If you’re looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup, investing in a sound bar is one of the easiest ways to enhance your TV watching experience. With TVs becoming thinner and more stylish, their built-in speakers often struggle to deliver rich, immersive audio. That’s where sound bars come in. These compact yet powerful devices significantly improve sound clarity, bass, and overall performance without the need for a complicated home theater setup.
But with so many options available, how do you pick the right one? Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly upgrade or a high-end surround sound system, we’ve done the research to help you make the best choice. After testing and comparing dozens of models, here are the best sound bars you can buy today.
Why You Need a Sound Bar
Modern TVs prioritize sleek designs, often at the expense of speaker quality. Built-in TV speakers typically lack depth, making dialogue hard to hear and diminishing the impact of movie soundtracks, music, and gaming audio. A sound bar solves this issue by delivering clearer dialogue, deeper bass, and an immersive surround sound experience.
Here’s what a good sound bar can do for you:
- Improve Dialogue Clarity: Many sound bars feature voice enhancement modes, making conversations in movies and shows crisper and easier to understand.
- Enhance Bass Performance: Built-in TV speakers lack deep bass, but a sound bar (especially one with a subwoofer) can add dramatic low-end impact.
- Create a Cinematic Experience: Advanced sound bars with Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X can provide an immersive, 3D-like surround sound effect.
- Simplify Your Setup: Unlike traditional surround sound systems, which require multiple speakers and wiring, a sound bar offers a sleek, simple solution with minimal cables.
Top Sound Bars for TV
We spent over 50 hours testing and comparing some of the best sound bars available to find options that maximize audio quality while offering great value. Here’s our top 10 list with direct Amazon links for pricing and availability.
What to Look for in a Sound Bar
When choosing a sound bar, it’s important to consider key factors to ensure you get the best audio experience for your needs.
1. Sound Quality
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X: Creates a surround sound effect without extra speakers.
- Voice Clarity: Look for a sound bar with speech enhancement technology to make dialogue clearer.
- Bass Performance: If you love deep bass, consider models with a dedicated subwoofer.
2. Connectivity Options
Ensure the sound bar is compatible with your TV and other devices.
- HDMI ARC/eARC: The best option for most modern TVs.
- Optical Input: Works well for older TVs.
- Bluetooth & Wi-Fi: Useful for wireless streaming from your smartphone.
3. Size & Placement
- Make sure your sound bar fits beneath your TV without blocking the screen.
- If you plan to wall-mount, check for a mounting kit included with the sound bar.
4. Smart Features
- Voice Assistants: Some models support Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free control.
- Multi-Room Audio: If you want a whole-home sound system, choose a sound bar that integrates with smart speakers.
A good sound bar can completely transform how you watch movies, listen to music, and play games. Whether you need a budget-friendly upgrade or a premium surround sound experience, our top picks offer something for everyone. By focusing on sound quality, connectivity, and features, you’ll find the perfect sound bar to match your home theater setup.
Best Sound Bars for TV
We’ve tested dozens of sound bars to find the top performers for your TV. A good sound bar can transform your viewing experience with better audio quality than built-in TV speakers. Our picks range from budget-friendly options to premium models with surround sound capabilities, helping you find the perfect match for your home entertainment setup.
Bose TV Speaker
The Bose TV Speaker delivers crisp dialogue and improved sound quality in a compact design that’s perfect for upgrading your TV audio experience without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Crystal clear speech enhancement
- Simple setup with minimal cables
- Compact size fits almost anywhere
Cons
- Limited bass without optional subwoofer
- No surround sound capabilities
- Higher price than basic soundbars
We recently tested the Bose TV Speaker in our living room, and we were impressed by how much it improved our TV watching experience. At just over 2 inches tall, this sleek black soundbar sits discreetly under our television. The setup took less than five minutes using the included optical cable.
The sound quality is noticeably better than our TV’s built-in speakers. Dialogue comes through with remarkable clarity thanks to the center tweeter that focuses on vocals. We found the dedicated dialogue mode button on the remote particularly useful during movies where characters speak quietly. The two angled drivers create a wider soundstage than expected from such a small unit.
Bluetooth connectivity is a handy bonus feature we didn’t initially consider. We paired our phones to stream music and podcasts, and the sound quality was impressive for casual listening. The bass button on the remote adds some depth, though serious bass lovers might want to consider adding one of the compatible Bose subwoofers. The HDMI-CEC function worked seamlessly with our TV, allowing us to control everything with our existing remote.
