Soundbars can make a fantastic upgrade for any television and provide enhanced audio performance. Slim and easily mounted onto walls or placed below your TV screen – soundbars make great additions for audio performance that rival even traditional home theatre systems!
If you want to skip the reviews, we say get the Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL.
Best Soundbar For Under $400 Reviews
Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar
- Easy setup with HDMI or Optical cable and automatic subwoofer connection.Waterproof : No
- Wireless subwoofer for deep bass and flexible placement. Center unit-36-5/8 × 2-1/2 × 4-1/4 inches,...
- Clear voice for enhanced dialogue clarity
- Alexa built-in for voice control of your sound bar, playing music, listening to news, setting alarms and...
- With Alexa, playing music is as simple as asking for a song, artist, or genre from Amazon music and more
This sound bar is an ideal purchase for anyone seeking to enhance the audio quality of their TV viewing experience.
Featuring a wireless subwoofer that delivers powerful bass while offering greater positioning flexibility, and supports DTS Virtual:X for immersive 3D surround sound without needing additional speakers or wires throughout a room, as well as built-in Alexa voice control integration and far-field microphones sensitive enough for easy interaction with Alexa voice assistant, making the YAS-209 an excellent choice for streaming music services such as Spotify or Pandora.
The YAS-209 is a compact soundbar with an attractive minimalist design that looks great whether mounted or tabletop. Additionally, there are indicator lights across its top that illuminate to let you know when certain functions such as Alexa or Bluetooth are active; though these feature lights add to its overall bulkiness.
The YAS-209 soundbar packs plenty of features into its budget-friendly form factor. It offers HDMI, optical, and coaxial inputs for connecting various devices; an ethernet port for wired connectivity; USB ports; HDMI-CEC compatibility for easy TV connection and support of high-resolution playback via aptX HD; plus it boasts an easy setup process with its HDMI-CEC feature.
Watching movies on the YAS-209, dialogue is clear and crisp; not quite as detailed as with a dedicated center channel speaker but it does a fine job handling modern blockbusters’ surround effects. Title scores and background music also sound excellent while bass production helps give movies and TV shows an epic sense of scale.
As an added perk, this soundbar features Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from any of your devices, or pair it with any Amazon Echo or Alexa device for even greater functionality. Though not compatible with Chromecast support, this soundbar remains a solid option for music lovers looking to upgrade the sound of their TV experience.
Samsung HW-Q600A
- DOLBY ATMOS / DTS:X - Theater-quality sound that fires from the front, side and above for true audio...
- TRUE 3.1.2CH SOUND - The complete audio entertainment experience with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer and 2...
- Q-SYMPHONY - Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive QLED TV and soundbar audio.
- ADAPTIVE SOUND - Optimizes voice clarity and sound to video content.
- SAMSUNG ACOUSTIC BEAM - Panoramic audio that dynamically moves with the action.
The Samsung HW-Q600A is an affordable sound bar equipped with 3D surround capabilities and a built-in subwoofer for an enhanced bass experience. Bluetooth connectivity enables the playback of music wirelessly from smart devices, and an equalizer provides presets for various genres.
If your TV cannot connect directly to the internet this sound bar can still act as an upgrade over its stock speakers!
This Samsung soundbar is quite slim in profile and boasts a minimalist modern design, featuring only two main speakers tucked inside its body with one at its base.
On top of all that lies a small display showing sound modes, volumes, and other information that adds to user experience – as well as ports such as optical audio In/Out, HDMI ARC/out, and USB.
Samsung soundbars excel when it comes to sound quality, particularly dialogue and TV shows. Thanks to a dedicated center channel and balanced midrange it can reproduce voices naturally without sounding unnatural. An added benefit is its support of Dolby Atmos when connected to compatible Samsung TVs without needing an additional AV receiver.
The Q600A features some advanced acoustic technology such as the Acoustic Beam for immersive listening experiences, as well as its Q-Symphony system which helps enhance audio reproduction when used with Samsung televisions.
Unfortunately, it does not come equipped with extra features such as voice assistant support or Wi-Fi/AirPlay2 compatibility, however, making it an economical solution to upgrade the TV’s built-in sound without breaking the bank.
Bose Smart Soundbar 300
- Like no other: This elegant sound bar for TV, movies, music, and games delivers spacious sound,...
