Flat-screen TVs don’t have the greatest audio. The best way to upgrade your audio without spending too much money is to buy a soundbar. We made a list of the 8 best soundbars for flat-screen TVs and we also explained the most important features to help you find the best one.
Page Contents
What Is a Soundbar?
A soundbar is an audio device with several integrated speakers. It usually has a
Soundbars are not as good as true surround sound systems but they cost less and they’re easy to install. So, if you want to get a decent sound and you’re not ready to spend a lot of money, you should buy a soundbar.
Since flat-screen TVs are so thin, there is not enough space to include a larger number of speakers. They do have some small speakers integrated but they produce low-quality audio. Any soundbar sounds better than TV speakers, so you can’t go wrong with a soundbar.
Soundbars can provide a stereo sound or a simulation of surround sound. You can find a great number of soundbar models that come with a subwoofer for improved bass output. A subwoofer is a great addition to a home theater because it improves the movie-watching experience by producing those powerful low-frequency sounds. Soundbars can have an integrated subwoofer which is great if you want to save some space. Others come with a separate subwoofer.
There are two main categories of soundbars regarding the way they are powered. Passive soundbars are powered by a receiver. On the other hand, active soundbars are self-powered. They’re easier to operate and set up. Since active soundbars have more advantages and are more convenient, almost all soundbars on the market fall into this category.
How to Set Up a Soundbar?
Whether you’re planning on placing your soundbar up the wall or putting it on a table stand, it’s important to measure if it would fit before you buy it. If you want to mount a soundbar on a wall below your flat-screen TV, it will probably fit. But, if you’re planning on placing it on a table, you should measure the table and the TV.
If you want to avoid your living room being cluttered with cables, you can find soundbars that can connect to a TV via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Also. However, if reliable performance is more important to you, you should go for a wired connection. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections might disconnect from time to time. Also, most people can agree that these connections provide lower audio quality.
Our Top Picks
This post contains affiliate links. See the affiliate disclaimer here.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakobs | Check Price on Amazon | 4.2 | Read Review |
| Wohome | Check Price on Amazon | 4.3 | Read Review |
| Bestisan S8520 | Check Price on Amazon | 4.4 | Read Review |
| Vmai | Check Price on Amazon | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Polk Audio Signa S2 | Check Price on Amazon | 4.5 | Read Review |
| Yamaha SR-B20A | Check Price on Amazon | 4.8 | Read Review |
| Bose Smart 300 | Check Price on Amazon | 4.3 | Read Review |
| Sonos Playbar | Check Price on Amazon | 4.6 | Read Review |
Below we made a list of the 8 best soundbars for flat-screen TV to help you find the right one depending on your preferences. We divided them into two categories based on the price, so if you have budget limitations you can easily search for more suitable models. TVs used to be small, but today’s flat-screen TVs can be much larger. For this reason, small soundbars are excluded from this list.
Best Soundbars for Flat-Screen TV Under $150
Low-budget soundbars are perfect for people who want decent audio in their living room and don’t want to spend money on an expensive home theater system. Soundbars in this price range might come with a subwoofer. They usually feature a Bluetooth connection. Different sound modes are also usual features. Advanced features (like wi-fi connectivity, multiroom capabilities, Alexa integration, advanced audio settings, and DSP modes) are reserved for more expensive soundbars.
Best Soundbar For Flat-Screen TV With Bluetooth Connection Under $60 – Sakobs Soundbar
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.3]
Impressions
This 2.0 channel soundbar features 4 built-in speakers. Deep Bass Modules produce strong bass eliminating the need for an additional subwoofer. Speakers produce clear sound with less than 0.3% of harmonic distortion. The soundbar works with most TVs, but you should make sure if it’s suitable for your TV.
