There’s a ton of content to consume on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, from movies to epic dramas spanning several seasons. Is your TV up to the task of delivering a theater-worthy experience or, at the very least, delivering clear and crisp audio during important dialogue? You don’t have to buy a whole new TV to achieve this, and the experts in the PCLabs have tested over 100 soundbars in their quest to find the perfect sound setup. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or catching up on your weekly scheduled programming, the tinny, built-in speakers on your television likely won’t deliver the audio clarity you’ll want. We’ve got an easy, affordable fix: a new soundbar.
There are some things to consider before making your new purchase: Brand is important, as some soundbars are more compatible with TVs of the same brand. LG doesn’t tend to play well with Sony, for example (a fact I learned the hard way when I purchased my LG C3 OLED). The first number in a model name, followed by ch, refers to the soundbar’s number of channels, and the more the better, especially if you’re aiming for a surround sound experience. Some soundbars come with a separate subwoofer and tweeters, though many have those built in so that you just have to worry about a single speaker.
Here are some soundbars that sound great and will save you some money (which also happens to sound great).
Best For Small Spaces
Sony HT-S100F Bluetooth 2.0ch Soundbar
at Amazon
$159.99
Save $41.99
If you’re in the market for something simple, this Sony HT-S100F will still broaden your sound horizons and is on sale for only $118. Two channels project sound with enhanced bass thanks to Bass Reflex, and the setup is as easy as plug-and-play via HDMI ARC. The slim profile can be wall-mounted and will fit under most televisions on a TV stand. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity gives you the option of connecting your mobile device to play music and the like.
Best for Fire TV Owners
3.0
Average
What Our Ratings Mean
- 5.0 – Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 – Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 – Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 – Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 – Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 – Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 – Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 – Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 – Dismal: Don’t even think about buying this product
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Amazon Fire TV Plus 3.1ch Soundbar
$179.99
at Amazon
$249.99
Save $70.00
Home entertainment expert Will Greenwald reviewed the Fire TV soundbar and found that it fell short. Still, the Fire TV Plus improves upon the original formula with a third channel and Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Thanks to customization settings available to select models, this is the perfect companion for the Amazon Fire TV line of televisions. Setup is simple: plug in your HDMI cable to the HDMI eARC/ARC port on your TV, and you’re ready to pump up the bass when listening to music or enjoy crisper dialogue when watching movies. Save 28% during this limited-time deal and break the sound barrier for less.
Recommended by Our Editors
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 9.2.4 With Dual Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers
$1,399.99
at Amazon
$1,899.99
Save $500.00
For those who want to go all out, this Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro has a whopping 9.2-channel system that will deliver a surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos support for booming bass and clear dialogue. It’s like having a movie theater right in your home, and you’ll be the envy of your neighbors when they hear what a great time you’re having on movie night. HDMI eArc, 3 HDMI inputs, Optical, Coaxial, 3.5mm Aux-in, and Bluetooth inputs enable you to connect a wide variety of electronics so that whatever you’re listening to at the moment can sound its best. Enjoy sonic summer savings of 26% on this cinema-worthy surround sound, money that won’t be wasted on overpriced concessions because you’ll never need to go to a theater again.
More Soundbar Deals to Consider
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
How Much Should a Soundbar Cost?
You can get a decent soundbar for as little as $100, though we wouldn’t recommend going lower than that. We would also advise sticking to recognizable brands, as a cheap, no-name brand may be more headache than it’s worth. Check out our list of The Best Soundbars for more details on brands, features, and suitable use cases.
What Is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Soundbars?
Typically, the more you spend on a soundbar, the better the audio performance and the more features you have at your disposal. Additionally, some soundbars are packaged with satellite speakers and/or a subwoofer, while others are a single bar. Pricier models add nice-to-have things like Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Wi-Fi audio, height channels, and more.
How Much Do You Need to Spend on a Soundbar?
That depends on your needs. A single soundbar is usually the cheapest option, though if you want punchier bass or a surround setup, you’ll probably want more speakers. If you’re not sure a soundbar is a good fit for your listening tastes, we recommend going into a showroom like Best Buy and taking a test listen before committing to a purchase. Be sure to consider how large your viewing space is and how close you typically sit to your television set.
What Is the Best Surround Sound Bar Under $300
Our expert rated the Vizio M-Series 5.1 (M51a-H6) highly as an affordable 5.1 soundbar system. We’ve seen sales drop its price as low as $259, but even at the current price ($298 at the time of publication), you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Is There Another Way I Can Improve My TV’s Sound Output?
Yes! Bluetooth speakers are a great option as well. However, they won’t deliver the same impact because they’re meant for a smaller computer monitor rather than a large TV. You might also consider some smart speakers, such as the Apple HomePod 2nd Gen, which supports Dolby Atmos playback.
Do I Need a Subwoofer to Produce Good Bass?
Soundbars can generate a finite range of frequencies from low-mid to high, but they don’t usually produce that punchy bass we crave when listening to music or watching action scenes. That’s where a subwoofer comes in. Many soundbars come packaged with a wireless subwoofer or include subwoofer outputs so you can add one later. Generally, the answer here is “Yes.”
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi: Which Is Better?
Bluetooth is easy to set up and allows you to connect to your mobile device in the same way you would a pair of headphones; however, Wi-Fi offers lossless audio due to its high bandwidth. If audio quality is most important to you, Wi-Fi is the way to go. If you prefer or require portability, however, Bluetooth lets you pair with your speaker wherever you are.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Buy a Soundbar on Sale?
The Black Friday holiday shopping season is easily the best time to purchase a soundbar. Not only are retailers keen to offer discounts, but they often drop prices to their lowest of the year. You can also find deals ahead of TV-focused cultural events, like the Super Bowl and NCAA basketball tournament.
Do Soundbars See Major Discounts During Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day?
Yes, absolutely. You’ll see the deepest discounts on soundbars during the Black Friday shopping weekend, but don’t count out Amazon Prime Day.
Which Brands Offer the Best Value Soundbar Deals?
The word “value” means different things here. There are numerous brands that make low-cost soundbars, and they include Creative, Hisense, LG, Roku, Samsung, Sony, TCL, Vizio, and others. That said, you’ll sometimes find low prices on midrange or high-end soundbars from market leaders like Bose and Sonos.
Are There Home Theater Bundles That Include Soundbars at a Discount?
Home theater device makers often bundle sets of speakers together that include soundbars, surrounds, and subwoofers. These deals often offer savings compared with buying all the speakers individually. You’ll find such package deals from Bose, LG, Polk, Sony, Sonos, and others.
About Jade Chung-Lee
Merchandising Associate
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About Eric Zeman
Managing Editor, Consumer Electronics
