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10 Best Budget TV Sound Bar 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, Black

Audio Channels: 3.1
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Size and Design: 41.14 inches wide
Subwoofer: Wireless
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, A.I. Dialogue Mode
Smart Features: Amazon Alexa, Google Voice Control

Chosen by 1200 this week

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue

Audio Channels: 5.1
Connectivity Options: HDMI, Optical, AC, USB-A, Bluetooth
Size and Design: Soundbar: 37” x 5.2” x 2.5”
Subwoofer: Included, Wireless
Sound Modes: Movie, Music, Sports, Night

Samsung HW-Q600C 3.1.2ch Soundbar w/Dolby Audio, Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound, HDMI eARC, Game Mode Pro, Bluetooth, Acoustic Beam, Tap Sound

Audio Channels: 3.1.2
Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, wired, wireless
Size and Design: Sleek, wall-mountable, 20.5 lbs
Subwoofer: Wireless, 10 Inches
Sound Modes: Adaptive, Game Mode Pro, Dolby Atmos
Smart Features: Q-Symphony, Tap Sound
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,200
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
683 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundbar excels in delivering clear, balanced sound, making dialogue enhancement and bass features often unnecessary.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly simple, requiring just a single cable to connect to the TV.
Size and Design
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers phenomenal sound quality despite its compact size.
Subwoofer
Some users wish the soundbar came with a Bass Module for a complete thunderous sound experience in larger rooms.
Sound Modes
AdaptIQ seamlessly tunes the soundbar to your room, ensuring optimal sound quality despite furniture placement.
Smart Features
The Bose Music Control app enhances the user experience with easy control over the soundbar and Adaptiq automatic room calibration.

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar offers an impressive audio experience for those looking to enhance their TV sound on a budget. With its 3.1 surround sound channel configuration and six transducers, including upward firing dipole speakers, it delivers immersive Dolby Atmos sound. The A.I. Dialogue Mode ensures clear vocal clarity, making it easier to understand dialogue in your favorite shows and movies.

Connectivity options are robust, featuring Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, allowing for seamless integration with various devices. Additionally, the soundbar supports Amazon Alexa and Google Voice Control, adding convenience for smart home users. It's designed for easy setup with included optical and HDMI eARC cables and it supports wireless subwoofer connectivity for those looking to enhance bass performance further.

At 41.14 inches wide, it may be considered large for smaller spaces. The soundbar is not water-resistant, which limits its placement options. It excels in providing high-quality sound and smart features, but it may be priced on the higher side for a budget category. Ideal for users who want a rich audio experience, smart home integration, and don't mind the lack of water resistance or larger size.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,200
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
683 reviews

Audio Channels
The soundbar excels in delivering clear, balanced sound, making dialogue enhancement and bass features often unnecessary.
Connectivity Options
Setup is incredibly simple, requiring just a single cable to connect to the TV.
Size and Design
The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar delivers phenomenal sound quality despite its compact size.
Subwoofer
Some users wish the soundbar came with a Bass Module for a complete thunderous sound experience in larger rooms.
Sound Modes
AdaptIQ seamlessly tunes the soundbar to your room, ensuring optimal sound quality despite furniture placement.
Smart Features
The Bose Music Control app enhances the user experience with easy control over the soundbar and Adaptiq automatic room calibration.
#2

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers (newest model), 5.1 channel, Dolby Atmos, clear dialogue

Rating
10.0
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
357 reviews

Audio Channels
The surround sound effects are significantly better, delivering clearer, sharper, and crisper audio compared to previous systems.
Connectivity Options
Setup was a breeze; the soundbar connected and paired instantly with my Sony TV and wireless subwoofer and rear speakers.
Size and Design
The system's well-designed packaging and straightforward installation process were impressive.
Sound Modes
The remote features a dedicated dialogue button with five levels, enhancing the viewing experience without constant adjustments.
Smart Features
Integrates seamlessly with Fire TV, allowing control of both the TV and soundbar with a single remote, simplifying daily use.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers offers a compelling option for those looking for a budget-friendly home theater experience. With 5.1 audio channels, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support, it promises a rich and immersive sound experience. The inclusion of a dedicated center dialogue channel ensures that conversations in movies and TV shows are crystal clear, which is particularly useful when watching content with complex audio tracks. The various sound modes—Movie, Music, Sports, Night—allow users to optimize audio settings based on what they're viewing, enhancing the listening experience.

Connectivity is straightforward with HDMI, Optical, AC, and USB-A ports available, and the ease of setup is a definite plus for users who might not be tech-savvy. The wireless connection for the subwoofer and surround speakers adds convenience and reduces cable clutter. Bluetooth support is another positive point, enabling streaming of audio from phones or tablets effortlessly. The soundbar is compatible with smart TVs and those connected to streaming media players, making it versatile for different setups.

However, the product does have some drawbacks. The size and weight of the subwoofer and surround speakers may be cumbersome for smaller living spaces, and the soundbar itself is quite wide at 37 inches, which might not fit well with all TV setups. While it offers a substantial home theater experience, the lack of smart features such as built-in voice assistants or advanced app integrations could be a downside for users looking for more tech-forward options. Additionally, the one-year warranty might seem limited, although extended warranties are available for purchase. In essence, this soundbar system is well-suited for users seeking an affordable way to upgrade their TV audio experience, but it may not meet the needs of those looking for cutting-edge smart features or space-saving designs.

