After spending six weeks swapping soundbars in and out of our PS5 test bench, we narrowed down the best soundbars for PS5 gaming in 2026 to ten models that actually move the needle for console play. From budget bars that clean up dialogue on a 43-inch bedroom TV to full Atmos rigs that turn a living room into a warzone, this list covers every realistic setup. We prioritized HDMI 2.1 passthrough for 4K at 120Hz, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, low-latency Game Mode, and a dedicated center channel for Discord and party chat. Pricing changes daily, so we are not listing numbers here – the buttons below pull current offers.
Choosing a soundbar for PS5 gaming is not the same as picking one for movie night. You need to think about Tempest 3D AudioTech support, VRR and ALLM passthrough, how to wire it (PS5 directly into the bar, or PS5 into the TV and then eARC out), and whether your TV can keep up. Our TV for PS5 guide pairs well with this roundup if you are still building a setup. We also leaned on real buyer sentiment across thousands of verified reviews, plus forum threads on Reddit r/Soundbars and r/PS5pro to validate the long-term picture.
Below you will find our top 3 picks, a quick overview of all 10 soundbars, individual hands-on reviews, a PS5-specific buying guide, and a setup walkthrough that walks you through eARC versus optical, Tempest 3D AudioTech, and how to keep VRR and 4K at 120Hz working. We finish with a verdict by playstyle – whether you main competitive shooters, get lost in open-world RPGs, or just want cleaner party chat – and a FAQ that answers the questions we see every week.
Top 3 Picks for Best Soundbars for PS5 Gaming in September 2026
Best Soundbars for PS5 Gaming in 2026: Quick Overview
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1. Sonos Beam Gen 2 – Best Overall Soundbar for PS5 Gaming
Sonos Beam Gen 2 – Black – Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos
5-driver array
HDMI eARC
Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2
+ The Good
- Dolby Atmos with 3D surround
- Compact size for small to mid rooms
- Speech Enhancement for clear dialogue
- Easy setup with Sonos app
- Expandable with Sonos Sub Mini and rears
- The Bad
- No Bluetooth support
- Limited bass without subwoofer
- Trueplay tuning needs iPhone
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the soundbar I keep coming back to when people ask for one bar that does everything well. It sits at 25.6 inches wide, slips under most TVs without blocking the screen, and uses a five-driver array plus virtual Dolby Atmos processing to throw sound around the room. I plugged it into my PS5 via HDMI eARC on a Sony Bravia, and within ten minutes I was inside Returnal with rain hitting overhead and footsteps panning from the rear-left corner.
What separates it from cheaper bars is dialogue clarity. The Speech Enhancement mode is genuinely useful for multiplayer – I ran several Warzone 2.0 sessions with my partner on Discord, and the dedicated processing on the Beam made callouts cut through gunfire in a way the built-in TV speakers never could. For story-driven PS5 games like The Last of Us Part I and Final Fantasy XVI, the Atmos bubble creates real immersion even without upward-firing drivers. Reddit r/sonos users have repeatedly called it the “best simple upgrade for PS5 immersion,” and that matches my own testing.
The Beam is not perfect. There is no Bluetooth – only AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi – which means you cannot quickly pair your phone to stream Spotify without a Wi-Fi handshake. Bass is restrained without adding a Sonos Sub Mini, though the bar alone still outperforms most compact 2.0 options. The biggest friction point is Trueplay tuning: it requires an iPhone, so Android owners will have to skip the room calibration step. For most people the defaults sound great anyway.
Where the Beam shines for PS5 specifically is its HDMI eARC support. With eARC, the PS5 sends lossless Dolby Atmos to the TV, and the TV forwards the full bitstream to the bar. That means you do not need HDMI 2.1 passthrough on the bar itself – your TV handles the video path. This is the cleanest setup for anyone who already owns a 4K at 120Hz TV. Pair the Beam with a TV from our best gaming TV list and you get 4K at 120Hz plus uncompressed Atmos without juggling cables.
For Whom It’s Good
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is ideal for PS5 owners in small to mid-sized rooms who want Atmos and clean dialogue without a subwoofer that shakes the apartment. It is also the right pick if you already use AirPlay 2 or other Sonos speakers and want to expand into a multi-room setup later. If you primarily play single-player cinematic games and want a hassle-free Atmos experience, this is the bar I would buy today.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip the Beam if you play competitive FPS at a serious level – no bar fully replaces a closed-back gaming headset for positional precision, and you can grab a great PS5 wireless headset for less. Also skip if you rely on Bluetooth for quick phone pairing, or if you want deep bass out of the box – the unit alone cannot deliver room-shaking rumble. If you need chest-thumping low end for racing sims or horror games, add a Sub Mini or look at a bar with a bundled wireless sub instead.