Sony S100F Soundbar
The Sony S100F delivers impressive sound quality for its compact size and affordable price point, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV audio without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Surprisingly powerful sound from a slim, compact design
- Simple setup with multiple connection options (HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth)
- Voice enhancement feature makes dialogue clearer
Cons
- No separate subwoofer for deep bass
- Sound can be slightly tinny at higher volumes
- Limited surround sound effect compared to higher-end models
We recently tested the Sony S100F in our home office setup, and we were pleasantly surprised by its performance. This slim soundbar fits perfectly beneath most TVs without taking up much space. The clean black design looks sleek and modern, blending well with our entertainment center.
Setting up the S100F was quick and hassle-free. We connected it to our TV using the included HDMI ARC cable, and it worked instantly. The Bluetooth feature also came in handy for streaming music from our phones. The remote control is simple but effective, with clearly labeled buttons for different sound modes.
Sound quality is where this affordable soundbar really shines. The bass reflex speaker delivers deeper tones than we expected from such a compact unit. When watching action movies, explosions had decent impact, though not as room-shaking as systems with dedicated subwoofers. The voice enhancement feature is particularly useful for shows with quiet dialogue or during video calls.
For smaller living spaces like apartments or bedrooms, the S100F provides more than enough volume. We found the S-Force Pro Front Surround technology creates a wider soundstage than typical TV speakers, though it doesn’t truly replace a full surround system. At moderate volumes, audio remains clear and balanced.
The wall-mounting option adds flexibility for different room setups. We appreciate that Sony included all necessary cables and a mounting template in the box. This thoughtful inclusion saved us an extra trip to the store.
Polk Signa S2 Soundbar
The Polk Signa S2 offers exceptional sound quality and value for anyone wanting to upgrade their TV audio experience without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Rich sound with clear dialogue thanks to VoiceAdjust technology
- Ultra-slim design fits almost anywhere without blocking TV sensors
- Simple setup with multiple connection options including Bluetooth
Cons
- Bass is good but not as deep as premium models
- Remote control lacks advanced features
- Limited EQ customization options
We tested the Polk Signa S2 soundbar in our living room setup, and the difference compared to built-in TV speakers was immediately noticeable. The sound fills the room with a warmth and clarity that makes movie dialogue much easier to understand. VoiceAdjust technology truly helps when characters are whispering or during action scenes.
The wireless subwoofer paired instantly and added nice depth to the overall sound profile. While not as room-shaking as some higher-end systems, it provides enough bass to make action movies and music feel immersive. We found the soundbar particularly good for TV shows and dialogue-heavy content.
Setup took less than 10 minutes with the included HDMI cable. The slim profile (just over 2 inches tall) fits perfectly under most TVs without blocking the screen or remote sensor. Bluetooth connectivity works smoothly for streaming music from phones or tablets. At this price point, the Signa S2 offers tremendous value compared to other soundbars we’ve tested.
Samsung C450 Soundbar
The Samsung C450 delivers impressive audio quality with its included subwoofer and virtual surround sound, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV’s built-in speakers.
Pros
- Powerful bass with included wireless subwoofer
- DTS Virtual creates immersive 3D sound experience
- Simple Bluetooth setup with Samsung TVs
Cons
- Mid-range audio lacks clarity at higher volumes
- Subwoofer size might be overwhelming for small spaces
- Limited connectivity options compared to premium models
We recently tested the Samsung C450 soundbar, and it’s an impressive audio upgrade for any TV setup. The 2.1 channel system comes with a wireless subwoofer that delivers deep, rumbling bass that you can feel during action scenes. Setting it up was quick – we simply connected it to our Samsung TV via Bluetooth and were watching with enhanced audio in minutes.
The bass boost feature works well with just a tap of a button. During our movie night testing, the thunderous explosions in action scenes had real impact without overwhelming dialogue. Speaking of dialogue, the Adaptive Sound Lite technology made conversations clear and easy to understand, even during busy scenes with lots of background noise.
Gamers will appreciate the dedicated Game Mode. We played several fast-paced games and noticed the directional audio tracked on-screen movement accurately. For late-night viewing, the Night Mode was a lifesaver – it compressed the bass and lowered overall volume so we could enjoy shows without disturbing others in the house. At just under 34 inches wide, the soundbar fits perfectly under most TVs without blocking the screen.
For the price point, we found the sound quality excellent for everyday TV watching and casual movie nights. While dedicated audiophiles might want more connectivity options or refined mid-range performance, the C450 offers great value. The included remote is simple to use, but we especially liked being able to control everything with our existing Samsung TV remote.
