Settling in for movie night, you dim the lights, grab your favorite snacks, and hit play. But instead of being swept away by the cinematic experience, you’re straining to hear the dialogue over the background music, or worse, the explosions sound like muffled pops. It’s a common frustration! Modern TVs are sleek and visually stunning, but often compromise on audio quality. That’s where external speakers come in, turning your living room into a home theater haven.
Finding the best external speakers for TV can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’ve done the research for you. Our reviews and buying guide will help you navigate the world of soundbars, bookshelf speakers, and subwoofers, ensuring you find the perfect match for your TV, your room, and your budget. Get ready to unlock a whole new level of audio immersion!
Before we start our review of the best external speakers for tv, here are some related products you can find on Amazon:
Tired of Mumbling Dialogue? Let’s Talk TV Sound
Ever find yourself constantly reaching for the remote to adjust the volume during your favorite show? You’re not alone! So many modern TVs, while boasting incredible picture quality, often fall short in the audio department. Blame thin designs, smaller built-in speakers, or just a general lack of oomph. This can lead to a frustrating viewing experience, especially when you’re trying to catch every nuance of a gripping drama or the subtle punchline of a witty comedy. In fact, a recent survey showed that over 60% of TV owners are dissatisfied with the sound quality of their televisions straight out of the box.
That’s where the magic of external speakers comes in. They can transform your living room into a true home theater, delivering rich, clear audio that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. Think explosions that rattle your bones, crystal-clear dialogue that cuts through the noise, and immersive soundscapes that pull you deeper into the story. The difference is truly night and day!
But with so many options on the market, choosing the right setup can feel overwhelming. From soundbars to full surround sound systems, it’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon and endless specifications. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate the world of audio and find the perfect match for your needs and budget.
Consider this your friendly guide to finding the best external speakers for tv. We’ll explore the different types of speaker systems, discuss key features to look for, and recommend some of our top picks. Get ready to say goodbye to muffled dialogue and hello to immersive, cinematic sound!
The Best External Speakers For Tv
Sonos Arc
The Sonos Arc is a premium soundbar that delivers an immersive, room-filling audio experience. Setting it up is a breeze, and its sleek design blends seamlessly into any living room setup. The Arc boasts Dolby Atmos support, creating a truly three-dimensional soundscape that elevates your movie nights to a whole new level. Speech clarity is also excellent, ensuring you never miss a single word of dialogue.
However, the Arc’s price point might be a barrier for some. While it sounds great on its own, you might want to consider adding a Sonos Sub for deeper bass and a more impactful cinematic feel. Overall, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line soundbar that’s easy to use and provides exceptional audio quality, the Sonos Arc is an excellent choice.
Yamaha YAS-209
Looking for a great soundbar without breaking the bank? The Yamaha YAS-209 is a solid option that offers impressive performance for its price. It includes a wireless subwoofer that adds depth and rumble to your favorite movies and shows. Voice control is built-in with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to adjust the volume, change inputs, and even control your smart home devices with your voice.
While it doesn’t have the same level of audio fidelity as more expensive soundbars, the YAS-209 provides a significant upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers. The sound is clear and balanced, and the subwoofer delivers satisfying bass. If you’re on a budget but still want a noticeable improvement in sound quality, the Yamaha YAS-209 is definitely worth considering.
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact and simple soundbar designed to enhance your TV’s audio without taking up too much space. It’s perfect for smaller rooms or those who prefer a minimalist setup. Setting it up is a snap – just connect it to your TV with a single cable. Bose’s signature sound technology delivers clear and balanced audio, improving dialogue clarity and overall sound quality.
While the Solo 5 won’t blow you away with booming bass or surround sound effects, it provides a noticeable improvement over most TV speakers. It’s a great option for those who prioritize simplicity, ease of use, and a compact design. If you’re looking for a straightforward and affordable way to boost your TV’s audio, the Bose Solo 5 is a solid choice.