- Acoustic performance: 5 full-range drivers deliver wide, clear sound, which makes it the perfect soundbar...
- Built-in Alexa: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are built into this smart soundbar for hands-free voice...
- TV voice control: Exclusive Bose Voice for Video technology expands your Alexa capabilities, allowing you...
- Connectivity: Pair your device to this wireless soundbar to stream your favorite music and more via a...
An upgrade in soundbar performance can elevate any TV far beyond what its built-in speakers can do, providing wireless music playback and voice assistant functionality as well as voice search. Bose’s Smart Soundbar 300 can do all three, making it a superb addition to any home entertainment setup.
The 300 offers cinematic audio performance in an ultra-compact package that’s ideal for television viewing or wall mounting. Its compact form factor and ample bass make for clear highs and dialogue.
Unfortunately, however, it lacks midrange fullness when listening to music, which may deter some buyers. Still, it remains an ideal solution that’s relatively cost-effective at $400.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Apple AirPlay 2, and Spotify Connect compatibility allow for effortless wireless streaming of content of any type. The speaker comes equipped with an intuitive app for managing and controlling playback of various audio sources; also creating groups for stereo pairing or combination with other Bose wireless speakers.
Audio performance-wise, the 300 is one of the top options under $500. Its crystal-clear dialogue stands out as an asset; however, a dedicated 2.1 system such as Samsung HW-A550 may provide greater textural depth and surround sound effects.
One feature that sets the 300 apart from many budget-friendly soundbars is its support for Dolby Atmos content via an HDMI ARC port – something seldom found at such a low price point!
However, to make it work successfully you will require either an external Blu-ray player or game console equipped with such a port for proper operation.
Completing its list of features is an infrared emitter and an auxiliary input, which allow you to control your TV using either Alexa or Google Assistant (depending on which voice assistant you opt for).
Furthermore, it comes equipped with plenty of ports such as HDMI Arc ports, optical outputs, Bose Bass Module 500 ports, microUSB updates ports, and more!
Polk Audio MagniFi 2 Sound Bar
- MAGNIFI NOW WITH 3D AUDIO - Virtual height effects and wireless subwoofer deliver an incredible...
- BIGGER, MORE DYNAMIC SURROUND SOUND - Equipped with 6 powerful drivers - (4) 1" x 3" full-range drivers &...
- Polk's exclusive VOICE ADJUST & SDA TECHNOLOGY let you CONTROL VOICE LEVELS maximizing sound clarity and...
- WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC with built-in GOOGLE CHROMECAST from your smartphone and other compatible...
- UNIVERSALLY COMPATIBLE WITH 4K and HD TVs - Enjoy a cinematic experience with Dolby Digital & DTS audio,...
The MagniFi 2 smart soundbar works seamlessly with Google Assistant and can be integrated into an Atmos setup. Featuring three HDMI 2.0 inputs supporting 4K HDR playback, as well as both HDMI and optical cables to simplify setup, and supports CEC allowing it to work automatically with most Samsung, LG, Vizio, and TCL TV remote controls automatically.
Bluetooth technology connects easily with smartphones, tablets, and other Android devices for streaming audio; it even supports Dolby Digital and DTS surround formats for virtualized surround sound effects!
Polk Audio’s MagniFi 2 offers impressive value for its price point, featuring impressive sound staging and deep bass response for its size, making it a worthy upgrade from flat-screen TV speakers alone.
Furthermore, its built-in Google Assistant functionality enables voice command control of devices connected via Google Cast as well as compatibility with all major streaming services.
One of the standout features of this soundbar is its pre-set equalization modes. Each mode has been tailored specifically for various situations: The movie brings out action movie details while pumping up the bass.
Music leaves things more natural and flat; Sports lower vocals to help with dialogue comprehension while Night mode works wonders in terms of volume reduction so you don’t need to keep raising the master TV volume;
MagniFi 2 stands out with its 3D audio mode. Utilizing SDA (Stereo Dimensional Array) technology, virtual height cues are used to recreate that cinematic surround sound experience you find at movies and theaters. Although this doesn’t quite compare with real Dolby Atmos setups, its impressive and fun capabilities still make for an excellent audio experience.
MagniFi 2 lacks USB or AUX inputs, meaning non-Chromecast devices won’t be compatible. However, there is a 3.5mm auxiliary port that allows users to attach wired or wireless subwoofers.
