Your TV speakers are holding back every movie and show. They sound thin, muffled, and lack any sense of depth. You want better audio, but you don’t have room for a full surround system or a massive soundbar. That is where small soundbars come in. They deliver rich, room-filling sound without cluttering your setup. This guide helps you choose the best small soundbars for your space, whether you live in an apartment or a cozy living room. If you are looking for more options for tighter spaces, check our guide to best soundbars for small rooms.

We evaluated two top contenders: the TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar for Smart TV and the Bose TV Speaker (2nd Gen). Both are compact, easy to set up, and punch well above their size. Read on to see which one fits your needs.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in a Small Soundbar

Size and Design

A small soundbar must fit neatly under your TV without blocking the sensor or extending beyond the screen. Look for a low profile design that sits flush with your furniture. The TCL S45H measures just over two inches tall and nearly 32 inches wide, making it ideal for TVs in the 40 to 55 inch range. The Bose TV Speaker is even more compact at just over two inches tall with a rounded, modern silhouette. Both allow you to keep your setup clean and uncluttered. For more on ultra slim models, see our Best Low Profile Soundbars guide.

Sound Quality and Key Features

Sound quality matters most. A good small soundbar should improve dialogue clarity and add depth to movies and music. The TCL S45H uses Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X to create a wide, immersive soundstage from a single bar. Its AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration adjusts the audio based on your room layout. The Bose TV Speaker focuses on clarity with a dedicated center tweeter for speech and a Dialogue Mode that raises voices over background noise. Both support Bluetooth for music streaming. For more on slim designs with great sound, check our best slim soundbars collection.

Connectivity and Ease of Setup

You should be able to connect your soundbar in minutes. HDMI eARC or ARC is the best option because it carries both audio and control signals over one cable. Both the TCL S45H and Bose TV Speaker include HDMI and optical inputs. The TCL also offers AUX and Bluetooth, plus a full function remote and a wall mount kit. The Bose includes an HDMI cable and a remote with dedicated Dialogue and bass buttons. Setup is plug and play for both. If you are comparing multiple compact options, visit our Best Compact Soundbars page for more.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right small soundbar comes down to your priorities. If you want immersive spatial audio with automatic room calibration, the TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar for Smart TV delivers a cinematic experience at a great value. If crystal clear dialogue and a trusted brand are more important, the Bose TV Speaker (2nd Gen) excels with its proprietary Dialogue Mode and expandable system. Either way, you will enjoy a major upgrade from your TV’s built in speakers without adding clutter to your room.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size soundbar is best for a small TV?

For TVs under 50 inches, a soundbar around 30 to 32 inches wide is ideal. Both the TCL S45H (31.89 inches) and Bose TV Speaker (around 27 inches) are perfect matches for small to medium TVs. They sit neatly under the screen without overhang.

Do small soundbars support Dolby Atmos?

Yes, many compact models now include Dolby Atmos processing. The TCL S45H features both Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, creating a height effect that simulates sound coming from above. Not all small soundbars offer this, so check the specs if immersive audio is important to you.

How do I connect a small soundbar to my TV?

The easiest method is HDMI eARC or ARC. Both the TCL and Bose use a single HDMI cable to send audio and control signals. You can also use optical or Bluetooth. Most soundbars include a quick setup guide. For a broader overview of soundbar types, visit our Soundbars category.

Can I use a small soundbar for music?

Absolutely. Both the TCL S45H and Bose TV Speaker have Bluetooth for streaming music from your phone or tablet. The Bose adds a dedicated bass boost button, while the TCL uses its room calibration to balance sound for any content. They handle podcasts, playlists, and streaming services well.