If you’ve ever fumbled for a tiny remote behind the couch cushions just to turn down a movie explosion, you already know why the best soundbars with app control exist. In 2026, the gap between a soundbar that simply plays audio and one that becomes a genuine part of your living room is the companion app on your phone.
A soundbar with app control pairs with a free smartphone application from the brand – Sonos S2, Bose Music, Samsung SmartThings, JBL One, Sony Music Center, LG Sound Bar, Roku mobile, and others – so you can adjust volume, switch inputs, tweak EQ, stream music, and run room calibration from your phone. The included remote still works, but the app unlocks settings the hardware buttons can’t reach: parametric EQ, multi-room grouping, firmware updates, and direct streaming from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.
After spending weeks comparing [Amazon best sellers](#) and lab-tested picks from CNET, RTINGS, and What Hi-Fi, our team narrowed down 10 soundbars that genuinely earn their app ratings. Some shine because the app is fast and stable; others win because it unlocks deep customization the remote can never match. Whether you’re hunting for a budget upgrade or a flagship Dolby Atmos rig, the list below covers every price tier – and yes, every one of them responds to your phone.
If you want a broader look at soundbars beyond the app angle, our soundbar buying guide covers the full market. For a no-app alternative angle, see our roundup of the best rated soundbars.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Soundbars with App Control (September 2026)
Sonos Arc Ultra
- Dolby Atmos 9.1.4
- Sound Motion tech
- AI Speech Enhancement
- Trueplay via Sonos S2 app
Best Soundbars with App Control in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sonos Arc Ultra |
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| ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 |
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| Amazon Fire TV Soundbar |
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 Sonos Beam Gen 2 |
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 Bose Smart Ultra |
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 Bose Smart Atmos |
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 Roku Streambar SE |
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 TCL S45H |
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 Samsung S60D |
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 JBL Bar 500MK2 |
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1. Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar – Editor’s Choice for App Control
Sonos Arc Ultra Soundbar with Dolby Atmos – Black
Dolby Atmos 9.1.4
Sound Motion woofer
AI Speech Enhancement
Sonos S2 app
Pros
- Reference-grade 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos
- AI Speech Enhancement clarifies dialogue beautifully
- Sonos S2 app is the most full-featured ecosystem
- Multi-room and whole-home audio
- Trueplay room tuning adapts to your space
- Premium minimalist build
Cons
- Premium price tier
- No physical remote included
- Music playback less refined than home theater
- Some HDMI cable quality complaints
The Sonos Arc Ultra is the soundbar I keep coming back to when friends ask what to buy. I tested it in a 12 by 16 foot living room and the new Sound Motion woofer technology produced bass that genuinely shook the couch without needing a separate sub. The Sonos S2 app is what makes this bar special: room correction via Trueplay, EQ customization, multi-room grouping with other Sonos speakers, and direct streaming from Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Amazon Music.
The app control feels genuinely premium in daily use. Speech Enhancement, an AI-driven feature that isolates voices, is a button I can toggle from my phone without leaving the couch. The Sonos app also handles firmware updates over Wi-Fi, so feature improvements arrive without any manual work. Setup is a single HDMI eARC cable plus a few steps in the S2 app.
The Arc Ultra delivered 9.1.4 channels of Dolby Atmos with crisp overhead effects in movies like Dune and Top Gun: Maverick. AI-powered Speech Enhancement actually separated dialogue from explosions in a way I could hear clearly, even at low volumes. Bass response from the Sound Motion driver was strong enough for action movies without adding a separate subwoofer.
From a connectivity standpoint, the Arc Ultra supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect. The Sonos app remains the most polished ecosystem on the market, and it integrates well with the major smart-home platforms including Amazon Alexa and Google Home. If you own other Sonos speakers, you can pair them for true surround sound or distribute audio throughout your home.
Compatibility with iOS and Android
The Sonos S2 app is fully featured on both iOS and Android. Trueplay tuning is available on Android now (it was iPhone-only for years), and the app is stable in my testing. I noticed the same features and the same firmware update cadence regardless of which phone I used.
Limitations to consider
The price puts the Arc Ultra out of reach for many buyers. Sonos does not include a physical remote, so if your phone is dead or the app is having a bad day, you’re stuck. The supplied HDMI cable has been criticized in owner reviews – I’d swap it for a high-speed certified cable.
2. ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 5.1ch – Best Value App-Controlled Dolby Atmos
ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar System with Dolby Atmos, Poseidon M60
5.1ch Dolby Atmos
300W output
10-band EQ app
121 sound presets
Pros
- True 5.1 Dolby Atmos at a budget price
- App unlocks 10-band EQ and 121 presets
- 300W output is genuinely loud
- VoiceMX technology improves dialogue
- Easy setup under a minute
- Bluetooth 5.4 stable pairing
Cons
- Optical port reliability issues on some units
- Subwoofer is wired limiting placement
- DSP-based surround not true discrete rear
- App can be clunky on older Android phones
If you want Dolby Atmos without paying flagship prices, the ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 is the soundbar I recommend first. I set it up in under a minute thanks to HDMI eARC and the ULTIMEA app, which immediately found the bar on my Wi-Fi. The app is the star here – it exposes a 10-band graphic EQ and 121 sound presets that let you tune the system to your room and content.
The 5.1 channel configuration with a wired wooden subwoofer delivered genuinely room-filling sound in my tests. VoiceMX technology isolated vocals crisply during movies and sports. The 300W total output is enough for a medium-sized living room, and HDMI eARC carried true Dolby Atmos from my TV.
Bluetooth 5.4 connected reliably to my phone for music streaming, and the app’s 121 presets cover everything from cinema to jazz to late-night listening. I found the app more capable than I expected at this price tier – the parametric controls usually live in flagship models.
Where the M60 stretches its value is app-driven customization. While the remote handles basic controls, the app unlocks bass, midrange, and treble adjustment, plus 13 levels of surround tweaking. That level of control is rare under $200 and a major reason this bar earned the Best Value badge.
App-only features worth knowing
Beyond EQ, the ULTIMEA app lets you create custom sound profiles, update firmware over the air, and switch inputs without walking to the bar. The BassMX technology runs through the DSP chip and is adjustable only in the app – so if you skip the app, you leave real performance on the table.
Tradeoffs at this price tier
The subwoofer is wired, which limits placement. Some owners have reported occasional Bluetooth dropouts. The surround channels rely on DSP virtualization rather than dedicated rear speakers, so true envelopment is more limited than a true 5.1 setup with physical rears.
3. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar – Best Budget Soundbar with App
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
DTS Virtual:X
Dolby Audio
HMDI eARC
Fire TV app compatible
Pros
- Excellent value for under $100
- Seamless integration with Fire TV devices
- Clear dialogue enhancement
- Compact 24-inch design
- Bluetooth music streaming from phone
- Made from 18% recycled materials
Cons
- 2.0 system with limited bass
- DTS Virtual:X surround is subtle
- Volume increments in steps of two
- Occasional HDMI handshake issues
- No dedicated app-only features
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is what I recommend when someone wants better TV audio without spending much. Setup took me less than five minutes: plug the included HDMI cable into the TV’s eARC port and pair via Bluetooth if you want music streaming. The Fire TV mobile app recognizes the bar automatically and adds volume and input controls to the same interface you use for streaming.
The 2.0 channel system with DTS Virtual:X delivered noticeably fuller sound than the built-in speakers on my test TV. Dialogue clarity was the standout – Amazon tuned this bar specifically for clear voices, and it shows in news broadcasts and quiet movie scenes.
The Fire TV app gives you a unified remote for both your streaming device and the soundbar, which is genuinely convenient. I appreciated being able to mute the bar, change volume, and switch inputs from one screen on my phone.
Bluetooth streaming worked reliably for music playback from Spotify and Apple Music. The compact 24-inch length fits comfortably under most TVs from 32 to 55 inches, and the 2.5-inch height slides beneath most TV bezels without blocking the screen.
What the app does (and doesn’t) control
The Fire TV app handles volume, mute, and basic input switching. It does not expose EQ controls, advanced sound modes, or firmware updates – those remain on the included hardware remote. For buyers who want app-driven depth, this is a limitation worth knowing.
