There are plenty of soundbars out there but not all are a good match for a 42 inch TV. So, our audio experts got to work and tested multiple soundbars to see which ones would pair best with 42-inch TV sets. See our list of the best soundbars for 42 inch TVs below.
Top Soundbar for 42 Inch TV Reviews
1. Samsung HW-T450 2.1 Soundbar with Dolby Audio
The Samsung HW-T450 is a great option if you want to achieve surround sound. It comes with its own subwoofer for an improved bass, and you can also build the system by purchasing rear speakers for the ultimate home theater.
We didn’t find sound modes on this soundbar, but it has something better called smart sound mode. Instead of manually selecting the mode, the HW-T450 automatically detects the content played onscreen and optimizes the sound accordingly. This comes in handy because the soundbar does all the work for you.
Nevertheless, there is a game mode on this model, which will help enhance your gaming experience.
Setup is easy as well because everything you need is in the box, including the remote control. Like most units, this new sound system can be easily paired with the TV through Bluetooth.
Overall, the sound quality, performance, and easy setup makes this one of the best soundbars for your 42 inch TV.
What We Like
- Smart sound technology
- Game mode
- Remote control included
- Can be purchased with rear speakers
- Wireless subwoofer included
- Deeper bass
- Bluetooth supported
- Suits a 42 inch TV well
- Sleek design
What We Don't Like
- The soundbar isn’t very loud
- Bluetooth won’t work past 30 feet
2. Taotronics Three Equalizer Mode Soundbar
This Taotronics soundbar proves that you can still get room-filling sound at an affordable price. It comes with 3 equalizer modes: movie, music, and game. These modes are similar to sound modes and help optimize the content you’re watching. Thus, you get the best quality each time.
Similar to other soundbars, this model has a slim design that’s easy to place anywhere or mount on the wall. You won’t have trouble with the setup of the Taotronics soundbar either, because there are wired and wireless connection methods that you can choose from.
Of course, if you choose the wireless route, connecting your TV via Bluetooth is the way to go. It can also be used for pairing multiple devices if you want to stream content.
Another thing worth noting is the LED display screen. This comes in really handy because it shows the adjustments and tweaks that you make each time you use the remote. With the screen, it’s easy to see exactly what setting the soundbar is on.
On the whole, it’s a great soundbar for your 42-inch TV.
What We Like
- LED display screen
- Slim and compact
- 3 equalizer modes (game, movie, music)
- Includes remote and user manual and cables
- Bluetooth supported
- Affordable price
- Easy setup
- Great size for a 42 inch TV
What We Don't Like
- Produces less bass than a wireless sub
- The optical cable is short
3. TCL Alto 7+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar
Whether you choose the TCL Alto 5 or 7, the price is amazing for the sound. Measuring at 36 inches, the size of the TCL 7+ 2.1 soundbar will fit seamlessly with your 42 inch TV.
The brushed and minimalistic look of this soundbar is something that many people like. But design aside, this offers a lot of convenient options for users.
For one, it comes with its own subwoofer. In our tests, the sub delivers a clear and deep bass that elevates the entire home theater experience. The tuning of the soundbar and the subwoofer are expertly done as well, emitting very minimal sound distortion at any volume.
There are also 3 sound modes that help optimize the content you’re watching. We find that they’re easy to use and the presets are well-balanced.
As for the setup, you have several wired options and, of course, Bluetooth. If you like a clean look, we do suggest the latter for a clutter-free space. But whichever you choose, this soundbar provides an impressive sound quality.
You can also read about the TCL Alto 9+, another impressive release from the brand.
What We Like
- Great price for all the features
- Specially tuned to be distortion-free
- Bluetooth supported
- 3 sound modes (music, movie, news)
- Sleek design
- Wireless subwoofer
- Multiple wired connections
- Great size for your 42 inch TV
What We Don't Like
- No display screen
- Small remote
Soundbar for 42 Inch TV Buyer’s Guide
For a 42 inch TV, a soundbar that is anywhere between 25-40 inches would look great and be able to surpass the sound of your TV speakers. The JBL 3.1 soundbar, a 40-inch soundbar, is highly compatible for TVs this size. But other than size, there are also a few other considerations to consider when looking for the best soundbar for 42 inch tv:
Design
You want the design to be slim and inconspicuous so it blends well with the rest of your interior. Most soundbars are designed like this, so it boils down to a matter of preference.
The factor you should think about is the placement of the soundbar. Would you be mounting it on the wall under your TV or would you be placing it on a tabletop? You need to consider the allotted space of your living room and TV to find the perfect spot.
Another thing to consider in the design is the control. Some soundbars have a control panel or LED screens built-in to show you exactly what your settings are. These features will add more convenience to your soundbar control, but they’re not necessarily needed.
Subwoofer
For the bass, one thing you should ask is, does it come with a subwoofer? Again, you might have to consider the space you have. If you don’t have much space but you want a separate subwoofer, you should look into saving space by reorganizing [1].
Then again, some soundbars have subwoofers built right in. This is a great choice if you are tight on space. However, built-in subwoofers are less powerful than wireless ones. That’s because a wireless sub is larger and more capable of producing deeper and more thunderous bass notes.
Sound Modes
Sound modes also contribute to the overall sound experience. If you find a soundbar with sound modes, you will be able to enjoy higher quality sound depending on the content.
Some high-rated soundbars are auto-tuned to play most content in an optimal setting. While automatic modes are convenient, some people might prefer having the freedom to choose between settings for better sound.
Connection
One of the most important things to consider is the connection. You need to make sure your TV and soundbar have compatible connections to make it work. There are wired and wireless options on most soundbars, so you do have multiple options.
If you have Bluetooth for the wireless connection, it also allows streaming content from your mobile devices. So aside from the setup, Bluetooth offers another function as well.
(We have separate instructions on how to connect your soundbar to your Sceptre TV, as well as other brands.)
Channels
The more channels (point of sound emission) the soundbar has, the most immersive your experience will be. That’s why some soundbars offer 5 channels (which is the industry standard for surround sound) and sometimes even 7 with rear speakers.
Soundbars at these settings can utilize the acoustics of the room and bounce sound successfully off the ceiling and walls to completely fill the space.
Our Top Pick: Samsung HW-T450 2.1 Soundbar with Dolby Audio
The Samsung HW-T450 earns the highest spot on our list as the best soundbar for 42 inch TV for many reasons. Aside from the price and design, it also comes with a wireless subwoofer to enhance the bass. Plus, you can enjoy sound modes to further elevate your listening experience. The soundbar also offers flexible placement, giving you the freedom to choose the best spot for it.
Do you have a slightly smaller TV? We also have a special list of soundbars best suited for 40 inch TVs.
