Your TV or projector will almost certainly have speakers built-in, and it may be tempting to use these. After all, that's one less thing to buy, find space for and maintain. But as soon as you hear a system with dedicated speakers, you'll know what you've been missing.

The question then is just what sort of speakers to get. The best soundbars are compact, easy to install and they range in price from fairly inexpensive to a bit spendier to super spendy. No matter your budget, there's a soundbar for you.

Surround speakers can be appealing as well. They take more time to set up than a soundbar, but they allow for a more flexible arrangement. And, if you decide to expand in a couple of years, you can do so without replacing your entire kit.

Here are some things to consider when you're deciding whether to get a soundbar or surround system.

Why get a sound bar?

Easy installation
Soundbars are incredibly easy to install. Just plug in the sound bar's power cable, plug it into your display with an optical, 3.5mm or HDMI cable and that's it!

Most soundbars function as HDMI hubs, and some let you pair your smartphone over Bluetooth or use the soundbars as a Chromecast Audio target. But if you don't want to use those extra options — or you're on a time crunch — you'll be up and running in about a minute.

Space
If you're an apartment-dweller or are generally short on space, soundbars are the way to go. Surround systems… well… surround your living room. You need to make sure you have space behind your couch for your rear speakers and a place on each side for side channels. And somewhere for the subwoofer. And, if you're going all out, holes in your ceiling for speakers there. 

You don't HAVE to go all out with a surround system and there are soundbars with extra pieces as well, but a surround system is by definition going to involve more time, space and cable management than a soundbar.

Price
Everyone has a different budget, and soundbars can get wildly expensive. But if you just want something that's better than your TV's speakers (and almost anything would be better than your TV's speakers) you don't need to spend more than $100/£100. Meanwhile, just the receiver in your surround system will likely cost more than $100, and that's without any speakers included.

Why choose a surround system?

Long-lasting
If you do have more space and the money to spend on it, a surround system will serve you well for years to come. 

Better sound quality
Okay, "better" when it comes to sound quality is always going to be subjective. But part of this is just physics. The reason a soundbar is better than the speakers in your TV is because there's more space in your soundbar, than there is in your TV speakers, for the sound to bounce around.

The same is true when comparing a soundbar and a surround system — more space generally equals better sound. A soundbar does its best to make it sound like your audio is routed to separate channels and it sounds great. But a surround system's receiver and physically separate speakers will divide your sound much better because everything's physically apart from each other.

More flexibility
In addition to being able to choose exactly where your speakers are placed in the room, a surround system lets you add components at your pace. Only have money for the receiver and front speakers right now? Cool, get those and get them installed. A few months down the road, you can pick up your subwoofer or rear surrounds. A few months after that, get your upward-facing speakers to add some Dolby Atmos action. With a soundbar, you generally are stuck with what you get at the time of purchase.

Mix and match
Even better, your speakers don't all have to come from the same manufacturer. If you see one brand's speakers are on sale, you can get those speakers and know they're compatible. If you have a Sonos soundbar and want to add surround speakers, you can only use Sonos surround speakers. It's the same with other soundbar makers. And if a new whizbang audio format gets announced in a few years, you'll likely just need a new receiver and whatever additional speakers that format requires. That won't be a cheap purchase, but it'll be less expensive and less work than a brand new soundbar.

More ports
If you have a lot of HDMI devices — streaming stick, a game console, an HTPC and whatever else — a receiver will also act as an HDMI hub. Most soundbars will too, but less space on the soundbar means fewer ports than on a receiver.

So which is better?

Deciding whether a soundbar is better than a surround system or vice versa is going to depend on your individual circumstances and living room layout. As an apartment dweller, you may be hesitant to get a surround system that may not work well in a future apartment. A soundbar is also less cluttered and is easier to manage.

If you're settled in, have the space (and the cash) and if sound quality is important to you then a surround system is likely to tempt you.

Decisions, decisions...

This year's Super Bowl is upon us, and Woot is having a one-day sale to make sure you're ready for the big game. Yamaha's 36-inch 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer (ATS-2070) is on sale in factory refurbished condition for just $114.99 while supplies last. That's one of the lowest prices this model has ever reached before, and not only is each one inspected and brought back to Like-New condition directly by Yamaha, but you'll also receive a one-year Yamaha warranty with the purchase. There's little downside to choosing this model over a New one with that in mind, especially when you consider that New models regularly sell for $250 or more.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Yamaha Bluetooth Soundbar with Dual Built-in Subwoofers, Black, 35inch (Renewed)

$99.00 $149.95 Save $51 1550552400

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.99 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.95 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.95 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

Yamaha MusicCast Vinyl 500 MusicCast Turntable - Black

$599.95 $699.95 Save $100 1536120000

The Yamaha ATS-2070 is designed to immerse you in clear, lifelike sound no matter what you're watching. It features DTS Virtual:X for virtual 3D surround sound without the hassle of setting up a bunch of speakers. However, a wireless subwoofer is included with the purchase to pump up the bass of what you're listening to. Meanwhile, the 36-inch soundbar can be placed in front of your TV or wall-mounted to keep it out of the way.

You'll also be able to listen to music from your phone wirelessly by connecting to this soundbar via Bluetooth. Other devices will be able to connect wirelessly as well. There are built-in ports for HDMI, optical, and analog connections. This soundbar supports 4K Ultra HD and HDR pass-through, along with HDCP 2.2.

Woot generally charges $6 per order for shipping, though you can score free shipping there by logging in with an Amazon Prime account before checking out. If you've never been a member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free shipping at Woot and Amazon, along with perks such as access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

The Vizio SB362An-F6 is a 36-inch sound bar that punches above its weight. ( $98 at Walmart

There are times at which you pull a $100 product out of a box and expect very little. And there are times at which you pull a $100 product out of a box and are pleasantly surprised at just how much you got for your money.

The 2018 Vizio SB362An-F6 is the latter of those possibilities. In fact, let's just come out and say it: This is a ridiculously good sound bar for the money. Period.

It doesn't have all the bells and whistles you'll find in high-end sound bars. It doesn't have the same sound quality you'll find in high-end sound bars.

