No matter if you are a console or PC gamer, having great audio is key to better gameplay, and can even give you an edge over opponents in competitive games. However, wearing a headset for longer periods can become uncomfortable. This is where picking up one of the best gaming soundbars out there can help.

Soundbars have come a long way over the years, with most offering gaming modes, Dolby Atmos, and other features that can actually help improve your gameplay. Let's face it, you can't effectively camp in COD if you can't hear people coming behind you.

Here are the best soundbars for gaming available today.

Premium pick

1. Samsung HW-Q950T

8.80 / 10
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While not the latest model, the Samsung HW-Q950T still outperforms many soundbars, and the price tag reflects this. For a soundbar, the 9.1.4 configuration is extremely powerful and works perfectly with Dolby Atmos, making it a great choice for console gamers. Alternatively, you can use the soundbar's audio streaming via Wi-Fi if you prefer to listen to your own music.

From immersive movies to intricate game sounds, the Samsung HW-Q950T offers a complex layer of sounds, making the audio quality absolutely incredible. Even at higher volumes, this soundbar can fill a loud room without distortion, allowing you to enjoy every level of sound.

Granted, you won't be using the Samsung HW-Q950T for a desktop gaming setup, but for movies and next-gen consoles, it's one of the best, premium soundbars for gaming around.

Key Features
  • Adaptive sound
  • Q-symphony
  • Four up-firing channels
  • Alexa built-in
  • Dolby Atmos
  • DTS:X
  • Game sound mode
  • Side-firing speakers
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Integrations: Alexa
  • Ports: x2 HDMI in, x1 HDMI out, x1 Optical in
  • Audio Format: AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, MP3, OGG, ALAC
  • Power: 546W
  • Subwoofer Output: 28W
  • Speaker Arrangement: 9.1.4
Pros
  • Immersive surround sound
  • Extremely powerful sound
  • Stylish design
  • Adaptive sound mode
Cons
  • Expensive for a soundbar
Buy This Product
Samsung HW-Q950T
Editors choice

2. Razer Leviathan

9.20 / 10
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Better known for producing gaming peripherals like keyboards, mice, and headsets, the Razer Leviathan is the company's first soundbar and it's done a pretty good job at offering some decent audio at a reasonable price. It can be connected to your Xbox Series X, PS5, TV, or PC, making it a suitable soundbar for all types of gaming, unlike the Samsung HW-Q950T which is more geared to console gaming due to its size.

Despite its compact form, the Razer Leviathan has two 0.74-inch tweeters and two 2.5-inch full-range drivers hidden behind its iconic logo on the front of the soundbar. The subwoofer discreetly packs a 5.25-inch driver and delivers rich bass sound that won't crackle or distort at higher volumes. If you're listening to music, you may find the bass a little too overwhelming, but it's undeniable you're going to get an immersive gaming experience here.

The only major downfall of the Razer Leviathan is that it doesn't offer true 5.1 surround sound; it's simulated. You'll need to work your way through the presets to combat the lack of left and right channels, but the affordable price tag does make this easier to swallow.

Key Features
  • Deep immersive bass
  • Wireless music streaming
  • 180 Hz - 20 KHz frequency response
Specifications
  • Brand: Razer
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Ports: 3.5mm, Optical
  • Speaker Arrangement: 5.1
Pros
  • Strong bass
  • Bluetooth and optical support
  • Value for money
Cons
  • Not true 5.1
Buy This Product
Razer Leviathan
Best value

3. Sound BlasterX Katana

9.20 / 10
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If you're looking for a soundbar for your desktop gaming PC, the Sound BlasterX Katana is the perfect size and shape to compliment your setup. With a generous 75W of power and a 2.1 audio setup, the separate wired subwoofer can deliver some serious volume at close range.

When the soundbar is placed on your desk, you could be forgiven for mistaking the Sound BlasterX Katana as floating. The RGB lights are something to marvel at, but the complications occur when trying to house the soundbar and subwoofer in the same area. Since the subwoofer is tethered to the soundbar with a relatively short cable, it can be difficult to get everything to look and feel just so.

Mid-range, treble detail and bass are all balanced very well, but it will be hard to push the Sound BlasterX Katana to its limits since the sound can be pretty deafening even at lower volumes. This is why it's great for desktop gaming, saving space, producing decent sound quality, and looking fantastic.

