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10 Best Budget Soundbars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar designed to enhance your TV viewing experience, particularly for those who find dialogue hard to understand. One of its standout features is the focus on clarifying speech, making it ideal for watching movies, shows, and sports. The two angled full-range drivers create a wide soundstage, providing a more immersive experience. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy streaming of music and podcasts from your devices, which adds versatility beyond just TV use.

Setting up the soundbar is straightforward, requiring just a single connection to your TV using either an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately). Its small size, at just over 2 inches tall, allows it to fit neatly in front of your TV or be mounted on a wall, although wall brackets are sold separately.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the soundbar does an admirable job with dialogue, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer for deeper bass, although it can be expanded with a compatible Bose Bass Module, which is an additional purchase. Additionally, some users may find the remote control a bit limited in functionality, especially when it comes to sound modes. The power output is adequate for small to medium-sized rooms, but it might not satisfy those looking for powerful home theater sound.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Sound Modes
Adjusting the bass to personal preference is a notable feature, adding to the versatility of the soundbar.
Size and Design
Despite its compact size, the soundbar integrates seamlessly with the TV, offering a sleek design and great value for the money.
#2

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth, (HTS100F), easy setup, compact, home office use with clear sound black

The Sony S100F Soundbar is a compact and budget-friendly audio solution that excels in delivering clear sound, making it an excellent choice for small living spaces or home offices. With its 2.0 channel system and a built-in Bass Reflex speaker, it provides a decent level of immersive audio, particularly when enhancing dialogue during movies or video calls thanks to its voice enhancement feature. The S-Force Pro Front Surround technology adds a layer of surround sound, giving users a more engaging listening experience. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy pairing with devices, making it convenient for music playback as well.

On the positive side, the soundbar's slim design allows it to fit seamlessly into various room layouts, and it can easily be wall-mounted if desired. The remote control and included optical cable make setup straightforward, enabling quick integration with your TV via HDMI ARC.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The sound output, while sufficient for casual use, may not satisfy audiophiles or those seeking a robust bass experience, as it lacks a dedicated subwoofer. Additionally, being a budget model, it may not have the advanced features found in higher-end soundbars, such as multiple sound modes or extensive connectivity options. Its maximum output power of 120 watts is moderate, which might not fill larger rooms effectively.

The Sony S100F is well-suited for users looking for a simple, effective soundbar primarily for TV audio enhancement in smaller spaces. It provides an appealing balance of quality and affordability, perfect for casual listeners who prioritize ease of use and compact design.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Connectivity Options
Seamless integration with TV's ARC port and Apple TV 4K, offering hassle-free setup and operation.
Subwoofer
Though lacking a dedicated subwoofer, the built-in Bass Reflex speaker adds some depth to the audio.
Size and Design
Perfect for smaller spaces like home offices, with a compact design that fits easily and simple Bluetooth setup.
#3

VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE, Wireless Subwoofer, Surround Sound w/Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Bluetooth Speaker - SV510X-0806 (New, 2024 Model)

The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE offers a solid audio experience with 5.1 surround sound, featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive sound. It comes with three full-range speakers, two surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, making it ideal for medium to large rooms. The soundbar can be controlled using your existing TV remote when connected via HDMI eARC, though it does not include a dedicated soundbar remote. If your TV lacks an HDMI port, you may need to contact VIZIO support for an optical connection solution.

Bluetooth connectivity is available for wireless streaming from your devices, and advanced settings can be adjusted through the VIZIO mobile app. The soundbar's design is streamlined, especially if you own a VIZIO TV, thanks to the QuickFit mounting system that ensures a seamless setup. However, this soundbar does not include an optical output, which might be a limitation for some setups.

The power output of 180 Watts ensures clear and dynamic sound, making it a good choice for home theaters or enhancing TV audio. However, the lack of a waterproof feature means it should be kept away from any moisture-prone areas. The soundbar also lacks an included remote control, so users relying solely on physical remotes might find this inconvenient. The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE is a strong contender in the budget soundbar category, offering good sound quality and useful features, but it does have a few limitations to consider.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Audio Channels
Impressive surround sound effect with precise audio placement and a nice bass.
Connectivity Options
Incredible sound quality and seamless integration with Vizio TVs, controlled instantly by the Vizio remote.
Subwoofer
The subwoofer connects wirelessly, offering flexibility in placement and delivering powerful bass.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget Soundbars

Choosing the right soundbar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. When selecting a soundbar, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks the soundbar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 system has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 system adds a subwoofer for better bass. Higher numbers like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a simple upgrade from your TV's speakers, a 2.0 or 2.1 system might suffice. For a more immersive experience, especially for movies, consider a 5.1 or higher system.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the soundbar to your TV or other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC provides the best audio quality and allows for easier control with a single remote. Optical connections also offer good quality but lack some of the convenience features of HDMI ARC. Bluetooth is great for wireless streaming from your phone or tablet. Consider what devices you'll be connecting and choose a soundbar with the appropriate inputs.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, indicates how loud and powerful the soundbar can be. Higher wattage generally means louder and clearer sound, especially at higher volumes. For a small to medium-sized room, a soundbar with 100-200 watts should be sufficient. For larger rooms or if you prefer very loud audio, look for a soundbar with higher wattage. Think about the size of your room and your typical listening volume when choosing the power output.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or want to feel the rumble of explosions in movies, a soundbar with a subwoofer is a good choice. If space is a concern or you prefer a more streamlined setup, a built-in subwoofer might be more suitable.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the soundbar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, or dialogue. These modes can enhance your listening experience by adjusting the sound profile to suit the content. If you watch a variety of content, look for a soundbar with multiple sound modes. This feature can be particularly useful if you frequently switch between watching movies, listening to music, and following TV shows.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the soundbar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Larger soundbars often provide better sound quality due to more and larger speakers, but they also take up more space. Consider the size of your TV and the available space in your room when choosing a soundbar. Additionally, think about the design and whether it matches your decor. A sleek, modern design might be more appealing if the soundbar will be prominently displayed.

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