See at Walmart

But here's what it does have:

• A svelte build — 36 inches wide, and just 2 inches tall. That should keep it from intruding into the screen space of most TVs, should it live in front of them.
• An optical audio input (that actually works the first time, which hasn't been the case for all products in this price range). There's also a 3.5mm aux input, and USB input, and Bluetooth for those who do the wireless thing.
• Four speakers (including a pair of internal 3-inch sub for the low end) that have if not a surprising amount of power behind them, at least an acceptable one for a system of this stature.
• A remote control that's in the style of Vizio's other offerings, albeit one with a few cryptic buttons.
• Physical buttons on the right-hand side, for when you can't find the remote and can't be bothered to look.

But, really, the most important part of this Vizio sound bar is its simplicity. You plug it in, and it just works. That's really all you can ask for from a $100 piece of electronics. In fact, it's often more than you should ask from a $100 piece of electronics.

There's a nice little channel at the rear of the sound bar, through which you'll route the cables. There's mounting hardware in the box, including a template, should you want to install it on a wall. Vizio also has included all the cables you'll need, which is always a nice touch, and blessedly there's no power brick or wall wart to get in the way. It is, from the organization of the of the box to the pyramid-shaped sound bar itself, a nicely designed product.

The only real knock — and this is one I've had for the more expensive 5.1 Vizio sound bar I use in my living room — is that the scheme of using LED dots to indicate which input you're on makes absolutely no sense. That's not a big deal if you're only ever using one input — and there's a pretty good chance that'll be the case with this sort of product. But, still. It's not a great user experience. (There's also no connectivity here. If you're looking for Chromecast or AirPlay support, or anything else of that ilk, look somewhere more expensive.)

But that's small potatoes. The important part is what happens when you've got audio pumping through this thing. And what you get it a result that almost certainly is an order of magnitude better than what's coming out of your TV. (That depends on how great your TV's internal speakers are, of course.) You get some actual stereo separation. You get a faint amount of bass. (Look, a 3-inch internal subwoofer isn't the same thing as a full external sub, no matter how many times you use it in the promo material. But it's certainly better than none.)

And, again, if you're using the optical input and have a fairly recent TV, there's a good chance all this is just going to work . No mucking about with settings. Just plug it in and go. (That'll especially be the case if you have a fairly recent Vizo TV. Maybe you'll avoid the settings menu, maybe you won't.)

Above all, remember how much (or how little, really), you paid for this sound bar. It does exactly what it should do for $100. Maybe a little more. And it does what it does very well.

The bottom line

If you're looking for a basic sound bar with decent sound and simple operation and you don't want to break the bank in the process, this is the one to get. It's a mere $100 and almost certainly is better than the speakers in your TV. It's not as dynamic or exciting as a proper home theater. But in a spare room or even a master bedroom, it's more than good enough for casual listening.

It's a top buy at that price, and then some.

See at Walmart

Is your TV in need of an audio upgrade? While still new, Mpow's Bluetooth 5.0 Soundbar is already scoring rave reviews at Amazon, and today you can pick one up at one of its best prices yet. Using promo code BFL23272 during checkout will drop its current price by over $20, bringing this soundbar down to $44.99. It's normally available for just under $70.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Mpow H5 Active Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones

$29.99 $49.99 Save $20 1564632000

Mpow Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear [2019 Version] with Hi-Fi Deep Bass, CVC 6.0 Microphone, Soft Protein Earpads, Wireless Headphones for TV Travel Work

$33.73 $52.99 Save $19 1562040000

Mpow Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Bluetooth Headphones Over Ear [2019 Version] with Hi-Fi Deep Bass, CVC 6.0 Microphone, Soft Protein Earpads, Wireless Headphones for TV Travel Work

$33.73 $53.99 Save $20 1562040000

Mpow S11 Bluetooth 5.0 In-ear Headphones

$17.99 $26.99 Save $9 1578404553

These waterproof Bluetooth headphones can last for up to ten hours on a single charge and let you take calls hands-free using the built-in microphone. Clip the on-page coupon and use the following code at checkout to snag this low price.

Mpow Flame2 Sport Bluetooth Headphones

$15.33 $23.99 Save $9 1576510279

Listen for up to 12 hours on a single charge with these Bluetooth 5.0 earbuds that are IPX7 sweat-proof and waterproof so you can bring them to the gym or in the rain without ruining them. Clip the on-page coupon and use the following code to save.

Mpow's 2.0 Channel Soundbar is packed with four integrated 2-inch full-range speakers as well as two bass reflex tubes for powerful, richer bass. It can reach up to 95dB and can be connected via HDMI/ARC, AUX, Optical, or USB. Thanks to its Bluetooth functionality, you can also connect wirelessly to devices like your phone, tablet, or computer. Along with its built-in subwoofer, this sound bar features Digital Signal Processing technology, 3D stereo surround sound, and three equalizer modes to switch between: Game, Music, and Movie. You can either set it in front of your TV or mount it to the wall.

Mpow's Bluetooth Sound Bar has scored 4.1 out of 5 stars at Amazon based on its 30+ customer reviews. If you'd rather stick with a tried and true model rather than trying something new, this guide on best soundbars for 2019 is full of great options that you can't go wrong with.

Amazon offers free shipping on this soundbar, though you'd receive your order faster with Amazon Prime. If you're not already a member, starting a free 30-day trial will score you free two-day shipping on this and thousands of other items there, as well as access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

Another great Mpow deal at Amazon brings these Flame2 sport Bluetooth headphones down to just $15 when you use promo code UKWUMN5J during checkout. They're water-resistant and ready for workouts, walks in the rain, and more.

It's time to take your binge-watching to a new level. The Vizio 36-inch 2.1 Channel Soundbar System (SB3621n-E8) is now on sale for just $98 at Walmart while supplies last, and at over $50 off its regular price, this marks the best deal we've seen yet on this model. It's normally sold for $180 depending on where you shop.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

Vizio's 36-inch 2.1 Channel Soundbar System brings cinema-like audio to your home helped in part by its Dolby Digital encoder and DTS technologies including TruSurround and TruVolume. No matter whether you primarily watch TV shows, movies, or play video games, a soundbar like this is worth investing in. It's Bluetooth compatible so you can even stream music wirelessly straight from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. That means this might just become your new favorite speaker. It even comes with a wireless subwoofer that fills your room with a booming bass up to 50 Hz.

