In this guide and ranking we see which are the best TV speakers to connect to your TV to improve the sound performance when watching movies, TV series, and television programs.
The audio system integrated into a TV does not always offer satisfactory performance: often the volume is not high enough, or the sound is of bad quality.
This is why many people prefer to use external TV speakers, which significantly improve the sound experience when watching movies, TV shows, video games, or concert recordings.
To choose the Best External TV Speakers for you, we recommend that you consider the following.
Type of TV speakers
Better a soundbar, a pair of stereo speakers, a 2.1 system, or a set of home theater speakers? Consider the space you have available.
Soundbars are certainly more compact and easier to the position. They are also usually cheaper.
Stereo speakers (with or without a subwoofer) are also a good choice and usually offer better spaciousness than the soundbar.
On the other hand, 5.1-channel speakers with subwoofers offer the best sound spatiality, higher volume, and a greater sense of immersion, but are generally more expensive and require more effort in the installation phase.
Connectivity options
As for physical cable connections, all modern televisions are equipped with an HDMI port. Make sure you connect the audio device to your TV’s HDMI ARC port, this way you only need one cable to send the audio signal to the external speakers.
The TV speakers equipped with an HDMI pass-through port are ideal for those who use the TV with an external source device, which can be connected directly to the speaker, which will then, in turn, transmit the audio and video signal to the TV through its HDMI.
As an alternative to HDMI, it is possible to take advantage of the optical or analog audio outputs of the television.
If you prefer to use a wireless connection instead (and your TV supports it), choose a speaker or TV speaker with a Bluetooth interface to create a much cleaner and more pleasing to the eye setup.
Power
For a small room, such as a bedroom, the advice is to stay above 40W. If, on the other hand, we are talking about a large living room or an open space, choose speakers capable of delivering at least 100W of power.
Best External Speakers for TV
The time has come to make the choice, in this guide we have collected the best TV speakers and speakers to buy in 2022.
1. JBL BAR 5.1 Surround (JBL2GBAR51IMBLKAM)
The best 2.1 speakers for your TV
JBL BAR 5.1 is this year’s best 2.1 TV speaker. The system consists of a 2-channel soundbar with a wireless subwoofer, which thanks to Multibeam technology are able to guarantee the listener an immersive experience, which is very close to that of a surround sound system made up of many more elements.
The soundbar, about one meter long, includes 5 1.25 ” drivers and 2 tweeters, while the subwoofer uses a 10 ” down-firing type woofer. The total power of the system is 550W.
The audio quality found is excellent, both in watching movies and listening to music content. Dolby Digital support is present. These TV speakers are powerful, the bass is well perceptible, the dialogue rendering is very good, as well as that of ambient noises and special effects. While watching an action movie it will be really easy to forget that this is not really a surround system, ending up feeling like you are in a real home cinema.
A negative note is the rather limited selection of selectable presets, which force the user to put his hand directly to the equalizer, to obtain the best sound result based on tastes and type of multimedia content.
As for the connectivity of the JBL BAR 5.1: first of all, the soundbar and subwoofer automatically connect to each other when switched on. Then we have, for those who prefer physical connections, an HDMI 4K passthrough port, an HDMI ARC for the TV, optical socket, USB. At the level of wireless connections, we have Bluetooth 4.2 technology on board.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Surround sound
- Wireless subwoofer
Cons
- A limited selection of presets
2. Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400
The best Bluetooth speaker for TV
The Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400Chi is the best TV speaker from the point of view of wireless functionality, with extensive possibilities for streaming and multiroom. This system in 2.1 configuration includes a TV soundbar and a subwoofer and is perfect for being placed in the living room.
The soundbar is very slim, just 6cm high, 10mm thick and 98cm wide. Behind its protective grille, we find 4 woofers and two tweeters. Even the subwoofer, a 16 cm bass reflex, is quite compact in size, and it will be easy to find a place for it in any room.
How do these TV speakers sound? The volume is sufficiently high, thanks to a total power of 200W(100W for the soundbar + 100W for the subwoofer, the two volumes are separately adjustable) and in a medium-sized room you will hardly ever need to keep it at maximum.
Clear Voice mode helps to reproduce clear dialogue when watching movies and series. Excellent performances for listening to live music, where these TV speakers really give their best.
Yamaha MusicCast BAR 400 manages to give an excellent sense of three-dimensionality to the sound even in its basic configuration, but to obtain a real surround sound system it is possible to add a second pair of wireless speakers at a later time, thus giving life to a system 4.1.
To connect these TV speakers to other devices we have an HDMI 4K passthrough port, 1 HDMI ARC port, 1 optical input, a 3.5-inch mini-jack, and an ethernet port. For wireless connectivity, there are Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi, and support for Apple Airplay. MusicCast technology allows multimedia content to be connected and shared on all compatible devices in the house, with personalized management of the different environments.
