Will any soundbar sound better than my TV speakers?

Yes, virtually any soundbar — even the cheapest — will be a significant improvement over built-in TV speakers. The difference is immediately obvious in dialog clarity, bass, and overall volume headroom.

Where should I place my soundbar?

Directly below your TV, either on the TV stand or wall-mounted. The center of the soundbar should align roughly with the center of your TV. Don't block the front of the bar with other objects. If using a subwoofer, place it on the floor near the TV, ideally in a corner for maximum bass reinforcement.

Can I use a soundbar for music?

Absolutely. All soundbars in this roundup support Bluetooth for wireless music streaming. Soundbars with better bass (Vizio V-Series, Polk Signa S4) will sound better for music than those without subwoofers.

Best Budget Soundbars 2026