How to Mount a Soundbar Under (or Above) Your TV

A wall-mounted soundbar paired with a wall-mounted TV is one of the cleanest setups you can achieve in a living room. No shelf, no stand, no surface clutter — just the screen and the speaker floating on the wall like a piece of modern art. Here's how to do it right.

Under vs. Over — Which Is Better?

Under the TV is the standard and almost always the right choice. Sound projects forward from the soundbar, and positioning it below the screen means audio comes from roughly screen level — which matches how your brain expects sound to relate to the image. This is how movie theaters work too.

Above the TV is rarely a good idea. Soundbars project slightly downward, so mounting above the TV means the sound aims at the wall behind you. The only scenario where over-TV mounting makes sense is if the soundbar has an upward-firing configuration and you're doing an Atmos ceiling-bounce setup.

Method 1: Dedicated Soundbar Mount (Recommended)

The cleanest approach is a soundbar-specific wall mount. Several manufacturers make these, and many TV mount kits include a soundbar bracket attachment. Popular options include:

• Sanus WSSATV: Attaches to your TV mount's vertical pole — no extra wall holes needed
• Echogear Soundbar Mount: Surface-mounts to the wall independently, with cable management built in
• Mounting Dream Soundbar Bracket: Budget-friendly option that attaches directly below the TV

These mounts typically screw into the wall (either stud or with toggle anchors) and provide a tiltable shelf or clamp for the soundbar. The installation process mirrors TV mounting — find studs or use appropriate hollow-wall anchors.

Method 2: TV Mount Attachment Bracket

Many modern TV mounts include a soundbar bracket that attaches to the mount itself rather than the wall separately. This is ideal because it keeps everything on a single mounting system. The soundbar hangs below the TV, supported by the same studs holding the TV.

Check your TV mount's compatibility — most universal soundbar brackets work with a standard accessory rail or screw pattern on the mount. Brands like Sanus, VideoSecu, and Mounting Dream all offer this type of add-on.

Method 3: Adhesive Mounts (For Lighter Soundbars Only)

For smaller, lighter soundbars (under 15 lbs), adhesive mounting solutions can work. Brands like Command make specialized adhesive strips rated for specific weights. This is a valid option for apartment renters who don't want to drill, but it has real limitations:

• Only appropriate for soundbars under 10–15 lbs
• Adhesive can fail with temperature swings or high humidity
• Not recommended for soundbars with passive radiators that create vibration
• Not suitable for textured or recently painted walls

Mounting Process (Screw-In Method)

1. Determine mounting height — 4–8" below the TV's bottom edge
2. Center the mount horizontally with the TV (or center of the room)
3. Find studs or plan your anchor locations
4. Drill pilot holes and drive mounting screws
5. Attach the soundbar bracket to the wall plate
6. Set the soundbar into the bracket and secure any locking mechanism
7. Route the soundbar cable up alongside the TV cables inside your raceway

Cable Management for Soundbars

The HDMI ARC or optical cable running from your TV to the soundbar is the main cable to manage. Route it inside your cable raceway alongside the TV's power cord and HDMI cables. If you're using Bluetooth only, you have zero cables to manage — one of the few advantages of wireless soundbar connections.