The best Soundbar for TV is powerful, easy to install, and can replace the weak and small built-in speakers on the TV. Newer TVs tend to be thin, which is very suitable for their appearance, on the wall or for entertainment purposes. However, their voice is not good, and the speakers are small and quiet.
The Soundbar speakers solve this problem by transmitting audio tasks to specially designed multi-drive speakers, creating a sound field that is deeper, more detailed, and broader. A Soundbar with a dedicated subwoofer or even satellite speakers can provide authentic surround sound. Still, if you only need a basic home theater system, a standalone Soundbar is a good choice.
Speakers usually take up a lot of space to produce good sound (with some unique technical exceptions, such as rare and expensive electrostatic panel speakers) and so on. The flat-screen TV in the room is as good as the picture looks. However, the TV’s built-in speakers are unlikely to sound good.
If you want loud sound, you need a separate sound system with High-quality home theater sound, not thin or metallic.
The Soundbars are in long shape. Usually relatively thin but still thicker than the TV speakers, which combine stereo, left/right/mid sound, and even surround sound in an easy-to-set-up device, plug into your optical port.
- Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
- BOSE Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
- SAMSUNG HW-T550 Soundbar with Dolby Audio
- VIZIO SB3651-F6 Surround Sound Bar with Subwoofer
- JBL Bar 9.1 – Channel Soundbar System
In contrast, others offer Spotify Connect integration for wireless Bluetooth music playback. Finally, some provide virtual assistants, such as Google Assistant, Amazon, and Alexa, which allow you to control the soundbar with your voice.
5 Picks of The Best Soundbars for TV With Subwoofer
It is a complementary sound system that does not take up more space than a TV, but it can provide the required power, range, and clarity of your sound. Depending on your budget, the soundbar can not only play audio from the TV but also do more high-quality options like AirPlay and Chromecast support.
1) Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
- Dimensions: 3.22 x 35.43 x 2.15 inches
- Weight: 19.91 pounds
- Power Source: Electric Corded
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Speaker Terminals: Single
- Color: Black
The Polk Audio S3 has a performance-optimized 2.1-channel driver array, and Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding system makes it the best Soundbar for TV. Polk audio creates the incredible, room-filling virtual surround sound through a compact, flat Soundbar, and wireless subwoofer. It uses the Polk Adjust technology to adjust the level.
It is made for unambiguous dialogue. Polk Audio Signa never skips a word from your favorite movie, series, or sporting event.
Apply Google Chromecast Audio to stream music from your favorite apps such as Google Play Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music HD, Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Deezer, Qobuz, iHeart Radio, etc. Use your voice and Google Assistant to control music playback, pause, and volume control.
Use the Google Home app to combine them with other Chromecast-enabled speakers to play music at home. Google Home speakers are sold separately.
Use HDMI ARC with any brand of HD, 4K, and 8K TVs. The included HDMI and optical cable make setup very easy. For example, Polk S3 can automatically adjust the volume with Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Sony TV remote controls, and most TVs supporting CEC.
With built-in Bluetooth technology, you can play music directly from a compatible smartphone, tablet, or other devices. It is one of the highest-rated Soundbars.
Pros:
- Ultra-slim soundbar with wireless subwoofer
- Polk Patented Voice Adjust Technology
- Universal TV Compatibility
- Performance-Tuned Surround Sound
Cons:
- It is not compatible with some Samsung televisions.
2) BOSE Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
- Dimensions: 3.4 x 21.5 x 2.8 inches
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- Power Source: Electric Corded
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Speaker Terminals: Single
- Color: Black
The Bose Solo 5 TV sound system consists of a Soundbar that provides enhanced sound quality for all your favorite TV shows. From dialogue to sound effects, make your voice clearer. With built-in Bluetooth technology, you can listen to your favorite music wirelessly.
Solo 5 TV sound systems is a simple, most advanced technical solution that can provide crystal clear sound from your TV. The dialogue mode makes every word clearer without adjusting the volume according to the scene. It enhances your high-definition picture with more precise sound, richer soundtracks and effects, and deeper bass.
The Soundbar is versatile, and you can place the Soundbar anywhere on the shelf next to the TV or even mount it directly on the wall using the optional wall bracket WB-120. It doesn’t require a lot of setups. All you have to do is connect the Bose Solo 5 system to your TV with an audio cable.
The audio cable can be an optical, coaxial cable, or analog cable, depending on your preference. The soundbar determines the type you use. Next, use the included universal remote control to control the Blu-ray player, Bluetooth connection, and gaming system. Finally, you can easily control the system and video resources connected to the TV.
You just need a little more bass while watching TV or live music. Everything is now under control. Just press a button on the remote control to increase or decrease the bass.
