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Have you ever turned up the volume during quiet dialogue scenes? Then, did you scramble for the remote when action scenes blasted through your living room? It’s not your hearing. Your TV’s speakers are likely the problem. Most flat-screen TVs today have tiny speakers. They can’t deliver sound to match the stunning picture.

The good news? TV speakers have come a long way from bulky sound systems that needed an engineering degree to set up. Today’s options include compact soundbars and bookshelf speakers. The soundbars sit quietly under your TV. The speakers fill your room with rich sound. But, here’s the tricky part. Some speakers excel at making voices clear. Others bring out deep bass in movies. Some are simple plug-and-play units, while others offer tons of ways to fine-tune your sound.

I’ve spent countless hours comparing TV speakers, from budget models to premium ones. The right speaker isn’t always the most expensive one. It’s about finding what works for your space, your viewing habits, and your budget.

This guide will show you the best TV speakers. They will improve your viewing experience. We’ll look at what each speaker does best, who it’s really for, and what you should know before buying. No marketing fluff—honest insights to help you pick a speaker you’ll be happy with for years to come.

How to Choose the Right TV Speakers

Before diving into specific models, let’s review what matters in choosing TV speakers:

Sound Quality: Choose speakers that deliver clear dialogue. It matters a lot when watching movies and TV shows. Good speakers should let you hear whispers without straining. They should also balance background music and sound effects.

Room Size: Your space plays a big role in speaker choice. Small rooms might only need a basic soundbar. Larger spaces could enjoy more powerful speakers. Also, consider where to place the speakers. Some need to sit in front of your TV. Others work better wall-mounted.

Connectivity: Look at how the speakers connect to your TV. HDMI ARC is usually the best option. It lets you control everything with one remote. Optical connections work well too, but check what ports your TV has before buying.

Extra Features: Some speakers include special modes for movies, music, or night watching. Others offer voice enhancement or bass adjustment. Think about which features you’ll actually use rather than paying extra for ones you won’t.

Meet Our Top Picks

• Bose TV Speaker: A compact powerhouse that puts crystal-clear dialogue first
• Edifier R1280T: Classic bookshelf speakers bringing rich, natural sound
• Sony S100F: A slim soundbar that proves good things come in small packages
• Polk Audio Signa S2: A complete system with a wireless subwoofer for deeper bass

1 – The Winner

Why We’ve Picked It

The Bose TV Speaker proves that size isn’t everything when it comes to improving your TV’s sound. This compact soundbar packs a surprising punch into its slim frame. Bose focuses on what matters most: making voices sound natural and clear.

Setting it up feels like a breeze. One cable to your TV (either optical or HDMI), plug it in, and you’re ready to go. The included remote is simple. It has basic controls. You may barely use it once everything is set up.

Where this speaker really stands out is in dialogue clarity. Those mumbled conversations in movies? They become crystal clear without sounding artificial. The speaker has two angled drivers. They spread sound across your room. This creates a wider listening space than you’d expect from such a small unit.

For music and TV, it sounds better than built-in TV speakers. It won’t rattle your windows with deep bass. But it has enough low-end punch to make action scenes feel alive. The optional dialogue mode boosts voices when needed. But many users find the regular setting works just fine.

The Bluetooth connection is handy for playing music from your phone. But this speaker really shines when paired with your TV. You’ll see the biggest improvement in regular TV shows and movies. That’s where clear dialogue matters most.

Read also: The 4 Best Speaker Brands: 2025 Ultimate Guide

2 – Runner Up

Why We’ve Picked It

The Edifier R1280T shows that sometimes the old-school approach works best. These bookshelf speakers revive the classic stereo setup. But they have modern touches that make them perfect for TV use.

First impressions matter, and these speakers make a good one. The wood finish looks much more expensive than the price. The build quality feels solid. The speakers have a nice weight to them—no cheap plastic feel here.

Sound quality comes down to two parts. A 4-inch main driver does most of the work. A silk dome tweeter handles the crisp high notes. This combo creates a clear, balanced sound. It works for everything from quiet dialogue to action scenes. Music sounds particularly good, with vocals coming through warm and natural.

