Sound bars offer a simple way to improve your TV’s audio quality. Many modern TVs have thin designs that leave little space for good speakers. This can lead to flat, tinny sound that doesn’t match the quality of the picture.
A sound bar fills this gap by providing better audio in a compact package.
These devices are long, slim speakers that sit below or in front of your TV. They often include multiple speaker drivers to create a wider soundstage. Some sound bars come with separate subwoofers for deeper bass. Others have built-in subwoofers.
Many also offer virtual surround sound effects to make your movies and shows more immersive.
When choosing a sound bar, pay attention to its size, connectivity options, and extra features. Make sure it fits your TV stand and has the right inputs for your devices.
Some bars offer smart features like voice control or music streaming. Your budget and room size will also affect which model is best for you.
We tested dozens of sound bars to find the ones that deliver the best audio quality and value for different setups and needs.
Best Sound Bars for TV
You’ll find our top picks for TV sound bars below. These devices boost your TV’s audio quality and provide a more immersive viewing experience. We’ve selected options to fit different budgets and room sizes.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar
You’ll get a big sound boost for your TV without breaking the bank with this compact and easy-to-use soundbar.
Pros
- Simple setup with HDMI cable
- Virtual surround sound
- Bluetooth for music streaming
Cons
- Only 2.0 channels
- Limited EQ options
- No subwoofer included
This soundbar packs a punch for its size. At just 24 inches long, it fits nicely under most TVs. You’ll notice clearer voices and deeper bass right away.
The virtual surround sound makes movies more exciting.
Setting it up is a breeze. Just plug in the HDMI cable, and you’re good to go.
The remote is easy to use, letting you control both the TV and sound. You can pick from three sound modes: Movies, Music, and Dialogue.
Music lovers will like the Bluetooth feature. You can play songs from your phone through the speakers.
While it’s not as powerful as bigger systems, it’s a big step up from built-in TV speakers. For the price, you get good value and better TV sound.
Echo Pop Smart Speaker
The Echo Pop is a compact and capable smart speaker that packs a punch for its size.
Pros
- Small and stylish design
- Good sound quality for its size
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Limited bass response
- No screen for visual information
- Requires constant power connection
The Echo Pop is a tiny powerhouse that fits almost anywhere in your home. Its small size makes it perfect for bedside tables, kitchen counters, or any spot where space is tight.
When you first set it up, you’ll be amazed at how quick and easy it is to get started.
Sound quality is surprisingly good for such a small speaker. While it won’t replace your main stereo system, it’s more than enough for casual listening in smaller rooms.
You can ask Alexa to play your favorite tunes, and the audio is clear and crisp.
Bass lovers might find it a bit lacking, but for most people, it’s just right.
One of the best things about the Echo Pop is how it can make your life easier. You can use voice commands to set timers, check the weather, or control smart home devices.
The mic picks up your voice well, even from across the room. If you’re worried about privacy, there’s a mic-off button for peace of mind.
Bose TV Sound Enhancer
The Bose TV Speaker is a solid choice if you want better TV sound without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Improves dialogue clarity
- Easy setup
- Compact design
Cons
- Limited bass response
- No surround sound
- Lacks advanced features
The Bose TV Speaker packs a punch for its small size. At just over 2 inches tall, it fits neatly in front of your TV without blocking the screen.
Setup is a breeze – you can connect it to your TV with the included optical cable or an HDMI cable in minutes.
Sound quality is where this little speaker shines. It makes voices much clearer, so you won’t miss important dialogue in your favorite shows.
The two angled drivers spread sound nicely across the room. While it’s not as immersive as a full surround system, it’s a big step up from built-in TV speakers.
Bass is okay for casual TV watching, but don’t expect deep rumbles during action movies.
The remote lets you boost bass or turn on dialogue mode for even clearer speech. You can also use it as a Bluetooth speaker for music. If you want more oomph later, you can add a Bose subwoofer.
Sony S100F Compact Soundbar
You should buy this soundbar if you want better TV audio in a small space without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Clear dialogue
- Easy setup
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Limited bass
- No surround sound
- Basic features
The Sony S100F is a neat little soundbar that fits well in tight spots. It’s super easy to set up – just plug it in and you’re good to go.
The sound is much better than your TV speakers. You can hear voices clearly, which is great for movies and shows.
This soundbar is pretty simple. It doesn’t have fancy features, but it does the job.
You can connect your phone with Bluetooth to play music. The remote is easy to use, so you can adjust the volume from your couch.
While it’s not the most powerful soundbar, it’s a big step up from built-in TV speakers. The bass isn’t very strong, and you won’t get surround sound.
But for the price, it’s a solid choice if you want better audio without spending too much.
MZEIBO 60W TV Sound Bar
You’ll get a big sound upgrade for your TV with this affordable and versatile soundbar.
Pros
- Easy setup with multiple connection options
- Can split into two tower speakers
- Good sound quality for the price
Cons
- Bass could be stronger
- Remote feels a bit cheap
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
This MZEIBO soundbar packs a punch for its size. When you first plug it in, you’ll notice how simple it is to set up.
You can use the optical cable, HDMI ARC, or even Bluetooth to connect it to your TV. The sound fills the room nicely, making movie nights much more fun.
One cool feature is that you can split the soundbar into two tower speakers. This gives you more options for placement in your room.
The sound quality is pretty good, especially for dialogue in TV shows. Music sounds clear too, though bass lovers might want a bit more oomph.
The remote control works well, but it feels a bit light in your hand. You can switch between different sound modes for movies, music, and news.
This helps tailor the audio to what you’re watching. While it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, the Bluetooth connection is stable for playing tunes from your phone.
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus
You’ll enjoy a big upgrade to your TV audio with this easy-to-use soundbar that packs a punch.
Pros
- Built-in bass for deep sound
- Clear dialogue with dedicated center channel
- Dolby Atmos and DTS
for immersive audio
Cons
- Large size may not fit all TV setups
- No voice assistant built-in
- Limited EQ options
This soundbar is a breeze to set up. You just plug in the HDMI cable, and you’re ready to go.
The sound quality is a huge step up from basic TV speakers. Voices come through crisp and clear, so you won’t miss any important dialogue in your shows.
The built-in bass gives movies and music more depth without needing a separate subwoofer.
It’s not earth-shaking, but it adds nice richness to the sound. The Dolby Atmos and DTS
You can pick from different sound modes for movies, music, sports, and night-time viewing.
These help tune the audio to fit what you’re watching. The night mode is handy if you don’t want to disturb others.
You can also stream music from your phone through Bluetooth, which is a nice bonus.
Buying Guide
Choosing a sound bar for your TV can be tricky. Here are some key things to look for:
Size
Pick a sound bar that fits your TV and space. Measure your TV’s width and choose a bar close to that size for the best look.
Channels
More channels mean better surround sound. A 2.1 system has left, right, and a subwoofer. A 5.1 adds center and rear speakers for fuller sound.
Connectivity
Check what inputs the sound bar has. HDMI is best for high-quality audio. Optical and coaxial are good too. Bluetooth lets you play music from your phone.
Features
Look for extras that fit your needs:
- Voice control
- Wall-mounting option
- Remote control
- Preset sound modes
Power Output
Higher wattage often means louder, clearer sound. But room size matters too. A small room doesn’t need as much power as a large one.
Price
Set a budget before you shop. Sound bars range from under $100 to over $1000. More money usually means better sound, but there are good options at all price points.
Try to listen to the sound bar before you buy. This helps you pick one that sounds good to your ears.