The Best Powered Soundbar For 2024

Nicolas Ward By, Nicolas Ward
Updated
Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar

The Polk Audio Signa S2 is an ultra-slim sound bar with a wireless subwoofer. You can wirelessly stream music from your favorite streaming apps and it’s easy to set up in minutes. It’s perfect for smaller TVs and delivers excellent sound quality. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar

With technology that equalizes background music and provides consistent volume control, you can enjoy optimized sound for your favorite video content, including sports, games, movies, and more. Read Review

3. Best Compact: Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV

Bose TV speaker is a compact soundbar that clarifies and elevates vocals and pronunciation while providing a spacious and real audio experience. And all it takes is a single connection to get you up and running in minutes. Read Review

4. Best Performance: YAMAHA SR-B20A Sound Bar

YAMAHA SR-B20A Sound Bar Clear Voice technology increases the vocal frequency range, allowing you to hear spoken dialogue in movies and television shows. And Virtual surround sound provides a more natural sound experience for your favorite TV programs, movies, and games. Read Review

5. Best Quality: Bestisan 80W Home Theater Soundbar System

The Bestisan 80W Home Theater Soundbar System is the perfect way to upgrade your TV's audio performance. This soundbar delivers powerful, rich and loud sound with a variety of different sound effects, including voice enhancement and bass control. It also features Bluetooth technology for connecting wirelessly to your mobile devices, such as your phone or laptop computer. Read Review

When it comes to home theater, the sound is just as important as video. While you can get a decent home theater experience from your TV speakers, the overall audio experience can be greatly improved with the addition of a soundbar.

A powered soundbar is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home theater audio without spending too much money or losing too much space. Read on for our top recommendations for best powered soundbar.

In the end, we concluded that Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar was the most highly recommended. Other options presented here are certainly worthy of your attention, and in order to assist you in making an informed choice, we have compiled a helpful shopping guide.

 

