Best Passive Sound Bars of 2025

Jerry Franklin Avatar
Jerry Franklin
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Passive sound bars are an excellent option for those who want to enhance their TV's audio quality without investing in a full-fledged home theater system. These sound bars do not require a power source or an amplifier, making them easy to set up and use. They are designed to produce a clear and balanced sound that can elevate your entertainment experience. Passive sound bars come in various sizes and designs, and can be wall-mounted or placed on a shelf. They are an affordable and practical solution for anyone looking to upgrade their TV's sound without breaking the bank.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar Cover #TOP 1
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity Cover #TOP 2
Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Dayton Audio BS41 41" LCR Speaker Bar Black Cover #TOP 3
Dayton Audio BS41 41" LCR Speaker Bar Black
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Passive Sound Bars

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar

HTS100F
black
3.5 x 35.5 x 2.5
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar Cover
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker, Integrated Tweeter and Bluetooth, (HTS100F), easy setup, compact, home office use with clear sound black

The Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar is a great choice for those looking for a compact soundbar that offers clear sound. It features a Bass Reflex speaker, built-in tweeter, and simple Bluetooth connection. It is also easy to set up with HDMI ARC and S-Force Pro Front Surround for sound coming from all directions. Customers have found it to be of high quality, but have experienced some issues with the soundbar going into mute mode when turning the device off.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight
Good sound quality
Multiple connectivity options

Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity

838309-1100
Black
Bose TV Speaker - Enhanced Dialogue and Bluetooth Connectivity Cover
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity, Black, Includes Remote Control

The Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar designed to simplify and improve TV sound. It features two angled full-range drivers for a more realistic and spatial audio experience, and is equipped with Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music. The soundbar also has a dialogue mode to further enhance speech and a bass boost for more depth. Setup is simple with a single connection to the TV via an optical audio cable or an HDMI cable.

What We Like
Crisp highs and clean lows
Compact form factor
Dolby Atmos and surround sound capabilities
#TOP 3

Dayton Audio BS41 41" LCR Speaker Bar Black

BS41
Black
Dayton Audio BS41 41" LCR Speaker Bar Black Cover
Dayton Audio BS41 41" LCR Speaker Bar Black

Features
Works With Stereo, 5.1 Or 7.1 Receivers
Designed For Accurate Reproduction Of Music And TV Audio
Use With Or Without A Subwoofer
Great Alternative To Large Bookshelf Or Center Speakers
Astonishing Bass From High Excursion 4" Drivers
#TOP 4

VIZIO V-Series Compact Sound Bar

V20x-J8
Black
VIZIO V-Series Compact Sound Bar Cover
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar with Dolby Audio, DTS:X, Bluetooth V20x-J8

The VIZIO V-Series Sound Bar is designed to enhance your audio experience in small to medium-sized rooms. Its sleek and compact design not only looks great but is also easy to maintain. With DTS Virtual:X technology, you can enjoy immersive sound that fills your space, making movies and music come alive. The two full-range speakers provide clear and detailed audio, ensuring you hear every note as the artist intended. Plus, it’s optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio, allowing you to experience superior sound quality when connected through HDMI.

What We Like
Compact and stylish design
Immersive virtual sound
Clear audio quality
Optimized for 4K HDR
#TOP 5

Assistrust 60W Sound Bar

KY-8000
Black
Assistrust 60W Sound Bar Cover
Assistrust Sound Bar, 60W Sound Bar for Smart TV, 5.0 Bluetooth Soundbar for TV, Wired & Wireless Soundbar with Volume Boost & Equalizer Mode,ARC/Optical/AUX Connection, 2 in 1 Detachable TV Sound Bar

The Assistrust Sound Bar enhances your audio experience with its powerful 60W output. You can enjoy vibrant volume levels that make quiet sounds more pronounced, whether you place it horizontally for expansive sound or mount it on the wall for a full cinematic experience. With three equalizer settings, you can customize the sound for movies, music, or news, ensuring that every dialogue and melody is crystal clear. Additionally, the soundbar offers easy connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0 and various wired connections, allowing you to control it seamlessly with your TV remote.

