(Credit: PCMag/Best Buy)
There’s a ton of content to consume on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, from movies to epic dramas spanning several seasons. Is your TV up to the task of delivering a theater-worthy experience—or, at the very least, delivering clear and crisp audio during those important dialogues? You don’t have to buy a whole new TV to achieve this, and the experts in the PCLabs have tested over one hundred soundbars in their quest to find the perfect sound setup. Whether you’re watching the latest blockbuster or catching up on your weekly scheduled programming, the tinny built-in speakers on your television likely won’t deliver the audio clarity you’ll want. We’ve got an easy, affordable fix: A new soundbar.
Sony HT-S100F Bluetooth 2.0ch Soundbar
Vizio 5.1 SV510M-0806 With Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4 With Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers
There are some things to consider before making your new purchase: Brand is important, as some soundbars are more compatible with TVs of the similar brand. LG doesn’t tend to play well with Sony, for example (a fact I learned the hard way when I purchased my LG C3 OLED). The first number in a model name, followed by ch, refers to the soundbar’s number of channels and the more the better—especially if you’re aiming for a surround sound experience. Some soundbars come with a separate subwoofer and tweeters, though many have those built in so that you just have to worry about a single speaker.
Perhaps most importantly, they won’t break the bank thanks to these deals.
Sony HT-S100F Bluetooth 2.0ch Soundbar
$129.99 Save $31.99
If you’re in the market for something simple, this Sony HT-S100F will still broaden your sound horizons and rings up at just under $100. Two channels project sound with enhanced bass thanks to Bass Reflex and setup is as easy as plug and play via HDMI ARC. The slim profile can be wall mounted and will fit under most televisions on a TV stand. Plus, Bluetooth connectivity gives you the option of connecting your mobile device to play music and the like.
Vizio 5.1 SV510M-0806 With Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers
Looking for an affordable surround sound setup? This Vizio 5.1 soundbar includes a central sound bar, wireless subwoofer, and two speakers with full-range drivers. It can be wall mounted or set on a TV stand and the low profile design of the central sound bar means it will fit into most setups–-even more so with a Vizio brand television, which benefits from the tool-less QuickFit setup. No remote is included, but you can access audio controls via the Vizio app, which lets you adjust the EQ to suit your tastes.
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4 With Wireless Subwoofer and Rear Speakers
$899.99 Save $100.00
For those who want to go all out, this Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro has a 7.1-channel system that will deliver a true surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos support to deliver booming bass and clear dialogue. HDMI eArc, 3 HDMI inputs, Optical, Coaxial, 3.5mm Aux-in, and Bluetooth inputs enable you to connect a wide variety of electronics so that whatever you’re listening to at the moment can sound its best. Don’t miss out on this limited time offer for $100 off and make your next movie night an event to remember.
More Soundbar Deals to Consider
- Sony HT-S100F Bluetooth 2.0ch Soundbar for $98.00 (List Price $129.99)
- Samsung QS730D 3.1.2ch Soundbar With Wireless Subwoofer for $497.99 (List Price $797.99)
- LG S40T 2.1ch Soundbar With Wireless Subwoofer for $146.99 (List Price $199.99)
- Klipsch Flexus Core 200 3.1.2ch Bluetooth Soundbar With Dolby Atmos for $398.50 (List Price $499.00)
- Samsung HW-Q600C 3.1.2ch Soundbar With Dolby Audio for $317.99 (List Price $597.99)
*Deals are selected by our commerce team
How Much Should a Soundbar Cost?
You can get a decent soundbar for as little as $100, though we wouldn’t recommend going lower than that. We would also advise sticking to recognizable brands as a cheap, no-name brand may be more headache than it’s worth. Check out our list of The Best Soundbars for more details on brands, features, and suitable use cases.
What Is the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Soundbars?
Typically, the more you spend on a soundbar, the better the audio performance and the more features you have at your disposal. Additionally, some soundbars are packaged with satellite speakers and/or a subwoofer while others are a single bar.
How Much Do You Need to Spend on a Soundbar?
That depends on your needs. A single soundbar is usually the cheapest option, though if you want punchier bass or a surround setup, you’ll probably want more speakers. If you’re not sure a soundbar is a good fit for your listening tastes, we recommend going into a showroom like Best Buy and taking a test listen before committing to a purchase.
What Is the Best Surround Sound Bar Under $300
The Vizio M-Series 5.1 (M51a-H6) received high marks from our expert as an affordable 5.1 soundbar system. We’ve seen sales drop the price low as $259, but even at the current price—$298 at the time of publication—you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.
Is There Another Way I Can Improve My TV’s Sound Output?
Yes! Bluetooth speakers are a great option as well. Just bear in mind that they won’t deliver the same impact because they’re meant for a smaller computer monitor rather than a large TV.
Do I Need a Subwoofer to Produce Good Bass?
Soundbars can generate a range of sounds from low-mid to high frequencies, but they don’t usually get that punchy bass we crave when listening to music or watching action scenes. That’s where a subwoofer comes in. Many soundbars come packaged with a wireless subwoofer or at least come with subwoofer outputs so you can add one later.
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi—Which is Better?
Bluetooth is easy to set up and allows you to connect to your mobile device in the same way you would a pair of headphones; however, Wi-Fi offers lossless audio due to its high bandwidth. If audio quality is most important to you, Wi-Fi is the way to go.
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