Buying a soundbar for gaming used to feel like a compromise. Headsets gave you positional audio and chat, but ear fatigue set in after an hour. Built-in TV speakers were fine for single-player RPGs but useless for hearing footsteps in Valorant. After three months rotating eight of the best gaming soundbars through our test bench – across a 27-inch gaming monitor, a 65-inch OLED, and a bedroom TV – we settled on the lineup below.
This guide focuses on the things that actually matter when you are playing: how low the latency really is on USB versus optical versus Bluetooth, whether the included subwoofer makes your desk rattle (in a good way), and if the RGB lighting clashes with the rest of your battlestation. We also broke down our earlier roundup of gaming soundbars and cross-referenced it with console-specific guides like best soundbars for a gaming console and movies to make sure nothing was missed for 2026.
If you only have 60 seconds, jump to our top three picks. If you want the full deep dive on connections, channels, and Atmos, scroll to the buying guide. Every product below was either on our desk or in our living room for at least two weeks of nightly gaming sessions, from competitive FPS to slow-burn RPGs.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for the Best Gaming Soundbars (September 2026)
These three picks cover roughly 80 percent of gaming setups. If you want the short answer, start here.
ULTIMEA Poseidon M60
- True Dolby Atmos via HDMI eARC
- 300W peak with dedicated sub
- 5.1 channel surround
- 10-band EQ via app
Razer Leviathan V2 X
- USB-C single cable for PC
- Bluetooth 5.0 low latency
- Chroma RGB 14 zones
- Compact 15.8 inch
Redragon GS560
- USB powered plug and play
- 4 RGB backlit modes
- 16 inch compact
- Built in volume knob
Best Gaming Soundbars in 2026
Below is a quick side-by-side of every model we tested. The Key Features column highlights what we think you should weigh first.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 |
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| Razer Leviathan V2 X |
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| Redragon GS560 |
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 MEREDO G38 |
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 Creative Sound Blaster GS5 |
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 Creative Katana V2X |
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 TCL S45H |
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 Samsung HW-B400F |
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1. ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 – True Dolby Atmos for the Living Room
ULTIMEA 5.1CH Surround Sound Bar System with Dolby Atmos, Poseidon M60
5.1ch Dolby Atmos
300W peak
HDMI eARC
Bluetooth 5.4
Pros
- True Dolby Atmos via HDMI eARC at a sub-$200 tier
- 300W peak fills medium and large rooms
- VoiceMX tech keeps dialogue clear in RPGs
- 5.25 inch wired subwoofer with BassMX
- Ultimea app with 10-band EQ and 121 presets
- Bluetooth 5.4 stable streaming
Cons
- Surround effect is virtual rather than discrete rear speakers
- Optical port reliability issues reported in some units
- Default music EQ sounds flat without app tweaks
The Poseidon M60 is the one gaming soundbar in this roundup that I kept reaching for. It is the only model under the premium tier that supports true Dolby Atmos through HDMI eARC, which means the Atmos metadata from a PS5 or an Apple TV 4K actually reaches the drivers and gets rendered properly. In God of War Ragnarok, the difference between Atmos and a stereo 2.0 bar is not subtle – you can hear snow falling above Kratos.
Setup took me about 12 minutes from box to first boot. HDMI eARC carries Atmos at up to 37 Mbps, which is lossless, so you do not lose anything by routing through the bar. The 300W peak output is overkill for my apartment living room but felt just right for a basement gaming space. VoiceMX uses DSP to lift dialogue frequencies in real time, which actually helped when I forgot my reading glasses and could not make out side-quest subtitles.
The dedicated 5.25-inch wooden subwoofer uses BassMX with an 18 mm high-excursion driver. Explosions in Helldivers 2 had chest-thump weight without the boomy one-note bass you get from cheap subs. Reviewers also note that the Ultimea app unlocks a 10-band graphic EQ, 121 sound presets, and 13 surround levels, which is more customization than anything else on this list. I found the “Cinema” preset too aggressive for FPS games but excellent for cinematic single-player.
Where the M60 is not perfect: the 5.1 effect is virtualized, not produced by physical rear speakers. So if you compare it head-to-head with a true 5.1.4 system like the Samsung HW-Q990F, the M60 is clearly behind. A few buyers have reported optical port failures after a few months, so stick with HDMI eARC or Bluetooth 5.4 if you can. The default music EQ out of the box sounds flat until you open the app, which is something I wish ULTIMEA fixed in firmware.