This sleek soundbar can be mounted or placed beside your TV, and it comes with all the cables you'll need to set it up. It has RCA, optical, and USB connections. Vizio's soundbar system ships for free at Walmart, though you may be able to receive your order even faster by selecting free in-store pickup during checkout. However, this option won't be available for all stores.

If Vizio's soundbar system above doesn't seem like the right model for your home or if you're looking for a more enhanced version, you can find other great options in this guide to the best soundbars for 2019 . At Walmart, nearly 800 customers have left a review for this soundbar system, resulting in a strong rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars collectively. Considering many of those reviewers likely paid somewhere closer to its regular price of $150, that rating might be even higher had they gotten in on today's deal.

Anker's Soundcore Infini Pro is the world's first all-in-one Dolby Atmos soundbar, and thanks to a one-day sale at Amazon, you can pick one up for your home at its lowest price in history. Now at $172.99, you'll be saving $77 off its regular price of $250 while supplies last.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Wireless Earbuds, Diamond Coated Drivers, Bluetooth Earphones, 4 Mics, Noise Reduction, 28H Playtime, HearID, Bluetooth 5, Wireless Charging, for Calls, Home Office

$79.99 $99.99 Save $20 1569816000

Anker Soundcore Liberty true wireless earbuds

$74.90 $84.99 Save $10 1563336000

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro true wireless earbuds white

$129.99 $149.99 Save $20 1580014800

Anker Soundcore Liberty 2 Pro True Wireless Earbuds

$129.99 $149.99 Save $20 1570507200

Anker soundcore liberty neo truly wireless earbuds

$28.04 $39.99 Save $12 1551416400

With Dolby Atmos, this integrated 2.1-channel soundbar can bring cinema-like audio to your home that sounds like it's coming from all around you rather than simply from the thin speaker beside your TV. Inside this soundbar, Anker packed in two subwoofers, mid-range drivers, and tweeters which are paired with dual bass reflex ports to achieve the full, enveloping sound of Dolby Atmos. It utilizes HDMI ARC to deliver two-way audio via a single cable. That way you can adjust the soundbar's volume using your TV's remote control. It's compatible with 4K HDR and Dolby Vision as well.

The Infini Pro soundbar is also Bluetooth-enabled so you can wirelessly stream music, podcasts, and more from devices such as your smartphone or tablet. Plus, with the free Soundcore app, you can switch between sound modes, choose an input source, and even adjust the volume. Anker includes all the hardware you'll need if you decide to mount it, though it can also sit right on your TV stand if you prefer.

If this doesn't seem like the right soundbar for your setup, this guide to the best soundbars of 2019 can guide you to a few other fantastic picks.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, but you could receive your order even faster with an Amazon Prime membership. If you've never been a member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping with no order minimum, along with perks such as access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

There are two stunning deals to be had on LG sound systems at Amazon UK right now! If you're in the hunt for a soundbar, you can score 55% off the LG SK1D all-in-one 100W , now just £45. Or, if you're in the hunt for a fully-blown, neighbor-alienating home theatre system, you can now get the LG LOUDR LHB645N Home Theatre Speaker System for just £200 , a massive saving of £200 on the £400 RRP. Did we mention the system comes with a 3D Blu-Ray player? Well, it does.

The LG SK1D Soundbar is a superb compact solution if space is at a premium, or you don't want to spend the earth on your home entertainment system. It's got great audio and bass, with LG's unique audio enhancing technology fine-tuning the sound based on the frequencies its hearing, at any volume level. Not only that, it can be seamlessly connected to any Bluetooth enabled device to become the centerpiece of any good party.

This is a 5.1 home theatre system with a 3D-Blu Ray player. We cannot stress enough how a good a deal this is. For just £200 you're getting 1000W of surround sound plus 3D Blu-Ray playback. The system comes with 2 tallboy speakers and 2 satellite speakers to give you an immersive experience. Like the soundbar, it can also be used to stream music via Bluetooth.

Both of these deals are incredible but are only available today, so make sure you move fast! Also, be sure to check out the rest of the weekend's best offers over at our deals hub!

The Sony Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer (HT-X9000F) just returned to its best price in history at Amazon. While supplies last, you can score this 2.1-channel soundbar for $398 and save over $200 off its regular cost in the process. It's almost like Black Friday has already started.

Sony's 2.1-channel soundbar system can upscale audio to immersive surround sound with a max of 7.1.2-channel just with the press of a button. It features five unique sound modes to enhance movies, music, gaming, news, and sports, while voice enhancement technology helps to provide crystal clear vocals in everything you listen to.

This soundbar system includes various audio formats including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it's even Bluetooth-enabled so you can wirelessly stream music, podcasts, and more straight from your smartphone or tablet.

Sony's soundbar ships for free at Amazon, though you'd receive your order even faster with an Amazon Prime membership. If you've never been a member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping, exclusive members-only discounts, and more. Black Friday is only a week away and that quick, free shipping on thousands of items at Amazon will really come in handy for those who don't want to spend Thanksgiving Day out in the cold standing in line for a deal.

If this soundbar doesn't seem like the right match for your home, you might be able to find a better option using this guide to the best soundbars of 2019 . A few of the models are more affordable than Samsung's soundbar that's on sale today.

An integral part of any home entertainment setup is audio, and if you want to really enhance your sound, one great option is on sale for just one day only at Best Buy for $149.99: VIZIO's 36-inch 5.1 SmartCast Soundbar System (SB3651-E6C) . Today's deal saves you $100 off its usual cost and brings this soundbar system to one of the best prices it's reached in history.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

Featuring a sound bar with a three-speaker enclosure, this 5.1 SmartCast system is backed up by a wireless subwoofer with a 5-inch driver and a Dolby Digital decoder that reproduces multichannel audio for enhanced cinematic-like sound. It's also capable of connecting to devices wirelessly using Bluetooth so you can stream music from your phone directly to this system. It's able to be mounted on the wall too, and includes several inputs such as a mini jack, two RCA, optical digital audio, USB, and HDMI. There's an HDMI output as well.

