Soundbars have become an increasingly popular way to upgrade the audio experience from your TV without the hassle of a full home theater setup. Their slim profile makes them an easy addition to mount below your TV or place on a media stand. Costco is a great place to find quality soundbars at wallet-friendly prices from top brands.
In this guide, we‘ll cover the key things to consider when shopping for a Costco soundbar and provide reviews of our top 5 picks available now based on performance, features and value.
What Are Soundbars and Why Choose Costco?
A soundbar is a long, slim speaker designed to improve TV sound quality without requiring multiple wired surround sound speakers. They come in different configurations, from basic 2.0 channel stereo to 3.1 (with a subwoofer) or 5.1 surround sound.
Soundbars connect to your TV via HDMI, optical or Bluetooth to receive and amplify the audio signal. Most also have additional features like:
- WiFi/streaming smart platforms (Roku, Fire TV)
- Voice assistants (Alexa, Google Assistant)
- Support for Dolby Atmos 3D sound
Costco sells soundbars from top names like Samsung, Sony, Bose and LG at very competitive pricing. Their generous return policy and bonus warranty coverage on many models also makes it low-risk.
How We Chose the Best Costco Soundbars
In compiling our top soundbar recommendations from Costco, we looked at:
- Sound quality: Frequency response, distortion, maximum volume levels, clarity for music, dialogue and effects
- Connectivity: HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, WiFi, streaming service support
- Ease of setup and use
- Value for money based on features and performance
- Build quality and durability
- Extra features: Voice control, EQ modes, surround effects
- Brand reputation and product reviews
We picked top-rated models suitable for a range of budgets and needs, from basic boosts over TV speakers to premium home theater additions.
1. Samsung HW-Q600A – Best Overall
- 3.1.2 channel sound
- Dolby Atmos & DTS:X
- Clean, balanced sound profile
- Acoustic Beam technology for 3D effect
If you want an affordable all-around soundbar upgrade that also handles 3D surround content, the Samsung HW-Q600A is our top overall choice currently available from Costco.
It builds on Samsung‘s proven track record for quality and performance consistency. The 3.1.2 channel configuration includes up-firing drivers to bounce sound off ceilings and walls for a more immersive sonic image with Dolby Atmos content.
We found it reproduces all types of audio cleanly and accurately, with clarifying midrange and well-extended low end from the wireless subwoofer. Adaptive Sound modes optimize it for music, voice and effects in real-time.
For the price, it‘s simply one of the best soundbar packages available now in terms of features and balanced sound delivery. The excellent connectivity options and dead simple setup just add to the high value.
- Connectivity: 1x HDMI, 1x optical audio in, WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI eARC
- Dimensions: Soundbar 2.2 x 35.4 x 3.7 inches (WxHxD); Subwoofer 6.7 x 12.4 x 11.7 inches
- What‘s included: Soundbar, wireless subwoofer, power cords, HDMI cable, remote
- Pros
- Very full, balanced sound with punchy bass
- Dolby Atmos 3D audio support
- Adaptive sound modes
- Sleek, compact bar; wireless sub
- Cons
- Surrounds must be added separately
- Display hard to see from afar
- Cost: $259
2. Bose Solo 5 – Best Value
- 2.0 channels
- Balanced dialogue clarity
- Universal remote included
- Dialogue mode to optimize speech
- Bluetooth streaming
The Bose Solo 5 is one of the best selling and top rated compact soundbars you can buy. Its streamlined design hides some pretty impressive audio performance – especially for movies and TV.
Despite having just two internal mid-woofer drivers, a flared port on back helps create the illusion of surround effects. The overall tonal balance focuses on clear, full-bodied vocal reproduction. So you never miss a line of critical dialogue.
Music also benefits from the articulation and spatial characteristics, sounding open and out-of-the TV. Convenient Bluetooth streaming from smartphones and tablets is on board as well.
While it lacks the truly immersive Dolby Atmos and multichannel surround formats, the Bose Solo 5 soundbar remains an excellent addition for smaller TV setups. The inclusion of a good universal remote helps simplify operation too.
