The highest scoring soundbar overall, the Polk Signa S2, is surprisingly affordable at just $419. If you're looking for a higher end soundbar with more features, the Polk MagniFi Max AX was ranked third overall by our experts, so it's also an excellent choice, particularly for a larger room.

And if you don't have a lot of cash to splash, the Hisense HS2100 will set you back less than $249 but is highly regarded by our expert listening panel and perfect for a small loungeroom or study.

Best budget buy: The Hisense HS2100

Best budget soundbar

Hisense HS2100

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 75%
• Music quality score: 73%
• Multi-channel audio quality score (movies): 80%
• Price: $249

If you're just looking for an affordable option to upgrade from your TV speakers, go for the HS2100. You may even be able to find it for under $200 at some retailers during sales periods, making it one of the best deals going around.

You only get stereo audio (2.1), which means you won't get the cinema-like surround sound effect. But it does include an external subwoofer which will sound much better than any bass coming from a TV speaker.

The sub also links to the soundbar via a wireless connection. That gives you the freedom to place it in an ideal spot without having to run cables everywhere.

You may be able to find it for under $200 during sales periods, making it one of the best deals going around

Features are otherwise pretty bare bones. There's no Wi-Fi support, for example, and it lacks lip sync adjustment so there's a small chance that dialogue may not always match up with lip movements on screen. Though it does have Bluetooth support, which allows you to stream music from another device without having to turn the TV on.

But while there aren't many bells and whistles, this is still a great value soundbar that will no doubt deliver better sound than you get through your TV.

Read the full Hisense HS2100 review. 

Best mid-range buy: The Polk Signa S2.

Best mid-range soundbar

Polk Signa S2 

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 85% (highest score overall)
• Music quality score: 93%
• Multi-channel audio quality score (movies): 97%
• Price: $419

The fact that the Polk Signa S2 is still available after several years on the market supports our high regard for what must be the best value-for-money soundbar we have tested. This model topped our test, with a higher overall score than a number of soundbars costing more than three times as much.

It doesn't support Dolby Atmos or DTS-X – in fact, it's limited to stereo surround with an external subwoofer (2.1). But the excellent sound quality makes up for this limitation and delivers an experience well above its asking price.

Our listening panel was very impressed. The sound was so good it almost broke its stereo bounds with an expansive feel that even added a sense of height – something normally limited to soundbars with Atmos or DTS-X capabilities. The panel were also impressed with the vocal clarity and excellent music quality.

At less than 6cm high this is also a great soundbar for a TV that isn't wall-mounted as there is no chance of it obstructing your view when placed in front of your TV on a table.

This model topped our test, with a higher overall score than a number of soundbars costing more than three times as much

There's no Wi-Fi, so it doesn't support music streaming services by itself. However, Bluetooth allows you to enjoy all your favourite music directly from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. An auxiliary port also means you can even plug in an audio player with a physical cable. Old school!

But sadly, its days may be numbered. Though you can still find the Signa S2 in the wild, availability isn't as widespread as it once was. If you want one, grab it as soon as possible.

Read the full Polk Signa S2 review. 

Best premium soundbar: Polk ManiFi Max AX

Best premium soundbar

Polk MagniFi Max AX

• CHOICE Expert Rating: 79%
• Music quality score: 77%
• Multi-channel audio quality score (movies): 90%
• Price: $1299

The folks at Polk seem to know their way around a soundbar. Like the Signa S2, the MagniFi Max AX is a solid performer and it also comes with most of the fancy features you'd expect from a soundbar that costs over $1000.

Full surround sound is the big selling point here. It has 5.1.2 speaker channels, making the MagniFi Max AX one of those soundbars that sends sound towards your ears from every angle, without the need for extra speakers at the back of the room (with the right content).

This is reflected in its excellent film audio performance and, though music performance is no slouch at 77%, the MagniFi Max AX is really geared towards magnificent movie nights. But you can still stream music with ease via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which are built into the soundbar.

The MagniFi Max AX should suit movie enthusiasts that can't justify the space, time or expense of a full-blown home theatre

There are some shortcomings. The wall mounting instructions lack detail, so you may need to resort to YouTube if you don't plan on placing it on a TV unit.

Also, despite the complex collection of speakers, the MagniFi Max AX doesn't include automatic room calibration software. This means it can't measure the space and adjust settings to make things sound just right for your room.

But the MagniFi Max AX should still suit movie enthusiasts who can't justify the space, time or expense of a full-blown home theatre.

It's worth noting that Polk does sell a version of the Max AX that bundles in two rear speakers for legitimate surround sound. It costs an extra $200 and, ironically, scored lower in the movie audio portion of our test.

Read the full Polk MagniFi Max AX review.

Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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