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar
- Single sound bar provides better sound quality compared to your TV.The Solo 5 TV sound system is an easy...
- Dialogue mode to make every word and detail stand out
- Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music from any of your devices
- One connection to your TV. Optical audio input (digital); Coaxial audio input (digital); 3.5 mm aux input...
- Universal remote controls TV, bass, Bluetooth connections and more
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact soundbar designed to upgrade your TV’s speaker system effectively, making it a great upgrade option for those with smaller televisions and boasting an attractive, modern design that fits seamlessly into home theater setups.
However, due to limited functionality, I believe you should also consider models like Yamaha YAS-108 and Samsung HW-K450 more highly.
This two-channel soundbar can either be placed in front of or wall-mounted. It comes equipped with a USB port for updating software, two LEDs below the metal grille that light up when it is on and connected to Bluetooth devices, compatibility with most major audio codecs as well as downmix Dolby Digital content despite lacking HDMI ports that would enable its passage through 4K content and compatibility with most major audio codecs (though HDMI ports would allow 4K content playback).
This soundbar boasts impressively loud audio at up to 87dB – impressive for something so compact. Furthermore, its frequency reproduction capabilities with minimal harmonic distortion provide high-quality audio playback.
Bluetooth allows wireless music streaming while it is compatible with Amazon Alexa voice controls enabling voice-command control of this unit.
Also worthy of note is the inclusion of a dialogue mode, which makes voices easier to hear while watching shows and movies. Furthermore, its included remote allows you to customize bass levels according to your home theater system for an ideal experience.
The setup of this soundbar is simple as it was designed to work with most TVs. Simply connect one audio cable using either optical, coaxial, or analog inputs on its back – and it will recognize which type it is connected to!
Bluetooth connectivity lets you pair it with smartphones or tablets easily – lightweight yet compact design allows easy mounting under the TV or on the wall using included mounting kit – making set-up a breeze.
VIZIO M-Series 5.1.2 Immersive Sound Bar
- America's #1 Sound Bar* - VIZIO has been filling homes with truly immersive audio for over 10 years, and...
- 11 High-Performance Speakers - With separate tweeters and woofers, deliver fuller, clearer and more...
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X - Cinematic, life-like 3D surround sound around and above you.
- 2 Upfiring Speakers - Reflect accurate overhead sound off the ceiling for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X content.
- Separate Tweeters and Woofers - True 2-way speaker design delivers pristine clarity and a wider audio...
If you’re on a budget but searching for a Dolby Atmos soundbar that won’t cost thousands, the M-Series from Vizio may be your perfect solution. Boasting a full 5.1.2 surround setup that includes physical drivers for left, center, and right channels (hence “5” in its designation), as well as two up-firing speakers that add height cues in Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundtracks as well as two up-firing speakers with height cues for height cues added by Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundtracks respectively.
Additionally, this soundbar boasts one of its price ranges which offers wireless subwoofer capabilities that allow for deep decibel bass production during movie/TV film/TV scene changes!
The M-Series sounds impressively good for its low price point, and its sleek aesthetics make it even more so. Featuring a low-slung design with rounded corners and covered in high-quality fabric that doesn’t immediately shout “sound bar,” its wireless surround speakers can also blend in seamlessly behind your television screen.
However, the M-Series does have some drawbacks. Most importantly, it does not support Wi-Fi audio casting via Apple AirPlay 2 or Chromecast and lacks built-in smart assistant integration – two factors that may not be hugely significant to most buyers but may be deal breakers for some.
Thankfully, the M-Series offers ample connectivity options. These include HDMI in/out (with eARC), optical, USB, and 3.5mm headphone-size input jacks; it even supports DTS Virtual:X for Atmos-like sound without needing an up-firing speaker.
On top of all that, the M-Series is very user-friendly; setting it up and using it takes minimal time and effort. The main sound bar and wireless surrounds connect automatically; you may need to pair your two satellite speakers if using Dolby Atmos content.
The M-Series stands out as our preferred soundbar under $500 thanks to its Dolby Atmos support, making movies and TV shows come to life and voices sound clearer while action scenes come to life more vividly than ever. While its subwoofer provides some good low-end rumble, it lacks the punch of dedicated subwoofers.
SAMSUNG HW-Q60B 3.1ch Soundbar
- Dolby Atmos / DTS Virtual:X: Elevate your favorite content; Dolby Atmos creates realistic 3D sound by...
