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 JBL Bar 500 is a solid choice if you're looking for an affordable soundbar to enhance your TV audio. It offers a true 5.1-channel surround sound experience with Dolby Atmos and JBL’s MultiBeam technology, which means you can enjoy immersive, room-filling sound without extra speakers. The included 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers deep, powerful bass that makes movies and music feel more dynamic.

Connectivity is convenient with both Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to stream music easily from your phone or tablet using popular services like AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music. This makes it versatile for music lovers as well as TV watchers. The soundbar also features PureVoice technology to improve dialogue clarity, so you won’t miss important words during movies or shows. Its sleek, low-profile design fits well under most TVs and can be wall-mounted if preferred.

On the downside, the system has only one power level setting, which might limit fine volume control for some users, and the sound latency is around 200 milliseconds, which could be noticeable for gamers who need ultra-low delay. Also, it lacks water resistance and advanced customization sound modes, which might be a factor if you want more control over audio settings. The JBL Bar 500 is a powerful and easy-to-use soundbar that works best for home theater enthusiasts and general TV viewers wanting a wireless, immersive audio upgrade without a complicated setup.

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.