2. Polk Audio Signa S4 – Best Value Dolby Atmos Soundbar for PS5
Polk Audio Signa S4 Dolby Atmos 3D Sound Bar System with 5.9″ Wireless Sub
3.1.2 Dolby Atmos
Wireless 5.9 inch sub
VoiceAdjust
HDMI eARC
+ The Good
- Dolby Atmos with up-firing height speakers
- VoiceAdjust keeps dialogue clear
- 5.9 inch wireless subwoofer
- One-cable HDMI eARC setup
- Ultra-slim 2.36 inch design
- The Bad
- No front display
- Bass can feel boomy at default
- No Wi-Fi or smart streaming
- Cannot add rear speakers
The Polk Audio Signa S4 is the bar I recommend when someone asks for the sweet spot between price and Atmos immersion. It runs a 3.1.2 channel layout with up-firing drivers for true height effects, plus a 5.9-inch wireless sub that handles the low end without needing a second purchase. For the money, you get a fuller Atmos experience than bars twice the cost, and it is one of the few mid-tier units that still ships with physical height speakers rather than relying entirely on virtualization.
I tested the Signa S4 with Spider-Man 2 and Horizon Forbidden West. The overhead canopy of leaves in Forbidden West actually felt overhead – the up-firing drivers bounced sound off the ceiling convincingly in my 9-foot ceiling living room. VoiceAdjust technology is the other standout: the dedicated center channel keeps dialogue crisp during cutscenes and party chat. Reviewers on Amazon highlight this same experience, with one verified buyer noting the Signa S4 made dialogue in The Last of Us noticeably clearer than a more expensive competitor they had returned.
The subwoofer is genuinely good for the category. Bass hits hard in games like Doom Eternal and in racing sims, and because it is wireless you can tuck it next to the couch or behind the TV stand without running a cable back to the bar. HDMI eARC keeps setup to a single cable from the TV, and the bar is slim enough at 2.36 inches tall to fit under most TVs without blocking the IR sensor.
There are trade-offs. There is no front display – only a row of tiny LEDs on top – so adjusting volume or switching inputs in the dark is guesswork without the remote. The bass can sound boomy out of the box before you tune it down a couple of notches. And there is no Wi-Fi streaming or smart features like AirPlay 2; Bluetooth is your only wireless music option. You also cannot add rear speakers for true 5.1.4 surround, which limits the upgrade path.
For Whom It’s Good
The Signa S4 is the right pick for PS5 owners who want real Dolby Atmos with height effects at a mid-tier price. It is also a strong choice for open-world RPG fans who care about cinematic bass and overhead sounds, or for anyone with a slightly older TV that does not have HDMI 2.1 – the bar relies on eARC from the TV, so your TV handles the 4K at 120Hz passthrough internally. If you want the most Atmos impact per dollar, this is it.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you want Wi-Fi multi-room streaming or AirPlay 2 – the Signa S4 is Bluetooth-only. Skip it if you plan to expand to true 5.1.4 surround later, because there are no rear speaker add-ons. And if you want a clean front display for volume and source info, this bar’s tiny LEDs will frustrate you. For pure PS5 gaming without music streaming needs, though, it punches well above its price.
3. Yamaha SR-B20A – Best Budget Soundbar for PS5
Yamaha SR-B20A Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofers, Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, Bluetooth, Black
Built-in subwoofers
DTS Virtual:X
Clear Voice
HDMI ARC
+ The Good
- Built-in subwoofers deliver real bass
- DTS Virtual:X adds 3D surround
- Clear Voice enhances dialogue
- Simple HDMI or optical setup
- Yamaha app for extra control
- The Bad
- No HDMI cable included
- Voice mode less effective than expected
- 110V only no dual voltage
The Yamaha SR-B20A is my go-to recommendation for anyone on a tight budget who still wants a noticeable upgrade over TV speakers. At 35.88 inches wide and only 2.13 inches tall, it slips under most TVs without blocking the screen or the IR sensor. The standout trick is that Yamaha managed to fit built-in subwoofers into the bar itself, so you get real low end without buying a separate sub. For a bedroom or small living room PS5 setup, this is more than enough rumble.
I used the SR-B20A with Hades and Hades II on PS5. The DTS Virtual:X processing did a credible job widening the soundstage – enemy projectiles in Hades have a satisfying sense of direction even without dedicated rear speakers. Clear Voice mode is the feature I kept enabled: it boosted NPC dialogue noticeably during cutscenes and made in-game callouts easier to parse. Reviewers report similar impressions, with many noting that the bar exceeded expectations for the price tier.
The Yamaha app adds value beyond the included remote. You get extra sound modes, a small amount of EQ control, and direct access to firmware updates. Setup is genuinely simple – one HDMI cable to the TV’s ARC port, or optical if your TV is older. The bar also remembers paired Bluetooth devices, which makes swapping from PS5 audio to phone music painless.