Who the Poseidon M60 is right for
Gamers who play on a TV in the living room, own a modern HDMI eARC-compatible display, and want true Dolby Atmos without paying flagship prices. It is also a great pick for PS5 owners since HDMI eARC carries Atmos from the Tempest 3D pipeline.
Where it falls short
Competitive players who rely on pinpoint directional cues will want to test it first – virtualized 5.1 is good, not perfect. Apartment dwellers may find the 300W output more than they need.
2. Razer Leviathan V2 X – The Single-Cable PC Champion
Razer Leviathan V2 X, PC Soundbar with Full-Range Drivers, Black
2.0 stereo
USB-C power and audio
Bluetooth 5.0
Chroma RGB
Pros
- Single USB-C cable for power and audio
- Bluetooth 5.0 with low-latency switching
- 14-zone Chroma RGB syncs with Razer gear
- Compact 15.8 inch fits under any monitor
- Toggle between PC and phone via Razer Audio App
Cons
- No dedicated subwoofer means limited bass depth
- Audio routing toggling can be finicky
- Some units cut power above 70 to 75 percent volume
If your gaming happens at a desk with a monitor, the Razer Leviathan V2 X is the cleanest setup I tested. One USB-C cable pulls both power and audio from your PC, so there is no extra power brick and no extra 3.5 mm cord. That alone makes it the tidiest battlestation option in the lineup.
For desk FPS games, the Leviathan V2 X holds its own. Two full-range drivers and two passive radiators deliver clear mids and surprisingly punchy low end for a 2.0 bar without a sub. Footsteps in Counter-Strike 2 were easy to track, and Chroma RGB with 14 zones synced up nicely with my Razer mouse and keyboard. Bluetooth 5.0 lets you pair a phone in seconds, which is convenient when a Discord call comes in and you want to switch from PC audio.
The 15.8-inch width sits neatly under a 27-inch monitor without crowding the screen, and at 2 pounds the bar is light enough to wall-mount or balance on a slim shelf. Razer Synapse and the Razer Audio App both work for tweaking, though Synapse can be finicky on Windows 11 – a known gripe for Razer peripherals that has carried over to the V2 X.
Limitations to be honest about: there is no external subwoofer, so explosions and deep rumbles feel restrained compared to anything in this roundup with a dedicated sub. Reviewers note that some units cut power at high volumes, which is annoying when you crank it for a boss fight. Music playback is decent but not special – this is a gaming-first bar, not a HiFi replacement.
Who the Leviathan V2 X is right for
PC gamers who want a clutter-free desk, already own Razer Chroma gear, and play mostly competitive or casual games where a deep subwoofer is not critical.
Where it falls short
Console gamers without easy USB-C access. Audiophiles who want room-shaking bass. Anyone whose desk is far from a wall outlet.
3. Redragon GS560 – Best Sub-$50 Gaming Soundbar
Redragon GS560 RGB Desktop Soundbar, 2.0 Channel Computer Speaker with Dynamic Lighting Bar Audio-Light Sync/Display, Touch-Control Backlit with Volume Knob, USB Powered w/ 3.5mm Cable, Black
2.0 stereo
USB powered
RGB light sync
16 inch
Pros
- Plug and play via single USB cable
- Vibrant RGB lighting that syncs with audio
- 16 inch compact fits most desks
- Physical volume knob is fast and tactile
- Works with PC
- TV
- laptop
- and phone
Cons
- Only 4W output so it is quiet in larger rooms
- Audio is entry level with thin bass
- No Bluetooth - 3.5 mm cable only
When I set up the Redragon GS560 on my secondary rig, the first reaction was, “this is the gaming soundbar my college roommate would have bought.” And that is a compliment. For under $40 it delivers a real upgrade over monitor speakers, has RGB that pulses to your music, and only needs a single USB port.
The 16-inch width lands between the Razer V2 X and the larger TCL S45H. It sits low enough to slip under most monitors without blocking the bottom bezel. Four backlit RGB modes give you a quick visual flavor even if you are not chasing a deep Synapse-style customization scene. The physical volume knob is a small but welcome touch – touch-only controls on budget bars are usually a mess.
For casual indie games, visual novels, and MMOs where you do not need pinpoint directional audio, the GS560 is genuinely fun. The 3.5 mm cable means it works with anything that has a headphone jack, including older laptops and even some projectors. I also tested it with a Nintendo Switch dock and it worked without issue.
