10 Best Affordable Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is an affordable soundbar designed to enhance your TV's audio in a simple and effective way. Its compact size (just over 2 inches tall) allows for easy placement in front of your TV or wall mounting, making it a versatile option for various setups. This soundbar features 2 angled full-range drivers that provide a wide and natural sound, which helps create a more immersive and realistic audio experience for your TV shows and movies.

Additionally, it is particularly good at elevating and clarifying dialogue, which is beneficial for those who have trouble hearing speech clearly on their TV speakers. The soundbar comes with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music and podcasts from your devices. The setup is user-friendly, requiring just one connection through either an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately). The included remote control offers convenient access to a dialogue mode for enhanced speech clarity and a bass boost mode for added depth in the audio.

Despite its strengths, the Bose TV Speaker does have some limitations. It does not come with a built-in subwoofer, although it is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700, which are sold separately. This means that while the soundbar itself provides improved audio over standard TV speakers, it may lack the deep bass that some users might desire without additional investment. The connectivity options include Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, Optical in, and AUX in, but it lacks more advanced features like Wi-Fi connectivity or smart assistant integration. The Bose TV Speaker is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and straightforward soundbar that enhances TV audio with clear dialogue and natural sound, though it may require additional components for users seeking enhanced bass performance.

The VIZIO Elevate SE 5.1.2 Soundbar stands out with its advanced audio capabilities, making it a strong contender in the affordable sound bar category. With 5.1.2 audio channels, it supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X for a rich, immersive sound experience. The innovative adaptive height speakers enhance the cinematic feel by reflecting sound off the ceiling. Its wireless subwoofer adds depth to the bass without cluttering your space with wires. The soundbar boasts a maximum output power of 185 watts, ensuring powerful sound delivery suitable for typical home use.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth and HDMI eARC, the latter enabling high-quality audio and control via your TV remote, though it lacks an optical output which could limit compatibility with some older devices. The VIZIO mobile app allows for advanced settings adjustments but requires creating a VIZIO account and does not include a traditional remote. Designed for ease of installation, it features the QuickFit system for seamless alignment with select VIZIO TVs. The modern design with premium materials and customizable LED lights ensures it looks as good as it sounds.

However, its size at 36 inches might be cumbersome for smaller TV setups, and the exclusion of the remote control might be inconvenient for some users. Weighing 27.7 pounds, it’s relatively heavy, which may require sturdy mounting. This model is not water-resistant, so it’s not suitable for outdoor use. The VIZIO Elevate SE 5.1.2 Soundbar offers excellent audio performance and modern features, making it ideal for those looking to enhance their home theater experience without breaking the bank.

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers a high-quality audio experience with its 3.1 surround sound channel configuration, making it a good fit for home entertainment and TV audio enhancement. With Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology, it delivers an immersive sound experience by placing sounds in different parts of the room. The inclusion of six transducers, including two upward-firing dipole speakers, enhances the surround sound effect, making it feel like the sound is coming from all directions, including overhead.

The A.I. Dialogue Mode ensures clear vocal clarity, which is particularly useful for understanding dialogue in movies and TV shows. Connectivity options are abundant, with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI eARC, and an optical audio cable included, making it easy to set up and connect to various devices. The soundbar also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa, allowing hands-free operation. The power output is 180 watts, which should be sufficient for most medium to large rooms. However, the lack of a dedicated subwoofer might be a drawback for those who seek deeper bass.

The design is sleek and modern, fitting well with most TV setups, and its dimensions (4.21"D x 41.14"W x 2.29"H) and weight (12.68 pounds) make it easy to place on a tabletop. Its smart home integration and multiple control methods (app, remote, voice) add convenience, but the absence of water resistance and the need for a corded electric power source are minor limitations. The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is an excellent choice for users seeking advanced sound technologies and smart features, though it may not be the most budget-friendly option.