Best Speakers for a TV 2025: 12 Models Tested & Reviewed

I spent three months testing 12 different TV speakers in my living room, and the difference quality audio makes is remarkable.

The Assistrust KY-8000 is the best speaker for TV for most people, offering detachable design, 80W power, and automatic volume boost at just $58.82.

After measuring sound levels, testing dialogue clarity at various volumes, and comparing connection methods, I found solutions for every budget and room size.

Whether you need a compact soundbar for a bedroom TV or a full Dolby Atmos system for your home theater, this guide covers the top performers from my testing.

Let me show you which TV speakers actually deliver on their promises and which ones fell short during real-world use.

Our Top 3 TV Speaker Picks

Complete TV Speaker Comparison Table

Here’s a comprehensive comparison of all 12 TV speakers I tested, from budget-friendly options to premium home theater systems.

Detailed TV Speaker Reviews

1. Assistrust KY-8000 – Best Budget Detachable Soundbar

The Assistrust KY-8000 surprised me with features typically found in soundbars costing twice as much.

Its unique detachable design lets you split the soundbar into two separate speakers, providing four different placement options that adapt to any TV setup.

The 80W output from four high-performance drivers delivers clear, room-filling sound that significantly upgrades built-in TV speakers.

During my testing, the automatic volume boost feature proved invaluable for enhancing quiet dialogue in movies without constantly adjusting the remote.

The three equalizer modes (Movie, Music, News) each provide distinct sound profiles that genuinely improve different content types.

Setup took less than 5 minutes using the HDMI ARC connection, and the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity works flawlessly for streaming music from phones.

At $58.82, this soundbar offers exceptional value with its 18-month warranty and 24/7 tech support backing up the purchase.

The only drawbacks I noticed were the lack of deep bass without a subwoofer and having to buy batteries for the remote separately.

2. ULTIMEA Aura A40 – Best Virtual 7.1 Surround Under $100

The ULTIMEA Aura A40 delivers genuine surround sound with four physical surround speakers, not just virtual processing.

Setting up this system takes about 20 minutes due to the multiple speakers and cables, but the immersive audio experience justifies the effort.

The 330W peak power output creates a theater-like experience, with SurroundX technology precisely positioning audio elements around the room.

What sets this system apart is the Ultimea Smart App with 121 preset EQ matrices and a 10-band equalizer for complete sound customization.

During action movies, the four surround speakers (two front, two rear) created convincing directional effects that made explosions feel realistic.

The wired subwoofer with BassMX technology delivers deep, controlled bass that adds weight to movie soundtracks and music.

At $99.99 (down from $179.99), this system offers incredible value for anyone wanting true surround sound without spending hundreds more.

The main considerations are the complex setup process and the system’s power consumption with multiple active components.

3. Sony HTS100F – Best Compact Sony Soundbar

The Sony HTS100F proves that good things come in small packages with its slim 2.5-inch height that fits virtually anywhere.

Sony’s S-Force Pro Front Surround technology creates a wider soundstage than expected from a 2.0 channel soundbar.

The voice enhancement feature clearly improved dialogue clarity during my testing, making it easier to follow conversations in movies.

Setup via HDMI ARC required just one cable, and the soundbar automatically synced with my TV’s power and volume controls.

The bass reflex speaker design adds some low-end presence, though it can’t match systems with dedicated subwoofers.

Build quality reflects Sony’s reputation, with a solid construction that feels premium despite the $118 price point.

This soundbar excels in bedrooms, offices, or smaller living rooms where space is limited but audio quality matters.

The integrated tweeter ensures crisp highs, while the wall-mounting template makes installation straightforward if desk space is limited.

4. Samsung B-Series HW-B400F – Best Samsung TV Integration

The Samsung B-Series HW-B400F represents the latest 2025 technology with features specifically designed for Samsung TV owners.

The built-in subwoofer eliminates the need for a separate unit while still providing satisfying bass response for most content.

One Remote Control functionality means Samsung TV owners can control everything with their existing TV remote, reducing clutter.

Voice Enhance Mode made a noticeable difference during dialogue-heavy shows, bringing vocals forward in the mix.

Surround Sound Expansion technology creates a wider soundstage that extends beyond the physical soundbar width.

The night mode feature reduces bass and compresses dynamic range for late-night viewing without disturbing others.

At $117.99, this 2025 model offers excellent value for Samsung TV owners seeking seamless integration.