Assistrust 60W Soundbar
This powerful 2-in-1 detachable soundbar delivers impressive audio quality and versatile placement options at a price that won’t break the bank.
Pros
- Detachable design offers multiple placement options
- Three customized equalizer modes for different content
- Simple setup with multiple connection options
Cons
- Remote batteries not included
- Slightly bulky at 17 inches deep
- May require some setup troubleshooting
We recently tried the Assistrust soundbar in our testing room and were pleasantly surprised by its performance. The 60W output created room-filling sound that easily outperformed built-in TV speakers. Its ability to separate into two pieces is genuinely useful – we tried both the unified bar setup and the separated tower configuration depending on our space needs.
The sound quality impressed us for a soundbar in this price range. Deep bass notes came through clearly during action scenes, while dialogue remained crisp and intelligible. We especially liked the three equalizer modes – the movie setting added depth to film soundtracks, while the news mode made speech much easier to understand.
Connection options are plentiful with this model. We tested the Bluetooth 5.0 for music streaming from our phones, which worked flawlessly from across the room. The included optical, AUX, and ARC cables made TV hookup straightforward. Being able to control everything through our existing TV remote (when using ARC) was a welcome convenience that simplified our entertainment setup.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar
This compact soundbar delivers impressive audio quality and easy setup at an affordable price point that makes it a smart upgrade for most TV setups.
Pros
- Simple plug-and-play HDMI connection
- Clear dialogue and enhanced bass in a slim design
- Seamless integration with Fire TV devices
Cons
- Only 2.0 channel audio (no separate subwoofer)
- Sound quality doesn’t match premium-priced alternatives
- Limited EQ customization options
We recently tested the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar in our living room, and it made an immediate difference compared to our TV’s built-in speakers. Setting it up took just minutes – we simply connected the included HDMI cable to our TV’s ARC port, plugged in the power cord, and we were ready to go.
The soundbar’s slim 24-inch profile fits nicely below most TVs without taking up much space. Despite its compact size, it produces surprisingly full sound with the dual speakers. We noticed dialogue became much clearer during movie night, and the DTS Virtual technology created a decent sense of surround sound that filled our modest-sized room.
Music playback over Bluetooth works well too. We connected our phones and enjoyed streaming playlists with better depth than we expected from such a budget-friendly unit. The three sound modes (Movies, Music, and Dialogue) let us adjust the audio profile for different content. While it won’t replace a high-end sound system, this soundbar represents excellent value for anyone looking to boost their TV audio without spending a fortune.
Samsung Q600C Soundbar
The Samsung Q600C soundbar delivers impressive 3D audio with Dolby Atmos, making it an excellent upgrade for anyone looking to enhance their TV’s sound without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Powerful 3.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos sound that fills the room
- Q-Symphony tech works with Samsung TVs for enhanced audio
- Simple setup with HDMI eARC connection
Cons
- Best features work only with Samsung TVs
- Larger than many competing soundbars
- Bass could be stronger for some content
We recently tested the Samsung Q600C soundbar in our home theater setup, and the difference from our TV’s built-in speakers was night and day. The 3.1.2 channel configuration creates a genuine sense of audio depth that standard speakers simply can’t match. Movies feel more immersive with sound that appears to come from above thanks to the up-firing speakers.
Setup took us less than 10 minutes. We just plugged in the HDMI cable to our TV’s eARC port, connected the power, and the soundbar automatically paired with the wireless subwoofer. The included remote is simple to use, but we found ourselves using our Samsung TV remote for everything once we enabled the Q-Symphony feature.
Game Mode Pro made a real difference when we played a few hours of our favorite console games. The soundbar adjusts automatically to emphasize footsteps and directional audio cues. We could actually hear enemies approaching from different directions. The Adaptive Sound feature also impressed us during quiet dialogue scenes in movies, making voices clearer without having to constantly adjust the volume.
For music lovers, the Bluetooth multi-connection feature lets two devices connect simultaneously. We found this handy for switching between phones without the usual disconnect/reconnect hassle. The Tap Sound feature (which works with newer Samsung phones) made streaming music even easier – just tap your phone to the soundbar and music starts playing.
The Q600C isn’t perfect for everyone. While it works with any TV, you’ll miss some key features without a Samsung model. The subwoofer, though wireless and convenient, doesn’t hit the lowest bass notes that bigger systems manage. Still, for most living rooms, this soundbar delivers excellent sound that will transform your TV watching experience.