Over 1,400 customers left a review for this soundbar system at Best Buy resulting in a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars . Shipping is free.

This is just one of many deals at Best Buy worth checking out today. Earlier this week, Best Buy shared its early Black Friday deals and also made some available for purchase online! Many of them are still in stock right now too, allowing you to shop early and beat the rush that's sure to come later this month.

The sound in any movie or TV show is just as important as its visuals, which is why having a decent soundbar for your home entertainment setup is always recommended. The Samsung 5 Series Soundbar+ 2.0 is a great option for those looking to enhance their TV's audio as it features six internal speakers with dedicated amps that help to fill your room with sound without needing a subwoofer on the side. Now that it's down to $199.99 for the first time at Amazon, it's an even better option. The discount saves you $100 off its regular price. Last year, it sold for as much as $400.

The 2.0 Soundbar+ is Bluetooth-enabled so you can stream music wirelessly from your phone or tablet, or you can use Samsung's Multiroom App over Wi-Fi. However, a much cooler way to play songs and control this soundbar is with your voice. It's compatible with Amazon Alexa so you can begin controlling it hands-free, though you'll need a compatible device like the Amazon Echo Dot .

Its built-in 4K pass-through port allows you to connect to UHD sources, and there's also distortion-cancelling technology which works to predict and cancel out distortion before it even happens. Meanwhile, HD Audio preserves the sound quality with 96kHz/24 bit high resolution audio.

This soundbar can be souped up, too. Samsung's Wireless Surround Kit comes with additional speakers to upgrade its sound, which you can buy standalone later or in a bundle with the soundbar today.

Shipping at Amazon is free on orders totaling $25 or more, or with an Amazon Prime membership. If you've never been a member before, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping with no order minimum, as well as access to the Prime Video streaming service, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

If your TV's audio is in desparate need of an upgrade, it's time to give in and make a change. The TaoTronics 40-inch Bluetooth 4.2 Soundbar might even put your TV to shame with its four internal drivers and built-in subwoofer. Thanks to a discount at Amazon, you can pick one up today for just $49.99 when you enter promo code LH2RNEWD during checkout. This soundbar reached the top of Android Central's list of the best affordable soundbars in 2019 when considered at its regular price of $80. Suffice to say, you don't want to miss out on today's offer.

The TaoTronics Bluetooth 4.2 Soundbar measures 40 inches long and is equipped with four powerful, amplified speakers inside, as well as a built-in subwoofer which all comes together for audio with deeper bass and clear dialogue. Its built-in LED display shows you the current mode selected and volume level, and it also features capacitive touch controls.

This soundbar can be hooked up to your TV and other devices using a wired connection, such as RCA, optical input, or coaxial input. It also features Bluetooth 4.2 so you can wirelessly connect any compatible devices, including your phone, tablet, or even some smart TVs.

You'll be able to mount this soundbar to the wall or place it in front of your TV without having it in the way of the action on screen. A remote control is included with the purchase, as well as an optical cable and a 3.5mm to RCA cable. At Amazon, close to 250 customers have left a review for this soundbar resulting in a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars .

Shipping at Amazon is free on TaoTronics' soundbar, though you'd recieve your order even faster with an Amazon Prime membership. If you've never had Prime, starting a free 30-day trial would score you free two-day shipping, exclusive members-only discounts, and more.

The Bose SoundTouch 300 Soundbar has been available at Amazon for a couple of years now, but never has it been priced this low. Right now, this well-reviewed soundbar is discounted by a full $250, bringing its price down to $449. Not only is that the best price it's ever reached but it's also a savings of more than 35%. With how rarely this soundbar sees a discount, it's a deal you shouldn't pass up if you've been looking for a premium model like this.

This soundbar offers HDMI connectivity with 4K pass-through to keep up with the high-resolution content of today's media. It supports Dolby Digital and DTS audio formats, while Bluetooth functionality allows you to wirelessly connect devices like your phone or tablet to stream music directly to this soundbar. You can even pair quickly using NFC.

Bose designed the SoundTouch 300 with premium glass and a metal grille which combine for an elegant look that stands up to the quality of sound emanating from it. With its Amazon Alexa functionality, you can even voice control this soundbar using a compatible device such as the Echo Dot . Then you'd be able to ask Alexa to stream music from services like Amazon Music, Spotify, or Apple Music.

This soundbar even automatically calibrates itself to the room its in to provide an optimized sound for that specific space. If you ever want to modify and improve the sound further, you can add a bass module or surround speakers to your setup.

Grab this TaoTronics 32-inch wired and Bluetooth stereo sound bar on sale for $55.99 thanks to the $10 off on-page coupon at Amazon. Without the coupon, it's obviously going for $66 (I did the math), and it has been selling at that price since early August. The sound bar hasn't dropped this low since at least March.

Set up this TaoTronics sound bar in your home and you'll fill up any room in the house with a high-end audio experience. With a standard audio cable connection, RCA, and optical inputs you have several wired possibilities. And thanks to Bluetooth, you can stream from your mobile devices and computers, too. The sound bar has three different equalizer modes as well, which lets you fine tune the sound for games, music, or movies.

It comes with a remote control so you don't have to walk over to the speakers for every little change. Set the different equalizer modes with the remote. You can click the power button multiple times to switch functions, and the LED screen shows which function you're on. Place the sound bar underneath your TV or mount it on the wall if you prefer.

Woot's having a one-day sale on VIZIO smart TVs and soundbars to bring a theater-like experience to your home at a discount. Only a handful of options can be found in the sale, though they're some of VIZIO's best at some of their best prices yet. Your order ships free when you log in with an Amazon Prime account at Woot; if you're not a member you'll be charged a $6 shipping fee, so you may want to start a free 30-day trial to get around the extra charge.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

VIZIO's P-Series TVs are seeing some fine discounts today, including this refurbished 65-inch P-Series Quantum 4K HDR Smart TV that's now on sale for $1,089.99. These models capture detailed highlights and deep blacks while also offering HDR10 and HLG content support. While the 65-inch model is just over $300 off, the 75-inch version is discounted by more than $1,000 off its full cost of $2,300. These TVs are compatible with HomeKit and feature Google Chromecast built-in too.

