1 week ago
5
Despite what some people may think, bigger isn't always better. You don't have to spend a ton on a huge speaker setup to enjoy an exceptional audio experience. If you don't have the room or just don't feel like spending an arm and a leg on speakers, investing in a small soundbar makes perfect sense.
Sonos' entry-level soundbar features the company's excellent multiroom music system onboard while being smaller than the Sonos Beam at 22 inches wide. We were impressed with the sound quality for both music and movies. It delivers a surprisingly wide soundstage through its proprietary waveguides. Connection is simple with a single optical connection, while users seeking HDMI or Atmos should look to the step-up Beam Gen 2.
Pros
- Excellent sound for movies and music
- Compact, attractive design
- Simple connection
- Still the best multiroom system
Cons
- No HDMI
- Some competitors offer wireless subwoofers as well
At 14 inches wide, the soundbar part of the Mini fits the moniker, even if you do need somewhere to put the gallon-sized subwoofer. The inclusion of the sub is worthwhile, as the system punches well above its weight, delivering great sound in movies and music. In addition, the inclusion of Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Google Cast enables a wealth of streaming and multiroom capabilities.
Pros
- Excellent movie sound and decent music replay
- Dialogue enhancement is highly configurable
- Feature-rich
Cons
- $200 more than the original
- No dedicated app
- Subwoofer adds placement and configuration challenges
If there was ever a solid bargain, it's the Roku Streambar SE, which combines both audio and streaming in one device. This is a two-channel soundbar with a full-fledged 4K streamer onboard, and even if you don't use the streaming functions, it works well as a standalone soundbar. As a small soundbar, it doesn't have much bass, but it does offer an expressive midrange with a dedicated voice mode for clearer dialog.
Pros
- Very compact mini soundbar with built-in 4K Roku video streamer
- Delivers better sound than you'd expect for its small size
- Loud, clear dialogue
- Easy setup
Cons
- Can produce only so much sound and bass
- Soundstage isn't very wide
Yamaha is one of the most consistent makers of soundbars, but this also means its designs tend to cost a little more than competitors. The SR-C20A, on the other hand, is affordable and also manages to sound great when paired with your TV. It can connect to any of your Bluetooth-compatible devices easily, as well.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Sound great with movies and music
- Plenty of connection options
Cons
- No ability to add a subwoofer or rears
- No DTS playback limits DVD watching options
When it comes to making voices sound better for not much money, the AV120 gets a big star. It's not so great with music, but the speaker's Bluetooth capability does help if you listen to podcasts. Overall, the Zvox AV120 is a solid buy for people who need a sonic boost in their day-to-day television watching.
Pros
- Crystal clear without harshness
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Bluetooth capable
Cons
- Won't work if you lose the remote
- Music subject to volume spurts
- Low frequencies can cause distortion
BLUETOOTH SPEAKER DEALS OF THE WEEK
Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.
- Best Small Soundbar of 2026
- Best small soundbar of 2026
- Best for sound quality
- Best for streaming
- Best for dialogue
- Best ultra-budget soundbar
If you have a small TV or have only a tiny place to fit an external speaker, a small soundbar can still deliver exceptional sound quality. The best small soundbars, such as the Sonos Ray, can fit into cramped spaces and come with a surprising number of features, including music streaming. Furthermore, the Roku Streambar SE isn't only a compact soundbar but also a capable video streamer, making it a decent choice for a bedroom setup. If making dialogue easier to understand is your aim, the Polk, Zvox or Yamaha speakers below could be a great fit.
All the systems here feature single soundbars ranging between 10 inches and 2 feet long, while the Polk also includes a separate subwoofer.
Pros
- Excellent sound for movies and music
- Compact, attractive design
- Simple connection
- Still the best multiroom system
Cons
- No HDMI
- Some competitors offer wireless subwoofers as well
Sonos' entry-level soundbar features the company's excellent multiroom music system onboard while being smaller than the Sonos Beam at 22 inches wide. We were impressed with the sound quality for both music and movies. It delivers a surprisingly wide soundstage through its proprietary waveguides. Connection is simple with a single optical connection, while users seeking HDMI or Atmos should look to the step-up Beam Gen 2.
Pros
- Excellent movie sound and decent music replay
- Dialogue enhancement is highly configurable
- Feature-rich
Cons
- $200 more than the original
- No dedicated app
- Subwoofer adds placement and configuration challenges
At 14 inches wide, the soundbar part of the Mini fits the moniker, even if you do need somewhere to put the gallon-sized subwoofer. The inclusion of the sub is worthwhile, as the system punches well above its weight, delivering great sound in movies and music. In addition, the inclusion of Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Google Cast enables a wealth of streaming and multiroom capabilities.
Pros
- Very compact mini soundbar with built-in 4K Roku video streamer
- Delivers better sound than you'd expect for its small size
- Loud, clear dialogue
- Easy setup
Cons
- Can produce only so much sound and bass
- Soundstage isn't very wide
If there was ever a solid bargain, it's the Roku Streambar SE, which combines both audio and streaming in one device. This is a two-channel soundbar with a full-fledged 4K streamer onboard, and even if you don't use the streaming functions, it works well as a standalone soundbar. As a small soundbar, it doesn't have much bass, but it does offer an expressive midrange with a dedicated voice mode for clearer dialog.
Pros
- Easy to set up and use
- Sound great with movies and music
- Plenty of connection options
Cons
- No ability to add a subwoofer or rears
- No DTS playback limits DVD watching options
Yamaha is one of the most consistent makers of soundbars, but this also means its designs tend to cost a little more than competitors. The SR-C20A, on the other hand, is affordable and also manages to sound great when paired with your TV. It can connect to any of your Bluetooth-compatible devices easily, as well.
Pros
- Crystal clear without harshness
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Bluetooth capable
Cons
- Won't work if you lose the remote
- Music subject to volume spurts
- Low frequencies can cause distortion
When it comes to making voices sound better for not much money, the AV120 gets a big star. It's not so great with music, but the speaker's Bluetooth capability does help if you listen to podcasts. Overall, the Zvox AV120 is a solid buy for people who need a sonic boost in their day-to-day television watching.
