Best Soundbar for a TV: Top Picks for Superior Audio Experience

A great way to enhance your TV watching experience is by adding a soundbar. A soundbar is a compact speaker system that can be placed beneath or above your TV to provide high-quality audio. It is an excellent alternative to traditional home theater systems, which can be bulky and expensive.

When it comes to purchasing a soundbar for your TV, there are a few critical things to consider. One of the most important factors is the size of the soundbar. You want to make sure that the soundbar is proportional to your TV size. A soundbar that is too small or too large can detract from the viewing experience.

Another factor to consider is the type of connectivity options the soundbar offers. Most soundbars come with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to stream audio wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet. Some soundbars also come with HDMI ports, which can be used to connect to your TV or other devices.

We spent several hours researching and testing various soundbars to identify the best soundbar for a TV. In the next section, we’ll share our top picks and explain why we think they are the best options on the market.

Best Soundbars for Your TV

Looking for an immersive sound experience while watching your favorite movies or TV shows? A soundbar can be a great addition to your home entertainment system. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the best soundbars for your TV. Our team has researched and tested various soundbars to bring you the top picks that deliver exceptional sound quality, easy setup, and compatibility with most TVs. Check out our list below to find the perfect soundbar for your needs.

Bose TV Speaker

If you’re looking to enhance your TV sound quality without breaking the bank, the Bose TV Speaker is a great option to consider.

Pros

• Clarifies speech and improves overall TV sound
• Wide, spacious sound from a compact soundbar
• Simple setup and easy to use remote control

Cons

• Limited bass depth
• Only one HDMI input
• Wall brackets sold separately

We were impressed with how the Bose TV Speaker clarifies speech and elevates vocals, making it easier to understand dialogue. The soundbar also delivers a wide, spacious sound that enhances the overall TV sound experience. Setting up the Bose TV Speaker is a breeze, with only a single connection needed via an optical audio cable or an HDMI cable (sold separately). The compact size of the soundbar makes it easy to place in front of your TV or mount to a wall (with wall brackets sold separately).

While the Bose TV Speaker delivers clear sound, it lacks depth in the bass. Additionally, it only has one HDMI input, which may be limiting if you have multiple devices you want to connect. However, the Bluetooth connectivity allows you to pair your device and wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. The remote control is easy to use and allows you to enable “dialogue mode” for further speech clarification or add a bass boost for more depth.

Overall, the Bose TV Speaker is a great option for those looking to enhance their TV sound quality without spending a fortune.

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth, (HTS100F)

If you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-set-up soundbar that delivers great sound quality, the Sony S100F is a great choice.

Pros

• Straightforward set-up process
• Deep, rich sound with Bass Reflex speaker
• Slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces

Cons

• Limited connectivity options
• No Wi-Fi connectivity
• No support for Dolby Atmos

We were impressed by the Sony S100F’s ability to deliver high-quality sound in a compact package. The soundbar is easy to set up, with HDMI ARC connectivity making it simple to connect to your TV. The Bass Reflex speaker delivers deep, rich sound, while the slim design means it won’t take up too much space in your living room.

One area where the Sony S100F falls short is connectivity options. While it does support Bluetooth, it doesn’t have Wi-Fi connectivity, which means you won’t be able to stream music from services like Spotify or Apple Music directly to the soundbar. Additionally, the S100F doesn’t support Dolby Atmos, which may be a dealbreaker for some users.

Overall, the Sony S100F is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact, easy-to-set-up soundbar that delivers great sound quality. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-end models, it’s a solid performer that won’t break the bank.

Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar

If you want to upgrade your home theater experience with a soundbar that delivers exceptional contrast and clarity, the Polk Audio Signa S2 is an excellent choice. With patented Voice Adjust technology and Dolby Digital decoding, you’ll enjoy immersive, performance-tuned surround sound. Plus, the included wireless subwoofer provides deep bass impact, and you can stream your favorite music through Bluetooth directly from your smartphone, tablet, or any other compatible device.

Pros

• Beautiful, rich sound with deep bass
• Polk’s exclusive Voice Adjust technology maximizes sound clarity
• Easy to wall-mount or place in front of your TV

Cons

• Subwoofer power cord could be longer
• Optical cord has a specific shape and must be plugged in correctly
• Some users have reported connectivity issues with Bluetooth

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar, and we were impressed with its performance. The sound quality is excellent, with clear dialogue and deep, rich bass. We also appreciated the slim design, which makes it easy to place in front of your TV without blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor.

Setting up the soundbar was a breeze, thanks to the included HDMI and optical cables. We were up and listening in minutes, and we appreciated the numerous connection possibilities, including HDMI ARC, optical input, and AUX. We also liked the ability to wirelessly stream music from our favorite apps like Pandora and Spotify.