Three sound modes are available for adjusting the sound to the content. Music Mode enhances bass so you’ll enjoy every beat of the song. TV Show Mode makes dialogues clearer. Movie Mode creates a dynamic sound experience for your home theater. This soundbar can be connected to a TV via Bluetooth, RCA, or optical connection. You can also connect your phone to the soundbar via Bluetooth.
This slim soundbar sits perfectly on a shelf but it can also be mounted on a wall. It’s 37 inches wide. The base has a 15° elevation angle for transmitting the sound directly across the room. The snap-in integrated structure allows simple installation on the wall.
Advantages
- 4 built-in speakers
- Deep Bass Modules
- 3 sound modes
- Bluetooth connection
- Can be mounted on a wall
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t work with all TVs
- No subwoofer
Wohome TV Soundbar
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.1]
Impressions
This 2.1 channel soundbar with a built-in subwoofer is a great addition to small home theaters. The built-in subwoofer saves space but delivers powerful bass. Two full-range speakers and one sub-range
Wohome TV soundbar features DSP Technology. It has four sound modes that adjust the sound depending on what you are watching. Sound Modes include News, Movie, Music, and Default. In the Default Mode, you can adjust the treble and bass. The package includes a remote, but this soundbar doesn’t work with a TV remote or universal remotes.
The soundbar supports AUX and optical connection. It also supports Bluetooth connection so you can pair your smartphone or tablet with the soundbar and listen to the music from up to 30 feet away. The soundbar is 32 inches wide. You can place it on a cabinet or you can mount it on a wall with the included mounting kit.
Advantages
- Built-in subwoofer
- DSP Technology
- 4 sound modes
- Bluetooth connection to a smartphone
- Wall-mountable
Disadvantages
- Doesn’t work with a TV remote or universal remote
- No HDMI connection
- No Bluetooth connection to TV
Best Soundbar For Flat-Screen TV With Built-In Subwoofer Under $80- Bestisan S8520
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.1]
Impressions
The built-in subwoofer delivers an impressive bass to your home theater and saves space. This soundbar also has two integrated bass reflex tubes, two 25W mid-range drivers, and two 15W tweeters. This soundbar features Bluetooth 5.0 so you can easily connect your Bluetooth devices from up to 33 feet away. It also works with Echo. It has different inputs including optical, RCA, Aux, and USB. The soundbar measures 34in and should fit all kinds of cabinets.
This soundbar features DSP technology that provides Movie, Music, and Dialogue Modes. They’re easy to control with the included high-sensitivity remote. The soundbar also has a control panel on the right panel and you can use it to control all the basic settings. Different modes are displayed with different LED colored lights. The clear voice function makes dialogues and voices more intelligible and maintains sound quality. It’s perfect for watching the news, sports, and TV shows.
Advantages
- Built-in subwoofer
- DSP technology
- 3 sound modes
- Clear voice function
Disadvantages
- Dolby audio not supported
- No Wi-Fi connection
Best Soundbar For Flat-Screen TV With an External Subwoofer Under $130 – Vmai 2.1 Soundbar
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.4]
Impressions
This 2.1 channel soundbar comes with a separate subwoofer that delivers powerful bass. It features 4 full-range speakers that bring out a dynamic audio experience. The soundbar is 34 inches wide. It’s thin so it perfectly sits below the TV. If your TV is mounted on a wall, you can also mount this soundbar below it with the included mounting bracket. Different inputs include optical, HDMI ARC, USB, and AUX.
You can easily connect your smartphone to the soundbar via Bluetooth and stream music. The DSP technology makes sure that you always get the best possible sound reproduction regardless of the content.
There are 4 different sound modes – Movie, Music, News, and 3D Mode. With the included remote, among other functions, you can set the sound mode, adjust the bass and treble, and set the standby mode for power on/off. The power and volume buttons are also located on the right side of the soundbar.
