For More Immersive Sound And Broader Coverage
Soundbars used to be made fun of by audio enthusiasts for their low-quality sound, but technology has evolved a lot since these early days of soundbars, and now they’re a top choice for home cinema. If you want a truly immersive experience, go with something loud that can fill the room. Here are some of the best choices!
Our Top Pick
Our Top Picks
Overall Top Pick
Although it’s expensive, the KEF XIO is the ultimate in loud soundbars. I don’t think I’d ever seen an 800W+ soundbar until its release, and while it’s not exactly power efficient, it is very loud and has the same high-quality sound you’d expect from a KEF product.
Loudest Soundbar With Sub-Woofer
The Samsung HWQ990F 11.1.4 Channel Q-Series Soundbar is the loudest soundbar on our list that includes a subwoofer. It also includes additional left and right channel speakers for even more immersion. It falls just shy of 100 dB, meaning it can easily cover a large area.
Loudest Soundbar With Surround Sound
The JBL Bar 9.1 remains a top choice for those wanting a punchy, cinematic setup with detachable surrounds and a powerful 10″ wireless sub. With around 95 dB SPL max output and over 800 W of total power, it delivers deep, room-filling bass and convincing surround sound without a full AV receiver system.
Loudest Soundbar On A Budget
The Polk Signa S4 brings 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos, an 8″ subwoofer, and 96 dB SPL performance at an affordable price. Polk’s VoiceAdjust keeps dialogue crisp, and the slim form factor makes it a great fit under most TVs while still delivering satisfying bass and immersion.
The Loudest Soundbars At a Glance
| Model | Volume | MRSP |
| KEF XIO | Extreme (102 dB) | $2,499 |
| Samsung HWQ990F | High (99 dB) | $1,699 |
| Sonos Arc Ultra | High (98 dB) | $969 |
| JBL 9.1 | High (97 dB) | $1,199 |
| Klipsch Cinema 600 | High (96.5 dB) | $599 |
| Polk Signa S4 | High (96 dB) | $459 |
| Sonos Playbar | High (96 dB) | $469 |
| LG SL5Y | Moderate (94 dB) | $99 |
Why You May Want To Upgrade Your Home Audio With One Of These Soundbars
As TV picture quality is improving, so are the built-in speakers they come with, but as TVs get thinner, so do their onboard speakers, which can only go so far in recreating immersive sound. Because of this, upgrading to an external speaker system can significantly improve sound quality in your home cinema, and there are generally two options here:
Firstly, upgrading to a surround sound or home stereo speaker setup can not only become incredibly expensive, but you’ll also need to consider cabling, amplification, and careful placement. The alternative is a soundbar, which provides a low-profile but distinct improvement to your TV’s current sonic capabilities that’s generally far cheaper (and easier) than setting up a surround sound system.
Even the loudest soundbar won’t bring you right into the center of the action in the way a surround sound system can, but it will make everything sound better coming out of your TV, from cleaner dialogue to more immersive sound effects and controlled volume levels, removing the need to constantly reach for the volume remote while watching your favorite shows.
Warning: Loud Noise Can Damage Your Hearing
According to the Department of Health, sounds at or below 70 dBA are generally considered safe. Any sound at or above 85 dBA is more likely to damage your hearing over time. Be careful. Most of the soundbars on this list deliver above that threshold.
This article features some of the loudest soundbars available on the market, and because of that, we’re including this link to our Safe Music Listening Guide with tips on protecting your hearing. This should help you understand loudness, how it’s measured, and what to be aware of to enjoy your music for years.
Loud Soundbars for TV Rooms and Home Entertainment
The soundbars below are perfect for TV room setups or home entertainment areas. They are all chosen because they are loud speakers yet deliver high-quality sound.
1. KEF XIO
102dB
Why we picked it:
The KEF XIO isn’t just a soundbar, it’s an audiophile-grade home theater system packed into a sleek, single unit. With a staggering 820 W of total power driving KEF’s signature Uni-Q drivers and refined Music Integrity Engine processing, it delivers sound that’s both crystal-clear and room-shaking. Supporting 5.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos, the XIO creates a truly immersive listening environment with precise imaging and depth. And with a maximum SPL of 102 dB, it’s one of the loudest soundbars you can buy, all while maintaining the kind of tonal balance and detail that KEF is famous for.
Notable Features:
- 820 W total power with KEF’s Uni-Q driver array
- 5.1.2 Dolby Atmos with dedicated up-firing channels
- 102 dB max SPL for reference-level loudness
Our Thoughts
The KEF XIO is for those who refuse to compromise between loudness and fidelity. Whether it’s a blockbuster movie or a high-res music stream, it delivers jaw-dropping clarity at volumes that rival full AV receiver setups. The 102 dB peak output gives it the headroom to fill even large rooms with ease, while KEF’s engineering ensures the sound remains balanced and fatigue-free. It’s expensive, yes, but for serious home theater enthusiasts, it’s a worthy centerpiece.
