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 5.1 Soundbar SE is designed to enhance your home audio experience, especially if you're watching movies or playing games. With Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it aims to immerse you in surround sound, making it an appealing choice for anyone looking to upgrade their TV's audio without breaking the bank. The soundbar features three full-range speakers and a wireless subwoofer, providing a robust 180 watts of power, which is impressive for its size and ideal for medium to large rooms.

One of the standout features is its QuickFit mounting option, which allows it to attach seamlessly to compatible VIZIO TVs without tools, enhancing both practicality and aesthetics. The Bluetooth connectivity also makes it easy to stream music from your smartphone, giving it versatile use beyond just TV audio.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Notably, the soundbar remote control is not included, meaning you'll need to use your TV remote or the VIZIO mobile app to control the volume. This might be inconvenient for some users who prefer a dedicated remote. Additionally, while the sound quality is commendable, it may not fully satisfy audiophiles looking for high-end sound performance. The absence of an optical output may pose compatibility issues with some older TVs, but VIZIO provides support for alternative connections.

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.