We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Affordable Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Samsung HW-B750D/ZA 5.1 ch Soundbar w/ Dolby Audio, Surround Sound expansion, Bass Boost, Adaptive Sound, DTS Virtual:X, Wireless Subwoofer, 2024

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,311
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
2604 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound quality rivals much more expensive brands, delivering impressive surround sound for the price.
Connectivity Options
The Bluetooth connection is seamless and works very well, making it easy to switch between devices effortlessly.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer provides powerful, punchy bass that enhances both movies and music.
Size and Design
Despite its compact size, the soundbar produces crisp and clear audio that surpasses previous larger models.

The Samsung HW-B750D/ZA is a 5.1 channel soundbar designed to boost your home audio experience at an affordable price. It features Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X support, which create a richer surround sound effect without needing extra speakers, making it great for movies and shows. A built-in center speaker and voice-enhancing modes help make dialogue clearer, useful if you often miss conversations during intense scenes. The included wireless subwoofer with bass boost adds impactful low-end sound, giving a satisfying punch to action sequences and music.

Connectivity is simple with Bluetooth multi-connection, allowing two devices to connect simultaneously so you can easily switch music sources. It also supports seamless control with Samsung TV remotes, simplifying your setup. The design is sleek and wall-mountable, fitting well in most living rooms without taking up much space.

Additional features like adaptive sound and night mode adjust audio automatically based on content and listening environment, making it versatile for different uses, including late-night viewing. Game mode delivers directional sound cues to enhance gaming immersion. This soundbar is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their TV audio with surround sound capabilities without a complicated setup or high cost. It balances good sound quality, useful features, and modern design, making it suitable for typical home theater use, casual gaming, and music listening.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,311
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
2604 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound quality rivals much more expensive brands, delivering impressive surround sound for the price.
Connectivity Options
The Bluetooth connection is seamless and works very well, making it easy to switch between devices effortlessly.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer provides powerful, punchy bass that enhances both movies and music.
Size and Design
Despite its compact size, the soundbar produces crisp and clear audio that surpasses previous larger models.
#2

Polk Audio Signa S3 Sound Bar for TV & Wireless Subwoofer with Built-in Chromecast & Google Assistant, Low-Profile Design, Works with 8K, 4K & HD TVs, Bluetooth and Wireless Streaming

Rating
8.2
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Power Output

Most important from
24783 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound bar delivers excellent center channel clarity and distinct left and right separation, creating an immersive wall of sound that reaches into the room.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and quick, with all necessary cables included and smooth connectivity to various TVs.
Power Output
Bass performance is strong yet controlled, providing satisfying rumble and clear thump without overwhelming boominess.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer placement behind the listener enhances a surround-like experience despite the system being 2.1 channel.
Sound Modes
Voice Adjust technology makes dialogue stand out clearly, especially noticeable when switching between settings for movies or music.
Size and Design
Build quality feels solid and well-made, reflecting Polk’s reputation for durable, audiophile-grade speakers.

The Polk Audio Signa S3 is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable sound bar with good sound quality and easy setup. It features a 2.1 channel system with two mid-range drivers and tweeters, plus a wireless 5.25-inch subwoofer that delivers decent deep bass, enhancing your TV and music experience. With 80 watts of power, it fills most living rooms well without being overwhelming. The sound bar has Polk’s Voice Adjust technology and supports Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, which helps make dialogue clearer—great for watching movies or sports without missing words.

Connectivity-wise, it offers HDMI ARC, optical input, and a 3.5mm jack for wired connections, plus Bluetooth and built-in Chromecast for wireless streaming from phones or tablets. This flexibility means you can easily connect to various devices. Its slim, low-profile design (just over 2 inches tall) fits comfortably in front of most TVs and can also be wall-mounted without blocking remotes or TV sensors. However, the subwoofer connects via a wired connection, which might limit placement options compared to fully wireless systems.

While the sound bar supports surround sound decoding, it doesn't create true surround sound on its own—it’s better suited for improving TV audio and music streaming rather than a full home theater setup. The Signa S3 is an excellent option if you want an upgrade from your TV speakers with clear dialogue, decent bass, and easy streaming features, all in a compact design that won’t dominate your space.