Pros:
- Universal remote control
- Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music
- Better sound quality with the good built quality
- Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa inside
Cons:
- It doesn’t have HDMI input
3) SAMSUNG HW-T550 Soundbar with Dolby Audio
The Samsung HW-T550 is a best Soundbar for 4k TV. The 2.1 setting has a balanced sound profile with almost no extra bass. The wireless subwoofer is powerful and provides intense bass, which is not bad for this price.
It also includes some sound enhancement features, including a 7-band equalizer, which allows you to adjust the sound to your liking, which is perfect for TV shows or news.
This Soundbar can be very loud, which is excellent when hosting a party or in a huge room. In addition, it can be boosted to maximum volume without too much sound compression, which is excellent. It is the best Soundbar for Samsung TV.
The build quality of the Samsung HW-T550 is excellent. The plastic material used seems to be very durable. The speakers are covered with metal grilles to protect them. The subwoofer feels a bit cheap, and its front is covered with a cloth, which can quickly get dirty or damaged.
The port is at the speaker’s back. The back of the Samsung HW-T550 is very simple. They have two holes for different inputs and a power cord.
If you want to wall-mount the Soundbar, you can find a universal hole. The following and brackets are included. The connector is on the top, and the power cord is on the bottom, which is easy to hide when you need to lay cables.
Pros:
- Optimized gaming sound
- 7-band EQ for customization options.
- A well-balanced sound profile.
- Good build quality with value to money
Cons:
- Down mixes surround sound content
- Doesn’t support Atmos content.
4) VIZIO SB3651-F6 Surround Sound Bar with Subwoofer
- Dimensions: 36 x 3.2 x 2.1 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Power Source: Electric Corded
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Speaker Terminals: Single
- Color: Black
Vizio SB3651-F6 is the best soundbar with subwoofer for movies. The overall performance of Vizio is not bad and suitable for all types of content. Its detailed and neutral sound profile is ideal for voice content. It is suitable for most music genres, TV programs, and podcasts with slightly more bass. For movies, the panel is Atmos compatible and provides an impressive listening experience through dedicated surround speakers.
Its front and top are covered with fabric, which unfortunately can be easily soiled or damaged. The back and bottom are made of plastic; the sides are silver plastic, with the Vizio logo in the middle. The tv soundbar is in a very similar style.
The front and top edges of the rod are covered with fabric, and the connector is at the back, made of plastic. On both sides are large silver plates with the Vizio logo in the middle. The front and top are woven; the back is plastic, and two silver plates with the Vizio logo on both sides.
The back of the circuit board is made of plastic and has two holes in which the entrance is located. When you install it on a wall, its design will not flush with the wall. There is a connector in the middle of the back of the subwoofer
The power cord is connected from below, so you can hide it easily. On the back, you can also find interfaces for connecting two satellites and two buttons: one for the power supply and the other for connecting to the panel.
You only have one signal cable connector to connect to the subwoofer and one hole to connect to the wall. It is one of the most powerful Soundbars for movies.
Pros:
- Produce 101 dB sound with less than 1% Total Harmonic Distortion.
- The subwoofer produced the room-shaking bass as deep as 50 Hz.
- Advanced audio technology with Dolby Atmos
- Amazing connectivity options
Cons:
- No Dialog Enhancement feature
5) JBL Bar 9.1 Channel Soundbar System
- Dimensions: 36 x 3.2 x 2.1 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
- Power Source: Electric Corded
- Speaker Type: Soundbar
- Speaker Terminals: Single
- Color: Black
JBL Bar 9.1 is very suitable for mixed-use that makes it the best soundbar for tv and music. Thanks to the subwoofer, it has a balanced out-of-the-box sound profile with extra bass. Detachable satellites also help provide a more immersive listening experience.
Although it may be loud enough for large or crowded rooms, there will be some compression at maximum volume. However, you can play audio content clearly and accurately and stream podcasts or audiobooks directly to the dashboard via various wireless connections.
JBL Bar 9.1 for music shows has excellent build quality. The top and front are made of metal to protect the speakers and give them a stylish appearance. The back and bottom are made of plastic. It looks sturdy and durable.
On the other hand, the subwoofer is located on four plastic feet because the speakers are located at the bottom. It is made of durable melamine.
The satellite is made of the same material as the pole and has a metal mesh similar to the mesh type. Both satellites are truly wireless, and you can easily charge them by inserting them into the side of the stand or via Micro USB. You can even use them while charging, which is a valuable feature.
The JBL Bar 9.1 soundbar provides a home theater experience with two detachable surround speakers.
The total output power of the system is 820 watts. You can enjoy the Oscar-level performance with solid and clear sound. Raise or lower the 10-inch subwoofer for powerful bass and relax with Chrome cast and Airplay streaming music.
The built-in battery means freedom of sound. Place two detachable surround speakers anywhere in your room for incredible sound quality. After 10 hours of playback, simply plug it into the Soundbar to charge it.
