- HDMI ARC
- Audio inputs
- HDMI ARC, optical and Bluetooth
- Separate subwoofer adds bass impact
- HDMI ARC simplifies TV control
- Bluetooth supports wireless audio playback
- No dedicated rear speakers included
- Does not provide a 5.1-channel surround layout
Is the VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) is worth considering for a basic TV upgrade with stronger bass than a TV speaker alone. The 2.1-channel system pairs a soundbar with a wireless subwoofer and offers HDMI ARC, optical and Bluetooth connections.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8)
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8) is the best VIZIO choice for buyers seeking a single-cabinet Atmos design, with a 2.1.2-channel configuration.
Best for: A compact setup with height-effect audio
- Channels
- 2.1.2
- Cabinet design
- All-in-one soundbar
- Atmos
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- No separate subwoofer to position
- Up-firing speakers support height effects
- Combines Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Less physical separation than a system with rear speakers
- All-in-one design limits bass depth compared with a separate subwoofer
Is the VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8) is worth considering when a tidy setup matters more than separate surround speakers. The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8)'s 2.1.2-channel layout adds upward-firing height effects and Dolby Atmos support without requiring a separate subwoofer.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Sonos Ray
The Sonos Ray is the best entry-level Sonos soundbar for smaller TVs and straightforward streaming, with a 2.0-channel design.
Best for: Small rooms and optical-only TV connections
- Channels
- 2.0
- Width
- 22 inches
- TV connection
- Optical
- Wireless audio
- Wi-Fi and Apple AirPlay 2
- Small footprint suits compact setups
- Connects to Sonos multiroom audio
- Optical connection supports older TVs
- No HDMI connection
- No separate subwoofer included
Is the Sonos Ray worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Ray is worth considering for a small room, a secondary TV or a setup that needs an optical connection. The Sonos Ray's 2.0-channel design offers a compact route into Sonos streaming, though shoppers who want HDMI eARC or Dolby Atmos should compare other models.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Sonos Arc Ultra
The Sonos Arc Ultra is the best premium Sonos soundbar for larger rooms and immersive audio, with a 9.1.4-channel spatial-audio presentation.
Best for: Large rooms and premium Sonos systems
- Channels
- 9.1.4
- Width
- 46 inches
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos
- Wide soundstage with height-channel effects
- Supports Sonos multiroom playback
- Designed for a premium single-bar experience
- Large cabinet needs adequate TV-stand space
- Separate Sonos subwoofer and rear speakers add system cost
Is the Sonos Arc Ultra worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Sonos Arc Ultra is worth considering for a larger room and a premium Sonos setup. The Sonos Arc Ultra's 9.1.4-channel spatial-audio presentation and HDMI eARC connection suit listeners seeking immersive Dolby Atmos playback from a single soundbar.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Bose Smart Soundbar
The Bose Smart Soundbar is the best compact premium alternative for listeners prioritizing dialogue and connected audio, with a 5.0.2-channel arrangement.
Best for: Clear dialogue and a compact premium bar
- Channels
- 5.0.2
- Width
- 27.5 inches
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos
- Compact relative to a full surround system
- Supports Dolby Atmos playback
- Bose app offers connected-audio controls
- No separate subwoofer included
- Bose ecosystem differs from Sonos multiroom audio
Is the Bose Smart Soundbar worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Bose Smart Soundbar is worth considering for listeners who want a compact premium bar with Dolby Atmos and connected-audio features. The 5.0.2-channel arrangement adds height drivers, while HDMI eARC supports a straightforward connection to compatible televisions.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#8
JBL Bar 500
The JBL Bar 500 is the best alternative for shoppers who want a powerful soundbar with a dedicated bass module, with 5.1 channels.
Best for: Action films and strong bass from a separate subwoofer
- Channels
- 5.1
- Subwoofer
- 10-inch wireless subwoofer
- TV connection
- HDMI eARC
- Audio format
- Dolby Atmos
- Large separate subwoofer for bass impact
- Dolby Atmos support
- HDMI eARC connection for compatible TVs
- Subwoofer needs dedicated floor space
- No separate rear speakers are included
Is the JBL Bar 500 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The JBL Bar 500 is worth considering for movie fans who want substantial bass without purchasing a separate subwoofer. The JBL Bar 500's 5.1-channel system includes a 10-inch wireless subwoofer and supports Dolby Atmos through a compatible TV connection.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Is the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) better than a VIZIO soundbar?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the better compact smart-speaker choice, while the VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) is the stronger out-of-box surround package. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) combines a 5.0-channel bar, Dolby Atmos support and HDMI eARC in a compact cabinet. Sonos also offers multiroom playback and a clear upgrade path to compatible speakers.
The VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) includes a subwoofer and two rear speakers, giving it separate surround channels without adding components later. The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) is a simpler alternative with a subwoofer but no rear speakers. Choose by what matters more: connected audio and a tidy bar, or a more complete package of speakers.
Which soundbar is best for Dolby Atmos?