Sony HT-S350
The Sony HT-S350 is another great budget-friendly soundbar that offers a significant audio upgrade for your TV. It comes with a wireless subwoofer, adding depth and rumble to your movies and games. The soundbar is sleek and stylish, and it’s easy to set up and use. Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround technology creates a wider soundstage, making you feel more immersed in the action.
While it’s not the most powerful soundbar on the market, the HT-S350 delivers clear and balanced audio with decent bass response. It’s a great choice for smaller to medium-sized rooms and offers excellent value for money. If you’re looking for an affordable way to improve your TV’s sound and add some bass to your listening experience, the Sony HT-S350 is definitely worth checking out.
Klipsch Cinema 600
The Klipsch Cinema 600 is a powerful soundbar system designed to deliver a true home theater experience. It includes a large wireless subwoofer and optional surround speakers, creating a full 5.1 surround sound setup. Klipsch is known for its horn-loaded tweeters, which provide clear and detailed highs, and the Cinema 600 doesn’t disappoint. The system delivers powerful bass, clear dialogue, and an immersive soundstage that brings your movies and games to life.
The Cinema 600 is a great option for those who want a true surround sound experience without the hassle of setting up a traditional receiver and multiple speakers. It’s easy to set up and use, and it offers a significant upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers. If you’re looking for a powerful and immersive soundbar system that can fill a large room with sound, the Klipsch Cinema 600 is an excellent choice.
Why Invest in External Speakers for Your TV?
Let’s be honest, that sleek, modern flat-screen TV looks fantastic, but how’s the sound? Often, the built-in speakers are a casualty of the quest for thinness. They’re small and rear-facing, struggling to deliver rich, immersive audio. Imagine watching an action-packed movie with roaring explosions that sound more like muffled pops, or struggling to hear dialogue clearly over background music. That incredible picture quality deserves sound to match, and that’s where external speakers step in.
Consider a cozy night in with your family, gathered around the TV for a movie marathon. Wouldn’t you want every whispered line, every soaring musical score, and every thrilling sound effect to envelop you, pulling you deeper into the story? The best external speakers for TV can transform your living room into a mini-cinema, bringing movies and shows to life with crystal-clear audio and a wider soundstage. Say goodbye to constantly adjusting the volume to catch the dialogue and then jumping at sudden loud noises.
Beyond movies, think about the impact on your gaming experience. Immersive sound design is crucial in modern games, letting you pinpoint enemy locations, feel the rumble of explosions, and get truly lost in the virtual world. External speakers can give you that competitive edge, making you feel like you’re right in the heart of the action. Even casual TV watching benefits – news reports become clearer, sports commentary is more engaging, and your favorite sitcoms sound richer and more vibrant.
Ultimately, investing in the best external speakers for TV is about elevating your entire home entertainment experience. It’s about complementing that stunning picture with audio that truly does it justice. It’s about creating a more immersive, engaging, and enjoyable experience for you, your family, and your friends. Don’t settle for mediocre sound – unlock the full potential of your TV and rediscover your favorite content with the power of external speakers.
Soundbars vs. Bookshelf Speakers: Which is Right for You?
Choosing external speakers for your TV often boils down to this classic showdown: soundbars versus bookshelf speakers. Soundbars are the sleek, all-in-one solution designed to sit neatly under or above your TV. They’re fantastic for folks who want a noticeable audio upgrade without the hassle of complex setups. Think of them as the instant ramen of TV audio – quick, easy, and satisfying for a basic need.
Bookshelf speakers, on the other hand, offer a more traditional Hi-Fi approach. They typically require a separate amplifier or receiver to power them, and come in pairs. This means more wires and a bit more technical know-how to set up. But, this complexity allows for greater customization and often a richer, more detailed sound.