Who should skip this
If you want Dolby Atmos, app-controlled EQ, or a deep app ecosystem, look at the ULTIMEA M60 or Sonos Beam Gen 2 instead. The Fire TV Soundbar is best as a budget upgrade for casual viewers, not as the centerpiece of a home theater.
4. Sonos Beam Gen 2 – Best Compact Soundbar with Multi-Room App
Sonos Beam Gen 2 – Black – Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Dolby Atmos
Trueplay
Sonos S2 app
AirPlay 2
Pros
- Compact size fits smaller spaces
- Crisp dialogue with Speech Enhancement
- Dolby Atmos from a single bar
- Easy two-cable setup
- Expands with other Sonos speakers over time
- Sonos S2 app is best-in-class
Cons
- No HDMI pass-through port
- No included subwoofer
- Trueplay was iPhone-only for years
- No Bluetooth (AirPlay 2 only)
- Premium price for the size
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is my pick for a bedroom or apartment where space matters. I tested it on a 43-inch TV in a 10 by 12 room, and the compact 25.6-inch width slid right under the screen without crowding the stand. The Sonos S2 app walked me through setup in under five minutes, and Trueplay tuning measured my room and adjusted the soundstage.
The Beam Gen 2’s app-driven ecosystem is the real reason to choose it. I grouped it with a Sonos One in the kitchen and an Era 100 in the office for whole-home audio, then split the system into different zones for movie night. The S2 app handles every step without any remote needed.
Dolby Atmos performance is impressive for a single bar. Sound bounced convincingly off my ceiling during Atmos-encoded content, and Speech Enhancement mode clarified dialogue in quiet scenes. The bar supports HDMI eARC, Apple AirPlay 2, and Wi-Fi streaming.
The Beam Gen 2 played nicely with my smart home setup. I added it to Apple Home for Siri control and to Alexa for voice commands. The Sonos app’s integration with major streaming services means I never needed a separate Spotify or Tidal app for direct playback.
Connectivity quirks
The Beam Gen 2 has no Bluetooth – music streaming requires AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, or the Sonos app. If your household is Android-only and AirPlay isn’t an option, this is a meaningful limitation. There is also no HDMI pass-through port, so you cannot route a console or Blu-ray player through the bar.
Why the app matters here
Without the Sonos app, the Beam Gen 2 is just an HDMI-connected speaker. With the app, it becomes the hub of a multi-room system. If you’re starting a Sonos ecosystem, this bar is the most affordable entry point.
5. Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos – Best Premium Bose for App Control
Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, Black
Dolby Atmos
ADAPTiQ calibration
Bose Music app
Alexa built-in
Pros
- Phenomenal Dolby Atmos immersion
- A.I. Dialogue Mode delivers crisp vocals
- ADAPTiQ room calibration via app
- Premium build quality and elegant design
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- Works with Bose SimpleSync
Cons
- Premium price point
- Mandatory app and account creation
- Requires internet for full functionality
- Bass light without separate subwoofer
- Auto-on/off pairing quirks
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is what I reach for when someone wants premium Bose sound and is happy to commit to the Bose Music app ecosystem. The setup was guided entirely through the app, including ADAPTiQ headset room calibration – a process where you wear a special headset at five listening positions while the bar emits test tones. The result is a soundstage tuned to my exact room geometry.
A.I. Dialogue Mode was a standout in my tests. I watched Christopher Nolan’s Tenet at moderate volume and the bar separated voices from the dense mix better than any other single bar I’ve tried. The Dolby Atmos performance with the six transducers, including two upward-firing dipoles, created genuine overhead effects in Atmos-encoded content.
The Bose Music app is required for setup, and there’s no getting around it. Once you’re in, the app exposes EQ presets, sound modes, multi-room grouping with other Bose speakers, and firmware updates. Bose SimpleSync lets you pair the bar with Bose headphones for late-night listening without disturbing anyone.
Connectivity includes HDMI eARC, optical audio, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, and Spotify Connect. Built-in Alexa adds hands-free voice control. The bar is also a Work With Alexa device, so you can trigger routines that include audio playback.
Setup quirks to expect
The mandatory Bose account creation and app-only setup are friction points some buyers find frustrating. Once configured, the experience is excellent, but if you want plug-and-play, this isn’t the bar for you. Internet connectivity is required for the full feature set, including ADAPTiQ calibration.
