Sound is an integral part of gaming. It is what brings the game to life and provides the soundtrack for your virtual experience. The best soundbars offer a more immersive way to play, with surround sound channels that envelop you in high-quality audio for amazing realism. But finding the right one can be difficult, so here are some favorites on our list of the top 7 best soundbars for gaming!
If you’re an avid gamer, then there’s a good chance that you’ve noticed the importance of sound in games. From footsteps to explosions and more: sounds can make or break your gaming experience.
That’s why it’s important to invest in a quality set of speakers if you want to enjoy your favorite games at their best. There are plenty of options when it comes to speaker systems, but which ones are the best? We thought we’d share our Top 7 favorites with you!
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 picks for the best gaming soundbars in 2023!
Best Overall
Runner Up
show
How Does a Soundbar for Gaming Work?
Soundbars are designed to provide an immersive gaming experience by enveloping you in high-quality audio. They work by using multiple surround sound channels to create a realistic soundscape, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action.
Some soundbars also include bass modules, which produce extra low-frequency sounds for an even more immersive experience. This is especially important for games that rely on explosions and other special effects for their excitement factor.
The best soundbars also come with gaming-specific features, such as equalizers and voice enhancement software that can help you get the most out of your games. So if you’re looking for a better gaming experience, a good soundbar is a great investment.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Soundbar for Gaming?
There are a number of benefits to be had from owning a soundbar for gaming. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Immersive experience: As we mentioned before, a good soundbar can provide an immersive gaming experience by enveloping you in high-quality audio. This makes it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action and can add an extra level of excitement to your favorite games.
- Enhanced audio: Using a soundbar for gaming will improve your audio experience significantly. Many soundbars come with features that allow you to customize your audio, such as equalizers and voice enhancement software. This means that you can get the most out of your games by tweaking the audio to match your preferences.
- Easy setup: One of the best things about soundbars is that they’re usually very easy to set up. Many models come with all the cables you need, and many are Bluetooth-enabled so that you can connect them wirelessly. This makes them a breeze to set up and means you can start using them right away.
- Extra bass: Many soundbars come with bass modules that produce extra low-frequency sounds for an even more immersive experience. This is especially important for games that rely on explosions and other special effects for their excitement factor.
- Compact size: Another great thing about soundbars is that they’re usually quite compact, making them easy to transport and store. This makes them a great option for people who don’t have a lot of space to spare or want something that’s easy to move around.
- Speaker upgrades: If you have a high-end speaker system in your home entertainment center but feel it’s not cutting it when it comes to gaming, then investing in a soundbar is a great way to upgrade and enhance your gaming experience at the same time. Soundbars work well with existing systems and fit right into the existing setup.
So if you’re looking for an immersive gaming experience with enhanced audio and easy setup, a soundbar is a great choice. They’re designed with gamers in mind, so they have the features you need to get the most out of your games.
Speaking of that, here are our picks for the top 7 best soundbars for gaming:
1. RAZER Leviathan PC Gaming and Music soundbar — Best Soundbar for Gaming Overall
The Razer Leviathan is one of the best PC soundbars available on the market and an excellent gaming soundbar. It’s a complete sound system packed into a compact device with cutting-edge tech for high-end sound.
The Razer soundbar is 19.7 inches wide and can be put in front of a PC or desktop display. This speaker includes a wide variety of connectivity options, including Bluetooth and 3.5mm input.
This speaker may also be wall-mounted if you’d prefer not to have it on your computer desk. With a Bluetooth connection, this has Dolby 5.1 and aptX technology, which provides a fantastic dynamic audio spectrum.
You can also use it to play media from other devices, such as music and movies. This soundbar can also link to your computer by NFC, allowing you to play and enter virtual battles right away.
Why Is This the Best Gaming Soundbar in 2023?
We chose the Razer Leviathan as the best gaming soundbar in 2023 because of its compact size and attractive design. It has a dedicated downward-firing subwoofer and delivers excellent bass. This soundbar has incredible audio quality, with precise sounds that immerse you in the game.
The soundbar has five drivers and Dolby Digital audio technology, which contributes to the soundbar’s excellent quality. This soundbar can be connected to your computer by Bluetooth or an auxiliary wire. You’ll enjoy an amazing surround sound experience no matter how you connect it.
2. Sonos Arc — Runner Up
Sonos’ newest surround sound solution, the Arc, is housed entirely in a single soundbar.
We’re not sure whether the device’s name comes from the HDMI interface it utilizes, the curved sound it produces, or the fact that it is, figuratively, a vessel carrying great surround sound to the modern minimalist environment. However, this system is dead set on short-circuiting the surround sound game.
It definitely doesn’t spare on sound quality, with Dolby Atmos compatibility with deep bass and clear treble for your favorite movies and TV shows.
The Arc can automatically adjust itself to whichever room it’s in, delivering the crispest, most accurate audio imaginable, thanks to Sonos’ TruePlay technology.
It also has Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands, making it one of the smartest soundbars available. The Sonos Arc is the best soundbar if you have a large gaming room and a hefty budget.
3. SAMSUNG HW-Q950A Soundbar with Dolby Atmos — Premium Pick
Samsung has many great gaming products, from the best phones to the best gaming monitors. So if you’re playing on a Samsung TV or monitor, it stands to reason to pair it with one of their powerful soundbars.
The HW-Q950A combines a strong soundbar with a proficient subwoofer and rear speakers to create a rich and theatrical soundscape that sounds great whether you’re watching movies, TV shows, or playing video games. You can, of course, listen to your favorite songs via streaming.
