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10 Best Inexpensive Sound Bar 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model), 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,229
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
4742 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundbar performs flawlessly with clear, crisp audio and rich bass, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity makes streaming music from your phone a breeze, adding to its versatility.
Size and Design
Compact design is perfect for limited spaces without sacrificing sound quality.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their TV audio experience without breaking the bank. One of its main strengths lies in its ability to deliver a richer sound with its dual speakers, which enhance clarity in dialogue and provide deeper bass, making it a great fit for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite series. Additionally, the inclusion of DTS Virtual:X technology allows for a more immersive sound experience, creating a virtual surround effect that many users will appreciate.

Setting up the soundbar is straightforward; simply connect it using the provided HDMI cable to your TV's HDMI eARC/ARC port, and you're good to go. This user-friendly design is a plus for those who may not be very tech-savvy. The soundbar also boasts Bluetooth connectivity, enabling easy streaming from your phone or tablet, which adds versatility for music lovers.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The Fire TV Soundbar is a 2.0 speaker system, which may not satisfy audiophiles who prefer a more robust surround sound experience. While it does offer EQ modes for movies, music, and dialogue, it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, which may limit the bass response for those who enjoy powerful low-end sounds. Additionally, while the compact design makes it easy to fit into various spaces, its size may not deliver the same audio presence as larger soundbars.

This soundbar is a great option for casual viewers and those who own Fire TV or smart TVs, providing enhanced audio quality at a budget-friendly price. If you require more advanced audio features or a fuller sound experience, you might want to explore other options.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,229
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
4742 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundbar performs flawlessly with clear, crisp audio and rich bass, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
Connectivity Options
Bluetooth connectivity makes streaming music from your phone a breeze, adding to its versatility.
Size and Design
Compact design is perfect for limited spaces without sacrificing sound quality.
#2

Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors

Rating
9.6
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
1418 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound bar offers flexible setup options, allowing it to be used as one long bar or split into two separate upright speakers.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is comprehensive, supporting HDMI, AUX, optical, and Bluetooth pairing, with Bluetooth connecting quickly and reliably.
Size and Design
Its compact design and detachable components make it ideal for versatile placements, such as a home gym or dorm room setup.
Subwoofer
Despite lacking a separate subwoofer, the soundbar provides surprisingly full and immersive audio suitable for small to medium rooms.

The Assistrust Sound Bar offers a solid choice for those seeking an affordable way to improve their TV or gaming audio without complicated setup. It delivers stereo sound through four drivers, producing a decent 60 watts of power that can fill a small to medium room with clear, immersive audio. While it doesn’t come with a separate subwoofer, the soundbar’s design and built-in drivers manage to provide a surprisingly full sound, especially when using the included three equalizer modes tailored for movies, music, and news. This helps soften dialogue clarity or boost cinematic effects based on your preference.

Connectivity is versatile with Bluetooth 5.0, ARC, optical, and AUX inputs, making it easy to link with various devices like smart TVs, PCs, and gaming setups. The inclusion of ARC support means you can control the soundbar with your TV remote, simplifying daily use. Its size is compact and unobtrusive, measuring about 17 inches wide, fitting well on a tabletop or mounted on a wall, with flexible placement options that enhance audio projection. One standout feature is the automatic volume boost that helps elevate low sounds for better clarity without constant manual adjustments. The detachable design adds versatility, letting you move or adjust the bar to suit different devices and room setups.

A limitation is the absence of a dedicated subwoofer, which means bass might not be as deep or punchy as some soundbars with separate units. Also, while the 60W power is respectable, it may not satisfy users looking for very loud or theater-like audio in large spaces. The soundbar includes a remote without batteries, which is a minor inconvenience. This soundbar suits users wanting an easy-to-use, budget-friendly upgrade to their TV or gaming audio, particularly in smaller rooms where space and simplicity are important. It offers good sound customization and solid connectivity but might fall short for those seeking powerful bass or very high volume levels.

