The Best TV Speakers on the Market Right Now
By Robert Jones · 2024-03-24
Modern TVs often sound as inspiring as a wet weekend, but you don't need a full home cinema setup to fix it. I've tested countless options; here are my top picks for making your telly sound its best.
Right, let's be honest. Modern TVs, bless 'em, often sound about as inspiring as a wet weekend in Weston-super-Mare. They're razor-thin, all screen, and that leaves precious little room for proper speakers. So, if you've just dropped a grand or two on a shiny new telly, only to find the dialogue muffled and the explosions sounding like someone rattling a biscuit tin, you're not alone. I’ve been there, more times than I care to admit. Over the past two decades, I’ve had more speakers pass through my workshop than most people have had hot dinners. From tiny soundbars to monstrous home cinema setups, I’ve tested them all, trying to coax decent sound out of the trickiest rooms. The good news? You don't need a full-blown 7.1 system to get a massive improvement. A decent pair of TV speakers can utterly transform your viewing experience, making movies punchier, music clearer, and even the news more engaging. Let's cut through the marketing waffle and talk about what actually works. ### **Quick Verdict:** **For most folks, a well-chosen soundbar is the easiest and most effective way to drastically improve your TV's sound.**  *The Best TV Speakers on the Market Right Now — tested in the SpeakersMag workshop.* ## Why Your TV Needs Better Speakers It’s pretty simple, really. Physics. Good sound needs space, air movement, and decent drivers. Modern TVs sacrifice all of that for aesthetics. They stick tiny, downward-firing drivers in there, often with next to no cabinet volume. It’s like trying to get a decent spread from a garden hose – you just can’t do it properly. What does this mean for your viewing? Well, dialogue can be muddy, especially in busy scenes. Explosions lack impact. Music often sounds thin and harsh. You end up cranking the volume, only for it to become even more unpleasant. It’s a shame, really, because the visuals are often stunning, but the sound just lets the whole thing down. It’s like watching a Michelin-star chef cook with tinned ingredients – the picture’s there, but the flavour’s all wrong. ## What We're Looking For in TV Speakers When I’m testing speakers for a TV setup, I’m not just looking for raw volume. That’s easy enough to get. I’m after clarity, especially for speech. I want a bit of weight to the lower frequencies, so action scenes feel impactful. A decent soundstage helps too, making the sound feel like it’s coming from around the screen, not just a tiny box below it. And, crucially, it needs to integrate well with the TV – easy setup, sensible controls, and ideally not a gazillion extra cables. We're primarily talking about soundbars here, as they’re the most popular and practical solution for most living rooms. Sometimes, I’ll throw in a couple of active stereo speakers if they fit the bill, but for sheer convenience and aesthetic appeal, soundbars often win out. Proper home cinema setups with AV receivers and separate passive speakers are a different beast altogether – fantastic, yes, but often overkill for a simple TV upgrade. ## The Contenders: My Top Picks for TV Sound I’ve picked out a few of my current favourites, ranging from budget-friendly upgrades to more premium options. These are the ones I’ve spent time with, lived with, and put through their paces with everything from gritty dramas to blockbusters and live sport. ### 1. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) – The Smart All-Rounder This is a cracker, honestly. Sonos has really nailed the soundbar formula with the Beam. I’ve had one in my lounge for a good six months, and it’s been a reliable performer day in, day out. It’s compact, looks smart, and the sound it kicks out for its size is genuinely surprising. It uses virtual Dolby Atmos, which, while not true discrete channels, does a pretty decent job of adding height and width to the soundstage. You won’t get speakers firing from your ceiling, obviously, but it creates a more immersive bubble of sound than a standard stereo bar. Dialogue is crystal clear, which is a massive win for late-night viewing when you don’t want to wake the house up by cranking the volume. Setup is a doddle with the Sonos app, and it integrates brilliantly into a wider Sonos system if you’ve already got one. You can add a Sub Mini or even a pair of One SLs as surrounds later on, turning it into a proper wireless 5.1 system. That’s a lovely bit of future-proofing, if you ask me. **Pros:** * Excellent, clear dialogue * Surprisingly wide and tall soundstage for its size (virtual Atmos) * Compact and stylish design * Easy setup and seamless Sonos ecosystem integration * Expandable with wireless subwoofer and surrounds **Cons:** * Bass, while decent, won't shake the room without the optional Sub Mini * A bit pricier than some entry-level soundbars * No physical HDMI passthrough (just one eARC port) **Who it's