Match the soundbar size to your TV and room, not the other way around

The most common mistake is buying a soundbar that is too large for the space or too small to make a real difference. A soundbar should be roughly the same width as your TV — within a few inches either way. If your TV is 55 inches, a 50-inch soundbar works; a 70-inch soundbar does not, because it will overhang your stand or wall mount and look wrong. More importantly, a soundbar that is too small for a large room will not fill the space with sound, no matter how expensive it is.

Measure your TV width first, then look at soundbar dimensions in the product specs — manufacturers list them clearly. If you have a small bedroom TV (32 to 43 inches), a compact soundbar between 24 and 32 inches is enough. For a living room with a 55-inch TV, aim for 48 to 55 inches. For 65 inches and larger, look at 55 to 65 inches. The room itself matters too: a soundbar in a small, enclosed space will sound louder than the same model in an open floor plan.

Key Takeaways

  • A soundbar should match your TV width within a few inches, not be as wide as possible — oversized soundbars overhang and waste money on channels you cannot hear in your room.
  • Decide whether you need a subwoofer by listening to bass-heavy content in the store or reading reviews that mention low-end performance, because adding one later costs as much as the soundbar itself.
  • Check the connection ports on your TV and soundbar before buying — HDMI eARC, optical, and Bluetooth are the most common, and not all soundbars support all three.
  • Read reviews that mention dialogue clarity and volume range for your room size, because a soundbar that sounds good in a demo room may disappoint at home.
  • Plan for placement on a TV stand, wall mount, or shelf — soundbars under a TV pointed upward sound different from those at ear level, and some designs do not fit certain stands.

Decide whether you need a separate subwoofer

A soundbar alone handles dialogue and mid-range sound well. A subwoofer adds bass — explosions, music, rumble — and is a separate purchase that costs between $100 and $400. You do not need one if you watch mostly news, talk shows, and dramas. You probably want one if you watch action films, play video games, or listen to music regularly.

The best way to decide is to listen to a soundbar without a subwoofer in a store and play a bass-heavy scene — an action movie trailer or a music video. If the low end feels thin or if you find yourself wanting more rumble, a subwoofer will make a real difference. If the bass is already satisfying, skip it. Keep in mind that adding a subwoofer later is possible with most soundbars, but it costs as much as buying one now, so decide upfront.

Some soundbars come bundled with a subwoofer included in the price. These bundles are usually better value than buying them separately, but only if the subwoofer size and power match your room. Read reviews to confirm the bundle sounds balanced — some cheap bundles pair a good soundbar with a weak subwoofer.

Check which connection types your TV and soundbar support

A soundbar connects to your TV through one of three main methods: HDMI eARC, optical cable, or Bluetooth. HDMI eARC is the newest and best option — it carries sound from your TV and any connected device (cable box, streaming player, game console) through a single cable. Optical is older but reliable and works with almost every TV made in the last 15 years. Bluetooth is wireless but can have lag with video, so it is best as a backup option.

Before you buy, check your TV's ports. Look at the back or side of your TV and find the HDMI ports — one should be labeled "eARC" or "ARC". If you do not see one, your TV is older and you will need an optical cable instead. Then check the soundbar specs to confirm it supports the connection type your TV has. Most soundbars support all three, but budget models sometimes skip HDMI eARC.

If your TV has neither HDMI eARC nor an optical port, you can still use Bluetooth, but you will need to manually switch the soundbar on and off with your TV, which is inconvenient. In that case, consider a soundbar with a remote control that can also control your TV, so you have one device to manage.

Read reviews that mention dialogue clarity and volume for your room size

Soundbars vary widely in how clear dialogue sounds — some make voices crisp and straightforward to follow, while others muffle speech or make it sound thin. This matters more than raw power because you will spend most of your time watching shows and films where you need to hear what people are saying. Look for reviews that specifically mention dialogue clarity, especially if you watch subtitled content or have hearing concerns.

Volume range is also important. A soundbar that sounds great at moderate volume may distort when you turn it up, or it may not get loud enough for a large room. Reviews that test volume in different room sizes are most useful. If you have a small bedroom, you do not need a soundbar rated for a 30-by-40-foot living room, and you will waste money on power you cannot use. If you have a large open space, a compact soundbar will disappoint no matter how good it is.

Avoid reviews that only say "sounds great" or "excellent quality" without explaining what that means in your situation. Look instead for reviews that describe specific content — "dialogue is clear on Netflix shows", "bass is punchy without overwhelming the room", "gets loud enough for a 20-by-25-foot space without distortion". Those details tell you whether the soundbar will work in your home.