MZEIBO Mini Sound Bar
This compact 50W sound bar delivers impressive audio quality and versatile connectivity options at an affordable price point that makes it perfect for smaller spaces.
Pros
- Powerful sound from a compact 17-inch design
- Multiple connection options (ARC, Optical, AUX, Bluetooth 5.0)
- Customizable audio modes for different content types
Cons
- May lack deep bass compared to systems with separate subwoofers
- Limited surround sound effect despite marketing claims
- Button controls on the unit are somewhat basic
We recently tested the MZEIBO 50W Mini Sound Bar in our home entertainment setup, and we were impressed by how much sound comes from such a compact unit. At just 17 inches long, it fits perfectly beneath smaller TVs or on desktops without taking up excessive space. The matte black finish looks sleek and professional, blending well with most decor styles.
Setting up this sound bar couldn’t be easier. We connected it to our TV using the included HDMI ARC cable, and it worked instantly. The remote control allows quick switching between three audio modes – we found the Movie mode added nice depth to action scenes, while Dialog mode made conversations in TV shows much clearer. For music, the Music mode provided a more balanced sound profile that worked well for different genres.
The sound quality exceeds expectations for this price range. While it won’t replace a high-end sound system, the four built-in speakers deliver clear audio that’s vastly superior to most built-in TV speakers. We particularly appreciated the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, which let us stream music from our phones without any dropouts or connection issues. The customer support is also noteworthy – they responded quickly to our questions, and the 36-month warranty provides good peace of mind for a long-term purchase.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus
The Fire TV Soundbar Plus delivers exceptional audio quality and easy integration with Fire TV devices, making it an excellent choice for most home theater setups.
Pros
- Built-in subwoofer provides deep bass without extra components
- Dedicated center channel makes dialogue crisp and clear
- Simple setup with included HDMI cable
Cons
- Limited EQ controls beyond preset modes
- Size may look oversized with smaller TVs
- No Alexa integration despite Fire TV branding
We recently installed the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus in our testing room, and the difference from TV speakers was immediately noticeable. This 3.1 channel soundbar packs impressive audio into its all-in-one design. The built-in subwoofer delivers rich bass that filled the room during action scenes without needing a separate unit.
What impressed us most was the dialogue clarity. The dedicated center channel ensures you won’t miss a word of conversation in your favorite shows. During our movie night, we didn’t need to reach for the remote to adjust volume between quiet talking scenes and loud action sequences. The Dolby Atmos and DTS support added depth to the sound field, creating a more immersive experience than we expected from a single unit.
Setup couldn’t be simpler. We connected the included HDMI cable to our TV’s ARC port, and it worked instantly. The Movie, Music, Sports, and Night modes actually make a noticeable difference in sound quality. We found Movie mode perfect for most content, while Night mode tamed the bass for late viewing. Bluetooth connectivity worked flawlessly when we streamed music from our phones. At 37 inches wide, it pairs well with TVs 50 inches and larger, though it might look bulky with smaller displays.
VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Soundbar
We recommend the VIZIO V-Series 2.1 soundbar for anyone wanting to upgrade their TV audio without spending too much money or dealing with complex setups.
Pros
- Powerful bass from the wireless subwoofer
- Simple setup with HDMI ARC connection
- Clean, modern design that fits most TVs
Cons
- Occasional connectivity issues reported
- Limited sound customization options
- Subwoofer placement restricted by wireless range
The VIZIO V-Series 2.1 soundbar delivers impressive audio performance that far exceeds built-in TV speakers. When we tested it with action movies, the wireless subwoofer added deep, rumbling bass that made explosions feel real. The main soundbar produces clear dialogue, making it easy to catch every word in shows and movies.
Setup couldn’t be simpler. We connected it to our TV using the included HDMI cable, and it worked instantly. The wireless subwoofer paired automatically – just plug it into power and you’re ready to go. For older TVs, there’s also an optical connection option. The included remote lets us adjust volume and bass levels easily.
The slim design looks great under most TVs without blocking the screen. At 36 inches wide, it works well with medium to large TVs. We appreciate the matte black finish that doesn’t show fingerprints. Bluetooth connectivity is a bonus feature we used often – streaming music from our phones sounded excellent. For the price, this soundbar offers good value that will satisfy most people wanting better TV sound without complicated speaker systems.
