10 Best TV Speakers 2026: Tested for Crystal Clear Audio

After spending three months testing 10 different TV speakers in my living room, I discovered that even a $34 soundbar delivers dramatically better audio than any built-in TV speaker.

The Sonos Arc Ultra is the best TV speaker for premium home theater experiences, while the budget-friendly Saiyin soundbar at $48 offers exceptional value with a dedicated subwoofer.

Modern flat-screen TVs sacrifice audio quality for slim designs, leaving viewers struggling to hear dialogue over background music. The physics is simple – thin TVs can’t produce quality sound.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore TV speakers ranging from compact $34 solutions perfect for apartments to premium $1,099 systems that rival commercial theaters. Our testing focused on dialogue clarity, bass response, and real-world performance across different room sizes.

Our Top 3 TV Speaker Picks (2026)

Each of these soundbars excels in different areas. The Sonos Arc Ultra delivers theater-quality 9.1.4 surround sound that fills large rooms with crystal-clear audio.

The Saiyin system surprised us with its powerful bass from a dedicated subwoofer at just $48 – proving you don’t need to spend hundreds for better TV audio.

Bose’s TV Speaker focuses on what matters most: making dialogue crystal clear with its dedicated dialogue mode that actually works.

Complete TV Speaker Comparison

Here’s our comprehensive comparison of all 10 TV speakers we tested, from budget champions to premium powerhouses:

Detailed TV Speaker Reviews

1. Assistrust Sound Bar – Best Budget 2-in-1 Design

The Assistrust KY-8000 caught my attention with its unique 2-in-1 design that transforms from a traditional soundbar into two separate tower speakers. At $59, this versatility makes it perfect for renters who might need different setups in new spaces.

During our two-week testing period, the 80W output delivered surprisingly powerful sound that filled our 300 square foot test room. The automatic volume boost feature genuinely helps with quiet dialogue scenes.

The three EQ modes (movie, music, news) actually make noticeable differences. Music mode adds substantial bass that neighbors might complain about, while news mode clarifies speech remarkably well.

Setup took less than 5 minutes using the included optical cable with our Samsung TV. The Bluetooth 5.0 connection stayed stable at 25 feet, perfect for streaming music from phones.

Real-world performance exceeded expectations for this price point. Movies sound fuller, dialogue cuts through background noise, and the detachable design means you can position speakers optimally for your room layout.

What Users Love: Easy setup, versatile design, strong value for money, and impressive sound quality improvement over TV speakers.

Common Concerns: Remote doesn’t include batteries, and the power adapter is bulkier than expected.

2. RIOWOIS Sound Bar – Ultra-Compact Value Champion

At just $34, the RIOWOIS DS6301G redefines budget TV audio. This compact 17-inch soundbar proves that better TV sound doesn’t require a significant investment.

The exclusive Bass Reflex Port technology surprised me, producing deeper low frequencies than expected from such a small unit. While it won’t shake walls, it adds warmth missing from TV speakers.

What impressed me most was the dialogue enhancement capability. Even without fancy processing, voices come through clearly – solving the main reason people upgrade their TV audio.

The 2.5-inch height fits perfectly under wall-mounted TVs without blocking the screen. I tested it with a 55-inch Samsung, and it looked proportionally correct.

Fire TV remote compatibility works flawlessly – no need for multiple remotes. The DSP technology with three sound presets (movie, music, news) provides subtle but useful adjustments for different content.

What Users Love: Exceptional value at $34, compact portable design, easy setup, and noticeable improvement over TV speakers.

Common Concerns: Bass output is limited without a subwoofer, and some users report Bluetooth connectivity degrading over time.

3. Saiyin Sound Bar – Best Budget Subwoofer System

The Saiyin DS6345S delivers something remarkable at $48: a genuine 2.1 system with a dedicated subwoofer that actually produces bass you can feel.

Testing this system in different room sizes revealed its sweet spot – medium rooms between 200-400 square feet where the 100W output and passive subwoofer create immersive sound without overwhelming the space.

The three-color LED indicators (purple for optical, blue for Bluetooth, green for AUX) eliminate connection guesswork. During movie nights, the subwoofer added impact to explosions and depth to soundtracks that budget soundbars can’t match.

Gaming performance particularly impressed me. The bass response enhanced gameplay immersion, though competitive gamers might notice slight audio lag in Bluetooth mode.

The volume progress bar with bass level control provides visual feedback often missing in budget systems. However, apartment dwellers should note this system gets genuinely loud – your neighbors will know when you’re watching action movies.

What Users Love: Incredible bass for the price, easy setup, helpful LED indicators, and excellent gaming performance.

Common Concerns: Volume levels might be excessive for apartments, and some users experience audio sync issues with certain content.

4. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar – Best Fire TV Integration

Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar transforms the Fire TV experience with seamless integration that feels like these devices were meant to work together. At $90, it’s the obvious choice for Fire TV users.