On the soundbar front, you can choose between VIZIO's 36-inch 2.1 Channel Soundbar which features dual integrated subwoofers or go for the 2.0 Sound Stand , a compact soundbar that doubles as a TV stand for televisions that weigh up to 60 pounds. Today's sale brings their cost down to $64.99 and $69.99 respectively, matching the best prices we've seen them reach in the past. Both options regularly sell for closer to $100, and it's worth noting that VIZIO's Sound Stand is the only new product in today's sale. However, the 36-inch Soundbar has been factory reconditioned directly by VIZIO to ensure it's in proper working order. It comes with a 90-day VIZIO warranty, too.

Woot's sale has only a few hours left before it comes to an end, so be sure to view the full selection and complete your purchase before the end of the night if you're ready to experience your favorite movies, games, and TV shows in a new way.

An integral part of any home entertainment setup is audio, and if you want to really enhance your sound, one great option is on sale for just one day only at Amazon in refurbished condition for $119.99: VIZIO's 36-inch 5.1 SmartCast Soundbar System (SB3651-E6C) . Today's deal saves you $130 off its price at Best Buy in new condition; the models at Amazon have all been inspected and restored to like-new condition and even come with two separate warranties — a 30-day Vizio warranty and a 90-day Amazon Renewed warranty. At $120, today's deal matches the lowest price we've ever seen refurbished models of this soundbar system reach.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

Featuring a sound bar with a three-speaker enclosure, this 5.1 SmartCast system is backed up by a wireless subwoofer with a 5-inch driver and a Dolby Digital decoder that reproduces multichannel audio for enhanced cinematic-like sound. It's also capable of connecting to devices wirelessly using Bluetooth so you can stream music from your phone directly to this system. It's able to be mounted on the wall too, and includes several inputs such as a mini jack, two RCA, optical digital audio, USB, and HDMI. There's an HDMI output as well.

Amazon offers free shipping on this package, though you'd receive your order faster with Amazon Prime. If you're not a member already, you can start a free 30-day trial to score free two-day shipping, access to the Prime Video streaming service, and more. Over 1,400 customers left a review for this soundbar system at Best Buy resulting in a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars .

While it may look ordinary, VIZIO's 36-inch 2.1 Sound Bar (SB362AN-F6B) offers some of the most power you'll find in a sound bar below $100. As they say, it's inside that's what matters, and this sound bar's integrated dual subwoofers deliver a full-bodied bass that you have to hear to believe.

For just one day only, factory reconditioned models of this VIZIO sound bar are on sale at Woot for $64.99. At nearly $35 off its regular cost at retailers like Walmart , this is one of the most affordable ways to ever get your hands on this sound bar. Plus, even though the products being sold today aren't brand new, they've each been inspected and brought back to like-new condition directly by VIZIO, and they include a 90-day VIZIO warranty as well.

Shipping at Woot is normally $6 per order, but you can score free shipping by logging in with an Amazon Prime account. If you're not a Prime member yet, you can start a free 30-day trial to snag free shipping at Woot, free two-day shipping at Amazon, access to Prime Video streaming service, and more.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

VIZIO's 36-inch Sound Bar with Built-in Dual Subwoofers is made for the minimal lifestyle. You still upgrade with powerful audio while not having to find a place to set a big subwoofer down in your home. The two internal subwoofers in this sound bar are paired with four deep bass modules that offer a robust bass. Meanwhile, DTS Virtual:X sound allows for a more dynamic, immersive experience. This sound bar is best suited for TV screens 40 inches and larger, but it doesn't just have to be used with your TV.

With Bluetooth support, you can pair your phone and start streaming music straight to this soundbar, or plug in a device directly via the 3.5mm audio input. It's wall-mountable too, and has an adjustable design which orients the speakers the correct way depending on how it's sitting or mounted.

It's not too pricey to level up the sound on your laptop or computer. You can find affordable speakers at Amazon that make for a great addition to any desk without emptying out your wallet, such as this ELEGIANT USB Computer Stereo Sound Bar . It regularly sells for just over $30, though by clipping the coupon on its product page and then entering promo code BTVLLZK3 during checkout, you can pick one up today for just $17.49. That's nearly $12 lower than it's ever reached on its own.

This sleek sound bar is powered via USB and connects to devices via its 3.5mm AUX input to offer stereo sound via its dual 3W drivers. There are even integrated LED lights to add a cool glow while it's in use, as well as a volume control knob. You can also choose to turn the LED lights off with a switch on the back of the sound bar. There's a built-in microphone as well.

At Amazon, more than 300 customers have left a review for this sound bar at Amazon, resulting in a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars .

An integral part of any home entertainment setup is audio, and if you want to really enhance your sound, one fantastic option is on sale today only at Woot in factory refurbished condition for $229.99: the VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos . This factory-reconditioned set has been brought back to like-new condition directly by VIZIO to ensure it's in full, working order; the company throws in a 90-day warranty as well. Over at Amazon , this system sells for just over $385 via third-party sellers.

Shipping at Woot is free for Amazon Prime members, so you might want to start a free 30-day trial if you're not a member already. Otherwise, shipping is $6 per order.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

VIZIO's Home Theater Sound System boosts your home theater experience while offering 360-degree sound to envelop your room. With its upward-firing speakers, multi-dimensional sound moves above and around you to provide enhanced surround sound, while its wireless subwoofer is designed to reach new depths of audio, as low as 40hz. Featuring True 5.1.2 surround sound paired with Dolby Atmos, this system is hard to beat at this price. You can even pair other VIZIO Smart Cast speakers to it and build a wireless multi-room listening experience.

Now at $229.99, VIZIO's 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6) just reached one of its lowest prices in history at Woot, though you only have through the end of the night to jump on this deal. This factory reconditioned set has been brought back to 'like new' condition directly by VIZIO to ensure it's in full, working order; the company throws in a 90-day warranty as well just in case you do encounter an issue with the system you receive. Over at Amazon , this system is currently priced just under $400 via third-party sellers and has an average price around $385 there.