The side panel puts you in control with dedicated knobs for treble and bass. You can boost dialogue on TV shows or add punch to music. No app or complex menu is needed. The included remote is basic. It has volume control and mute. That’s all you need day to day.

One thing that sets these speakers apart is how they handle different types of audio. TV shows sound clear and natural. Movies are loud enough to fill a medium-sized room. Music, especially from vinyl or high-quality digital sources, shows what these speakers can do.

While some might miss having Bluetooth, the two AUX inputs make up for it. You can keep your TV connected to one input and use the other for a phone, laptop, or record player. Switching between sources just needs a quick press of a button.

Read also: Best 3.1 Sound Systems In 2025

3 – Simple & Sleek

Why We’ve Picked It

The Sony S100F proves that good things can come in slim packages. This soundbar is just over 35 inches long and 2.5 inches tall. It’s one of the most compact options available.

Out of the box, what stands out is how light and simple everything feels. The setup takes minutes – plug it in, connect one cable to your TV, and you’re done. If you’ve got a Sony TV, it gets even better since it works together automatically. The soundbar knows when to turn on and off with your TV, and your TV remote controls everything.

Sound quality hits above its price point, especially for regular TV watching. The built-in S-Master amplifier (Sony’s digital processing) works well. It makes voices clear without distorting other sounds. News shows, sports commentary, and TV dialogue all come through clearly.

For movies, it’s a big step up from built-in TV speakers, though don’t expect home theater-level sound. The bass reflex speaker adds some depth. But, you won’t feel explosions in your chest like you would with a separate subwoofer. That said, at normal volumes, everything sounds balanced and natural.

The remote lets you quickly access different sound modes. But most people set it once and forget it. The voice mode is great for late-night watching. It lets you hear dialogue without cranking the volume.

One surprising feature is how well it handles music through Bluetooth. It won’t replace a dedicated music system. But, it’s fine for background tunes or casual listening. Just keep in mind some users mention the Bluetooth volume can be tricky to get just right.

Read also: Best 4 Wall Mounted Bluetooth Speakers

4 – Budget Option

Why We’ve Picked It

The Polk Audio Signa S2 gives you a true 2.1 setup. That’s a soundbar plus a separate subwoofer for bass. It does this for a low price. The main soundbar is just over 2 inches tall. It is sleek. The wireless subwoofer handles all the low-end grunt work.

Setup goes smoothly for most people. The soundbar connects to your TV via HDMI ARC or an optical cable (both included). The subwoofer pairs automatically once plugged in. No running wires across your room—just put the subwoofer where you want it and plug it into power.

The sound quality makes most people do a double-take at the price. The five built-in drivers spread sound across your room. It feels like a much bigger system. The VoiceAdjust feature makes dialogue clear. It has three voice enhancement levels.

Movie watching really shows what this system can do. The wireless subwoofer adds weight to explosions and music without overpowering everything else. You can adjust the bass level to match your room and taste, though it would be nice to see exactly what level you’re at.

The different sound modes actually make sense here. Movie mode opens up the sound for a more theater-like feel. Music mode balances things out for regular listening. Night mode is clever. It keeps dialogue clear but tames loud surprises. That way, you won’t wake anyone up.

Bluetooth is good for streaming music. But, like most TV speakers, it’s better for casual listening than for music. The connection stays solid within normal room distances.

Which TV Speaker Is Right For You?

After time with these speakers, it’s clear they each shine in different situations. Here’s how to pick the right one for your needs:

The Final Lineup

The Bose TV Speaker makes sense if you’re fed up with missing dialogue in your shows. It’s perfect for small to medium rooms where voice clarity matters most. Buy this if you want better sound without any fuss, and don’t mind paying extra for that Bose quality. It’s ideal for bedrooms, apartments, or anyone who wants simple, clear sound.

The Edifier R1280T stands out for anyone who cares about music as much as TV watching. These bookshelf speakers work best if you have some space on your TV stand or nearby shelves. They’re great for people who still use record players or want that warm, natural sound. Pick these if you enjoy switching between music and movies. Also, if you want control over your sound settings.

The Sony S100F fits the bill for anyone looking to upgrade their TV sound on a budget. It works well in small spaces or bedrooms. You don’t need room-shaking bass there. Choose this one if you want something simple that just works, particularly if you already have a Sony TV.