The Sonos Arc Ultra offers the largest stated channel layout here at 9.1.4, while the VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) adds Atmos height effects alongside included rear speakers. Channel counts describe speaker arrangements; room acoustics, placement and the source material also affect the result.
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos in a smaller 5.0 bar, making it a fit when floor space is limited. The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8) puts height drivers in one cabinet and skips separate rear speakers. For a premium single-bar route, Sonos Arc Ultra pairs its immersive layout with Sonos multiroom features.
Which soundbar is best for a small room?
The Sonos Ray is the smallest option in this lineup at 22 inches wide, while the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) measures 25.6 inches and adds HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos support. The Ray suits basic TV audio or a compact secondary room, particularly when an optical connection is useful.
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8) keeps the setup to one cabinet while adding up-firing drivers. A separate subwoofer and rear speakers improve placement flexibility and surround separation, but they require more room. Measure the TV stand and check clearance before choosing a wider model such as Sonos Arc Ultra, which measures 46 inches.
Do Sonos or VIZIO soundbars offer easier upgrades?
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) and Sonos Arc Ultra offer a clear expansion route through compatible Sonos speakers and multiroom audio. Buyers who already use Sonos speakers can keep music and home-theater audio within the same ecosystem. Sonos Ray also supports connected Sonos playback, though its optical-only TV connection limits connection options.
The VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) offers a different advantage: its subwoofer and rear speakers are already in the box. Buyers get a surround layout without selecting separate components. The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) starts with a simpler 2.1 configuration. Compare included components and ecosystem compatibility before choosing an upgrade path.
What should I prioritize when shopping Black Friday 2026?
For Black Friday 2026, prioritize the soundbar configuration and TV connections before comparing brand names. A 2.1 model such as the VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) adds a subwoofer, while a 5.1.2 package such as the VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) includes rear speakers and height-channel drivers.
Check HDMI ARC or eARC support on both the soundbar and TV, especially when Dolby Atmos is part of the plan. Match cabinet width to the available stand space, and account for where a subwoofer or rear speakers will sit. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a balanced compact pick; JBL Bar 500 suits buyers seeking a dedicated bass module.
Buying Guide
Match channel count to the room
A 2.0 or 2.1 soundbar fits basic TV listening and smaller rooms. A 5.1 or 5.1.2 system adds more distinct surround channels. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) uses 5.0 channels, while the VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) includes a subwoofer and rear speakers.
Check HDMI ARC and eARC
HDMI ARC or eARC connects a soundbar to a compatible television and supports TV-remote volume control. eARC handles higher-bandwidth audio formats on compatible equipment. Sonos Ray uses optical instead, so confirm that the TV has an optical output before choosing it.
Decide whether a subwoofer matters
A dedicated subwoofer adds low-frequency impact for films and music, but needs a place beside the TV or elsewhere in the room. JBL Bar 500 and VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) include separate wireless subwoofers; Sonos Beam (Gen 2) does not.
Measure the soundbar and speaker locations
Measure the TV stand width and available clearance before buying. Sonos Ray is 22 inches wide, and Sonos Arc Ultra is 46 inches wide. A surround package also needs room for rear speakers and a subwoofer, not only the soundbar itself.
Choose the ecosystem you already use
Sonos models suit households that want Sonos multiroom playback and compatible speaker expansion. VIZIO packages suit shoppers who want core components included in one purchase. Compare app preferences, connection needs and the included equipment against the system already in the home.
FAQ
Sonos Beam vs Vizio soundbar Black Friday: which is the better buy?
Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the better fit for compact smart audio and Sonos multiroom use. VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) is the better fit for a ready-made surround package, since it includes a subwoofer and two rear speakers.
Does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) support Dolby Atmos?
Yes. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) supports Dolby Atmos and connects to a compatible television through HDMI eARC. The soundbar keeps its footprint compact at 25.6 inches wide, but it does not include a separate subwoofer or rear speakers.
Does the VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) include rear speakers?
Yes. VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6) includes a soundbar, a subwoofer and two rear speakers. The 5.1.2-channel design also supports Dolby Atmos, making it a complete surround option for buyers with space for separate components.
Which VIZIO soundbar has a subwoofer?
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar (V21-H8) includes a wireless subwoofer, as does the VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar (M512a-H6). VIZIO M-Series All-in-One 2.1 Sound Bar (M213ad-K8) uses a single-cabinet design without a separate subwoofer.
Is Sonos Ray or Sonos Beam (Gen 2) better for a small TV?
Sonos Ray is 22 inches wide and connects to a TV through optical audio, making it a straightforward fit for a small setup. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is 25.6 inches wide and adds HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos support for shoppers seeking more features.
What is the best premium soundbar on this list?
Sonos Arc Ultra is the premium pick for shoppers seeking a 9.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar and Sonos multiroom features. JBL Bar 500 is an alternative for listeners who prioritize a separate 10-inch wireless subwoofer and a 5.1-channel layout.