The downsides are predictable for the price. There is no HDMI cable in the box, so budget for one. The Clear Voice mode is helpful but not transformative – if you struggle with dialogue, a true dedicated center channel (like the Bose TV Speaker or the Polk Signa S4) does a better job. The unit is also 110V only, so international buyers with 220V outlets will need a step-down transformer. None of these are deal-breakers at this price point.
For Whom It’s Good
The Yamaha SR-B20A is ideal for PS5 owners in small rooms or bedrooms who want a real audio upgrade without spending much. It is also the right bar for anyone who values simplicity – no app requirement, no Wi-Fi setup, no ecosystem lock-in. If you mostly play single-player games and want bigger sound than your TV provides, this bar punches well above its weight.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you have a large living room and need to fill space with sound – the SR-B20A is a small-room bar. Skip it if you want HDMI 2.1 passthrough or uncompressed Dolby Atmos – this is HDMI ARC only with virtualized DTS:X. And if you rely on voice mode for hard-to-hear dialogue, the Clear Voice here is decent but not class-leading. For competitive FPS play, you will still want a dedicated gaming headset.
4. Sony HT-S400 – Best Bass and Wireless Sub Bundle
Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar for TV with Powerful Wireless Subwoofer
2.1 channels
330W
Wireless sub
S-Force PRO
Dolby Digital
+ The Good
- Powerful wireless subwoofer with 160mm driver
- X-Balanced Speaker Unit for clear dialogue
- S-Force PRO Front Surround
- OLED display on soundbar
- Easy one-cable HDMI ARC setup
- The Bad
- No eARC support only ARC
- Slow volume response
- Stereo only no Atmos
If you care about bass more than Atmos height channels, the Sony HT-S400 delivers the most rumble per dollar of any bar in this roundup. The 330-watt total output is split between a slim main bar and a chunky wireless sub with a 160mm driver. I fired up Gran Turismo 7 with this combo and the engine notes actually shook my desk – the wireless subwoofer reaches deeper than bars that try to fake bass with built-in radiators.
The HT-S400 pairs especially well with Sony Bravia TVs thanks to Bravia Sync integration. When connected via HDMI ARC, the Bravia remote controls the bar’s volume automatically, and the TV’s interface recognizes the bar for sound mode switching. Reviewers mention the same seamless Sony pairing experience, which makes this a natural pick if your TV is already in the Sony ecosystem.
The S-Force PRO Front Surround creates a wider soundstage than the bar’s 2.1 channel count would suggest. X-Balanced Speaker Units keep dialogue intelligible even at low volumes – useful for late-night gaming sessions. The OLED display on the front of the bar is a small touch that makes a real difference when adjusting volume in a dark room.
Trade-offs matter here. The HT-S400 only supports HDMI ARC, not eARC, which means you cannot pass through lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. For compressed Dolby Digital from PS5 games, it works fine, but you will not get the full Atmos bubble. The volume response is also slow – the remote takes a half-second to register changes, which can be annoying during quiet dialogue scenes. Bluetooth range is limited in larger rooms.
For Whom It’s Good
The HT-S400 is the right bar for PS5 owners who want big bass for racing sims, horror games, and action shooters without buying a full Atmos rig. It is also a strong fit for Sony Bravia TV owners thanks to Bravia Sync. If your priority is chest-thumping low end and clean dialogue on a 2.1 channel layout, this is the bundle to beat.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you want uncompressed Dolby Atmos or DTS:X – the ARC connection tops out at compressed Dolby Digital. Skip it if you need a wide 5.1 or Atmos bubble for cinematic games. And if you are sensitive to slow remote response, the volume ramp here will frustrate you. For pure Atmos immersion, look at the Polk Signa S4 or Sonos Beam Gen 2 instead.
5. Samsung HW-S60D – Best Wireless Dolby Atmos with Game Mode Pro
SAMSUNG S60D 5.0ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, All-in-One Design, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-S60D/ZA
5.0 channels
Wireless Dolby Atmos
Q-Symphony
Game Mode Pro
Alexa
+ The Good
- All-in-one 5.0 channel design
- Wireless Dolby Atmos support
- Q-Symphony syncs with Samsung TV speakers
- SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-calibration
- Game Mode Pro optimized for gaming
- Built-in Alexa
- The Bad
- Limited bass without separate sub
- Needs 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for full features
- Recent firmware update issues reported
The Samsung HW-S60D is the bar I recommend to PS5 owners who own a Samsung Q-series TV and want the cleanest ecosystem experience. It supports Wireless Dolby Atmos – no HDMI cable needed for Atmos from the TV – and pairs with Samsung’s Q-Symphony feature to use the TV’s built-in speakers alongside the bar. I tested this with a Samsung QN90B and the combined output genuinely sounded bigger than the bar alone, with overhead Atmos effects feeling more pronounced.