The Polk Audio Signa S2 offers the most complete package for movie lovers. The wireless subwoofer makes action movies and music come alive. It keeps the dialogue clear. It’s perfect for living rooms where you want fuller sound without spending a fortune. This system suits anyone who loves movies and wants more bass. It has a simple setup.

See Also: Our 4 Best Center Channel Speakers

Making Your Choice

Think about your room size first. Smaller rooms might not need the Polk subwoofer. But, larger spaces benefit from its extra power. Consider what you watch most – if it’s mainly news and TV shows, the Bose or Sony will do fine. For movie buffs, the Polk’s extra features make more sense.

Don’t forget about music. If you stream music often, the Edifier’s natural sound quality might win you over. The Polk system handles music well too, especially if you like feeling the bass.

Finally, think about your setup needs. The Sony and Bose keep things simple, while the Polk gives you more options to play with. The Edifier takes up more space but rewards you with versatile sound.

Common Questions About TV Speakers

Q: Do I really need external TV speakers? A: Most built-in TV speakers face downward or backward, creating muffled sound. If you struggle to hear dialogue or adjust the volume between quiet and loud scenes, use external speakers. They will improve your viewing experience.

Q: Can I connect TV speakers without HDMI? A: Yes, most TV speakers offer multiple connection options. Optical cables (also called TOSLINK) work well and usually come included. Some speakers also accept standard AUX (3.5mm) connections. This might limit some features.

Q: Will a soundbar block my TV’s remote sensor? Most modern soundbars are low-profile. They can sit in front of your TV without blocking the remote sensor. If you’re concerned, check the height of your TV’s sensor. Then, compare it to the soundbar’s height before buying.

Q: Is a subwoofer really necessary for TV speakers? A: It depends on what you watch. For regular TV shows, news, and sports, you probably don’t need one. But, if you watch many movies or action shows, a subwoofer adds depth to explosions and music. It makes for a more immersive experience.

Q: Can I mount any TV speaker on the wall? A: Not all speakers are designed for wall mounting. Soundbars usually include wall-mounting hardware or have built-in mounting points. Bookshelf speakers, like the Edifier R1280T, are meant to sit on a flat surface.

Q: Do TV speakers work with any TV brand? A: Generally, yes. Some features might work better when matching brands (like Sony with Sony). But, the standard connections (HDMI ARC, optical) work across all brands. Just check your TV’s available ports before buying.

Q: Can I use two TV soundbars together? A: No, most TVs and soundbars can’t use multiple soundbars at once. For better sound, use a single soundbar with surround speakers. Two soundbars are not as good.

Q: Why is my TV soundbar not as loud as expected? A: This usually happens due to incorrect settings. Ensure your TV’s internal speakers are off. Set audio output to ‘External Speakers’ or ‘HDMI ARC’. Then, turn up the volumes on both the TV and soundbar. Some TVs also need PCM audio format selected instead of Auto.

Q: Should I place my soundbar above or below the TV? A: Below the TV is usually best. Most soundbars are designed to project sound from this position. It creates a more natural sound field since it’s closer to ear level when seated.

Q: Can you connect TV speakers through Bluetooth without any cables? A: While many speakers offer Bluetooth, it’s not recommended as your main TV connection. Bluetooth can cause audio delay (lip-sync issues) and lower sound quality. HDMI ARC or optical cables provide better sound and fewer problems.

Q: How do I get rid of echo between my TV speakers and soundbar? A: Echo happens when your TV speakers and soundbar play at the same time. Go to your TV’s sound settings. Turn off the internal speakers. Or, change the audio output to ‘External Speakers’ or ‘HDMI ARC’.

Q: Why does my TV sound keep cutting out with my new speakers? A: Sound cutting out often happens due to loose connections or interference. Try a different HDMI port. Ensure the cables are connected. Keep wireless subwoofers away from Wi-Fi routers and other devices that may interfere with them.

Q: How long do TV speakers usually last? A: Quality TV speakers typically last 5-10 years with normal use. The lifespan depends on usage, volume levels, and how well they’re maintained. Soundbars might have shorter lifespans than traditional speakers due to their built-in electronics.