Plan where the soundbar will sit and how it fits your setup

A soundbar under your TV on a stand sounds different from one mounted on the wall above the TV or on a shelf at ear level. Ideally, the soundbar should be at ear level when you are sitting down, or as close as possible. If your TV stand is deep, a soundbar may not fit in front of it without blocking the screen. If you plan to wall-mount the soundbar, check that your wall can support the weight — most weigh 3 to 8 pounds, which is light enough for drywall anchors, but confirm before drilling.

Some soundbars have a curved top that fits under a curved TV, while others are flat and work with any TV shape. If your TV has a stand that takes up a lot of space, measure the available width before you buy. A soundbar that is too wide will not fit, and returning it is a hassle. If you have a very small TV stand or a wall-mounted TV with no shelf below it, you may need a wall bracket, which is usually sold separately.

Think about cable management too. A soundbar with HDMI eARC needs only one cable to your TV, but if you use optical, you will have a thicker cable that is less flexible. Bluetooth avoids cables but requires you to charge the soundbar or plug in a power adapter. Plan where the power outlet is and whether you want cables visible or hidden behind the TV.

Compare price against features you will actually use

Soundbars range from $80 to over $1,000. A $150 to $300 soundbar covers most people's needs — it handles dialogue clearly, adds noticeable bass, and connects easily to your TV. Cheaper models ($80 to $150) work but often have thin sound and limited bass. More expensive models ($400 and up) add features like surround speakers, height channels for overhead sound, or voice control, but these are extras you may never use.

Before spending extra, ask yourself: Will I use surround speakers? Do I want to add them later? Do I care about voice control through Alexa or Google? Will I watch movies in surround sound, or mostly watch TV? If you watch mostly TV and streaming shows, a basic soundbar is enough. If you are a film enthusiast or gamer, the extra cost for surround speakers or height channels may be worth it, but only if you plan to use them.

Check the warranty too. Most soundbars come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty. Some brands offer longer warranties or accidental damage coverage for an extra cost. If you have pets or small children, damage coverage might be worth the extra $20 to $30.

Test the soundbar in the store if possible, or read detailed reviews

The best way to choose is to listen to a soundbar in person before you buy. Bring a phone or tablet with a video clip you know well — a movie trailer, a music video, or a TV show clip. Play it through the soundbar and listen for dialogue clarity, bass response, and overall balance. Compare two or three models side by side if the store has them set up. What sounds good in a demo room may not sound the same at home, but it gives you a baseline.

If you cannot test in a store, read multiple reviews from different sources. Look for reviewers who test in different room sizes and describe what they hear, not just give a rating. Watch video reviews if available — hearing the soundbar in action is more useful than reading about it. Pay attention to reviews from people with similar room sizes and viewing habits to yours.

Check the return policy before you buy. Most retailers allow returns within 30 days, which gives you time to test the soundbar at home and send it back if it does not work for you. Online retailers like Amazon often have longer return windows than big-box stores, so factor that into your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a soundbar if my TV already has built-in speakers?

TV speakers are usually thin and tinny, especially on larger TVs. A soundbar makes dialogue clearer and adds bass that TV speakers cannot produce. If you are happy with your TV's sound, you do not need one, but most people notice a real improvement after adding a soundbar.

Can I use a soundbar with a projector instead of a TV?

Yes, as long as your projector has audio output — HDMI eARC, optical, or Bluetooth. A soundbar works the same way with a projector as with a TV. You may want a larger soundbar for a projector setup because the screen is usually bigger and the room is darker, which can make sound feel more immersive.

What is the difference between a soundbar and a sound system with separate speakers?

A soundbar is one unit that sits under or above your TV. A sound system has separate speakers for left, center, right, and surround channels, plus a subwoofer. Sound systems sound better but cost more, take up more space, and require more cables. A soundbar is simpler and works for most people.

Will a soundbar work with my older TV that only has RCA audio ports?

Most modern soundbars do not have RCA inputs. You would need an adapter or a soundbar made for older TVs, which are harder to find. If your TV is very old, consider upgrading the TV or using a Bluetooth soundbar if your TV supports it.

How do I know if a soundbar will fit my TV stand?

Measure the width of your TV stand's top surface and compare it to the soundbar width in the product specs. The soundbar should be slightly narrower than the stand so it sits flat without overhanging. If your stand is narrower than the soundbar, you will need a wall mount instead.