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10 Best Inexpensive Sound Bar 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model), 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their TV audio experience without breaking the bank. One of its main strengths lies in its ability to deliver a richer sound with its dual speakers, which enhance clarity in dialogue and provide deeper bass, making it a great fit for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite series. Additionally, the inclusion of DTS Virtual:X technology allows for a more immersive sound experience, creating a virtual surround effect that many users will appreciate.

Setting up the soundbar is straightforward; simply connect it using the provided HDMI cable to your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC port, and you're good to go. This user-friendly design is a plus for those who may not be very tech-savvy. The soundbar also boasts Bluetooth connectivity, enabling easy streaming from your phone or tablet, which adds versatility for music lovers.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The Fire TV Soundbar is a 2.0 speaker system, which may not satisfy audiophiles who prefer a more robust surround sound experience. While it does offer EQ modes for movies, music, and dialogue, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which may limit the bass response for those who enjoy powerful low-end sounds. Additionally, while the compact design makes it easy to fit into various spaces, its size may not deliver the same audio presence as larger soundbars.

This soundbar is a great option for casual viewers and those who own Fire TV or smart TVs, providing enhanced audio quality at a budget-friendly price. If you require more advanced audio features or a fuller sound experience, you might want to explore other options.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Audio Channels
The soundbar performs flawlessly with clear, crisp audio and rich bass, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity makes streaming music from your phone a breeze, adding to its versatility.
Size and Design
Compact design is perfect for limited spaces without sacrificing sound quality.
#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 2.0ch Soundbar is a great option for those seeking an affordable and compact audio solution for their home entertainment setup. With its built-in tweeter and Bass Reflex speaker, it delivers a surprisingly deep and clear sound, enhancing your TV viewing experience, especially for dialogue-heavy content like movies and shows. The voice enhancement feature is particularly useful for conference calls or when watching shows with soft-spoken characters.

Its easy setup, including HDMI ARC connectivity and Bluetooth options, makes it user-friendly. You can quickly connect it to your TV or stream music wirelessly, which is a significant advantage for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Its slim design allows it to fit well in small spaces, and it can even be wall-mounted, adding flexibility to your room's layout.

There are some limitations to consider. Since it features a 2.0 channel configuration, it may not provide the immersive surround sound experience that some users desire, especially if you’re used to multi-channel setups. While it does offer decent sound quality for the price, audiophiles or those looking for booming bass might find it lacking compared to larger soundbars or systems with dedicated subwoofers.

In terms of build quality, the S100F is lightweight and feels a bit basic in design, which might not appeal to everyone. Also, the maximum output power of 120 Watts is suitable for personal or small rooms but might struggle to fill larger spaces adequately. For its price point, the Sony S100F offers solid performance and is ideal for casual listeners who want to upgrade their TV audio without breaking the bank.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Connectivity Options
Works flawlessly with ARC port and Apple TV 4K, with almost no configuration needed.
Size and Design
Sound quality is impressive for such a small unit, with clear vocals and balanced sound.
#3

SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X, Subwoofer Included, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound Lite, Game Mode, Bluetooth, Wireless Surround Sound Compatible

The SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar is a great option for those looking for an inexpensive soundbar that delivers a rich audio experience. It comes with DTS Virtual: X technology, which creates a spacious 3D sound, making your home theater experience more immersive. The included subwoofer adds powerful bass, enhancing the sound quality, especially for movies and music. With Bass Boost, you can further amplify the bass with a simple tap, adding depth to your audio experience. Adaptive Sound Lite ensures that the audio is dynamically optimized for all types of video content, providing enhanced voice clarity.

Gamers will appreciate the Game Mode, which syncs directional audio with onscreen action for a more engaging gaming experience. The soundbar also features Bluetooth Multi Connection, allowing you to connect various devices wirelessly without the hassle of cables. Additionally, it is compatible with wireless surround sound, so you can easily upgrade your setup with optional Samsung speakers. The Night Mode feature allows you to enjoy excellent sound quality at lower volumes, ideal for late-night watching without disturbing others. The Voice Enhance feature ensures that dialogues are clear and easy to follow.

One drawback is that it’s a 2.1 channel soundbar, which means it might not provide the same level of audio depth and surround sound as higher-end models with more channels. Also, while the soundbar can be wall-mounted, its design might not be as sleek as some other models on the market. However, for its price range, it offers a solid performance with a good range of features that are easy to use and enhance your audio experience.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Wattage
Loud enough for me but not too loud to upset the neighbors.
Connectivity Options
Sleek small form factor and extremely easy to setup wirelessly with Bluetooth connected to the TV.
Subwoofer
Perfect for a 1 bedroom apartment with excellent sound quality and an impressive little subwoofer.

Buying Guide for the Best Inexpensive Sound Bar

Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. When looking for an inexpensive sound bar, it's important to focus on the key specifications that will impact the sound quality and overall performance. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, and 5.1 channels. A 2.0 channel sound bar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. A 3.1 channel includes a center speaker for clearer dialogue, and a 5.1 channel offers a more immersive surround sound experience. If you primarily watch TV shows and movies, a 2.1 or 3.1 channel sound bar may be sufficient. For a more cinematic experience, consider a 5.1 channel sound bar.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar 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 easy control with your TV remote. Optical connections also offer good audio quality but may require a separate remote. Bluetooth is convenient for wireless streaming from your phone or tablet, while AUX is a simple analog connection. Consider your existing devices and how you plan to use the sound bar when choosing the right connectivity options.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its placement and its aesthetic appeal. Sound bars come in various lengths and heights, so it's important to measure the space where you plan to place it. A longer sound bar may provide better stereo separation, while a compact design is easier to fit in smaller spaces. Additionally, consider the design and color of the sound bar to ensure it complements your TV and room decor. Choose a size and design that fits well with your setup and personal preferences.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, such as bass and deep sound effects. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. A separate subwoofer generally provides better bass performance and can be placed anywhere in the room for optimal sound. If you enjoy action movies, music with heavy bass, or gaming, a sound bar with a subwoofer will enhance your audio experience. If space is limited or you prefer a simpler setup, a sound bar with a built-in subwoofer may be sufficient.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar's performance for different types of content. Common sound modes include movie, music, dialogue, and night mode. Movie mode enhances surround sound effects, music mode provides a balanced audio experience, dialogue mode clarifies speech, and night mode reduces loud sounds for late-night viewing. Consider the types of content you consume most frequently and choose a sound bar with sound modes that cater to your preferences. This feature can greatly improve your listening experience by tailoring the audio to your needs.

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