- TRUE 3.1ch SOUND: Enjoy a cinematic audio experience, with 3 channels, 1 subwoofer and 2 up-firing...
- Q-SYMPHONY: Perfectly synchronized, fully immersive audio floods your room all at once, using every...
- ADAPTIVE SOUND: Enjoy dynamically optimized audio with enhanced voice clarity so you can follow along...
- GAME MODE: Optimize your gaming experience with synced, directional audio that moves with the onscreen...
Samsung manufactures an assortment of electronic products, from televisions and headphones to soundbars and sound bases. Their products tend to be well-crafted and feature sleek modern designs that look good in any home environment.
Most soundbars provide multiple connectivity options so they can easily connect with other devices; their audio quality also meets most types of content well.
If you’re on a tight budget but looking for an impressive soundbar, Samsung HW-Q60B may be your perfect solution. Featuring three channels – a subwoofer and two rear speakers for an immersive surround sound experience as well as support for Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X to give it that cinematic edge – as well as Alexa voice assistance which lets you use voice command of both your soundbar as well as other connected devices!
The HW-Q60B features an updated version of Samsung’s Acoustic Beam technology, which can help improve the placement and immersiveness of sounds.
Unfortunately, however, up-firing height channels aren’t supported, limiting its ability to recreate Dolby Atmos content effectively. Still, its wide soundstage and dedicated sub deliver deep bass with excellent clarity for an enjoyable listening experience.
This soundbar also boasts multi-room functionality, pairing seamlessly with other compatible Samsung devices like TVs and wireless speakers to deliver content to all areas of your home for an excellent listening experience.
Plus, Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility means you can stream music or other media directly from an iOS device like an iPhone or iPad directly onto this soundbar for seamless playback!
One drawback of this soundbar is its limited display interface, which only displays inputs and volume levels. While this shouldn’t be an issue for most users, those preferring an intuitive experience may prefer other models on our list instead.
Furthermore, it doesn’t offer a room correction feature which means certain content won’t perform as well in some rooms; you can compensate by manually adjusting sound via its seven-band graphic EQ system instead.
Sonos Beam
- Beam - The smart, compact soundbar for TV, music, and more.
- High definition sound - Experience rich, detailed sound for your TV that fills the entire room.
- TV, music and more - Play music, TV, movies, podcasts, radio, audiobooks and video games.
- Easy control - Control Beam with your voice, remote, the Sonos app, and more.
- Class 10 for Full HD video recording and playback (Full HD (1920x1080) video support may vary based upon...
Those looking for a minimalistic TV audio setup should consider the Sonos Beam as an Amazon Alexa-powered soundbar that works well as part of a larger Sonos ecosystem or can stand alone as needed without needing subwoofer support.
Not only can it fit underneath nearly every 32-inch TV but it is powerful enough to handle HD content as well as Dolby Atmos support if your television supports HDMI ARC.
This soundbar is truly smart, featuring Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control as well as Apple Airplay for music playback from an extensive array of sources like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, Apple Music Deezer Deezer phone hard drives network-connected hard drives, etc. you can either stream multiple sources simultaneously or queue them all together for seamless on-demand streaming if multiple Sonos speakers are installed throughout your home – they will communicate and automatically sync playlists across rooms!
The Sonos Beam 2nd Gen is an upgrade on both looks and performance from its predecessor. On the outside, its exterior remains virtually identical with a sleek perforated front side featuring capacitive touch playback controls such as volume up/down buttons and microphone muting button.
On its back, you can find an HDMI eARC port, Ethernet jack, and connect button for TV compatibility – plus its improved phased arrays allow virtual surrounds in Dolby Atmos! Regardless, no physical changes were introduced when creating virtual surrounds via Dolby Atmos virtual surrounds!
In our tests, the Beam delivered excellent sound quality: with crisp and clear voices during movie dialog and rich cinematic soundscapes during movies and TV shows.
Furthermore, its Dolby Atmos feature was able to recreate an immersive listening experience by adding height information into content creating an unforgettable listening experience.
Overall, we found it one of the most versatile and easy-to-use TV soundbars under $400 available, so if you’re searching for an affordable solution compatible with both Sonos products as well as your television itself it should definitely be given serious consideration.
Sign up for our newsletter to get the best of The Sized delivered to your inbox daily.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