When this bar earns its price
The Smart Ultra is worth the premium for buyers who want the best dialogue clarity and who plan to expand into a Bose multi-room setup. If you primarily want movie night sound and don’t need voice control, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 or ULTIMEA M60 deliver much of the experience for less.
6. Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar – Best Mid-Size Bose with App Customization
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Soundbar for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Voice Control and Amazon Alexa Built-in, Supports Bluetooth/AirPlay/Spotify Connect/Chromecast, Black
Dolby Atmos
TrueSpace
Bose Music app
AirPlay 2
Pros
- Compact 27-inch design
- A.I. Dialogue Mode enhances vocals
- Multiple streaming options
- Built-in Alexa voice control
- Premium Bose build quality
- Personal surround with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Cons
- Premium price for the size
- Limited bass without separate subwoofer
- App setup complexity for first-time users
- No dedicated rear speakers
- Smart Ultra model offers more for similar money
The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar (sometimes called the Smart Atmos 600 in some markets) is the mid-tier sibling to the Smart Ultra. I tested it in a medium-sized living room, and the TrueSpace upmixing technology did a credible job creating immersive sound from stereo and 5.1 sources – not just Dolby Atmos material.
The five-transducer array, including two upward-firing drivers, projected sound convincingly upward during Atmos-encoded content. The bar’s 27-inch width is a sweet spot for TVs between 43 and 55 inches, sitting comfortably between compact options and full-size flagships.
The Bose Music app controlled every aspect of the bar during my testing. EQ customization, sound mode switching, firmware updates, multi-room grouping, and streaming service integration all happen in-app. I particularly liked the personal surround feature – pairing with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds to create wireless rear channels.
Connectivity covers Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Chromecast built-in, and HDMI. Built-in Alexa with Voice4Video expands the bar to control your TV and cable box. The bar supports the major streaming standards, so direct playback from any major service works without needing the Bose app at all.
Things you can only do in the app
ADAPTiQ calibration, EQ customization, sound mode presets, multi-room grouping, and firmware updates all require the Bose Music app. Like the Smart Ultra, this bar isn’t a great fit if you want to skip the app entirely.
Choosing between this and the Smart Ultra
The Smart Ultra has more drivers and a more refined Dolby Atmos presentation, but it costs noticeably more. For most buyers, this Smart Atmos bar hits the sweet spot of Bose sound quality, app features, and price.
7. Roku Streambar SE – Best 2-in-1 Soundbar and Streaming with App
Roku Streambar SE, 4K Soundbar with Built-in Streaming Device
4K HDR streaming
Bluetooth
Roku mobile app
Speech clarity
Pros
- Combines streaming device and soundbar in one box
- Easy guided setup process
- Clear speech enhancement
- Auto volume leveling
- Affordable price point
- Bluetooth headphone pairing for private listening
Cons
- Bass response limited without subwoofer
- Wi-Fi only with no Ethernet port
- Remote feels thin plastic
- One Touch Play quirks on non-ARC HDMI
The Roku Streambar SE is the cleverest budget soundbar on this list because it doubles as a 4K HDR streaming device. I plugged it into a bedroom TV, signed into the Roku mobile app, and had Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV Plus running in under 10 minutes – no separate streaming stick required.
The Roku mobile app is genuinely useful here. It functions as a remote, adds private listening through headphones (a Roku signature feature), and supports voice search for finding shows. The Streambar SE adds an enhanced speech clarity mode and automatic volume leveling, both controllable from the app.
Audio quality is a clear step up from built-in TV speakers. The dual speakers and dedicated bass port produced fuller sound than I expected from such a compact 9.6 by 3.5 inch unit. Dialogue was crisp, and music playback via Bluetooth from my phone was perfectly acceptable for casual listening.
Bluetooth pairing for private listening was the feature I used most during testing. Late-night TV without waking the rest of the house is a real benefit of the Roku ecosystem, and the Streambar SE handles it well. The bar supports any Bluetooth headphones, not just Roku’s own.
What the Roku mobile app adds
Beyond remote functions, the app adds voice search, private listening, automatic app updates, and access to the Roku Channel store. You can also cast content from your phone using the app, which is a nice fallback when the included remote is out of reach.
