10 Best Budget TV Sound Bar 2025 in the United States

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is a budget-friendly option for those looking to enhance their TV audio experience. It features a 2.0 speaker system equipped with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, providing a virtual surround sound experience that enhances your viewing with clearer dialogue and deeper bass. Its compact design, measuring 24 inches in length and just 2.5 inches in height, ensures it fits comfortably in most entertainment setups.

The soundbar connects easily via HDMI eARC/ARC for seamless audio synchronization and also supports Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your phone or tablet. With compatibility to smart TVs and streaming media players, it integrates well into modern home entertainment systems, and being 'Fire TV Ready' allows for convenient control using a single remote.

Despite lacking a dedicated subwoofer, which might limit the depth of bass for some users who prefer a more robust low-end sound, it offers different EQ modes for movies, music, and dialogue. However, the absence of more advanced sound customization options might not satisfy more discerning audiophiles. Designed with sustainability in mind, 18% of its materials are recycled. The package includes all necessary cables and a wall mounting kit, and it comes with a 1-year limited warranty, with options for extended coverage available. This soundbar is a solid choice for users looking to upgrade their TV audio without breaking the bank, though those seeking premium sound features might need to look elsewhere.

The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus with subwoofer and surround sound speakers offers a compelling option for those looking for a budget-friendly home theater experience. With 5.1 audio channels, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X support, it promises a rich and immersive sound experience. The inclusion of a dedicated center dialogue channel ensures that conversations in movies and TV shows are crystal clear, which is particularly useful when watching content with complex audio tracks. The various sound modes—Movie, Music, Sports, Night—allow users to optimize audio settings based on what they're viewing, enhancing the listening experience.

Connectivity is straightforward with HDMI, Optical, AC, and USB-A ports available, and the ease of setup is a definite plus for users who might not be tech-savvy. The wireless connection for the subwoofer and surround speakers adds convenience and reduces cable clutter. Bluetooth support is another positive point, enabling streaming of audio from phones or tablets effortlessly. The soundbar is compatible with smart TVs and those connected to streaming media players, making it versatile for different setups.

However, the product does have some drawbacks. The size and weight of the subwoofer and surround speakers may be cumbersome for smaller living spaces, and the soundbar itself is quite wide at 37 inches, which might not fit well with all TV setups. While it offers a substantial home theater experience, the lack of smart features such as built-in voice assistants or advanced app integrations could be a downside for users looking for more tech-forward options. Additionally, the one-year warranty might seem limited, although extended warranties are available for purchase. In essence, this soundbar system is well-suited for users seeking an affordable way to upgrade their TV audio experience, but it may not meet the needs of those looking for cutting-edge smart features or space-saving designs.

The Samsung HW-B550D is a solid choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their TV sound without spending a lot. It’s a 3.1 channel soundbar, with three speakers plus a wireless subwoofer. This setup delivers clear dialogue thanks to its dedicated center speaker, making it easier to hear conversations even during loud scenes. The included subwoofer with bass boost adds a nice punch to action movies and music, enhancing the overall experience.

Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth and USB options, allowing you to easily connect TVs, laptops, or projectors. The soundbar supports Bluetooth multi-connection, so you can switch between two devices without hassle. Its design is slim and wall-mountable, blending well with most TV setups without taking up much space. Samsung’s audio technologies like Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, and Adaptive Sound Lite work together to create simulated surround sound and automatically optimize audio based on what you’re watching or playing. For gamers, there’s a Game Mode that syncs audio with onscreen action, making gameplay more immersive. Additional handy features include Night Mode to keep volume low at night and voice enhancement to make speech clearer.

The subwoofer’s 2.7-inch driver is somewhat small compared to higher-end models, so bass might lack depth for bass enthusiasts. The soundbar isn’t water-resistant, which limits use strictly to indoor spaces. Also, while it’s compatible with optional wireless surround speakers, those have to be purchased separately. The Samsung HW-B550D provides great value with solid sound performance, useful sound modes, and easy connectivity, making it a good fit for budget-conscious users who want a noticeable audio upgrade for TV, movies, and gaming.