Best speakers and soundbars in 2026
Whether to elevate your TV's sound or for serious music listening, the right audio system completely changes the experience at home. Here's our pick of the best speakers and soundbars of 2026.
🔊 Best speakers and soundbars in 2026
A good TV isn't always enough to fully enjoy a movie or a concert: built-in speakers remain limited by the thinness of modern screens. A quality soundbar or a pair of speakers can completely transform the audio experience at home.
Here's our pick of the best audio systems of 2026.
🥇 1. Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 — The complete home cinema experience
Sony
The Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, supplied with its subwoofer and rear speakers, delivers an immersive home cinema experience close to true surround sound, without the installation hassle of a classic multi-speaker system.
Strengths
- 🎬 Immersive surround sound for home cinema
- 🔊 Powerful included subwoofer
- 📡 Wireless rear speakers included
- 🎨 Elegant design that blends easily into the living room
Our pick: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👉 The most complete choice for turning your living room into a true home cinema.
🥈 2. Sonos Beam Gen 2 with Sub Mini — The best format/quality compromise
Sonos
More compact than the big home cinema bars, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 paired with its Sub Mini subwoofer and an Era 100 speaker offers an excellent balance between discretion and sound quality, plus the Sonos multiroom ecosystem particularly appreciated for its ease of use.
Strengths
- 📦 Compact format, discreet in the living room
- 🎵 Excellent Sonos multiroom ecosystem
- 🔊 Solid bass thanks to the Sub Mini
- 📱 Very intuitive control app
Our pick: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👉 Ideal for those who want high sound quality without too imposing a setup.
🥉 3. Focal Aria Evo X — For demanding audiophiles
Focal
For discerning music lovers, the Focal Aria Evo X are classic bookshelf speakers, with no built-in electronics, but with sound quality that far exceeds what any all-in-one soundbar can offer. They require a separate amplifier, but reward you with remarkable sonic fidelity.
Strengths
- 🎶 Very high-level sound quality
- 🎨 Premium finish, made in France
- 🔊 Faithful reproduction across the entire sound range
- 🏆 A reference for music enthusiasts
Limitations
- 🔌 Requires a separate amplifier
- 💰 A bigger investment once the associated electronics are factored in
Our pick: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
👉 Reserved for music lovers who want the best possible sound quality, regardless of "all-in-one" convenience.
📊 Which audio system should you choose for your use case?
| Need | Recommended model |
|---|---|
| 🎬 Complete immersive home cinema | Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9 |
| 📦 Good format/quality compromise | Sonos Beam Gen 2 + Sub Mini |
| 🎶 Audiophile music listening | Focal Aria Evo X |
| 🏠 Simple multiroom ecosystem | Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
🔊 What to check before buying an audio system
Key criteria
1. All-in-one soundbar or separate speakers?
A soundbar is easier to install and is more than enough for most TV uses. Separate speakers with an amplifier offer better quality, but require more space and setup.
2. The presence of a subwoofer
For action movies or electronic music, a good subwoofer makes a considerable difference, often more noticeable than treble quality.
3. Compatibility with your TV
Check for HDMI eARC compatibility to get the best possible sound and unified control with your TV remote.
4. The multiroom ecosystem
If you want to play music in several rooms, choose an ecosystem designed for that from the start (Sonos being the reference here).
5. The space available in your room
Bookshelf speakers need thoughtful placement for optimal listening, unlike a soundbar which simply sits below the TV.
🏆 Our 2026 ranking
🥇 Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9
The most complete and immersive home cinema experience.
🥈 Sonos Beam Gen 2 + Sub Mini
The best compromise between discretion and sound quality.
🥉 Focal Aria Evo X
The reference for demanding audiophiles.
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is a soundbar enough for a true home cinema effect?
Today's best soundbars, especially with wireless rear speakers like the Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9, come very close to a true surround system, without the complex wiring.
Do bookshelf speakers need an amplifier?
Yes, speakers like the Focal Aria Evo X are passive: they need a separate amplifier to work, unlike all-in-one soundbars or connected speakers.
Is multiroom really useful?
If you want to play music in several rooms at once or in sync, a multiroom ecosystem like Sonos considerably simplifies the experience compared to independent speakers.
The right audio system depends above all on your priority: cinematic immersion, everyday simplicity, or pure sound quality for music lovers. In all three cases, the 2026 lineup makes it possible to find a system perfectly suited to your needs.