Despite what some people may think, bigger isn’t always better. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on a huge speaker setup to enjoy an exceptional audio experience. If you don’t have the space or just don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on speakers, it’s a good idea to consider investing in a small soundbar.
If you have a … small tv or only have a small space to external speakera small soundbar can still deliver exceptional sound quality. The best small soundbars fit into tight spaces and come with a surprising number of features. The Roku Streambar, for example, is not only a compact soundbar, but also a capable video streamermaking it great for a bedroom setup. If making dialogues more understandable If you are looking for a suitable speaker, the Polk or Yamaha speakers below might be a good choice.
All of the systems here come with single soundbars ranging from 12 to 24 inches long, while the Polk also has a separate subwoofer.
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If ever there was a real gold bargain, it’s the Roku Streambar, which combines both audio and streaming into one device. This is a dual-channel soundbar with a full-fledged 4K streamer on board, and even if you’re not using the streaming features it works well as a standalone soundbar. As a smaller soundbar, it doesn’t have the deepest bass, but it does pack an expressive midrange with a dedicated Speech mode for clearer dialogue. It’s an unbeatable value, and you’ll often find it on sale for under $100.
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Yamaha is one of the most consistent makers of soundbars, but this also means that their designs often cost a little more than their competitors. The SR-C20A, on the other hand, is affordable and sounds great with your TV too. It can also easily connect to all your Bluetooth-compatible devices.
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At 13 inches wide, the Mini’s soundbar portion lives up to its name, even if you’ll need somewhere to put its gallon-sized subwoofer. The addition of the sub is worth it, as the system punches above its weight with great sound for movies and music, and Google’s built-in Chromecast opens up a wealth of streaming and multi-room options.
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Sonos’ entry-level soundbar features the company’s excellent multi-room music system, but is smaller than the Sonos Beam. We were impressed with its sound quality for both music and movies, delivering a surprisingly wide soundstage thanks to its use of proprietary waveguides. Hookup is easy with a single optical connection, while users seeking HDMI or Atmos should look to the step-up Beam Gen 2.
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