If your TV's audio sucks, you need to get one of these soundbars

From a trippy rotating 4K screen to OLED models that can bend and roll up on command, new television offerings from major brands stole the show at CES 2020. But let's face it: No matter how fancy our TVs get, they'll probably always need some help in the audio department — after all, it's physically impossible to cram a whole-ass sound system into one of those super-slim displays. (See: Sharp's new 30-inch Flexible OLED, whose panel pushes design limits at a mere 0.5mm thick.)

Anyway, that's why soundbars exist: to turn TVs into quasi-home theaters with crisp, clear audio. We tend to recommend them over traditional speaker setups, both because the average soundbar's sleek, rectangular design is easily concealed inside of a media console, and because many feature Bluetooth capabilities for an effortless/wireless connection to almost any display.

We managed to find a bunch of soundbars on sale across Amazon and Walmart for as much as 45% off their manufacturers' suggested retail prices — here are the best deals:

TCL Alto 5 2.0 Channel Soundbar

Credit: tcl

Measuring in at a compact 32 inches long, TCL has equipped its Alto 5 soundbar with three different modes — Music, Movies, and News — that deliver optimized sound for the specific type of content your TV is playing at a given moment. The device also features deep bass ports that make intense scenes sound even more so, all without distortion (no matter the volume).

Head over to Amazon to snag the Alto 5 for just $49.99 — that's 38% off its $79.99 MSRP.

Samsung HW-R450 Soundbar

Credit: samsung

Ideal for use with Samsung displays, the 38-inch Samsung HW-R450 offers a Plug-and-Play option that supports both wired and wireless (Bluetooth) connections. No matter how you choose to set it up, you'll enjoy thumping bass courtesy of the included wireless subwoofer in addition to integrated Smart Sound technology, which adjusts the device's output depending on the content being played. (We're big fans of this feature's game mode, a setting that makes video games' sound effects sound extra epic.)

Walmart's got the best deal on this bad boy: You can order it today for only $132.99, or 32% off its suggested retail price of $199.99.

Bose SoundTouch 300 Soundbar

Credit: bose

Not to be dramatic, but this one of our favorite soundbars, like, ever: A gorgeous 38.5-inch device made from premium glass and metal, it features a three-channel design with a wide field of audio for an immersive listening experience with booming bass. Plus, you can use it with more than just your TV: In addition to Bluetooth, WiFi, and NFC connections, it also supports the Alexa smart assistant so you can control it hands-free using just your voice.

Amazon is currently offering one of the biggest discounts we've ever seen on the Bose SoundTouch 300, which typically retails for $699.95: At just $399, it's now 43% off.

LG SL9Y 4.1.2 Channel 500W Soundbar

Credit: lg

A Best of Innovation Award-winner at CES 2019, the 48-inch LG SL9Y features a built-in Google Assistant and Chromecast plugin on top of DTS:X. (That's an audio decoder that "places sound where it would occur in space," per LG's website, to make you feel like you're smack dab in the middle of the scene that's on your TV. ) Factoring in its inclusion of Meridian Technology's advanced signal processing and snazzy hardware design, this soundbar is an excellent premium pick for any TV that's at least 55 inches long.

If you buy it from Walmart while it's on sale, you'll pay only $549.99 — that's 45% off its $999.99 MSRP.

Here are some other models we found on sale across both retailers — their discounts aren't quite as high as those of the aforementioned soundbars, but they'll still be saving you a ton of money:

• Vizio 38-Inch 2.0 Channel Soundbar (SB3820-C6) — $87.69 (save 12%)

• Vizio SmartCast 45” 3.1 Soundbar System (SB4531-D5) — $324.99 (save 28%)

• Sony HT-SD35 2.1 Soundbar — $196.99 (save 29%)

• Sony HT-ST5000 7.1.2ch Dolby Atmos/DTS:X Soundbar — $1,298 (save 13%)

• Samsung HW-N300/ZP 2.0-Channel TV Mate Soundbar — $129 (save 28%)

• Samsung 2.1 Soundbar HW-R550 with Wireless Subwoofer — $197.99 (save 29%)

• Samsung 3.1 Soundbar HW-R650 with Wireless Subwoofer — $297.99 (save 26%)

• Samsung Harman Kardon Soundbar with Dolby Atmos (HW-Q70R) — $647.99 (save 19%)

• TCL Alto 5+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer (TS5010) — $119.99 (save 20%)

• TCL Alto 7 2.0 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer (TS7000) — $79.99 (save 20%)

• TCL Alto 7+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer (TS7010) — $129.99 (save 17%)

• LG SL10YG 5.1.2 Channel 570W Sound Bar with Meridian Technology & Dolby Atmos — $896.99 (save 31%)

• LG SKM6Y 2.1 Channel High-Resolution Audio Soundbar with DTS Virtual:X Sound — $199 (save 13%)

• LG SL5Y 2.1 Channel 400W Soundbar with DTS Virtual: X & High-Resolution Audio — $196.99 (save 30%)

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Credit: Mashable Staff

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