Pros
- Many options for connectivity
- Possibility of upgrade to configuration 4.1
- Excellent sound performance
Cons
- Setup is not very easy
3. Sony HT-S40R
The best price-quality speakers for TVs with a 5-channel audio system and subwoofer
Sony HT-S40R is the choice we recommend to anyone looking for the best TV speakers with which to create a real home theater system. Elegant and very powerful, it is ideal for music and cinema lovers who have a dedicated environment, such as a living room or a multimedia room.
This audio system consists of an amplifier, two rear bookshelf speakers, a subwoofer and a 3-channel soundbar to be placed under the television. The amplifier manages the system completely wirelessly, so the necessary wires are very few. This means that it is possible to manage the positioning of the various elements in a very versatile way, for example by hanging them on the wall or placing them on the shelves of a bookcase or an equipped wall.
The overall output power of the system is 600W, which is also excellent for a large room. Thanks also to the support for Dolby Digital, the experience while watching a movie will be extremely realistic and immersive. The different listening modes allow you to manage any type of content well.
Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth 5.0 which is great for those who want to use their cell phone or notebook as a source, while sadly lacking Wi-Fi. Things are better when we look at the possibilities for cable connections: we have an HDMI ARC port, which makes it easy to connect with a TV, optical audio input, analog audio input, and USB port.
Pros
- Surround sound
- Almost completely wireless
- High power
Cons
- Price is not for everyone
- There is no Wi-Fi connectivity
4. Sony HT-X8500
All-in-one TV soundbar incorporating subwoofer and TV speakers
Pros
- Not bulky
- Great sound for size
Cons
- Limited low frequencies
At first glance, it looks like a soundbar like many others, but Sony HT-X8500 is actually a 2.1 sound system suitable for creating a home cinema atmosphere because it also includes an integrated subwoofer inside.
It’s perfect for those who don’t have much space or just don’t want to fill their living room with TV speakers. Thanks to its compact design (89 x 6.4 x 9.6 cm) it will easily fit under the screen, significantly improving the sound quality of any television.
Inside its slim case, there are two woofers and a subwoofer, which thanks to Sony’s Vertical Sound Engine are able to emulate a much wider and more enveloping sound than one would expect from a device of this type. The simulated channels are 7.1.2.
To watch TV shows, series or movies it’s really good, even in not so small rooms. Obviously, the subwoofer built into the slim body of the soundbar can’t do miracles, you shouldn’t expect bass that can vibrate the walls.
We have an average set of ports, with a couple of HDMI (in and out) and an optical audio input. Also present is Bluetooth connectivity in version 5.0.
5. Logitech Z906 5.1
5.1 TV speakers ideal for movies and gaming
Pros
- Powerful sound
- Control console
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- All ports are located in the subwoofer
- No HDMI
For those looking for TV speakers for movies and video games, we recommend Logitech Z906 5.1, a powerful 5.1 system that guarantees a high level of immersion.
The build quality of these TV speakers is very high, we understand that we are dealing with a product made to last over time. It is also a very powerful system: the 5 satellites in fact each deliver 67W, while the subwoofer emits 165, for a total of 500W, reaching a 1000W peak.
The sound is detailed, the bass is well reproduced. Dolby Digital support is present. While listening, the sensation is really that of being immersed in the scene that you are looking at on the screen. It is also worth dedicating a few words to the control console included in the system, extremely complete, which includes the knob for adjusting the volume, keys for selecting the channel, and for choosing the surround sound mode.
The weaknesses of these Logitech Z906 5.1 HiFi speakers are mainly found in the connectivity sector. First of all, we point out that all the ports are located on the back of the subwoofer, and this certainly leaves less freedom in positioning these TV speakers. Also, the port selection lacks HDMI; to connect the device to the TV and to the source devices we find instead two digital optical inputs, a coaxial input, and two analog jacks. No wireless connectivity options.
6. Bose TV Speaker
Small TV speaker
Pros
- Compact and elegant
- Amazing bass
- Optional subwoofer
Cons
- More suitable for small rooms
If you don’t have much space available and are looking for a space-saving solution, Bose TV Speaker is the device for you. This TV speaker easily fits into even the most compact setups and, despite its small size, allows you to make a noticeable leap in quality compared to TV sound.
The bar is less than 60cm long, 5.6cm high and 10.2cm deep. The design is refined and elegant, thanks to the gray metal grille that covers the two drivers. Despite the absence of a subwoofer (which can still be added separately), the sound is surprisingly rich in bass. In general, the sound performance is very good, Bose TV Speaker returns a clean sound, excellent for listening to dialogue, with good depth.
The volume is also quite high, but since it is a 100W TV speaker, the advice is to use it in a not too large environment, such as a bedroom, a study, or a medium-sized living room.
For connecting to a TV, the Bose TV Speaker is equipped with an HDMI ARC port, one optical audio input, one AUX input, USB port. Then we find the input dedicated to the connection of the optional subwoofer. Those who have a TV with Bluetooth connectivity can also take advantage of this type of interface, available on the speaker in its 4.2 version.
