Audio quality can make or break your viewing experience. Though most modern TVs have decent enough sound quality, it’s not the best you can get. Adding a new soundbar to your entertainment setup can truly take things to a whole new level for you and your guests. After all, the last thing you want is your guests struggling to hear the big game or movie during hangouts. The fact is: A stunning screen is just one piece of a complete home entertainment setup. If you want an immersive experience, you’ll need to upgrade the audio as well. A soundbar is a simple and easy way to seriously improve your TV’s sound, and with the Black Friday deals in full swing, it’s relatively affordable right now as well.
You’ll find tons of discounted soundbars at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, including some savings on a number of our favorite models. To help you take full advantage of these early holiday offers, we’ve rounded up our top picks from the bunch below. We’ll continue to update this page as bargains come and go throughout the shopping season, so be sure to check back often.
Best Black Friday soundbar deals
The Yamaha YAS-209 earned a spot on our list of the best soundbars of 2024 as our favorite model with Amazon Alexa built-in. That means it allows you to stream music and control other smart devices on your network totally hands-free. This 2.1-channel system features a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer for powerful bass and has multiple preset sound modes for movies, gaming and more.
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This simple Samsung soundbar is a great option for those who want a basic and affordable upgrade from their TV’s speakers. It’s an all-in-one system that features two woofers and three tweeters, as well as Dolby Atmos and DTS VirtualX support for a more immersive watch experience. It also has Bluetooth built-in for wireless music streaming.
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If you’re looking for something a little more high-end, you may want to upgrade to the VIzio Elevate 5.1.4-channel system. It’s our favorite soundbar for under $1,000, and it’s equipped with 18 total speakers for seriously powerful audio. Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support also provide a more immersive watch experience, and it has Bluetooth and Chromecast built-in for easy music streaming.
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Is Black Friday the best time to buy a soundbar?
Yes, Black Friday is one of the absolute best times to grab a new soundbar for your home entertainment setup. Not only are these some of the lowest prices we’ve seen all year, but there’s also a much wider selection on sale, which makes it much easier to find a system that fits your needs and your budget.
Where will I find the best Black Friday soundbar deals?
You’ll find plenty of deals available at major retailers, with both Amazon and Best Buy offering some serious discounts at the moment. You’ll also want to check smaller online competitors like Crutchfield and B&H Photo, as they carry a pretty large selection of audio tech, and may be offering some under-the-radar deals that haven’t been matched at other competitors. You should also check the online stores for popular brands like Bose and Samsung since many manufacturers offer some direct discounts of their own during this time of year.
Why should I invest in a soundbar?
TV speakers don’t deliver big sound these days because our screens have gotten a lot thinner and high-quality components simply won’t fit. Additionally, built-in TV speakers often face downward, which can further dilute the sound you hear. A soundbar can really improve your audio, and if you need a little help figuring out which features to look for, be sure to check out our soundbar buying guide.
Is Dolby Atmos worth the extra cost?
Absolutely. If your budget allows it, we strongly recommend springing for a soundbar with Dolby Atmos. Though traditional surround sound is fine, Dolby Atmos’ audio processing can offer a more immersive and enjoyable experience. There’s a reason Dolby Atmos is touted as a standout feature by soundbar manufacturers.
Should I wait for Cyber Monday soundbar deals?
Black Friday is the biggest shopping event of the holiday season, which means we’re seeing massive discounts across the board. That said, you could wait until Cyber Monday to see if these prices will be better, but the chances are pretty low. Additionally, by waiting until Cyber Monday, you risk the soundbar you want being sold out. These deals are going quickly.
CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on the CNET Deals page, and sign up for the CNET Deals Text to get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the free CNET Shopping extension to your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. Peruse our gift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more.
