Came here from a YouTube video? The site that used to live at this address has closed. GadgetArray is now an independent buying guide, starting with soundbars. If you were looking at the boAt Aavante Bar 1150, it's a 2019 model and hard to find new now; its current boAt equivalent is below.
The best soundbars in India right now, and how to pick one
Most TVs sound thin because their speakers point down or backwards. Almost any soundbar fixes that. The real choice is how much surround, bass and dialogue clarity you want for your room and budget.
What actually matters
Ignore the wattage on the box. A 600W claim from one brand and 160W from another aren't measured the same way, and in a normal Indian living room you'll rarely use more than a fraction of either. Compare channels and the subwoofer instead.
Channels tell you where sound comes from. A 2.1 bar has left and right speakers plus a subwoofer for bass, which is a big step up from TV speakers. A 3.1 adds a centre speaker for voices, the single most useful upgrade if you mostly watch serials, news or anything with dialogue. A 5.1 adds two rear speakers behind you, which is what makes action films and stadium crowds feel like they surround you, but it means running wires to the back of the room.
Check how it connects to your TV. HDMI ARC (or eARC) is the best option: one cable, and your TV remote controls the volume. Most TVs from the last six or seven years have it; look for "ARC" printed next to one of the HDMI ports. Optical works on older TVs, and Bluetooth is fine for music from your phone but can make speech slightly out of sync with lips on video.
A wireless subwoofer is worth paying a little extra for. It still needs a power socket, but you can put it in a corner instead of next to the TV, which usually sounds better too.
Picks by budget
Under ₹10,000
boAt Aavante Bar 1600D (Orion Plus)
2.1 channel · 160W · wired subwoofer · Dolby Audio · HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth
This is the modern version of the Aavante bars boAt made its name with, and the safe pick for most people upgrading from TV speakers. The wired subwoofer gives noticeably fuller bass than the bar alone, and it has every input you're likely to need.
Check price on AmazonZebronics Juke Bar 9510WS Pro
5.1 channel · rear satellite speakers · subwoofer · Dolby Audio
The cheapest way to get real surround sound from behind you. If you watch a lot of films or sport and can run cables to the back of the room, it does more for the experience than a pricier 2.1 bar.
Check price on AmazonMivi Nex 650
5.1 channel · satellite speakers · external subwoofer · optical, coaxial
A made-in-India 5.1 set and the alternative to the Zebronics if you prefer Mivi or find it at a better price. It has optical and coaxial inputs, which helps with older TVs and set-top boxes.
Check price on AmazonZebronics Juke Bar 200A
Compact · 90W · built-in subwoofer driver · Dolby Digital · needs HDMI ARC
For bedrooms, small TVs and anyone who doesn't want a separate subwoofer box on the floor. Make sure your TV has an HDMI ARC port first, because that's how this one is meant to connect.
Check price on AmazonMivi Fort H120
2.1 channel · 120W · wired external subwoofer · EQ modes
A simple, affordable 2.1 with separate bass, good for a first soundbar on a tight budget. It lacks an optical input, so check your TV's ports.
Check price on Amazon₹15,000 to ₹20,000
Samsung HW-B650D
3.1 channel · wireless subwoofer · Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X · HDMI ARC
The one to get if voices are what you struggle to hear. The centre channel keeps dialogue clear even when the background music is loud, and the wireless subwoofer keeps the cable mess down. The surround effect is simulated, not from real rear speakers.
Check price on AmazonSony HT-S20R
5.1 channel · 400W · wired rear speakers and subwoofer · Dolby Digital · HDMI ARC, optical, USB
True 5.1 from a brand with a long service network in India. It's the best choice here for films and live sport if your room layout lets you place and wire the rear speakers.
Check price on AmazonJBL Cinema SB560
3.1 channel · 250W · wireless subwoofer · Dolby Audio · HDMI ARC
A rival to the Samsung with the same centre-channel advantage for dialogue. Compare the two on current price; whichever is cheaper the day you buy is the better deal.
Check price on AmazonCommon questions
Do I need Dolby Atmos?
Not at these budgets. Atmos soundbars that genuinely deliver height effects start well above ₹20,000, and Atmos only matters for content that has it, mostly films on Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar. "Dolby Audio" or "Dolby Digital" on a budget bar is a different, more basic thing.
Will it work with my TV remote?
Usually yes, if you connect it with HDMI ARC and switch on HDMI-CEC in your TV's settings (Samsung calls it Anynet+, LG calls it SIMPLINK, Sony calls it BRAVIA Sync).
Is 5.1 worth the extra wires?
For films and sport in a dedicated living room, yes. If the TV is against a wall with the sofa pushed up behind it, or you rent and can't run cables, a 3.1 with a centre channel is the more practical upgrade.
Should I buy online or from a store?
Online prices are usually lower, especially in sale events. Whichever you choose, check the warranty terms and whether the brand has a service centre in your city.