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 Sony S100F Soundbar is a compact and budget-friendly audio solution that excels in delivering clear sound, making it an excellent choice for small living spaces or home offices. With its 2.0 channel system and a built-in Bass Reflex speaker, it provides a decent level of immersive audio, particularly when enhancing dialogue during movies or video calls thanks to its voice enhancement feature. The S-Force Pro Front Surround technology adds a layer of surround sound, giving users a more engaging listening experience. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows for easy pairing with devices, making it convenient for music playback as well.

On the positive side, the soundbar's slim design allows it to fit seamlessly into various room layouts, and it can easily be wall-mounted if desired. The remote control and included optical cable make setup straightforward, enabling quick integration with your TV via HDMI ARC.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The sound output, while sufficient for casual use, may not satisfy audiophiles or those seeking a robust bass experience, as it lacks a dedicated subwoofer. Additionally, being a budget model, it may not have the advanced features found in higher-end soundbars, such as multiple sound modes or extensive connectivity options. Its maximum output power of 120 watts is moderate, which might not fill larger rooms effectively.

The Sony S100F is well-suited for users looking for a simple, effective soundbar primarily for TV audio enhancement in smaller spaces. It provides an appealing balance of quality and affordability, perfect for casual listeners who prioritize ease of use and compact design.

The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE offers a solid audio experience with 5.1 surround sound, featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for immersive sound. It comes with three full-range speakers, two surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, making it ideal for medium to large rooms. The soundbar can be controlled using your existing TV remote when connected via HDMI eARC, though it does not include a dedicated soundbar remote. If your TV lacks an HDMI port, you may need to contact VIZIO support for an optical connection solution.

Bluetooth connectivity is available for wireless streaming from your devices, and advanced settings can be adjusted through the VIZIO mobile app. The soundbar's design is streamlined, especially if you own a VIZIO TV, thanks to the QuickFit mounting system that ensures a seamless setup. However, this soundbar does not include an optical output, which might be a limitation for some setups.

The power output of 180 Watts ensures clear and dynamic sound, making it a good choice for home theaters or enhancing TV audio. However, the lack of a waterproof feature means it should be kept away from any moisture-prone areas. The soundbar also lacks an included remote control, so users relying solely on physical remotes might find this inconvenient. The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE is a strong contender in the budget soundbar category, offering good sound quality and useful features, but it does have a few limitations to consider.