Bluetooth speakers are the next big thing. They look dope, don’t mess the room up with heaps of cables, and, most importantly, sound significantly better than the built-in TV tweeters. More good news: you won’t have to pay a top dollar to get your hands on one of these. The Best Bluetooth Speakers For TV are available at a reasonable price and take five minute stops to get connected.
Which brand should you pick, though? There are dozens of different products on the market – how do you know which device fits you best? Don’t worry: I’ve got your back! For this post, I tested 50+ different speakers and soundbars and, after weeks of putting every single device through tough trials, I came up with the following list. So, come check it out!
Table of Contents
Best Bluetooth Speakers for TV Review
1. Samsung HW-A650/ZA – Best Wireless Bluetooth Speaker for TV
Home-theater fans looking for a crisp, detailed, and bright high end will like what Samsung has to offer. The mids sound pretty great as well, thanks to the premium-quality audio components and advanced engineering. As for the bass (the lower frequencies), it’s just as deep, punchy, and all-consuming as you’d want it to be. This is all thanks to the standalone subwoofer: it easily handles not only pop but also dance and hip-hop (bass-heavy music).
Another big pro is the included DTS Dolby 5.1 technology. It does a great job of simulating an immersive, Dolby sound experience, drawing you into the action on the TV screen. On the downside, HW-A650 is not a cheap kit – you’ll have to pay a bit extra for it. However, this will be a worthy purchase for anyone out there that puts audio quality first. The volume level is decent too, by the way, and can fill the biggest room.
The Pros:
- Bright, well-pronounced mids and highs – no sizzle
- Strong, punchy bass thanks to the mighty sub
- Dolby 5.1 immersive sound simulation
The Cons:
- Slightly on the expensive side
Verdict
Samsung lives up to its own name with this all-around solid wireless Bluetooth setup. The soundbar takes care of the mids/highs, while the subwoofer brings life into the bass frequencies. Add Dolby Digital support, and you’ll instantly see the appeal. This is a pricy unit, though – keep that in mind.
2. BYL S9920 – Best Bluetooth Speakers for TV under 100 dollars
Not sure you can (or want) to afford the not-so-cheap Samsung kit? Then you should probably take a closer look at BYL. While this bar isn’t as fancy, it’s available at a very attractive price and carries great value. It’s protected by a top-quality fabric that aids in sound permeability and is touch-friendly. You won’t get a woofer with this package, though. So, don’t expect the low frequencies to be “popping” in your face.
Still, the sound quality is more than solid, especially for movies and TV series. This is a 40-inch, 100Watt soundbar, and it comes packed with a rather handy RC to control the system while you’re on the couch. The included DSP technology is quite decent as well (for this price range). Finally, it’s worth mentioning that BYL protects its product with a two-month trial warranty, which is always a nice touch.
The Pros:
- Mesh fabric cover for permeability and minimalism
- Highly affordable, yet carries an excellent value
- Covered by a 60-day home trial warranty
The Cons:
- Not enough low-end kick
Verdict
The attractive price tag is what puts the BYL soundbar on the spot. It’s backed by a 60-day trial warranty, features a minimalistic, permeable fabric cover, and can get as loud as 100 watts. The highs and the mids hold up nicely; sadly, the low-end response is average at best on this unit.
3. Edifier R1280DB WOOD – Best Home Bluetooth Speakers for Music
This set is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about home speakers. It has a retro/futuristic design that can easily fit your home theater and match its vibe from the get-go. The biggest advantage over the competition has to do with the stereo field. Since we’re getting a set of speakers with this product, not just a single soundbar, proper stereo imaging will certainly be a part of the deal.
Edifier, the company behind R1280DB, protects the speakers with a two-year warranty (parts or labor). You can use aux or RCA cables to connect to your TV. Or, take advantage of the Bluetooth interface. Sadly, it’s not always very stable and has a slightly lower than average wireless range. Other than that, these four-inch, near-field monitors will be a great addition to any audiophile’s setup.