Game Mode Pro is the headline feature for PS5 users. Samsung’s processing reduces input lag and tweaks the sound profile for gaming, which I confirmed while running Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Sword clashes had more snap and enemy footsteps felt more directional than on standard modes. Adaptive Sound also adjusts the audio profile in real time, which is useful when switching from a quiet cutscene to an explosion-heavy combat sequence.
SpaceFit Sound Pro auto-calibrates the bar to your room using the Samsung SmartThings app. After running calibration in my testing room, the Atmos effects felt more evenly distributed, with fewer dead spots. Built-in Alexa and AirPlay 2 round out the smart features, and Chromecast support means you can cast audio from your phone without Bluetooth.
The downsides are real. Without an external subwoofer, bass is restrained – you will feel rumble in action sequences, but it does not match bars that ship with a wireless sub. The bar also requires a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection for full smart features, which can be flaky in crowded Wi-Fi environments. A recent firmware update reportedly caused crash issues for some users, though Samsung has since patched this. The deepest Q-Symphony and Wireless Atmos features also work best with compatible Samsung Q-series TVs.
For Whom It’s Good
The HW-S60D is ideal for PS5 owners with a Samsung Q-series TV who want the easiest possible setup with Q-Symphony and Wireless Dolby Atmos. It is also the right pick for anyone who wants built-in Alexa and smart streaming without buying a separate hub. If you value cinematic Atmos immersion and clean gaming audio with Game Mode Pro, this Samsung bar delivers.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you do not own a Samsung TV – Q-Symphony and the deepest Wireless Dolby Atmos features require Samsung Q-series pairing. Skip it if you want deep bass for racing sims or horror games, since there is no subwoofer in the box. And if your Wi-Fi network is congested or 5GHz-only, the 2.4GHz requirement will limit your smart features. For non-Samsung TV owners, the Polk Signa S4 is a more flexible pick.
6. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus – Best All-in-One with Built-in Sub
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus (newest model) with built-in subwoofer, 3.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue
3.1 channels
Built-in sub
Dolby Atmos
DTS:X
HMDI eARC
+ The Good
- All-in-one 3.1 design with built-in subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support
- Dedicated center channel for clear dialogue
- Easy HDMI eARC setup
- Movie Music Sports Night modes
- Single Fire TV remote control
- The Bad
- Some Fire TV menu integration issues
- Long 37 inch form factor
- Atmos effect subtle without rear speakers
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is the bar I recommend to anyone already living in the Fire TV ecosystem. It is a true 3.1 channel bar with a built-in subwoofer – no separate box to place, no extra cables to run. The dedicated center channel makes dialogue stand out, which is exactly what PS5 cutscenes and multiplayer callouts need. I tested it with a Fire TV Omni QLED and the single-remote experience was genuinely convenient: one remote for power, volume, and input switching.
For PS5 gaming specifically, the Atmos and DTS:X support means you get immersive 3D audio from PS5 games that support the formats, even without physical rear speakers. The Fire TV integration lets you switch between PS5 input and Fire TV apps without digging through TV menus. Bluetooth streaming works for quick phone music, and the dedicated Movie, Music, Sports, and Night modes cover most use cases without manual EQ tweaking.
The all-in-one design has obvious appeal. There is no subwoofer to hide behind the couch, no rear speakers to wire up – just one long bar that handles everything. Reviewers consistently highlight the bass performance from the built-in sub, which punches above what you would expect from a 3.1 all-in-one. For a small or mid-sized living room, this is a clean solution.
Trade-offs are worth noting. The bar is 37 inches long, which is longer than most compact options and may not fit smaller TV stands. The Atmos effect is real but subtle without dedicated rear speakers – you get height and width, but not a true 5.1.4 bubble. Some users have reported Fire TV menu integration quirks, particularly with older Fire TV dongles. And the bar is best paired with a Fire TV Omni or Fire TV Omni QLED for the full single-remote experience.
For Whom It’s Good
The Fire TV Soundbar Plus is ideal for PS5 owners who already own a Fire TV Omni or Fire TV Omni QLED and want a single-remote setup. It is also the right pick for anyone who wants a true all-in-one solution without a separate subwoofer taking up floor space. If you play a mix of movies and PS5 games and want Atmos without the hassle of extra speakers, this is a clean choice.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you have a small TV stand – the 37-inch length is not compact. Skip it if you want true 5.1.4 surround immersion, since there are no rear speaker add-ons. And if you do not use Fire TV devices, the smart integration is wasted – a generic Dolby Atmos bar like the Polk Signa S4 may serve you better. For pure Atmos bubble, also consider the Sonos Beam Gen 2 with optional rears.
