With TVs getting bigger and bigger, the term ‘ home cinema ’ has never been more apt for your living room. Despite efforts in recent years, sound remains the poor relation of televisions. Traditionally, the solution would have been to invest in an amplifier and half a dozen speakers to spread around the room. If this indeed ensures the best sound reproduction, it must be admitted that it is expensive and cumbersome, without even mentioning the cables which run in the middle of the living room…
Best Sound Bars Under 250 Dollars
The other choice, much simpler, is the Sound Bars which is positioned at the foot of the screen. Formerly far from being convincing, they have made great progress, with virtualization which makes it possible to obtain an often stunning surround rendering. The latest models can simulate a 3D sound environment thanks to Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies and can integrate native compatibility with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to quickly stream music to your living room via your favorite streaming service.
Best Sound Bars Under $250 | Comparison Table 2024
Top Quality | 5-Start Picks | Great Price
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar | Works with 4K & HD TVs | Wireless Subwoofer | Includes HDMI & Optical Cables | Bluetooth Enabled, Black | Polk Audio | Check Price | |
| Majority Bowfell Small Sound Bar for TV with Bluetooth, RCA, USB, Opt, AUX Connection, Mini Sound/Audio System for TV Speakers/Home Theater, Gaming, Projectors, 50 watt, 15 inch | Majority | Check Price | |
| Sound Bar, BESTISAN 100 Watt Sound Bars for TV with Built in Subwoofer and Sub-Out Port Home Theater System (32 inch, Bluetooth 5.0, 3 Audio Modes, Bass Adjustable, Touch Control, 2022 Upgraded) | BESTISAN | Check Price | |
| TV Soundbar, Wired & Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Stereo Sound bar for TV, Three Equalizer Mode Audio Speaker for TV, Optical/Aux/RCA Connection, Wall Mountable, Remote Control | Hsoipn | Check Price | |
| Sound Bars for TV, SAKOBS Soundbar for TV Built-in DSP PC Speaker with Bluetooth, 3D Surround Sound 16'' Mini Sound Bar Audio System for Home Theater/Gaming/Projectors, Combined AUX/Opt Connectivity | SAKOBS | Check Price | |
| Wohome Small Sound Bars for TV, 50W 16-Inch Ultra Slim Mini Surround Soundbar Speakers System with Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Optical AUX USB Connection, 5 Equalizer Modes, for 4K & HD TVs, Model S66 | Wohome | Check Price | |
| 50W Sound Bar, VILINICE 16-Inch Sound Bars for TV, 3 EQ Modes, Small Soundbar with Wireless Bluetooth 5.0, Optical/Aux/USB/RCA Connection, Built-in DSP, Remote Control,Wall Mountable | VILINICE | Check Price | |
| Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio (2021) , Black | SAMSUNG | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Sound Bars Under 250 | 2024 Product Overview
1. Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-SlimSound Bar
The product is a premium ultra-slim soundbar with an included wireless subwoofer, featuring 5 powerful full-range drivers for rich sound and deep bass. Polk’s exclusive Voice Adjust Technology and Dolby Digital Decoding enhance sound clarity and reduce voice delays. It offers excellent sound quality comparable to mid-to-high-range soundbars, and its compact design (just over 2″ tall) allows for easy wall-mounting or placement in front of a TV without blocking the screen.
The soundbar enhances the home theater experience with 4K HD Smart TVs, providing crystal-clear sound and numerous connection options, including HDMI ARC, optical input, and AUX. Additionally, users can wirelessly stream music from their favorite apps via Bluetooth. The setup is quick and easy, thanks to the included subwoofer, HDMI, and optical cables.
Product Overview:
The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is a premium sound bar that comes with a wireless subwoofer and includes HDMI and optical cables. The sound bar is designed to work with 4K and HD TVs and is Bluetooth enabled, making it easy to stream music from your favorite apps. The product is refurbished, fully functional, and in excellent condition, backed by the 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
With five powerful full-range drivers, the sound bar delivers beautiful rich sound with deep bass. The exclusive VoiceAdjust technology and Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and reduces voice delays. The sound bar is just over 2 inches tall, making it easy to fit in most spaces and can be wall-mounted or placed in front of the TV without blocking the bottom edge or IR remote sensor.
The Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar is an excellent choice for upgrading your home theater experience. It allows you to watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality and crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, you can plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input, and AUX. Additionally, you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology. With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables, you can quickly connect your TV to the sound bar and get set up and listening in minutes.
- Includes a wireless subwoofer for deep bass.
- VoiceAdjust technology for improved sound clarity.
- Ultra-slim design fits in most spaces.
- Multiple connectivity options.
- 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee.
- The product is refurbished.
- May not come with original accessories.
- The product may come in a generic box.
Also Read: Best Cheapest 4K Projectors
2. Majority Bowfell Small Sound Bar
The Bowfell is a versatile soundbar designed for compatibility with TVs, phones, and PCs. With multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Optical Input, and RCA input, it offers flexibility for various devices. The soundbar features a compact design, making it suitable for desktop spaces and dorm rooms.
It includes a built-in subwoofer for powerful cinematic sound. The Bowfell comes with a remote control and allows users to choose between Music, Movies, or Dialogue modes. Its dimensions are 38.8cm x 5.4cm x 7.2cm, weighing 1.5kg.
Product Overview:
The Majority Bowfell is a compact soundbar that is packed with the latest audio technology and compatible with a wide range of household items such as your phone, TV, PC, laptop, projector, monitor, Blu-Ray or DVD player. It offers a crystal clear sound quality and delivers an immersive listening experience when connecting via AUX, Optical or Bluetooth.
The Bowfell features inbuilt subwoofer that delivers an outstanding cinematic sound experience. The powerful 50 watt speakers can pack a punch for any avid gamer or simply enhance your TV experience with clean and crisp audio. This soundbar can be used for a variety of purposes such as music, radio, gaming, movies and live sports, providing you with an audio experience as it is meant to be heard.
The Bowfell is designed with ease of use in mind. It can be easily plugged in and played using the wide range of connections. You can listen to your playlists straight from your phone through the latest Bluetooth technology, plug in your MP3 player to the AUX input, connect to your TV in lightning speed by using the optical input or just plug in your USB device straight into the Bowfell. With its compact and slim design, it fits perfectly on desks and sits comfortably under your TV. The package contains 1x Bowfell, 1x Remote, 1x RCA cable, 1x Power cable, 1x AUX cable and a user manual. Majority is a Cambridge based home audio brand that offers a 3-year extended warranty on all its products and a hassle-free return policy.
- Crystal clear sound quality and immersive listening experience when connecting via AUX, Optical or Bluetooth.
- Inbuilt subwoofer for outstanding cinematic sound experience.
- Powerful 50 watt speakers for crisp and clean audio.
- Easy to use with a wide range of connections.
- Compact and slim design.
- Some customer reviews mentioned that the bass is not very strong.
- Some customer reviews mentioned that the product is not very durable.
- Some customer reviews mentioned that the remote control is not very responsive.
3. BESTISAN Sound Bar
The featured product is an integrated 2.1-channel soundbar designed to enhance your home entertainment experience. Equipped with 2 full-range speakers and 2 built-in subwoofers, it delivers immersive audio with deep bass.
The soundbar supports both wired and wireless connections through digital optical, digital coaxial, AUX, and Bluetooth 5.0. It can be controlled via touch or remote, offering options for playback settings and mode selection (movie, music, dialogue).
The versatile design allows it to sit below the TV or be wall-mounted for a sleek home theater setup. Included components are a power adapter, remote, RCA cable, optical cable, user manual, and mount kits.
Product Overview:
The BESTISAN Sound Bar is a 32 inch home theater system that is designed to enhance the audio experience of your TV. With a built-in subwoofer and 100 watt power, it delivers an immersive cinema experience and replaces your TV's built-in speakers with deeper bass and crystal clear whispers. The soundbar is equipped with 2 full-range speakers and 2 built-in subwoofers, making it a 2.1 channel soundbar.
The soundbar offers multiple connectivity options, including HDMI (ARC), digital optical, RCA, and Bluetooth 5.0. You can choose to connect physically or stream wirelessly depending on your preference. The soundbar also features high-grade metal controls and a remote for convenient operation, allowing you to adjust playback settings including volume and track selection.