2. Samsung HWQ990F 11.1.4 Channel Q-Series Soundbar
99dB
Why we picked it:
The Samsung HW-Q990F is one of the most complete Dolby Atmos soundbars available, combining an 11.1.4-channel setup with a total system power of roughly 756 W RMS. It’s designed for true wrap-around immersion, with a soundstage that extends high, wide, and deep thanks to multiple up-firing, side-firing, and rear speakers. Support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is paired with Samsung’s Q-Symphony for seamless integration with compatible TVs. In independent testing, it’s reached 99 dB SPL at 1 m, making it one of the loudest and most dynamic home theater soundbars you can buy.
Notable Features:
- 11.1.4 Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- 756 W RMS total system power
- 99 dB SPL measured peak output
- Wireless subwoofer and rear speakers included
- Q-Symphony for Samsung TV integration
Our Thoughts
Samsung’s HW-Q990F offers a reference-class home theater experience without the complexity of a separate AV receiver setup. The volume and dynamics are on par with much larger systems, while the clarity across the frequency range is exceptional. Dialogue remains clear even during heavy action sequences, and the bass is tight yet powerful. It’s an investment, but for those wanting the loudest, most immersive Atmos soundbar with real rear channels included in the box, the Q990F is a clear front-runner.
3. Sonos Arc Ultra Smart Soundbar
98dB
Why we picked it:
The Sonos Arc Ultra takes everything great about the original Arc and turns it up a notch, literally. With more drivers, bigger bass, and expanded Dolby Atmos support, it delivers a cinematic experience that fills your space with precision and power. It still offers the same seamless smart integration Sonos is known for, responding to voice commands, syncing with your phone, and linking up with other smart devices in your home. The Arc Ultra also continually analyses your room to fine-tune its sound signature, ensuring it always performs at its absolute best.
Notable Features:
- Expanded Dolby Atmos (9.1.4)
- Sound Motion woofer for deeper bass
- Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 6, and eARC connectivity
Our Thoughts
As far as premium smart soundbars go, the Arc Ultra is an easy top pick. It’s powerful enough to handle blockbuster movies with room-shaking impact, yet refined enough for detailed music listening. Add in Sonos’ intuitive app, voice control, and ecosystem connectivity, and you’ve got a flagship worth showing off. Yes, it’s expensive—but if you want the very best from Sonos, this is the one to get.
4. JBL 9.1 Atmos Soundbar
97db
Why we picked it:
JBL’s home audio products are becoming increasingly impressive, and their 9.1 Atmos soundbar is one of the best-sounding, loudest soundbars on the market, with nine audio channels and a 300W 10-inch subwoofer included. The JBL 9.1 Atmos Soundbar comprises the main segment containing seven channels and an additional battery-powered pair that can be detached from the main bar to form a left and right surround sound image. Various connectivity methods are supported, with cables included in the box along with mounting brackets and tools.
Notable Features:
- Incredibly loud
- Stunning sound quality
- 9.1 Atmos surround sound
- Modular design
Our Thoughts
This is a great soundbar if you enjoy action-packed films and are looking for intense, lifelike audio to fill your room. The included subwoofer dramatically improves low-end response, while the main center-channel soundbar handles the rest well. This JBL Soundbar also sounds amazing for music playback, and the ease of connecting directly to your smartphone makes it that much more versatile.
5. Klipsch Cinema 600 Soundbar
96.5dB
Why we picked it:
Made from high-quality wood and internal components, the Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar delivers thrilling high-definition sound that makes anything on TV come to life. The Cinema 600 system comes as a loud 45-inch long soundbar with a long center channel, two separate left and right channels, and a 10-inch wireless subwoofer for enhanced low-end, while the high frequencies are extremely well-defined. At a total power rating of 600W, this Klipsch Cinema 600 is one of the loudest soundbars on the market.
Notable Features:
- Included subwoofer
- Remote controllable
- The largest wireless subwoofer on the market
Our Thoughts
If you’re somewhat of an audiophile, you’ll appreciate the definition, depth, and honest representation of sound presented by the Klipsch Cinema 600 soundbar. It’s also one of the most attractive soundbars on our list that’s incredibly simple to use with its ‘plug and play’ operating style.
6. Polk Signa S4 Soundbar
96dB
Why we picked it:
The Polk Signa S4 is a standout in the affordable Dolby Atmos category, offering 3.1.2-channel sound with a dedicated center channel and up-firing drivers for overhead effects. Its 260 W of total power and an 8″ wireless subwoofer give it far more bass punch than most budget bars, and it can comfortably hit 95–96 dB SPL in real-world use. Polk’s VoiceAdjust technology keeps dialogue crisp and intelligible, while its slim, understated design slips neatly under most TVs without blocking the screen. For the price, it’s one of the most well-rounded Atmos packages you can get.
Notable Features:
- 3.1.2 Dolby Atmos with dedicated center and up-firing channels
- 260 W total system power
- 8″ wireless subwoofer for deep, impactful bass
- 95–96 dB SPL max output in testing
- Polk VoiceAdjust for dialogue clarity
Our Thoughts
The Polk Signa S4 proves you don’t need to spend big to enjoy genuine Dolby Atmos immersion. Its 96 dB SPL output is more than enough for most living rooms, and the 8″ subwoofer delivers a bass presence that’s both deep and punchy. The inclusion of a dedicated center channel and Polk’s VoiceAdjust makes dialogue impressively clear, even in busy action scenes. While it won’t match the precision or raw power of high-end systems, it nails the balance between performance, features, and price—making it a smart buy for budget-conscious home theater fans.
