You probably already have shelled out a lot of money for a nice big TV and maybe a streaming gadget for your Netflix. But no matter how big your screen or how expensive it is, your TV speakers probably sound horrible.
You’d be surprised how much more you enjoy these shows with a half-decent soundbar or surround system hooked up to your primo panel. Explosions pop, dialogue is much crisper, and you might even notice sonic details in your favorite movies that you’ve never picked up before.
Need advice on finding the perfect bar? Check out our full article on How to Buy a Soundbar Before Choosing One below.
Update February 2023: We’ve added information about the Sonos Ray, added the Vizio M-Series Elevate, and updated links and pricing.
Why do you need a soundbar
We’ve yet to test a new TV that doesn’t look shabby without some sort of audio accessory. This is mainly due to the way televisions are designed. Good-sounding speakers are bulky, and as TVs have gotten thinner, with shrinking bezels and sleeker designs, manufacturers are finding it harder to fit good speakers into them.
You can spend as little as $150 on a new soundbar with a subwoofer, and that’s key to getting the most out of your viewing experience. To help you out, we’ve put together this list of the best soundbars we’ve tested, including soundbars sold on their own, as well as models that come with a subwoofer. We’ve also compiled some tips for getting the most out of your purchase.
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