Imagine you’re watching a thrilling action movie. A soundbar might give you the booming explosions and clear dialogue, but bookshelf speakers, especially when paired with a subwoofer, could truly make you feel like you’re in the middle of the chaos, with distinct sound layers and positional accuracy.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your space, budget, and level of audio enthusiasm. Do you value simplicity and a clutter-free setup, or are you willing to invest more time and effort for a superior sonic experience? The next sections will dive into more specific features to consider, so keep this important distinction in mind!
Decoding Audio Jargon: What Do All These Terms Mean?
When shopping for external TV speakers, you’re bound to encounter a barrage of confusing terms: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, HDMI ARC, optical audio, and more. It can feel like learning a whole new language! But don’t worry; let’s break down some key concepts into plain English.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X are both immersive audio technologies that aim to create a three-dimensional soundstage, making you feel like sounds are coming from all around you, including above. Think of it as upgrading from a standard stereo soundstage to a dome of audio. This enhances the cinematic experience significantly, making effects feel more realistic.
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) allows your TV to send audio back to the connected speaker through the same HDMI cable that sends video to the TV. This simplifies cabling and lets you control the speaker volume with your TV remote. Imagine adjusting the volume during a quiet scene in a drama – one remote does it all!
Optical audio, often labeled as “Toslink,” is another way to connect your TV to external speakers. While it doesn’t support the advanced features of HDMI ARC, it can be a solid alternative if your TV lacks ARC or if you prefer a simpler setup. It’s like the classic, reliable pen of audio connections.
Setting Up Your Speakers for Optimal Sound
So, you’ve chosen your external speakers and brought them home – congratulations! But simply plugging them in isn’t enough to guarantee the best possible sound. Proper placement and setup are crucial to unlock their full potential. Where you put them in your space really matters!
Start with speaker placement. For bookshelf speakers, aim to create an equilateral triangle with your listening position. In other words, the distance between the speakers should be roughly equal to the distance between you and each speaker. This creates a wide and immersive soundstage. If you’re using a soundbar, center it under your TV.
Pay attention to the height of your speakers. Ideally, the tweeters (the smaller drivers responsible for high-frequency sounds) should be at ear level when you’re seated. This ensures that the high-frequency sounds reach your ears directly, resulting in clearer and more detailed audio. If you need to mount the soundbar, make sure you mount it so you get the best sound level.
Finally, take the time to calibrate your speakers. Many modern TVs and receivers have built-in calibration tools that can automatically adjust the sound settings to optimize performance for your specific room. This involves sending test tones and using a microphone to measure the sound response, then adjusting the equalization to compensate for any imperfections in the room’s acoustics.
Troubleshooting Common Speaker Problems
Even with the best speakers and careful setup, you might occasionally encounter issues. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems can save you time, money, and frustration. It’s like knowing the basic first aid for your sound system!
One frequent issue is no sound. First, check all your connections. Make sure the cables are securely plugged into both the TV and the speakers. Then, verify that the correct audio output is selected on your TV’s settings menu. It’s surprising how many times the simple connection is the solution.
Another common problem is distorted or muffled sound. This could be caused by several factors, including incorrect speaker settings, damaged cables, or even a faulty speaker. Try adjusting the bass and treble settings on your TV or receiver. Replace the cables if you suspect they’re damaged. If the problem persists, it could be a sign of a hardware issue requiring professional repair.
If you’re experiencing lip-sync issues (where the audio and video are out of sync), try enabling the “audio delay” setting on your TV or receiver. This allows you to adjust the audio timing to match the video. A minor adjustment here can alleviate major viewing distractions, and bring it back to the cinema experience.
Your Guide to Finding the Best External Speakers for TV
Hey there, fellow entertainment enthusiast! Are you tired of straining to hear dialogue or missing out on the immersive sound effects your favorite movies and shows deserve? You’re not alone! Many TVs, especially the sleek, modern ones, often compromise on audio quality. That’s where external speakers come in – they can dramatically improve your viewing experience. But with so many options available, choosing the right ones can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’m here to help! This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider, so you can find the best external speakers for TV and transform your living room into a home theater.
