10 Best Affordable Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

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.

Additionally, it is particularly good at elevating and clarifying dialogue, which is beneficial for those who have trouble hearing speech clearly on their TV speakers. The soundbar comes with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music and podcasts from your devices. The setup is user-friendly, requiring just one connection through either an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately). The included remote control offers convenient access to a dialogue mode for enhanced speech clarity and a bass boost mode for added depth in the audio.

Despite its strengths, the Bose TV Speaker does have some limitations. It does not come with a built-in subwoofer, although it is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700, which are sold separately. This means that while the soundbar itself provides improved audio over standard TV speakers, it may lack the deep bass that some users might desire without additional investment. The connectivity options include Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical in, and AUX in, but it lacks more advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity or smart assistant integration. The Bose TV Speaker is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and straightforward soundbar that enhances TV audio with clear dialogue and natural sound, though it may require additional components for users seeking enhanced bass performance.

The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE is designed to enhance your home audio experience, especially if you're watching movies or playing games. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it aims to immerse you in surround sound, making it an appealing choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV's audio without breaking the bank. The soundbar features three full-range speakers and a wireless subwoofer, providing a robust 180 watts of power, which is impressive for its size and ideal for medium to large rooms.

One of the standout features is its QuickFit mounting option, which allows it to attach seamlessly to compatible VIZIO TVs without tools, enhancing both practicality and aesthetics. The Bluetooth connectivity also makes it easy to stream music from your smartphone, giving it versatile use beyond just TV audio.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Notably, the soundbar remote control is not included, meaning you'll need to use your TV remote or the VIZIO mobile app to control the volume. This might be inconvenient for some users who prefer a dedicated remote. Additionally, while the sound quality is commendable, it may not fully satisfy audiophiles looking for high-end sound performance. The absence of an optical output may pose compatibility issues with some older TVs, but VIZIO provides support for alternative connections.

The Samsung HW-Q990C is a powerful soundbar designed to enhance your home audio experience, particularly for movie lovers and gamers. With an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup, it offers immersive Dolby Atmos sound, ensuring that audio envelops you from all directions. This can be especially enjoyable when watching movies with dynamic soundscapes or playing video games that benefit from 3D sound effects.

One of its standout features is the Q-Symphony technology, which allows it to work seamlessly with Samsung TVs, making for a more synchronized and rich audio experience. The included rear speakers add depth to the sound, effectively creating a surround sound experience without the hassle of additional wiring. The SpaceFit Sound Pro technology is another highlight—it automatically calibrates the sound based on your room's acoustics, which can help optimize your listening experience. Additionally, the Adaptive Sound feature ensures that dialogue is clearer, even at lower volumes, which is great for late-night movie sessions.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. First, it's relatively bulky at nearly 23 pounds and may require a dedicated space in your living room. While the sound quality is exceptional, it may be more expensive than some budget-friendly soundbars, but it does come packed with features that justify the price for serious audio enthusiasts. Also, the wireless capabilities, while convenient, might occasionally lead to connectivity issues, depending on your home setup. For those who prioritize gaming, the Game Mode Pro feature is a nice touch, enhancing the audio experience during play. Yet, if you’re looking for a simple, no-frills soundbar just for basic TV watching, the HW-Q990C might be overkill. It is an excellent choice for users looking for an immersive soundbar that excels in home theater setups but may not be the best fit for those seeking a straightforward audio upgrade.