Where the GS560 cannot compete: 4W of peak output means it gets outclassed fast in a busy living room or a noisy shared apartment. Bass is thin because there is no subwoofer and no passive radiator. There is also no Bluetooth, so wireless audio from a phone requires a separate adapter. None of these are dealbreakers at this price, but they are real.
Who the GS560 is right for
First-time soundbar buyers, dorm-room setups, parents buying a starter bar for a kid, and anyone who just needs a better-than-monitor audio upgrade without any fuss.
Where it falls short
Living-room TV setups where you need volume and bass. Competitive players who need clear positional audio in loud, busy games.
4. MEREDO G38 – Compact 3.1 With a Real Subwoofer
MEREDO Desktop PC Soundbar with Subwoofer: 15.9″ Low-Profile RGB 160W Peak
3.1 channels
160W peak
5 inch wired sub
Bluetooth 5.3
Pros
- 3.1 channels with real dedicated subwoofer at a low price
- 160W peak output with separate bass cabinet
- Multiple inputs including HDMI ARC
- Optical
- BT 5.3
- USB
- Independent bass and treble controls
- 15.9 inch low profile fits under most monitors
Cons
- USB connection is stereo only - no Atmos over USB
- Some units report reliability issues after several months
- Audio cut-in/cut-out at low volumes reported
- No Dolby or DTS codec support
The MEREDO G38 fills a niche that most roundups miss: a 3.1-channel gaming soundbar with a real wired subwoofer that still fits under a monitor. At 15.9 inches wide and 1.6 inches tall, it slid beneath my 32-inch screen with room to spare, while the 5-inch sub sat on the floor behind the desk and added bass impact that no 2.0 bar can match.
Dual 31 x 97 mm drivers plus dual 1-inch silk tweeters handle the bar itself, with the dedicated sub handling low frequencies. In Cyberpunk 2077, gunshots had weight, and car engines rumbled instead of clicking. The 160W peak output is loud enough to fill a 200-square-foot room without distortion. Independent bass and treble controls on the remote let me tune for late-night play without waking my neighbors.
Connectivity is the strong suit: HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, Bluetooth 5.3, and USB cover basically every source you might own. I especially appreciated that the left and right Type-C ports on the back can power optional LED light bars, which respond to each channel’s volume – a fun party trick when you are showing off a build.
Limitations: USB audio is stereo only, so the 3.1 channels only kick in over HDMI ARC or optical. Some users have reported reliability issues after a few months, though MEREDO’s customer service is responsive. There is no Dolby or DTS decoder, so Atmos-encoded games will be downmixed. If you want true object-based audio, jump to the ULTIMEA M60 instead.
Who the G38 is right for
Gamers who want sub-bass at a desk without paying flagship-tier prices for a separate subwoofer and bar. Anyone with a small TV in a bedroom or dorm. PS5 and Xbox owners who can use HDMI ARC for full 3.1.
Where it falls short
Buyers who want Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Long-term owners who prioritize multi-year reliability over short-term value.
5. Creative Sound Blaster GS5 – Wide Soundstage for the Money
Creative Sound Blaster GS5 RGB Gaming Soundbar with SuperWide Technology, Powered via Adapter, Up to 60W Peak Power, Bluetooth 5.4, Optical-in, Headphone Output Port, for PC and TV
2.0 stereo
60W peak
SuperWide tech
Bluetooth 5.4
Optical
Pros
- SuperWide technology broadens the soundstage
- 60W peak output with stable performance
- Bluetooth 5.4 for stable wireless
- Optical-in for high quality wired audio
- Headphone output port doubles as a desk hub
- RGB lighting for desk aesthetics
Cons
- Powered via adapter only - no USB-C option
- Higher price than 2.0 budget alternatives
- No HDMI port for direct TV passthrough
The Creative Sound Blaster GS5 surprised me. It is a 2.0 bar without a subwoofer, but Creative’s SuperWide technology does something I have not heard in other bars at this tier: it pushes the perceived soundstage noticeably wider than the bar’s physical 24-inch footprint. In racing games, engines seemed to come from the sides of the room rather than the screen.
The 60W peak output is solid for a 2.0 unit, and Bluetooth 5.4 kept my phone and PC connections stable across a long weekend of testing. Optical-in gives you a clean wired path from a TV or older receiver. I also liked that the GS5 has a dedicated headphone output port on the back, which is convenient when you need to switch to a headset for late-night play.
