10 Best Budget Soundbars 2026 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar designed to enhance your TV viewing experience, particularly for those who find dialogue hard to understand. One of its standout features is the focus on clarifying speech, making it ideal for watching movies, shows, and sports. The two angled full-range drivers create a wide soundstage, providing a more immersive experience. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy streaming of music and podcasts from your devices, which adds versatility beyond just TV use.

Setting up the soundbar is straightforward, requiring just a single connection to your TV using either an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately). Its small size, at just over 2 inches tall, allows it to fit neatly in front of your TV or be mounted on a wall, although wall brackets are sold separately.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While the soundbar does an admirable job with dialogue, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer for deeper bass, although it can be expanded with a compatible Bose Bass Module, which is an additional purchase. Additionally, some users may find the remote control a bit limited in functionality, especially when it comes to sound modes. The power output is adequate for small to medium-sized rooms, but it might not satisfy those looking for powerful home theater sound.

The Samsung HW-B750D/ZA is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable soundbar that aims to deliver a richer home theater experience. It features a 5.1 channel setup, which means you get more immersive surround sound compared to basic stereo bars. The wireless subwoofer with bass boost does a good job of adding deep, punchy bass, which is great for movies and games. It supports Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X, technologies that enhance sound depth and create a more spacious feel without needing extra speakers. Adaptive Sound and Voice Enhance modes help make dialogue clearer, which is helpful if you often struggle to hear conversations well.

The soundbar also offers convenient Bluetooth multi-connection, so you can pair two devices at once — useful for sharing music from smartphones or tablets. Game Mode optimizes the audio for gaming, helping sounds sync more accurately with on-screen action. Design-wise, it’s slim and can be wall-mounted, fitting easily into most living rooms without taking up much space. On the downside, while the sound modes add versatility, the single power level and relatively modest power output mean it might not fill very large rooms with strong volume. It also lacks water resistance, so it’s strictly for indoor use.

This system is designed to pair best with Samsung TVs, especially since you can control both with one remote, but it still works well with other brands. If you want a budget-friendly soundbar that balances clear dialogue, decent bass, and multiple sound modes, the Samsung HW-B750D/ZA offers a well-rounded package without the complexity or high price of premium models.

The Samsung Q990D soundbar is a standout choice for those wanting a rich home theater experience without spending a fortune. It features an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup, including front, up-firing, and wireless rear speakers plus a powerful wireless subwoofer, which creates immersive, surround sound that fills the room. This makes it ideal for movies, TV shows, and gaming. The soundbar uses wireless Dolby Atmos technology, so you can enjoy advanced 3D sound without cluttering your space with cables.

Connectivity is versatile, offering Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and smart assistant integration like Alexa, Chromecast, and Airplay 2, making it easy to control and stream your favorite content. Samsung’s SpaceFit Sound Pro automatically adjusts audio to your room’s layout, ensuring clear and balanced sound without needing manual setup. The Adaptive Sound feature enhances voices and key sounds, which helps if you often watch at lower volumes or have difficulty hearing dialogue. Gamers will appreciate Game Mode Pro, which optimizes sound for an immersive experience.

The soundbar is quite large and heavy (over 50 pounds and almost 4 feet wide), so it requires sufficient space and may be tricky to mount or move. Although it offers many advanced features usually found in pricier models, this can make it somewhat complex to set up for beginners. It also requires a power cord and batteries for the remote, so it’s not completely wireless. For those seeking a budget-friendly soundbar that delivers premium, room-filling sound with modern smart features and surround capabilities, the Samsung Q990D presents a compelling option focused on home theater setups.