10 Best Budget TV Sound Bar 2025 in the United States

The Samsung HW-B550D is a solid choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their TV sound without spending a lot. It’s a 3.1 channel soundbar, with three speakers plus a wireless subwoofer. This setup delivers clear dialogue thanks to its dedicated center speaker, making it easier to hear conversations even during loud scenes. The included subwoofer with bass boost adds a nice punch to action movies and music, enhancing the overall experience.

Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth and USB options, allowing you to easily connect TVs, laptops, or projectors. The soundbar supports Bluetooth multi-connection, so you can switch between two devices without hassle. Its design is slim and wall-mountable, blending well with most TV setups without taking up much space. Samsung’s audio technologies like Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and Adaptive Sound Lite work together to create simulated surround sound and automatically optimize audio based on what you’re watching or playing. For gamers, there’s a Game Mode that syncs audio with onscreen action, making gameplay more immersive. Additional handy features include Night Mode to keep volume low at night and voice enhancement to make speech clearer.

The subwoofer’s 2.7-inch driver is somewhat small compared to higher-end models, so bass might lack depth for bass enthusiasts. The soundbar isn’t water-resistant, which limits use strictly to indoor spaces. Also, while it’s compatible with optional wireless surround speakers, those have to be purchased separately. The Samsung HW-B550D provides great value with solid sound performance, useful sound modes, and easy connectivity, making it a good fit for budget-conscious users who want a noticeable audio upgrade for TV, movies, and gaming.

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers an impressive audio experience for those looking to enhance their TV sound on a budget. With its 3.1 surround sound channel configuration and six transducers, including upward firing dipole speakers, it delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound. The A.I. Dialogue Mode ensures clear vocal clarity, making it easier to understand dialogue in your favorite shows and movies.

Connectivity options are robust, featuring Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless integration with various devices. Additionally, the soundbar supports Amazon Alexa and Google Voice Control, adding convenience for smart home users. It's designed for easy setup with included optical and HDMI eARC cables and it supports wireless subwoofer connectivity for those looking to enhance bass performance further.

At 41.14 inches wide, it may be considered large for smaller spaces. The soundbar is not water-resistant, which limits its placement options. It excels in providing high-quality sound and smart features, but it may be priced on the higher side for a budget category. Ideal for users who want a rich audio experience, smart home integration, and don't mind the lack of water resistance or larger size.

The LG S95TR is an impressive soundbar, boasting a 9.1.5-channel setup with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology that provides premium 3-dimensional sound. This makes it ideal for those looking to elevate their home theater experience with immersive audio quality. The addition of rear surround speakers with true wireless connectivity offers flexibility in positioning and ease of setup, which is great for various room sizes and shapes.

The triple up-firing speakers, including a center channel, enhance dialogue clarity and overall soundstage richness, further improving the viewing experience. The WOW Orchestra feature allows for a harmonious audio experience when paired with an LG TV, using the TV and soundbar speakers simultaneously. Additionally, the WOW Interface and WOWCAST built-in features provide convenience by enabling control with one remote and wireless connection without compromising audio quality.

Multi-platform support with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, as well as advanced room calibration, ensures a tailored and optimized audio experience. The VRR/ALLM support offers smooth and lag-free gaming sound, making it a versatile choice for gamers. However, potential drawbacks could include the reliance on LG TV for some features, which might limit compatibility with other TV brands. Additionally, while it offers many advanced features, it may be on the higher end of the budget spectrum within the soundbar category, which might not suit all users looking for budget-friendly options.