What We Like
Vibrant volume boost
Customizable sound settings
Easy connectivity options
Multiple placement choices
#TOP 6

MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, Sound Bars

MZEIBO
tv soundbar
32inch
MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, Sound Bars Cover
MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, Sound Bars for Smart TV, Bluetooth 5.0 Soundbar 60W 32Inch Detachable Soundbars with ARC/Optical/AUX Connection, TV Speakers Soundbar for Home Theater Audio

Features
Advanced DSP Technology: Immerse Yourself In Unparalleled Audio-Visual Excellence With Our Cutting-Edge DSP Technology. Engineered To Perfection, Our Soundbar's DSP Technology Delivers A Stable, Precise, And High-Fidelity Audio Output. Say Farewell To Audio Distortion As Our Innovative Technology Minimizes Sound Transmission Loss, Providing You With Crystal-Clear Sound. Explore Customizable Sound Profiles Tailored For News, Music, And Movies, Ensuring An Optimized Audio Experience For Every Occasion.
Dive Into 360°Surround Sound: Enhance Your Home Entertainment With Our Sound Bar, Transforming Your Living Room Into A Cinematic Haven. With Four Advanced Drivers, Our Sound Bar Ensures Precise Sound Reproduction, Capturing Every Detail From Gentle Whispers To Booming Explosions. Delight In A Broad Spectrum Of Clear, Potent Audio That Revitalizes Your Favorite Movies And Music, Offering An Immersive Experience That Rivals The Cinema.
Seamless Setup: Embark On A Immersive Audio Journey With Effortless Setup.Our Meticulously Designed Soundbar Ensures Easy Installation, Seamlessly Compatible With Optical, ARC, AUX, And Bluetooth Connections, Providing Seamless Integration Across A Diverse Range Of Devices.
Reliable Support: Your Satisfaction Is Our Top Priority. Experience The Exceptional Quality Of Our Soundbar, Backed By A Life-Time After-Sales Service. Our Team Is Always Available To Provide Any Support You Need Within Two Days. The Package Includes The TV Soundbar, Remote Controller, Power Adapter, ARC/Optical/3.5mm Audio Cable, Base, Quick Installation Instructions, And User Manual.
Elevated Audio Performance: Immerse Yourself In Dynamic, Immersive Sound With Our Innovative TV Sound Bar, Ingeniously Designed To Split Into Two Sleek Tower Speakers. The Vertical Alignment Of These Towers Creates A Powerful, Vibrant Audio Atmosphere, Suit For Cinematic Movie Nights And Captivating Music Sessions. Not Only Does Our Sound Bar Redefine Your Audio Experience, But Its Sleek Design Also Seamlessly Enhances Your Home Decor, Adding A Contemporary Flair To Your Living Space.
#TOP 7

SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar

HW-B550/ZA
Black
No Size
SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar Cover
Samsung HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar with Dolby Audio, DTS Virtual:X, Subwoofer Included, Adaptive Sound Lite, Bluetooth Multi-Device Connection, Wireless Surround Compatible, 2022, Black

The SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar is a great choice for those looking for a powerful sound system with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X. It comes with a subwoofer and features Adaptive Sound Lite, Bluetooth Multi Device Connection, and Wireless Surround Sound Compatible. Customers have praised its sound quality and ease of setup, though some have noted that the digital display on the soundbar is somewhat hard to see.

What We Like
Good sound quality
Bluetooth multi-device connection
Wireless surround sound compatible
#TOP 8

JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar System

JBL
JBLBAR913DBLKAM
Black
JBL Bar 9.1 Soundbar System Cover
JBL Bar 9.1 - Channel Soundbar System with Surround Speakers and Dolby Atmos, Black

The JBL Bar 9.1 is an 820W soundbar system with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X decoding. It features detachable wireless surround speakers, a 300W powered subwoofer, and Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision. With built-in calibration, you can easily optimize the sound quality to fit any room. The system includes a main soundbar, wireless surround speakers, wireless subwoofer, remote control, power cords, HDMI cable, and wall-mount brackets.

