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10 Best Cheap Sound Bars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
JBL Bar 1300XMK2-11.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers & Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X®, 1570W max Output Power & a 12" Wireless subwoofer (Black)
The JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is a powerful soundbar system designed for those seeking an immersive home theater experience without complicated wiring. With an impressive 11.1.4 channel setup and 1570 watts of power, it delivers rich, three-dimensional sound using Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies. What makes it stand out is the detachable wireless surround speakers that you easily lift off and place behind you to create true surround sound, all without extra cables. The 12-inch wireless subwoofer adds deep bass, enhancing movies and music alike.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,281
Audio Channels
Subwoofer
Connectivity Options
Most important from
41 reviews
#2
Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, White
The Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar offers a premium audio experience with its 5.1.4 surround sound setup and Dolby Atmos technology, which creates immersive overhead and surround effects usually found in higher-end systems. It features six transducers, including upward-firing speakers, enhancing spatial audio for a rich home theater feel. Connectivity options include Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, and an optical cable, allowing easy connections to most TVs and wireless pairing with other Bose speakers or headphones. The soundbar includes an A.I. Dialogue Mode for clearer voices, which is great for dialogue-heavy shows or movies. Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant adds convenient hands-free operation.
Rating
9.4
Audio Channels
Connectivity Options
Size and Design
Most important from
687 reviews
#3
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black
The Bose TV Speaker soundbar is a compact and user-friendly option designed to improve your TV's audio quality without breaking the bank. It features 2 angled full-range drivers that deliver a wide and natural sound, making it easier to hear dialogue and enjoy an enhanced TV-watching experience. The soundbar is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music and podcasts wirelessly from your devices.
Rating
9.4
Sound Modes
Size and Design
Most important from
13618 reviews
Top 10 Best Cheap Sound Bars 2026 in the United States
#1
Winner
JBL Bar 1300XMK2-11.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers & Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X®, 1570W max Output Power & a 12" Wireless subwoofer (Black)
JBL Bar 1300XMK2-11.1.4 Channel soundbar System with Detachable Surround Speakers & Dolby Atmos® & DTS:X®, 1570W max Output Power & a 12" Wireless subwoofer (Black)
Audio Channels: 11.1.4
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, Ethernet, Optical
Wattage: 1570 Watts
Subwoofer: 12-inch wireless subwoofer
Sound Modes: Night Listening
Size and Design: 5.4"D x 55.3"W x 2.3"H, Black
Chosen by 1281 this week
Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, White
Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar, All-in-One Surround Sound System for TV, A.I. Dialogue Mode, Alexa and Google Voice Control, HDMI eARC, White
Audio Channels: 5.1.4
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, Optical cable
Subwoofer: No separate subwoofer; bass integrated
Sound Modes: Dolby Enabled, A.I. Dialogue Mode
Size and Design: 4.21"D x 41.14"W x 2.29"H, White
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, All-in-One Compact Soundbar, Includes Remote Control, Black
Audio Channels: Stereo
Connectivity Options: Bluetooth 4.2, HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, USB
Subwoofer: No built-in, compatible with Bose Bass Module
Sound Modes: Dialogue mode, Bass boost
Size and Design: 2.21" H x 23.38" W x 4.02" D
Polk Audio Signa S4 TV Sound Bar with Subwoofer - Dolby Atmos Audio VoiceAdjust & BassAdjust Technology, HDMI eARC, Wireless Subwoofer works with 8K, 4K, & HD TVs, Bluetooth, Wireless Streaming
Polk Audio Signa S4 TV Sound Bar with Subwoofer - Dolby Atmos Audio VoiceAdjust & BassAdjust Technology, HDMI eARC, Wireless Subwoofer works with 8K, 4K, & HD TVs, Bluetooth, Wireless Streaming
Audio Channels: 3.1.2
Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, optical, USB
Wattage: 410 Watts
Subwoofer: Wired
Size and Design: 3.7"D x 41.2"W x 2.4"H, slim
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater with 13 Speakers, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, HDMI 2.1 and Supports Spotify Connect/Apple AirPlay (HT-A9000)
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater with 13 Speakers, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, HDMI 2.1 and Supports Spotify Connect/Apple AirPlay (HT-A9000)