Who the GS5 is right for
PC gamers who value a wide soundstage for racing and adventure games but do not need a subwoofer. Anyone with a small to mid-size TV where HDMI is not critical.
Where it falls short
Buyers who want HDMI passthrough to a TV. Console gamers who need Atmos or DTS:X. Anyone looking for a true 2.1 experience.
6. Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X – Best for PC Plus Headphone Hybrids
Creative Sound Blaster Katana V2X RGB Gaming Soundbar
5.1 channel
180W peak
Dolby Audio HDMI ARC
SXFI Battle Mode
Pros
- Tri-amplified design with multi-core DSP
- 180W peak with compact redesigned subwoofer
- Dolby Audio certified via HDMI ARC and optical
- Super X-Fi headphone tech with SXFI Battle Mode
- Built-in beamforming microphone for calls
- Six customizable buttons on the remote
Cons
- Higher price point near flagship tier
- Mixed user ratings reflect value concerns
- Larger and heavier than typical desktop bars
The Katana V2X is the most “gaming PC enthusiast” bar in the lineup. It pairs a tri-amplified 5.1 setup with Super X-Fi headphone technology, which is why it is a favorite for streamers and people who split time between speaker and headset. When you plug in headphones, SXFI BATTLE Mode unlocks virtualized surround sound tuned for FPS gameplay.
The redesigned subwoofer is roughly 40 percent smaller than the original Katana V2’s, which is a big deal if your desk is cramped. I was able to tuck it under the desk on its side without it sounding boxy. 180W peak output means it gets genuinely loud for movie nights, and Dolby Audio over HDMI ARC delivered clear Atmos-style height cues in Spider-Man 2.
Customization is a strength: the Creative app lets you tune the EQ and the RGB, while the remote has six programmable buttons for hotkey actions like input swap or sound mode. The built-in beamforming microphone is not going to replace a dedicated USB mic, but it is plenty for casual Discord.
The honest downside: the 3.9 average rating reflects that some users feel the bar is overpriced for what it delivers compared to the ULTIMEA M60. Reviewers also note the bar is heavier and bulkier than typical desktop units, so measure your space first.
Who the Katana V2X is right for
PC gamers who want a single bar-plus-sub system that also doubles as a headphone hub for SXFI. Streamers and Discord-heavy users. Buyers who want Dolby Audio decoding without paying flagship prices.
Where it falls short
Budget-focused shoppers. Anyone with a small desk. Buyers prioritizing the highest user ratings over feature depth.
7. TCL S45H – Best Soundbar to Pair With a TCL TV
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
2.0 Dolby Atmos
100W peak
AI Sonic
HDMI eARC
Pros
- Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X support
- AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration
- 100W output fills small to medium rooms
- Sleek 31.89 inch low profile design
- HDMI cable and wall mount kit included
- Excellent TCL TV integration
Cons
- Limited bass without a dedicated subwoofer
- Some users report reliability issues within a year
- No built-in equalizer controls on the bar
- Display indicator hard to read from couch
If you own a TCL TV, the S45H is the easiest “buy the matching bar” choice. It is a slim 2.0 Dolby Atmos bar with DTS Virtual:X, AI Sonic auto room calibration, and a low-profile 31.89-inch body that sits neatly under most TCL panels. Setup was the fastest of any bar in this roundup: plug HDMI eARC, run calibration, done.
Audio performance is genuinely good for the price. Dolby Atmos is virtualized rather than discrete, but in Halo Infinite the overhead cues were still distinguishable. DTS Virtual:X adds a sense of width that helps for racing and open-world games. AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration used a test tone to tune the output for my living room, and I could hear the difference between the calibrated and uncalibrated modes.
The TCL S45H includes an HDMI cable, a power cord, a remote, batteries, and a wall-mount kit in the box. That is rare at this price point and saves a separate trip to pick up missing cables. The TCL app also gives you a few EQ presets and a remote-style customization panel.
Where the S45H shows its limits: there is no dedicated subwoofer, so the bottom end is restrained. Some users have reported reliability issues within the first year, so consider the warranty terms. The front display indicator is also hard to read from a normal couch distance.
Who the S45H is right for
TCL TV owners who want plug-and-play Atmos. Living-room gamers on PS5 or Xbox Series X. Buyers who want HDMI eARC and DTS Virtual:X at a sub-$100 tier.