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.8
Polk Audio
  • UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & AUX
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology
  • A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver BEAUTFUL RICH SOUND WITH DEEP BASS. POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICE ADJUST TECHNOLOGY & Dolby Digital Decoding maximizes sound clarity & reduces voice delays
  • SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV to the sound bar. Get set up and listening in minutes
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At just over 2" tall, it fits most spaces — easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
TOP Choice #2 Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar
Our Score:
9.6
SAMSUNG
  • SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer is included so you can enjoy deep bass right out of the box All-in-one
  • GAME MODE - Boost your gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio that moves with the action on-screen and crosstalk cancellation that minimizes distractions
  • WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND COMPATIBLE - Turn your soundbar into a complete surround sound system with optional rear Samsung speakers in a few simple steps without the mess of wires
  • ONE REMOTE - Streamline control of both your Samsung TV and soundbar with just the Samsung TV remote
  • BASS BOOST - Give your bass an instant boost with the push of a button on the soundbar
  • BLUETOOTH TV CONNECTION - Set up is a breeze. Easily connect your soundbar to your TV by connecting wirelessly
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Enhanced audio tracking for your content in real time, with technology that equalizes background music and consistent volume control
TOP Choice #3 Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV
Our Score:
9.5
Bose
  • Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation.
  • Bluetooth TV speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts.
  • Compact soundbar: This small soundbar is just over 2" tall for easy placement in front of your TV or mounted to a wall (wall brackets sold separately). Overall TV speaker dimensions are 2.21" H x 23.38" W x 4.02" D.
  • Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound.
  • Simple setup: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes.
  • Build and expand: The Bose TV Speaker is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 and requires the Bose Bass Module Connection Cable or a standard 3.5 millimeter audio cable, sold separately.
  • Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.
  • Remote control: Compact TV speaker comes with a remote control that enables a dialogue mode to further enhance speech or add a bass boost for more depth.
4 YAMAHA SR-B20A Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.4
Yamaha Audio
  • DTS Virtual: X virtual 3D surround sound
  • Simple setup with HDMI or optical
  • Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity
  • Built-in subwoofers for deep bass in one slim sound bar
  • Bluetooth streaming that allows easy switching between two devices
  • Included components: Remote control
  • 【100% Satisfaction Service】: we offer one year maintan service, 45 days money back assurance, lifetime technical support, please feel free to contact us via Amazon message or support mail on the service card.
  • 【POWERFUL LOUD SOUND SOUNDBAR】: Fantastic Room-filling Sound- two 3”drivers and two 2”tweeter deliver 80-watt powerful wallop to fill the whole room, and create a 3D stereo surrounded and immersive theater environment.
  • 【Advanced 5.0 Bluetooth Technology】- Works well with Echo Dot with wireless bluetooth 5.0 connectivity , or wired 3.5mm stereo cable . Also for TV can also use the optical , RCA cable included . No fussing or limitation to move it to more rooms.
  • 【VARIOUS SOUND EFFECTS】: Three sound effects allow you to optimize the audio so that it is best suited to what you are listening to; whether you need clear dialogue for news, treble and bass rhythm for music, 3D surround sound effects for movies or create a sense of authenticity and excitement for sport events. The bass and treble levels can also be adjusted as you wish
  • 【Memory Function and Bass Control】: The update remote's reset button could be memorized to the factory settings. And you can control the treble and bass settings of the sound bar.
6 SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 A Series Soundbar
Our Score:
9.1
SAMSUNG
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Optimizes sound to video content.
  • DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X - Immersive surround sound simulation that draws you in.
  • BASS BOOST - Instantly amplify the bass with the touch of a button.
  • SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer included.
  • BUILT-IN CENTER SPEAKER - A dedicated speaker enhances dialogue so you hear every word
  • COMMON SOLUTIONS PER ISSUE: Disconnects from tv -- Replace the cable. Rear speakers keeps dropping -- Update the software Can't connect to my tv -- Replace the cable. No sound -- TV sees sound bar but no sound This can happen when connected to other Manufacturer’s TV. Solution is to set the Digital Sound Out to “Auto” (not “Pass-Through”) on their TV menu. Subwoofer stopped working. -- Likely due to interference. Move the subwoofer closer, then run ID SET again (wireless speaker linking process)
7 Bose Smart Soundbar 300
Our Score:
8.9
Bose
  • TV voice control: Exclusive Bose Voice for Video technology expands your Alexa capabilities, allowing you to control this smart soundbar, your TV, and your cable,satellite box with 1 voice command.
  • Built-in Alexa: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are built into this smart soundbar for hands-free voice control. And a noise-rejecting mic system listens in every direction for your voice.
  • Build and expand: This Bluetooth soundbar is compatible with other Bose products for Multiroom listening or add the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 or the Bose Surround Speakers 700.
  • Like no other: This elegant sound bar for TV, movies, music, and games delivers spacious sound, exceptional clarity, and rich bass, while finished in matte-Black with seamless metal grille.
  • Simple setup: Connect this smart soundbar to your TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) and download the Bose Music app for step-by-step setup.
  • Connectivity: Pair your device to this wireless soundbar to stream your favorite music and more via a Bluetooth connection, your home Wi-Fi network, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect.
  • Acoustic performance: 5 full-range drivers deliver wide, clear sound, which makes it the perfect soundbar for TV, movies, games, and more.
  • Sleek design: This wireless soundbar is just over 2" tall for low placement in front of your TV or wall mounting (wall brackets sold separately). Overall dimensions are 2.21" H x 26.58" W x 4.02" D.
8 Hisense HS218 2.1ch Sound Bar
Our Score:
8.8
Hisense
  • Easy Connectivity: With HDMI (ARC), the Hisense HS218 can connect to your Tv through a single HDMI cable (included), connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to smart device, and control both with one remote. You’ll be enjoying better TV sound in minutes.
  • Wireless Subwoofer: A dedicated, wireless 80 Watt subwoofer delivers the robust low-end frequencies that punctuate your favorite movies, music, and games, without any messy wires. You’ll feel the “boom” while the two front-facing speakers project bright, clear high- and mid-range frequencies.
  • Quick Touch EQ Modes: Get the best audio performance from music, movies, and news with a simple touch of the remote with multiple preset EQ settings.
  • Accessories included: Includes the Hisense 218 Sound Bar, HDMI cable, optical cable, and a wall mounting kit to make sure that you have what you need to make the most of your Hisense audio experience right out of the box.
  • Enjoy Better Tv Sound: Hisense HS218 Sound Bar comes with 4 spearkers and a wireless subwoofer, which gives you a total of 200 Watts superior audio, together with Dolby Audio technology and a professional master-level sound effect tuning. It will upgrade your TV sound instantly.
  • Roku TV Ready: As Roku TV Ready device, the Hisense HS218 Soundbar is fully compatible with any Roku Tv through the HDMI (ARC) connection. You can even use the Roku Tv remote to control both the Tv and soundbar for easier setup and better navigation experience.
  • Bluetooth streaming for your music and podcasts
  • Simple setup with HDMI, optical or aux connections
  • Wall-mountable with built-in keyholes
  • Built-in subwoofer and passive radiators for surprising bass
  • Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity
  • Multiple Setups: Support HDMI-ARC, 3.5mm (AUX&RCA), optical, USB input, fit for mobile phones, tablets, TVs, computers, projectors, gaming, etc. Please make sure your TV audio setting to PCM for optical input before use.
  • 38 Inch Pro TV Sound Bar: The larger size allows to have more soundstage space and bring out the full power of the speakers. Longer bass reflex tube can produce higher sound quality and fuller sound. This soundbar is easy setup with mount kit provided. Mount it on the wall or placed on cabinet, great for 40" or above TVs.
  • Wireless Bluetooth 5.0: Efficient, stable transmission and strong anti-interference. Pair your Bluetooth sound bar to soundtrack your next party, or to set the mood for when you want to relax with a good album in rich, audiophile quality.
  • 4 Working Models: Built-in DSP & Virtual 3D Surrounded; Fine tune your TV sound bar with 4 modes (TV & music & movie & 3D Mode) via the remote control.
  • After Service: Wohome TV speaker bar is committed to providing each customer with a better audio-visual experience. If you have any questions about the series of products, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best powered soundbar?

You may have some trouble making a purchase if you don't research it thoroughly. You are expected to invest time and focus on best powered soundbar before investing in them. Usually, it will take you a long time to research a favorite product. But rest assured, we are here to assist you with your best powered soundbar issue, no matter what time of day or night.

Although choosing a product is complicated, it will be more accessible and more available to everyone with today's information technology network. You are now given available sources of information such as famous websites, sale forums, or even customer's feedback. It can be said that information from these sources about best powered soundbar will be beneficial to you.

So now you are expected to focus on needed criteria about best powered soundbar. All of them will come with your investment. 

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

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FAQs

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

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About Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward

Nicolas Ward is an elite author with many years of experience in the music field and the owner of many engaging articles at TheAudioInsights. He studies music production and has many years of passionate research into sound systems. Appearing in many popular newspapers, Nicolas Ward provides useful knowledge and the latest information on music and sound.