10 Best Budget Soundbars 2025 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-C450 2.1ch Soundbar is a solid choice for a budget soundbar, especially for those looking to enhance their TV or gaming audio experience. Its 2.1 channel system, paired with the included subwoofer, delivers powerful bass and a more immersive sound. The DTS Virtual:X feature further enhances the listening experience by creating a spacious 3D sound effect, making you feel like you're in the center of the action.

Users will appreciate the Bass Boost feature which adds depth to the audio with just a tap, and the Adaptive Sound Lite feature that dynamically optimizes audio for better clarity across various content types, from movies to games. The dedicated Game Mode ensures that gamers get synchronized audio that aligns with on-screen actions, improving the gaming experience. The soundbar's Bluetooth connectivity allows for a wireless setup, making it easy to connect to your TV without the clutter of cables.

Additionally, the included remote simplifies control, letting you manage both your Samsung TV and soundbar with a single device. The soundbar is also ready for a wireless surround sound setup with optional Samsung speakers if you ever want to upgrade your system. It’s important to note that while the soundbar offers good sound quality and features for its price, it might not match up to more premium models in terms of sound richness and build quality. Additionally, the lack of HDMI connectivity might be a downside for some users looking for more versatile connection options. The design is fairly standard and may not stand out in terms of aesthetics. In conclusion, the SAMSUNG HW-C450 is best suited for budget-conscious users looking for a feature-rich soundbar with strong bass and good connectivity options.

The LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel OLED evo TV Matching Soundbar is designed to enhance your home theater experience, particularly for those who enjoy immersive sound. One of its key strengths is the premium 3-dimensional audio provided by Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which can truly elevate movie watching and gaming. The addition of wireless rear speakers allows for a flexible setup in various room sizes, and the up-firing center channel enhances dialogue clarity — a big plus for film lovers.

Another highlight is the WOW Orchestra feature, which seamlessly integrates the soundbar with LG TVs, allowing you to control everything with a single remote. The advanced room calibration ensures that the sound quality is optimized based on your room’s dimensions, offering a personalized listening experience.

On the connectivity front, it supports multiple platforms like Google Assistant and Alexa, which can be convenient for smart home users. The wireless capabilities, including a wireless subwoofer and built-in WOWCAST, eliminate wires, contributing to a clean aesthetic. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The price point, while competitive for its features, may still be a stretch for budget-conscious buyers looking for an entry-level soundbar. Additionally, the soundbar's size might not be suitable for smaller living spaces, as it weighs 34.6 pounds and measures 49.2 inches wide. Also, while the performance is impressive, it might not compare with higher-end models, which could deliver even richer sound experiences.

The LG S95TR is a great option for those wanting to enhance their TV sound at home, especially if they already own an LG TV. It's particularly ideal for movie buffs, gamers, and users looking for a soundbar that blends performance with smart features, but it might not be the best fit for those with limited budgets or very small spaces.