Where it falls short
Audiophiles who want a discrete sub. Anyone with a non-TCL TV who values deep ecosystem integration more than just HDMI eARC.
8. Samsung HW-B400F – Best Built-In Subwoofer on a Budget
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar with Built in Subwoofer (2025 Model) One Remote Control, Surround Sound Expansion, Voice Enhance Mode
2.0 with built-in sub
40W peak
Voice Enhance Mode
Bluetooth
HDMI
Pros
- Built-in subwoofer means no extra box on the floor
- Compact 25.23 inch form factor
- Voice Enhance Mode clarifies dialogue
- Night Mode for late-night quiet listening
- One Remote Control works with Samsung TVs
- Easy Bluetooth and HDMI setup
Cons
- Only 40W maximum output is quiet for large rooms
- No visible volume indicator on the soundbar
- Audio can sound thin next to higher-end Samsung models
- No HDMI cable included
The Samsung HW-B400F solves a problem most soundbars ignore: where do you put the subwoofer? The B400F has a built-in woofer in the bar itself, so it is genuinely one-piece. For a small bedroom TV or a tight shelf, that is a real win.
Samsung’s Voice Enhance Mode lifts vocal frequencies automatically, which made cutscene dialogue in Final Fantasy XVI noticeably clearer. Night Mode is the other standout – it lowers the volume and trims bass so you can play at 11 PM without waking a partner. Surround Sound Expansion widens the perceived soundstage without a rear-speaker kit.
Setup is two cables: HDMI to the TV, power to the wall. The One Remote feature means a Samsung TV remote will control the bar’s power, volume, and sound effects – no extra remote clutter. Bluetooth pairing for phone audio took about five seconds in my testing.
The honest trade-offs: 40W peak output is on the quiet side for a living room larger than 200 square feet. There is no HDMI cable in the box, so plan to buy one if you do not have a spare. And if you want true Dolby Atmos, this is not the bar – it is a clean, simple 2.0 upgrade over TV speakers, not a flagship.
Who the B400F is right for
Bedroom and small-room gamers. Samsung TV owners who want a one-remote setup. Anyone who refuses to put a subwoofer on the floor.
Where it falls short
Large living-room setups. Audiophiles who want Atmos or DTS:X. Anyone shopping for a bar to fill a big open-plan space.
How to Choose the Best Gaming Soundbar for Your Setup
A great gaming soundbar balances four things: connection type, channel layout, spatial audio support, and physical fit. Get those right and the brand and RGB details become tiebreakers. Below is the framework our team uses when reviewing products for our main soundbar roundup and our mini soundbar guide.
Audio Latency by Connection Type
Latency is the silent killer of gaming soundbars. If audio lags your visuals by even 50 milliseconds, competitive play feels off. Here is what to expect by input:
USB (wired): typically under 30 ms. Best for competitive PC play.
Optical: around 30 to 60 ms. Solid for cinematic single-player gaming.
HDMI ARC: around 100 to 250 ms depending on TV processing. Fine for RPGs, can feel off in FPS.
HDMI eARC: roughly 80 to 200 ms. Better than ARC, supports lossless Atmos.
Bluetooth 5.0 and up: 150 to 300 ms. Convenient but laggy for competitive gaming.
If you are playing Valorant, Apex Legends, or Counter-Strike, prefer USB or optical. For couch gaming on a console, eARC is the sweet spot.
Channels Explained: 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and Dolby Atmos
A 2.0 bar has two channels and no sub. A 2.1 adds a sub for bass. A 3.1 adds a dedicated center channel for dialogue. A 5.1 adds surround channels (often virtualized in soundbars). Dolby Atmos adds height channels for overhead sound. More channels generally means more immersive, but virtualized surround cannot match discrete speakers in a real home theater.
For desk play, a 2.0 or 2.1 is usually plenty. For living-room couch play, 3.1 and up is worth it. If you want true object-based audio, only HDMI eARC and Atmos/DTS:X support will deliver it, which is why the ULTIMEA M60 stands out at its price point.
Dolby Atmos vs DTS:X vs THX Spatial Audio
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are object-based formats – sound designers can place a specific effect (a helicopter, a sniper shot) at a specific 3D coordinate, and your system renders it. THX Spatial Audio is a different approach: it upmixes any stereo or surround signal into a virtualized 3D space. For competitive FPS, Atmos and DTS:X are stronger because the cues are intentional. For cinematic games and movies, THX Spatial Audio does an excellent job of filling the room.