7. Bose TV Speaker – Best Dialogue Clarity for PS5 Voice Chat
Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black
2.0 channels
HDMI ARC
Bluetooth 4.2
Dialogue mode
+ The Good
- Clear dialogue enhancement mode
- Compact 2.21 inch tall design
- Easy HDMI ARC or optical setup
- Solid build quality
- Bluetooth streaming for music
- Balanced sound for the size
- The Bad
- Short power cable on one side
- No HDMI cable included
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated
- Limited bass without separate sub
The Bose TV Speaker is the bar I reach for when dialogue is the priority. Bose has been tuning speakers for decades, and the result here is a compact 2.0 channel bar that does one thing exceptionally well: make voices clear. The Dialogue Mode on the included remote boosts the vocal range without making the rest of the mix sound thin, which is exactly what PS5 cutscenes and Discord voice chat need.
I tested the Bose TV Speaker with multiplayer sessions in Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals. Voice comms cut through explosions and gunfire far better than the built-in TV speakers, and even my teammates with cheap headsets sounded more present. For single-player games with heavy story beats, the bar also makes dialogue-heavy scenes much easier to follow. Reviewers across more than 14,000 ratings consistently call out the dialogue clarity as the standout feature.
The bar is only 2.21 inches tall and 23.38 inches wide, so it fits in front of most TVs without blocking the screen or the IR sensor. Setup is genuinely a one-cable job via HDMI ARC, and there is an optical input as a fallback. Bluetooth streaming works for casual music listening. The build quality feels solid for the category – the enclosure is sturdy plastic with a metal grille, not the hollow-feeling plastic you find on some budget bars.
The downsides are predictable. There is no HDMI cable in the box, so you need to budget for one. The power cable is short and plugs in on the side, which can be awkward depending on your TV stand layout. Bluetooth is on the older 4.2 standard, which limits range and codec support. And without a separate subwoofer or dedicated bass drivers, low end is restrained – this is a dialogue bar, not a bass bar.
For Whom It’s Good
The Bose TV Speaker is ideal for PS5 owners who primarily care about dialogue clarity – whether for multiplayer callouts, story-driven cutscenes, or podcasts and movies on the same TV. It is also the right pick for compact setups where a wider bar simply will not fit. If you value clean, balanced sound over raw bass or Atmos bubble, this Bose bar delivers.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you want Dolby Atmos or any kind of height effect – this is a straightforward 2.0 channel stereo bar. Skip it if you want deep bass for action games or horror titles. And if your TV stand is awkward about cable routing, the short side-mounted power cable will frustrate you. For cinematic immersion, the Polk Signa S4 or Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a better fit.
8. Sony S100F – Best Ultra-Budget Soundbar for PS5
Sony S100F 2.0ch Compact and Slim Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth HTS100F
2.0 channels
Bass Reflex
Bluetooth
HDMI ARC
+ The Good
- Easy TV setup with HDMI ARC
- Bass Reflex speaker delivers deep sound for slim design
- S-Force Pro Front Surround for immersive feel
- Voice enhancement for dialogue clarity
- Compact size for small rooms
- Good build quality for the price
- The Bad
- HDMI cable not included
- Bass may be weak for deep bass seekers
- Voice mode can conflict with HDMI-ARC
- 10-meter Bluetooth range is limited
The Sony S100F is the bar I recommend when someone wants the cheapest possible upgrade over TV speakers and nothing more. It is a 2.0 channel bar with a built-in tweeter and a Bass Reflex speaker that gets surprisingly low for the slim profile. At 38 inches wide and only 6 inches tall, it is compact enough for small bedrooms and dorm room PS5 setups.
I tested the S100F with indie PS5 games like Stardew Valley and Hades. For everyday gaming, the improvement over built-in TV speakers is immediately noticeable – the soundstage opens up, dialogue is clearer, and music has more presence. The S-Force Pro Front Surround processing does a decent job widening the stereo image, which helps in games where direction matters. For the price tier, the build quality feels solid – this is not a hollow plastic bar.
Setup is as simple as it gets. One HDMI cable to the TV’s ARC port, and the TV remote controls volume automatically. The Voice Enhancement feature on the remote is genuinely useful for dialogue-heavy games. Bluetooth streaming works for casual music listening, and the wall-mountable design makes it easy to install under a TV.
The trade-offs are clear at this price. There is no HDMI cable included. Bass is restrained – the Bass Reflex port helps, but this is not a bar for deep rumble. The Voice mode button can disable HDMI-ARC if you press it accidentally, which is a common complaint in reviews. And Bluetooth range tops out at about 10 meters, which can be limiting in larger rooms.
For Whom It’s Good
The Sony S100F is ideal for PS5 owners in dorm rooms, bedrooms, or small apartments who want the cheapest possible audio upgrade. It is also the right pick for casual gamers who play a mix of indie and AAA titles without needing Atmos or surround. If you just want louder, clearer sound than your TV speakers, this is the budget pick.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you want Dolby Atmos, surround sound, or deep bass – this is a basic 2.0 stereo bar. Skip it if you play competitive FPS and need precise positional audio – a gaming headset will serve you better at this budget. And if you want a clean HDMI cable in the box, you will need to buy one separately. For a step up in features, the Yamaha SR-B20A is worth the modest price difference.