Overall, we highly recommend the Polk Audio Signa S2 soundbar for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater experience. It delivers exceptional sound quality and is easy to set up and use.

BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Soundbar

If you’re looking for a soundbar that delivers great sound quality, then the BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Soundbar is a great option.

Pros

• The noise-free technology ensures that every layer of audio is delivered flawlessly, providing exceptional clarity and zero distortion.
• The quad built-in 3-inch imported and advanced full-range drivers, dual high-sensitivity spherical silk film tweeter drivers, and twin craftsman-processed bass reflex tubes deliver rock-solid sound.
• The remote control allows you to switch between dialogue, movie, and music modes to tailor the sound output to your entertainment, and the bass and treble can be adjusted to your liking.

Cons

• The remote control is not compatible with universal or TV remotes.
• The soundbar may not be compatible with all TV models.
• Some users have reported issues with the soundbar switching to ARC within seconds of connecting to AUX or Bluetooth.

We were impressed with the BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Soundbar’s sound quality and noise-free technology. The soundbar’s extended length of 40 inches is meticulously designed for your smart TV and sweet home. The DSP technology provides three different modes (Movie, Music, Dialog) for your option. We found the soundbar easy to set up, and the bass, mid, and treble give the bar a full sound for the price.

The soundbar’s HDMI-ARC connectivity allows for easy connection to your TV, and it also supports OPTICAL, AUX, and USB wired audio input to connect with your TV/Phone/DVD/Game Console. The soundbar is wall mountable, making it a great space-saving option.

Overall, we highly recommend the BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Soundbar for anyone looking for a budget-friendly soundbar that delivers great sound quality and features.

Bose Smart Soundbar 600

We highly recommend the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 for anyone who wants to elevate their home entertainment experience with immersive sound and voice control capabilities.

Pros

• The Dolby Atmos, TrueSpace technology, and upward firing transducers deliver a shockingly immersive sound experience for all your movies, TV shows, and music.
• Bose TrueSpace technology intelligently analyzes signals other than Dolby Atmos, like stereo or 5.1, and upmixes them to create an immersive multi-channel sound experience.
• The soundbar is packed with technology, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in compatibility, letting you stream content anyway you want.

Cons

• The soundbar is a bit pricey compared to other options on the market.
• The included remote is small and may be easily lost.
• The soundbar may not fit well in smaller rooms due to its size.

The Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a soundbar that delivers an immersive sound experience. The Dolby Atmos, TrueSpace technology, and upward firing transducers work together to create a multi-dimensional sound that puts you right in the middle of the action. We were impressed by how the soundbar intelligently analyzed signals other than Dolby Atmos to create an immersive multi-channel sound experience.

Setting up the soundbar was a breeze, and we appreciated the step-by-step instructions in the Bose Music app. The app also allowed us to manage voice control, Bose Wi-Fi enabled products, update software, and more. The soundbar also comes with an included remote, but we found it small and easy to lose.

The soundbar’s compatibility with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in allowed us to stream content any way we wanted. We also appreciated the Bose SimpleSync technology, which allowed us to pair the soundbar with compatible Bose products for sound that follows us.

Overall, the Bose Smart Soundbar 600 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a soundbar that delivers an immersive sound experience and voice control capabilities. It may be a bit pricey compared to other options on the market, but we believe the sound quality and features make it worth the investment.

ULTIMEA 5.1 Surround Sound Bar

If you’re looking for a powerful and customizable soundbar that can bring your TV watching experience to the next level, then the ULTIMEA 5.1 Surround Sound Bar is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• Immersive Surround Sound by SurroundX Technology
• Include 2 Surround Sound Rear Speakers
• Customized Bass and Surround Sound

Cons

• Some customers have reported issues with the remote control
• The subwoofer can be a bit bulky
• The setup process can be a bit tricky

We were blown away by the immersive surround sound provided by the SurroundX technology. The ULTIMEA soundbar uses aerospace-grade magnets to deliver clear and distinct surround sound that really makes the sound move around you. Plus, the volume of the rear surround speakers can be adjusted to 3 levels by pressing the surround button on the remote.

We also loved the fact that this 5.1 channel soundbar comes with 2 rear speakers and 1 subwoofer, which really brings the cinematic experience to your living room. The 19.6 feet cable used to connect the surround speakers to the subwoofer means that you can place the speakers anywhere you like.

The customized bass and surround sound options are a great feature that allows you to completely control your audio environment. With 3 different models for movie, dialogue, and music, you can switch it to any mode with just one press on the remote controller.

However, some customers have reported issues with the remote control, so that’s something to keep in mind. The subwoofer can also be a bit bulky, which might be an issue if you have limited space. Finally, the setup process can be a bit tricky, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

Overall, we highly recommend the ULTIMEA 5.1 Surround Sound Bar for anyone looking to take their TV watching experience to the next level.

