You may have bought yourself a spectacular new TV to watch Netflix, HBO Max and other streaming services, but the picture quality is only half the story. Compared to the subpar speakers on a TV, a soundbar or full-fledged speaker system makes movies exciting and enjoyable to follow — and you don’t need to spend much if you take advantage of these sales.
Roku Streambar: Soundbars with onboard streamers are still uncommon, but the Roku Streambar is the best so far, with excellent sound for a bargain price. It will let you movies, sports and shows while bringing the all-important dialogue to the fore. Just add a 4K TV.
Vizio M512a-H6: The Vizio M512a-H6 may not have the catchy name of the rest of the systems here, but it more than makes up for this with stellar performance. With Dolby Atmos capability and dedicated surrounds this speaker is able to turn any sports or TV show into an event. You’re unlikely to see another Atmos soundbar this good at this price for a long time.
LG Eclair QP5: I’ve yet to formally review the diminutive LG Eclair, but I’ve found it to have a big expansive sound from only two compact boxes. The subwoofer packs a punch, and the Dolby Atmos compatibility gives the system more flexibility than others at the price. At $600 it’s pretty pricey, but at $400 it’s worth a look.
Vizio Elevate P514A-H6: If you want the full surround-sound experience, you’ll want actual rear speakers. The Vizio Elevate soundbar includes rears and a subwoofer. It offers excellent sound and a bunch of useful features, including a nifty revolving speaker for Dolby Atmos effects.
