Ready to take your sound to the next level with a sound bar? That’s good because sound bars are a great budget option for those who want better sound from their devices but don’t necessarily have the funds to spring for something more expensive. So, what makes a good sound bar anyway?
The things you’ll want to look for in a good sound bar are connection options, sound quality, sound modes, and portability. Now that we’ve gone over those, let us show you the best sound bars!
PHEANOO Sound Bar
Best Overall
Sets The Bar
There’s not a lot this sound bar doesn’t have. In this simple design, you’ll find plenty of connection options, control options, and good sound quality. What else could you want?
Pros:
- Awesome bass
- Has multiple connection options
- Compact design
- Can stream music
- Comes with a subwoofer and remote control
Cons:
- Instructions may not be as helpful as they need to be
- May shut off when not supposed to
Majority Sound Bar
Runner-up
Lots Of Options
This soundbar can connect to quite a few devices, comes with convenience in mind, and you don’t have to buy a separate subwoofer. This is a great package.
Pros:
- TV, phone, and PC compatibility
- Comes with remote control
- Multiple connection options, including Bluetooth and auxiliary
- Slim design
- Built-in subwoofer
- Can be put anywhere
Cons:
- Auto shutoff may not be able to be disabled
- Bass may not be the best
Polk Sound Bar
Top Contender
Delivers The Quality You Want
This is a sound bar that looks great without taking away from your entertainment experience. Pair that with music-streaming capabilities, fast setup, and good bass, and you’ve got a great sound bar.
Pros:
- Several purchase options
- Sleek design
- Can wirelessly stream music
- Quick setup
- Has Dolby Digital decoding
- Powerful bass
Cons:
- It may not work with all kinds of televisions
- It may power off at inopportune times
Bose Sound Bar
Honorable Mention
Quick, Easy, Great
Looking like it belongs in an upscale joint, this sound bar gives you the quality you want and the options to use it with a great remote and a fast setup.
Pros:
- Bluetooth capability
- Elegant design
- Comes with a remote including dialogue mode and a bass button
- Two connection options: HDMI-ARC or optical audio
Cons:
- Users will need to be careful not to lose the remote
- Bass may not be the best
TCL Sound Bar
Also Consider
Simple But Strong
Sometimes all you need is a product that gets the job done. Coming with good quality sound, a simple design, and an easy setup, this is the sound bar for you.
Pros:
- Deep bass
- Wirelessly stream music
- Very little setup
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Multiple sound modes
- Multiple purchase options
Cons:
- May be audio sync issues for some
- Instructions could use some work
FAQs
Are sound bars better than speakers?
Both speakers and sound bars have their advantages. Surround sound will provide the best quality sound, but will be more expensive and require more installation. A sound bar will usually provide better sound quality than average speakers, and the nice thing is it’s incredibly easy to set up and move. Plus, sound bars have tons of convenience options such as remotes, connection options, compatibility with devices, and so on.
Does placement matter for sound bars?
Yes, the placement does matter! In general, you want to place your sound bar as close to your ear level as you can. This way the sound projects where it’s supposed to and you’ll get the best quality possible. This may mean you need to mount the sound bar, and thankfully some products help with that. You’ll also want to make sure it’s in front of you.
Buying Guide
A sound bar can be a great investment towards a better media entertainment experience. Plus, they come with so many great features. So, which should you focus on? You’ll want to focus on the following:
- Connection Options: One of the great things about sound bars is how many ways they can be connected to a device. Ideally, they have as many of these connections as possible. These would be things like USB, Bluetooth, auxiliary, and more. The more options you have, the more ways you can use your sound bar.
- Sound Quality: Nothing is more important in a sound bar. How good is the sound when it comes through your device? Can you even hear it? These are very important things to consider when looking for a good sound bar.
- Sound Modes: Does the sound bar offer some options when it comes to the style of sound? For instance, does it have a mode for movies or a mode for music? What about a night mode? Look for these in a good sound bar.
- Portability: Last but not least is how portable a sound bar is. Can it be put wherever you need it to go? Is it easy to set up and install? These might seem like small considerations, but when placing a sound bar is all that stands between you and enjoying the sound coming through, you want it to be as easy as possible.