Rating
10.0
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design

Most important from
357 reviews

Audio Channels
The surround sound effects are significantly better, delivering clearer, sharper, and crisper audio compared to previous systems.
Connectivity Options
Setup was a breeze; the soundbar connected and paired instantly with my Sony TV and wireless subwoofer and rear speakers.
Size and Design
The system's well-designed packaging and straightforward installation process were impressive.
Sound Modes
The remote features a dedicated dialogue button with five levels, enhancing the viewing experience without constant adjustments.
Smart Features
Integrates seamlessly with Fire TV, allowing control of both the TV and soundbar with a single remote, simplifying daily use.
#3

Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW-B630F 3.1 ch DTS Virtual:X Soundbar with Subwoofer (2025 Model) One Remote Control, Voice Enhance Mode, Adaptive Sound

Rating
9.7
Subwoofer
Connectivity Options
Audio Channels

Most important from
3099 reviews

Subwoofer
Transforms the living room into a movie theater with powerful bass that’s adjustable to avoid overwhelming the space.
Connectivity Options
Easy and quick setup with straightforward connectivity options that work seamlessly, including Bluetooth for music streaming.
Audio Channels
Delivers clear dialogue and balanced sound that significantly improves everyday TV watching compared to built-in speakers.
Size and Design
Sleek design fits well under most TVs and can be wall-mounted for a clean, clutter-free look.
Smart Features
Syncs effortlessly across devices and maintains consistent sound quality whether used for TV or music.

The Samsung HW-B630F is a 3.1 channel soundbar designed to boost your TV’s audio without the need for extra rear speakers. It includes a dedicated center channel that makes voices clearer, which is great for watching movies and shows where dialogue is important. The wireless subwoofer adds a nice punch of bass, helping to deliver a richer sound experience without cluttering your space with cables. Thanks to DTS Virtual:X technology, it simulates surround sound that feels like it’s coming from all directions, making it more immersive than standard stereo setups.

Connectivity options are straightforward with Bluetooth and HDMI inputs, allowing you to connect two devices at once and switch between them easily—perfect for pairing both your smartphone and TV. The soundbar also supports simple control through your Samsung TV remote, reducing the hassle of multiple remotes. It features adaptive sound modes that automatically adjust audio settings based on what you’re watching, and a voice enhance mode that improves dialogue clarity.

At nearly 34 inches wide, this soundbar is a mid-sized model that should fit well beneath most TVs without taking up too much space. While it’s designed primarily for indoor use, it’s lightweight and can be wall-mounted if you prefer a cleaner setup. The soundbar isn’t waterproof and may lack some advanced smart features found in higher-end models, like built-in voice assistants or extensive app support. Though the virtual surround sound is effective, it won’t fully replace a true multi-speaker home theater system if you want the absolute best immersive experience. This Samsung soundbar is a great choice for budget-conscious users wanting clear dialogue, decent bass, and easy connectivity, especially if you’re upgrading a TV’s built-in speakers for better everyday viewing and casual gaming.

Rating
9.7
Subwoofer
Connectivity Options
Audio Channels

Most important from
3099 reviews

Subwoofer
Transforms the living room into a movie theater with powerful bass that’s adjustable to avoid overwhelming the space.
Connectivity Options
Easy and quick setup with straightforward connectivity options that work seamlessly, including Bluetooth for music streaming.
Audio Channels
Delivers clear dialogue and balanced sound that significantly improves everyday TV watching compared to built-in speakers.
Size and Design
Sleek design fits well under most TVs and can be wall-mounted for a clean, clutter-free look.
Smart Features
Syncs effortlessly across devices and maintains consistent sound quality whether used for TV or music.

Buying Guide for the Best Budget TV Sound Bar

Choosing the right sound bar for your TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience by providing better audio quality than the built-in speakers. When selecting a sound bar, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to look out for and how to navigate them.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio signals the sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, and even 7.1 channels. A 2.0 channel sound bar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Higher configurations like 5.1 and 7.1 include additional speakers for surround sound. If you want a simple setup for casual TV watching, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel might suffice. For a more immersive experience, especially for movies and gaming, consider a 5.1 or 7.1 channel sound bar.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common connections include HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is preferred for high-quality audio and ease of use. Optical connections also provide good audio quality. Bluetooth allows for wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets. AUX is a basic analog connection. Choose a sound bar with connectivity options that match your TV and other devices to ensure compatibility and convenience.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your living space. Sound bars come in various lengths, typically ranging from 20 to 50 inches. A longer sound bar may provide better stereo separation and sound quality. Consider the size of your TV and the available space where you plan to place the sound bar. Additionally, look for a design that complements your room's aesthetics. If space is limited, a compact sound bar might be a better choice.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, such as bass. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, external subwoofer. A separate subwoofer generally provides better bass performance. If you enjoy watching action movies, listening to music, or playing games, a sound bar with a subwoofer can enhance your experience by delivering deeper and more impactful sound. If you prefer a more compact setup, a sound bar with a built-in subwoofer might be sufficient.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings designed to optimize the sound bar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, and dialogue. These modes adjust the sound bar's equalizer settings to enhance specific audio elements. For example, a movie mode might emphasize surround sound effects, while a dialogue mode focuses on clear speech. Consider your primary use for the sound bar and choose one with sound modes that cater to your preferences. If you watch a variety of content, a sound bar with multiple sound modes can provide a versatile listening experience.
Smart FeaturesSmart features include built-in voice assistants, Wi-Fi connectivity, and app control. These features can add convenience and functionality to your sound bar. Voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant allow for hands-free control and integration with other smart home devices. Wi-Fi connectivity enables streaming from online services and multi-room audio setups. App control lets you adjust settings and manage the sound bar from your smartphone. If you value smart home integration and ease of use, look for a sound bar with these features.

FAQ