The Pros:
- Old-school, but trendy and eye-grabbing design
- The speakers create a believable stereo field
- Covered by a two-year parts/labor warranty
The Cons:
- Bluetooth connection isn’t always steady
Verdict
Despite the minor issues with Bluetooth, Edifier is still a bargain. First of all, it rocks an attention-grabbing design that fits in many different environments. Secondly, you can use the Edifier speakers to achieve a true stereo field. And let’s not forget about the generous warranty deal!
4. Bose 838309-1100 – Best Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth
We just praised the Edifier speakers for the vintage look, and they certainly do deserve the kudos. However, they’re not very lightweight or compact, especially compared to this soundbar by Bose. Even if you’ve got extremely limited space right under the TV, this unit will still be able to fit. The installation process is very fast and straightforward as well, no matter what connectivity technology (wired or wireless) you’re using.
Next, the sound quality is pretty decent. Oh, and if you are generally worried about how quiet/inaudible dialogues tend to be in movies, that won’t be a problem anymore with this device. It’s great at making the vocals clearer than ever. Unfortunately, full support of voice commands isn’t in the picture (like Google Assistant or Siri), but that’s a minor price to pay for all the pros.
The Pros:
- Fast, simple setup: can be done in five minutes
- Compact, lightweight design – easy to fit
- Does a great job of clarifying vocals
The Cons:
- Poor Alexa/Google Assistant support
Verdict
Small-sized, flexible, and compatible with a wide range of TVs, this Bose soundbar is exactly what most home theaters are looking for. Hassle-free installation and clear, audible dialogues are even more reasons to pick it over the competition. Just don’t expect full Assistant/Alexa support.
5. VMAI Sound Bar – Best Cheap Bluetooth Speakers With Good Bass
Alright, now let’s take a quick look at VMAI and see what this brand has to bring to the table. We’ve been talking about design a lot throughout this review: some speakers/bars have a retro touch, while others boast a miniature design. As for this soundbar, it can not only be placed on a shelf or a cabinet but also mounted on the wall. This takes versatility to a different level and allows you to save previous space around the TV.
And, you’ll never feel a shortage of connectivity options, because VMAI supports a long list of different interfaces. I’m talking about Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, RCA, and Aux. There’s even a handy Touch Panel on the right side of the soundbar for quick controls. So, is this the best bar + woofer set for your TV? It’s quite a good deal, that’s very much true. However, it’s produced in China and has minor problems with quality control.
The Pros:
- Supports five different wired and wireless interfaces
- Flexible design: can be mounted on the wall
- Features a fancy, intuitive Touch Panel
The Cons:
- Designed and made in China
Verdict
With a mountable design, a wide range of supported connectivity options, and a decent set of extra features, the VMAI soundbar is a keeper. Manufactured in China, it does have some QC and QA issues (like long delivery times, damaged packaged, and wrong parts). But, It’s still a solid deal.
How to Choose the Right Bluetooth Speaker?
If you’re new to this, picking the perfect soundbar or speaker can be a daunting task. There are so many different options available that you’ll probably end up buying the wrong audio equipment. You’re in luck, though, because I’m here to share with you the key factors that set a premium Bluetooth speaker from a mediocre product. We won’t get into any technical topics – just the meat and potatoes:
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Connectivity Options. This is probably NOT what you think about when scrolling through the available Bluetooth devices. However, it’s still very important. Sometimes, Bluetooth simply refuses to work, no matter what you do. In other cases, you’ve got multiple wireless gadgets working simultaneously in the house and that makes the connection less than stable. So, see that the speakers/bar has at least one or two digital inputs.
I’m talking about HDMI (usually labeled ARC – Audio Return Channel) and USB. Analog interfaces aren’t horrible, of course, but they’re still not as great. Going back to Bluetooth, make sure it’s got a decent enough wireless connection range. Depending on how big your home theater is, this can be an issue.
