Best Soundbar Mounting Brackets: Universal, Swivel & Under-TV Options
Find the best soundbar mounting bracket for your setup. We compare universal wall mounts, swivel brackets, and under-TV attachment kits with installation tips from the pros.
Why Mounting Your Soundbar Matters
A soundbar sitting on a media console or shelf may block your TV's IR sensor, take up valuable surface space, and fire sound at a sub-optimal angle. Mounting the soundbar on the wall directly below or above the TV aligns the audio with the visual action on screen, creates a cleaner look with less clutter, and frees up shelf space for other components. The right mounting bracket also allows you to angle the soundbar toward your primary seating area for improved dialogue clarity and a more immersive listening experience. Whether you are pairing a soundbar with a wall-mounted TV in your area , upgrading a living room or bedroom, or adding one to an existing entertainment setup, the bracket you choose determines how clean the installation looks and how well the soundbar performs.
Universal Wall-Mount Brackets
Universal soundbar brackets are designed to fit a wide range of soundbar sizes and brands. They typically consist of a wall plate with adjustable arms or a shelf-style platform that supports the soundbar from below. The best universal brackets feature padded cradles that grip the soundbar without scratching, adjustable width to accommodate soundbars from 20 to 50 inches, and a low-profile design that keeps the soundbar tight against the wall. When choosing a universal bracket, check the weight rating to ensure it supports your soundbar. Most soundbars weigh between 5 and 15 pounds, but premium models with built-in subwoofers can weigh 20 pounds or more. Also verify that the bracket depth accommodates the thickness of your soundbar. A bracket that is too shallow will let the soundbar tip forward, while one that is too deep creates an unnecessary gap between the soundbar and the wall. Our soundbar mounting service includes bracket selection guidance tailored to your specific soundbar model.
Under-TV Attachment Brackets
Under-TV attachment brackets mount directly to the back of your TV or to the TV's wall mount bracket, suspending the soundbar just below the screen. This approach is ideal for wall-mounted TVs because the soundbar moves with the TV when you tilt, swivel, or extend a full-motion mount. The result is a single, unified unit that always keeps the audio source aligned with the picture. Most under-TV brackets use the same VESA mounting holes as your TV mount or clamp onto the mount's arms. Before purchasing, verify that your TV mount has compatible attachment points and that the combined weight of the TV and soundbar does not exceed the mount's weight rating. Some soundbar manufacturers, including Sonos and Samsung, offer proprietary under-TV attachment kits designed specifically for their products. These OEM brackets typically offer the cleanest fit but are limited to a single soundbar model. Need help mounting your TV in your area? Get an exact price instantly with our online quote.
Swivel and Articulating Soundbar Brackets
Swivel brackets add a pivot point that allows you to angle the soundbar left or right, directing the audio toward your primary listening position. This is especially useful in open-concept living spaces where the TV and seating area are not perfectly aligned, or in bedrooms where you may watch from different positions. Articulating soundbar brackets go a step further, extending the soundbar away from the wall on an arm similar to a full-motion TV mount. This is less common but useful in situations where the soundbar needs to clear a fireplace mantel, deep window sill, or other obstruction. Swivel brackets typically cost 20 to 60 dollars and add only a small amount of depth to the installation. They are compatible with most universal brackets and can often be combined with an under-TV attachment kit for maximum adjustability.
Installation Tips for a Clean Soundbar Mount
Positioning the soundbar correctly is just as important as choosing the right bracket. For wall-mounted soundbars below a TV, leave two to four inches of space between the bottom of the TV and the top of the soundbar. This gap prevents the soundbar from blocking the TV's IR receiver and allows adequate airflow. Center the soundbar horizontally with the TV for a balanced look. If the soundbar is wider than the TV, centering it with the screen rather than the TV bezel creates the most visually appealing result. For cable management, route the soundbar power cable and optical or HDMI cable through the wall alongside the TV cables whenever possible. Our cord concealment service ensures that both TV and soundbar cables are completely hidden, creating a truly clean wall with no visible wires.
Matching Your Soundbar Bracket to Your TV Mount
The type of TV mount you have or plan to install should influence your soundbar bracket choice. If your TV is on a flat or tilt mount, a simple wall-mount soundbar bracket positioned directly below the TV works perfectly. If your TV is on a full-motion mount, an under-TV attachment bracket is strongly recommended so the soundbar moves with the TV when you extend or swivel it. Without an attachment bracket, pulling the TV forward on a full-motion mount can leave the soundbar stranded against the wall, creating a disconnect between the audio and video. For above-fireplace installations with a pull-down mount, an under-TV bracket is essential because the TV moves vertically. The soundbar must travel with the TV to maintain proper audio alignment at every position. Our TV setup service includes soundbar integration so everything works together seamlessly. When selecting a bracket, also consider the weight rating relative to your soundbar. Most soundbars weigh between 5 and 15 pounds, but premium models with built-in subwoofer chambers can weigh 20 pounds or more. Always verify the bracket's weight capacity matches or exceeds your soundbar's weight, and secure it into a wall stud or use appropriate drywall anchors rated for the load. Need help mounting your TV in your area? Get an exact price instantly with our online quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount any soundbar on the wall?
Most soundbars can be wall mounted using a universal bracket or the manufacturer's optional wall-mount kit. Check your soundbar's documentation for wall-mounting compatibility and recommended brackets. Some curved or unusually shaped soundbars may require a brand-specific bracket.
Should the soundbar go above or below the TV?
Below the TV is the standard and recommended position for most setups. Mounting above the TV can cause audio to sound like it is coming from above the action on screen, which feels unnatural. The exception is when the TV is mounted very low and there is no room below it.
How far below the TV should I mount a soundbar?
Leave two to four inches between the bottom of the TV and the top of the soundbar. This provides adequate clearance for the TV's IR sensor and ventilation while keeping the audio source close to the picture for a cohesive experience.
Do I need a special bracket if my TV is on a full-motion mount?
Yes, we strongly recommend an under-TV attachment bracket that connects the soundbar directly to the TV or TV mount. This ensures the soundbar moves with the TV when you tilt, swivel, or extend the full-motion mount, keeping audio aligned with the picture.
Can a soundbar bracket damage my wall?
A properly installed soundbar bracket secured into a wall stud or appropriate anchor will not damage the wall under normal use. Soundbars are relatively light, typically 5 to 15 pounds, so the mounting hardware requirements are minimal compared to a TV mount.