How to Choose the Right Soundbar for Your TV (Without Wasting Money)

How to Choose the Right Soundbar for Your TV (Without Wasting Money)

Let’s be honest: today’s TVs are built to look stunning — razor-thin, bezel-less, and perfect for your living room wall. But that sleek design comes at a cost: terrible built-in speakers. As screens get thinner, there’s less room for proper audio hardware, leaving you with weak, muffled sound that makes movies hard to enjoy and dialogue nearly impossible to follow.

That’s where a soundbar comes in. It’s a simple, space-saving upgrade that delivers richer, clearer audio without the complexity of a full surround system. Whether you’re watching the latest action blockbuster or bingeing your favorite series, a good soundbar can make all the difference.

Soundbar vs. TV Speakers: Why It’s Not Even a Contest

Check any TV review, and you’ll likely see top marks for picture quality — but average or even poor scores for sound. Why? Because manufacturers prioritize visuals. The tiny speakers inside modern TVs simply can’t produce deep bass, clear vocals, or immersive effects.

A soundbar fixes that. Even budget models have multiple drivers and built-in amplification designed to fill a room with balanced sound. And unlike bulky home theater systems, most soundbars install in minutes, connect easily, and blend neatly under or in front of your TV.

Types of Soundbars: Which One Fits Your Setup?

Not all soundbars are the same. Here’s a breakdown of the main types to help you choose:

1. All-in-One Soundbars

These are single units that house all the speakers in one slim bar. They’re the most popular choice — easy to set up, affordable, and perfect for small to medium rooms.

Best for: Simple upgrades, apartments, bedrooms, or anyone who wants clean audio without extra gear.

2. Soundbars with Wireless Subwoofer

Want more punch? Look for a model that includes a separate wireless subwoofer. It adds deep bass for movies, music, and gaming — without running cables across the room.

Best for: Movie lovers, music fans, and larger living spaces.

3. Soundbars with Surround Speakers

Some high-end models come with rear speakers (wireless or wired) to create true surround sound. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the action, with sound coming from all around you.

Best for: Home theater enthusiasts who want immersion without a full AV receiver setup.

4. Sound Bases (Less Common Now)

These are pedestal-style units that your TV can sit on. They’re rare today because modern TVs are too wide or heavy, but they’re still an option for smaller screens or tight spaces.

Note: Make sure the base can support your TV’s weight and fits its footprint.

How We Test Soundbars (And Why It Matters)

In professional testing, soundbars are judged more strictly than TVs when it comes to audio. Why? Because they’re treated like dedicated speakers — the kind you’d use for music. That means even a soundbar with an “average” rating will still sound significantly better than your TV’s built-in speakers.

That said, not every soundbar is built for every room. Budget models work great in small to medium spaces but may struggle in large rooms or for audiophiles seeking cinematic depth. On the other hand, premium models with multi-driver arrays, powerful subwoofers, and advanced audio processing can fill even a big living room with rich, room-shaking sound.

Do You Need a Smart Soundbar?

Many modern soundbars double as smart speakers. They come with built-in voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri, so you can:

• Raise the volume by voice
• Change inputs without a remote
• Control your TV or other smart devices
• Play music from Spotify or Pandora hands-free

Some models have voice control built in; others require pairing with a separate smart speaker. If you already use smart home tech, this feature can be a real convenience.

Size & Placement: Don’t Skip This Step

Getting the right fit matters — both for sound and looks.

• Width: Your soundbar should be slightly narrower than your TV to avoid blocking the screen. For larger TVs (65″ and up), go for a longer soundbar (40″+) to match the screen and create a wider soundstage.
• Height: Make sure it’s not too tall — some models can block the infrared sensor on your TV, preventing your remote from working.
• Mounting: Most soundbars can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf. Just ensure there’s enough clearance and ventilation.

Pro tip: If your TV legs are at the edges, you might be able to place a slim soundbar directly underneath.

Channels, Speakers, and What They Do

Soundbars use different speaker configurations to deliver audio. Here’s what the numbers mean:

• 2.1: Two main speakers + one subwoofer. Great for basic upgrades.
• 3.1: Adds a center channel — improves dialogue clarity.
• 5.1: Includes front, center, and surround channels + subwoofer. More immersive.
• 5.1.2 or 7.1.4: The last number indicates height channels (for Dolby Atmos). These use upfiring speakers to create overhead effects, like rain or a helicopter flying above.

Many soundbars also angle drivers outward or use virtualization tech to simulate surround sound — even without rear speakers.

Dolby Atmos & DTS:X: Immersive Audio Explained

These are the two main formats for 3D, object-based audio:

• Dolby Atmos adds height to the soundfield. It’s widely supported on 4K Blu-rays and streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+. Soundbars use upfiring drivers to bounce sound off the ceiling, creating the illusion of overhead audio.
• DTS:X is similar but more flexible — it adapts to your speaker setup. However, it’s less common in streaming content and mostly found on physical discs.

To get the full effect, you need:

• A soundbar that supports the format
• A TV or source device (like a Blu-ray player) that supports it
• Content encoded in Atmos or DTS:X

Some budget models offer virtual Atmos (like Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization or DTS Virtual:X), which simulates 3D sound using software — not actual height speakers. It’s not the same, but it’s a decent compromise.

How to Connect Your Soundbar: HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth & More

The right connections make setup easier and improve performance.

• HDMI (ARC/eARC): Best option. ARC lets audio travel from your TV to the soundbar with one cable. eARC supports high-bitrate formats like Dolby Atmos.
• Optical Audio: Older but still reliable. Good for basic setups, but doesn’t support Atmos.
• Bluetooth: Lets you stream music wirelessly from your phone or tablet. Some models support two-way Bluetooth (you can send audio from the soundbar to headphones).
• WiFi: Allows direct access to Spotify, Pandora, or internet radio without using your phone.
• Aux/Analog Inputs: Useful for older devices like CD players or gaming consoles.
• Streaming Apps: Some soundbars have built-in apps for Netflix, YouTube, or Hulu — handy if your TV isn’t smart.

Always check that the inputs on the soundbar match your devices’ outputs.

Key Features Worth Considering

Before you buy, ask yourself:

• Do you want voice control? Built-in Alexa or Google Assistant can be handy.
• Will you use it for music? If yes, prioritize sound quality over flashy features.
• Do you need multi-room audio? Some brands (like Sonos, Denon) let you sync with other speakers.
• What’s the warranty? Most offer 1 year, but check the details.

And remember: you don’t need to spend $1,000 to get great sound. Many models under $300 deliver excellent performance for most homes.