10 Best Passive Soundbars 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact passive soundbar tailored for those looking to enhance their TV audio experience without a complex setup. One of its standout strengths is its ability to clarify dialogue, making it an excellent choice for users who struggle to hear speech clearly during shows or movies. With two angled full-range drivers, it delivers a wide sound that creates a more immersive experience, especially for its size. The soundbar’s design is sleek and unobtrusive, fitting nicely in front of most TVs or even mounted on a wall, which is a plus for space-conscious users.

Connectivity is another strong point; it offers Bluetooth pairing for streaming music, along with HDMI ARC, optical audio, and AUX options to connect multiple devices. The included remote control adds convenience, allowing you to switch modes to enhance dialogue or boost bass as needed.

There are a few limitations to consider. While the soundbar provides decent audio quality, audiophiles may find it lacking in deeper bass without the optional Bose Bass Module, which is an additional expense. Furthermore, the frequency response is somewhat narrow, which means it may not deliver a full-range sound experience compared to larger sound systems. Additionally, the absence of smart features like voice assistant integration might disappoint users seeking a more high-tech solution.

The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE is designed to enhance your home theater experience with a combination of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, delivering immersive surround sound. It includes three full-range speakers, two surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer, capable of producing up to 180 watts of power. These features make it suitable for medium to large-sized rooms, ensuring dynamic and detailed sound quality.

The soundbar offers Bluetooth connectivity and supports HDMI eARC for easy integration with your TV, although it lacks an optical output, which might limit compatibility with older TV models. The QuickFit system allows seamless attachment to compatible VIZIO TVs without tools, simplifying installation. However, the soundbar remote is not included, requiring users to rely on their TV remote or the VIZIO mobile app for control, which could be an inconvenience for those who prefer a dedicated remote.

Additionally, the soundbar is not water-resistant and is powered by a corded electric source, limiting placement flexibility. With its compact design and advanced audio features, the VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE is a great choice for users seeking a high-quality audio upgrade for their home theater setup.

The Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar is an impressively advanced soundbar that offers a lot of features in a compact design. It excels in delivering immersive sound thanks to its proprietary TrueSpace technology, which ensures that you get a rich audio experience whether you're watching movies or listening to music. The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, providing a more engaging and realistic soundscape, and includes five transducers, with two that fire upwards to create a spacious audio environment. This makes it a strong contender if you're seeking high-quality sound in a small package.

The A.I. Dialogue Mode is another standout feature, enhancing vocal clarity so you won't miss any dialogue, which is particularly beneficial for movie and TV show enthusiasts. Connectivity is versatile, with options like Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in, which means you can easily stream from your phone or other devices. Additionally, the built-in Amazon Alexa and compatibility with Google Assistant offer convenient voice control, and the Bose Voice4Video technology allows you to control your TV and other devices with your voice.

However, being a passive soundbar, it relies on an external amplifier or receiver for power, which could be a downside for some users who prefer a more straightforward, all-in-one solution. The design is sleek and modern, fitting well into any home setup, though its premium materials might translate to a higher price point. While the soundbar itself provides an excellent audio experience, adding the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for rear surround sound may require additional investment. In summary, this soundbar is ideal for those looking for a high-quality, feature-rich audio solution with excellent clarity and immersive sound, but it may not be the best choice for those who want a simpler, self-contained unit.