Buying Guide
Finding the right soundbar for your TV can be confusing with so many options available. We’ve created this guide to help you choose the best soundbar for your needs.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is the most important feature to consider. Look for soundbars that offer clear dialogue and good bass response. Soundbars with virtual surround sound can create an immersive experience without extra speakers.
Key audio features to check:
- Dialogue enhancement modes
- Bass adjustability
- Sound modes for different content (movies, music, sports)
Connection Options
Make sure the soundbar has the right connections for your TV and other devices.
| Connection Type | Best For |
|---|---|
| HDMI ARC/eARC | Most modern TVs, simplest setup |
| Optical | Older TVs without HDMI ARC |
| Bluetooth | Wireless streaming from phones/tablets |
| Wi-Fi | High-quality streaming, smart features |
Size and Placement
The soundbar should match your TV size for the best look. Measure your TV stand and wall space before buying.
A soundbar that’s too wide might not fit on your TV stand. One that’s too narrow might look odd with a large TV. Consider if you’ll place it on a stand or mount it on the wall.
Smart Features
Many soundbars now include smart features that add convenience.
Useful smart features:
- Voice assistant compatibility (Alexa, Google)
- App control
- Multi-room audio support
- Automatic room calibration
Budget Considerations
Soundbars range from under $100 to over $1000. Higher price often means better sound quality and more features. We recommend setting a budget based on your room size and how important audio quality is to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people need help finding the right soundbar for their TV. Here are answers to common questions about soundbars, from top-rated models to important features.
What are the top-rated soundbars for enhancing TV audio quality?
Several soundbars stand out for their excellent audio quality. The Sonos Arc consistently ranks high for its room-filling sound and Dolby Atmos support. It creates a wide soundstage that makes movies more immersive.
Samsung’s HW-Q950A is another top performer with its 11.1.4 channel configuration. This system delivers exceptional clarity for both dialogue and sound effects.
For mid-range options, the JBL Bar 5.0 offers impressive performance at a reasonable price. Its MultiBeam technology creates virtual surround sound without extra speakers.
Which soundbars provide the best bass performance with an integrated or separate subwoofer?
The Klipsch Cinema 600 excels in bass performance with its 10-inch wireless subwoofer. This powerful combination delivers room-shaking low frequencies that make action scenes come alive.
Bose Soundbar 700 with its optional Bass Module 700 creates deep, impactful bass. The module can be placed anywhere in your room for optimal sound placement.
For all-in-one solutions, the Sennheiser Ambeo has impressive built-in bass without a separate subwoofer. Its 13 drivers include dedicated woofers that produce surprising low-end response.
How do high-end soundbars compare to budget-friendly options for TVs?
High-end soundbars like the $899 Sony HT-A7000 offer superior sound separation and clarity. They include advanced features like room calibration that adjusts sound to your space.
Budget options like the $200 Vizio V-Series 2.1 provide good sound at affordable prices. These units focus on core features like clear dialogue and decent bass response.
The main differences appear in sound quality depth, build materials, and extra features. Premium models offer more connectivity options and better support for various audio formats.
What features should be considered when selecting a soundbar for a smart TV?
HDMI ARC/eARC compatibility is essential for connecting to modern TVs with a single cable. This allows for higher quality audio transmission and simplified control.
Wireless streaming options like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and AirPlay 2 make it easy to play music from phones and tablets. Look for multi-room capabilities if you want whole-home audio.
Smart assistant integration with Alexa or Google Assistant adds voice control functionality. Some models also work with Apple HomeKit for a complete smart home experience.
Are there all-in-one soundbars that rival traditional setups for TV audio?
The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers impressive performance in a compact all-in-one design. Despite its small size, it delivers room-filling sound that rivals larger systems.
Bose Smart Soundbar 900 uses proprietary PhaseGuide technology to create wider sound than its physical dimensions suggest. It projects sound to areas where there aren’t speakers.
While traditional multi-speaker setups still have advantages for true surround sound, modern all-in-one soundbars close the gap significantly. They’re ideal for smaller spaces where multiple speakers aren’t practical.
How does the inclusion of advanced technologies like Dolby Atmos affect the soundbar experience for TVs?
Dolby Atmos creates a three-dimensional sound field that places sounds above and around you. This makes rain sound like it’s falling from above or planes flying overhead more realistic.
Atmos-enabled soundbars use upward-firing speakers to bounce sound off your ceiling. The LG SP9YA uses seven speakers, including two upward-firing ones, to create this effect.
The difference is most noticeable in action movies and nature documentaries where height channels add realism. Not all content supports Atmos, but the library of compatible movies and shows grows each month.