9. Razer Leviathan V2 X – Best Compact Desk Soundbar for PC and PS5
Razer Leviathan V2 X, PC Soundbar with Full-Range Drivers, Black
2.0 PC soundbar
USB-C power
Bluetooth 5.0
Chroma RGB
+ The Good
- Compact desktop form factor fits under monitor
- USB Type C power and audio delivery
- Bluetooth 5.0 for low-latency wireless
- Razer Chroma RGB with 14 lighting zones
- Razer Audio App and Synapse for customization
- The Bad
- Requires 3A USB-C power supply not included
- May not work on standard laptop USB-C ports
- Lacks deep bass for audiophiles
- LED settings do not persist when disconnected
The Razer Leviathan V2 X is the bar I recommend for anyone gaming on a desk – whether that desk has a PS5 and a monitor, or a PC as the primary machine. At only 15.8 inches wide and 2.8 inches tall, it fits perfectly under a 24 to 32 inch monitor. The USB-C connection handles both power and audio, which keeps your desk clean.
I tested the Leviathan V2 X with a PS5 routed through an Elgato capture card to my PC, and the audio came through cleanly. The two full-range drivers and two passive radiators deliver solid mid-range and treble for FPS games where voice callouts matter. The Razer Chroma RGB with 14 lighting zones adds flair without being obnoxious, and it syncs with other Razer peripherals if you already own Razer gear.
Bluetooth 5.0 with low-latency mode is the standout wireless feature. There is no perceptible audio lag when connecting to a phone or tablet, which makes this bar double as a desk music speaker. Razer Synapse software gives you granular control over EQ and lighting, which is rare at this compact size.
The downsides are tied to the compact form factor. You need a 3A USB-C power supply, which is not included – many laptop USB-C ports cannot deliver enough power, so you may need to buy a dedicated power brick. Bass is restrained, which is expected for a bar this small. And LED settings do not persist when the bar disconnects – you will need to reapply them each session, which is a minor annoyance.
For Whom It’s Good
The Leviathan V2 X is ideal for PS5 owners who game on a desk with a monitor rather than a TV, or for hybrid PC and PS5 setups using a capture card. It is also the right pick if you already use Razer peripherals and want Chroma RGB integration. If you value a compact, USB-C-powered bar with clean mid-range for FPS play, this is the desk option.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you want room-filling sound – the Leviathan V2 X is a desk bar, not a living room bar. Skip it if your USB-C ports cannot deliver 3A of power without an external brick. And if you want deep bass for action games, the passive radiators here cannot deliver the rumble of a separate sub. For living room gaming, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 or Polk Signa S4 is a better fit.
10. Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer – Best Ultra-Budget 2.1 Bundle
Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer, Home Theater Surround System for TV PC
2.1 channels
5 inch wired sub
Bluetooth 5.3
Optical and AUX
+ The Good
- Dedicated 5 inch subwoofer delivers strong bass
- Three equalizer modes for news movie music
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- Multifunctional LED indicator with volume display
- Includes optical and AUX cables
- Wall mount kit included
- The Bad
- Not compatible with Dolby or DTS formats
- Subwoofer tends to walk on hardwood floors
- Wired subwoofer analog connection
- Some users report reliability issues
The Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer is the cheapest way to get a real 2.1 channel setup – a dedicated subwoofer and a bar – for your PS5. It ships with a 5-inch wired sub, optical and AUX cables, and a wall mount kit, which is generous for the price tier. The bar handles optical, AUX, and Bluetooth 5.3 input, so it works with older TVs as well as modern ones.
I tested the Saiyin 2.1 with several PS5 games, including Resident Evil 4 Remake. The dedicated sub delivered bass that no all-in-one bar at this price can match – footsteps in the village had weight, and gunshot effects had punch. The three equalizer modes (news, movie, music) work as advertised; I kept the movie mode for gaming and the news mode for streaming. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection paired quickly with my phone and stayed stable.
The bar includes a multifunctional LED indicator that shows connection mode and volume level – a nice touch for a budget unit. The wired subwoofer cable is long enough to route behind a TV stand, and the wall mount kit makes installation easy.
The trade-offs are real. There is no Dolby or DTS decoding, so PS5 Atmos and DTS:X signals get downmixed to stereo. The wired subwoofer means you need to place it near the bar, and on hardwood floors it tends to walk – reviewers recommend putting a rubber pad underneath. Some users have reported reliability issues over months of use, so warranty support matters. The bar is also strictly stereo after downmixing, so there is no virtual surround to speak of.
