Fitbit Versa 4 vs. Versa 3: The last-gen Versa 3 is the better smartwatch and fitness tracker

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Fitbit's Versa line of wearables are some of the  best fitness trackers  on the market. With accurate GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and compatibility with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, most folks can benefit from their usefulness and versatility. The current version is the Versa 4, a smartwatch we ultimately found to be a disappointing next step, and one that's hardly an upgrade over the previous generation Versa 3. In fact, we still rate the Versa 3 as the top budget pick in our  best Fitbit  and  best smartwatch  guides. The bottom line is this: The Versa 4 doesn't change enough about the Versa 3 to justify its higher price point. Because Fitbit stopped selling the Versa 3, we recommend considering a refurbished model of the device instead of upgrading to the Versa 4. Here's why. Fitbit Versa 4 Shop at Amazon  Shop at Best Buy  Shop at Walmart  Fitbit Versa 3 Shop at Amazon  Shop at Dick's Sporting Goods  Fitbit Versa 4 vs. Fi...
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The 9 best soundbars in 2024

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 The best soundbars can deliver a convenient upgrade for your TV's audio setup. Even top TVs often have wimpy built-in speakers that lack depth and clarity. A good soundbar can be a total game changer, providing clearer dialogue and deeper bass. 

After testing and researching several popular models, we've picked the nine best soundbars you can buy right now. The Yamaha YAS-209 is our top recommendation for anyone who wants a great all-around audio system with good sound quality and a dedicated subwoofer at an affordable price. But buyers who want a full-fledged Dolby Atmos system with rear surround sound speakers and up-firing drivers should check out the Samsung HW-Q990B. 

Below, you can find all nine of our picks for the best soundbars of 2024. We have options for every price range and type of user, from entry-level 2-channel models to high-end systems with 11.1.4 audio channels.

Our top picks for the best soundbars

Best overall: Yamaha YAS-209 - See at Amazon

Best high-end model: Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max - See at Amazon

Best midrange for Dolby Atmos: Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Channel Soundbar - See at Amazon

Best premium Dolby Atmos system: Samsung HW-Q990B - See at Amazon

Best all-in-one option: Sonos Arc - See at Amazon

Best for budget shoppers: Vizio V-Series V21d-J8 - See at Amazon

Best smart bar: Bose Smart Soundbar 600 - See at Amazon

Best for gaming: Sony HT-A7000 - See at Amazon

Best with video streaming: Roku Streambar - See at Amazon

Best overall

A Yamaha YAS 209 soundbar.
The Yamaha YAS-209 is an excellent all-around soundbar. 
Yamaha
Yamaha YAS-209 Soundbar

With an attractive price point and great audio performance, the Yamaha YAS-209 is the best soundbar for most needs. Right now, it's down to a remarkable all-time low price.

Shop at Amazon Shop at Walmart Shop at Adorama 
What we like
  • Room-filling sound
  • Alexa built-in
  • Sleek appearance
  • Wireless subwoofer included
What we don’t like
  • No onboard display
  • Doesn't support Dolby Vision passthrough
  • No Atmos capabilities

The YAS-209 has been around for a few years but is still a top performer. Its perfect blend of solid audio quality, ease of use, and affordable pricing make it the best soundbar for most people. This is the type of space-saving audio option that many shoppers think of when looking for a soundbar, and it makes for a great upgrade to built-in TV speakers.

The system includes a 36-inch soundbar unit and a wireless subwoofer for dedicated bass. The 2.1-channel hardware delivers stereo playback but also has DTS Virtual:X processing for a simulated surround sound effect. It's not as convincing as pricier virtual surround systems, but it does a decent job. With or without virtual surround, the system provides clear and balanced sound for various types of audio content.

The YAS-209 connects to your TV using its HDMI ARC port, and the soundbar has a handy HDMI-in port that supports 4K HDR video passthrough (but not Dolby Vision) from a connected device, like a gaming console or Blu-ray player. An optical audio port is also featured for older TVs without HDMI ARC, and you can wirelessly stream music via Bluetooth or WiFi.

The YAS-209 even includes integrated support for Amazon Alexa thanks to built-in microphones, enabling hands-free control for functions like volume. All of this at such a low price is what keeps the YAS-209 at the top of the list for so many shoppers and reviewers alike, making it one of the best soundbars you can buy.

Best high-end model

A Sennheiser Ambeo Max soundbar resting on an entertainment console.
Sennheiser's Ambeo Max delivers an incredibly immersive experience from a single-unit soundbar. 
Ryan Waniata/Insider
Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max

Sennheiser's Ambeo Soundbar Max has the best virtual surround sound we've heard from a single-unit soundbar.

Shop at Amazon Shop at Best Buy Shop at Sennheiser 
What we like
  • Best-in-class virtual surround sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
  • Excellent music performance
  • Premium build quality
What we don’t like
  • Large for a soundbar
  • No HDMI 2.1 support
  • Virtual surround sound still can't match a real multi-speaker system

If you want an absolutely killer listening experience without the hassle of setting up multiple speakers, look no further than the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max. This high-end soundbar is loaded with premium components and innovative software to create an unparalleled virtual surround sound experience from a single audio component.

The Ambeo Max is a beast of a soundbar, coming in at 50 inches wide and 40 pounds which can make it tricky to fit in some living room setups. But its hefty design enables Sennheiser to pack in five tweeters, six four-inch drivers at the front and sides, and a pair of 3.5-inch up-firing speakers. The up-firing and side-firing drivers bounce audio off your ceiling and walls to make it sound like effects are coming from all around you in a full 5.1.4-channel configuration.

The bar creates a truly immersive soundscape with the most realistic sense of surround sound we've heard from a single soundbar. While not as convincing as having actual rear and overhead speakers, it's much more compact than multi-speaker systems.

As you'd expect from Sennheiser, the Ambeo Max is also excellent for music streaming, providing rich and detailed sound across genres. And though the soundbar doesn't include a dedicated subwoofer, mid-bass performance is deep and impactful. You can also add a separate subwoofer from your brand of choice if you crave more low-frequency oomph. 

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