The DTS Virtual:X technology creates a wider soundstage than traditional 2.0 systems. While not true surround sound, it noticeably expands the audio beyond the 24-inch bar’s physical boundaries.

What sets this apart is the single-remote experience. Volume, power, and settings all work through your existing Fire TV remote – no juggling required.

The dual speakers deliver fuller sound with clearer dialogue and deeper bass than any TV speaker, though audiophiles will notice the lack of a dedicated subwoofer. For most living rooms under 400 square feet, it provides ample volume.

Setup literally took 3 minutes: plug in power, connect HDMI, and the Fire TV automatically recognized it. The 18% recycled materials construction feels solid while supporting sustainability.

What Users Love: Perfect Fire TV integration, easy plug-and-play setup, improved dialogue clarity, and convenient single remote operation.

Common Concerns: Bass response is limited without a subwoofer, and the virtual surround effect is subtle rather than dramatic.

5. PHILIPS B5109 – Best Smart Features Under $100

The PHILIPS B5109 packs serious technology into a $100 soundbar. With 120W of power and advanced Bluetooth 5.4 with LE Audio, it represents the technical sweet spot for smart TV audio.

Testing revealed the DTS Virtual:X creates convincing 3D audio that genuinely enhances movie watching. The effect is most noticeable with properly mixed content like recent Marvel films.

Four EQ modes (Movie, Music, Voice, Stadium) offer more customization than typical budget bars. Stadium mode surprisingly enhanced sports broadcasts, making crowd noise more immersive.

Roku TV Ready certification meant our TCL Roku TV controlled everything seamlessly. The companion app adds convenient adjustments without reaching for the remote.

Night Mode deserves special mention – it reduces bass and enhances dialogue for late-night viewing without disturbing others. The 30-inch width fits TVs from 43 to 65 inches aesthetically.

What Users Love: Powerful 120W output, excellent Roku integration, versatile EQ options, and modern connectivity features.

Common Concerns: Initial setup can be challenging, and some units experience intermittent connectivity issues.

6. TCL S210W – Compact Wireless Subwoofer Deal

TCL’s S210W delivers exceptional value with 200W of power and a wireless subwoofer at just $99. This combination typically costs twice as much from other brands.

The 5.5-inch wireless subwoofer placement flexibility solved my cable management nightmare. I positioned it behind the couch for optimal bass distribution without visible wires.

Despite the compact 22-inch soundbar width, the system fills rooms with rich, balanced audio. The Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X processing create an impressively wide soundstage.

HDMI ARC setup was refreshingly simple – one cable handled both audio and control. The system automatically powered on/off with the TV, eliminating the multi-remote dance.

For bedroom or small living room setups, this system hits the sweet spot. The bass is clean rather than boomy, and dialogue remains clear even during action sequences.

What Users Love: Incredible value at $99, wireless subwoofer convenience, easy HDMI setup, and impressive sound quality for the price.

Common Concerns: The 22-inch bar looks small under larger TVs (65+ inches), though sound quality remains excellent.

7. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus – Fire TV Plus Premium Pick

The Fire TV Soundbar Plus justifies its $150 price (down from $250) with a dedicated center channel that makes dialogue remarkably clear – addressing the number one complaint about TV audio.

The 3.1 channel configuration with built-in subwoofer creates fuller sound than the standard Fire TV Soundbar. Dolby Atmos content genuinely benefits from the height processing.

Testing with various content revealed the four sound modes (Movie, Music, Sports, Night) actually make meaningful differences. Sports mode expanded the soundstage for better crowd immersion.

The 37-inch width suits TVs from 50 to 75 inches proportionally. Integration with Fire TV remains flawless – one remote controls everything seamlessly.

While the built-in subwoofer can’t match separate units, it adds enough low-end warmth to satisfy most listeners. Action scenes have impact without requiring a separate bass box.

What Users Love: Crystal-clear dialogue from center channel, excellent Fire TV integration, good value on sale, and effective sound modes.

Common Concerns: Bass could be stronger for serious movie fans, and music playback isn’t as impressive as movie performance.

8. Polk Audio Signa S2 – Trusted Brand Value Leader

Polk Audio’s Signa S2 brings proprietary VoiceAdjust technology that actually works, letting you boost dialogue levels without affecting other audio – a game-changer for mixed-age households.

The ultra-slim 2.15-inch profile disappeared under our wall-mounted TV. Despite the compact size, five full-range drivers deliver surprisingly room-filling sound.

The wireless subwoofer with a 5.25-inch driver adds genuine low-end impact. Placement flexibility let me optimize bass response for my L-shaped room.

With over 24,000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, long-term reliability is proven. Polk’s reputation for quality audio at reasonable prices continues with this model.

Dolby Digital decoding ensures compatibility with modern content, while multiple inputs (HDMI, Optical, AUX) handle any source. Bluetooth streaming worked flawlessly for music.

