TR Top 10: Best soundbars for your TV

It's no secret that the audio quality on most TVs is dire. Not only are the speaker drivers vastly underpowered, they face in the wrong direction. It's a bit like going to see Beyoncé perform at Wembley stadium and finding her standing on stage with her back to you, singing into a megaphone.
Buying the best soundbar is the easiest way of giving your TV some much-need sonic steroids as virtually all screens have the option of being used with an external speaker.

What's the best soundbar?

Soundbars come in many shapes and sizes, and range in price from under £100 to over £1,000. Cheaper models have basic connections (including a digital optical socket, which is essential), more expensive ones add superior HDMI inputs, wireless audio streaming (eg Bluetooth and AirPlay), better power, more refined speaker drivers, and decoding of Blu-ray sound formats.
Design is also important, with some models able to sit in front of your TV on a stand, others may need a separate shelf or to be wall mounted. Whatever your budget though there are some cracking good acoustic upgrades to be had that can give your TV the sound it deserves.

1. Q Acoustics Media 4

Simple, no-nonsense TV connections with a superbly consistent sound
Price: around £399
Buy: Amazon | John Lewis
Possibly the best soundabr around. the design is maybe a tad dull but construction is rock-solid. Socketry eschews HDMI and the single optical input can't handle Dolby Digital (remember to set your TV to output PCM audio). There are no sound modes to mess around with and what you hear is what you get: simply a broad, powerful and refined soundstage. Vocals are rich and warm but most impressive is the built-in subwoofer, which is surprisingly potent and yet nuanced. Equally good Bluetooth audio seals the deal.

2. Yamaha YSP-2500

Home cinema enthusiasts look no further for versatility and sublime sounds
Price: around £659
Buy: Amazon | John Lewis | HiSpek | Electrical Shop
If hard core home cinema sound is more your thing the Yamaha YSP-2500 certainly trumps the Q Acoustics Media 4. Festooned with cutting-edge tech (its HDMIs are 4K compatible), the YSP-2500 uses 16 tiny beam drivers (and a separate wireless subwoofer) to deliver convincing surround sound from Blu-ray DTS HD MA and Dolby True HD bitstreams. There are multiple sound modes to experiment with (do try the excellent iOS/Android app). It sounds first rate with all sources, even ropey old repeats on Dave.

3. Sonos Playbar

Turns your multi-room audio system into wireless surround sound
Price: around £547
Buy: Amazon | Currys | John Lewis
Like the Q Acoustics Media 4, the Sonos Playbar is a non-HDMI device that uses optical to hook up to a TV. Used simply on its own it delivers a massive sonic boost to your TV listening but operating it requires use of a smartphone or tablet app. The benefit though is that it can seamlessly segue in to a Sonos wireless system, and can even act as the front three speakers in a 5.1 setup with two Play:1s acting as rears.