Best budget soundbar
For most TVs, the LG US40T: it connects by HDMI ARC, so the TV remote controls the volume. If your TV has no ARC socket, the Hisense HS2100 adds a wireless subwoofer over optical, and the Sonos Ray (£199) suits Sonos homes.
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The picks
Best for most TVs
LG US40T soundbar
2.1 channels over HDMI ARC with CEC, so one remote does the volume, plus optical and Bluetooth.
Worth knowing: Some sound features only work with compatible LG TVs.
Most bass
Hisense HS2100 soundbar with subwoofer
A wireless subwoofer, connected by optical; Hisense doesn't confirm HDMI ARC.
Worth knowing: Hisense's page doesn't confirm HDMI ARC, so plan to connect by optical cable.
Best for Sonos homes
Sonos Ray
Compact and clear, with AirPlay 2, at £199. Optical only: no HDMI and no Dolby Atmos.
Worth knowing: No HDMI and no Dolby Atmos, so your TV needs an optical output.
£199 RRPDetailsSee it on Amazon
How to choose
- HDMI ARC (or eARC) is easiest: one remote and the best sound formats. Check your TV has a socket marked ARC.
- No ARC? Use optical, and set the TV's sound output to optical.
- Clearer speech is the main gain at this price; surround needs rear speakers.
Rather someone did it for you?
Having a TV wall mounted usually costs £80 to £180 for a 32 to 55-inch TV, more for bigger screens; hiding the cables in the wall adds £50 to £150. Find a checked local fitter.
Questions
- Which cable connects a soundbar?
- An HDMI cable into the TV's ARC socket, or an optical cable if either has no ARC.
Related guides
LG US40T soundbarBest for most TVs
See it on AmazonDesk research by Tely from the makers’, Freely’s and NOW’s own pages, checked 4th November 2026. We haven’t tested these ourselves; each product page lists its sources. Prices are the makers’ listed starting prices; shops often charge less. How we check.