7. Sony HT-S20R
TV speaker system with soundbar
Pros
- Surround sound
- Good sound performance for movies and gaming
Cons
- All ports are behind the subwoofer
- An HDMI passthrough port is missing
Sony HT-S20R is a TV speaker system with surround functionality. In its price range, there are not many interesting competitors, so those who want to bring home a home theater system at a price that is around € 200 can without too many doubts orient themselves on this model.
The components included in this 5.1 channel system with subwoofer are a TV soundbar, approximately 76 cm long, which includes a set of 3 speakers facing the listener, a pair of rear satellites, and a subwoofer. The total power of these TV speakers is 400W total, so their ideal use environment is a medium / large room.
The sound quality of the HiFi speakers is satisfactory, the low frequencies are well perceptible and the spatial rendering is excellent, although to obtain the best results you will need to do some tests, in order to identify the ideal positioning of the various elements within your own. space.
However, as this is a medium-low range product, we do not recommend the Sony HT-S20R to audiophile enthusiasts who are looking for a system to listen mainly to concerts and other music. For watching movies, but also for gaming, however, it is definitely more suitable.
Connectivity side we have the Bluetooth interface for wireless connections, while all the ports for cable connections are located on the back of the subwoofer (this positioning could be a bit limiting for the arrangement of the system components). In particular here are: HDMI ARC, optical audio input, analog input, and a full-size USB port.
8. Yamaha C20A
A compact soundbar with an excellent value for money
Pros
- Small size
- Clean sound
- Great connectivity options
Cons
- No upgrade possibilities
- Low undertone
Yamaha C20A is a small TV speaker offered at an attractive price. For less than € 200 we can take home a soundbar that significantly improves the sound performance of a TV.
It is characterized by a simple and modern design, and its strong point is certainly the dimensions of 60 cm in length (and only 6.4 in height), which make it easy to place practically anywhere, even on the smallest furniture or shelves and crowded.
Despite these small sizes, however, the sonic performance of these TV speakers is very respectable, the sound that comes out is very defined and enjoyable. Of course, at high volumes, we find some more inaccuracies, and even the low frequencies are a bit limited (on board, together with the two 46 mm drivers, there is a 75 mm subwoofer which obviously does not work miracles), but for watching movies, games or TV shows is just fine.
We also recommend Yamaha C20A to gamers who play with a console or a PC connected to a small television, the format of this soundbar is well suited to fit under a TV of 32 ” or less. The power of 100W is enough for a room that is not too large.
To connect it to a screen, you can use Bluetooth (ver. 5.0), or the HDMI ARC port. However, there are also two optical ports and the 3.5 mm jack, while the USB port can only be used for software updates. There are no options to connect an external subwoofer, if the sound of this TV speaker starts to feel tight, you will need to upgrade to another model.
9. AUNA Areal 653 Soundsystem 5.1
Entry-level 5 channel TV speaker system with subwoofer
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Sound ok
Cons
- Cables a little too short
- It does not connect to the TV via Bluetooth
The AUNA Areal 653 Soundsystem 5.1 are the best economical TV speakers for those who want to set up a small home theater system without big pretensions. Their vertical design is pleasant, but you need to have the right space to place them (and the supplied cables, a little too short, do not help much in this). However, we can say that these TV speakers in a large living room will make their mark.
The active subwoofer, with a side-firing design, together with the 5 satellite speakers delivers a power of 5 x 15 Watts + 70 Watts RMS. The power is good, while as regards the audio quality we were able to verify a yield consistent with the price at which the system is proposed.
Connectivity options are average: in fact, we find 1 SD card slot, two 6.3 cm microphone jack inputs, AUX input for RCA stereo, 1 input for 5.1 RCA surround speaker, USB for playing multimedia content, but no HDMI port. Present Bluetooth connectivity, which however seems to be used only for playback from external devices, such as smartphones or PCs, and not for connection with the TV.
10. Edifier R1280DB
The best budget TV speakers
Pros
- Great features in relation to the price
- Nice design
Cons
- Some distortion at high volume
The best TV speakers for those on a budget are the Edifier R1280DB. If we consider the price at which they are offered, it is easy to be pleasantly surprised by the sound quality and the features available.
At first, glance, what is striking about these speakers is the very pleasant design, thanks to the exterior with a finish that recalls the grain of the wood. They are available in both black and brown. They are compact enough (14.6cm x 23.4mm x 19.6mm) to fit into any type of environment.
The Edifier R1280DB is a pair of amplified loudspeakers capable of delivering 42W in total. Although the power is not very high, the maximum volume level is higher than one would expect. In a small bedroom or living room, it will not be hard to hear them at all.
The sound quality is very good, each speaker is equipped with a 4-inch woofer coupled to a 13 mm tweeter. The sound is very balanced, warm, and deep. Through the controls, there are ample margins to set the balance according to your preferences.
For the connection with the TV we do not have HDMI, but 2 RCA, optical port, coaxial port, and AUX. We also report the presence of Bluetooth connectivity, not so common within this price range.