Top 3 Soundbars for the Money

Improving Your TV's Audio Quality: The Quick and Easy Way to Upgrade with a Sound Bar

If you're looking to improve the audio quality of your television, the quickest and easiest way to do that is to buy a sound bar. Connection is simple - it's just a single cable - and you don't even need to learn a new remote; simply use the one that came with the TV. Buying a soundbar doesn't have to be expensive either, as good models start at around $100 and offer improved dialogue as well as better dynamics than your TV's tiny speaker.

When it comes to choosing a soundbar, there are several options available, each priced between $100 and $500. Whether you're interested in better sound quality alone or looking to add other features like music streaming or Dolby Atmos, there's something here for you. In this article, we'll be looking at three different models that offer the best performance for the money.

The Easiest to Recommend: The Roku Stream Bar

Of the three soundbars we're reviewing, the easiest one to recommend is the Roku Stream Bar. This $130 soundbar sounds great and also comes with a secret benefit - it actually sounds better than your TV, with excellent speech performance. It's easy to connect via a single HDMI cable, making it a great option for older or smaller TVs. The Roku system is frequently updated with the latest apps, unlike most televisions, so if you see one of these soundbars for less than $100, buy it straight away.

Another benefit of the Roku Stream Bar is that it's also a 4K video streamer, making it a great option for those who want to upgrade their TV viewing experience. With its excellent speech performance and easy connectivity, this soundbar is definitely worth considering if you're looking to improve your TV's audio quality without breaking the bank.

The Most Affordable Option: Sonos Beam

Sonos has been doing music streaming since the start of the century, but it's also been producing soundbars for half as long. The Sonos Beam is the most affordable soundbar in our range and offers astounding value. It sounds great, pulling the wool out of your ears when it comes to understanding dialogue that might be a bit tricky to make out. It's also a great sounding speaker for music, thanks to Sonos's excellent streaming platform.

One thing to note about the Sonos Beam is that it doesn't have a voice assistant built-in, which might be a drawback for some users. However, this can be easily overcome by connecting an Echo Dot or Nest device, which will give you all the features you need. Overall, the Sonos Beam is a great option if you're looking for a high-quality soundbar without breaking the bank.

The Best Dolby Atmos Performance: Vizio M512a

If you want the best Dolby Atmos performance for the least amount of money, then the Vizio M512a is the soundbar to get. This full surround setup comes with a sub and surrounds plus two dedicated height channels, making it a compact but effective solution for enhancing your home theater experience. The rears are wired to the sub, which might be a bit of a drawback for some users, but overall, this soundbar offers excellent sound quality.

One thing to note about the Vizio M512a is that it doesn't have streaming capabilities like some of the other soundbars on our list. However, it does come with a Bluetooth input, which makes it easy to connect your devices and enjoy music or other content wirelessly. With its excellent dialogue reproduction, seamless surround steering, and plenty of slam from the subwoofer, the Vizio M512a is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a high-quality soundbar that won't break the bank.

In Conclusion

Whether you're looking to improve your TV's audio quality alone or add features like music streaming or Dolby Atmos, there's something here for everyone. The Roku Stream Bar, Sonos Beam, and Vizio M512a are all excellent options that offer a range of benefits and features at different price points. By choosing one of these soundbars, you can easily upgrade your TV's audio quality without breaking the bank. So why wait? Head to your local electronics store or online retailer today and start shopping for the perfect soundbar for your needs.