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10 Best Affordable Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

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

The Bose TV Speaker is an affordable soundbar designed to enhance your TV's audio in a simple and effective way. Its compact size (just over 2 inches tall) allows for easy placement in front of your TV or wall mounting, making it a versatile option for various setups. This soundbar features 2 angled full-range drivers that provide a wide and natural sound, which helps create a more immersive and realistic audio experience for your TV shows and movies.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,347
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer
Size and Design

Most important from
12640 reviews

Connectivity Options
The Bose TV Speaker offers superior sound quality and is incredibly easy to set up via optical cable.
Subwoofer
Even without the subwoofer, the bass quality is impressive and well-balanced.
Size and Design
The compact design seamlessly integrates with various TV setups, enhancing the audio experience significantly.
#2
9.6 score

VIZIO 5.1.2 Elevate SE Soundbar, Wireless Subwoofer, Surround Sound w/Dolby Atmos & DTS:X, Bluetooth Speaker, QuickFit™ Compatible – SL512X-08 (New, 2024 Model)

The VIZIO Elevate SE 5.1.2 Soundbar stands out with its advanced audio capabilities, making it a strong contender in the affordable sound bar category. With 5.1.2 audio channels, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a rich, immersive sound experience. The innovative adaptive height speakers enhance the cinematic feel by reflecting sound off the ceiling. Its wireless subwoofer adds depth to the bass without cluttering your space with wires. The soundbar boasts a maximum output power of 185 watts, ensuring powerful sound delivery suitable for typical home use.

Rating
9.6
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
163 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundbar's Dolby Atmos and DTS:X capabilities deliver an immersive sound experience that makes movies and music come alive.
Connectivity Options
Setting up the soundbar is straightforward, with minimal fuss thanks to modern eARC and CEC technology.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer provides excellent bass depth without adding clutter, enhancing the overall audio experience.
Sound Modes
Despite the lack of a physical remote, the VIZIO mobile app serves as an effective remote control, allowing easy toggling between music and video modes.
Size and Design
The soundbar integrates seamlessly with VIZIO TVs, blending well aesthetically and hiding most of the wiring for a clean setup.
#3
9.3 score

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, Surround Sound System for TV, Dolby Atmos Soundbar for TV Plus Alexa and Google Voice Control, Black

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers a high-quality audio experience with its 3.1 surround sound channel configuration, making it a good fit for home entertainment and TV audio enhancement. With Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology, it delivers an immersive sound experience by placing sounds in different parts of the room. The inclusion of six transducers, including two upward-firing dipole speakers, enhances the surround sound effect, making it feel like the sound is coming from all directions, including overhead.

Rating
9.3
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Power Output

Most important from
575 reviews

Audio Channels
Support for Dolby Atmos and upfiring speakers creates an immersive sound environment, making effects like rainfall feel incredibly real.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly simple, requiring just a single cable to connect to the television.
Power Output
The sound is loud enough for any size room, making it feel like you're in an enhanced movie setting.
Subwoofer
Premium look and feel, with the option to add wireless rear speakers and a bass module for an even richer audio experience.
Sound Modes
The Bose Music Control app offers extensive control options, including the Adaptiq automatic room calibration system.
Size and Design
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is beautifully built and finished, providing phenomenal sound quality in a compact design.

Top 10 Best Affordable Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

#1

Winner

9.8 score

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

Audio Channels: 2.0
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX
Subwoofer: Compatible with Bose Bass Module 500/700
Sound Modes: Dialogue mode, Bass boost mode
Size and Design: 4.02"D x 23.38"W x 2.21"H

Chosen by 1347 this week

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar, Surround Sound System for TV, Dolby Atmos Soundbar for TV Plus Alexa and Google Voice Control, Black

Audio Channels: 3.1
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI eARC, Optical
Power Output: 180 Watts
Subwoofer: Wireless
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, Bose TrueSpace, A.I. Dialogue
Size and Design: 4.21"D x 41.14"W x 2.29"H
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Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Sound Bars

Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. When selecting an affordable sound bar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best value for your money. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision that matches your needs and preferences.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that a 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 adds rear speakers for a surround sound experience. If you primarily watch TV shows and movies, a 3.1 or 5.1 channel sound bar can provide a more immersive experience. For casual listening or smaller spaces, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel may suffice.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your sound bar to other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC allows for high-quality audio and easy control with your TV remote. Optical input also provides good audio quality but requires a separate remote. Bluetooth is convenient for wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets, while AUX is a simple wired connection. Consider your primary use case: if you want to connect multiple devices or stream wirelessly, look for a sound bar with versatile connectivity options.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, indicates the sound bar's loudness and overall audio performance. Higher wattage generally means louder and clearer sound. For small to medium-sized rooms, a sound bar with 100-200 watts should be sufficient. For larger spaces or if you prefer louder audio, look for a sound bar with 200 watts or more. Your listening habits and room size will guide you in choosing the right power output.
SubwooferA subwoofer enhances the bass frequencies, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music, action movies, or gaming, a sound bar with a dedicated subwoofer can significantly improve your experience. For general TV watching or if space is limited, a built-in subwoofer may be adequate.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, news, or sports. These modes adjust the audio balance to enhance dialogue clarity, bass, or overall sound quality. If you watch a variety of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes to easily switch between settings and get the best audio experience for each type of content.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar should complement your TV and fit well in your living space. Sound bars come in various lengths and styles, from compact models to larger, more elaborate designs. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and ensure it won't block your TV screen or interfere with other devices. Additionally, consider the aesthetic appeal and how it matches your home decor. A well-designed sound bar can enhance both your audio experience and the overall look of your entertainment setup.

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