Shipping at Woot is free for Amazon Prime members, so you might want to start a free 30-day trial if you're not a member already. Otherwise, shipping is $6 per order.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

VIZIO's Home Theater Sound System boosts your home theater experience while offering 360-degree sound to envelop your room. With its upward-firing speakers, multi-dimensional sound moves above and around you to provide enhanced surround sound, while its wireless subwoofer is designed to reach new depths of audio, as low as 40hz. Featuring True 5.1.2 surround sound paired with Dolby Atmos, this system is hard to beat at this price. You can even pair other VIZIO Smart Cast speakers to it and build a wireless multi-room listening experience.

Now that the Bose Solo 5 TV Sound System is down to $99 via Bose's official eBay store, it's time to kick your TV's sound up a few notches. These factory renewed models have been fixed up to look and work just like new, and they even come with a full one-year warranty just like brand new models include. The new version of this sound system regularly sells for $199 at Amazon, and Bose's refurbs are limited supply, so don't delay! Free shipping is included.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

Bose QuietComfort 25 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones

$149.99 $299.95 Save $150 1530590400

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

$79.00 $99.00 Save $20 1504929600

Bose SoundLink Bluetooth Speaker III

$459.97 $269.00 Save $-191 1413432000

Bose Frames - Audio Sunglasses with Open Ear Headphones, Rondo, Black - with Bluetooth Connectivity

$169.00 $199.00 Save $30 1558238400

Bose Frames Audio Sunglasses with Open Ear Headphones, Alto M/L , Black - with Bluetooth Connectivity

$169.00 $199.00 Save $30 1558238400

If you have a stellar looking TV, you should have stellar audio to complement it. This sound bar features a dialogue mode which helps every word stand out more clearly. It's also Bluetooth-enabled so you can wirelessly stream music to it from devices like your tablet or smartphone. A universal remote is included as well. If you plan on mounting it to the wall, Bose recommends its WB-120 Wall Mount .

Nearly 1,500 customers have left reviews for this soundbar at Amazon, resulting in a rating of 4 out of 5 stars .

An integral part of any home entertainment setup is audio, and if you want to really enhance your sound, one great option is on sale today only at Woot in factory refurbished condition for $119.99: the Vizio SB3651-E6 36-inch 5.1 SmartCast Sound Bar System . Today's deal saves you $130 off its price at Best Buy in New condition; the models at Woot have all been inspected and restored to Like New condition directly by Vizio and even come with two separate warranties — a 30-day Vizio warranty and a 90-day Woot warranty. Woot includes free shipping for all Amazon Prime members, while everyone else has to pay a $6 shipping fee.

Featuring a sound bar with a three-speaker enclosure, this 5.1 SmartCast system is backed up by a wireless subwoofer with a 5-inch driver and a Dolby Digital decoder that reproduces multichannel audio for enhanced cinematic-like sound. It's also capable of connecting to devices wirelessly using Bluetooth so you can stream music from your phone directly to this system. It's able to be mounted on the wall too, and includes several inputs such as a mini jack, two RCA, optical digital audio, USB, and HDMI. There's an HDMI output as well.

At Best Buy, over 1,300 customers left a review for this sound bar system resulting in a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars .

It's simple to upgrade your TV's sound with a soundbar like VIZIO's 29-Inch 2.0 Channel Soundbar (SB2920-C6) . Now would be a great time to pick one up too, as Amazon has it on sale for just $59.99 today. That's nearly $20 off its regular price of $79 and the lowest it's ever reached there.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

VIZIO's 2.0 Channel Soundbar can pump out 95 dB of room-filling sound with its two integrated full-range stereo speakers and offers built-in Bluetooth functionality so you can stream music and more straight from your smartphone or tablet. It features DTS Studio Sound, DTS TruVolume and DTS TruSurround technologies, and is best suited for 32-inch TVs or bigger. Simply connect it to one of your TV with one of the included cables, power it on with the included remote, and start listening.

Nearly 2,750 customers have left reviews for this soundbar at Amazon, resulting in a rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars .

You might also want to check out Woot's one-day sale on HD antennas from ANTOP, which offers prices as low as $15 through the end of the night.

If your computer's audio could use an upgrade, it might be time to grab something like the TaoTronics Computer Sound Bar . It utilizes a USB cable to power on and plugs into audio sources with a 3.5mm audio jack; that means you can use it with not just your computer but your phone, tablet, and other devices too. It's regularly priced at $35 at Amazon, but today you can make it yours for $23.49 when you clip the coupon on its product page and enter promo code X5KACJ3E during checkout.

This USB-powered sound bar features integrated volume controls and LED accents, along with a 3.5mm microphone input and headphone output. It can be used with TVs too, though if you don't have any available USB ports, you can always plug it into a USB wall adapter to power it up.

Over 700 customers left a review for this sound bar at Amazon, earning it a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars .

Fitting a respectable sound bar in a tight space can be tough, which is where the VIZIO 2.0 Sound Stand comes into play. It's part sound bar, part TV stand that supports up to 60 pounds and is great for screens up to 55 inches wide. While it's regularly priced just under $100 on average, today only you can snag one from Woot for $69.99 . That's $10 lower than it's ever reached at Amazon . Woot offers free shipping for Amazon Prime members, while everyone else is charged a $6 shipping fee.

The deal given is no longer valid and we do not have a better one. However, we have found some similar deals

VIZIO 36-inch 5.1.2 Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos (SB36512-F6)

$329.95 $499.99 Save $170 1541131200

VIZIO SB36514-G6 36" 5.1.4 Premium Home Theater Sound System with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer

$648.70 $627.27 Save $-21 1557979200

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$99.99 $149.99 Save $50 1496116800

VIZIO SP30-E0 Smart Cast Crave Go Multi-Room Wireless Speaker, Gray (2017 Model)

$104.99 $149.99 Save $45 1496116800

Vizio SB46514-F6 46-inch 5.1.4-channel premium home theater sound system

$790.99 $999.99 Save $209 1538366400

The VIZIO 2.0 Sound Stand can deliver up to 95 decibels of room-filling sound, while equipped with Dolby Digital decoding, DTS TruVolume, DTS StudioSound, and DTS TruSurround audio post-processing to offer an enhanced audio experience. Best of all, it's compact enough to fit in your home entertainment setup in a way that's unlike many other sound bars of this caliber, and it features Bluetooth as well.

More than 100 customers left a review for this sound bar at Amazon resulting in a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars .

Several LG sound bars are discounted at Woot for just one day only in refurbished condition, with prices starting at $89.99. Today's sale even includes free shipping for Amazon Prime members, though there's not much time left to place an order if you're interested. Shipping is $6 per order at Woot for non-Prime members.

As these have all been refurbished, you can rest assured they've been tested and inspected to ensure they're all in good, working condition. They each come with a 90-day limited Woot warranty as well.

LG's SH7B Sound Bar is a very well-rounded option that's now on sale for $99.99. While it's not the most affordable pick of the bunch, it's a 4.1-Channel model which comes with a wireless subwoofer and features Google Chromecast for an easier time of streaming music via compatible devices. This same sound bar is currently priced at $280 on Amazon in new condition.

There are a couple of other options in today's sale , so be sure to give them a glance before the end of the sale later tonight.

Setting up a sound bar can work wonders for the shows and movies you watch at home. Sure, there are some pricey options out there, but you don't have to spend much to find something great. Take the BlitzWolf smart 36-inch 60W Bluetooth sound bar for instance. It's normally sold for just $100 at Amazon, and today you can even save $35 off its purchase by clipping the coupon on its product page and then entering promo code MSD8PXGY during checkout, bringing its cost down to just $64.99. While we've seen it drop as low as $70 for a short time thanks to stacking coupons a few months ago, this is a new low for the product.

This 2.0-channel sound bar can automatically turn on and off with your TV. It features six input modes including Bluetooth, a 3.5mm audio jack, HDMI, coaxial, optical, and USB. The different audio modes include News, Sports, Music, and Movie so you can highlight the right sounds at the right time. It comes with an 18-month warranty and users give it 4.3 stars based on 170 reviews .

While every TV comes with its own speakers — and they might not sound bad in isolation — one of the best upgrades you can make is some new speakers. The main reason is physics: speakers need space to sound good, and your TV case doesn't have a ton of space. For most customers, that means getting a soundbar. Soundbars can be set up in an instant, you don't have to mount them on a wall or run cables, and some soundbars can hook up to subwoofers or rear surround speakers.

TaoTronics is well-known for making good products at competitive prices, and its soundbars are no different. Phil tried TaoTronics' entry-level soundbar , and now we're looking at the next step up.

I have been using the TaoTronics TT-SK020 soundbar and wireless subwoofer in my apartment for the past week and change. TaoTronics provided the soundbar for review, and it will be returned to them following the return period.

The Good

• Simple port layout
• Included subwoofer pairs flawlessly
• Simple, infrared remote

The Bad

• Can't disable front-facing LED
• Can't work as an HDMI hub

What ports are on the TaoTronics 2.1 channel soundbar?

The soundbar offers a few basic ports to get audio from your display: 3.5mm, optical and yellow coax. It'll work perfectly for most people, but if you want fancier stuff like HDMI-ARC or an HDMI hub, you'll want to look elsewhere. You can also connect any audio device like your smartphone or laptop with Bluetooth.

What's good about the TaoTronics 2.1 channel soundbar and subwoofer?

Setup is a breeze with this: I plugged in the included power supply to the soundbar, plugged in the existing 3.5mm cable I had coming from my projector , plugged the included power cable to the subwoofer, and I was up and running. The soundbar and subwoofer were paired out of the box, so I didn't have to do anything to get those talking to each other. I also ran the included optical cable from my Xbox One X straight to the soundbar, and I'm happy to report I didn't run into any issues.

But how does it sound? To my ears, pretty good. I'd been using a Vizio 3-channel Soundbar since December 2017, and this one sound almost as good. Two channels instead of three on the soundbar means separation isn't quite as good, but it'll still be better than the speakers in your TV. When I was playing video games, I could still get a good idea of what direction an attacker was coming from.

The subwoofer is also better than I expected at this price. As mentioned I didn't have to mess with anything during setup, I just plugged it in and set it next to my couch. The little rumble I felt when I blasted demons in Doom was exhilarating, and action scenes in Black Panther were that much more engaging. Finally, the remote is easy enough to use, and it's an infrared model so you can map it to your favorite universal remote .

What's just okay about the TaoTronics 2.1 channel soundbar and subwoofer?

More inputs may be appreciated, but I can't imagine anyone using more than one of the included options. There is a wall-mounting kit included, but I didn't test this since my soundbars just live on my TV stand. I kinda wish the power cord was the universal, figure-8 style so I could use a custom-length cable to reduce clutter, but I concede that most people don't care about that.

What's bad about the TaoTronics 2.1 channel soundbar and subwoofer?

My only real complaint about this soundbar is that I couldn't find a way to turn off the front LED. That displays whatever input the soundbar is set to, and it's a bit distracting in an otherwise dark media stand.

Should you buy the TaoTronics 2.1 channel soundbar and subwoofer?

Yes! If you want an easy upgrade to your TV's built-in speakers, this is a great soundbar and subwoofer combo for the price.

See at Amazon

JBL announced the Link Bar — a $399 soundbar that doubles up as an Android TV device along with Google Assistant integration — back at I/O 2018, and we now have mode details on availability. The Link Bar is now up for pre-order on B&H Photo for $399 , and retail availability is set to kick off from Oct. 16. B&H's dates do tend to run long, though, so don't be surprised if the retailer doesn't actually start shipping it until after that.

As spotted by Android Police , the soundbar offers a PrivacySwitch option that lets you mute the microphones when not using Assistant, and there's also the option to stream music directly to the device as it also has Bluetooth functionality.

Hands-on: JBL Link Bar soundbar with Android TV and Google Assistant

The Link Bar is turning out to be one of the more interesting products in this space, as you're essentially getting an Android TV box in addition to an Assistant-integrated soundbar for the price of a Google Home Max. If you're interested, hit up the link below to pre-order the Link Bar.

See at B&H photo

There's something about going to the theater that you just can't quite replicate at home. It's the large screen, sure. But it's also the sound. You don't just hear it — you feel it. It's truly an immersive experience in that regard, and it's something many of us have strived to recreate in some manner at home, with all kinds of satellite speakers and external subwoofers.

But sometimes that's just a bridge too far. Sometimes just a basic improvement in sound quality is all you need, particularly if you're talking about a secondary screen and not your main movie-viewing mechanism. And that means you don't want to spend a ton of money.