- Connectivity: Optical audio, Coaxial audio, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 2.2 x 3.4 x 21.6 inches (HxWxD)
- What‘s included: Soundbar, remote, power cord, optical audio cable
- Pros
- Significantly boosts TV sound
- Clear, balanced audio focus
- Sleek, compact design
- Easy to setup and use
- Cons
- No HDMI or WiFi
- Light on features
- Struggles at high volumes
- Cost: $159
3. Sonos Beam (Gen 2) – Best Performance
- 5 channel drivers
- Dolby Atmos 3D sound
- Speech enhancement mode
- Seamless Sonos system integration
- Built-in Alexa, Google Assistant
If you want the absolute best sound quality from a single bar form, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is a superb choice – especially for streaming TV and playing music.
Adding Dolby Atmos support transforms the listening experience versus the original Beam. The upwards-firing center and side drivers create a highly immersive 3D bubble of sound no standard soundbar can match. It decodes Atmos content to take full advantage on the audio side.
Voices also sound extremely clear and realistic, so you won‘t miss any dialogue. And you can expand with wireless Sonos surround speakers and sub down the road.
With WiFi networking baked in, you also gain access to the Sonos app for system expansion and AirPlay 2 streaming from Apple devices. Voice commands via built-in mics give you quick access to music services, smart home controls and more.
- Connectivity: 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x optical audio, WiFi/Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 2.72 x 3.94 x 25.63 inches (HxWxD)
- What‘s included: Soundbar, power cord
- Pros
- Superb Dolby Atmos performance
- Amazingly clear speech
- Expandable Sonos system
- Voice assistant support
- Compact size
- Cons
- Bass can‘t match full systems
- Expensive, but often discounted
- No DTS:X support
- Cost: $449
4. Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR – Best for Larger Rooms
- 5.1 surround channels
- Powerful dedicated amplifiers
- Chromecast, WiSA wireless ready
- Polk SDA & Voice Adjust technologies
Need to fill a large open concept living room with high quality surround sound from a streamlined setup? The Polk Audio MagniFi Max SR is built for big, airy spaces.
Combining multiple speaker arrays and tuned bass radiators with wireless streaming and multiroom readiness, it packs serious performance. The dedicated amplification drives each individual component to loud volumes without distortion.
Polk‘s special SDA technology helps create a very wide front soundstage way outside the physical speaker. And their Voice Adjust tuning ensures clear dialogue and placement relative to effects. The overall experience rivals systems costing way more.
Factor in friendly setup and control from Google Home or Alexa plus polished industrial design – and the Magnifi Max SR becomes virtually impossible to beat at this price point for big rooms.
- Connectivity: 2x HDMI in, 1x HDMI ARC, optical audio, WiFi, Chromecast, Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 41.6 x 3.2 inches (HxWxD)
- What‘s included: Soundbar/base, wireless subwoofer, surround speakers, remote
- Pros
- Huge, immersive soundstage
- Powerful bass performance
- Multiroom & WiSA ready
- Voice Adjust for dialogue
- Easy to setup & control
- Cons
- Large footprint
- No Dolby Atmos
- Bass can boom/muddy
- Cost: $599
5. Vizio M51ax-J6 – Best Budget Surround Soundbar
- 5.1 channel surround
- Discrete amplifiers
- DTS Virtual:X
- Bluetooth streaming
- Night mode (quieter loud sounds)
Rounding out our recommendations, if you seek true surround sound from Costco on a tighter budget, the Vizio M51ax-J6 is your best bet.
What separates it from most competitors is all channels being individually amplified for greater separation and immersion. The 36" soundbar handles left, center and right duties itself while wireless satellites produce convincing rear effects.
DTS Virtual:X signal processing helps create a 3D soundscape for movies that feels bigger than you‘d expect. Music sounds quite full and engaging too thanks to 5 distinct audio zones to immerse you.