The soundbar also offers optimized audio with the ability to switch between movie, music, and dialogue modes to tailor the sound output to your entertainment. It also has a Sub-out port which makes it easy to connect with other active subwoofers. The soundbar can be placed flat below the TV screen or securely mounted on the wall for a sleek, elegant home theater setup. The package includes a power adapter, remote, RCA cable, optical cable, user manual, and mount kits.
- Equipped with 2 full-range speakers and 2 built-in subwoofers for an immersive cinema experience.
- Multiple connectivity options including HDMI, digital optical, RCA, and Bluetooth 5.0.
- Optimized audio with the ability to switch between movie, music, and dialogue modes.
- Can be placed flat or mounted on the wall for a sleek setup.
- Package includes power adapter, remote, RCA cable, optical cable, user manual, and mount kits.
- The remote is not compatible with universal remote.
- Some users have reported issues with the Bluetooth connectivity.
- Some users have reported that the sound quality could be better.
Also Read: Best Wireless Soundbars Under 150
4. Hsoipn Wireless Bluetooth Soundbar
The highlighted product is a 32-inch wall-mountable TV soundbar with three equalizer modes (Game, Music, Movie) for customizable sound quality. It offers both wireless and wired connections through Bluetooth 5.0, audio cable, RCA, and optical input.
The included remote control allows easy navigation between functions, enhancing the convenience of use. This home theater system provides 3D surround sound, delivering a powerful and immersive audio experience. With dimensions of 31.5*2.4*2.4 inches, it is designed to save space while delivering high-quality audio for your TV.
Product Overview:
The Hsoipn TV Soundbar is a versatile and powerful audio solution for your television. This soundbar features Bluetooth 5.0 technology, allowing you to wirelessly connect to your TV and other devices, such as gaming consoles, PCs, and smartphones or tablets. Additionally, the soundbar also offers wired connections through RCA, aux, and optical inputs.
One of the standout features of the Hsoipn TV Soundbar is its three distinct equalizer modes. Whether you're watching a movie, playing a game, or listening to music, you can easily switch between modes to achieve the perfect sound quality for your content. The soundbar also comes with a remote control, which allows you to quickly switch between functions and adjust the volume.
The Hsoipn TV Soundbar is also designed to be space-saving and wall-mountable. With its compact 32-inch size, it won't take up much room in your living space. Additionally, the soundbar's powerful speakers are designed to deliver a 3D surround sound experience, fully filling your room with high-end audio. Overall, the Hsoipn TV Soundbar is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their TV viewing experience with superior sound quality.
- Offers Bluetooth 5.0 technology for wireless connections to TV and other devices.
- Three distinct equalizer modes for optimal sound quality.
- Comes with a remote control for easy adjustments.
- Wall-mountable design for space-saving.
- Powerful speakers deliver 3D surround sound experience.
- Only one left in stock.
- Not specified if it has a built-in microphone.
- Not specified if it has a battery or it requires to be plugged in.
5. SAKOBS Sound Bars
The SAKOBS soundbar offers an immersive audio experience with two powerful full-range speakers, delivering high-quality stereo sound with up to 60W RMS and 110dB SPL for deep bass and clear vocals. It features built-in DSP technology and virtual 3D surround sound for accurate sound field positioning.
The soundbar supports multiple audio inputs, including optical, AUX, and Bluetooth 5.0, making it versatile for various devices. With an ultra-slim and sleek design, measuring 17.1 x 7 x 4.5 inches, it adds a modern touch to your home and can be placed on a table or mounted on the wall. SAKOBS Audio is dedicated to providing a better audio-visual experience and excellent customer service.
Product Overview:
The SAKOBS Soundbar for TV is a powerful and versatile audio system that can enhance your home theater, gaming, or projector experience. With 2 full-range speakers that produce up to 60W RMS and 110dB SPL, this soundbar delivers deep bass, clear vocals, and enhanced CD-quality sound.
One of the standout features of this soundbar is its built-in DSP technology, which creates a virtual 3D surround sound experience. The advanced full-range, high-sensitivity tweeter drivers make the sound field positioning more accurate, and the vocals clearer. Whether you're watching TV, movies, playing games, or listening to music, this soundbar will bring you an immersive sound experience.
