Sounds bars: What to shop for when upgrading your home audio

This brand new souindbar from Bose offers plenty of bells and whistles like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, 5.1 technology that offers clear audio in the upper, middle and lower ranges, and -- most notably -- A.I. dialogue mode to enhance the conversations happening on your television screen. It offers a theater-like sound experience at an under-$500 price point that's great for someone who wants an upgrade without the investment of a larger system. Bonus: It pairs with other Bose speakers so you can expand your setup if and when you're ready.

This popular pick on Amazon is compact, wireless and perfect for a home office setup. A built-in tweeter allows for higher frequency sounds to come through clear and crisp, while the bass reflex speaker allows for deep sound.

Two cables and a few minutes of your time is all it takes to set up this Sonos soundbar, and it's built to eventually add on to when it's time to upgrade your listening experience. It's easy to control via your TV remote, the Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2, and it fits snugly in a shelf on your entertainment console.

The multiple connectivity options -- Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI and optical -- make this soundbar a top pick already, but its powerful audio and compact build are the icing on the cake. It has a five speaker array offering cinematic surround sound with a booming bass and patented Voice Adjust so you can hear every word clearly. Plus, you can expand into a full home theater by adding on the Polk Audio SR2 Wireless Surround Sound Speakers.

JBL is one of the most well-regarded names in the audio industry, and this soundbar system with surround speakers is favored by buyers thanks to how easy it is to install, the sound quality, adjustability and the solid Bluetooth connectivity. A 9.1 sound channel configuration offers far more sound height channels than the average soundbar, therefore increasing the audio output points for a more rounded, immersive listening experience.

Bose loyalists will appreciate the sleek design and fantastic sound quality offered in the Smart Soundbar that's compatible with Alexa and Google Voice controls, has 3D spatial audio and features Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology to separate sounds so they project outward into the room, making you feel truly inside the action.

Sonos calls the sound on this system "breathtakingly realistic," which makes sense considering you get the whole package: a premium Arc soundbar, a wireless subwoofer and two Era 300 speakers for placing elsewhere in the room, ensuring you're submerged in sound from all angles. Add on a wall mount and speaker stands created specifically for these products for a sleek, seamless integration into your home.

With a channel number of 11.1.4, you'll get room-filling sound that responds and adapts to your space for a luxurious listening experience. It has Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, built-in voice assistance and the speakers fire upward, sideways and from the back to help you hear every detail.