What We Like
Detachable wireless surround speakers provide real surround sound without wires
Built-in calibration ensures optimal sound quality for any room
Ultra HD 4K pass-through with Dolby Vision for high-quality video and audio
#TOP 9

MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, Sound Bars

MZEIBO
tv soundbar
Black
17inch
MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, Sound Bars Cover
MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, Sound Bars for Smart TV Bluetooth 5.0 Soundbar 50W 17Inch Small Soundbars with ARC/Optical/AUX Connection, TV Soundbar Surround Sound Bars (Black)

Features
Precision Sound Reproduction: Immerse Yourself In Crystal-Clear Audio With Our DSP Technology. Designed To Minimize Distortion And Maximize Sound Accuracy, Our Advanced System Tailors Audio Output For Various Content Genres, Including News, Music, And Movies. Whether You're Enjoying A Blockbuster Film Or Catching Up On The Latest Headlines, Every Sound Is Faithfully Reproduced With Exceptional Clarity And Precision.
Total Immersion: Step Into The Heart Of The Action With Our 50W TV Sound Bar, Designed To Envelop You In A 360° Soundscape. With Two Meticulously Tuned Drivers, Every Sound Comes To Life, Transporting You Into The Very Midst Of Your Favorite Movies And Shows, Making You Feel Like An Integral Part Of The Storyline.
Space-Saving Elegance: Crafted With Efficiency In Mind, Our Compact Tv Soundbar Boasts A Slender 17-Inch Frame, Making It An Ideal Fit For Confined Areas. Its Sleek, Contemporary Design Adds A Touch Of Refinement To Any Space, Effortlessly Complementing Your Decor. Whether Mounted On The Wall Or Placed On A Desktop, It Optimizes Space Utilization Without Compromising On Style.
Seamless Installation: Installing Our Sound Bars Is Effortless, Offering Compatibility With Optical/ARC/AUX/Bluetooth Connections Across A Wide Range Of Devices, Including The Reliable Bluetooth 5.0 Option. Our Tv Speakers Sound Bar Includes Detailed Illustrated Instructions, Helpful Video Tutorials, And All Essential Mounting Accessories To Streamline The Setup Process.
Dependable Long-Term Assistance: Trust In The Enduring Reliability Of Our Tv Soundbar, Supported By A Unwavering Customer Assistance. Our Dedicated Team Stands Ready To Address Any Queries Or Concerns Within A Prompt Two-Day Turnaround. The Comprehensive Package Encompasses The TV Soundbar, Remote Controller, Power Adapter, HDMI/Optical/3.5mm Audio Cable, Concise Installation Guidelines, And User Manual.

Saiyin Sound Bars for TV with Subwoofer

Sound bar DS6345S
Black
17-inch
Saiyin Sound Bars for TV with Subwoofer Cover
Saiyin Sound Bars for TV with Subwoofer, 2.1 Deep Bass Small Soundbar Monitor Speaker Home Theater Surround System PC Gaming Bluetooth/AUX/Optical Connection, Wall Mountable 17-inch

The Saiyin Sound Bars for TV with Subwoofer offers rich bass from its new generation sound bar and subwoofer, creating a realistic and 3D feeling for movies, music, and gaming. The colored LED lights show which connection mode the sound bar is on and the volume progress light bar reminds you of master volume or subwoofer volume in real time. The sound bar can be connected to any Bluetooth enabled devices via wireless or wired connection, and also wall mountable with an included wall mounting kit. The sound bar can be switched to three equalizer modes depending on the TV programs you are watching.