What Users Love: Excellent VoiceAdjust feature, proven reliability, easy setup, and impressive sound quality for the price point.

Common Concerns: Some users experience wireless subwoofer dropouts, and the auto-off feature can interrupt viewing.

9. Bose TV Speaker – Best for Dialogue Clarity

Bose focused on solving one problem perfectly: making TV dialogue crystal clear. The dedicated dialogue mode with center tweeter accomplishes this better than any soundbar I tested.

Two angled full-range drivers create surprisingly wide sound from the compact 23-inch bar. The signature Bose tuning delivers balanced, natural audio that never sounds harsh.

HDMI-CEC compatibility meant our TV remote controlled volume and power automatically. This simplicity appeals to users tired of complex audio systems.

The bass boost button adds warmth for music and movies, though serious bass heads should add the optional Bass Module 500 or 700 for full-range sound.

Build quality feels premium – this soundbar will last years. The understated design complements any TV setup without drawing attention.

What Users Love: Unmatched dialogue clarity, premium Bose sound quality, dead-simple setup, and elegant design.

Common Concerns: Lacks advanced features like Wi-Fi, and the price is high for a 2.0 channel system without a subwoofer.

10. Sonos Arc Ultra – Premium Home Theater Champion

The Sonos Arc Ultra represents the pinnacle of soundbar technology. At $1,099, it delivers a genuine 9.1.4 Dolby Atmos experience that transforms your living room into a private cinema.

Sound Motion technology produces clarity I’ve never heard from a soundbar. Individual raindrops in storm scenes, subtle footsteps in thrillers – details emerge that lesser systems miss entirely.

AI-powered Speech Enhancement goes beyond simple dialogue boost. It intelligently adjusts based on content, ensuring conversations remain clear without sacrificing atmospheric effects.

The 46-inch width suits TVs 55 inches and larger. Premium build quality justifies the price – this feels like a luxury product that will last decades.

Trueplay tuning via iPhone optimizes sound for your specific room acoustics. The difference before and after calibration is dramatic – like getting a free upgrade.

Integration with the broader Sonos ecosystem enables whole-home audio. Add Era 300s for surrounds and a Sub for reference-quality home theater.

What Users Love: Exceptional cinematic sound, revolutionary technology, premium materials, and seamless ecosystem integration.

Common Concerns: The $1,099 price puts it out of reach for many, and music performance doesn’t match movie excellence.

How to Choose the Best TV Speakers in 2026?

TV speakers are external audio devices that connect to your television to provide significantly better sound quality than built-in TV speakers.

After testing 10 systems, I’ve identified the key factors that determine which TV speaker will transform your viewing experience.

Room Size and Speaker Power

Room size directly impacts required speaker power. Small bedrooms (under 200 sq ft) work perfectly with 40-80W systems like the RIOWOIS.

Medium living rooms (200-400 sq ft) benefit from 80-120W output found in models like the PHILIPS B5109.

Large open spaces (400+ sq ft) demand 200W+ systems or premium options like the Sonos Arc Ultra for proper coverage.

Connectivity Options Matter

HDMI ARC/eARC provides the best experience with single-cable simplicity and automatic power control. Every modern TV supports at least basic ARC.

Optical connections offer reliable digital audio for older TVs but lack volume control integration.

Bluetooth adds versatility for music streaming but may introduce slight audio delays with video content.

Dialogue Enhancement Technology

Clear dialogue separates good TV speakers from great ones. Look for dedicated dialogue modes (Bose), center channels (Fire TV Plus), or voice adjustment technology (Polk).

During testing, every soundbar with dialogue enhancement made conversations clearer than those without – worth prioritizing if you struggle hearing TV dialogue.

Budget Considerations

Under $50 delivers surprising improvements. The $34 RIOWOIS and $48 Saiyin prove expensive doesn’t mean better for basic needs.

$50-150 sweet spot offers features like wireless subwoofers, smart integration, and brand reliability without breaking budgets.

$150-300 brings established brands, advanced processing, and expandability for serious home theater enthusiasts.

$300+ premium territory delivers reference-quality sound, cutting-edge technology, and ecosystem integration for those wanting the absolute best.

Smart Features and Integration

Platform-specific options like Fire TV Soundbars offer seamless integration worth considering if you’re already invested in an ecosystem.

Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant adds convenience but isn’t essential for great sound.

App control provides deeper customization than basic remotes, particularly useful for tweaking EQ settings.

For more audio options, check out our guides on best wireless TV speakers for cable-free setups, or explore bookshelf speakers if you prefer traditional stereo sound.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After three months of testing, the Sonos Arc Ultra earned our top spot for those wanting the absolute best, while the $48 Saiyin system proved exceptional value.

Most viewers will find their sweet spot in the $50-150 range where features, performance, and price align perfectly.

Remember, even the cheapest soundbar dramatically improves TV audio – don’t let perfect be the enemy of good when upgrading your sound.