The Best Soundbar Under $400 For 2024

Dan Simmons By, Dan Simmons
Updated
Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer

The Polk Audio Signa S4 is an ultra-thin sound bar that delivers excellent sound and value. At 2.4" tall, the Signa S4 fits most spaces and is easily wall-mountable. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 A Series Soundbar - Dolby 5.1/ DTS Virtual: X

With Dolby 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X, experience enhanced sound thanks to the built-in center speaker delivering dialogue clearer than ever before. The Adaptive Sound Lite optimizes sound to video content, so you can enjoy a rich cinema experience from your home. Read Review

3. Best Sound Quality: Sony HT-S350 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer: S350 2.1ch Sound Bar

This 2.1-channel sound bar system is designed to provide an immersive 360-degree sound experience, perfect for small spaces like apartments and condos. Read Review

4. Best Connectivity: Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity

If you're looking for realistic, spatial sound, a compact soundbar is the answer. The Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity delivers wide, natural sound from 2 angled full-range drivers. Read Review

Soundbars are excellent, affordable solutions to improve the audio quality of your home theatre. They’ll come with a budget tag of around $200 and even more. However, there are more affordable options if you’re willing to sacrifice a little bit in performance. If you have a limited budget for a soundbar, you’ll probably have to settle for something second-rate. However, some great alternatives won’t break the bank but offer decent audio quality. With this article, we will review some best soundbars under $400.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our Polk Audio Signa S4 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer recommendations. It has high compatibility with Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE - At par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At 2.4" tall, the Signa S4 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
  • 1-CABLE SETUP, WORKS WITH ANY TV INCLUDING THE LATEST 8K ULTRA-HD TVs - Get this system up and running in less than 5 minutes—all you have to do is unbox, connect and you are ready to listen. A great addition to your home theater!
  • UP-FIRING SPEAKERS FOR HEIGHT ELEVATION - In addition to L/R Tweeters (1"), (2) Racetrack Mid Drivers (4.7" x 1.6") and a 1" Center, the left/right elevation speakers (2.6") utilize Atmos' height channels for an immersive 3D sound over your head
  • NUMEROUS CONNECTION POSSIBILITIES - Plug in your audio source via the provided inputs - (1) optical, (1) analog 3.5mm, or Bluetooth, and USB-A (for firmware updates). Enjoy uncompromised audio experience over the eight channels via the HDMI (eARC) output
  • POLK'S EXCLUSIVE VOICE AND BASS ADJUST TECHNOLOGY, along with S4's center channel lets you customize voice and bass levels, so you hear crystal clear dialogues and maximize bass without missing a word. For maximum impact, control the sub and the sound bar's bass using Bass Adjust Technology
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible devices via built-in Bluetooth technology
  • ADVANCED ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR & WIRELESS SUB - The Signa S4 with an upgraded 7-driver array & a dedicated full-range center channel delivers True 3D Surround Sound (Dolby Atmos 3.1.2 certified) and the 5.25" sub gives you a WIDE SOUND STAGE AND DEEP BASS
TOP Choice #2 SAMSUNG 3.1ch A650 A Series Soundbar - Dolby 5.1/ DTS Virtual: X
Our Score:
9.6
SAMSUNG
  • SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer included.
  • DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X - Immersive surround sound simulation that draws you in.
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Optimizes sound to video content.
  • BASS BOOST - Instantly amplify the bass with the touch of a button.
  • BUILT-IN CENTER SPEAKER - A dedicated speaker enhances dialogue so you hear every word.
  • Bluetooth Streaming: Stream Your Favorite Movies, Shows, and Music from Your Smartphone or Tablet
  • One-Cable Connect: Send Audio and Control Information from the TV Using a Single Cable with HDMI Arc
  • 7 Sound Modes: Choose from Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports, and Standard Audio Mode
  • Wirelessly Connect: Connect via Bluetooth to Send Audio to the Slim Soundbar and Sub from Anywhere
  • S-Force Pro: Virtual Surround Sound Technology Emulates a Theater-Style Surround Sound Experience
  • Ultimate Home Theater Upgrade: Sony 2.1 Channel Sound Bar System With Wireless Subwoofer for Optimized Audio
  • Audio Comes Alive:320W total power output brings content to life with incredible volume and clarity
