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 Roku Streambar SE is an affordable 2-in-1 soundbar that offers both sound enhancement and built-in streaming capabilities for smaller TVs. It features two premium speakers and a dedicated bass port, delivering surprisingly big sound with enhanced speech clarity, which is great for hearing dialogue more clearly without the need for closed captions. The soundbar supports 4K HDR streaming and has built-in apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube, ensuring a seamless streaming experience.

Connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical cable, and HDMI, which offer flexibility in how you connect it to your TV and other devices. Moreover, the Streambar SE comes with a simple remote that can control both the TV and the soundbar, reducing the need to juggle multiple remotes. The automatic volume control feature adjusts the volume for clear voices and lower commercials automatically. Additionally, it supports wireless headphones for private listening and can be expanded with the Roku Wireless Bass subwoofer for richer sound.

However, it lacks compatibility with Roku Wireless Speakers and might not provide the full surround sound experience some users might expect. With its compact design (9.6 x 3.5 x 2.4 inches) and easy setup, it's an excellent choice for smaller spaces like bedrooms. The product is lightweight at 2 pounds, making it a dependable and user-friendly option for those seeking to upgrade their TV audio and streaming capabilities without breaking the bank.