Advantages
- Comes with a subwoofer
- 4 full-range speakers
- Various inputs
- DSP technology
- Movie, Music, News, and 3D Mode
- Remote with various settings
Disadvantages
- No Wi-Fi connection
- Dolby Audio not supported
Best Soundbars for Flat-Screen TV Over $150
More expensive soundbars offer a wider range of settings and features. They usually come with a subwoofer, which can be built-in or wireless. They also might support Wi-Fi connectivity and voice control. The following four models are our top picks.
Polk Audio Signa S2
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.4]
Impressions
This mid-range soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that allows very flexible placement. It has 5 full-range drivers built-in. The surround sound experience is achieved with Dolby Digital Decoding. This soundbar works perfectly with 4K TVs and HD TVs.
Polk Audio Signa S2 is 35.5 inches wide. It’s only 2 inches tall making it suitable for flat-screen TVs. It can be mounted on a wall if you prefer such placement. You can connect it to your TV via optical, HDMI, or AUX cable. For music streaming, this soundbar can be connected to smart devices via Bluetooth.
The voice adjust technology makes dialogues and voices clearer when you watch TV shows, sports, news, and movies. Music Mode makes the songs sound so engaging. The Movies Mode enhances every sound of a movie you’re watching. If you don’t want to disturb other family members at night, you can turn on the Night Mode. It makes voices clearer and reduces the bass. The soundbar shuts off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity. Some people find this to be too short.
Advantages
- Comes with a wireless subwoofer
- 5 full-range drivers
- Dolby Digital Decoding
- Compatible with 4K TVs and HD TVs
- Movies, Music, Night Modes
- Voice adjust technology
Disadvantages
- No Wi-Fi connection
- Sound levels not displayed
- 15-minute power-off feature
- Lacks voice control
Best Soundbar For Flat-Screen TV with Dolby Digital Support Under $200 – Yamaha SR-B20A
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.5]
Impressions
This soundbar features two built-in subwoofers offering impressive performance. It’s ideal for family movie nights at home. You can use the Bass Extension to enhance the bass even more. Another addition to the home theater experience is DTS Virtual:X. It creates a virtual 3D surround sound that fills the entire room. It also supports Dolby Digital.
The Clear Voice technology makes voices and dialogues crystal clear. You can set 4 different sound modes including Stereo, Standard, Movie, and Game Mode. You can connect up to 2 smart devices via Bluetooth and listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks.
The soundbar can be connected to the TV via HDMI or optical cable. There is also an additional output for an extra subwoofer. The soundbar can be controlled with the included remote, TV remote, or using a Sound Bar Remote app. It’s wall-mountable and uses a built-in gyroscope for sound orientation. It is 35-7/8″ wide.
Advantages
- 2 built-in subwoofers
- Bass Extension
- DTS Virtual:X
- Supports Dolby Digital
- Clear Voice technology
- Stereo, Standard, Movie, and Game Mode
- Can be controlled with a TV remote or app
- Output for an external subwoofer
Disadvantages
- Lacks voice control
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
Best Soundbar For Flat-Screen TV With Voice Control Under $400 – Bose Smart 300
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.2]
Impressions
Bose Smart 300 features 5 full-range drivers. Although it doesn’t come with a subwoofer, it produces a strong bass. QuietPort technology delivers smooth, clear bass, and eliminates unwanted noise and distortion. The Audio room calibration optimizes the acoustic performance of the soundbar for your room’s unique characteristics.
This smart soundbar has built-in Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for easy voice control. The noise-rejecting mic system ensures the soundbar will hear you from any direction, even if the soundbar is playing loudly. There is a convenient mic-disable button on the top of the soundbar. Exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology upgrades the capabilities of voice control. It allows controlling not only the soundbar but also your TV and your satellite/cable boy.
To play music, you can connect your smartphone to the soundbar via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Spotify, and Apple AirPlay2. You can also download the Bose Music app. The soundbar can be connected to the TV via optical or HDMI cable.
This elegant and slim soundbar has a matte black finish. It’s only 2 inches tall and 26.5 inches wide. It can be mounted on a wall but the mounting brackets are sold separately. You can even pair the soundbar with other compatible Bose products for multiroom listening.
