You’ve heard it before: your TV’s built-in speakers just don’t cut it. Dialogue gets lost, action scenes fall flat, and you’re constantly adjusting the volume.
Sound bars fix this problem fast. They’re simple to set up, won’t break the bank, and they transform how movies, shows, and music actually sound in your living room.
But here’s the thing—choosing the right one means understanding what you actually need, not just grabbing the flashiest option on the shelf.
Key Points
- Sound bars enhance TV audio with features like dialogue clarity, wireless connectivity, and options across budget ($100), mid-range ($200-$500), and premium ($500+) tiers.
- Match soundbar size to your room: compact models for spaces under 150 sq ft, medium for standard rooms, and 50+ inch bars for large areas.
- Key connectivity options include HDMI ARC for seamless control, optical connections, Bluetooth for wireless streaming, and USB ports for versatile playback.
- Superior sound quality requires clear dialogue through dedicated center channels, rich bass, balanced treble, and wide frequency ranges for full audio reproduction.
- Add a dedicated subwoofer for deep bass performance; 8-inch drivers suit most rooms, while wireless options provide flexible placement without cable clutter.
Home Audio Sound Bars
You’ll find excellent sound bars across every price range, each designed to transform your TV’s weak built-in speakers into something worth listening to.
The Assistrust Smart TV Sound Bar and Ultimea Surround Sound Bar deliver budget-friendly performance. The Bose TV Speaker, Sony S100F Soundbar, and Samsung B-Series Soundbar offer premium features like enhanced dialogue clarity, wireless connectivity, and room-filling audio that make movies feel cinematic.
Your choice depends on your room size, budget, and whether you want a simple setup or advanced surround sound capabilities.
Assistrust Smart TV Sound Bar
The Assistrust Smart TV Sound Bar delivers the best for budget-conscious viewers who refuse to compromise on audio quality.
Four high-performance drivers pump out 80W of powerful sound, transforming flat TV audio into vibrant, detailed soundscapes. You’ll hear whispered dialogue clearly. You’ll feel thunder rumble through action scenes.
Three equalizer modes—movie, music, news—let you tailor sound instantly. Place it horizontally, vertically, on your table, or mounted on your wall. Each position optimizes room acoustics differently.
Connect via Bluetooth 5.0, ARC, OPT, or AUX in minutes. Your TV remote controls everything in ARC mode.
The 18-month warranty, 60-day replacement policy, and 24/7 support protect your investment.
Best For: Budget-conscious viewers who want powerful, customizable sound quality without spending premium prices on home audio equipment.
Pros:
- 80W output from 4 drivers delivers rich, detailed sound that significantly enhances TV audio across movies, music, and gaming
- Multiple placement options (horizontal, vertical, tabletop, wall-mount) allow you to optimize acoustics for your specific room layout
- Comprehensive connectivity options (Bluetooth 5.0, ARC, OPT, AUX) with TV remote control compatibility in ARC mode for hassle-free setup
Cons:
- 80W power output may not satisfy audiophiles or fill larger rooms compared to premium soundbar systems
- Limited to 3 preset equalizer modes without mention of custom EQ adjustments for personalized sound tuning
- No mention of surround sound capabilities or Dolby Atmos support that higher-end soundbars typically offer
Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar
Compact design meets powerful clarity in the Bose TV Speaker, making it ideal for anyone who struggles to hear dialogue clearly during their favorite shows and movies.
Standing just over 2 inches tall, it fits seamlessly in front of your television without blocking the screen. Two angled full-range drivers deliver wide, natural sound that fills your room.
You’ll appreciate the enhanced dialogue mode—it sharpens vocals and pronunciation so you won’t miss a single word. Connect via Bluetooth to stream music wirelessly, or use HDMI, Optical, or AUX inputs for seamless integration.
Want deeper bass? Pair it with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 for room-shaking low end.
Best For: Anyone who has difficulty hearing TV dialogue clearly and wants a compact, easy-to-use soundbar that enhances speech without blocking their screen.
Pros:
- Enhanced dialogue mode significantly improves vocal clarity and speech intelligibility
- Compact 2-inch height design fits discreetly in front of TV without obstructing the screen
- Versatile connectivity with Bluetooth streaming plus three wired input options (HDMI, Optical, AUX)
Cons:
- Bass Module and wall-mount brackets sold separately add to total cost
- Limited to basic soundbar features without advanced surround sound capabilities
- HDMI cable not included despite HDMI-ARC connectivity being a key feature
Sony S100F Soundbar
Sony’s S100F soundbar delivers crystal-clear dialogue and immersive audio in three key scenarios: home office video calls, apartment movie nights, and small-room TV viewing.
