Sounds bars: What to shop for when upgrading your home audio

Sound bars are one of the quickest ways to create a more immersive home entertainment system -- sometimes in one simple package. If you've struggled with poor or unstable audio quality and want to remedy this, keep reading.

What is a sound bar?

Sound bars, sometimes called speaker bars, are exactly what they sound like: bar-shaped speakers that project audio from televisions and stereos for a fuller, more powerful sound than a built-in speaker usually cannot provide.

Which sound bar is right for me?

First, consider your budget. The cost of sound bars, like most audio equipment, can quickly add up when you tag on various bells and whistles. For a limited budget, keep it simple and stick to the basics -- we've found some bestselling options below to peruse.

What is your main goal in buying a sound bar? If you want clear sound that lets you hear every audio detail of a film, consider the TCL guide to buying sound bars that suggests movie lovers look for a built-in subwoofer, the ability to connect to your TV through HDMI cables (or whichever method works for your model) and potential additional speakers (whether sold separately or packaged with the sound bar) that provide a surround-sound experience.

When looking at channel numbers, TCL also notes it's helpful to remember they're formatted as "x.y.z," with "x" representing the number of channels or speakers "at ear level" while "y" represents the channels or speakers dedicated to low bass reproduction. "Z" represents the number of overhead channels or speakers -- these are upward firing and add to the surround sound aspect.

You can also consider the sound bar's portability and go for a wired model that can be placed on a mount for semi-permanent positioning, or opt for Bluetooth capability if you plan to move the sound bar from room to room.

Keeping these priorities in mind, continue scrolling to see some top options for every budget.

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Budget-friendly sound bars under $500

Amazon

Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0

For an easy-to-use, budget-friendly option that offers dual speakers for deeper sound immersion, give this Amazon Fire TV Soundbar a chance. It's frequently on sale so you can save even more, and reviews love the value-to-quality ratio.

• $119.99

• Amazon

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38% off

Amazon

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth

This popular pick on Amazon is compact, wireless and perfect for a home office setup. A built-in tweeter allows for higher frequency sounds to come through clear and crisp, while the bass reflex speaker allows for deep sound.

• $98
• $159.99

• Amazon

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Sonos

Ray Soundbar

Two cables and a few minutes of your time is all it takes to set up this Sonos soundbar, and it's built to eventually add on to when it's time to upgrade your listening experience. It's easy to control via your TV remote, the Sonos app and Apple AirPlay 2, and it fits snugly in a shelf on your entertainment console.

• $219

• Sonos

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Amazon

Polk Audio MagniFi Mini AX Sound Bar for TV with Wireless Subwoofer

The multiple connectivity options -- Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI and optical -- make this soundbar a top pick already, but its powerful audio and compact build are the icing on the cake. It has a five speaker array offering cinematic surround sound with a booming bass and patented Voice Adjust so you can hear every word clearly. Plus, you can expand into a full home theater by adding on the Polk Audio SR2 Wireless Surround Sound Speakers.

• $499

• Amazon

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Sound bars under $1,000

27% off

Amazon

Bose Smart Dolby Atmos Soundbar

This souindbar from Bose offers plenty of bells and whistles like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, 5.1 technology that offers clear audio in the upper, middle and lower ranges, and -- most notably -- A.I. dialogue mode to enhance the conversations happening on your television screen. It offers a theater-like sound experience at a mid-tier price point that's great for someone who wants an upgrade without the investment of a larger system. Bonus: It pairs with other Bose speakers so you can expand your setup if and when you're ready.

• $399
• $549

• Amazon

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25% off

Bose

Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

Bose loyalists will appreciate the sleek design and fantastic sound quality offered in the Smart Soundbar that's compatible with Alexa and Google Voice controls, has 3D spatial audio and features Dolby Atmos and Bose TrueSpace technology to separate sounds so they project outward into the room, making you feel truly inside the action. It also comes in white or black so you can best match your interiors.

• $749
• $999

• Bose

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Amazon

JBL Bar 700: 5.1-Channel soundbar with Detachable Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos, Black

This JBL soundbar is an excellent pick if you're looking for a true surround-sound experience thanks to detachable speakers you can place in an optimized location in your home. AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music and Chromecast are all built in for your convenience, and automatic software updates will save you the headache of manually performing them and interrupting your relaxation time.

• $899.95

• Amazon

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Sound bar packages

20% off

Sonos

Ultimate Immersive Set with Arc Ultra + Sub 4 + 2x Era 300

Sonos calls the sound on this system "breathtakingly realistic," which makes sense considering you get the whole package: a premium Arc soundbar, a wireless subwoofer and two Era 300 speakers for placing elsewhere in the room, ensuring you're submerged in sound from all angles. Add on a wall mount and speaker stands created specifically for these products for a sleek, seamless integration into your home.

• $2357
• $2956

• Sonos

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Amazon

Samsung HW-Q990C 11.1.4ch Soundbar w/Wireless Dolby Audio, Rear Speakers Included w/Q-Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro, Airplay 2, AVA, Alexa Built-in

With a channel number of 11.1.4, you'll get room-filling sound that responds and adapts to your space for a luxurious listening experience. It has Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, built-in voice assistance and the speakers fire upward, sideways and from the back to help you hear every detail.

• $1199.26

• Amazon

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