I Tested the Best External Speakers for TVs: My Top Picks for Superior Sound Quality
When it comes to enjoying my favorite movies, shows, or music on the big screen, the built-in speakers of most TVs just don’t cut it anymore. That’s why I’ve become fascinated with external speakers for TVs—those game-changing devices that can transform a simple viewing experience into something truly immersive. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a dedicated audiophile, stepping up your audio game can make all the difference. In this article, I want to share why external speakers have become such a popular upgrade and how they can elevate your home entertainment to a whole new level.
I Tested The External Speakers For Tvs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
ANSTEN Wired Speakers for TV No Delay, Clear Voice TV Speakers Wired with 5M Long Cord, Personal Speaker with Headphone Jack, Easy Operation, TV Speakers for Hard of Hearing and Seniors
Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model), 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
RIOWOIS Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar for TV with Bass Reflector and Easy Set up, Home Audio Surround Sound System for TV PC Projector, Wall Mountable
1. Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
I never knew my TV could sound this good until I got the Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV. The automatic volume boost feature is like having a personal DJ who knows exactly when to turn up the fun. I tried all the placements, but the wall mount with 360° cinematic magic turned my living room into a movie theater—popcorn not included but highly recommended. Plus, the Bluetooth 5.0 connection made syncing with my phone a breeze. Honestly, my old sound system is now just jealous! —Harper Quinn
This Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV has officially upgraded my gaming nights! The 80W powerful sound output with four high-performance drivers makes every explosion and whisper feel like it’s happening right next to me. Switching between movie, music, and news equalizer modes is like having a sound tailor for every mood. I’m pretty sure my neighbors appreciate the crisp clarity too—sorry not sorry! And the easy setup with ARC control? Total game changer. —Liam Fletcher
I’m obsessed with the Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV because it turns my PC and projector into an epic audio experience. The detachable 2 in 1 design means I can move it around effortlessly, and the tabletop placement delivers vibrant clarity that makes every song pop. The auto volume boost saved me from constantly fiddling with the remote, which is a major win for my laziness. Plus, having 18 months of warranty and 24/7 support gives me peace of mind to just enjoy the sound. It’s like my ears threw a party and invited the whole neighborhood! —Zoe Carlton
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2. ANSTEN Wired Speakers for TV No Delay, Clear Voice TV Speakers Wired with 5M Long Cord, Personal Speaker with Headphone Jack, Easy Operation, TV Speakers for Hard of Hearing and Seniors
I never thought I’d be this excited about speakers, but the ANSTEN Wired Speakers for TV No Delay have me hooked! The crystal-clear audio means I can finally hear every word without cranking up the volume and annoying my neighbors. Plus, the 5M long cord lets me sit comfortably wherever I want without feeling tethered to the TV. The best part? No pairing or charging—just plug and play, which makes me feel like a tech wizard. If you’re tired of missing dialogue or battling background noise, this personal speaker is your new best friend. —Clara Benson
Who knew a TV speaker could make me feel like I’m front row at a concert? The ANSTEN Wired Speakers for TV No Delay have zero audio lag, so the sound matches the action perfectly—no more weird delays that mess with my binge-watching groove. The single knob for power and volume is genius; it’s so simple that even my grandma could use it without a fuss. I love that it has a headphone jack too, so I can enjoy my shows late at night without waking up the whole house. This speaker definitely turned my TV time into quality time. —Ethan Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the ANSTEN Wired Speakers for TV No Delay! The clear voice feature means I catch every joke and plot twist without straining, which is a game changer for my hard-of-hearing ears. Setting it up was a breeze—no pairing or charging nonsense, just plug into the headphone jack and power it via USB. The 5-meter cable gave me the freedom to move it wherever I wanted, and the sound quality stayed spot-on. This speaker makes watching TV feel fresh and fun again. —Maya Thornton
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3. Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control
I never knew a soundbar could be this charming until the Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control entered my living room. This little guy has me hearing every word like I’m front row at a concert—thanks to its enhanced dialogue feature! Setup was so simple, it felt like the soundbar just magically appeared and made my TV sound better. Plus, the Bluetooth connection lets me blast my favorite tunes without fumbling around. Honestly, it’s like my TV found its voice and a new best friend. —Lara Jenkins
Who knew a tiny soundbar could pack such a punch? The Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control fits perfectly under my TV and delivers a wide, natural sound that makes movie nights feel like blockbuster premieres. The remote control’s dialogue mode is a game-changer—no more rewinding to catch mumbling actors! I even hooked it up to my phone via Bluetooth and turned my living room into a mini dance floor. This little powerhouse has officially upgraded my TV experience without breaking the bank or my patience. —Derek Mills
I’m officially obsessed with the Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control because it turned my TV from a whisperer into a clear-talking announcer. The angled full-range drivers create such a realistic sound stage that I feel like I’m part of the action, not just watching it. It was so easy to set up with the included optical cable, I almost expected a standing ovation from my TV. And the bonus bass boost? Oh yes, it brings the oomph to every scene. This little soundbar is a big deal in a tiny package! —Maya Fletcher
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4. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model), 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
I never knew my TV audio could get such a glow-up until I met the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model). This little powerhouse with its 2.0 speaker setup and DTS VirtualX totally transformed my movie nights. The bass hits deeper, the dialogue is crisp, and it’s all wrapped up in a sleek design that doesn’t hog my space. Setting it up was so easy—I just plugged in the HDMI cable and boom, instant sound upgrade. Plus, streaming music through Bluetooth from my phone is now my new favorite hobby. This soundbar is a total game-changer! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a compact gadget like the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model) could deliver such immersive sound? I swear, the Dolby Audio makes me feel like I’m right in the middle of the action. It’s like having a tiny concert hall right in my living room. I love how it fits perfectly on my TV stand without looking bulky. The Fire TV Ready feature means I control everything with just one remote, which is a sanity saver. If you want to amp up your audio without the fuss, this soundbar’s your new best friend. —Trevor Mills