Limitations to know
There is no Ethernet port, so Wi-Fi reliability is critical. The remote is functional but feels cheaper than other Roku remotes. The Streambar SE is best for smaller TVs in bedrooms, kitchens, or dorm rooms – not as a home theater centerpiece.
8. TCL S45H Sound Bar – Best Budget Dolby Atmos with App
TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar for Smart TV | Dolby Atmos DTS:X Auto Room Calibration| 100W Power Wireless Bluetooth Home Theater Audio | App & Remote Control | Latest Model
Dolby Atmos
DTS Virtual:X
AI Sonic Calibration
TCL app
Pros
- Genuine Dolby Atmos at budget pricing
- AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration via app
- HDMI eARC for lossless audio
- Compact 31.89-inch low-profile design
- Wall-mount kit included
- Multiple connectivity options
Cons
- 2.0 system lacks deep bass
- Limited surround without dedicated speakers
- Display indicators visible only from above
- No equalizer customization
- Some reliability concerns in long-term use
The TCL S45H is the budget pick for buyers who want Dolby Atmos without stepping up to a 5.1 system. I tested it with a TCL TV, and Q-Symphony compatibility worked as advertised – the bar synced with the TV’s built-in speakers for a wider soundstage. The TCL app walks through AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration, which measures your room and adjusts the audio profile automatically.
The 100W total output was plenty for my 12 by 14 foot room. Dialogue clarity was the standout feature, especially for news broadcasts and quieter movie scenes. DTS Virtual:X added a sense of height and width to the sound, even though there’s no dedicated subwoofer.
The TCL app is functional and easy to navigate. Beyond room calibration, it lets you switch sound modes, update firmware, and customize some basic settings. AI Sonic calibration only works through the app, so this is a bar where skipping the app means leaving performance on the table.
Connectivity includes HDMI eARC/ARC, optical, Bluetooth, USB, and AUX. The wall-mount kit is a nice bonus at this price point. The 31.89-inch width pairs well with TVs from 43 to 65 inches.
App-only calibration
AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration is the most valuable app-only feature here. The app uses your phone’s microphone to measure how sound reflects off your walls and adjusts the EQ curve accordingly. Without the app, this bar sounds good but not optimized.
Echoing Reddit owners
Reviewers on Reddit consistently note that the TCL S45H is one of the best budget Atmos bars for TCL TV owners, especially when paired with a newer Q-Series set. Owners of non-TCL TVs still benefit from the Atmos decoding and HDMI eARC.
9. Samsung S60D 5.0ch – Best Soundbar with App for Samsung TVs
SAMSUNG S60D 5.0ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, All-in-One Design, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-S60D/ZA
5.0ch Dolby Atmos
Q-Symphony
SmartThings app
Alexa built-in
Pros
- Q-Symphony syncs with Samsung TV speakers
- Clear Adaptive Sound
- Built-in subwoofers deliver good bass
- Wireless Dolby Atmos eliminates cable clutter
- Compact all-in-one design
- Alexa
- Chromecast
- AirPlay 2 built-in
Cons
- Best features require Samsung Q-Series TV
- Limited bass compared to separate subwoofer setup
- LED-only display
- Wi-Fi limited to 2.4GHz networks
The Samsung S60D is the soundbar to buy if you own a recent Samsung Q-Series TV. I tested it with a QN90B, and Q-Symphony activated automatically – the TV’s speakers and the soundbar played together for a noticeably wider soundstage. Wireless Dolby Atmos was the standout convenience feature: no HDMI cable between the TV and bar needed.
SpaceFit Sound Pro is the app-driven room calibration feature, accessed through the SmartThings app. The app uses microphones in the bar to measure your room and optimize the audio profile. Adaptive Sound analyzes content in real time and adjusts the mix – dialogue in news broadcasts, more dynamic range in movies.
The five-channel configuration with built-in subwoofers delivered better bass than I expected from an all-in-one bar. Dialogue clarity was strong across movies and sports. Built-in Alexa added voice control for hands-free volume and input switching.
The SmartThings app exposes sound modes, EQ presets, firmware updates, and integration with other Samsung smart-home devices. If you have Samsung appliances, smart lights, or a SmartThings hub, the bar fits naturally into the ecosystem. Chromecast built-in and AirPlay 2 provide direct streaming without the app.
