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10 Best Cheap Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,344
Sound Modes
Size and Design

Most important from
12405 reviews

Sound Modes
Adjustable bass allows for personalized sound preferences, enhancing the overall experience.
Size and Design
Its compact and sleek design integrates perfectly with the TV.

The Bose TV Speaker soundbar is a compact and user-friendly option designed to improve your TV's audio quality without breaking the bank. It features 2 angled full-range drivers that deliver a wide and natural sound, making it easier to hear dialogue and enjoy an enhanced TV-watching experience. The soundbar is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music and podcasts wirelessly from your devices.

It supports HDMI-ARC, Optical, and AUX inputs, providing flexible connection options for various setups. While its compact size (2.21" H x 23.38" W x 4.02" D) makes it easy to place in front of the TV or mount on the wall, it may not be powerful enough for larger rooms or those seeking a more immersive audio experience. Additionally, it doesn't come with a built-in subwoofer, which could limit the depth of bass, though it is compatible with the optional Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 for those who desire additional bass.

The included remote control offers convenient access to features like dialogue mode and bass boost. On the downside, the soundbar's reliance on a wired subwoofer connection and the need for separate purchases of cables and mounting brackets could be seen as drawbacks. Nevertheless, with its straightforward setup and focus on enhancing TV sound and dialogue clarity, this Bose TV Speaker is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking to upgrade their home entertainment experience.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,344
Sound Modes
Size and Design

Most important from
12405 reviews

Sound Modes
Adjustable bass allows for personalized sound preferences, enhancing the overall experience.
Size and Design
Its compact and sleek design integrates perfectly with the TV.
#3

Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos

Rating
9.6
Audio Channels
Subwoofer
Size and Design

Most important from
1291 reviews

Audio Channels
Even without additional speakers, the Beam Gen 2 delivers impressive sound quality, including clear dialogue and special effects.
Subwoofer
The Sonos Beam Gen 2, paired with a Sub mini, delivers a great sound experience in smaller spaces like bedrooms.
Size and Design
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers robust sound that enhances TV programming, movies, and music, making it a versatile addition to any home entertainment system.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar offers a lot, particularly for its price point. It features Dolby Atmos, which contributes to an immersive 3D surround sound experience, making it great for home entertainment. With a maximum output power of 200 watts, it promises vibrant bass and clear dialogue, suited for watching TV shows, movies, or listening to music and podcasts. The device supports multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI, making it versatile for various setups.

Additionally, the soundbar can be controlled through the Sonos app, TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, adding convenience and flexibility in its operation. Setup is straightforward, with only two cables required, and smart Trueplay tuning further enhances the sound quality by adjusting to the room’s acoustics. Its compact design (3.9”D x 25.6”W x 2.7”H) and light weight (6.35 pounds) ensure it fits comfortably in most spaces, and it's easy to mount on a shelf.

One potential drawback is the lack of a dedicated subwoofer, which might affect the depth of bass for some users. Additionally, while the sound modes and multiroom listening options are attractive features, those seeking the highest audio performance might find better options in other higher-end models. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 stands out as a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, feature-rich soundbar for home entertainment.

Rating
9.6
Audio Channels
Subwoofer
Size and Design

Most important from
1291 reviews

Audio Channels
Even without additional speakers, the Beam Gen 2 delivers impressive sound quality, including clear dialogue and special effects.
Subwoofer
The Sonos Beam Gen 2, paired with a Sub mini, delivers a great sound experience in smaller spaces like bedrooms.
Size and Design
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 offers robust sound that enhances TV programming, movies, and music, making it a versatile addition to any home entertainment system.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Sound Bars

When it comes to picking a sound bar, especially on a budget, it's important to focus on the key specifications that will impact your listening experience the most. Sound bars are designed to enhance the audio quality of your TV, providing clearer dialogue, richer sound effects, and a more immersive experience overall. By understanding the key specs, you can make an informed decision and find a sound bar that meets your needs without breaking the bank.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that the sound bar can play. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, and 5.1 channels. A 2.0 channel sound bar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for better bass. A 3.1 channel includes a center channel for clearer dialogue, and a 5.1 channel adds rear speakers for a surround sound experience. If you primarily watch TV shows and movies, a 2.1 or 3.1 channel sound bar might be sufficient. For a more immersive experience, especially for action movies and gaming, consider a 5.1 channel sound bar.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC provides the best audio quality and allows for easy control with your TV remote. Optical connections also offer good quality but may require a separate remote. Bluetooth is great for streaming music from your phone or tablet, while AUX is a simple, universal option. Consider what devices you plan to connect and choose a sound bar with the appropriate inputs.
WattageWattage indicates the power output of the sound bar, which affects the volume and clarity of the sound. Higher wattage generally means louder and clearer audio. For small to medium-sized rooms, a sound bar with 100-200 watts should be sufficient. For larger rooms or if you prefer louder audio, look for a sound bar with 300 watts or more. Think about the size of your room and your listening preferences when considering wattage.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music or action-packed movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer will enhance your experience. If space is a concern or you prefer a more streamlined setup, a sound bar with a built-in subwoofer might be a better choice.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, or dialogue. These modes adjust the audio settings to enhance the listening experience for each type of content. If you watch a variety of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes. This feature can make a noticeable difference in audio quality and ensure you get the best sound for whatever you're watching or listening to.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your home setup. Sound bars come in various lengths and heights, so measure the space where you plan to place it to ensure a good fit. Additionally, consider the design and aesthetics of the sound bar, especially if it will be a prominent feature in your living room. A sleek, well-designed sound bar can complement your TV and enhance the overall look of your entertainment area.

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