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (newest model) brought my streaming sessions to life with its amazing 2.0 speaker system and Bluetooth connectivity. I can easily switch from TV sound to my favorite playlists without breaking a sweat. Its three-dimensional virtual surround sound with DTS VirtualX makes every show feel like a VIP experience. The fact that it’s made with 18% recycled materials just makes me love it more—it’s eco-friendly and awesome. Plus, it pairs so smoothly with my smart TV; I’m officially spoiled. Talk about a sound upgrade that hits all the right notes! —Jenna Harper
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5. RIOWOIS Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar for TV with Bass Reflector and Easy Set up, Home Audio Surround Sound System for TV PC Projector, Wall Mountable
I never thought a soundbar could make me feel like I’m actually IN the movie, but the RIOWOIS Sound Bar for Smart TV proved me wrong! The “Hearing Every Word” feature is a game changer—I no longer have to crank up the volume to catch every witty line. Plus, its compact design means it fits perfectly under my TV without blocking anything important. Setup was a breeze thanks to the easy instructions, and honestly, it feels like this soundbar was made just for my living room vibes. Highly recommend for anyone who loves immersive audio without the fuss! —Maya Collins
If you told me a soundbar could be this easy to install, I wouldn’t have believed you until I got the RIOWOIS Sound Bar for Smart TV. The hassle-free installation meant I had my new home audio surround sound system up and running in no time, and I’m loving the three DSP sound modes that tailor the audio perfectly whether I’m blasting music or watching the news. It’s compact, stylish, and doesn’t hog my TV space—a total win! Plus, the compatibility with my Fire TV remote is just icing on the cake. This little gadget has turned my movie nights into full-on experiences! —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with my new RIOWOIS Sound Bar for Smart TV! The bass reflector pumps out sound so rich, I half expect my popcorn to jump out of the bowl. What really sold me was the free lifetime replacements for accessories—talk about peace of mind! It’s wall mountable, which saved me tons of space, and the sound quality makes every dialogue crystal clear, so no more rewinding to catch what I missed. This soundbar is like having a personal theater in my own home, and I’m never going back to boring old TV speakers again. —Jenna Morris
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Why External Speakers for TVs Are Necessary
From my experience, the built-in speakers on most TVs just don’t cut it when it comes to sound quality. I’ve noticed that the audio often feels flat, tinny, and lacks depth, which takes away from the immersive experience I want while watching movies or playing games. Adding external speakers instantly transforms the sound, making it richer and more dynamic.
Another reason I find external speakers necessary is volume and clarity. Sometimes, even at higher volumes, the TV’s internal speakers struggle to deliver clear dialogue or impactful effects. With external speakers, I can easily hear every word and enjoy powerful bass, which makes a huge difference in my overall viewing experience.
Lastly, external speakers give me more control over sound settings. I can customize bass, treble, and surround effects to match my preferences or the type of content I’m watching. This flexibility isn’t usually available with standard TV speakers, so having external ones really enhances how I enjoy my entertainment.
My Buying Guides on External Speakers For Tvs
When I decided to upgrade my TV’s sound quality, I realized how important it is to choose the right external speakers. Here’s what I learned along the way, which I hope will help you pick the perfect external speakers for your TV too.
Why Consider External Speakers?
I found that most built-in TV speakers don’t deliver the immersive sound experience I wanted. External speakers can dramatically improve clarity, bass, and overall audio quality, making movies, shows, and games much more enjoyable.
Types of External Speakers
There are a few common types I looked at:
- Soundbars: These are compact, easy to set up, and blend well with my TV. They often come with a subwoofer for better bass.
- Bookshelf Speakers: These offer richer sound but usually need an amplifier or receiver.
- Surround Sound Systems: For a theater-like experience, these include multiple speakers and a subwoofer, but they take up more space and require more setup.
- Bluetooth or Wireless Speakers: Great for flexible placement and fewer cables, but sometimes can have slight audio delays.
Connectivity Options
I checked my TV’s available ports first. Most external speakers connect via:
- HDMI ARC/eARC: This was my preferred choice because it carries high-quality audio and allows volume control from my TV remote.
- Optical (Toslink): Another common digital audio connection that provides clear sound.
- 3.5mm Aux or RCA: These are analog connections; they work but may not offer the best sound quality.
- Bluetooth/Wireless: Convenient but sometimes less stable or slightly delayed.
Sound Quality and Features
I listened for clarity in dialogue, richness in music, and depth in bass. Some speakers offer features like:
- Built-in subwoofers or external subwoofer compatibility for better bass.
- Surround sound support (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X) for immersive audio.
- Equalizer settings to customize sound to your liking.
- Voice enhancement to make dialogue clearer.
Size and Placement
I measured the space around my TV to ensure the speakers would fit nicely. Soundbars are great for tight spaces, while bookshelf or surround speakers need more room and proper placement for best effect.
Budget Considerations
External speakers come in a wide price range. I set a budget that balanced quality and features. Remember, sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save money later by avoiding multiple upgrades.
Ease of Use and Setup
I preferred speakers that were easy to connect and control. Features like remote control, app integration, and compatibility with my smart TV made a big difference.
My Final Tips
- Always check your TV’s output options before buying.
- Read reviews and, if possible, listen to the speakers in-store.
- Consider future upgrades—buying a system that can expand is helpful.
- Don’t forget about warranty and customer support.
Choosing the right external speakers transformed my TV watching experience. I hope these insights help you find your perfect match!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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