Best Soundbars for Xbox Series X

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Reviewed by Benjamin Barr

As anyone who is big into gaming is well aware, compelling audio is half the battle (or quest, or RPG interaction, or whatever style game you prefer to play). If Xbox Series X is your gaming platform, this ranking breaks down 10 of the best soundbars to take your sound experience to the next level. From surround sound to a built-in subwoofer, and with picks for every budget, the 10 best soundbars for Xbox Series X are coming up next.

Best Soundbars for Xbox Series X

Without further ado, let’s get right into our picks for the best soundbars for Xbox Series X!

1. Samsung HW-Q800A

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X overall

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Manufacturer: Samsung | Price: 💰💰💰💰 | Channels: 2.1

First up in our ranking of the best soundbars for Xbox Series X is the Samsung HW-Q800A. Sold both with speakers and soundbar only, what set the HW-Q800A apart are its three channels of audio, one subwoofer, and two up-firing channels. We also like the SpaceFit Sound, compatible with certain Samsung TVs and the 3D directional audio from the up-firing speakers.

Overall, the HW-Q800A provides the most immersive sound outside a full THX theater while watching movies or while Xbox gaming. Alexa controls are built-in and the Dolby Atmos / DTS:X are not to be missed. For best results, your TV should have HDMI eARC capability.

The Bluetooth subwoofer also gets mixed reviews — some call it high quality, others say keep shopping. When we read it was a great choice for streaming from a gaming system, as well as for music and movies, we had no problem putting the Samsung HW-Q800A at the top of our list. 

2. Razer Leviathan

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X (runner-up)

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Manufacturer: Razer | Price: 💰💰 | Channels: 5.1

Runner-up for the best soundbar for Xbox Series X is the Razer Leviathan. With bass boost and multi-room audio, the Leviathan offers 5.1 channel surround sound that’s perfect for both movies and gaming. This product includes Bluetooth aptX Technology, a dedicated subwoofer, wireless connectivity, and four drivers providing virtual surround sound. It boasts awesome sound quality whether you use the Leviathan for Xbox, PS4, or PC. 

When using Razer for Xbox, however, note that you do have to control the volume manually. Otherwise, the Bluetooth is easy to set-up, we learned. After using the soundbar, one gamer reported that the Dolby Virtual Speaker technology really does mimic virtual 5.1 surround sound.

Play Grand Theft Auto V like one user did, and it really does sound like cars are driving past you. This bar and sub combo is otherwise all that one user hoped, but you may have to turn down the bass on the gaming preset so as not to disturb your neighbors.  

3. Creative Stage V2 2.1

The best budget soundbar for Xbox Series X

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Manufacturer: Creative | Price: 💰 | Channels: 2.1

If you’re shopping for a new soundbar for your Xbox on a budget, consider the next pick in our ranking, the Creative Stage V2 2.1. What makes the V2 2.1 worth it is a long-throw subwoofer and a broad range of connectivity options that range from Bluetooth and auxiliary to USB, optical, and TV arc. It’s also wall mountable, though the wall mount is sold separately. We also like how easy it all is to adjust via the remote control.

Described as a solid system for the money, Creative Stage allows your Xbox, TV, and computer to be hooked up to the same sound system. Another Xbox gamer liked how small and compact the unit is. 

The sub hits pretty hard for gaming, we found out. It’s also easy to set up. The Creative Stage sound bar comes recommended in particular for Subnautica, as it makes the underwater environment really come to life. Some users have issues with cord management, and some cables included are just too short. The energy saving mode also momentarily deceived one user into thinking the V2 2.1  was broken — not the case!

4. Panasonic SoundSlayer

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X with built-in subwoofer

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Manufacturer: Panasonic | Price: 💰💰 | Channels: 2.1

If a built-in subwoofer is on your list of must-haves in a new gaming soundbar, check out the Panasonic SoundSlayer. In addition to a built-in subwoofer, it includes Bluetooth connectivity, 4K HDR passthrough, and Dolby Atmos, DTS. What else makes the SoundSlayer an especially good choice is not one but three gaming presets: RPG, FPS, and voice mode (for games with heavy dialogue). The DTSX/DTSX virtual is also notable for adding spatial aspects to the sound quality.

While watching a movie or playing a game, you’ll feel the bass from the built-in subwoofer. One report stopped short of calling the bass “thunderous,” though. Connect your Xbox directly and set-up your Xbox One remote control, and everything can be controlled all at once. It came in clutch when hooked-up to the Xbox via HDMI for days when you don’t want to wear a headset.

There is a Final Fantasy logo printed right on the unit, which is not to everyone’s taste. It’s also perhaps best suited for smaller game rooms or a bedroom. Otherwise, the SoundSlayer offers high quality sound, perfect for gaming or watching TV. 

5. Samsung HW-Q950T

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X with Dolby Atmos

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Manufacturer: Samsung | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰 | Channels: 9.1.4ch

If you like the surround sound produced by Dolby Atmos, we recommended the Samsung HW-Q950T. Though spendy, the HW-Q950T offers adaptive sound, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with True 9.1.4 channel audio, as well as an up-firing speaker, among other features. We also like that Alexa is built-in with Q-Symphony, which syncs to compatible Samsung QLED TVs.

Gamers say this Samsung unit offers exceptional sound quality, and the bass in particular receives good feedback. It’s not exactly plug ‘n’ play, however, and there are no built-in gaming presets.

As far as the Dolby Atmos goes, though not true surround sound, it does provide good spatial direction to the audio — purchase the rear speaker package for even better results. There were some instances of the wireless speakers not connecting right away, but that issue was solved quickly. There’s also an EQ in the app to fine-tune things.