  • Voice Enhancement: Isolates Voices and Amplifies Them over the Background Noise for Greater Clarity
  • In the Box: Soundbar, Subwoofer, Remote Control, Batteries, Optical Cable, Quick Setup Guide, Manual
  • Powerful Subwoofer: Large 6.30 Inches Speaker Unit and 6.16 Gallon Volume for a Deeper, Richer Bass 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation.
  • Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.
  • 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.
  • Bluetooth TV speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts.
  • 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.
  • 3D SURROUND SOUND - The powerful 3D surround sound of DTS Virtual: X turns your living room into a theater.
  • Q-SYMPHONY - Syncs your Q-Series Soundbar speakers with your Samsung QLED TV speakers for the most immersive sound
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND - Adaptive sound technology optimizes sound for every scene, allowing you to hear voices clearly even at the lowest volumes
  • SAMSUNG ACOUSTIC BEAM - Acoustic Beam technology delivers sound that seems to come from precisely where the action is happening
  • MULTI-CONNECTION - Bluetooth multi connectionConveniently switch between two different connected smart devices
  • SURROUND SOUND CHANNEL CONFIGURATION: 5.1
  • Works with your TV remote control
  • JBL Surround sound makes movies come alive
  • Enjoy JBL sound with 300W of power
  • Wireless music streaming with Bluetooth
  • Rich and deep bass from a 6.5" (165mm) wireless subwoofer
  • 40” 2.1 Soundbar with 8” wireless subwoofer
  • 5.1 decoding for virtualized surround sound
  • Class-leading 8” Subwoofer
  • HDMI-ARC: Single-cable, single-remote control
  • 400W peak power
  • Power Source Type: Corded Electric
  • Subwoofer (WxHxD)-7.1 x 15.4 x 11.5 inches
  • Included Components: Wall Mount Bracket, Cable Management
  • Punchy bass without the need for a separate subwoofer thanks to four passive radiators built-in.
  • With AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast built-in, you can stream all your favorite online content in amazing sound quality, with a simple finger tap.
  • Dolby Vision coupled with 4K pass through will allow enjoy pristine video quality.
  • Certified for Humans – Smart home made easy for non-experts. Setup with Alexa is simple.
  • Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam surround sound gives you an immersive and exciting 3D sound experience and a wide soundstage.
  • POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICE ADJUST TECHNOLOGY & Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoding helps maximize sound clarity & reduces voice delays. Hear clear, crisp dialogue of your favorite movies, TV shows and sporting events with three distinct settings
  • SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — the included HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV and subwoofer to the sound bar
  • UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K and 8K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & 3.5mm audio jack
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and more from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible devices via Bluetooth, or use Google Chromecast to listen to music over Wi-Fi with your Google Home speaker
  • ULTRA-SLIM SOUNDBAR WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – Features 2.1 channel performance-tuned drivers - (2) 1.25” x 4.4”oval mid-range drivers & (2) 1” Tweeters, and the included 5.25” subwoofer delivers INCREDIBLE ROOM-FILLING SOUND WITH DEEP BASS
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At 2" tall, the Signa S3 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
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best soundbar under $400?

You may think purchasing seems simple, and it sometimes does the opposite! Studying the outcome of best soundbar under $400 will take a considerable amount of time. Also, there are multiple sides of best soundbar under $400 you need to check. That’s the reason why we’re all ready to assist you with best soundbar under $400 issue.

You should pay more attention to the following criteria of best soundbar under $400 in 2024:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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 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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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About Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a writer who loves home theater and HiFi audio. As the editor of TheAudioInsights, he has helped countless people enjoy the best possible sound quality in their homes. He is an audiophile who takes great pleasure in helping others find the perfect audio equipment for their needs. When he's not writing or editing, Dan enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.