The SAKOBS soundbar is also designed to be easy to connect to a variety of devices. It has multiple audio inputs, including optical and AUX connections, as well as Bluetooth 5.0, so you can easily connect to your TV, computer, or wireless Bluetooth devices like your cellphone or tablet. The slim and sleek design of this soundbar, measuring 17.1 x 7 x 4.5 inches, fits any size TV or PC and can be placed flat on a table or mounted on a wall without taking up much space. SAKOBS Audio is committed to providing customers with a better audio-visual experience and will be happy to assist with any questions or concerns.
- Provides an immersive sound experience with 2 powerful full-range speakers
- Built-in DSP technology creates a virtual 3D surround sound experience
- Multiple audio inputs including optical, AUX and Bluetooth 5.0
- Stylish and compact design that fits any size TV or PC
- SAKOBS Audio is committed to providing a better audio-visual experience and customer
- Currently unavailable
- Soundbar is not compatible with wireless subwoofers
- Limited information about warranty and return policy.
Also Read: Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $1000
6. Wohome Small Sound Bar
The product is a 16-inch ultra-slim soundbar with a stylish and compact design, ideal for placement under TVs and desktop monitors, especially in dorm rooms or bedrooms. It is compatible with 4K & HD TVs, PCs, projectors, smartphones, and tablets.
The soundbar features built-in 2x powerful full-range drivers for deep bass and clear sound in movies, music, TV shows, and gaming. With 5 sound equalizer modes (flat, rock, jazz, pop, and voice), it offers versatility to match your preferences.
The soundbar supports both wireless Bluetooth 5.0 streaming and wired connections, including AUX, USB, and optical inputs. The package includes RCA and optical cables, eliminating the need for additional purchases.
Product Overview:
The Wohome Small Sound Bars for TV is a compact and stylish soundbar that measures just 16 inches in length and 3 inches in height. It is designed to be placed easily under your TV or desktop monitor, making it a great choice for student dorm rooms or bedrooms. The soundbar is compatible with 4K & HD TVs, PCs, projectors, smartphones, and tablets.
One of the standout features of this soundbar is its built-in 2x powerful full-range drivers, which produce deep bass and clear sound for all your movies, music, TV shows, and gaming. The soundbar also comes with 5 sound equalizer modes, including flat, rock, jazz, pop, and voice, to match your favorite sound. This is all made possible by the built-in DSP technology for incredible clarity and precision.
The Wohome Small Sound Bars for TV also offers both wireless and wired connections. You can enjoy wireless streaming music from your phone, tablets, or other Bluetooth-embedded devices through Bluetooth 5.0. Additionally, the soundbar supports AUX, USB and optical inputs, and comes pre-supplied with an AUX-RCA cable and an optical cable. The soundbar is easy to control and set up with the remote or buttons on the unit, and offers excellent customer service with 100% satisfaction and lifetime tech support. The soundbar is compatible with Roku and Fire Version TVs, and can work with almost all smart TVs and traditional TVs, also support Roku Streaming Stick and Fire TV Stick, and other brand cable boxes. Enjoy streaming video from Netflix, Youtube, HBO, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, or other video apps.
- Ultra-slim and compact design, perfect for small spaces.
- Compatible with various devices such as 4K & HD TVs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
- Built-in 2x powerful full-range drivers for deep bass and clear sound.
- 5 sound equalizer modes for customizable audio experience.
- Both wireless and wired connection options available.
- Only one left in stock.
- Not compatible with Dolby and DTS.
- Only auxiliary input can use another remote to adjust the soundbar volume.
Also Read: Best Stereo Amplifier Under $1000
7. VILINICE 50W Sound Bar
The featured product is a compact yet powerful soundbar with 50-watt output, delivering clear treble and heavy bass for an immersive audio experience without the need for high-volume settings. Built-in DSP technology and 3 EQ modes (Music, News, Movie) allow precise sound customization.
The soundbar supports both wireless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and various wired options like AUX/RCA, optical fiber, and USB. Its slim and sleek design adds a modern touch to your home, whether placed next to a TV, computer, or wall-mounted. Additionally, the product comes with a promise of friendly service and lifetime technical support.