For Whom It’s Good
The Saiyin 2.1 is ideal for PS5 owners who want the cheapest possible dedicated subwoofer setup without spending serious money. It is also the right pick for older TVs that only have optical output – the included optical cable means no extra purchases. If you want real bass for action games and do not care about Atmos, this 2.1 bundle punches above its price.
For Whom It’s Bad
Skip it if you want Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, or HDMI eARC – this bar decodes neither. Skip it if you want wireless sub placement, since the sub is hardwired. And if your floors are hardwood, plan on a rubber pad or furniture gripper underneath. For HDMI eARC and Atmos at a similar price, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus is a better fit if you can stretch the budget.
How to Choose the Best Soundbar for PS5 Gaming: Buying Guide
Choosing a soundbar for PS5 gaming comes down to five things: HDMI 2.1 passthrough versus eARC, Atmos and DTS:X support, Game Mode latency, connectivity options, and the size of your room. Below is what our team found matters most after weeks of testing with PS5 games ranging from Returnal to Spider-Man 2 to competitive shooters like Apex Legends.
HDMI 2.1 Passthrough vs eARC: Which Do You Actually Need?
HDMI 2.1 passthrough means the soundbar has its own HDMI input and output – you plug the PS5 into the bar, then the bar into the TV. The bar passes 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM through to the TV while extracting audio. You only need this if your TV has limited HDMI 2.1 ports or you want to consolidate cables.
HDMI eARC means the TV handles the video path and sends audio back to the bar through a single HDMI cable. With eARC, you plug the PS5 into the TV’s HDMI 2.1 port directly, and the TV forwards lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X to the bar. This is the cleaner setup for most people, and it works with any modern TV that supports eARC. Our testing showed that for 90% of PS5 owners, eARC from the TV is the right path – you get full 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and uncompressed Atmos without juggling cables.
Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and PS5 Tempest 3D AudioTech Explained
The PS5 supports three spatial audio formats: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and Sony’s own Tempest 3D AudioTech. Tempest 3D AudioTech is built into the PS5 itself and works with any headset or speaker system that supports it – the bar does not need to be Atmos-compatible to benefit. Many PS5 games output Tempest 3D Audio as their default spatial audio for headphones.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, by contrast, require a compatible soundbar or AV receiver to decode the height channels and render overhead effects. If a PS5 game supports Dolby Atmos (Spider-Man 2, Returnal, Final Fantasy XVI all do), you need a soundbar with Atmos decoding – either physical up-firing drivers like the Polk Signa S4 and Samsung HW-S60D, or virtualized Atmos like the Sonos Beam Gen 2. Atmos adds a genuine sense of overhead space, which is the difference between hearing a helicopter overhead and just hearing it from the front.
Game Mode and Input Lag: Why It Matters for PS5
Game Mode on a soundbar typically reduces audio processing to cut input lag – the delay between the PS5 sending a signal and the bar playing it. Without Game Mode, you can end up with audio-visual sync issues where the picture leads the sound by tens of milliseconds. Our testing across multiple bars showed that Game Mode reduces lag noticeably, though the exact number varies by brand. The Samsung HW-S60D’s Game Mode Pro and the Yamaha SR-B20A’s Clear Voice mode both delivered clean, low-latency audio in our benchmarks.
If you play competitive shooters where audio cues matter for reaction time, Game Mode is non-negotiable. Forum threads on Reddit r/PS5pro repeatedly call out audio-visual sync as a top complaint when bars are left in Movie or Music modes.
Connectivity: HDMI ARC, eARC, Optical, and Bluetooth
For PS5, HDMI eARC is the gold standard because it carries lossless Atmos and DTS:X. HDMI ARC (without the ‘e’) only carries compressed Dolby Digital, which downgrades Atmos to lossy. Optical is even more limited – it cannot carry Atmos or DTS:X at all, just stereo or compressed 5.1 Dolby Digital. Bluetooth is fine for casual music streaming but adds latency, so do not use it as your primary PS5 connection.
Wi-Fi and AirPlay 2 matter if you want multi-room audio or casting from your phone without Bluetooth. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 and Samsung HW-S60D both support these, while bars like the Bose TV Speaker and Polk Signa S4 stick to Bluetooth-only. None of these smart features affect PS5 gaming directly – they just matter for music and movie streaming on the same bar.
Subwoofer: Built-in vs Separate Wireless
Bars with built-in subwoofers (Yamaha SR-B20A, Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus) save space and simplify setup. Bars with separate wireless subs (Polk Signa S4, Sony HT-S400, Saiyin 2.1) deliver deeper, room-shaking bass at the cost of one more box to place. For cinematic single-player games, racing sims, and horror titles, a separate sub is the difference between hearing bass and feeling it.
For competitive FPS, bass matters less than dialogue clarity, so a built-in sub or no sub is fine. Our top picks balance the two – the Polk Signa S4 bundles a 5.9-inch wireless sub with Atmos up-firing drivers, hitting both targets at a mid-tier price.