Rating
9.6
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
1418 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound bar offers flexible setup options, allowing it to be used as one long bar or split into two separate upright speakers.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity is comprehensive, supporting HDMI, AUX, optical, and Bluetooth pairing, with Bluetooth connecting quickly and reliably.
Size and Design
Its compact design and detachable components make it ideal for versatile placements, such as a home gym or dorm room setup.
Subwoofer
Despite lacking a separate subwoofer, the soundbar provides surprisingly full and immersive audio suitable for small to medium rooms.
#3

SAMSUNG HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Audio, Rear Speakers Included w/Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro, Airplay 2, AVA, Alexa Built-in

Rating
9.3
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
379 reviews

Audio Channels
This soundbar has excellent speech and dialogue performance, thanks to its dedicated and powerful center channel.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi make streaming music and connecting to TVs effortless.
Size and Design
Setup is a breeze with user-friendly design and clear instructions, making it hassle-free to get started.

The SAMSUNG HW-Q990C is an advanced soundbar that caters well to home theater enthusiasts looking for an immersive audio experience. With its 11.1.4 channel setup and true Dolby Atmos capability, it effectively creates a surround sound environment with audio coming from all directions, which is perfect for movies and gaming alike. The included up-firing rear speakers enhance this experience by adding depth to the sound, making it feel more realistic.

One of its standout features is Q-Symphony, which allows you to synchronize the soundbar with your Samsung TV for an enhanced audio experience. This is a nice touch for those already in the Samsung ecosystem. Additionally, the SpaceFit Sound Pro technology automatically adjusts the audio based on your room's acoustics, optimizing the sound for various environments.

The soundbar also excels in its versatility, offering features like Adaptive Sound, which improves dialogue clarity, and Game Mode Pro, which is tailored to enhance gaming experiences with 3D sound effects. For connectivity, it supports Bluetooth and HDMI, making it easy to connect to various devices, including gaming consoles and music players.

Rating
9.3
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
379 reviews

Audio Channels
This soundbar has excellent speech and dialogue performance, thanks to its dedicated and powerful center channel.
Connectivity Options
Connectivity options like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi make streaming music and connecting to TVs effortless.
Size and Design
Setup is a breeze with user-friendly design and clear instructions, making it hassle-free to get started.

Buying Guide for the Best Inexpensive Sound Bar

Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, listening to music, or playing games. When looking for an inexpensive sound bar, it's important to focus on the key specifications that will impact the sound quality and overall performance. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your needs.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that the sound bar can produce. 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 enhanced bass. A 3.1 channel includes a center speaker for clearer dialogue, and a 5.1 channel offers a more immersive surround sound experience. If you primarily watch TV shows and movies, a 2.1 or 3.1 channel sound bar may be sufficient. For a more cinematic experience, consider a 5.1 channel sound bar.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV or 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 audio quality but may require a separate remote. Bluetooth is convenient for wireless streaming from your phone or tablet, while AUX is a simple analog connection. Consider your existing devices and how you plan to use the sound bar when choosing the right connectivity options.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its placement and its aesthetic appeal. Sound bars come in various lengths and heights, so it's important to measure the space where you plan to place it. A longer sound bar may provide better stereo separation, while a compact design is easier to fit in smaller spaces. Additionally, consider the design and color of the sound bar to ensure it complements your TV and room decor. Choose a size and design that fits well with your setup and personal preferences.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, such as bass and deep sound effects. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. A separate subwoofer generally provides better bass performance and can be placed anywhere in the room for optimal sound. If you enjoy action movies, music with heavy bass, or gaming, a sound bar with a subwoofer will enhance your audio experience. If space is limited or you prefer a simpler setup, a sound bar with a built-in subwoofer may be sufficient.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar's performance for different types of content. Common sound modes include movie, music, dialogue, and night mode. Movie mode enhances surround sound effects, music mode provides a balanced audio experience, dialogue mode clarifies speech, and night mode reduces loud sounds for late-night viewing. Consider the types of content you consume most frequently and choose a sound bar with sound modes that cater to your preferences. This feature can greatly improve your listening experience by tailoring the audio to your needs.

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