Product Overview:
The VILINICE Soundbar with Wireless Bluetooth is a 120W high-powered soundbar that provides clear treble and heavy bass with its 2.1 channels. The soundbar is equipped with 4 tapered magnets that provide a wide stereo effect throughout the room, allowing you to enjoy cinema-quality sound at home. This soundbar is designed to be a home theater system, providing 3D surround sound effects that are more realistic and enveloping for a powerful surround sound experience.
The soundbar features built-in DSP technology, ensuring that the 3 sound modes output is more stable and accurate. The Music mode adds clarity and pleasant sound, making it perfect for indoor fitness, home parties, and more, creating a concert atmosphere at home. The Theater mode provides greater stereo and creates an engaging soundscape at the front of the room, while the Original mode provides clearer vocals, making it ideal for news broadcasts and sports events.
The VILINICE Soundbar offers multiple connection options, allowing you to easily connect to the soundbar via AUX/RCA, optical fiber, HDMI, and USB input. It also supports use with mobile phones, tablets, TVs, computers, projectors, and set-top boxes. The 36-inch soundbar has a slim design that supports wall-mounting and placement, making it suitable for use under any size TV. The company also provides lifetime technical support. If you have any problems with your soundbar, you can contact them via Amazon for a replacement or refund.
- 120W high power output with 2.1 channels provides clear treble and heavy bass.
- 3D surround sound effects provide more realistic and powerful surround sound experience.
- Built-in DSP technology ensures stable and accurate sound output.
- Multiple connection options available such as AUX/RCA, optical, HDMI, and USB.
- Slim design with wall-mounting support and placement option.
- Currently unavailable and uncertain if it will be back in stock
- No information about the battery life of the remote control
- Customer service warranty is not specified.
8. Bose Solo 5 Soundbar
The Bose Solo 5 TV Sound System is a single soundbar designed to significantly improve audio quality compared to your TV's built-in speakers. It features advanced technologies for clear audio, a Dialogue mode that enhances speech clarity, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming.
With multiple input options including optical, coaxial, and 3.5mm aux, it offers easy connectivity to your TV. The included universal remote controls various functions, making it a convenient and compact solution for enhanced TV audio. The dimensions of the speaker are 2.6 H x 21.6 W x 3.4 D (3.73 lbs), and the remote control is 4.1 H x 1.6 W x 0.4 D (5 oz).
Product Overview:
The Bose Solo 5 Sound System is a compact and versatile soundbar that delivers powerful and clear sound for your TV. It comes with a Bose Wall-Mount Kit, making it easy to mount on the wall and save space in your living room. The soundbar has a sleek and modern design that blends seamlessly with any decor.
The Bose Solo 5 Sound System has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The soundbar has a transmission range of up to 30 feet, so you can enjoy your music from anywhere in the room. The system also has an ultra-compact design, which makes it easy to take with you on the go, whether you're traveling or having a party at a friend's house.
With a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating and over 17,725 ratings, this product is Amazon's choice for "bose soundbar solo 5" and it can be purchased as a bundle with the wall mount kit for $223.00 or just the soundbar itself for $176.88. The model name of this product is Solo 5 and it is manufactured by Bose. The product is designed for use in the US and may require an adapter or converter for use in other countries. Please check compatibility before purchasing.
- Compact and versatile design
- Powerful and clear sound
- Easy to mount on the wall with the included wall-mount kit
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless streaming
- Ultra-compact design for portability.
- May require an adapter or converter for use in other countries.
- Some users have reported difficulty connecting via Bluetooth.
- Some users have reported difficulty with the remote control.
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9. Samsung 2.1ch Soundbar
The product is a comprehensive sound system, including a wireless subwoofer for deep bass. It features a Bass Boost button for instant bass enhancement, Adaptive Sound Lite for real-time audio tracking, and consistent volume control. The soundbar can be easily connected to your TV via Bluetooth, and it offers a Game Mode for an improved gaming experience with synced directional audio.
With One Remote, control of both the Samsung TV and soundbar is streamlined, and it is wireless surround sound compatible, allowing you to turn the soundbar into a complete surround sound system with optional rear Samsung speakers.