Audio Channels: 13 Speakers
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1, AirPlay
Wattage: 585 Watts
Subwoofer: Wired
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Sound
Size and Design: 51.2 Inches, Wall Mount, Tabletop
Related Products
Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Sonos Beam Gen 2 - Black - Soundbar with Dolby Atmos
Audio Channels: 2.0
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Ethernet, HDMI
Wattage: 200 Watts
Size and Design: 3.9"D x 25.6"W x 2.7"H
SAMSUNG Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, Rear Speaker Included, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-Q990D/ZA
SAMSUNG Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Atmos Audio, Rear Speaker Included, Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro with Alexa Built-in, HW-Q990D/ZA
Audio Channels: 11.1.4
Connectivity Options: Wireless, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Subwoofer: Wireless
Sound Modes: Dolby Enabled, Game Mode Pro
Size and Design: 5.4"D x 48.5"W x 2.7"H, Wall Mount
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater 11 Speaker Soundbar, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, Dolby Vision, HDMI 2.1 (HT-A8000)
Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar for TV Surround Sound Home Theater 11 Speaker Soundbar, 360 Spatial Sound Mapping, Dolby Atmos/DTS:X, Dolby Vision, HDMI 2.1 (HT-A8000)
Audio Channels: 11 Speakers
Connectivity Options: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Wattage: 495 Watts
Subwoofer: No subwoofer; supports wireless subs
Sound Modes: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, 360 Sound
Size and Design: 43.3 Inches, Wall Mount
#10
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Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Sound Bars
When it comes to picking a sound bar, especially on a budget, it's important to focus on the key specifications that will impact your listening experience the most. Sound bars are designed to enhance the audio quality of your TV, providing clearer dialogue, richer sound effects, and a more immersive experience overall. By understanding the key specs, you can make an informed decision and find a sound bar that meets your needs without breaking the bank.Audio ChannelsAudio channels refer to the number of separate audio tracks that the sound bar can play. 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 better 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 2.1 or 3.1 channel sound bar might be sufficient. For a more immersive experience, especially for action movies and gaming, consider a 5.1 channel sound bar.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity options determine how you can connect the sound bar to your TV and other devices. Common options include HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, and AUX. HDMI ARC provides the best audio quality and allows for easy control with your TV remote. Optical connections also offer good quality but may require a separate remote. Bluetooth is great for streaming music from your phone or tablet, while AUX is a simple, universal option. Consider what devices you plan to connect and choose a sound bar with the appropriate inputs.
WattageWattage indicates the power output of the sound bar, which affects the volume and clarity of the sound. Higher wattage generally means louder and clearer audio. For small to medium-sized rooms, a sound bar with 100-200 watts should be sufficient. For larger rooms or if you prefer louder audio, look for a sound bar with 300 watts or more. Think about the size of your room and your listening preferences when considering wattage.
SubwooferA subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, 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 or action-packed movies, a sound bar with a subwoofer will enhance your experience. If space is a concern or you prefer a more streamlined setup, a sound bar with a built-in subwoofer might be a better choice.
Sound ModesSound modes are preset audio settings that optimize the sound bar for different types of content, such as movies, music, sports, or dialogue. These modes adjust the audio settings to enhance the listening experience for each type of content. If you watch a variety of content, look for a sound bar with multiple sound modes. This feature can make a noticeable difference in audio quality and ensure you get the best sound for whatever you're watching or listening to.
Size and DesignThe size and design of the sound bar can affect both its performance and how well it fits into your home setup. Sound bars come in various lengths and heights, so measure the space where you plan to place it to ensure a good fit. Additionally, consider the design and aesthetics of the sound bar, especially if it will be a prominent feature in your living room. A sleek, well-designed sound bar can complement your TV and enhance the overall look of your entertainment area.