The 10 Best Soundbars to Buy Right Now
Here’s our current list of the best you can buy, with recommendations under $500, from $500 to $1,000, and above $1,000. For the full review (where available), click on the title of each product.—Rob Sabin
S&V’s TOP SOUNDBAR PICKS $500 OR LESS
Vizio S5430w-C2 Soundbar System: $300 (currently selling for $250 on Vizio.com)

Summary: Although its recent Sound Stand was a disappointment, Vizio has consistently delivered surprisingly good soundbars at budget prices. The 3-channel S5430w-C2 comes highly recommended for the budget shopper. At 54 inches wide, it’s intended for sets with screens 60-inches or larger and has the advantage of being self-contained—given its size, it can produce decent bass without a subwoofer. Vizio’s 2.1-channel S4221w-C4 (not shown) looks almost identical to the S5430, but comes in a shorter 42-inch width and includes a stand-alone subwoofer.
Plus: Three-channel soundbar • Impressive soundstage width • Excellent price/performance ratio
Minus: May block your TV’s remote sensor • No supplied subwoofer