A 40-inch TV is pretty standard in size, but its factory speakers don’t produce audio as well as it should. That said, not all soundbars are a good fit either. So, after multiple tests, we’ve listed the best soundbars for 40 inch TV.
Top Soundbars for 40 Inch TV Reviews
1. Vizio SB2920-C6 Soundbar - Best For 40" TV
Vizio soundbars always have a sleek design, making them well-liked by many people. The SB2920-C6 is no exception. It measures just 29 inches, which is suitable for a TV 40 inches and over.
Capable of pumping out 95 dB of room-filling sound, the Vizio soundbar is a great option for crystal clear audio. In our tests, this soundbar produced less than 1% harmonic distortion even at max volume, and it maintains its balance well.
Sound quality isn’t compromised too, as it’s equipped with DTS Studio Sound, DTS Tru Volume, and DTS Tru Surround. Your Vizio SB2920-C6 soundbar can simulate surround sound because of these technologies, giving you an immersive home theater experience.
Like most soundbars today, this also features built-in Bluetooth for streaming from mobile devices. If you like a wireless setup, Bluetooth provides an alternative connection to your TV as well.
For an affordable price, this soundbar outdoes the competition with its performance and functions.
What We Like
- Room-filling crystal clear audio
- Perfect size for 40-inch TV (if you like a larger look)
- Minimal harmonic distortion
- Built-in Bluetooth
- DTS technology
- Sleek design
- Control panel
- Comes with a remote
What We Don't Like
- Volume increments are large
- Low volumes have quieter speech
2. Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
At 21.6 inches, the Bose Solo 5 soundbar is the most compact on our list. It suits TVs that are 30 inches and over, although there are other soundbars more suitable for even smaller TVs.
We’ve tested this many times before and we’ve included it in many of our reviews. The main reason it continues to stand out is because of its clear dialogue mode.
We all know the struggle of not understanding the whispered conversations in movies. But with the Bose Solo 5, those dialogues pop unlike the sloppy sound your TV speakers provide.
Another great thing about this soundbar is its easy setup. The Bose Solo 5 comes with everything you need in the box, but Bluetooth support makes it even easier. If you like a setup that’s clear of all wires, it’s best to use Bluetooth connection. Content streaming from mobile devices is possible too.
For placement, the Bose Solo 5 can be purchased separately or with a wall-mount kit. It can be mounted to your wall under your TV for the best sound or be placed on the tabletop. Either way, the sound quality is pretty good.
What We Like
- Supports Bluetooth for streaming and setup
- Comes with a universal remote
- Great size for a 40-inch TV
- Compact
- Flexible placement
- Clear dialogue mode
- Comes with what you need
What We Don't Like
- You need to press a button for clear speech
- Auto shut-off may not be for everyone
3. Yamaha YAS-207 Soundbar
Although the Vizio soundbar on our list has DTS surround sound, the Yamaha YAS-207 is the first soundbar in the world to introduce DTS Virtual. And with firmware updates, the software gets better each time.
This Yamaha soundbar has a very slim design although it’s larger in size at around 37 inches. Despite the bigger dimensions, it still fits nicely with your 40-inch TV. Similar to most soundbars, the setup can be done through multiple connection options including HDMI, optical, analog, or Bluetooth.
One advantage that this Yamaha model has over our previous picks is that it comes with its own subwoofer. In our books, a wireless subwoofer is more powerful than built-ins, so you can expect some serious bass from this soundbar.
With its easy setup, powerful bass performance, and great overall sound quality, the YAS-207 is a solid soundbar.
What We Like
- The first soundbar to introduce DTS Virtual
- Firmware updates available
- Sleek and slim design
- Great for a 40-inch TV
- Comes with a wireless subwoofer
- Has indicator lights
- Supports Bluetooth
- Multiple connection methods
What We Don't Like
- Wireless subwoofer takes up more space
- No voice control
Soundbar for a 40 Inch TV Buying Guide
When you get a soundbar, you expect it to provide better audio than your TV speakers.
However, not all soundbars are made equal. A soundbar that’s too small won’t be a match for your default speakers and one that’s too large may not look as good paired with your TV. Some perform better with, say, TVs manufactured by Vizio than others.
To help you out, here are a few tips on how to pick the right model among all of the best soundbars for 40 inch tv:
What's Important About Size and Design For 40 Inch TV?
Before you buy any fixed addition to your home, you need to account for the size and space it will take up. Think about where you want to place the soundbar. Would you want it on the wall or placed on your TV cabinet?
If you don’t have much space, purchasing a soundbar with a built-in subwoofer would be a better choice. Then again, most soundbars are compact and sleek since they were built to blend in well with your TV, so accounting for the size and subwoofer is important.
For 40-inch TVs, any soundbar between the range of 20 to 36 inches would look great and produce amazing audio. It’s up to you if you will pick something with a separate subwoofer.
Connections
Depending on the connections your TV has, you need to make sure your soundbar has compatible ones. Most LG soundbars like the LG SNC4R comes with a wide range of connectivity inputs like optical, Bluetooth, and USB inputs.
For the best sound quality, we recommend digital connections such as the HDMI arc.
If you are more of a fan of wireless connections, you can look into Bluetooth streaming and setup. This also minimizes clutter and wires, which is great if you prefer a clean look.
Another thing to consider is the TV model you have. If you own a TCL TV, you can look into our guide on how to connect soundbars to TCL Roku TVs.
Sound
Why get a soundbar if it doesn’t provide the best sound? Ones equipped with surround sound technology such as DTS and Dolby Atmos will be more capable of room-filling sound. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg though, as there are cheap soundbars that decode Dolby Atmos.
It would also be better if the soundbar has sound modes such as clear dialogue, movie mode, or others. These modes optimize the sound quality of the content, so you’re always listening to the best possible sound.
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are great wireless connection options. Furthermore, they also allow streaming and connection to various devices. If you are looking to build your sound system, these are additional connections to look into.
Bluetooth is considered basic for many soundbars. However, it may take a second series for models like Bose Solo 10 and 15 for wireless connectivity to be available.
Control
A soundbar with a remote control will add a level of convenience. Like how easy it is to flip through channels and input settings [1] with a TV remote, a soundbar remote gives you control without having to get up from your chair. A lot of soundbars can either work with a universal remote or have their own one included.
If your soundbar has a compatible app you can download straight to your phone, then you can control the soundbar from your mobile device as well. The Bose Soundbar 700, for instance, can connect wirelessly using the Bose Music App.
While most soundbars are horizontal, there are some picks that offer more flexibility in placement. Check out our list of the best vertical soundbars here.
Our Top Pick for 40 Inch TV: Vizio SB2920-C6
The Vizio SB2920-C6 is the best soundbar for 40 inch tv because of its extremely reasonable price, sleek design, Bluetooth support, and of course, DTS technology. It provides all you need for a home theater experience, and the sound quality proves that cheap soundbars can rival higher-end ones. Overall, its performance and quality make it the best for your 40-inch TV.
The V21-H8 is another compact model from the brand that is worth checking out.