Advantages
- 5 full-range drivers
- QuietPort technology
- Automatic room calibration
- Voice control
- Noise-rejecting mic system
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
Disadvantages
- Subwoofer not included
- Medium size
- Can only pair with Bose subwoofer or
speaker
Sonos Playbar
Editor’s Rating: [usr 4.5]
Impressions
Sonos Playbar can be placed on a shelf or mounted on a wall. Either way, it tunes itself automatically for the perfect sound. It measures 35.4 inches in width. This soundbar was specially tuned to optimize the human voice sound so you can immerse yourself in the story. You can also turn on the Speech Enhancement Mode to make dialogues even clearer when watching TV shows and news. There is also the Night Mode that adapts the sound when you watch the TV at night so you won’t disturb others.
This soundbar has 9 drivers that deliver the best sound experience. If you have Sonos speakers in different rooms, you can connect them all with the soundbar and bring all rooms together. You can download the Sonos S2 app to easily listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks, but also control the soundbar. You can connect the soundbar to your TV via optical cable and there is also the included Ethernet cable that allows you to connect it to the home network.
Advantages
- Optimizes human voice
- Speech Enhancement Mode
- Night Mode
- 9 drivers
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Disadvantages
- Lacks voice control
- No HDMI ports
Buyer’s Guide – Things You Should Know When Buying a Soundbar For Flat TV
When buying a soundbar, there are some things you should be familiar with so you can buy the right soundbar for yourself. We will explain the most important things you should know about soundbars and some things that are important if you have a flat-screen TV. We hope we helped you decide which soundbar works the best for you and that you find all the given information useful!
Connections to Your TV
The first important thing to check out when buying a soundbar is the connections it supports. Make sure which audio output does your TV has so you’ll know what audio input your soundbar should have. Classic connections are optical, HDMI, and coaxial. There are no differences in audio quality, but HDMI connection supports more audio formats, so if you can choose, go for the HDMI connection.
Some soundbars have a Bluetooth connection. You can use it if your TV also supports Bluetooth connectivity. The upside is that you’ll avoid the cable clutter, especially if you choose to mount your soundbar on the wall. The downside is that the Bluetooth connection might be unstable sometimes. If connection stability is important to you, you should definitely go for a wired connection. Some expensive soundbars also have Wi-Fi connectivity.
Connections to Other Devices
If you’re planning on buying a soundbar that has a built-in subwoofer, you don’t really need an additional subwoofer, but if you want to have that option, you should buy a model that has an output for a subwoofer. On the other hand, there are soundbars that come with an external subwoofer. They’re usually connected via Bluetooth or RF signal. More expensive soundbars have the so-called multiroom feature which allows you to pair those soundbars with other compatible speakers (usually speakers made by the same manufacturer) and play your favorite tunes across your whole house.
Channels
Low-budget soundbars usually have two or three built-in speakers. These speakers are sound sources and they are referred to as channels. If a soundbar has two speakers it has 2 channels. They are placed left and right. If there is a third center
If the soundbar is advertised as 2.1-channel, the second number refers to a built-in or an external subwoofer. There can also be the third number in the product description and it tells the number of upward-facing drivers.
Expensive soundbars support Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The minimum channel configuration your soundbar should have for Dolby Atmos is 5.1.2 (left and right front speakers, one center
Other Features
Different soundbars come with additional features that are not as important but they can be convenient. Almost all soundbars can be connected to smart devices allowing you to stream music, audiobooks, and podcasts. Some brands have apps that allow you to stream your media easily or control the soundbar. Expensive soundbars have voice control. Some soundbars can also be controlled with a universal or a TV remote. Pricier soundbars adjust automatically to the content you’re watching. On the other hand, you can find soundbars that allow you to set the sound modes manually (Movie, Music, News, Dialogue, and Night Mode)