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Dolby, DTS, and DSP. Wait, how can a single soundbar or a pair of speakers have anything to do with Dolby Digital? Well, this actually works, thanks to modern-day technology. Yes, the result won’t be as impressive as with a true 5.1 or 7.1 system, but you’ll still get that atmospheric, surround sound effect. If you see something like “DTS X” or “Dolby Digital 5.1” in the specs, that means immersive sound simulation will be a part of the picture.
DSP, in turn, is an advanced equalization module that adjusts to different content for an optimized, adaptive sound. Some Bluetooth speakers have at least three modes: Movies, Music, and Dialog.
Connect a Bluetooth Speaker to your TV: Detailed Guide
Pretty much every Bluetooth speaker out there can be connected to the TV (or any other device) through good-old wired inputs and outputs. It all comes down to what connectivity interfaces the television set and the speaker/bar supports. As I just mentioned, the most advanced systems feature not only the somewhat outdated RCA, optical, and aux ports, but also digital standards like HDMI and USB.
Digital interfaces are significantly faster and more reliable than their analog counterparts. On top of that, they deliver a higher audio quality. Wireless connection has also proven to be better than RCAs and Jacks. I’m talking about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, of course. Now, for home equipment systems, Bluetooth is a lot more common than Wi-Fi. The question remains, though: how do you get your speakers properly connected to a TV?
There’s nothing hard about this! If you want to go wireless, first, turn the speakers/soundbar on. Next, go to your TV’s settings and choose the right interface. That’s pretty much it! The same applies to analog and digital connectivity technologies. Use a cable (most speaker kits include one in the package) to establish a connection, select the right option in the television’s menu, and you should start hearing whatever’s playing on the TV through the speakers.
How Can a Home Theater Increase the Value of Your Home?
So, you decided to invest big bucks into your dream home theater. That’s great news, but it begs the question: will it increase the value of your home, or not? How much of a “boost” can you expect once the theater is all set up? Here are the average numbers for you. When built properly, HTs return the owner up to 65% of the production cost. Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
True, you won’t be able to get every single invested dollar back, but it’s still a decent deal. Say, if it cost $10K to build that home theater, it will add $6-7K to the overall value of your house. Again, we’re talking about the industry average, and every single case is unique. But, you can use this info to have at least a basic understanding of how much someone can (realistically) gain back from building an HT.
And one more thing: sadly, the pandemic is not going anywhere any time soon. With that said, a home theater will make your house a really attractive deal for a fan of that “movie theater experience” that wants to enjoy it in peace and safety. So, potentially, in the near future, the return cost will be much higher than it is right now.
How do you Soundproof a Home Theater? Everything You Need to Know
Having a cozy home theater is one thing. Making sure it’s soundproof is an entirely different story. You gotta make sure the loud music, explosions, and whatnot from your favorite movies/series are not leaking into the other rooms in the house and disturbing your family members (or neighbors). The good news is – this isn’t rocket science, and you can get it done on your own.
All you’ll need is sleight of hands, a basic set of tools, and, of course, this guide. The most common way to isolate a room is to use acoustic panels. Or, if you’re ready to go an extra mile, use drywall to turn the home theater into a “dead room”. This material is great at absorbing audio waves and can be painted over. But, if you want a quick, cheap, yet effective solution, isolating panels are your best pick.
Carpets, couches, and chairs serve as sound absorbers as well. It all comes down to materials. For example, acoustic panels are crafted from fiberglass, foam, or even cellulose. The biggest downside to this approach – you might not like how they look on your theater’s walls. So, there you have it: for a complete overhaul, consider using drywall to get pro-level isolation. And for the average home theater, acoustic panels will do just fine.
What is the Loudest Bluetooth Speaker?