Gaming aside, there’s also a tap option to stream music from your phone, and a convenient long list of inputs — covering pretty much anything you might need. If Call of Duty is your game, you’ll feel like you’re in a war zone, one consumer said.

6. JBL Bar 9.1

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X with surround speakers

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Manufacturer: JBL | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰 | Channels: 9.1

There’s nothing like gaming with surround speakers. To pick a pair for yourself, check out the JBL Bar 9.1, the next soundbar for Xbox we reviewed. What makes this soundbar worth it are the detachable wireless surround speakers, the wireless subwoofer for added low end, the built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding, and Dolby Vision with Ultra HD 4K Pass-through. That’s not even to mention the full range of connectivity options.

Those who’ve tried the JBL Bar 9.1 comment that the product handled whatever they threw at it — music, movies, and of course, games. One person who used the JBL Bar 9.1 for Xbox specifically said it made their games sound rich and wonderful. Set up is easy and straightforward, and the sub and sides pair quickly.

There are no crossover controls on the sub, though, and one report said the JBL Bar 9.1 under-performed boosting dialogue. That said, it comes with all the mounting supplies you’ll need, and the built-in calibration is easy to use, based on feedback. If only there was a better app. Bluetooth connectivity issues were also reported.

7. Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X under $500

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Manufacturer: Creative | Price: 💰💰 | Channels: 5.1

It’s a good idea to set a budget when shopping for any new product, and if you have under $500 to spend on a new Xbox soundbar, we recommend the Sound BlasterX Katana. What we liked about the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 is how customizable everything is for the price, with custom presets easily savable through the app.

Small and compact, the Blaster Katana V2 otherwise has everything else you would ask for, like 5.1 Surround with Dolby Audio and tri-amplified, 5-driver design. Fans of FPS games will also appreciate SXFI BATTLE Mode to heighten the realism as bullets whiz by you (SXFI BATTLE Mode is only available in headphones mode).

Feedback on the Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2 says it provides crystal clear sound whether you’re watching movies, streaming music, or playing games. It’s also a good choice for podcasts. One drawback is the app controlling EQ and the RGB lighting can only be used when the bar is hooked up to a computer via USB, though. For a solid subwoofer at a reasonable price that won’t take up too much space, the Sound Blaster Katana V2 could be your best choice.

8. Sonos Playbar

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X under $1000

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Manufacturer: Sonos | Price: 💰💰💰💰 | Channels: 1.0, Soundbar Only

For those on a larger budget, we call the Sonos Playbar the best soundbar for Xbox Series X under $1000. Wall-mountable with nine amplified internal speakers, the Sonos Playbar offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a simple, two-cord setup. There’s also the ease and reliability of the Sonos app. Choose the Playbar and the explosions are huge and the music is better. The added boost it gives low end also receives positive feedback. 

One consumer said they connected the Playbar to their Blu Ray, Xbox and cable box, and though there’s no subwoofer, they were pleased with the results. Use the loud noise suppression feature so as not to disturb your roommates while gaming late at night. 

Don’t miss the TrueTuning feature — with a few simple steps, your audio will sound just how you like it, configured to the unique dimensions of your game room. Otherwise, installation is simple and you’ll enjoy a dramatic improvement in sound quality over TV speakers. There is only one optical input, but there are optical switchers available to solve that problem. 

9. Bose Smart Soundbar 900

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X with built-in Alexa

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Manufacturer: Bose | Price: 💰💰💰💰 | Channels: 1.0, Soundbar Only

Next up in our ranking of the best soundbars for Xbox series X is the Bose Smart Soundbar 900. This unit offers the convenience of built-in Alexa with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB, Optical, and HDMI connectivity — anything you might need. There’s also bass boost and Google assistant built-in, if that’s what you prefer. Cables for HDMI eARC connection to your TV or optical audio connection are included with purchase. The Bose Voice4Video technology lets you control the soundbar, your TV, and your cable box. 

As far as gaming specifically, users report that the sleek, low-profile Soundbar 900 fits easily and conveniently under your TV or computer monitors. The 900 remote is also nice and durable, and the soundbar connects easily to your Wi-Fi with a simple-to-install and easy-to-use app. For bass, the Soundbar 900 delivers. 

One consumer reported some trial-and-error getting Alexa to work. Once they did, it was a great feature, allowing for all the voice commands you’re used to, no matter how you use the 900 — for gaming, music, or for your streaming services. There was one isolated incident when the pass through stopped working on a game console, though.

10. Sony HT-A7000

The best soundbar for Xbox Series X for spatial audio

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Manufacturer: Sony | Price: 💰💰💰💰💰 | Channels: 7.1.2ch

If spatial studio is your priority while gaming, we recommend the last pick in our ranking of the best soundbars for Xbox series X, the Sony HT-A7000. What makes the HT-A7000 a good choice for spatial audio are the DTS:X and 360 spatial sound mapping. With the optional rear speakers, the 360 sound mapping will conform to the environment you’re in, while sound field optimization adds further customization to the unique dimensions of your game room. Don’t miss the S-Force Pro front surround for further spatial enhancement.

For gaming specifically, the 8K and 4K/120 passthrough keeps the fast-paced sound and visuals coming at you without interruption.  It also boasts easy installation and hookup — your Xbox conveniently connects through the HDMI port, and the soundbar auto detects that Xbox whenever it’s on. Voices are clear, the bass is immersive, and gaming performance is lag free.

The 3D spatial sound and sound field optimization really will tune your audio to the space that you’re in, based on feedback. VRR and auto low-latency mode are not supported, which affects some new Xbox models, but there are some workarounds for that depending on your monitor.

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That’s it for our list of the best soundbars for Xbox Series X — thanks for reading! If you have suggestions for other products you’d like us to cover, leave a comment below and subscribe to our newsletter for more roundups like this.