for:** * Anyone wanting a significant upgrade to their TV sound with minimal fuss. * Those who value clear dialogue above all else. * People already in the Sonos ecosystem or considering it. * Smaller to medium-sized living rooms. **Who should skip it:** * Bass-heads who refuse to buy a separate subwoofer. * People with very large open-plan spaces who need something more substantial. * Those on a very tight budget (around £450). ### 2. Samsung HW-Q800C – The Punchy Performer Now, if you want a bit more oomph without going full-blown AV receiver, this Samsung unit is a serious contender. It comes with a wireless subwoofer straight out of the box, which immediately gives you that proper bottom end that many soundbars lack. I ran this through a few action films – *Top Gun: Maverick* was a real test – and it handled them brilliantly. Explosions had weight, jet engines roared, and the music felt much fuller. It supports actual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, and it’s got up-firing drivers in the bar itself, which makes a noticeable difference to the height effects. You get sound that feels like it’s coming from above and around you, not just front-on. The dedicated centre channel also ensures dialogue remains prominent, even when things get chaotic. Q-Symphony is a neat trick if you have a compatible Samsung TV; it uses the TV’s speakers in conjunction with the soundbar for an even bigger soundstage. Might sound a bit gimmicky, but I found it added a bit of extra openness. Setup is generally straightforward, though getting the subwoofer placement right can take a bit of tweaking. **Pros:** * Comes with a powerful wireless subwoofer for impactful bass. * Dedicated up-firing drivers for genuine Dolby Atmos/DTS:X height effects. * Excellent overall clarity and dynamic range. * Q-Symphony integration with compatible Samsung TVs. **Cons:** * Larger footprint due to the separate subwoofer. * Can be a bit much for smaller rooms if you're not careful with the bass levels. * Can be a bit fiddly to dial in the perfect sound for your room. **Who it's for:** * Anyone craving proper cinematic bass and immersive Atmos/DTS:X sound. * People with medium to larger living rooms. * Samsung TV owners wanting the Q-Symphony feature. * Those who enjoy action films and bass-heavy music. **Who should skip it:** * Those who absolutely cannot accommodate a separate subwoofer. * People living in flats where excessive bass might annoy neighbours. * Small room dwellers who prefer a more subtle sound. * Budget-conscious buyers (around £600-£700 usually). ### 3. Roku Streambar – The Budget Smart Upgrade Okay, if you’re trying to spruce up an older TV or just want a significant sound boost without spending a fortune, the Roku Streambar is a clever little device. It’s a soundbar, yes, but it’s also a full-blown 4K HDR streaming stick built in. I tried one of these out for a friend who had a rather ancient plasma TV, and it made a world of difference to both the picture and sound quality. The sound quality is surprisingly good for its size and price (often under £100). Dialogue is clear, and it adds a decent amount of body to the sound that your TV simply can’t manage. No, you won’t get room-shaking bass or Atmos effects, but for general TV watching, news, and even casual movie nights, it’s a massive step up from built-in speakers. The biggest selling point, beyond the sound, is the Roku streaming platform. It’s super intuitive, fast, and has all the major streaming apps. So, not only do you get better sound, but you also upgrade your TV's smart capabilities instantly. It’s a brilliant two-in-one solution for an older set or a second room TV. **Pros:** * Incredibly affordable for a soundbar and 4K streamer combo. * Significantly improves TV audio over built-in speakers. * Excellent Roku streaming platform built-in. * Compact and easy to set up. **Cons:** * Limited bass response; not for bass-heads. * No immersive surround sound or Atmos capabilities. * Only one HDMI port (ARC/eARC). * Sound quality is good for the price, but not audiophile level. **Who it's for:** * People with older, non-smart TVs who want an audio and streaming upgrade. * Budget-conscious buyers looking for the best bang for their buck. * Anyone needing a simple, all-in-one solution for a bedroom or kitchen TV. * Those who prioritise clear dialogue and general TV sound over cinematic effects. **Who should skip it:** * Anyone who already has a good smart TV and doesn't need the streaming features. * Viewers who demand powerful bass or immersive surround sound. * People with very large rooms where it might struggle to fill the space. ### 4. Polk Signa S4 – Great Value Atmos without the Fiddliness Polk has been around for ages, and they know a thing or two about speakers. The Signa S4 is a solid mid-range option that gives you Dolby Atmos without breaking the bank or requiring a massive footprint. Like the Samsung, it comes with a wireless subwoofer, which is always a bonus in my book. I had this one hooked up in a client’s snug, and it delivered a really