10 Best Small Soundbar 2025 in the UK

The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is a versatile and compact soundbar designed to enhance your home entertainment experience. It's particularly suitable for users seeking a small soundbar that doesn't compromise on sound quality. With 3D surround sound capabilities powered by Dolby Atmos, it delivers immersive audio with clear dialogue and rich bass, making it ideal for watching TV, listening to music, or enjoying podcasts.

The connectivity options are robust, offering HDMI and Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music and control the soundbar effortlessly using the Sonos app, your TV remote, or even your voice through Alexa or Google Assistant. The inclusion of Apple AirPlay 2 further expands its compatibility with other devices, allowing for seamless integration into a smart home environment.

Design-wise, its compact size allows it to fit easily in most setups, and the option for wall mounting adds flexibility in placement. The sleek plastic finish in black ensures it blends well with most decor styles without being intrusive. One standout feature is its capability to be part of a larger Sonos system. If you're interested in expanding to a full surround sound or multi-room setup, this soundbar serves as a great starting point. Setup is user-friendly, thanks to the Sonos app's guidance and the smart Trueplay tuning feature, which tailors the sound to your room's acoustics.

The Samsung Q600C 3.1.2ch Q Series Soundbar is a compact yet powerful sound solution for those looking to enhance their home audio experience. Its 9 built-in speakers, including a dedicated center speaker, work together to provide clear and immersive surround sound. This makes it particularly appealing for movie enthusiasts who value crisp dialogue and a cinematic experience at home. The inclusion of a wireless 6.5" subwoofer ensures that the bass is deep and impactful, adding a punch to your audio whether you're watching action-packed films or listening to music.

Wireless Dolby Atmos and Virtual DTS:X further enhance the audio quality, offering a surround sound experience without the need for multiple wired speakers. This feature, along with Bluetooth connectivity, adds convenience and flexibility, allowing you to connect the soundbar to various devices effortlessly. The soundbar's adaptive sound mode is a thoughtful addition, automatically adjusting audio settings for optimal performance in different scenarios, such as gaming or late-night viewing, where loud noises might be undesirable.

From a design perspective, its sleek dimensions (10.5 x 103 x 5.7 cm) and lightweight build (3 kg) make it an easy fit for most spaces, whether mounted on a tabletop or beneath your TV. However, potential buyers should note that the soundbar is best maximized when paired with a Samsung TV due to the Q-Symphony feature, which might not be as beneficial with other brands. A few drawbacks include the lack of detailed information on software updates, which could impact long-term usability for tech enthusiasts who look for updated features and fixes. Additionally, while it supports gaming, its audio performance in this area might not rival specialized gaming audio systems.

In conclusion, the Samsung Q600C is a versatile soundbar that excels in delivering a cinematic audio experience, particularly for movie lovers and casual gamers seeking improved sound quality without extensive setup.

The Sonos ARC Black Soundbar is a robust choice for anyone seeking a premium audio experience for TV, movies, music, and gaming. With its 3D sound capability and Dolby Atmos technology, it delivers immersive audio that includes rich bass and clear dialogue, making it excellent for bringing cinematic sound into your living room. The soundbar's smart features stand out, offering voice control through Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which adds convenience for users who enjoy hands-free operation. Connectivity is straightforward with an HDMI eARC, allowing for easy connection to your television, and it automatically syncs with your remote, simplifying setup.

The ARC is designed with a sleek and modern aesthetic, suitable for tabletop mounting. However, at 114.17 cm in width, it's broader than typical small soundbars, which may be a consideration if space is a constraint. Weighing in at 6.2 kg, it is also relatively heavy, which could pose installation challenges if wall-mounted.

Sound quality is undoubtedly a highlight, with its 3D Spatial Audio output mode enhancing the listening experience. While it excels in delivering high-quality sound, the focus is primarily on compatibility with televisions and gaming consoles, which may not suit those looking for broader device connectivity. The ARC can stream music independently when the TV is off, which adds versatility for music lovers. This product is ideal for users seeking superior sound quality and smart integration into their home entertainment setup, but it might be over-featured for those seeking a basic soundbar solution. The ARC's premium price point reflects its capabilities, so it’s better suited for those who prioritize audio excellence and advanced features over budget considerations.