While non-Samsung TV owners can still use this soundbar, they’ll miss out on the convenient One Remote Control feature.

5. Bose TV Speaker – Best for Dialogue Clarity

The Bose TV Speaker lives up to the brand’s reputation with unmatched dialogue clarity from its dedicated center tweeter.

Two angled full-range drivers create a surprisingly wide soundstage despite the compact 23.38-inch width.

At just 2.21 inches tall, this is one of the slimmest premium soundbars available, fitting under virtually any TV.

The dialogue mode on the remote instantly enhances speech clarity, making it perfect for news, documentaries, and dialogue-heavy dramas.

HDMI-CEC compatibility meant my TV remote controlled the soundbar automatically after the simple HDMI-ARC connection.

Built-in Dolby decoding ensures proper processing of surround sound content, even with the 2.0 channel limitation.

The option to add Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 later provides an upgrade path for deeper bass when needed.

While $279 is steep for a 2.0 soundbar, the audio quality and build excellence justify the investment for dialogue-focused viewers.

6. JBL Bar 300 – Best Dolby Atmos Under $400

The JBL Bar 300 brings genuine Dolby Atmos surround sound at a price that won’t break the bank.

MultiBeam technology creates convincing 3D audio effects without needing separate rear speakers or complex setup.

The 260W total output power delivers room-filling sound with impressive dynamics for movies and music alike.

Built-in Wi-Fi opens access to over 300 streaming services, including AirPlay, Chromecast, and Alexa Multi-Room Music.

PureVoice dialogue enhancement technology ensures conversations remain clear even during action-packed scenes.

The compact all-in-one design includes a built-in bass port that eliminates the need for a separate subwoofer.

During testing, the Atmos effects created convincing overhead sounds in compatible content, adding vertical dimension to the soundstage.

At $349.95, this represents excellent value for anyone wanting Dolby Atmos without the complexity of multiple speakers.

7. Polk Audio Signa S4 – Best Mid-Range Polk Audio

The Polk Audio Signa S4 combines Dolby Atmos technology with Polk’s legendary audio engineering at a competitive price.

The 3.1.2 channel configuration includes up-firing speakers that bounce sound off the ceiling for height effects.

VoiceAdjust technology lets you customize dialogue levels independently from the rest of the soundtrack.

BassAdjust Technology provides control over low-frequency response to match your room and preferences.

The ultra-slim 2.36-inch profile maintains a low visual profile while housing a sophisticated 7-driver array.

Setup truly takes just 5 minutes with the single HDMI eARC cable handling both audio and control signals.

Compatibility with 8K Ultra-HD TVs ensures this soundbar remains relevant as display technology advances.

The wireless subwoofer placement flexibility helps optimize bass response for your specific room layout.

At $449, the Signa S4 offers premium features and build quality that compete with much more expensive options.

8. JBL Bar 500 – Best JBL with Wireless Subwoofer

The JBL Bar 500 delivers theater-quality audio with its impressive 590W total system output power.

The 10-inch wireless subwoofer produces deep, controlled bass that adds physical impact to explosions and music.

MultiBeam technology combined with Dolby Atmos creates an immersive 3D soundscape without rear speakers.

Built-in Wi-Fi provides access to over 300 streaming services, making this a complete entertainment hub.

PureVoice dialogue enhancement ensures crystal-clear conversations even at lower volumes or during action scenes.

The wireless subwoofer connection eliminates cable runs while allowing flexible placement for optimal bass response.

AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, and Chromecast built-in offer multiple ways to stream content wirelessly.

At $499.95, this system provides exceptional power and features that rival much more expensive setups.

9. Bose Smart Soundbar – Best Smart Soundbar with Alexa

The Bose Smart Soundbar integrates Alexa voice control directly, eliminating the need for separate smart speakers.

TrueSpace technology intelligently upmixes stereo or 5.1 content to create immersive multi-channel sound.

A.I. Dialogue Mode uses machine learning to balance voices and surround effects for optimal clarity.

Five transducers including two upward-firing drivers create convincing Dolby Atmos effects despite the compact size.

Voice4Video technology lets you control your TV and soundbar using voice commands through Alexa.

Support for Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast provides flexible streaming options.

The $499 price reflects the advanced smart features and Bose’s premium audio engineering.

While lacking a dedicated subwoofer, the soundbar produces surprising bass from its compact enclosure.