well-balanced sound. The up-firing drivers do a good job of creating a sense of height, making rain sound like it’s actually coming from above, or helicopters flying overhead feel more realistic. Dialogue is clear and never gets lost, thanks to Polk’s VoiceAdjust technology, which lets you boost speech levels independently. That’s a feature I wish more soundbars had, especially for those mumbled dramas. It’s pretty straightforward to set up, just HDMI eARC, and you’re off. The subwoofer connects wirelessly, so no messy cables running across the room. It’s not quite as expansive as the Samsung HW-Q800C in terms of raw power, but it’s a more refined sound, perhaps better suited to those who want a cinematic experience without feeling overwhelmed. **Pros:** * Includes a wireless subwoofer for genuine low-end impact. * Dedicated up-firing drivers for effective Dolby Atmos. * Polk VoiceAdjust for crystal-clear dialogue. * Good value for money for an Atmos-enabled system. **Cons:** * Design is a bit more utilitarian than some competitors. * Not as many advanced smart features as Sonos or Roku. * Bass can be a bit boomy if not positioned carefully. **Who it's for:** * People seeking a proper Dolby Atmos experience with a subwoofer, but on a sensible budget. * Those who appreciate clear dialogue and need a dedicated adjustment for it. * Anyone wanting a simple, effective home cinema upgrade without too much fuss. **Who should skip it:** * Folks who prefer a sleeker, more minimal aesthetic. * Users who want a fully integrated smart speaker ecosystem. * Those needing a huge, room-filling sound for massive spaces. ### 5. Denon Home Sound Bar 550 – Compact Hi-Res Audio Denon has a serious pedigree in audio, and their Home Sound Bar 550 packs a lot of their expertise into a rather dinky package. What sets this one apart is its support for Hi-Res Audio and the ability to integrate into the wider Denon HEOS multi-room ecosystem. I’ve always been a fan of Denon amps, and their soundbars often carry that same clean, detailed sound signature. Despite its small size, it does a surprisingly good job with virtual Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. You won’t get the same height effects as bars with dedicated up-firing drivers, but the soundstage is impressively wide and quite tall. Dialogue is crisp, and music sounds particularly good through it – much better than many other soundbars in this size class. It’s also Alexa built-in, which is handy if you’re already invested in Amazon’s smart home setup. Like the Sonos, you can add wireless surrounds (Denon Home 150/250/350) and a wireless subwoofer (Denon DSW-1H) later if you want to expand. If space is at a premium but sound quality is still important, this is a very strong contender. **Pros:** * Very compact design, ideal for smaller setups. * Excellent sound quality, particularly good for music, with Hi-Res Audio support. * Virtual Dolby Atmos/DTS:X creates a wide, engaging soundstage. * Built-in Alexa and HEOS multi-room integration. * Expandable with wireless surrounds and subwoofer. **Cons:** * Virtual Atmos isn't as convincing as dedicated up-firing drivers. * Bass is decent but limited without the separate subwoofer. * Can be a bit pricier for its size. * HEOS app can be a little less intuitive than Sonos for some. **Who it's for:** * People with limited space who still demand quality sound. * Music lovers who want a soundbar that excels with audio as well as films. * Those already in the HEOS ecosystem or wanting Alexa built-in. * Anyone wanting a clean, detailed sound signature. **Who should skip it:** * Anyone prioritising absolute raw power and deep, chest-thumping bass from a single unit. * Those who prefer simpler, less feature-rich soundbars. * Viewers who demand the most convincing Atmos height effects possible. ## Comparison Table: TV Speaker Showdown | Feature | Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Samsung HW-Q800C | Roku Streambar | Polk Signa S4 | Denon Home Sound Bar 550 | | :------------------ | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | :-------------------- | :----------------------- | | **Price (approx)** | £450 | £650 | £90 | £350 | £400 | | **Subwoofer** | Optional (Sub Mini) | Included (Wireless) | No | Included (Wireless) | Optional (DSW-1H) | | **Atmos/DTS:X** | Virtual Atmos | True Atmos/DTS:X | No | True Atmos | Virtual Atmos/DTS:X | | **Voice Clarity** | Excellent | Very Good (Centre Ch) | Good | Excellent (VoiceAdjust) | Excellent | | **Connectivity** | HDMI eARC, Wi-Fi | HDMI eARC, Optical, BT| HDMI ARC, Optical, BT | HDMI eARC, Optical, BT| HDMI eARC, Optical, BT, Wi-Fi | | **Smart Features** | Sonos App, Alexa/G-Asst| Q-Symphony, Alexa (opt)| Roku OS, Voice Remote | None | HEOS, Alexa Built-in | | **Expandable** | Yes (Sub, Surrounds) | Yes (Wireless Rears) | Yes (Roku Wireless Sub/Speakers) | No | Yes (Sub, Surrounds) | | **Best For** | All-rounder, Sonos users| Cinematic impact, Bass | Budget streaming/sound | Value Atmos, Dialogue | Compact Hi-Res, Music | *Prices are approximate and subject to change based on retailers and sales.