Sound Quality: Hear the Difference
Let’s be honest, sound quality is the most important factor. After all, you’re buying external speakers to improve your TV’s audio! Think about what kind of sound you’re looking for. Do you want crystal-clear dialogue, booming bass for action movies, or a balanced sound for everything from music to podcasts? Consider the frequency response range, which indicates the range of sounds the speakers can reproduce. The wider the range, the more detail you’ll hear. Also, pay attention to reviews that mention clarity, distortion, and overall sound signature.
Personally, I’ve found that speakers with good midrange performance are crucial for dialogue clarity. Ever watched a movie where you could barely understand what the characters were saying? That’s often a result of weak midrange. And while powerful bass is great for explosions and action sequences, make sure it doesn’t overpower the other frequencies. You want a balanced sound that enhances your viewing experience, not just rattles your windows. Ultimately, consider your listening preferences and the type of content you usually watch. Finding the best external speakers for tv really hinges on sound quality that is tailored to your needs.
Speaker Type: Finding the Right Fit
There’s a wide variety of speaker types to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Soundbars are popular for their simplicity and sleek design, offering a significant upgrade over TV speakers in a single, convenient package. Bookshelf speakers are more versatile, providing excellent sound quality and the flexibility to be placed on stands or shelves. Floor-standing speakers offer the most powerful and immersive sound, but they also take up the most space. Consider your room size, aesthetic preferences, and budget when deciding on the type of speaker.
Think about where you plan to place the speakers. A soundbar might be perfect for a minimalist setup under your TV. Bookshelf speakers offer more placement options and can be paired with a subwoofer for enhanced bass. Floor-standing speakers are ideal for larger rooms where you want to create a true home theater experience. Don’t forget about surround sound systems! These systems use multiple speakers to create a more immersive soundstage, placing you right in the middle of the action.
Connectivity: Making the Connection
How you connect your speakers to your TV is crucial for getting the best sound quality and convenience. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is a popular option that allows audio to be sent from your TV to the speakers through the same HDMI cable used for video. This simplifies setup and allows you to control the speaker volume with your TV remote. Optical audio is another common connection, offering good sound quality but requiring a separate cable for audio. Bluetooth connectivity allows you to wirelessly stream music from your phone or tablet.
Make sure your TV has the necessary ports to connect your chosen speakers. If you’re using HDMI ARC, ensure both your TV and speakers support this feature. Optical audio is a reliable alternative, but it doesn’t offer the same control options as HDMI ARC. Bluetooth is great for streaming music, but it might not be the best option for watching movies or TV shows due to potential latency issues. Consider the types of connections available on your TV and speakers, and choose the option that offers the best balance of sound quality and convenience. When considering the best external speakers for tv, connectivity is a crucial element.
Room Size: Filling the Space
The size of your room plays a significant role in determining the type and power of speakers you need. A small room doesn’t require powerful, floor-standing speakers, while a large room can easily swallow the sound from a small soundbar. Consider the dimensions of your room and choose speakers that are appropriately sized to fill the space with sound. Too much power can result in distorted sound, while too little power can leave you struggling to hear dialogue.
Think about the acoustics of your room as well. Hard surfaces like walls and floors can reflect sound, creating echoes and muddiness. Soft surfaces like carpets, curtains, and furniture can absorb sound, improving clarity and reducing reverberation. If your room has a lot of hard surfaces, you might want to consider speakers with a wider sound dispersion pattern to fill the space more evenly. Experiment with speaker placement to find the optimal position for the best sound quality.
Budget: Finding the Sweet Spot
External speakers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping and stick to it. While it’s tempting to splurge on the most expensive speakers, you can often find excellent sound quality at a more affordable price point. Consider your needs and prioritize the features that are most important to you. Do you need a full surround sound system, or will a soundbar suffice? Are you willing to sacrifice some features for a lower price?
