Is a soundbar worth it if my TV has decent speakers?

Yes. Even TVs marketed with good speakers produce thin, directional audio compared to any quality soundbar. A soundbar adds bass depth, wider soundstage, and clearer dialogue that TV speakers cannot physically produce due to their small size and rear/downward-firing position. The difference is immediately obvious on the first movie watched with a soundbar. It is the single most impactful living room audio upgrade.

Do I need a streaming device if my TV has built-in apps?

Not necessarily. If your TV's built-in apps are responsive and include all the services you use, a streaming device is unnecessary. However, if your TV is 3+ years old, its apps may be slow, crash frequently, or lack newer services. A $30-50 streaming stick breathes new life into an older TV. The Apple TV 4K ($129) provides the best experience but is only essential for users who value premium interface quality and Apple ecosystem integration.

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