Product Overview:
The Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar is a sleek and powerful addition to any home entertainment system. The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer included, allowing you to enjoy deep bass right out of the box. The soundbar has a maximum output power of 300 watts and a total of 1 USB port.
One of the key features of the HW-A450/ZA is the Bass Boost button, which gives your bass an instant boost with the push of a button. Additionally, the soundbar features Adaptive Sound Lite, which enhances audio tracking for your content in real-time, with technology that equalizes background music and consistent volume control.
The HW-A450/ZA also offers convenient connectivity options, including Bluetooth and USB, making it easy to set up and connect to your TV. The soundbar also includes a Game Mode which boosts the gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio that moves with the action on-screen and crosstalk cancellation that minimizes distractions. With the Samsung TV remote, you can easily control both your TV and soundbar. Additionally, it's also wireless surround sound compatible and can be turned into a complete surround sound system with optional rear Samsung speakers in a few simple steps without the mess of wires.
- Comes with a wireless subwoofer for deep bass.
- Bass boosts button for instant bass enhancement.
- Adaptive Sound Lite technology for enhanced audio tracking.
- Convenient connectivity options including Bluetooth and USB.
- Game mode for improved gaming experience.
- It is not compatible with all TV brands
- It may not be suitable for larger rooms or open floor plans
- It is not available with free prime shipping in some countries
Also Read: How Many Lumens Do I Need For a Projector
Best Sound Bars Under 250 USD | 2024 Guide
What are Sound Bars?
Sound Bars have become an almost indispensable complement if you want to fully enjoy the sound of your TV. They are an ideal alternative to Home Cinema, occupy little space, are discreet and more economical and they can be found in cars, on the street, in homes, and add a lot of atmospheres.
Sound Bars simply enhances TV sound with multiple speakers placed in a line. In addition, they can integrate surround sound functions.
Sound Bars were designed to fill the biggest gap in modern TVs: sound. Most flat-screen TV models have very poor built-in speakers.
Brands these days have to choose between good speakers or thinner screens. Also, the speakers are usually found at the back of the device, which causes the sound to be emitted backward.
Also Read: Best Radar Detector Under $200
What types of Sound Bars are there?
There are many devices, including Sound Bars, that can significantly improve the sound quality of televisions.
Top Sound Bars
Sound Bars are installed below the TV. As their name suggests, they are compact and do not take up much space. They have an elongated shape, are discreet with an attractive design. Of these three systems, this is the simplest but also the most limited. They usually don't include a subwoofer, but if they do, it's external so you'll have to install it somewhere else. It is very important that the speakers are of high quality if you want to emulate the surround sound of a 5.1 Home Cinema. Some Sound Bars have presets that allow this feature.
Basis of sound
The Sound Bars have a box-shaped design. They weigh more and are placed below the TV. They have a built-in subwoofer and therefore better bass. However, they do not have surround sound, the projection of the audio being unidirectional.
Sound Bars are more expensive and do not have a very good reputation among experts. Still, it's not a bad option if you just want to improve the sound of your TV. They will also come in handy if you want to get rid of cables.
Home Cinema 5.1 and 7.1
Home theaters are superior sound systems. They are excellent for total immersion with remarkable sound reproduction. The main disadvantage of this system is its bulky side: it is a set of five or seven speakers and a subwoofer that you will have to distribute correctly in your living room.
Another big downside is its high price. The purchase of this type of device is justified only if you intend to cover large areas. Designed for TV and movies, not as good for music
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT Sound Bars
WHY CHOOSE A SOUND BASE?
The speakers built into our televisions are often of poor quality, which is why it is worth investing in a soundbar. In addition to improving the sound reproduction of films and music, Best Sound Bars Under $250 can simulate surround rendering and can even be compatible with connected assistants to play music by voice. And as a bonus, they are much easier to install than a traditional home cinema system.
DOLBY ATMOS, DTS:X: WHAT IS IT FOR?
In recent years, there have been Dolby Atmos and DTS:X certified Best Sound Bars Under $250. These two fairly similar technologies make it possible to obtain 3D sound virtualization in order to offer deep immersion on compatible content. Compared to a classic 5.1 horizontal rendering, 3D virtualization adds verticality to the sound to provide a more realistic rendering. We are starting to find Dolby Atmos content on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and on 4K Blu-rays.