Pros:
- Dolby Atmos and DTS: X 3D sound experiences.
- Built-in battery gives10 hours of playback
- Supports Atmos for an immersive experience
- Completely wireless subwoofers can play audio while charging
Cons:
- No graphic EQ and limited EQ presets.
Buying Guide for Top Soundbar for TV Shows and Movies
Many factors influence the decision to buy the best budget Soundbar for TV and music.
Size of the Speaker:
Size may be the most essential factor in selection. First, of course, you need a Soundbar that fits your TV and limited space. Because the Soundbar is one of the core components of home theater, it should look tremendous and fit in your style.
The room you are dealing with is the size of the room, and the audience usually sits away from the TV. If it’s bigger, it’s better to choose a Soundbar with a subwoofer; you will love the extra bass.
Ports and Connectivity:
In terms of wired and wireless access, ports and connectivity are also important. Not all Soundbars have HDMI ports; some have a visual tone that pleases you.
If you want to use the TV as a pass-through device, this is great. But for those who desperately need more HDMI connections, because their capacity is limited between game consoles, streaming media consoles, etc., you need to choose those first who provide connections.
Audio Technology:
After all, more and more of the best Soundbars are using Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology designed to simulate the immersive 3D sound you can get in a movie theater.
The most significant difference between Atmos and traditional surround sound is that you can hear the sound of moving up and down instead of just moving left and right, which allows you to dive deeper, for example, in an action movie, a car flies over your head.
Power of Amplifier:
Some manufacturers try to surprise consumers with the considerable power of their amplifiers, but this should not be too much. Even if the power reading is accurate, the power is not a true representation of the volume because the speaker sensitivity will also affect the overall volume.
Subwoofer Availability :
Most independent soundbars cannot reproduce full-range sound; so many bass tones are transmitted to a separate subwoofer. But, like any independent Soundbar, the explosions, gunshots, and soundtrack of Hollywood blockbusters and the latest AAA games sound amazing.
So, there are two kinds of subwoofers, active and passive. The latter does not require a built-in amplifier and therefore does not require the main power supply.
It is possible to connect the subwoofer to the soundbar with a cable and use the amplifier in the Soundbar. But if you are looking for a wireless subwoofer, you need a second plugin addition to the power supply.
Wall Mounting:
This is becoming more and more popular, but the function of the wall-mounted Soundbar is not a universal feature. This depends on the design of the Soundbar and possible wall mounting. The soundbar comes with all the brackets and parts needed to connect it, except for the drill.
Battery life:
Battery life is an important parameter to consider. You do not want to recharge the speaker every hour. It will last if you expect it to. Smaller speakers have smaller batteries and will not last long, but some larger ones can be expected to last 24 hours. The typical length of operation can be four to ten hours, referred to as average battery life.
Price Affordability:
Soundbars are available in the market in different price brackets. The best thing about these is that you can buy an excellent budget Soundbar for TV.
The more expensive Soundbar system comes with more features and better sound quality. On the other hand, affordable speakers promise to deliver high-quality audio.
Besides, you can find plenty of Soundbars models at any price you want to name. All you have to do is determine the brand, go to the nearest store and buy the best pair that suits your budget and preferences.
Soundbars offer versatility and are an excellent solution for anyone who needs excellent audio for their TV system. Choose a powerful and innovative option that suits your budget, your aesthetics, and your lifestyle. You can always try before you buy but searching and reading some guides and reviews is the best option to choose the best Soundbar for TV Music. In comparing the best Soundbars for TV, I recommend the Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar System because of its channel driver array, Dolby Digital decoding system, stream music from your favorite apps, ports, and connections with HDMI that makes it the smart Soundbar for TV. I also suggest the BOSE Solo 5 TV Soundbar because of its Universal remote control system, gaming mode for excellent sound delivery, deeper bass, precise sound, Google assistant voice command system, and Alexa support that makes it the top-rated TV Soundbars.
Recommended
If you just want to enhance the TV’s sound, a 2.1-channel Soundbar (two front channels and a separate subwoofer) may be sufficient. To get authentic surround sound, buy a Soundbar with a subwoofer and rear speakers, preferably wireless, and use it for multi-channel audio.
Technically, you can pair a Soundbar with a TV of almost any size. Therefore, in terms of size, it is entirely up to you to decide whether your TV has the correct connectivity to connect to your new Soundbar system, especially if your TV is 8 years old or older.
There is no need to align the Soundbar and TV brands. However, it does provide some advantages, such as synchronization with the remote control, audio function customization, design compatibility, and other possible special features.
Soundbars are designed to replace your existing TV speakers; they are not designed to work parallel with the TV’s built-in speakers. The main reason for this is an echo. Therefore, if you turn on the TV speakers and the Soundbar simultaneously, the same audio signal will be sent to both.