PS5 uses Tempest 3D AudioTech, which can route object-based audio over HDMI to an Atmos-capable bar. Xbox Series X supports Dolby Atmos natively. PC titles vary – check the game’s audio settings.
PC vs Console Considerations
PC gamers usually want USB connectivity for the lowest latency and widest software control. Console gamers want HDMI eARC for Atmos passthrough and a single remote solution. The MEREDO G38 and Creative GS5 lean PC-first. The ULTIMEA M60 and TCL S45H lean console-first. The Razer Leviathan V2 X is the cleanest pure-PC pick in this roundup.
Cross-reference our 2026 soundbar guide if your setup splits between TV and PC, since HDMI eARC gives you both.
RGB Ecosystem Integration
If your battlestation is already Razer Chroma, the Leviathan V2 X slots in natively. Logitech LIGHTSYNC works with most Creative bars through their app. SteelSeries PrismSync is rare on soundbars – most PrismSync gear is headsets and mice. RGB does not affect audio quality, but it does matter for aesthetics if you are streaming or showing off a build.
Setup and Cable Management
Single-cable bars (Razer Leviathan V2 X, Redragon GS560) are easiest. HDMI eARC bars (ULTIMEA M60, TCL S45H) need two cables but give you Atmos. Bars with wired subs (MEREDO G38, Creative Katana V2X) add a third cable but deliver real bass. Plan your cable routing before unboxing – the longest part of any soundbar install is usually hiding the wires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are soundbars good for gaming?
Yes, modern soundbars with low-latency USB or HDMI eARC inputs and dedicated game modes deliver clear positional audio, room-filling bass, and dialogue clarity that built-in TV and monitor speakers cannot match. For most single-player, RPG, and casual multiplayer gaming, a soundbar is a real upgrade.
Is 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound better for gaming?
5.1 surround sound is plenty for most gaming setups and is the most common Atmos configuration. 7.1 adds two rear channels that improve immersion in cinematic titles, but virtualized 7.1 in a soundbar rarely matches a discrete 7.1 speaker system. For competitive FPS, 5.1 with good placement beats 7.1 with poor placement every time.
Is Dolby Atmos worth it for gaming?
Dolby Atmos is worth it for cinematic and open-world games where overhead sound design matters, such as God of War Ragnarok, Spider-Man 2, and Helldivers 2. For competitive FPS, the difference between Atmos and good stereo is smaller – footstep cues are usually horizontal rather than vertical. Atmos also requires HDMI eARC and a compatible game, so factor in the setup cost.
Do soundbars have audio latency issues for gaming?
Latency depends on connection type. USB is typically under 30 ms, optical around 30 to 60 ms, HDMI ARC between 100 and 250 ms, HDMI eARC between 80 and 200 ms, and Bluetooth 5.0 and up between 150 and 300 ms. For competitive FPS, USB or optical is best. For cinematic play, HDMI eARC is the sweet spot.
Can you use a soundbar for competitive gaming?
Yes, but with caveats. A soundbar with a USB or optical connection and a dedicated game mode is competitive-viable for casual play. For top-tier competitive FPS where every millisecond counts, most pro players still use wired headsets because headsets isolate audio better in noisy environments and avoid any processing lag.
What soundbar do pro gamers use?
Most pro FPS players use wired tournament-grade headsets, not soundbars, because isolation and zero-latency audio are critical. Off-stream and during practice, many pros use soundbars with low-latency connections for single-player, RPG, and casual multiplayer. The ULTIMEA Poseidon M60 and Creative Katana V2X are popular crossover picks.
Final Verdict: Which Gaming Soundbar Should You Buy in 2026?
After eight soundbars, three months of testing, and one slightly annoyed partner, our Editor’s Choice goes to the ULTIMEA Poseidon M60. It is the only model in the lineup that delivers true Dolby Atmos over HDMI eARC at a sub-$200 tier, with a real 5.25-inch subwoofer and 300W of room-filling output.
If you game at a desk and want the cleanest setup, grab the Razer Leviathan V2 X. If you just need an upgrade from monitor speakers for less than a tank of gas, the Redragon GS560 is genuinely fun. And if you want a subwoofer without the floor box, the Samsung HW-B400F is the only true one-piece option here.
Whichever of the best gaming soundbars you choose, run the room calibration (if it has one), use HDMI eARC over optical when you can, and give yourself a week to adjust before deciding. Your ears settle in faster than you think.