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10 Best Budget TV Sound Bar 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,315
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
647 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundbar excels in delivering clear, balanced sound, making dialogue enhancement and bass features often unnecessary.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly simple, requiring just a single cable to connect to the TV.
Size and Design
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers phenomenal sound quality despite its compact size.
Subwoofer
Some users wish the soundbar came with a Bass Module for a complete thunderous sound experience in larger rooms.
Sound Modes
AdaptIQ seamlessly tunes the soundbar to your room, ensuring optimal sound quality despite furniture placement.
Smart Features
The Bose Music Control app enhances the user experience with easy control over the soundbar and Adaptiq automatic room calibration.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,315
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
647 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundbar excels in delivering clear, balanced sound, making dialogue enhancement and bass features often unnecessary.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly simple, requiring just a single cable to connect to the TV.
Size and Design
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers phenomenal sound quality despite its compact size.
Subwoofer
Some users wish the soundbar came with a Bass Module for a complete thunderous sound experience in larger rooms.
Sound Modes
AdaptIQ seamlessly tunes the soundbar to your room, ensuring optimal sound quality despite furniture placement.
Smart Features
The Bose Music Control app enhances the user experience with easy control over the soundbar and Adaptiq automatic room calibration.
#2

Polk Audio Signa S2 Sound Bar for Smart TV with Subwoofer, Wireless – Exclusive VoiceAdjust Technology, Ultra-Slim Design, Works with 4K & HD TVs, HDMI & Optical, Bluetooth, Wireless Streaming

Rating
9.7
Connectivity Options
Audio Channels
Subwoofer

Most important from
24817 reviews

Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly straightforward—just plug in the power, connect the subwoofer wirelessly, and pair via Bluetooth in minutes.
Audio Channels
Despite its compact and slim design, the sound creates a wide, immersive soundstage with noticeable left, right, and center channel separation.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer adds deep, punchy bass that enhances movies and music without overwhelming the overall sound.
Sound Modes
The remote control offers simple but effective sound and bass adjustments along with preset modes for movies, music, and night listening.
Size and Design
It provides excellent value, offering a solid audio upgrade comparable to much pricier systems without the complexity or bulk.

The Polk Audio Signa S2 sound bar is a solid choice if you're looking for a budget-friendly way to improve your TV's audio. It comes with a wireless subwoofer that adds nice deep bass, which makes watching movies or shows more immersive. The bar itself is ultra-slim, just over 2 inches tall, so it fits easily in front of most TVs without blocking the screen or remote sensor. With five full-range drivers and Dolby Digital support, it delivers clear sound, and Polk's VoiceAdjust technology helps make dialogue easier to hear — a useful feature if voices often get lost in background noise.

Connectivity is versatile: you can connect via HDMI ARC, optical cable, or AUX, and it also offers Bluetooth for wireless streaming from your phone or tablet. Setting it up is straightforward, with included cables and a user-friendly remote. While the sound quality is impressive for the price, it may not satisfy those wanting a more powerful or richer audio experience compared to higher-end models. The subwoofer’s wireless range is about 7 meters, which is typical but something to keep in mind if your room is very large.

It lacks smart features like built-in voice assistants or app control, which some newer sound bars offer. The Signa S2 is an excellent fit for anyone who wants a simple, attractive sound upgrade for their TV that works well with 4K and HD sets, especially if you value easy setup and clear dialogue without a big investment.

Rating
9.7
Connectivity Options
Audio Channels
Subwoofer

Most important from
24817 reviews

Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly straightforward—just plug in the power, connect the subwoofer wirelessly, and pair via Bluetooth in minutes.
Audio Channels
Despite its compact and slim design, the sound creates a wide, immersive soundstage with noticeable left, right, and center channel separation.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer adds deep, punchy bass that enhances movies and music without overwhelming the overall sound.
Sound Modes
The remote control offers simple but effective sound and bass adjustments along with preset modes for movies, music, and night listening.
Size and Design
It provides excellent value, offering a solid audio upgrade comparable to much pricier systems without the complexity or bulk.
#3

LG S95TR 9.1.5-Channel OLED evo TV Matching Home Theater Soundbar with Rear Surround Speakers and Wireless Subwoofer, Wow Orchestra, Dolby Atmos, WOWCAST Built-in (2024 Model)

Rating
9.7
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Sound Modes

Most important from
392 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundstage offers a multidimensional experience, making movies, music, and games come alive with clarity and precision.
Connectivity Options
Setup was a breeze, and the eArc port made connectivity seamless, enhancing the overall user experience.
Sound Modes
Using the CINEMA mode dramatically enhances the sound quality, making it incredibly immersive.
Smart Features
Voice control via Google Assistant or Alexa adds convenience, making it easy to adjust settings and play music hands-free.

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.

Rating
9.7
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Sound Modes

Most important from
392 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundstage offers a multidimensional experience, making movies, music, and games come alive with clarity and precision.
Connectivity Options
Setup was a breeze, and the eArc port made connectivity seamless, enhancing the overall user experience.
Sound Modes
Using the CINEMA mode dramatically enhances the sound quality, making it incredibly immersive.
Smart Features
Voice control via Google Assistant or Alexa adds convenience, making it easy to adjust settings and play music hands-free.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget TV Sound Bar

Choosing the right sound bar for your TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience by providing better audio quality than the built-in speakers. When selecting a sound bar, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio signals the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 channel sound bar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher configurations like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a simple setup for casual TV watching, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel might suffice. For a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, consider a 5.1 or 7.1 channel sound bar.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common connections include HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is preferred for high-quality audio and ease of use. Optical connections also provide good audio quality. Bluetooth allows for wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets. AUX is a basic analog connection. Choose a sound bar with connectivity options that match your TV and other devices to ensure compatibility and convenience.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Sound bars come in various lengths, typically ranging from 20 to 50 inches. A longer sound bar may provide better stereo separation and sound quality. Consider the size of your TV and the available space where you plan to place the sound bar. Additionally, look for a design that complements your room's aesthetics. If space is limited, a compact sound bar might be a better choice.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, such as bass. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, external subwoofer. A separate subwoofer generally provides better bass performance. If you enjoy watching action movies, listening to music, or playing games, a sound bar with a subwoofer can enhance your experience by delivering deeper and more impactful sound. If you prefer a more compact setup, a sound bar with a built-in subwoofer might be sufficient.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings designed to optimize the sound bar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, and dialogue. These modes adjust the sound bar's equalizer settings to enhance specific audio elements. For example, a movie mode might emphasize surround sound effects, while a dialogue mode focuses on clear speech. Consider your primary use for the sound bar and choose one with sound modes that cater to your preferences. If you watch a variety of content, a sound bar with multiple sound modes can provide a versatile listening experience.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include built-in voice assistants, Wi-Fi connectivity, and app control. These features can add convenience and functionality to your sound bar. Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant allow for hands-free control and integration with other smart home devices. Wi-Fi connectivity enables streaming from online services and multi-room audio setups. App control lets you adjust settings and manage the sound bar from your smartphone. If you value smart home integration and ease of use, look for a sound bar with these features.

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