Sound bars are a perfect tool for this trade. And while you certainly can spend upwards of a thousand dollars on a top-of-the-line sound bar, it's also completely possible to pick one up for less than $100 that still manages to be a marked improvement over the audio of your TV's built-in speakers.

Who should buy this sound bar

If you want your TV to sound better than your TV sounds — and your don't want to spend a whole lot of money in the process — these are the sound bars to look out. None costs above $100.

Is it a good time to buy this sound bar?

Yep. This one didn't come out until almost halfway through 2018, so it's still pretty fresh. And while it's possible we'll see it on sale at some point, don't expect huge discounts.

Reasons to buy

• Svelte design shouldn't intrude on your TV screen
• No problems with any of the connections
• Includes all cables and mounting hardware

Reasons not to buy

• If you need an HDMI connection
• If you just have to have surround sound
• If you need an external subwoofer

A good, basic sound bar doesn't have to break the bank

Not every room in your home needs to have a theater experience that would make Thomas Dolby proud. But that doesn't mean you should have to settle for your TV's internal speakers, either. You can do better. And you can do better for about a hundred bucks.

And for about a hundred bucks, it's hard to do a lot better than the Vizio SB362An-F6. (OK, Vizio could maybe do better on that name somehow, but whatever. It's not like you'll have to address it a lot.)

Here's what makes the Vizio so good. Like other entries in this space, it's a "2.1" sound bar. That means two channels for that sweet, sweet stereo sound. And the ".1" refers to a subwoofer — a dedicated speaker to create some low end. In this case, that subwoofer is in the body of the speaker. In fact, there are a couple of them down there.

It's not the same as having a dedicated external subwoofer that fills a room with the thundering hits of a thousand dinosaurs, or makes it feel as if the explosion in that action movie might have left a crater in the next room. This isn't that product, and $100 isn't that price.

But what you get with the Vizio sound bar is an experience that is definitively better than what you'll get from your television's speakers.

And it's done in the typical Vizio fashion. While the sound bar itself is decidedly not high-end, the packaging is as exact as something that cost 10 times more. Vizio does a nice job with that, and it immediately gives the impression that you're not just getting some cheap, knock-off speaker. A couple other nice details: There's a small channel through which the audio cables will run — and Vizio provides optical, RCA and aux cables. (The Vizio-style remote control also comes with its own batteries.)

So it looks good. It's only about 2 inches tall, so it shouldn't intrude into the TV's picture at all. And it sounds good — giving enough bass and stereo separation so that you'll never want to hear your TV's internal speakers ever again. And it's got the Vizio name behind it, which shows through the packaging itself, to any sort of after care you might need.

One added bonus: If you're using a Vizio TV with this sound bar, the volume controls should just work with whatever remote you were using previously. (That's kind of a big deal given that there's no HDMI input, and thus no CEC control. But, hey, it's still a $100 sound bar.)

Alternatives to the Vizio SB362An-F6

Vizio isn't the only player in this economy sound bar space, of course. Amazon has its own branded sound bar. And Chinese company TaoTronics hits the lowest of the three prices we've seen, though performance is definitely not as good.

The bottom line

Not every room of your home needs a full theater-like experience when it comes to sound. But every room deserves at least just a little better than the speakers that are built into your TV.

These three options fix that. They bring better stereo range than internal speakers, and more bass. And they do it for less than $100.

Our pick? Vizio wins out , and Amazon's offering isn't far behind.

The team that worked on this guide

Phil Nickinson is the editor of CordCutters.com , the Head Dad behind Modern Dad and Editor Emeritus of AndroidCentral.com. He's been a journalist since starting at his hometown newspaper in 1998, and with Mobile Nations since 2009. Follow him on Twitter: @Mdrndad .

Tech products, like so many other things, employ the adage "You get what you pay for." That, too, is true in the case of TaoTronics' 40-inch sound bar. (Also known as the TT-SK019.) For $90 you get a basic sound bar with a handful of inputs, and it'll sound marginally better than your televisions internal speakers.

Of course, your mileage will vary depending on just how bad your TV's internal speakers are — but let's be honest, they're probably not great.

And so that's where a relatively inexpensive sound bar can come in. In a room like, say, the bedroom, I don't necessarily need 12.1 surround sound with Dolby Atmos. (Note to spouse: It'd be awesome , though.) No, in the case of a secondary TV in a secondary room, audio may not be the top priority. And that's OK.

The TaoTronics SK019 has four inputs — RCA (analog stereo), optical and coax for wired options, and Bluetooth for the times that you just can't be tied down. (OK, probably for when you want to use your phone with it, but TV could work, too, so long as latency isn't an issue.)

The business end sports a bevy of speakers (and a total of two woofers, which are the only sort of technical specs you get), a small LCD screen that lets you know the volume level and which input you're on. A basic digital clock would have been great here, but to no avail. It sort of seems overkill, but at least it's not the sort of thing that's bright in an otherwise dark room. There also are physical buttons for power, mute and volume control. The included remote control (you're on your own for batteries) is basic as can be, with exactly the same controls. As none of this uses Wifi at all or is smart in any way, any third-party remote you want to use will have to rely on infrared signals, so keep that in mind. (that made hooking it into my Harmony setup a little fun, and laggy.l)

There's an optical audio cable, as well as a coax audio cable included in the box. I had a devil of a time getting the optical input to play nice with the optical output on my Vizio TV. (Including with my own optical cable.) And according to a smattering of reviews I'm not the only one. The analog inputs worked just fine though.

Once the sound bar is actually up and running, it works exactly as you'd expect a $90 sound bar to work. It sounds fine. Not great. Not explosive. Not room-filling. But it's the sort of thing you don't mind having attached to a TV that you just want to sound a little better. It's also the sort of inexpensive sound bar you wouldn't mind using with an outdoor TV, maybe.

Just don't expect too much, and you won't be disappointed.

The bottom line

This is the sort of sound bar you get when you want a $90 external audio option and not a $900 external audio option. And the sound quality is proportional to the price. It's probably better than what you'll get out of your TV's internal speakers, but it's not at the top of the options in this price range.

See at Amazon