Remember that price doesn’t always equal performance. Some budget-friendly speakers can offer surprisingly good sound quality, while some expensive speakers might not live up to the hype. Read reviews and compare different models before making a decision. Consider buying refurbished or open-box speakers to save money, but make sure they come with a warranty. Finding the best external speakers for tv shouldn’t break the bank.
Ease of Use: Simple Setup, Smooth Operation
No one wants to spend hours struggling to set up their new speakers. Look for speakers that are easy to connect and configure. Some speakers come with simple plug-and-play functionality, while others require more advanced setup. Consider your technical expertise and choose speakers that are appropriate for your skill level. Also, pay attention to the user interface and remote control. A user-friendly interface can make it easier to adjust settings and control the speaker.
Think about how you’ll be using the speakers on a daily basis. Do you want a remote control with dedicated buttons for volume, bass, and treble? Do you want the ability to control the speakers with your smartphone or voice assistant? Consider the features that are important to you and choose speakers that offer a seamless and intuitive user experience. A great sounding speaker is useless if it’s too complicated to use.
Aesthetics: Matching Your Style
While sound quality is the most important factor, aesthetics shouldn’t be overlooked. Your speakers will be a visible part of your living room, so you want them to complement your décor. Consider the style, color, and finish of the speakers. Do you prefer a sleek, modern design or a more traditional look? Do you want the speakers to blend in with your surroundings or make a statement?
Think about the overall aesthetic of your living room and choose speakers that match your style. Soundbars are often designed to be sleek and unobtrusive, while bookshelf speakers offer more variety in terms of design and finish. Floor-standing speakers can be statement pieces, adding a touch of elegance to your room. Don’t be afraid to choose speakers that reflect your personality and enhance the overall look and feel of your living space. After all, finding the best external speakers for tv isn’t just about sound, it’s about creating an enjoyable visual experience as well.
FAQ
Why do I need external speakers for my TV? My TV already has speakers.
That’s a great question! While most modern TVs come with built-in speakers, they often lack the power and quality to deliver a truly immersive audio experience. TV manufacturers typically focus on picture quality and sleek design, often sacrificing speaker size and placement. This can result in thin, muffled sound that doesn’t quite do justice to your favorite movies, shows, or video games. Think of it like this: your TV provides the stunning visuals, but external speakers provide the sound to match!
External speakers can significantly enhance your viewing experience by offering richer, fuller audio, improved clarity, and a wider soundstage. You’ll be able to hear subtle details you might have missed with the TV’s built-in speakers, making dialogue clearer, explosions more impactful, and music more vibrant. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a world of difference, turning your living room into a mini home theater.
What kind of speakers are best for my TV setup?
Choosing the “best” speakers really depends on your individual needs, space, and budget! There are a few common types of external speakers you might consider. Soundbars are a popular option because they’re compact, easy to set up, and often provide a significant upgrade over TV speakers. They’re usually placed directly in front of or mounted below your TV.
Alternatively, you could go with a more traditional home theater system consisting of multiple speakers (like bookshelf or floor-standing speakers), a subwoofer, and an AV receiver. This setup offers a more immersive, surround sound experience, but it requires more space and can be more complex to set up. Powered speakers are another option. These are self-contained units that don’t require a separate amplifier, making them a convenient choice. Ultimately, consider the size of your room, how much space you have, and how much you’re willing to spend to determine the best fit for you.
How do I connect external speakers to my TV?
Connecting external speakers to your TV is usually pretty straightforward. The most common connection is via HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel). This allows audio to be sent both from the TV to the speakers and from the speakers back to the TV, simplifying your connections. Just plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI ARC port on your TV (it will usually be labeled “ARC”) and the other end into the HDMI ARC port on your soundbar or AV receiver.