Rating
8.2
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Power Output

Most important from
24783 reviews

Audio Channels
The sound bar delivers excellent center channel clarity and distinct left and right separation, creating an immersive wall of sound that reaches into the room.
Connectivity Options
Setup is straightforward and quick, with all necessary cables included and smooth connectivity to various TVs.
Power Output
Bass performance is strong yet controlled, providing satisfying rumble and clear thump without overwhelming boominess.
Subwoofer
The wireless subwoofer placement behind the listener enhances a surround-like experience despite the system being 2.1 channel.
Sound Modes
Voice Adjust technology makes dialogue stand out clearly, especially noticeable when switching between settings for movies or music.
Size and Design
Build quality feels solid and well-made, reflecting Polk’s reputation for durable, audiophile-grade speakers.
#3

Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, White, Bundle with Bass Module 700 and 2X Surround Speakers 700 and H&A HDMI Cable

Rating
8.2
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
23 reviews

Audio Channels
Delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience that truly elevates movies, games, and music with clear, detailed surround sound.
Connectivity Options
Setup is remarkably straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes with wireless pairing for the bass module and surround speakers.
Subwoofer
The bass module produces impressively deep and loud low frequencies for its size, enhancing the overall sound experience.
Sound Modes
The Bose app offers intuitive and fast control over bass, treble, and other sound settings, often preferred over the remote.

The Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar bundle is a strong choice for those seeking an immersive home audio experience without complicated setup. This system includes a soundbar, a powerful Bass Module 700 subwoofer, and two Surround Speakers 700, delivering a 5.1.2 channel setup that supports Dolby Atmos. This means you get clear, detailed sound with impressive depth and surround effects, making movies, games, and music feel more lifelike. Connectivity is flexible with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI eARC, allowing easy wireless streaming and high-quality wired connections, which is convenient for most modern devices.

The powerful bass module adds strong low-end impact, enhancing the overall sound experience. The soundbar and speakers have a clean white design and are meant for shelf mounting, fitting well into many living spaces. This bundle is on the heavier side at 59 pounds, so placement may require some effort. It’s also not water-resistant, so it’s best suited for indoor use only.

The price might be above some other affordable soundbars, reflecting its premium features, and the system relies on a wired connection for the subwoofer, which could limit placement flexibility. For those wanting a simple-to-use, high-quality surround sound setup with modern wireless options and deep bass, this Bose bundle represents a great pick for home theater enthusiasts looking to upgrade from basic soundbars.

Rating
8.2
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Subwoofer

Most important from
23 reviews

Audio Channels
Delivers an immersive Dolby Atmos experience that truly elevates movies, games, and music with clear, detailed surround sound.
Connectivity Options
Setup is remarkably straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes with wireless pairing for the bass module and surround speakers.
Subwoofer
The bass module produces impressively deep and loud low frequencies for its size, enhancing the overall sound experience.
Sound Modes
The Bose app offers intuitive and fast control over bass, treble, and other sound settings, often preferred over the remote.

Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Sound Bars

Choosing the right sound bar can significantly enhance your audio experience, whether you're watching movies, playing games, or listening to music. When selecting an affordable sound bar, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best value for your money. Understanding these specs will help you make an informed decision that matches your needs and preferences.
Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that a sound bar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, and 5.1 channels. A 2.0 channel sound bar has two speakers (left and right), while a 2.1 channel adds a subwoofer for enhanced bass. A 3.1 channel includes a center speaker 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 sound bar can provide a more immersive experience. For casual listening or smaller spaces, a 2.0 or 2.1 channel may suffice.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect your sound bar to other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical input, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC allows for high-quality audio and easy control with your TV remote. Optical input also provides good audio quality but requires a separate remote. Bluetooth is convenient for wireless streaming from smartphones and tablets, while AUX is a simple wired connection. Consider your primary use case: if you want to connect multiple devices or stream wirelessly, look for a sound bar with versatile connectivity options.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, indicates the sound bar's loudness and overall audio performance. Higher wattage generally means louder and clearer sound. For small to medium-sized rooms, a sound bar with 100-200 watts should be sufficient. For larger spaces or if you prefer louder audio, look for a sound bar with 200 watts or more. Your listening habits and room size will guide you in choosing the right power output.
SubwooferA subwoofer enhances the bass frequencies, adding depth and richness to the audio. Some sound bars come with a built-in subwoofer, while others include a separate, often wireless, subwoofer. If you enjoy bass-heavy music, action movies, or gaming, a sound bar with a dedicated subwoofer can significantly improve your experience. For general TV watching or if space is limited, a built-in subwoofer may be adequate.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar's performance for different types of content, such as movies, music, news, or sports. These modes adjust the audio balance to enhance dialogue clarity, bass, or overall sound quality. If you watch a variety of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes to easily switch between settings and get the best audio experience for each type of content.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar should complement your TV and fit well in your living space. Sound bars come in various lengths and styles, from compact models to larger, more elaborate designs. Measure the space where you plan to place the sound bar and ensure it won't block your TV screen or interfere with other devices. Additionally, consider the aesthetic appeal and how it matches your home decor. A well-designed sound bar can enhance both your audio experience and the overall look of your entertainment setup.

FAQ