A Sound Bars with or without a subwoofer?
One of the first things you need to consider when choosing a Sound Bars is whether or not you have a subwoofer. This is normal since the presence or absence of the latter presents great differences in the quality of the sound obtained. The choice depends in particular on the use that will be made of the soundbar:
- Yes: The subwoofer brings dynamism to the sound and allows a deeper immersion for events such as sports matches, concerts, or the broadcast of a film. Also known as a subwoofer, the subwoofer can be integrated into the Sound Bars. However, to enjoy a sound experience equal to that offered by a home cinema, you will have to favor a separate subwoofer.
- No: A soundbar without a separate box is suitable for sounding a computer for a presentation, for example. The sound requirement of such an event is not as high as when it comes to broadcasting a football match for a large audience. A stereo Sound Bars would be able to provide enough sound quality to satisfy your audience.
WHAT IS HDMI ARC?
To connect your Sound Bars to your TV, you historically use a jack or optical port. However, these connectors simply transmit an analog track from a source. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) technology keeps the audio track digital from the source to the Sound Bars. It is therefore the bar that will take care of decoding and retransmitting digital tracks, which are mandatory for obtaining Dolby and DTS sound. Small bonus: the volume of the Sound Bars can be adjusted with the same remote control as the TV in a transparent way. In short, use it.
Factors to consider while buying a sound base
Sound Bars are innovative products and it's normal that you don't know what to look for. We walk you through some of the most redundant features in tests and comparisons below, so you can find the Best Sound Bars Under $250 for your needs. To learn more about the aspects you should consider before choosing:
The Quality
The Sound Bars are designed to improve the poor sound of modern TVs. The most important aspect is therefore the sound quality. Not all bars offer good sound quality, so it's common for low-end devices to not really improve the sound.
How can you check if the sound is good? Based mainly on the quality of its components.
Bars usually feature several types of speakers: tweeters for high frequencies, woofers for midrange, and subwoofers for bass. Some have full-range speakers, capable of reproducing all frequencies in the same enclosure. Take the test and see what suits you best!
RMS power
RMS power is the measurement used to know the power of an amplifier. It is the average and constant sound level, that is to say, the power of a loudspeaker at a certain volume.
The first thing to consider is the power received by the amplifier. If there is too much power, the sound will be distorted and it can even overheat and damage the speakers.
Length and dimensions of Sound Bars
Dimensions and weight are important aspects when buying Sound Bars. One of the most common issues is opening your Amazon order and finding overly large Sound Bars that don't fit in the space you intended.
Make sure you have enough space for the Sound Bars to be placed under the TV, imperatively do the tests! With the rush of buying, many people forget to measure their furniture. Please keep this in mind before choosing.
Dolby and DTS decoder
Ideally, your Sound Bars should incorporate both. Dolby is a format used by all video-on-demand services such as Amazon Prime Video, HBO or Netflix, TNT, and Blue-Ray channels, as well as video game consoles. This is why all bars incorporate this decoder.
DTS is a multi-channel format that uses less compression than Dolby. It is found on DVDs and Blu-ray. To be able to play media in DTS format, it is necessary that the Sound Bars has a DTS -certified decoder. Most flat-screen TVs already have their own Dolby decoder. Only the most modern models also incorporate DTS technology.
What sound power to choose for Sound Bar?
The power of a Sound Bars varies on average between 100 and 500 W. This mainly depends on the Sound Bars model. You must take into account the dimensions of the room that will accommodate the soundbar so as not to annoy your neighbors. Basic thrusts can easily be heard miles away when the volume is turned up all the way:
- More than 321W : Equipment of this power is suitable for a room of more than 40m2 or reception rooms.
- From 121W to 320W: Such power is necessary to cover a space of 25 to 40 m2 . So you can choose a Sound Bars of this power for your living room.
- Less than 120W : This power is generally suitable for covering a living room of less than 20m2 or a bedroom or office.