What We Like
Offers rich bass creating a realistic and 3D feeling for movies, music, and gaming
Colored LED lights show which connection mode the sound bar is on
Can be connected to any Bluetooth enabled devices via wireless or wired connection
Wall mountable with an included wall mounting kit
Can be switched to three equalizer modes depending on the TV programs you are watching
Buying Guide Image

Decide Which Passive Sound Bars Are Best for You

Introduction

If you're looking for an audio upgrade to your home theater setup, a passive soundbar is a great choice. With their slim profile and easy installation, passive soundbars provide an unobtrusive way to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and music in incredible sound quality. In this article, we'll explore what passive soundbars are and what to look for when shopping for one.

What Is a Passive Soundbar?

A passive soundbar is a soundbar without an amplifier or built-in speakers. Instead of having a built-in amplifier, passive soundbars rely on an external amplifier or receiver to power them. This makes them incredibly versatile and allows them to be used with any audio system. Some passive soundbars even have the capability to add additional speakers, allowing you to customize your setup even further.

Advantages of Passive Soundbars

The biggest advantage of a passive soundbar is its versatility. Many passive soundbars have multiple input and output connections, allowing them to be used with any audio system. This makes them perfect for home theater setups or for simply adding better sound to your TV.

Another advantage of passive soundbars is their slim profile. With no bulky speakers or amplifiers, passive soundbars are incredibly easy to install and can fit into almost any space.

Lastly, passive soundbars are incredibly affordable. Since they don't come with built-in amplifiers or speakers, they are usually much cheaper than active soundbars. This makes them a great choice for those on a budget.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Passive Soundbar

When shopping for a passive soundbar, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll want to make sure the soundbar is compatible with your audio system. Check to make sure the soundbar has the right input and output connections for your setup.

Next, you'll want to consider the soundbar's size. Make sure the soundbar will fit in the space you have available. Some soundbars are designed to be wall-mounted or can be used with a stand, so consider these options as well.

Finally, you'll want to make sure the soundbar has the features you need. Many soundbars have additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, built-in subwoofers, or multi-room audio capabilities. Make sure the soundbar you choose has the features you need to get the most out of your audio system.

Conclusion

A passive soundbar is a great way to upgrade your home theater setup without breaking the bank. With their slim profile and easy installation, passive soundbars offer an unobtrusive way to enjoy your favorite movies, shows, and music in incredible sound quality. Keep in mind the things outlined above and you'll be sure to find the perfect passive soundbar for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do passive speakers sound better?

Passive speakers and active speakers are suitable for the same purpose, and neither option necessarily produces better audio than the other. The quality of sound depends on various factors, including the audio equipment and setup.

2. Why do people use passive speakers?

People use passive speakers because they offer more flexibility in customizing sound setups. With passive speakers, you can mix and match components to fit specific needs, making it easier to adjust the setup over time, such as scaling to a larger space or adding surround sound.

3. What are the cons of passive speakers?

One disadvantage of passive speakers is that they are not portable. They require connection to an amplifier in order to function, which makes them unsuitable for portable use.

4. Are passive speakers worth it?

Passive speakers have several benefits, including flexibility in component placement, ease of upgrades and component replacement, and greater control over sound. However, there are also advantages to using active speakers. The choice depends on individual preferences and requirements.

5. Do you really need a sound bar with a TV?

Having a sound bar with a TV can enhance the audio experience. Sound bars direct audio into the center of the space, providing clearer and more focused sound compared to built-in TV speakers, which are often located behind or to the sides of the TV.

Editor's Notes

During our passive sound bar research, we found 24 passive sound bar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 138,870 customer reviews through our big data system to write the passive sound bars list. We found that most customers choose passive sound bars with an average price of $157.14.

The passive sound bars are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of passive sound bars, including Sony, Bose, Dayton Audio, VIZIO, Assistrust. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jerry Franklin Avatar

Jerry Franklin's persistent curiosity and research inspire a love of writing how technical things work and help him build a wealth of knowledge in computer equipment and other electronic tools. He has always enjoyed great pleasure in taking all things apart and researching how to put them together again since his childhood.