10 Best Soundbars For The Money 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a solid choice for someone looking to improve their TV sound without breaking the bank. It shines in sound quality, thanks to its two angled full-range drivers that deliver clear and natural audio. The soundbar is particularly good at enhancing dialogue, making it easier to understand speech in movies and shows—a big plus for TV watching.

Connectivity is another strong point, with options for Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical in, and AUX in, allowing easy integration with various devices. It also supports wireless streaming for music and podcasts, adding to its versatility. The soundbar is compact and easy to set up, fitting neatly in front of most TVs or wall-mounted with optional brackets. It includes a remote control that offers convenient features like dialogue mode and bass boost.

However, the need to purchase a separate HDMI cable and wall brackets could be a minor inconvenience. While it performs well for its size, those seeking a more immersive audio experience might want to consider adding the compatible Bose Bass Module 500 or 700, which are sold separately. This soundbar is a great option for enhancing TV sound quality on a budget, especially for users who prioritize dialogue clarity and straightforward setup.

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a mid-sized soundbar designed for those looking for a high-quality audio experience without breaking the bank. Its most striking feature is the inclusion of Dolby Atmos, which provides a 3D surround sound effect that can significantly enhance your home entertainment experience. The soundbar delivers vibrant bass and clear dialogue, making it suitable for movies, music, and podcasts alike. Additionally, its maximum output power of 200 Watts ensures robust sound performance.

Connectivity options are plentiful with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI, and support for Apple AirPlay 2, making it easy to integrate into most home setups. The Beam Gen 2 also supports voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, adding a layer of convenience for users who prefer hands-free operation. Its design is sleek and compact, making it suitable for shelf mounting without taking up too much space. The setup process is user-friendly, aided by the Sonos app and Trueplay tuning, which adjusts the sound based on the room's acoustics.

However, the soundbar is not water-resistant, so it's best suited for indoor use. The lack of a built-in MP3 player and the absence of a subwoofer might be a downside for some audiophiles. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is an excellent choice for those seeking a feature-rich soundbar with impressive audio quality and smart capabilities, all at a reasonable price point.

The VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE (SV510X-0806), a 2024 model, excels in delivering a robust and immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support. It features three full-range speakers, two surround speakers, and a wireless compact subwoofer, making it suitable for medium to large-sized rooms. This soundbar provides 5.1 surround sound channels and 180 watts of output power, ensuring clear and dynamic sound quality.

However, the soundbar remote control is not included, which might be inconvenient for some users, as it requires the use of an existing TV remote through the HDMI eARC port or the VIZIO mobile app for advanced settings. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and HDMI, though the lack of an optical output might limit its compatibility with some older TV models. The QuickFit mounting system is a notable feature for VIZIO TV owners, simplifying the setup process.

In terms of design, it is compact and sleek (33 inches wide, 3.23 inches deep, and 2.28 inches high) and offers versatile mounting options. This product is ideal for home theater enthusiasts and those looking to enhance their TV audio with a soundbar that combines advanced audio formats and smart features at a reasonable price.