10 Best Affordable Sound Bars 2026 in the United States

The Bose Smart Ultra Dolby Atmos Soundbar is a premium option for those wanting a rich, immersive audio experience on a budget that may be higher than typical affordable soundbars but justified by its features. It offers a 5.1.4 surround sound setup with six transducers including upward-firing speakers, delivering spatial audio that makes sound feel like it's coming from all around and above you. The built-in Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology enhance this effect, making movies and shows more engaging. Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth, HDMI eARC, and an optical cable included for easy setup and versatile use. The soundbar also includes a wireless subwoofer connection, which provides deep bass without cluttering your space. A notable feature is the AI-based Dialogue Mode that boosts voice clarity, helping you catch every spoken word clearly.

Voice control is another highlight, supporting both Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free operation, plus it integrates with other Bose devices for multi-room or private listening. In terms of design, it’s a compact rectangular bar that fits neatly on a tabletop and comes in white, which might appeal to those wanting a modern look. However, it’s relatively heavy at around 12.7 pounds and requires a power cord, so portability is limited.

Excelling in sound quality and smart features, the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar is well suited for users who value immersive audio with clear dialogue and smart home integration, especially in medium to larger rooms. For those seeking a straightforward, affordable sound upgrade without extra smart features, simpler models are available. But for those with the budget, this Bose soundbar offers an all-in-one surround sound and smart assistant experience that stands out in its category.

The Samsung HW-B750D/ZA is a 5.1 channel soundbar designed to boost your home audio experience at an affordable price. It features Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X support, which create a richer surround sound effect without needing extra speakers, making it great for movies and shows. A built-in center speaker and voice-enhancing modes help make dialogue clearer, useful if you often miss conversations during intense scenes. The included wireless subwoofer with bass boost adds impactful low-end sound, giving a satisfying punch to action sequences and music.

Connectivity is simple with Bluetooth multi-connection, allowing two devices to connect simultaneously so you can easily switch music sources. It also supports seamless control with Samsung TV remotes, simplifying your setup. The design is sleek and wall-mountable, fitting well in most living rooms without taking up much space.

Additional features like adaptive sound and night mode adjust audio automatically based on content and listening environment, making it versatile for different uses, including late-night viewing. Game mode delivers directional sound cues to enhance gaming immersion. This soundbar is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their TV audio with surround sound capabilities without a complicated setup or high cost. It balances good sound quality, useful features, and modern design, making it suitable for typical home theater use, casual gaming, and music listening.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar offers an impressive sound experience with its 11-speaker system and 360 Spatial Sound Mapping technology, making it a great choice for home theater enthusiasts. It supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, providing rich and immersive sound quality. With 495 watts of maximum output power, it can deliver a powerful performance suitable for both movies and gaming.

The soundbar includes various connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI 2.1, and compatibility with Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay 2, making it versatile for different streaming needs. Moreover, it allows wireless connection with an optional subwoofer and rear speakers for a customizable audio setup. The soundbar design is sleek and fits well under most TVs, and its integration with BRAVIA TVs simplifies control and setup.

The lack of an included subwoofer may be a downside for those looking for deep bass right out of the box. Additionally, at 43.3 inches, it may be too large for smaller TV setups. While it is not waterproof, it is designed for indoor use. The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 8 Soundbar is best suited for those who seek an enhanced home theater experience with the flexibility to customize their audio setup.