LG S40T 2.1 ch.Sound Bar with Bluetooth Connectivity

If you’re looking for an affordable soundbar with excellent sound quality, the LG S40T is a great choice.

Pros

• The LG S40T delivers a big audio punch with its 400W wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers, making it perfect for immersive movie-watching experiences.
• The Dolby Audio technology provides an unparalleled immersive journey, giving you an unforgettable listening experience with your favorite entertainment.
• The LG S40T features LG’s new crest design that gives the soundbar a sleek and stylish look, making it a great addition to any living room.

Cons

• Some users have reported interference with their 5GHz Wi-Fi band when using the LG S40T, which can be a problem if you rely heavily on Wi-Fi for your internet connection.
• The Bluetooth connection can drop every 30 minutes, which can be frustrating when you’re in the middle of a movie or TV show.
• The LG S40T can be a bit boomy when using Bluetooth, which can be a problem if you prefer a more balanced sound.

We were impressed with the LG S40T’s sound quality, which was clear and crisp even at high volumes. The wireless subwoofer and wireless rear speakers provide a big audio punch without taking up too much space, making it perfect for smaller living rooms. We also appreciated the Dolby Audio technology, which provided an immersive listening experience that made us feel like we were part of the action.

The LG S40T’s design is sleek and stylish, with a metal grill that helps keep dust and debris out of the soundbar for worry-free audio enjoyment. We also appreciated the convenience of the WOW interface, which allows you to control your soundbar and LG TV with one remote. The Clear Voice Plus technology also made it easy to hear clear conversations in movies and shows, even in noisy environments.

Overall, we would recommend the LG S40T to anyone looking for an affordable soundbar with excellent sound quality. While there are some minor issues with interference and Bluetooth connectivity, these are outweighed by the LG S40T’s many positive features.

OXS Sound Bars for TV, Home Theater Audio with Built-in Subwoofer, 3D Surround Sound System TV Sound Bar, TV Speakers, Bluetooth 5.0/Aux/Optical/Coaxial, 80-Watt, 3Eqs, Wall Mountable S3

If you’re looking for a soundbar that can enhance your TV’s audio quality, the OXS S3 Soundbar for TV is a great option.

Pros

• Enhanced Dialogue Technology makes details stand out
• Cinematic 3D Surround Sound with built-in DSP technology
• 3 Sound Modes via Remote Control for high-quality music and gaming experiences

Cons

• May require switching audio to PMC for the optical connection to work on some TVs
• Remote control may not last long
• Soundbar needs to be turned off separately

We were impressed by the OXS S3’s enhanced dialogue technology that made every dialogue crystal clear. The soundbar also delivered cinematic 3D surround sound with its built-in DSP technology, making every movie we watched unforgettable. Additionally, the soundbar’s 3 sound modes via remote control allowed us to adjust the audio performance to our liking.

However, we did encounter some issues with the soundbar. We had to switch the audio to PMC for the optical connection to work on our Samsung TV, which was a bit inconvenient. The remote control also didn’t last long, and we had to replace it after a few months. Lastly, we found it a bit annoying that we had to turn the soundbar off separately.

Overall, the OXS S3 Soundbar for TV is a solid choice for enhancing your TV’s audio quality. However, it may require a bit of troubleshooting and maintenance to get the most out of it.

Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar

If you’re looking for a versatile soundbar that can enhance your listening, viewing, and gaming experience, the Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar is a great choice. With its DTS Virtual: X technology, included subwoofer, and bass boost feature, you can enjoy an elevated and immersive home theater experience. The Adaptive Sound Lite ensures that voices come through clearly, while the Game Mode optimizes gaming with synced, directional audio.

Pros

• The DTS Virtual: X technology creates spacious 3D sound, putting you at the center of the action for an immersive home theater experience.
• The included subwoofer delivers rich, powerful bass, elevating the action and taking things to the next level.
• The bass boost feature allows you to feel the depth of distant thunder, taking your listening experience to another level.

Cons

• Requires a Bluetooth compatible TV.
• Optional Samsung speakers sold separately.
• The treble may not be adjustable to your liking.

We found the Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar to be easy to set up and install. The included subwoofer connected with no effort, and it took us a minute to find the settings for center and bass/treble, as well as the modes, but once we got it into Dolby Digital, it was smooth sailing. The sound quality is impressive, and the bass is particularly powerful.

One of the standout features of this soundbar is the Game Mode, which optimizes your gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio that moves with the onscreen action. This eliminates distractions, so you can hear better and play harder. We also appreciated the Adaptive Sound Lite, which dynamically optimizes audio and enhances voice clarity, making it easier to follow along with action-packed games and blockbuster films.

The Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar comes with a do-it-all remote that controls both your Samsung TV and soundbar, helping you streamline your home entertainment setup. The Bluetooth multi-connection feature allows you to hear your TV’s audio through your soundbar without any cables, while the Night Mode lets you enjoy stellar sound even when others are sleeping.