Which sound effect to choose for a Sound Bars
Long ago, sounds were recorded on a single (mono) track. The appearance of stereo made it possible to carry out recordings on two tracks for better reproduction. Over the years, engineers have worked to provide the best listening experience. Technological advances have allowed the creation of several sound effects :
- Dolby Atmos: This multi-channel audio format delivers sound from multiple locations in a room. The Dolby Atmos can manage about 64 channels which promises a high precision of the sound effect of each scene. For a cinema, for example, a Dolby Atmos offers a diffusion taken following the movement of the actors and the objects on the screen and off-screen.
- Dolby True HD: This is the ultimate evolution in multi-channel audio coding. This format offers sound without compression (lossless) and is intended for high-definition media on disc media (HD-DVD and Blu-ray). Dolby True HD is able to reproduce a sound effect with unparalleled quality. The encoding uses a technology that limits losses to zero and offers a binary start of up to 18 Mb/s. Transmission with this type of technology is digital and is done via an HDMI 1.3 link at least.
- Dolby Digital: This is a digital sound using 6 distinct channels: left, center, right, rear left, rear right, and a channel dedicated to bass effects (Low-Frequency Effects). The sound delivered by Dolby Digitalis is compressed, the sound is therefore degraded, but in acceptable proportions and almost imperceptible. Each of the channels benefits from its own stream of musical data, which leads to a very significant marking of the separation of the channels when listening. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use 5 speakers and a subwoofer to best enjoy the sound effect produced by Dolby Digital. However, you can use it with a limited number of speakers. In these cases, the decoder performs a mix so that you can listen to the original track smoothly.
- Dolby Pro Logic: The Dolby Pro Logic decoder emulates a front center channel so that the broadcast sound is natural and above all centered. An additional loudspeaker is then used to diffuse the dialogues. This system increases the separation of the right and left lanes. The rear channel provides three-dimensional sound reproduction. Dolby Pro Logic is the ancestor of Dolby digital . The difference between the two is due to the separation distance of the channels, it is limited to 37 dB. With two exactly identical rear tracks. Bandwidth is also limited in the rear effects (from 100 Hz to 7000 Hz).
- Dolby Surround: Dolby Surround uses three distinct channels: a rear mono channel and two front channels to lateralize the soundtrack. These tracks differ little from the rear track and the third track is monophonic. The sub-bass channel is obtained by filtering and adding the three channels. Appearing in 1982, Dolby Surround made the success of LaserDisc where the 3 signals are matrixed on two channels.
Best Sound Bars Under $250 | Video Explanation
FAQ
Is it necessary to get a subwoofer with the Sound Bars?
Sound Bars do not reproduce low frequencies very well, according to the manufacturer's tests and opinions. An external subwoofer is the best solution if you want good surround sound. However, if you find a model with a built-in subwoofer, even if it costs more, it can be a good investment. Some Sound Bars integrate the subwoofer between the speakers. We recommend that you choose one with an external subwoofer, this one will give better sound. Anyway, if you buy a bar without a subwoofer, don't worry, you can get one separately and install it afterward.
What types of connection does the Sound Bars require?
Sound Bars generally have two types of connections: wireless and wired. Among the wired ones is the HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) which allows you to use high resolution codecs, such as Dolby, TrueHD or DTS HD Master Audio. There are also optical outputs. Wireless connections are convenient without the use of cables. The disadvantage is the fact that they undergo variations, they can sometimes lose the signal and distort the sound. Most bars incorporate the Bluetooth option, although this is not the best option. It is better to opt for WiFi which offers a more stable connection.
What are the dimensions of a Sound Bars?
The larger the Sound Bars, the more space there will be for the speakers. If the speakers are spaced apart, the sound will be clear and balanced. However, Sound Bars are designed to be unobtrusive. Placed under the TV, they bring a modern and distinguished touch to your living room. Before buying the perfect Sound Bars for you, you need to decide where you are going to place it. You will then need to measure the space and choose the model that suits you best.
Where can we buy a Sound Bars?
Sound Bars are available at all major retail outlets. You will find them in the electronic departments of Fnac, Carrefour, Boulanger, Galeries Lafayette etc. You can also find them in specialized stores and therefore test them, but also on the Internet, directly on the brand's website or on Amazon
