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10 Best Affordable Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater 11 Speaker Soundbar, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, Dolby Vision, HDMI 2.1 (HT-A8000)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,190
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
335 reviews

Audio Channels
Even without a center channel, the phantom center generated by the Quad works perfectly, offering excellent front and center imaging.
Connectivity Options
The integration with Sony TVs enhances the experience, especially with the acoustic center sync feature.
Subwoofer
The sound quality is impressive, with clear dialogue and distinct upper ranges, especially when paired with the compatible SW5 subwoofer.
Sound Modes
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad's spatial sound processing creates a seamless Dolby Atmos experience, rivaling full home theater systems.
Size and Design
Despite being a soundbar, it delivers good quality sound and a somewhat surround sound experience, fitting well in rooms where big speaker systems are not an option.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar offers an impressive sound experience with its 11-speaker system and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, making it a great choice for home theater enthusiasts. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing rich and immersive sound quality. With 495 watts of maximum output power, it can deliver a powerful performance suitable for both movies and gaming.

The soundbar includes various connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI 2.1, and compatibility with Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2, making it versatile for different streaming needs. Moreover, it allows wireless connection with an optional subwoofer and rear speakers for a customizable audio setup. The soundbar design is sleek and fits well under most TVs, and its integration with BRAVIA TVs simplifies control and setup.

The lack of an included subwoofer may be a downside for those looking for deep bass right out of the box. Additionally, at 43.3 inches, it may be too large for smaller TV setups. While it is not waterproof, it is designed for indoor use. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar is best suited for those who seek an enhanced home theater experience with the flexibility to customize their audio setup.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,190
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
335 reviews

Audio Channels
Even without a center channel, the phantom center generated by the Quad works perfectly, offering excellent front and center imaging.
Connectivity Options
The integration with Sony TVs enhances the experience, especially with the acoustic center sync feature.
Subwoofer
The sound quality is impressive, with clear dialogue and distinct upper ranges, especially when paired with the compatible SW5 subwoofer.
Sound Modes
The Sony BRAVIA Theater Quad's spatial sound processing creates a seamless Dolby Atmos experience, rivaling full home theater systems.
Size and Design
Despite being a soundbar, it delivers good quality sound and a somewhat surround sound experience, fitting well in rooms where big speaker systems are not an option.
#2

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

Rating
9.7
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer
Size and Design

Most important from
13001 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.

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.

Rating
9.7
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer
Size and Design

Most important from
13001 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.
#3

Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, White, Bundle with Bass Module 700 and 2X Surround Speakers 700 and H&A HDMI Cable

Rating
8.8
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
22 reviews

Audio Channels
Delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience that truly elevates movies, games, and music with clear, detailed surround sound.
Connectivity Options
Setup is remarkably straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes with wireless pairing for the bass module and surround speakers.
Subwoofer
The bass module produces impressively deep and loud low frequencies for its size, enhancing the overall sound experience.
Sound Modes
The Bose app offers intuitive and fast control over bass, treble, and other sound settings, often preferred over the remote.

The Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar bundle is a strong choice for those seeking an immersive home audio experience without complicated setup. This system includes a soundbar, a powerful Bass Module 700 subwoofer, and two Surround Speakers 700, delivering a 5.1.2 channel setup that supports Dolby Atmos. This means you get clear, detailed sound with impressive depth and surround effects, making movies, games, and music feel more lifelike. Connectivity is flexible with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI eARC, allowing easy wireless streaming and high-quality wired connections, which is convenient for most modern devices.

The powerful bass module adds strong low-end impact, enhancing the overall sound experience. The soundbar and speakers have a clean white design and are meant for shelf mounting, fitting well into many living spaces. This bundle is on the heavier side at 59 pounds, so placement may require some effort. It’s also not water-resistant, so it’s best suited for indoor use only.

The price might be above some other affordable soundbars, reflecting its premium features, and the system relies on a wired connection for the subwoofer, which could limit placement flexibility. For those wanting a simple-to-use, high-quality surround sound setup with modern wireless options and deep bass, this Bose bundle represents a great pick for home theater enthusiasts looking to upgrade from basic soundbars.

Rating
8.8
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
22 reviews

Audio Channels
Delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience that truly elevates movies, games, and music with clear, detailed surround sound.
Connectivity Options
Setup is remarkably straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes with wireless pairing for the bass module and surround speakers.
Subwoofer
The bass module produces impressively deep and loud low frequencies for its size, enhancing the overall sound experience.
Sound Modes
The Bose app offers intuitive and fast control over bass, treble, and other sound settings, often preferred over the remote.

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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