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10 bestBudget Soundbarsof May 2025

112M consumers helped this year.

1

Introducing Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, 3.1 channel, all-in-one design, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, clear dialogue, 2024 release
Introducing Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus, 3.1 channel, all-in-one design, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, clear dialogue, 2024 release

Amazon

9.9

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2

Introducing Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth support
Introducing Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth support

Amazon

9.8

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15% off

3

Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch 600W Soundbar for TV with Subwoofer and Wireless Rear Speakers with Bluetooth
Sony HT-S40R 5.1ch 600W Soundbar for TV with Subwoofer and Wireless Rear Speakers with Bluetooth

Sony

9.6

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4

Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bluetooth Soundbar Speaker with Voice Control and Amazon Alexa Built-In, Works with Google Assistant Capabilities, Black
Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar, Bluetooth Soundbar Speaker with Voice Control and Amazon Alexa Built-In, Works with Google Assistant Capabilities, Black

Bose

9.3

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17% off

5

Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 Bluetooth TV speaker, Black
Bose Solo Soundbar Series 2 Bluetooth TV speaker, Black

Bose

9.0

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6

Samsung C400 2.0ch 270W Soundbar Speaker (2023) - Bluetooth Soundbar with 4 Speakers, Surround Sound Expansion mode
Samsung C400 2.0ch 270W Soundbar Speaker (2023) - Bluetooth Soundbar with 4 Speakers, Surround Sound Expansion mode

Samsung

8.8

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47% off

7

Hisense HS214 Soundbar All-in-one, Wireless Bluetooth, Powerful Bass Built-in, Compact Design, AUX, HDMI, USB, TV, PC Speaker
Hisense HS214 Soundbar All-in-one, Wireless Bluetooth, Powerful Bass Built-in, Compact Design, AUX, HDMI, USB, TV, PC Speaker

Hisense

8.5

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23% off

8

Sony HT-SF150 2ch Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth
Sony HT-SF150 2ch Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth

Sony

8.2

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9

Samsung C450 2.1ch 300W Soundbar Speaker (2023) - Bluetooth Soundbar with 4 Speakers, Bass Boost 6.5" Subwoofer, 3D Wireless Surround Sound, Smart Game Mode, Adaptive Audio & Wall Mount Kit Included
Samsung C450 2.1ch 300W Soundbar Speaker (2023) - Bluetooth Soundbar with 4 Speakers, Bass Boost 6.5" Subwoofer, 3D Wireless Surround Sound, Smart Game Mode, Adaptive Audio & Wall Mount Kit Included

Samsung

7.9

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12% off

10

Denon DHT-S316 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, Bluetooth, Dolby Digital, DTS Decoding, Dialogue Enhancer, HDMI ARC, Wall Mountable, Music Streaming - Black
Denon DHT-S316 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer, Bluetooth, Dolby Digital, DTS Decoding, Dialogue Enhancer, HDMI ARC, Wall Mountable, Music Streaming - Black

Denon

7.6

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A Guide to Selecting the Best Budget Soundbars

Choosing the right soundbar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. When selecting a soundbar, 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 Channels

Audio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that a soundbar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, and 5.1 channels. A 2.0 channel soundbar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. A 3.1 channel includes a center channel for clearer dialogue, and a 5.1 channel adds rear speakers for a surround sound experience. If you primarily watch TV shows and movies, a 3.1 or 5.1 channel soundbar can provide a more immersive experience. For casual listening, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel may suffice.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity options determine how you can connect your soundbar to other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. HDMI ARC allows for high-quality audio and easy control with your TV remote. Optical input is another high-quality option but may not support advanced audio formats. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enable wireless streaming from your phone or other devices. If you want a simple setup with your TV, look for HDMI ARC. For wireless streaming, ensure the soundbar supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Power Output

Power output, measured in watts, indicates the soundbar's loudness and overall audio performance. Higher wattage generally means louder and clearer sound. Soundbars typically range from 30W to 300W. For a small to medium-sized room, a soundbar with 50W to 100W should be sufficient. For larger rooms or if you prefer louder audio, consider a soundbar with higher wattage. Your room size and listening preferences will guide you in choosing the right power output.

Subwoofer

A subwoofer is a speaker dedicated to reproducing low-frequency sounds, such as bass and sub-bass. Some soundbars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. A subwoofer can significantly enhance your audio experience, especially for movies and music with deep bass. If you enjoy bass-heavy audio or want a more immersive experience, look for a soundbar with a separate subwoofer. For a more compact setup, a built-in subwoofer may be sufficient.

Sound Modes

Sound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the soundbar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, and dialogue. These modes adjust the soundbar's equalizer settings to enhance specific audio elements. For example, a movie mode might emphasize surround sound effects, while a dialogue mode enhances speech clarity. If you watch a variety of content, look for a soundbar with multiple sound modes to easily switch between optimized settings.

Size and Design

The size and design of a soundbar can affect both its placement and aesthetic appeal. Soundbars come in various lengths and heights, so it's important to choose one that fits well with your TV and room setup. A longer soundbar may provide better stereo separation, while a compact design is easier to place in smaller spaces. Additionally, consider the soundbar's design and finish to ensure it complements your home decor. Measure your TV stand or wall space to find a soundbar that fits comfortably and looks good in your setup.

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