This soundbar isn’t inexpensive, but you get what you pay for: a truly quality audio experience in your living room, regardless of its form or size. Remember that this system includes a soundbar, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer.
4. Sound BlasterX Katana Multi-Channel Surround Soundbar — Best RGB Soundbar for Gaming
The Sound BlasterX Katana is as slim as they get if you’re low on space. Even though it has five strong drivers for excellent acoustics, it is just 23 inches long and 2.4 inches tall.
As a result, it fits neatly underneath your display or on top of small media consoles without taking up too much room. It has 49 programmable LED lights, a brushed aluminum finish, a simple remote control, and a variety of connectivity choices in addition to its size.
But, apart from the music quality, the Aurora Reactive lighting system, as well as the ability to control the lights in whatever way you choose for your setup, has to be the main attraction. When you combine this with Bluetooth connectivity, you’ve got a great combo.
5. Dell AC511 USB Wired SoundBar
Are you looking for a low-cost soundbar with a lot of features? In this case, you should buy the Dell AC511. This device connects to your computer through USB for an easy plug-and-play connection that delivers rich highs, booming lows, and incredible all-around immersion.
It’s also simple to make rapid sound changes on the fly, thanks to the inbuilt volume control knob. The Dell AC511 is a fantastic complement to any budget gaming setup and one of the best inexpensive gaming soundbars available.
6. Panasonic SoundSlayer Gaming Soundbar
Though many soundbars on the market are great for gaming and other reasons, buying one that is specifically built for gaming will offer you an advantage since it will produce the best sound effects with a punch.
The Panasonic SoundSlayer is an absolute beast! It has Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Immersive Audio technology for a thrilling gaming experience. It allows for a 4K HDR pass-through with minimal compromise of image quality.
The sound coming from the soundbar will make you feel like you’re there in the middle of the game. With this soundbar, you can experience never-heard-before gaming sound effects.
The fact that you can switch between different modes based on the type of game you’re playing makes this a wonderful gaming device. So, if you want to really immerse yourself in some of the best role-playing games available, just switch to RPG mode to elevate your experience.
7. Creative Stage Air Portable and Compact Under-Monitor USB-Powered Soundbar
Creative has always been a leader in audio devices, and the Stage Air is no exception. For roughly $30, you can get a Bluetooth-enabled soundbar with excellent volume control and high-quality sound.
It can last up to 6 hours on a single charge and is just 2.75 inches tall, so it fits right under your screen. Add a little boom-boom to your game with the strong twin drivers, and enjoy beautiful sound all day long.
The Stage Air features a glossy plastic design with a front-facing grille covering two full-range drivers and a bass radiator. Behind the grille is a status LED that indicates if the speaker is switched on or paired.
The Stage Air provides good audio quality for the money. The Stage Air is a decent, budget-friendly purchase for a computer setup—or as a Bluetooth speaker that can stream music from mobile devices—as long as you don’t need it to sound like a robust, TV-sized soundbar.
How to Choose the Best Soundbar for Gaming in 2023?
Soundbars offer a sound experience that can’t be matched by any other type of setup. This is why they’re the best choice for gamers who are looking for richer, more immersive audio.
While there are many great soundbars on the market, not all are made to suit gaming needs. So, when choosing a soundbar for your gaming setup, you’ll need to consider these four factors:
Budget
The first question that needs to be asked is, “how much am I looking to spend?” Gaming takes money, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
While there are some expensive soundbars out there, priced well over $1000 – and often even higher, most offer an affordable option without compromising too much on features or quality.
You may choose to sacrifice some aspects of the soundbar’s performance if your budget is small, though you need not feel limited by this because it still offers great value for money. The main thing is that whatever your budget, there will be a model out there designed specifically for gaming that will meet your needs.
Sound Quality
Once you’ve determined how much you’re willing to spend, the next step is to consider sound quality. This is where many people can be misguided; they often go for the most expensive model, thinking it will offer the best audio quality.
The truth is that all soundbars are not created equal, and some perform far better than others in this regard. So, it’s important to do some research on the different models and their specifications before making a purchase.
Some factors that will affect a soundbar’s sound quality include its power output, frequency response range, and the number of audio channels.
Ideally, you’ll want a model that offers high power output so it can play louder sounds without distortion, a wide frequency response range to cover all the sounds in your favorite games, and multiple audio channels for an immersive surround sound experience.
Portability/Wireless Connectivity
Another important factor to consider is how portable and wireless the soundbar is. If you’re often on the go or like to game in different rooms of your house, you’ll want a model that’s easy to move around and doesn’t require any cables.
Look for a soundbar that has a built-in battery so it can be used without being plugged in and one with Bluetooth connectivity so you can easily pair it with your devices. Some models also come with NFC for quick and easy setup.
Built-in Features
Finally, the last thing you need to think about is the built-in features of the soundbar. Does it have a subwoofer for extra bass? Does it come with a remote control? Are there any built-in gaming modes that can enhance your experience?
If you’re looking for a soundbar with all the bells and whistles, be prepared to pay more. However, most basic models still offer a range of features that will be useful for gamers.
Conclusion
Soundbars are a great way to improve your gaming experience, and we hope these 7 soundbars have given you some ideas for purchasing the right one. There’s something here for any budget and style preference. The last thing you want is your game’s audio ruining the fun of playing!
With this list in hand, it should be easy to find a suitable match that will provide an immersive sonic environment without breaking the bank or taking up too much space on your desk.