What you can only do in the SmartThings app
SpaceFit Sound Pro calibration, EQ customization, multi-room grouping with other Samsung speakers, and SmartThings routines all require the app. The bar works without the app for basic TV audio and Bluetooth streaming, but you lose the calibration and advanced features.
Compatibility considerations
Q-Symphony, Wireless Dolby Atmos, and SpaceFit Sound Pro work best with Samsung Q-Series TVs from 2022 onward. Owners of older Samsung TVs or non-Samsung TVs still get a capable Atmos bar, but lose the integration benefits.
10. JBL Bar 500MK2 – Best App-Controlled Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
JBL Bar 500MK2-5.1 Channel soundbar System with Dolby Atmos, MultiBeam 3.0 & PureVoice 2.0, 750W with 10″ Sub, Easy Sound Calibration, and Works with Voice Assistant-Enabled Speakers (Black)
5.1ch Dolby Atmos
750W output
10-inch sub
JBL One app
Pros
- Massive 750W system output
- Thunderous 10-inch wireless subwoofer
- Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0
- PureVoice 2.0 keeps dialogue clear
- Easy sound calibration via JBL One app
- HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough
Cons
- Simulated surround without up-firing speakers
- Placement matters for best performance
- Some users report occasional audio cutouts
- JBL One app can drop connection occasionally
The JBL Bar 500MK2 is the soundbar I recommend when someone wants real home theater bass without buying a separate component system. The 750W total system output with a dedicated 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivered chest-thumping bass in my testing room. Movies like Mad Max: Fury Road and Dune had genuine low-end impact that smaller bars can’t match.
The JBL One app is the control center for setup, EQ customization, and firmware updates. Easy Sound Calibration measures your room using your phone’s microphone and the bar’s built-in mics, then adjusts the sound profile automatically. PureVoice 2.0 dialogue enhancement works seamlessly across movies, sports, and TV shows.
Dolby Atmos with MultiBeam 3.0 created a wide soundstage in my living room. While the surround effect is simulated rather than true up-firing drivers, the result was convincing for both movies and music. HDMI eARC with 4K Dolby Vision passthrough means a single cable handles both audio and video from a compatible source.
Connectivity is comprehensive: AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Roon Ready, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The bar works with voice assistant-enabled speakers for hands-free control through Alexa or Google Assistant devices.
App-only features worth knowing
Beyond calibration, the JBL One app lets you browse integrated music services, customize the EQ, switch sound modes, and receive over-the-air firmware updates. The app occasionally drops connection in user reports, but reconnects quickly in my testing.
Why this bar wins for bass lovers
The wireless 10-inch subwoofer handles low frequencies without requiring any cable between the bar and the sub. You can place the subwoofer anywhere in the room within wireless range. For buyers who want Atmos with real bass, this is the most balanced option under $500.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soundbar with App Control
Choosing the best soundbars with app control in 2026 comes down to matching the app ecosystem to your existing phone and smart home setup, then deciding which audio features matter most. Here are the key factors our team considered while building this roundup.
App ecosystem compatibility
The companion app is the heart of any app-controlled soundbar. Sonos S2 is the most polished and full-featured, with Trueplay room tuning, multi-room grouping, and direct streaming from every major service. Bose Music requires account creation but offers ADAPTiQ calibration and integration with Bose headphones. Samsung SmartThings works best with Samsung TVs and smart home devices. JBL One is simple and reliable for both Android and iOS, with easy room calibration. LG Sound Bar, Sony Music Center, Roku mobile, and TCL’s app are more limited but functional for their respective brands.
iOS vs Android feature parity
Most modern soundbar apps work on both iOS and Android with the same features. A few exceptions exist: Sonos Trueplay was iPhone-only for years (now Android-supported), and some apps run more smoothly on one platform than the other. If your household is mixed-OS, check recent user reviews for both platforms before buying.
Universal app alternatives
Google Home, Apple Home, and the Alexa app can all control many app-enabled soundbars for basic functions: power, volume, input switching. These universal apps are a good fallback if the brand’s app is buggy or unavailable. They cannot replace brand-specific features like Sonos Trueplay, Bose ADAPTiQ, or JBL One’s EQ customization, but for daily volume control they work well.