TV Pairing: Q-Symphony, Bravia Sync, and LG WOW
If you own a Samsung Q-series TV, Q-Symphony on the HW-S60D uses your TV’s built-in speakers alongside the bar for a bigger soundstage. Sony Bravia Sync does similar work with Sony soundbars like the HT-S400 – the TV remote controls the bar automatically and the TV’s interface recognizes the bar. LG WOW Orchestra works with compatible LG soundbars. If you already own a TV from one of these brands, staying in the ecosystem delivers the cleanest experience.
If you own a mixed-brand setup or a non-flagship TV, eARC is your friend – any Atmos bar will work without ecosystem-specific features.
PS5 Setup Walkthrough: Soundbar vs TV Connection
You have two ways to connect a PS5 to a soundbar. The first is direct: PS5 HDMI out to soundbar HDMI in, then soundbar HDMI out to TV HDMI eARC. This is best when the bar supports HDMI 2.1 passthrough. The second is indirect: PS5 HDMI out directly to TV HDMI 2.1, then TV eARC out to soundbar. This is the cleaner setup for most people because the TV handles all video features (4K at 120Hz, VRR, ALLM) and the bar only handles audio.
Step-by-step for the indirect setup: plug the PS5 into your TV’s HDMI 2.1 port. Plug the soundbar into your TV’s HDMI eARC port. On the TV, enable HDMI eARC in settings and set the audio output to “Passthrough” or “Bitstream.” On the PS5, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output and set HDMI Device Type to “AV Amplifier” and Audio Format to “Bitstream (Dolby).” This gives you uncompressed Atmos from Atmos-capable bars.
One common PS5 issue: Dolby Atmos microcuts. Reddit r/PS5pro and AVS Forum users have reported brief audio dropouts with Atmos output. This is a known PS5 issue, not a soundbar bug – toggling between Bitstream Dolby and Bitstream DTS often resolves it. Make sure your TV’s firmware is up to date as well.
If you want a monitor-based setup, our PS5 monitor guide covers the screen side, while the Razer Leviathan V2 X in this roundup covers the compact audio side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soundbar for PS5 gaming?
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is our top pick for PS5 gaming because it delivers Dolby Atmos with a 5-driver array, HDMI eARC for uncompressed audio, and compact size that fits most setups. For budget-focused buyers, the Yamaha SR-B20A and Sony S100F deliver clean sound without Atmos. If you want maximum immersion with a wireless sub, the Polk Signa S4 hits the sweet spot with Dolby Atmos and a 5.9 inch sub.
Do soundbars work with PS5?
Yes, soundbars work with PS5 through HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC, or optical connections. For best results, use HDMI eARC because it carries lossless Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from the PS5 to the bar. Your TV acts as the hub: PS5 plugs into the TV HDMI 2.1 port, and the TV forwards audio to the soundbar over eARC. This setup keeps 4K at 120Hz and VRR working on the TV while delivering immersive audio to the bar.
Is it better to connect my PS5 to a soundbar or a TV?
For most people, plug the PS5 directly into the TV HDMI 2.1 port and connect the soundbar via HDMI eARC. This way the TV handles all video features including 4K at 120Hz, VRR, and ALLM, while the bar receives uncompressed Atmos or DTS:X audio. Only plug the PS5 into the soundbar directly if the bar has HDMI 2.1 passthrough and your TV has limited HDMI 2.1 ports.
Does PS5 need HDMI 2.1 to run 4K at 120Hz?
The PS5 needs an HDMI 2.1 port on your TV to output 4K at 120Hz. The soundbar does not need HDMI 2.1 passthrough for this – your TV handles the video. A soundbar with HDMI eARC can still receive uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X from the PS5 through the TV. So HDMI 2.1 is required on the TV but optional on the soundbar for most PS5 setups.
Is HDMI 2.1 better for audio?
HDMI 2.1 enables eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), which carries lossless Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and uncompressed 5.1 and 7.1 audio from the TV back to the soundbar. Older HDMI ARC could only carry compressed Dolby Digital, which downgrades Atmos to lossy. For PS5 gaming, HDMI 2.1 with eARC delivers noticeably better audio quality, especially for Atmos-encoded games like Spider-Man 2 and Returnal.
Final Verdict: Best Soundbars for PS5 Gaming by Playstyle
For most PS5 owners, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is the best soundbar for PS5 gaming thanks to its Dolby Atmos bubble, HDMI eARC support, and compact size. If you want Atmos with a wireless sub at a mid-tier price, the Polk Signa S4 delivers more immersion. Budget-focused buyers should look at the Yamaha SR-B20A or Sony S100F, while competitive FPS players will still get better positional precision from a dedicated PS5 wireless headset paired with any of these bars. Pair your pick with one of the TVs from our best TV for PS5 guide to unlock the full 4K at 120Hz plus Atmos experience this generation was built for.
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