The best soundbars in Australia: Dolby Atmos, budget and with subwoofer
The best soundbars at Australian stores today, from $200 TV upgrades to full Dolby Atmos systems with rear speakers, what the channel numbers mean, and who sells each one cheapest.
In this guide
Modern TVs are so thin there's no room for decent speakers. A soundbar is the single biggest upgrade you can make to a TV for the money: clearer dialogue, real bass, and with Dolby Atmos, sound that comes from above and around you.
What the numbers mean
Soundbars are described by channels, like 5.1.2:
- the first number is the speakers in front and around you (left, centre, right, plus rears);
- the second is the subwoofer (1 means there is one);
- the third is up-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos height effects.
A 3.1 soundbar with a subwoofer is a big step up from TV speakers. 5.1.2 or higher with Dolby Atmos is a home-theatre experience. Separate rear speakers make the biggest difference to surround sound.
The best Dolby Atmos soundbars
- 1
LG S80TR 5.1.3 Channel Soundbar with Subwoofer & Rear Speakers5 stores · cheapest at Billy Guyattsfrom$945 - 2
LG 9.1.5Ch 810W Dolby Atmos Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$1,199 - 3
Hisense 5.1 Ch Dolby Atmos 580W Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$398 - 4
Hisense 5.1.4Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$549 - 5
LG 3.1.1CH 400W Dolby Atmos Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$396 - 6
WiiM Bar 3.0.2 Dolby Atmos Soundbar Matte Black5 stores · cheapest at Audio Trendsfrom$769 - 7
LG 3.1Ch Dolby Atmos Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$898 - 8
Samsung Q-series Soundbar HW-Q800H 5.1.2ch Subwoofer (2026)4 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$1,095 - 9
Samsung Q-series Soundbar HW-QS700F 3.1.2 ch Subwoofer4 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$695 - 10
Samsung Q-Series Soundbar HW-Q600H 3.1.2ch Subwoofer (2026)4 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$715
The best soundbars under $500
- 1Hisense 5.1 Ch Dolby Atmos 580W Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$398
- 2LG 3.1.1CH 400W Dolby Atmos Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Harvey Normanfrom$396
- 3
Denon 2.1CH Soundbar5 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$495 - 4
JBL Cinema SB510 3.1 Channel Soundbar with Built-In Subwoofer4 stores · cheapest at Billy Guyattsfrom$198 - 5
JBL 3.1 Channel 250W Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer (Cinema SB550)4 stores · cheapest at Billy Guyattsfrom$299 - 6
LG 3.1Ch 340W Soundbar4 stores · cheapest at Bettafrom$344 - 7
Razer Leviathan V2 X RGB Bluetooth Gaming Soundbar4 stores · cheapest at MSYfrom$145 - 8
Hisense 2.1 CH Soundbar with Subwoofer HS2100S4 stores · cheapest at BiRitefrom$199
Things to check before you buy
- HDMI eARC. Connect the soundbar to your TV's eARC port to get Dolby Atmos from the TV's apps and lossless formats from compatible sources. Most TVs from the last few years have it.
- Same brand as your TV? Samsung, LG and Sony soundbars add extras with their own TVs (using the TV speakers together with the soundbar, easier setup). Not essential, but nice.
- Dialogue modes. If voices are hard to hear, look for a dedicated centre channel (3.1 or higher) and a voice-enhancement mode.
- Size. Measure the space under your TV. A soundbar shouldn't block the screen or the TV's IR receiver.
- Subwoofer placement. Wireless subs need a power point but can go anywhere in the room.
Where to buy
Soundbars are sold by the big chains, Betta and the PC stores, and the cheapest store changes daily. In our data, no single store wins every time; see the live store comparison. Every soundbar is on the soundbars page.
Pairing it with a new TV? See the best TVs in Australia.