7. Sonos Playbar
96dB
Why we picked it:
The Sonos Playbar is a mountable soundbar that offers some of the best sound quality and is one of the loudest soundbars on the market. Fitted with six midrange woofers and three tweeters, the Sonos Playbar delivers full-range sound across a wide angle. It has an adaptive EQ feature to ensure the Playbar always sounds amazing in your room, and the bass and high-end can also be adjusted manually. The Sonos Playbar is Wi-Fi compatible, allowing you to link other speakers in your house to the same system or connect to a TV using an optical cable.
Notable Features:
- Adaptive EQ with manual control
- Wi-Fi streaming capabilities
- App-compatible or remote-controllable
- Mountable design
Our Thoughts
The Sonos Playbar is one of our favorite loud soundbars simply for its incredible sound quality, while the additional smart features make it a versatile and user-friendly item. The discreet design is lovely, and the wall-mountable feature is also a nice touch, though I would have liked to see alternative connectivity options. Sonos Playbar is a little expensive, but the quality is guaranteed.
8. LG SL5Y HD Soundbar
94dB
Why we picked it:
On the more affordable spectrum, LG’s SL5Y HD Soundbar is a 2.1-channel system that delivers clear speech, detailed ambiance, and thundering low end in a single soundbar unit paired with a separate subwoofer. The LG SL5Y HD soundbar functions at a high sample rate for crystal-clear audio reproduction. It has a built-in limiter to say goodbye to unbalanced volumes between your favorite TV show and the commercials that blast your ears off in between. The LG SL5Y HD soundbar offers incredible natural sound on a budget, available just above $150.00 or as a package with an LG portable Bluetooth speaker.
Notable Features:
- Compact soundbar with woofer combo
- DTS Virtual X surround sound technology
- Built-in limiter function
- Bluetooth 4.2 compatible
Our Thoughts
The LG SL5Y HD soundbar is loud, powerful, and incredible due to its modern adaptive limiting and tone-shaping abilities. We like it because it offers high-class features and sound at an amazingly affordable price point, far outperforming its competitors in the same price bracket.
Which Soundbar Is Best For Me?
While we’ve created a list of some of the best and loudest soundbars on the market, we also realize that not all of our selections would work for what you’re after. The products selected were chosen for the combination of their loudness, along with other features we believe cater to your requirements.
Before buying a soundbar, consider reading through our guide below on finding the loudest soundbar for your entertainment setup.
Surround Sound: Do you Need It?
If you’re looking for an immersive sound that best caters to a wide frequency response, surround sound soundbars will be able to give you that extra definition with a dedicated subwoofer in most cases, along with additional dedicated tweeters in 5.1, 7.1, or 9.1 surround sound. While surround sound doesn’t automatically mean more volume, it makes sense that more speakers would equal more volume.
There are trade-offs, however. Surround sound systems typically cost more and can become difficult to work with when room space is limited, especially wired options. I’d say to only opt for wireless surround sound options.
The JBL 9.1 Atmos Soundbar is the most impressive surround sound choice, with detachable wireless speakers and an impressive subwoofer. If you want a better bass response, the Klipsch Cinema 600, Samsung HW-Q990F, and Polk Signa S4 will achieve this with included subwoofers. These systems are often referred to as 3.1 surround sound.
Consider The Size And Your Space
Similar to how one needs to consider space requirements when considering surround sound. Even with a standard soundbar, you should measure your available space and then purchase a soundbar that works for your setup. Both length and width should be measured and then referenced with the product measurements.
What You Should Expect To Pay
The truth is that you get what you pay for with soundbars. Typically, the most expensive models perform the best, but that’s not always the case – some more affordable soundbars can still sound great and get loud.
- Budget: $100 – $300
- Midrange: $400 – $800
- Premium: $800+
The most limiting factor is often the exclusion of subwoofers or additional surround sound speakers in these cheaper options. High-end models tend to have better drivers and are larger, allowing them to still produce deep lows without a sub. However, for most soundbars, a subwoofer is a necessity more than a nice-to-have addition.
Our Top Pick
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to place the subwoofer with a soundbar?
Subwoofers are best placed around the same distance from the viewer as the soundbar. Anywhere next to your soundbar on the floor is the best location. Because sub-woofers are not very directional, you can even place them in the corner near your TV.
How to mount a soundbar?
While some soundbar packages may include a mount, you may need to purchase an additional mount for your soundbar if you want it mounted on the wall under your TV. Each soundbar mount will vary in how it should be installed, so we recommend following the product manual.
What are the benefits of a soundbar?
A soundbar’s biggest benefit is the space it saves and the aesthetic it brings to your entertainment area. They also don’t require an additional amplifier, as high-quality home audio setups tend to.
How to hide soundbar wires?
Unsightly wiring can be resolved using cable ties, hook cable holders, or wireless Bluetooth options. These are a few of the methods you can use.