You’ll connect it to your TV using HDMI ARC in minutes. The voice enhancement feature sharpens every word, making conference calls clearer and movie dialogues easier to follow.
At just 2.5 inches tall, it fits beneath most screens without blocking anything. The bass reflex speaker adds depth to music and explosions alike, while S-Force Pro Front Surround technology creates room-filling sound from this compact unit.
Stream your playlists through Bluetooth, or plug in via USB for instant playback.
Best For: Budget-conscious apartment dwellers and home office users who need clear dialogue for video calls and compact TV audio enhancement without sacrificing sound quality.
Pros:
- Voice enhancement technology ensures crystal-clear dialogue for both conference calls and TV shows
- Compact 2.5-inch height fits easily under most screens while S-Force Pro technology delivers immersive surround sound
- Multiple connectivity options including HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and USB for versatile audio sources
Cons:
- 2.0 channel configuration lacks a dedicated subwoofer for deep bass compared to more expensive soundbar systems
- Plastic construction may feel less premium than metal alternatives in similar price ranges
- Limited warranty support may require additional customer service interaction for issues
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F
Samsung’s B-Series Soundbar HW B400F stands as the best choice for TV watchers who crave clear dialogue and powerful bass without the hassle of multiple speakers or tangled wires.
You’ll hear full, balanced sound. The built-in subwoofer delivers rich bass that fills your room, projecting audio in all directions for a true immersive experience.
Control everything with your Samsung TV remote—power, volume, and sound effects all respond to one device. You won’t fight cable clutter either. Just pair and play.
Dialogue gets amplified automatically, so voices cut through clearly. When it’s late, activate night mode.
The soundbar lowers volume and minimizes bass, letting you watch without disturbing anyone sleeping nearby.
Best For: TV watchers who want clear dialogue and powerful bass in a simple, wireless setup that works seamlessly with their Samsung TV remote.
Pros:
- Built-in subwoofer delivers full, balanced sound with rich bass that fills the room
- One-remote control using your Samsung TV remote for power, volume, and sound effects
- Night mode lowers volume and minimizes bass for late-night viewing without disturbing others
Cons:
- Limited to Samsung TV remote compatibility, which may not work with other TV brands
- No mention of multiple connectivity options beyond wireless pairing with TV
- Lacks advanced features like multi-room audio or voice assistant integration
Ultimea Surround Sound Bar
The Ultimea Surround Sound Bar delivers 5.1-channel Dolby Atmos audio at 300W, making it the best choice for home theater enthusiasts who want immersive sound without the hassle of multiple rear speakers.
You’ll get five built-in speakers plus two side-firing drivers that create wide surround effects. The wired wooden subwoofer uses an 18 mm high-excursion driver for deeper bass.
VoiceMX technology isolates dialogue from background noise, so you’ll hear every word clearly.
The Ultimea app gives you control with a 10-band EQ, 121 presets, and 13 surround levels.
HDMI eARC handles lossless audio at 37 Mbps.
Bluetooth 5.4 connects quickly and stays stable.
Best For: Home theater enthusiasts who want immersive 5.1-channel Dolby Atmos sound without installing multiple rear speakers or dealing with a complex setup.
Pros:
- 300W output with five built-in speakers, side-firing drivers, and a wired wooden subwoofer delivers powerful, room-filling surround sound
- VoiceMX technology ensures dialogue clarity by isolating speech from background noise and music
- Comprehensive control through Ultimea app with 10-band EQ, 121 sound presets, and 13 adjustable surround levels
Cons:
- Requires a wired subwoofer connection, limiting placement flexibility
- Frequency response starting at 45 Hz may not satisfy those seeking the deepest bass extension
- The maximum SPL of 99 dB might be insufficient for very large rooms or extremely high volume preferences
Factors to Consider When Buying a Home Audio Soundbar
When you’re ready to buy a soundbar, think about five key factors that shape your listening experience.
Sound quality matters most, but you can’t ignore how the bar fits your room, what devices it connects to, and whether your wallet can handle the price tag.
The subwoofer’s power rounds out your decision—it’s what makes explosions rumble and music thump with that deep, chest-hitting bass you crave.
Sound Quality and Clarity
Sound quality separates mediocre sound bars from exceptional ones.
You’ll want clear dialogue, rich bass, and balanced treble.
Listen for distortion. Quality soundbars maintain clarity even at higher volumes.
Pay attention to the frequency range, which determines how low and high the sound reaches. A wider range means a fuller, more complete audio experience.
Test different content types.
Action movies demand powerful explosions and crisp gunfire. Music requires accurate instrument separation. Dialogue-heavy shows need crystal-clear vocals without muddiness.
Look for sound bars with dedicated center channels.
These focus specifically on dialogue clarity, keeping voices upfront and center. Check reviews mentioning speech intelligibility. You shouldn’t struggle to understand what actors say.
