The 10 Best Soundbars Under 1000, Tested And Researched

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
Bose Smart Soundbar 700: Premium Bluetooth Soundbar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Bose Smart Soundbar 700: Premium Bluetooth Soundbar

Bose takes sound to the next level with its new Smart Soundbar 700. This best-performing soundbar from Bose offers immersive sound, deep bass, and easy access to your entertainment - all in one sleek and modern package. Read Review

2. Best For The Price: Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV

Experience the best of TV sound and movies with a Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra Slim Sound Bar. This premium ultra-slim sound bar has an included wireless subwoofer for deep bass, and delivers beautiful rich sound with crystal clear dialogue due to Polk's exclusive Voice Adjust Technology and Dolby Digital decoding. Read Review

3. Best Sound Quality: Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar

The Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar comes with a subwoofer for deep bass and features Sound+ Adaptive Sound Lite technology which equalizes background music and adjusts volume levels to give you a consistent audio experience. Read Review

4. Best Realiable: SAMSUNG 3.1.2ch Q800A Q Series Soundbar

The Q800A series is Samsung's most powerful soundbar yet. With Dolby ATMOS and DTS:X decoded audio and true 3.1.2ch sound, this soundbar will bring you the complete audio entertainment experience in your living room. Read Review

If you’re looking for a device that can provide you with a cinema-like home entertainment experience, then a soundbar is an ideal solution. These devices are compact and easily blend into any room. They also offer far greater audio performance than their cost would suggest.

If you’re considering purchasing the best soundbars under $1000, we have some good news for you. We’ve done plenty of research to compile this list of the best options on the market right now. Whether it’s style, features or performance that matters most to you, we have something for everyone. Read on to learn more and find your next perfect soundbar!

Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing your requirements. Then we found the Bose Smart Soundbar 700: Premium Bluetooth Soundbar is the greatest choice for its high-quality performance. If you're looking for another one, consider Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV.

