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 Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar is a solid choice for anyone looking to enhance their home audio experience without breaking the bank. With features like a built-in tweeter and Bass Reflex speaker, it delivers a deep and clear sound, making it suitable for TV shows, movies, and even conference calls. One of its standout qualities is the voice enhancement feature, which helps in situations where dialogue can be hard to hear, a real bonus for people who often watch TV or hold meetings at home.

The soundbar is compact and designed to fit nicely in small spaces, which is a great advantage if you have limited room. Its HDMI ARC connectivity simplifies the setup with your TV, and the Bluetooth option allows for wireless audio streaming from various devices—so you can easily enjoy music from your phone or tablet.

There are a few trade-offs to consider. The S100F doesn’t come with a separate subwoofer, which means it might not deliver the same level of bass you would find in higher-end models. Additionally, while it has a surround sound mode, it is limited to a 2.0 channel configuration, which might not satisfy users looking for a more immersive audio experience. The soundbar is wall-mountable, making it versatile for different setups, but keep in mind that it may not perform as well in larger rooms compared to more powerful alternatives. Also, while it includes a remote for easy control, the reliance on two AA batteries can be a minor inconvenience. The Sony S100F is an affordable option for those who want a straightforward soundbar for home entertainment or office use, but it might not fulfill the needs of audiophiles or those seeking heavy 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.