Key Features
  • Reactive lighting
  • Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding
  • Two up-firing midbass drivers
  • Five driver design
Specifications
  • Brand: Dolby
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Ports: Optical, USB
  • Audio Format: AAC, SBC
  • Power: 150W
  • Subwoofer Output: 75W
Pros
  • Great value for money
  • Stylish design
  • Bluetooth, USB and optical
Cons
  • Only 2.1 sound
  • No HDMI
Buy This Product
Sound BlasterX Katana

Unless you can get the LG Ultragear GP9 on a discounted deal, it's a pretty pricey investment. However, if you're looking for a portable soundbar that's built with gaming in mind, it's worth considering. The customizable lighting, for one, definitely fits in with the gaming theme, and the 3.5mm jack means you can plug your headset straight into the soundbar, ensuring you get the best sound quality at all times.

Due to the lack of a subwoofer driver, you won't be able to get deep, low frequencies from the LG Ultragear GP9. However, mids and highs are especially great, and the GP9 does a good job at not muddying audio when it gets complex. It's also very immersive when gaming, however, it can't hit the same kind of simulated surround sound you can get from some headsets.

But, if you're looking for a great gaming soundbar that looks the part and comes with the option to plug in your headset, the LG Ultragear GP9 is great value for money, if you can get it when it goes on offer.

Key Features
  • Built-in microphone
  • Built-in battery
  • Customizable RGB lighting
  • 3D surround sound
Specifications
  • Brand: LG
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Ports: Optical, USB-C, Aux
  • Power: 20W
  • Speaker Arrangement: 2ch
Pros
  • Incredible gaming sound quality
  • Hi-res and DTS:X headphone support
  • Portable
  • RTS and FPS game modes
Cons
  • Weak battery life
Buy This Product
LG Ultragear GP9

For console gamers, the Sony HT-A5000 is a worthy investment since it's built to last and is future-proof thanks to its 8K compatibility. There's a distinct difference in sound when compared to standard TV audio, as this soundbar comes equipped with plenty of connections, including dedicated HDMI input and HDMI ARC/eARC input/output.

Sticking with the default mode, the Sony HT-A5000 sounds balanced and clear. However, thanks to Sony's Vertical Surround Engine and DTS Virtual:X, PS5 owners will be able to enjoy surround sound in and out of the game, like never before.

And, if you want to expand your soundstage even further, you can add two Sony wireless subwoofers and wireless satellites, offering even better immersion, especially in larger spaces.

Key Features
  • 360 spatial sound mapping
  • 8K and 4K/120 passthrough
  • Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
  • Hi-Res Audio
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
  • Integrations: Alexa, Google Assistant
  • Ports: Optical-audio input, USB typeA, File System
  • Audio Format: Dolby Digital, Dolby Atmos, DTS, AAC, SBC, LDAC, MP3
  • Power: 100W
  • Subwoofer Output: Built-in
  • Speaker Arrangement: 5.1
Pros
  • Optional woofer and rear speakers
  • 8K HDMI input
  • Excellent gaming and movie sound
Cons
  • Optional extras are very expensive
Buy This Product
Sony HT-A5000

If you've got a large desktop gaming setup, or prefer console gaming, the JBL Bar 5.1 can work with both. This soundbar comes with two magnetic speakers that can be detached from the central bar, allowing you to place them around your room to create true wireless 5.1 surround sound.

While the JBL Bar 5.1 is geared more towards movie buffs, it also works well when gaming, offering a really immersive experience. It's easy to set up and you can get going pretty much straight away. Audio is clear, not muddied, and the dedicated voice driver means dialogue in and out of game won't get lost.

However, if you prefer listening to music while you're gaming, the JBL Bar 5.1 isn't the best choice. With weak mids, it doesn't allow for such a complex soundstage as other soundbars can achieve at a cheaper price.

Key Features
  • Detachable speakers
  • Battery powered
  • 4K connectivity
  • Wireless music streaming
Specifications
  • Brand: JBL
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Ports: x3 HDMI, Optical, Aux
  • Power: 510W
Pros
  • Completely wireless
  • Easy to setup
  • Detachable speakers
Cons
  • No Atmos support
Buy This Product
JBL Bar 5.1 4K Ultra HD 5.1-Channel Soundbar

FAQ

Q: Are Soundbars Good for Gaming?

For console gamers, soundbars can be a great way to improve the audio quality, especially when using a soundbar with up-firing Dolby Atmos speakers.

For PC gamers, soundbars can be great for long gaming sessions, giving you a break from wearing headsets for prolonged periods, that can often become uncomfortable.

Q: Can I Use a Soundbar for a Gaming PC?

Yes, most soundbars come with multiple inputs, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical input, or AUX. This means there are plenty of ways to not only connect your soundbar to your gaming PC but often they can also be connected to games consoles and even your TV.