Our Top Picks

  • Best Bose soundbar: The best-performing soundbar from Bose, featuring immersive sound, deep bass, and easy access to your entertainment. Use the Bose Music app for guided setup
  • Control: Easily control your smart soundbar with three different ways to manage what you hear: your voice, the Bose Music app, or context-sensitive universal remote
  • Compatible products: This smart soundbar is part of the Bose Smart Family and works with other Bose smart speakers and soundbars for a multi-room listening experience
  • Make or take calls: With Alexa only, make or take calls from this smart soundbar to Bose smart products, Amazon Echo products, and anyone in your contacts list. Hands free, phone free, and free of charge.
  • 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
  • Connectivity: Stream your favorite music and more via a Bluetooth connection, your home Wi-Fi network, Apple AirPlay 2, or Spotify Connect
  • Bose SimpleSync: Use Bose SimpleSync technology to pair a member of the Bose Smart Family with select Bose headphones for a personal listening experience or with a Bose Bluetooth or SoundTouch speaker for synchronized music playback
  • TV voice control: Exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology expands your Alexa capabilities, allowing you to control this smart soundbar, your TV, and your cable/satellite box with one voice command
TOP Choice #2 Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV
Our Score:
9.5
Polk Audio
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 #3 Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar
Our Score:
9.4
SAMSUNG
  • 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
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Enhanced audio tracking for your content in real time, with technology that equalizes background music and consistent volume control
  • BLUETOOTH TV CONNECTION - Set up is a breeze. Easily connect your soundbar to your TV by connecting wirelessly
  • SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer is included so you can enjoy deep bass right out of the box All-in-one
  • BASS BOOST - Give your bass an instant boost with the push of a button on the soundbar
  • ONE REMOTE - Streamline control of both your Samsung TV and soundbar with just the Samsung TV remote
  • Q-SYMPHONY - Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive QLED TV and soundbar audio.
  • BUILT-IN VOICE ASSISTANT - Control your soundbar and stay connected with Alexa.
  • SPACEFIT SOUND - Automatically calibrated sound and enhanced clarity to adapt to your space.
  • TRUE 3.1.2CH SOUND - The complete audio entertainment experience with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer and 2 up-firing channels.
  • DOLBY ATMOS / DTS:X - Theater-quality sound that fires from the front, side and above for true audio immersion.
  • 4K HDR compatible
  • Stream and control audio content with your favorite smart devices
  • Wireless Subwoofer included
  • Voice enhancement for greater clarity
  • In the box: Remote (RMT-AH400U), Batteries for remote, HDMI Cable, Wall Hanging Bracket (with screws x 2), Wall Mount Template
  • Stream music, online radio, and podcasts from your Amazon connected device directly to your Z9F soundbar. Just ask Alexa.
  • Seven sound modes for enhanced movies, music, gaming, news and sport
  • High-resolution Audio capable
  • Built-in Wi-Fi and easy BLUETOOTH streaming
  • Ultimate Home Theater Upgrade with 3.1ch Dolby Atmos DTS: X and Vertical Sound Engine
6 LG GX Sound Bar with Subwoofer
Our Score:
9.0
LG
  • High Resolution Audio (24bit / 192kHz)
  • Wireless sub-woofer
  • GX Series OLED Gallery TV Matching (1.2" Thickness)
  • Dolby Atmos with DTS:X Sound
  • 3.1 ch High Resolution Audio 420 Watt Sound Bar
  • Power source type: Corded Electric
  • Vivid visuals and responsive game play with 8K and 4K/120 passthrough
  • Sound Field Optimization calibrates to your environment for easy set up
  • Integrates with your connected devices with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa
  • Pairs with BRAVIA for easy access to soundbar controls and Acoustic Center Sync
  • Premium omni-directional block design and wireless tv connection
  • Stream your way with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Chromecast built-in, Spotify Connect, and Apple AirPlay
  • Fully enjoy the thrill of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X with Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround
  • Customize your setup with two subwoofer choices and an optional rear speaker set
  • Immerse yourself in supreme music quality with Hi-Res Audio and 360 Reality Audio
  • Wireless soundbar streaming, your way — With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2 and Spotify Connect, you can wirelessly stream whatever you want, however you want
  • Bose Music app — Download the Bose Music app to set up your Bluetooth soundbar speaker, set up Voice4Video, and browse your music in one place. It’s another simple way to control and group together compatible Bose products
  • Latest Bose soundbar — It’s the most immersive Bose voice control soundbar yet. Two custom-engineered upfiring dipole speakers work with Bose technologies to make it feel as if sound is coming from every direction — even overhead
  • Voice control soundbar — Exclusive Bose Voice4Video technology expands your voice capabilities like no other smart soundbar can. In addition to controlling your Dolby Atmos soundbar, you can control your TV, cable and more with just your voice
  • Easy smart soundbar setup — The Bose Smart Soundbar 900 uses a single connection to any TV. Choose from the HDMI eARC connection or optical audio connection (both cables provided), connect the soundbar to a TV, hook it up to power, and turn it on
  • Built-in voice assistants (Alexa and Google Assistant) — Noise-rejecting microphones work together to listen in every direction for your commands, even when the music’s playing loudly. For times when you want privacy, just disable the microphones with the mic-off button
  • Dolby Atmos soundbar — This wireless Bluetooth soundbar lends an extra dimension of height to your sound. Proprietary Bose TrueSpace spatial processing analyzes and upmixes sounds for an enveloping listening experience in Dolby, stereo, and more
  • Sleek design — From material quality to construction and finishes to controls, Bose obsessed over every detail to produce a Bluetooth soundbar speaker that looks as astonishing as it sounds
  • Wireless or Wired Connection, Easy Setup: The sound bar can be connected to most types of your devices via Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connection, Optical, AUX(3.5mm), RCA, or Coaxial connection, Easily connect to your home theater, Smart TV, PC, phone, projector, DVDs, laptop, desktop, tablets, pad, and more. If your TV or other source devices only has a 3.5mm headphone socket, use the 3.5mm to RCA audio cable to connect the soundbar to your TV or other source devices.
  • Sound Bar with Subwoofer Upgrade Your Home Theater Experience: Powerful full-range drivers (total 70-watt output) deliver a more realistic, richer sound from a compact soundbar with deep bass. It is a perfect TV speaker that optimizes sound clarity and creates incredible room-filling virtual surround sound.
  • What You Get: TV Sound bar, Subwoofer, Remote Control, Power Adaptor, Optical Cable, RCA Audio Cable, 3.5mm to RCA Cable, User Manual, and Wall Mount Kit. If you have any problems, please feel free to contact us immediately.
  • 3 Sound Modes via Remote Control: This compact TV speaker comes with 3 equalizer modes: Music, Movie, and News modes. Use the remote control to select your favorite specialized mode for providing you with a wide range of stereo effects throughout the room so you can enjoy cinematic surround sound in your home.
  • Deep Rich Bass: Feel the action and the beat of the music with the rich bass from a subwoofer. An Ideal Soundbar for Gaming, TVs, Monitor, Flat Screen, Smart TVs. It works well with all TVs sizes.
  • 3.1.2ch with 400W Total Output Power
  • Dolby Vision & HDR10 Passthrough with HDMI eARC
  • Meridian Audio Technology
  • High Resolution Audio 24bit/96kHz with 4K Passthrough (HDCP 2.3)
  • Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Which Criteria Do Our Experts Advice To Consider When Purchasing Of best soundbars under 1000?

According to our experts, you should understand some sides of the product to get the finest one. Like others, best soundbars under 1000 of 2024 might include many factors for you to take into account. For that, each among best soundbars under 1000 will have unique features and challenges as well to consist of.

The focus on the following features of best soundbars under 1000 is highly recommended, given they have come together with tech-evaluated certification:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.