Easy setup lets you benefit from serious surround sound performance without spending thousands putting up speakers and buying an AVR. Reliable app control and Bluetooth connectivity make it simple to use everyday as well.
- Connectivity: 2x HDMI in, 1x HDMI ARC, optical audio, Bluetooth
- Dimensions: 2.45 x 36 x 3.2 inches (HxWxD) – bar; 7.25 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches – satellite
- What‘s included: Soundbar/sub combo, 2 surround speakers, 2 stands, remote
- Pros
- True wireless surround system
- Very immersive 3D effects
- Great for movies & gaming
- Discrete amplification
- Solid music playback
- Cons
- Mixed reliability reviews
- Bass can‘t match subs
- No streaming smarts
- No Dolby Atmos
- Cost: $249
What Are the Downsides of Buying From Costco?
While Costco does offer competitive bundle pricing and bonus warranty coverage on soundbars, there are a few potential downsides to purchasing from them instead of an A/V or electronics retailer.
The main limitations stem from inventory and sales. Costco typically only carries one or two models from any brand at a time. And discounts or clearance sales on older soundbar stock don‘t really happen.
Returns also tend to be a bit more restrictive at 90 days instead of a full year. Though the generous satisfaction guarantee ensures you can get your money back if disappointed early on. Just don‘t expect amazing deals on open box models.
That said, buying warehouse direct means you still save in most cases even at regular prices. Just get to know policies in advance in case any issues arise down the road requiring a return past the standard window.
What Is It Like Using a Costco Soundbar?
Once you get your new Costco soundbar connected and setup with your TV, the difference in audio quality hits immediately even with basic content like news or sports. Voices sound clearer and the overall tone much fuller compared to thin sounding built-in TV speakers.
Effects like driving sequences or shootouts take on new scale and impact. You gain that extra sense of immersion with vehicles whizzing by or bullet ricochets thanks to simulated surround effects. The dedicated bass drivers or wireless subwoofer also lend suitable rumble to explosions and soundtrack thumps.
Streaming films or gaming with Dolby sound processing enabled takes things to another level. You feel transported thanks to more natural ambient audio placement and localization relative on screen action. The spatial 3D bubble created makes it seem as though planes are flying overhead.
Factor in a few bonus features like built-in Alexa for hands free music queues or EQ modes to tune playback – and much of the theater like experience rivals full component systems. All from an easy to accommodate soundbar kicking out quality sound no television could ever manage built-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do soundbars work?
Soundbars contain a series of small speakers designed to simulate surround sound effects and boost TV audio. Advanced digital signal processing creates phantom rear channels and 3D height using psychoacoustic tricks. They connect to TVs via HDMI typically to decode audio formats like Dolby Atmos for improved performance over basic stereo or passive sound projection.
Why is a soundbar necessary for a smart TV?
The speakers built into flatscreen TVs are very underpowered and thin sounding. Soundbars overcome limited space with compact profiles containing more transducer surface area for louder, cleaner sound. They also support premium formats the TV can pass through but not properly decode into an immersive experience without added amplification and processing.
What do channels mean in a soundbar context?
Channels correspond to the number of amplified speaker elements within producing distinct directional audio zones. More channels allows for better placement and localization of effects like vehicles panning side to side. The ".1” or “.2” designations refer to a bundled wireless subwoofer producing bass or up-firing drivers creating 3D height.
Can you recommend good soundbars under $100?
While limited compared to higher priced models, the TCL Alto 6+ (around $80) provides good value with clear dialogue reproduction and Bluetooth streaming from a compact chassis. The Yamaha SR-B20A (about $150) adds a sub for more bass impact. Vizio and Polk Audio bars also sometimes hit close to $100 for basic upgrades.
What features are most important when soundbar shopping?
Key aspects to compare are audio format support for future proofing, sound tuning quality, wireless expansion capability to add surround speakers down the road, connectivity options like HDMI and Bluetooth, plus smart integrations like built-in Alexa or Chromecast. Any model that ticks most boxes across these categories tends to perform very well in real world use.
