When buying a new TV, picture quality tends to trump everything. But sound quality is just as important. If you’ve ever needed to put on subtitles to follow dialogue, or felt underwhelmed during epic battle scenes, you know that a TV with good sound is vital.
Thankfully, the best TVs for sound now come packed with features like Dolby Atmos and object-based audio, so you get immersive audio without needing extra kit. If you’re not sure what kind of model you’re looking for, our TV buying guide is a great place to start. But if you know you want a TV with good sound, here’s your all-in-one guide.
So whether you’re a big film buff, a music lover, or you just want great audio without all the additional kit, this article will take you through our top picks for each category so you can find what sounds best to you!
What makes a TV great for sound?
Navigating the world of audio features can be confusing. So here are some key things that affect how your TV sounds:
Speaker placement
Where the speakers sit on the TV can make a big difference.
Front-facing speakers push sound directly toward you so you can hear crisp dialogue without muffling.
Down-firing speakers are common in flatscreen TVs as they fit in the slim design. But they bounce audio off surfaces, which can sometimes make it feel softer or less direct.
Rear-firing speakers are found on the back panel and use the wall to reflect sound towards you. However, audio can sound muffled if the TV isn’t installed correctly.
Upward-firing speakers are used in premium models for immersive 3D/Dolby Atmos audio. Speakers placed at the top of the TV bounce sound off your ceiling, creating the illusion of overhead effects.
Processor
Many premium TVs use AI-powered processors to improve sound in real time. They can boost dialogue, balance volume, and even simulate surround sound. So everything you watch sounds clearer and more immersive. Major manufacturers tend to have their own versions of audio-enhancing chips:
Sony - Cognitive Processor XR
LG - Alpha AI Processor series
Samsung - Neural Quantum Processor
Object-based audio
Instead of sound just coming from fixed points, this technology treats sounds like physical objects, so it feels like audio moves around you.
You’ll often see Dolby Atmos and DTS:X mentioned. Here’s how they compare:
| Dolby Atmos | DTS:X | |
|---|---|---|
| Sound feel on TVs | Smooth, natural and immersive, even with basic setups | Directionally accurate, but often less impactful without extra speakers |
| Best use on TVs | Ideal for streaming shows and films (Netflix, Disney+, etc.), where Atmos is widely supported | Better suited to Blu‑rays and gaming, though this advantage is more noticeable on full audio systems |
| Performance on built‑in speakers | Generally sounds better and more polished on TV speakers alone | Differences are subtle without a full sound system |
Bass support
Features like built-in subwoofers or bass reflex ports create deeper low sounds, which adds more depth to your music, or makes for more gripping action scenes.
Audio power
Also called speaker wattage, this shows how loud and clear your TV can go. Higher wattage means clearer, punchier sound with less crackling or distortion. The level of power your speakers needs depends on how you use your TV and the kind of experience you want:
10W-20W – the standard for built-in speakers. Best suited for casual viewing or creating background sound.
20W-100W – for more advanced in-built speakers, and matches most entry to mid-level soundbars. Works well in bedroom setups for streaming and gaming, or medium-sized living rooms around 100 to 200 square feet.
100W-300W+ – rarely found in-built in TVs, but refers to external speakers which are best for creating a dedicated home theatre system. Suited for larger rooms, higher wattage produces powerful sounds for a cinema-level experience.
Best overall TV for sound
A great TV doesn’t just play audio but adapts to make it sound better. And thanks to smart, powerful processors, the best TVs can do just that.
The Sony Bravia 8A takes full advantage of its impressive processor, delivering great audio quality, without the need for a soundbar. With help from the XR Processor, the Bravia 8A uses Acoustic Surface Audio+ which turns the screen into a speaker - allowing sound to come directly from where the action is happening.
Best budget TV for sound
Spending less doesn’t mean putting up with tinny sound quality. Plenty of entry to mid-price models have Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. If you want solid audio without spending big, the Hisense E7Q Pro is a great option for immersive surround sound and clear dialogue.
And should you want to boost your sound system later down the line, the EzPlay feature makes it simple to hook up a Hisense soundbar.
Best TV sound for film lovers
Smart audio features like AI Acoustic Tuning adjusts sounds to turn your living room into a cinema screen. An in-built microphone in the TV’s remote measures the room and optimises audio.
The LG C5 OLED combines this feature with powerful 40W speakers that pairs beautifully with its cinematic picture. Filmmaker Mode disables motion smoothing and noise reduction so what you’re watching matches what the director intended. And to upgrade how you watch movies, check out our tips for a great home cinema setup.
Best TV sound for music
Whether you’re hosting a party or just want some background tunes, many modern TVs are perfectly capable sound systems too.
Panasonic’s in-built audio system, 360° Soundscape Pro, uses multiple speakers to fire off in different directions to make a sphere of sound around you. The Panasonic Z95B OLED has combined front, side, and up-facing speakers, so you feel right in the middle of the music.
Best large-screen TV for sound
Bigger TVs often have more room for larger, more advanced speaker systems. Samsung's premium audio technology, Object Tracking Sound+ makes the TV sound dynamically follow the movement of objects on the screen. So audio comes out from the location of the action.
This works especially well on the big Samsung QN9OF (75”). Its 4K screen pairs with 8 in-built speakers to create a fully immersive experience. It includes 4 main speakers, 2 upward-firing speakers and 2 subwoofers. More speakers than a touring rock band!
Do I need a soundbar for my TV?
Even the best TVs have limits. A soundbar can add deeper bass, a wider soundstage, and more immersive surround effects. So if you want to host legendary movie nights or festival-level parties, a soundbar is a must-have.
If you choose to amplify your setup, we can take you through how to connect your soundbar.
What’s the best TV for sound?
The right choice depends on your space, budget and how you use your TV. Premium OLEDs tend to offer the best built-in sound, but mid-range models now deliver a lot more than you’d expect.
Heard enough? Shop all TVs and check out our huge choice to find your perfect fit.
FAQs
What TV brand has the best sound?
Sony is considered one of the best TV brands for sound thanks to its Acoustic Surface technology, which turns the screen into a speaker. LG and Samsung also offer strong audio performance with Dolby Atmos and other advanced features across their premium ranges.
Do Samsung TVs have good sound?
Samsung TVs produce good sound, especially in their mid-to-premium models. Features like Object Tracking Sound and adaptive audio help create a wider soundstage, making them a solid choice if you want strong built-in audio without a soundbar.
Is Dolby Atmos on a TV worth it?
Dolby Atmos on a TV is worth it if you want impressive surround sound. It creates a 3D audio effect, making films and shows feel more lifelike, without the need for external speakers.
Can a TV sound as good as a soundbar?
A TV can sound good, but it rarely matches a dedicated soundbar. Premium TVs can get close, but soundbars typically offer deeper bass and a more powerful performance.
What wattage is good for TV speakers?
A good TV speaker wattage is typically 20W or higher. For larger rooms or richer sound, look for 40W+ systems with built-in subwoofers or multi-speaker setups for better clarity and bass.