Overall, we highly recommend the Samsung HW-C450 Soundbar for anyone looking to enhance their home theater experience. With its powerful bass, immersive sound, and gaming-optimized features, it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to take their entertainment to the next level.

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar

If you’re looking for a soundbar that’s easy to set up and delivers great sound quality, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The dual speakers provide fuller sound, clearer dialogue, and deeper bass.
• Enjoy a three-dimensional virtual surround sound experience with DTS Virtual and more detail with Dolby Audio.
• Easy setup with just a plug-in HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your TV to instantly enjoy audio that’s always in sync.

Cons

• The device is made from 18% recycled materials (power adapter and cable not included).
• The soundbar works with smart TVs and TVs connected to streaming media players but may not be compatible with all TV models.
• The audio power is 2x20W, which may not be enough for larger rooms or if you prefer a louder sound.

We were impressed with the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar’s compact design, which fits most entertainment consoles and TV stands. The device is also Fire TV Ready and designed to work seamlessly with Fire TV, allowing for control of your TV and audio with one remote. The soundbar also supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to connect your phone or tablet to fill the room with your favorite music.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar also comes with EQ modes for Movies, Music, and Dialogue, allowing you to customize the sound to your preferences. The device is lightweight, weighing only 3.97 lbs, and has a length of 24“ and a height of just 2.5“, making it easy to move around or mount on the wall.

Overall, we highly recommend the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar for those looking for an easy-to-use, compact, and high-quality soundbar.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best soundbar for your TV, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve put together a list of important factors to keep in mind when making your purchase.

Sound Quality

The primary reason for purchasing a soundbar is to improve the audio quality of your TV. Look for a soundbar that offers clear and balanced sound with a good range of frequencies. A soundbar with a built-in subwoofer can provide deeper bass and a more immersive experience.

Connectivity

Make sure the soundbar you choose is compatible with your TV and other devices. Most soundbars connect via HDMI, optical cable, or Bluetooth. Some models also offer Wi-Fi connectivity for streaming music and other content.

Size and Design

Consider the size of your TV and the space where you’ll be placing the soundbar. A soundbar that is too small may not provide enough sound, while a soundbar that is too large may be overwhelming. Look for a design that complements your TV and fits seamlessly into your home theater setup.

Additional Features

Some soundbars come with additional features such as voice control, built-in streaming services, and virtual surround sound. While these features can be convenient, they may not be necessary for everyone. Consider which features are most important to you and your viewing habits.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best soundbar for your TV and enjoy a more immersive viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top features to look for in a soundbar for enhancing TV audio?

When looking for a soundbar to enhance your TV audio, there are a few key features to consider. Look for a soundbar with multiple audio channels, such as 2.1 or 5.1, to provide a more immersive experience. Also, consider the soundbar’s connectivity options, such as HDMI or Bluetooth, to ensure compatibility with your TV and other devices. Additionally, look for soundbars with built-in equalizers or sound modes to customize the audio to your preferences.

How does a subwoofer improve the soundbar experience for home theaters?

A subwoofer is a separate speaker designed to handle low-frequency sounds, such as bass and drums. Adding a subwoofer to your soundbar setup can significantly improve the overall audio quality, providing a more balanced and impactful sound. The subwoofer can also help to reduce distortion and improve clarity, particularly for action-packed movies and music.

Can you recommend a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience?

If you’re looking for an immersive audio experience, consider a soundbar that supports Dolby Atmos. This technology creates a three-dimensional sound field, allowing sounds to move around and above you for a more realistic and immersive experience. Some popular soundbars that support Dolby Atmos include the Sonos Arc, Samsung HW-Q950T, and LG SN11RG.

What are some high-quality yet affordable soundbars available in the market?

There are several high-quality yet affordable soundbars available in the market. Some popular options include the Vizio V-Series V51-H6, Yamaha YAS-209, and JBL Bar 2.1. These soundbars offer great sound quality and features at a reasonable price point, making them a great option for budget-conscious buyers.

Should I consider matching the brand of my soundbar to my TV for better compatibility?

While it’s not necessary to match the brand of your soundbar to your TV, it can help to ensure better compatibility and ease of use. Some TV manufacturers, such as Samsung and LG, offer soundbars that are specifically designed to work seamlessly with their TVs. However, most soundbars are compatible with a wide range of TVs, so it’s not essential to match brands.

What soundbar models are known for their exceptional performance with music playback?

If you’re looking for a soundbar that excels at music playback, consider options with high-quality speakers and built-in music streaming services. Some popular options include the Bose Soundbar 700, Sonos Beam, and Yamaha MusicCast Bar 400. These soundbars offer exceptional sound quality and a range of features specifically designed for music playback.