Don’t let impressive marketing specs fool you.
Trust your ears. When possible, compare models side-by-side, playing familiar content you know well.
Size and Room Compatibility
Perfect sound means nothing if your sound bar doesn’t fit your space. Measure your TV stand first. Your sound bar shouldn’t extend beyond the width of your television, or it’ll look awkward and unbalanced.
For small rooms under 150 square feet, a compact 32-inch model works best. Medium spaces need 40 to 50 inches. Large rooms demand full-sized bars, often 50 inches or more, to fill the space with rich, enveloping sound.
Consider your ceiling height, too. Low ceilings reflect sound differently than vaulted ones, affecting how audio bounces around your room.
Wall-mounted bars save floor space while creating clean sight lines. If you’re placing your bar on furniture, make sure there is three inches of clearance above it. This prevents muffled dialogue and maintains ideal acoustic performance.
Connectivity Options Available
Before you buy, check what plugs into what. You’ll need HDMI ports for your TV and gaming consoles. Most modern soundbars include HDMI ARC, using one cable for both audio and control, which simplifies everything.
Optical connections work too, although they can’t carry the highest-quality formats. Bluetooth lets you stream music from your phone wirelessly, while Wi-Fi connectivity opens up streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music. Some models offer USB ports for thumb drives loaded with music.
Check if your soundbar supports eARC for advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos. Count your devices first, then match them to available ports. You don’t want to buy adapters later or constantly swap cables around.
Budget and Price Range
Your wallet matters just as much as your ears when shopping for a soundbar.
Entry-level models start around $100, delivering basic improvement over TV speakers. Mid-range options, priced between $200 and $500, offer balanced performance with enhanced bass, clearer dialogue, and sometimes wireless subwoofers.
Premium soundbars exceed $500, providing immersive surround sound, Dolby Atmos technology, and exceptional build quality.
Set your budget first. Then shop within that range.
Consider what you’re actually getting. A $300 soundbar with a subwoofer often beats a $400 bar without one. Look for sales during Black Friday, Prime Day, or holiday weekends.
You’ll find quality models heavily discounted.
Don’t overspend on features you won’t use. Match your budget to your needs, not marketing hype.
Subwoofer and Bass Performance
Most soundbars struggle with deep, rumbling bass—the kind you feel in your chest during explosions or musical climaxes. That’s where subwoofers come in.
A dedicated subwoofer handles low frequencies separately, creating a richer sound. You’ll find two types: wireless and wired. Wireless models offer flexible placement, letting you tuck them anywhere in your room. Wired versions stay connected directly.
Size matters here. Larger subwoofers produce deeper bass, but they take up more space. An 8-inch driver works well for most rooms. Smaller apartments need less power.
Test the bass before buying. Play action movies and bass-heavy music. Listen for clarity, not just volume. The bass should sound tight and controlled, never muddy or overwhelming.
Good bass enhances everything you watch and hear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Soundbar With My Existing Home Theater System?
You can use a sound bar with your existing home theater system, but it’s not recommended. Sound bars are designed to replace your current speakers, not complement them. You’ll often experience audio conflicts and diminished sound quality if used together.
Do Soundbars Work With Older TVs That Don’t Have HDMI Ports?
Yes, you can connect a soundbar to older TVs using optical audio cables, RCA cables, or 3.5mm auxiliary connections. Check your TV’s available ports and verify the soundbar has matching inputs for compatibility.
How Do I Connect Multiple Devices to My Soundbar Simultaneously?
You’ll need to connect devices through your soundbar’s multiple input ports (HDMI, optical, AUX). Most soundbars let you switch between inputs using a remote or button. Alternatively, connect devices to your TV, then route audio to the sound bar.
Will a Soundbar Improve Dialogue Clarity for Hearing-Impaired Users?
Yes, you’ll notice improved dialogue clarity. Most soundbars feature dedicated center channels and dialogue enhancement modes that boost voice frequencies, making speech clearer and easier to understand, especially if you’re hearing-impaired.
Can Soundbars Be Mounted Vertically or Only Horizontally?
You’ll need to mount most soundbars horizontally since they’re designed that way. While some models claim vertical compatibility, you’ll likely experience compromised sound quality and dialogue clarity when mounting them vertically.
Final Thoughts
You’ve explored the options. Now make your choice. Consider your room size first, then your budget.
Match the sound bar to your space. Compact models for small rooms, larger units for big areas. Think about connectivity, too. Bluetooth and HDMI matter. Don’t forget bass performance. A subwoofer changes everything.
Whether you pick the Assistrust, Bose, Sony, or Samsung, you’re upgrading your sound. Your TV deserves better audio. You deserve better audio. Go get it.