* ## Setting Up Your TV Speakers: A Few Pointers from an Old Hand Right, you’ve picked your soundbar. Great. Now, don’t just plonk it down and expect magic. A bit of thought goes a long way. ### Placement Matters Most soundbars are designed to sit directly in front of your TV, either on the TV stand or mounted just below it. Try to keep it clear of any obstructions, especially if it has up-firing drivers. Don’t stuff it into a cabinet. It needs space to breathe, and those drivers need a clear path to reflect sound off your ceiling. For subwoofers, it’s a bit more flexible. Often, placing it in a corner can give you more bass, but it can also make it a bit boomy. Experiment a bit. Walk around your room while some bass-heavy music is playing – you’ll find spots where the bass sounds much better. The idea is to find a spot that integrates well with the soundbar, not just where it's loudest. Try near the TV, then move it slowly outwards. ### Connections – Keep it Simple Most modern soundbars connect via HDMI ARC or eARC. This is the simplest and best way. It means your TV remote can usually control the soundbar’s volume, and it can pass through higher-quality audio formats like Dolby Atmos. If you have an older TV without ARC, an optical cable is your next best bet, but you’ll lose some of those advanced audio formats. Always use the HDMI port labelled "ARC" or "eARC" on your TV. It makes life so much easier. Trust me, I’ve wasted hours troubleshooting systems because folks just plugged it into any old HDMI port. ### Room Acoustics (Don't Panic!) Now, I’m not saying you need to turn your lounge into an anechoic chamber. But a few simple things can help. Hard, reflective surfaces (bare walls, glass tables) can make soundbars sound harsh. Soft furnishings (rugs, curtains, sofas) help absorb sound and make things sound warmer and more natural. Don’t go overboard, but a bit of balance helps. If you have a very lively, echoey room, even the best soundbar can struggle. ## FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered ### Q: Do I really need a soundbar, or are TV speakers good enough? A: Honestly? For most people, a soundbar is a night and day difference. TV speakers are an afterthought in modern sets. If you care about dialogue clarity, impact from movies, or simply enjoying music, a soundbar is one of the best upgrades you can make. Your ears will thank you. ### Q: What’s the difference between HDMI ARC and eARC? A: ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets you send audio from your TV back to your soundbar over a single HDMI cable. eARC (enhanced Audio Return Channel) does the same but with much higher bandwidth. This means eARC can handle uncompressed, high-bitrate audio formats like Dolby Atmos (the uncompressed kind) and DTS:X, which ARC often can’t. If your TV and soundbar have eARC, always use it. ### Q: Can I use regular stereo speakers with my TV? A: Yes, absolutely! If you’ve got a pair of active (powered) stereo speakers, you can often connect them directly to your TV via an optical output, or sometimes even a 3.5mm headphone jack. The soundstage can be excellent, and music often sounds fantastic. The downside is usually more cables, and you often lose the seamless control you get with a dedicated soundbar (e.g., using your TV remote for volume). Passive speakers need an amplifier, which adds another box and more complexity. ### Q: Is Dolby Atmos worth it for a soundbar? A: It depends. True, discrete Dolby Atmos systems with ceiling speakers are phenomenal. Soundbars that use up-firing drivers (like the Samsung HW-Q800C or Polk Signa S4) can create a really convincing sense of height and envelopment, which is absolutely worth it for movies. Virtual Atmos (like the Sonos Beam or Denon Home 550) is less dramatic but still creates a bigger, taller soundstage than standard stereo. Don’t expect miracles from virtual Atmos, but it’s still an upgrade. ### Q: How much should I spend on TV speakers? A: You can get a decent upgrade for under £100 with something like the Roku Streambar. For a really noticeable leap in quality, especially with dialogue and some bass, aim for £300-£500. If you want proper immersive Atmos with a subwoofer, you’re looking at £500+. It really depends on your room size, your priorities, and how much you watch films. Think of it as an investment in your enjoyment. ## Final Word Look, improving your TV’s sound isn’t just about getting louder volume; it’s about clarity, impact, and immersion. It’s about not having to rewind dialogue because you missed what someone said, or feeling the rumble of a distant explosion rather than just hearing a tinny thump. For years, I’ve preached that sound is half the picture, and it’s still true. You wouldn’t watch a blurry film, so why listen to muffled sound? A good soundbar, or even a well-chosen pair of active speakers, can breathe new life into your TV and make your viewing experience genuinely enjoyable again. Don't suffer in silence – or, worse, with bad sound. Treat your ears; they