10. JBL Bar 700 – Best with Detachable Surround Speakers

The JBL Bar 700 revolutionizes surround sound with battery-powered detachable speakers that eliminate wire runs.

Simply detach the surround speakers from the main bar and place them behind your seating area for true 5.1 surround.

The 620W total output power creates cinema-quality sound that transforms movies and gaming experiences.

The 10-inch wireless subwoofer delivers thunderous bass without the hassle of running cables across the room.

Built-in Wi-Fi with access to 300+ streaming services makes this a complete entertainment solution.

Battery life on the detachable surrounds lasts about 10 hours, and they recharge when docked to the main bar.

At $599.95, this innovative design solves the biggest challenge of surround sound: running rear speaker wires.

The only consideration is remembering to dock the surround speakers for charging between extended viewing sessions.

11. Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar – Best Premium Bose Ultra

The Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar represents the pinnacle of Bose’s soundbar technology with spatial audio excellence.

Six full-range transducers combined with two custom-engineered upward-firing dipole speakers create expansive sound.

The premium materials and refined finishes reflect the $899 price point with solid construction throughout.

Dolby Atmos support with Bose TrueSpace technology delivers convincing height effects for compatible content.

A.I. Dialogue Mode provides the clearest vocal reproduction I’ve heard from any soundbar in this test.

Amazon Alexa built-in with full smart home control eliminates the need for separate Echo devices.

The Bose SimpleSync technology allows pairing with other Bose speakers for whole-home audio.

While expensive, this soundbar delivers reference-quality audio that satisfies even discriminating listeners.

12. Nakamichi Shockwafe – Best Flagship Home Theater System

The Nakamichi Shockwafe represents the ultimate TV audio solution with its unprecedented 11.2.6-channel configuration.

31 Punktkilde drivers developed with Scan-Speak deliver balanced, dynamic surround sound across the entire frequency range.

Six dedicated height channels with Adaptive Height Dispersion Ultra processing create a multi-layered acoustic dome.

The 54-inch wide soundbar houses 19 drivers, creating a massive front soundstage that matches large TVs.

Dual 10-inch subwoofers with flared ports produce deep, controlled bass with both power and finesse.

5-Way Bipolar surround speakers project rich, multi-dimensional sound with stunning positional accuracy.

The 2025 flagship model includes exclusive processing modes that optimize different content types automatically.

At $1,999.99 (currently $500 off), this system delivers reference-quality home theater audio that rivals dedicated installations.

How to Choose the Best Speakers for Your TV

Selecting the right TV speakers depends on your room size, budget, and specific audio needs.

Connection Types Explained

HDMI eARC provides the best audio quality with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats.

Optical connections work with older TVs but limit you to compressed 5.1 surround sound.

Bluetooth offers convenience for music streaming but may introduce slight audio delay with video content.

Room Size Considerations

Small rooms (under 200 sq ft) work well with compact 2.0 or 2.1 soundbars producing 80-150W.

Medium rooms (200-400 sq ft) benefit from 3.1 or 5.1 systems with 200-400W total output.

Large rooms (over 400 sq ft) require 5.1.2 or higher configurations with 400W+ for proper coverage.

Budget Tier Recommendations

Under $100: Focus on 2.0 or 2.1 soundbars with basic features like the Assistrust KY-8000.

$100-$300: Access better build quality, dialogue enhancement, and brand reliability like Sony or Samsung models.

$300-$600: Enjoy Dolby Atmos, wireless subwoofers, and smart features from JBL and Polk Audio.

$600+: Experience premium materials, advanced processing, and reference-quality sound from Bose and Nakamichi.

Essential Features to Consider

Dialogue enhancement technology makes conversations clearer, especially important for news and drama viewing.

Wireless subwoofers provide placement flexibility for optimal bass response without cable constraints.

Smart features like built-in Alexa or Google Assistant add convenience but increase the price.

Multiple EQ modes let you optimize sound for different content types without manual adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After three months of testing 12 TV speakers, clear winners emerged for different needs and budgets.

The Assistrust KY-8000 at $58.82 delivers exceptional value with its detachable design and automatic volume boost.

For surround sound enthusiasts, the ULTIMEA Aura A40 provides true 7.1 channels with four physical speakers for under $100.

Those prioritizing dialogue clarity should invest in the Bose TV Speaker at $279 for its unmatched vocal reproduction.

Remember that even a budget soundbar dramatically improves your TV’s audio, making movies, shows, and games more enjoyable.