When it comes to audio equipment, loudness is a very relative term. Besides, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through all the different definitions and specifications. Now, the first term that you’ll see pop up in Bluetooth Speaker specs is “Peak Volume”. The only thing that you gotta know about it is that it’s not, in any way, a realistic representation of how loud the speakers really are. Yes, they can, technically, get that loud.
However, as the name suggests, this is the peak volume. If you keep blasting the speakers with the volume knob maxed out to 11, best believe the tweeters will break down before long. So, what should you do, then? Look at the RMS. AKA root-mean-square it’s the most accurate indication of proper-level volume. Remember: RMS is twice as low as peak, but, again, it is what you’ll be working with.
Thus, if you see something like “500 watts power” in the specifications, that means the actual volume is half that. For most home theaters, 200-250 watts RMS is a pretty great deal. It will be more than enough to listen to your favorite music tracks and dive into a surround-sound movie. So, now that you know the difference between RMS and Peak, it will be much easier to pick the unit that suits you best.
Buyer’s Guide
Earlier in the FAQ, I named connectivity interfaces and advanced features like Dolby and EQ some of the most important things to look for in a Bluetooth speaker, and that’s very much true. And in this guide, I want to talk to you about pricing, the package/extras, and the importance of a subwoofer, among other things. The more you know about what a perfect speaker or soundbar looks like, the easier it will be to make the right pick.
#1: Finding the Right Price
Getting your hands on a solid-quality Bluetooth speaker set without paying a fortune is a pretty big challenge. There’s a pretty useful trick that you can use, though. Here’s what you do: check at least a dozen of best-selling kits and try to come up with an industry-average price. Next, check some cheap options and some premium sets. This way, you’ll have a rough estimate of how much this purchase will cost you.
To help you with the choice, here are some quick facts. An entry-level Bluetooth speaker for a TV can be yours for just $100, or even less. While it probably won’t include a sub or any fancy extras, it will still be a great deal. A $100-150 set will have features like Bass Boost, different EQ modes, and at least 80watts RMS. Moving up to the $200-300 range you should expect a generous warranty, accurate Dolby simulation, and more.
#2: Checking the Package
As we already discussed, even Bluetooth speakers need at least one or two wired inputs/outputs just in case. So, make sure the package includes all the right cables for quick connection. An RC (remote control) would also be appreciated, along with detailed instructions on how to get the speakers or soundbar set and connected to the TV.
#3: Does the Kit Include a Woofer?
This is another thing to check before committing. The speaker set might be pretty great and handle mid and high frequencies properly, but you won’t get much low-end punch without a subwoofer. Sure, you could always save a bit and add it later. However, I would recommend investing in an all-in-one kind of package that includes both the speakers (or bar) AND the subwoofer.
Why do that, exactly? The answer is really simple: if all the equipment comes from the same manufacturer, packed in the same kit, you won’t have to worry about compatibility. The audio quality will probably be higher as well because the engineers had the opportunity to get it all in perfect sync.
#4: A Built-in Speaker + Side Controls
Did you know that movie dialogues are one of the hardest tasks for any Bluetooth speaker to handle? That’s right, and to make sure you can hear everything clearly, check the specifications for a built-in speaker. Also known as the center, or the vocal speaker, it makes all the difference in the world. These are only found in soundbars, though – keep that in mind. As for the side controls, they’re just a nice bonus (not a mandatory feature).
Conclusion
Decent-quality Bluetooth speaker systems can greatly improve the audio quality of any home theater, taking the immersive experience up a notch. They look just like regular speakers and bars but keep everything nice and neat since there are no cables for you to stumble upon. If you’re not ready to invest big bucks in a Bluetooth speaker, go with BYL – one of the cheapest options on the table.
The Samsung unit, in contrast, is pretty expensive, but the impeccable audio quality is well worth it. And if you prefer the “retro” speaker design over modern-day bars, Edifier might be the right pick. Finally, Bose is the sleekest device on the list, while VMAI features a fancy control panel. Take your pick, and enjoy your favorite TV series to the fullest!
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