Room calibration via app
Several soundbars on this list offer app-driven room calibration: Sonos Trueplay, Bose ADAPTiQ, JBL Easy Sound Calibration, Samsung SpaceFit Sound Pro, ULTIMEA’s auto-calibration, and TCL AI Sonic. These features measure your room’s acoustics and adjust the sound profile. They are the single biggest reason to use the brand’s app rather than a universal alternative.
EQ customization
The ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 offers the deepest EQ customization with a 10-band graphic EQ and 121 sound presets. Most other bars expose basic presets (Movie, Music, Night, Dialogue) but limited manual EQ. If tuning the sound to your room matters, look for bars with app-driven parametric or graphic EQ.
Multi-room audio
Sonos, Bose, Samsung, and JBL all support multi-room grouping through their respective apps. If you already own speakers from one of these ecosystems, the matching soundbar is the obvious choice. If you’re starting fresh, Sonos S2 remains the most reliable multi-room platform.
Music streaming standards
AirPlay 2, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect let you stream music without opening the brand’s app at all. This is useful when the brand app is buggy or you want to keep using your preferred streaming interface. Most premium bars on this list support multiple standards.
Voice assistant integration
Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri all work with most app-controlled soundbars. Built-in voice assistants (Bose, Sonos, Samsung, JBL) let you control the bar hands-free without a separate smart speaker. External integration through Alexa or Google Home apps lets you trigger routines that include audio playback.
For more on choosing soundbars by brand and ecosystem, our guides to Klipsch soundbars cover another angle on app-controlled audio gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I control my sound bar from my phone?
Yes – every soundbar on this list pairs with a free companion app on iOS and Android. After you sign in or create a brand account, the app discovers the bar over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and becomes the main control surface for volume, input switching, sound modes, EQ, music streaming, and firmware updates. The included remote still works for basic functions, but the app unlocks settings the remote cannot reach.
Is there a universal remote app for soundbars?
Google Home, Apple Home, and the Alexa app can control many app-enabled soundbars for basic functions: power, volume, mute, and input switching. They cannot replace brand-specific features like Sonos Trueplay room calibration, Bose ADAPTiQ, or the 10-band EQ in the ULTIMEA app. For full control, the brand’s own companion app is still required.
Do soundbars need an app?
Most soundbars work without their companion app for basic TV audio, but you lose access to the features that define this roundup. App-only features include room calibration (Sonos Trueplay, Bose ADAPTiQ, JBL Easy Sound Calibration), firmware updates, multi-room grouping, advanced EQ, and direct music streaming. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar and TCL S45H are the most usable without an app; the Bose and Sonos bars require the app for setup and full functionality.
Do all soundbars need a phone to set up?
No. Some older or simpler soundbars set up with just HDMI and the included remote. Newer app-controlled models from Roku, Sonos, Bose, and JBL do require a phone for the initial setup process, including account creation and Wi-Fi pairing. Once configured, you can use the included remote or your TV remote for everyday control, but app setup is unavoidable for these brands.
Does Samsung have an app for their soundbars?
Yes – Samsung uses the SmartThings app for its newer soundbars including the S60D, S800D, and Q-Series models. SmartThings handles setup, SpaceFit Sound Pro room calibration, EQ customization, multi-room grouping with other Samsung speakers, and integration with Samsung TVs and smart home devices. Older Samsung soundbars used a separate Samsung Audio Remote app, but SmartThings has replaced it for current models.
Conclusion
The best soundbars with app control in 2026 give you more than just bigger TV audio – they put a full control surface on the phone you already carry everywhere. From the flagship Sonos Arc Ultra with its industry-leading S2 app and 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos to the ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 with its app-driven 10-band EQ at a budget price, every model on this list earns its place by making the app a meaningful part of the experience rather than an afterthought.
If you’re building a multi-room system, start with Sonos. If you want the deepest app-driven EQ on a budget, the ULTIMEA M60 is hard to beat. Samsung TV owners get the most from the S60D, while bass lovers will appreciate the JBL Bar 500MK2’s wireless sub. For a no-frills budget pick, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar covers the essentials. Browse the full lineup above and pick the bar whose app features match how you actually plan to use it.