If your TV or speakers don’t have HDMI ARC, you can use an optical audio cable. This is a digital audio connection that delivers high-quality sound. Simply plug one end of the optical cable into the optical audio output on your TV and the other end into the optical audio input on your speakers. Another option is using RCA cables (the red and white ones), which are analog connections. However, optical and HDMI ARC usually offer better sound quality. Be sure to check your TV and speaker manuals for specific instructions!
How much should I spend on external speakers?
That’s a tricky question because speaker prices can vary widely! The right amount to spend depends heavily on your budget and expectations. You can find decent soundbars for a couple of hundred dollars that will provide a noticeable improvement over your TV’s built-in speakers. These are a great option if you’re looking for an affordable and easy upgrade.
If you’re seeking a more immersive, high-quality audio experience, you might need to invest more. A good home theater system with multiple speakers and a receiver can easily cost several hundred to several thousand dollars. Consider what you’re hoping to achieve and how much you’re comfortable spending. Remember, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank to get a significant upgrade.
What is a subwoofer, and do I need one?
A subwoofer is a specialized speaker that’s designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, like bass and rumble. Think of those deep, rumbling explosions in movies, the thumping bass in your favorite music, or the subtle vibrations that add depth to a scene. A subwoofer is what brings those sounds to life.
Whether or not you “need” a subwoofer depends on your listening preferences. If you enjoy action movies, music with a lot of bass, or want to feel the full impact of sound effects, then a subwoofer is definitely a worthwhile investment. It adds a whole new dimension to your audio experience. Even if you don’t consider yourself a bass-head, a subwoofer can enhance the overall sound quality by providing a fuller, richer sound. Many soundbars come with a separate subwoofer, or you can add one to your existing speaker setup.
What does “2.1”, “5.1”, or “7.1” mean when describing speaker systems?
These numbers refer to the number of speakers and subwoofers in a surround sound system. The first number indicates the number of speakers, and the second number indicates the number of subwoofers. So, a “2.1” system consists of two speakers (usually left and right) and one subwoofer. It’s a basic setup that provides stereo sound with added bass.
A “5.1” system is a more immersive surround sound setup. It includes five speakers: a center channel (placed near the TV), two front speakers (left and right), and two rear speakers (left and right). Plus, one subwoofer. This configuration creates a more realistic and enveloping soundstage. A “7.1” system takes it a step further by adding two more rear speakers for an even more immersive experience. The best choice depends on your room size, budget, and desired level of immersion.
Do I need a separate receiver to use external speakers with my TV?
Not always! Whether you need a separate receiver depends on the type of speakers you’re using. If you’re opting for a soundbar, it usually connects directly to your TV via HDMI ARC or optical audio cable and doesn’t require a receiver. The soundbar typically handles amplification and processing on its own. Powered speakers are another example. These also don’t need a receiver because they have built-in amplifiers.
However, if you’re building a traditional home theater system with passive speakers (like bookshelf or floor-standing speakers), you will need an AV receiver. The receiver acts as the central hub for your audio system. It amplifies the audio signal, processes surround sound formats, and allows you to connect multiple devices, such as your TV, Blu-ray player, and gaming console. So, the need for a receiver really boils down to the specific type of speaker system you choose.
The Bottom Line
Alright, now you’re equipped! You’ve navigated the world of soundbars, bookshelf speakers, and everything in between. You’ve considered your budget, your space, and, most importantly, your ears! Hopefully, you have found your perfect match from our list or, at least, feel confident exploring other options knowing what to look for. Choosing the best external speakers for tv is a personal journey, but we’ve laid the roadmap for you. Now go forth and get ready to be enveloped in immersive audio – those explosions and whispered conversations are about to come alive!
Seriously, think about the difference crystal-clear dialogue and booming sound effects will make. It’s not just about listening to television, it’s about experiencing it. You’re investing in movie nights, gaming sessions, and even just catching up on the news. And now, with all the knowledge you’ve gained, you are fully empowered to make the right choice. Don’t let analysis paralysis hold you back! Trust your gut, trust your needs, and get ready to upgrade your entertainment experience today!