10 Best Cheap Surround Sound Systems 2025 in the United States

The JBL Bar 9.1 Channel Soundbar System is a strong contender for those seeking an affordable surround sound experience. With a robust output power of 820W, it delivers impressive audio performance, especially with built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding, which enhances your movie and music experience remarkably. One of its standout features is the detachable, battery-powered surround speakers, allowing for true surround sound without the hassle of wires, giving you flexibility in setting up your audio space.

The 300W, 10-inch powered subwoofer ensures deep bass, adding to the immersive quality of the sound. Additionally, its Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision supports high-quality video, making it a great choice for home theater enthusiasts.

On the connectivity front, the JBL Bar 9.1 offers a variety of options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical inputs, and HDMI, making it compatible with a range of devices. The inclusion of room calibration features is also a plus, as it helps the system adapt to your specific environment for optimized audio. There are some drawbacks to consider, such as the initial setup complexity due to the various components, and its weight of 8 pounds can pose a challenge for some when mounting on walls, although wall-mount brackets are included. Additionally, while the sound quality is impressive, audiophiles might still find areas for improvement compared to more expensive systems.

The JBL Bar 9.1 provides excellent value for those looking for a compelling surround sound experience on a budget, but potential buyers should be prepared for a learning curve during setup and consider their specific audio needs.

The LG S80QR 5.1.3ch Sound bar offers a comprehensive surround sound experience at an affordable price. With a 5.1.3 channel configuration, it includes 4-channel rear speakers and a wireless subwoofer, promising a truly immersive home cinema sound. The center up-firing speaker enhances voice clarity and surround effects, making it a strong choice for movie enthusiasts. Premium sound technologies like Dolby Atmos and Meridian Audio Technology ensure high-quality audio, and support for High-Res Audio adds further accuracy to sound reproduction.

Various connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, along with compatibility with AI platforms like Airplay2, Google, and Alexa, provide flexibility in controlling the sound bar. This makes it especially convenient for users with smart home setups. The sound bar is engineered to seamlessly pair with LG TVs, allowing for integrated control and optimized sound performance using LG’s sound engine.

For music and gaming, it supports major high-res audio streaming services like Spotify and features game-enhancing technologies such as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The optional LG WOWCAST Wi-Fi audio dongle simplifies the setup by eliminating wired HDMI connections. However, the sound bar's considerable weight (49.9 pounds) might make installation challenging for some users, and its performance is best optimized with LG TVs, potentially limiting its appeal for users with other TV brands. Additionally, while it offers a rich array of features, users seeking a waterproof system or a more compact design may need to consider other options.

The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE is a budget-friendly option for those seeking an immersive surround sound experience. It features 5.1 channels, including a soundbar with three full-range speakers, two surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. This setup offers robust and dynamic sound, particularly suitable for medium to large rooms, and supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for enhanced audio immersion. The soundbar delivers a maximum output power of 180 watts, ensuring clear and impactful sound performance.

Connectivity options are diverse, with Bluetooth and HDMI eARC, though it lacks an optical output which might be a limitation for some users. A key convenience is the ability to control the soundbar using your TV's remote through HDMI eARC, although no dedicated remote is included. Room calibration features are not specified, but the setup is described as straightforward, especially with VIZIO’s QuickFit feature that simplifies mounting with compatible VIZIO TVs. Users can also adjust settings via the VIZIO mobile app.

The soundbar's design and features make it a strong candidate for enhancing TV audio in home theaters, particularly for users who can utilize its HDMI eARC connection and don’t mind using their TV remote or smartphone for control. However, the absence of an optical connection and a dedicated remote might be drawbacks for some.