How to Improve Your TV’s Built-In Speakers Without Breaking the Bank

10 June 2025

Let’s be real for a second—built-in TV speakers kinda suck. Even if you've splurged on a fancy 4K OLED TV, chances are the sound quality still leaves much to be desired. It's like buying a luxury car with paper-thin doors—looks great, but the experience falls flat.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to take out a small loan or become an audio engineer to enjoy better sound. Whether you're strapped for cash or just want more bang for your buck, there are affordable and clever ways to crank up your audio game without buying a full home theater system.

Let’s dive into smart, wallet-friendly ways to boost your TV's sound and finally enjoy a movie night without having to squint your ears.

Why Your TV Speakers Just Don’t Cut It

Before we talk fix, let’s talk flaws. Most modern TVs are all about slim profiles and sleek aesthetics. That sounds nice on paper, but when manufacturers slim down your TV, they also shrink the speakers. Instead of robust, front-facing drivers, you get tinny little speakers pointing down or backward. Not ideal for blasting your favorite Netflix series or catching every word in a fast-paced thriller.

In short—TVs today sacrifice sound quality for style. But that’s where you come in, ready to hack your way to better sound.

1. Tweak Your TV’s Built-In Sound Settings

This might sound too simple to work, but hang tight. Most people ignore their TV’s audio settings entirely. We're talking equalizers, sound modes, dialogue enhancement options—you name it.

Here’s what to try:

- Change the sound mode: Try switching to “Movie,” “Music,” or “Clear Voice” to match what you're watching.
- Adjust the equalizer: If your TV allows it, boost the mid-range for clearer dialogue.
- Turn off surround modes: Some TVs create fake surround sound that ends up sounding more like it’s echoing in a tunnel. Stick with stereo for clarity.

You’d be surprised how much better things sound with just a little tweaking. It's like giving your TV a pep talk—suddenly it's trying a little harder.

2. Add a Budget-Friendly Soundbar

This is hands-down the easiest and most cost-effective upgrade. Soundbars come in all shapes, sizes, and prices—many of them under $100—and they can seriously elevate your sound.

Why soundbars are awesome:

- They’re compact and easy to install.
- Even cheap ones often come with better bass and clarity than built-in speakers.
- Many include Bluetooth, so they double as a speaker for your phone too.

Look for options from brands like Vizio, TCL, or Roku that offer solid sound without emptying your wallet. You can find some hidden gems in the $60–$120 range that absolutely smoke your built-in speakers.

3. Repurpose Old Speakers or Audio Gear

Got an old stereo system or a pair of bookshelf speakers collecting dust? Don’t toss them—repurpose them!

Here’s how:

- Use a 3.5mm-to-RCA cable (or an audio converter) to connect your TV to your stereo.
- Use Bluetooth adapters to make older gear wireless.
- If your TV has a headphone jack or optical output, that’s your ticket in.

Trust me, those old speakers might just become your new favorite piece of tech.

It’s like finding treasure in your own closet—and way cheaper than buying new.

4. Use External Computer Speakers

Yep, the ones you used for your old PC. Many powered computer speaker sets sound surprisingly good and can cost less than $50.

Why it works:

- Built-in amplifiers give them more punch than your TV’s speakers.
- They’re plug-and-play if your TV has a headphone or AUX output.
- Compact and perfect for small spaces.

They're not just for dusty desktops anymore. Plug 'em in, fire up your favorite show, and prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

5. Try a Bluetooth Speaker

No big home theater system? No problem. Bluetooth speakers are everywhere and odds are you already have one hanging around. Good news—you can use it with your TV!

How to connect:

- Check if your TV supports Bluetooth audio output.
- If it doesn’t, grab a Bluetooth transmitter (often under $25).
- Pair your speaker and boom—instant upgrade.

Whether it's a JBL Flip, an Anker Soundcore, or something fancier, Bluetooth speakers punch way above their weight class for casual TV watching.

6. Strategic Placement Hacks

Okay, this one’s totally free. Where you put your TV and speakers matters more than you think.

Try this:

- Move your TV away from walls that may bounce and muffle sound.
- Tilt or angle speakers toward your seating area.
- Elevate your TV slightly if speakers are bottom-facing.

Sometimes sound gets "stuck" bouncing off furniture or walls. A little rearranging can go a long way. Think of it like feng shui for your audio.

7. Use a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)

This one's a little more technical, but stick with me—it’s worth it. TVs with optical-out ports don’t always play nice with analog speakers or amps. That’s where a Digital-to-Analog Converter comes in.

They help you:

- Connect TVs to older speakers, amps, or sound systems.
- Bypass your TV’s lackluster built-in amp.
- Unlock way better sound quality.

Most DACs cost between $15 and $40 and can save you from buying new gear.

8. Turn on Subtitles (Seriously)

This one might sound like a cop-out—but hear me out. If you're struggling to catch dialogue no matter what, adding subtitles can actually make watching way more enjoyable.

Especially if you’re watching late at night, don’t want to blast the volume, or live in a noisy area, subtitles just make life easier. Not everyone needs bone-shaking bass, right?

9. App-Based Equalizer Tweaks (Smart TVs)

Got a Smart TV? Then you might be able to make things better through an app—either built into the TV or through a paired device (like a Roku or Fire Stick).

What to look for:

- Audio apps that allow EQ tweaking.
- Companion apps from TV manufacturers.
- Streaming apps with their own sound settings.

It might take a few minutes to dig around, but once you fine-tune those frequencies, the results can be shocking—in a good way.

10. Upgrade Your Cables (If You Must)

Okay, putting this last for a reason: don’t get tricked into buying overpriced HDMI or optical cables. That said, if you’re using really old or cheap cables, you might notice sound drops or distortion.

Basic, well-shielded cables from known brands like AmazonBasics will do the trick. Don't go gold-plated unless you want to feel fancy.

Bonus Tip: Get Cozy With Room Acoustics

Sound doesn’t just come from the TV—it bounces off everything in your room. Rugs, curtains, wall art, and even the couch can affect how sound travels.

Improve room acoustics with:

- Thick curtains to absorb sound echoes.
- Soft furnishings like rugs and pillows.
- Bookshelves or wall panels to break up sound waves.

Think of it like giving your room a sound hug—it can make your audio feel richer without touching your TV at all.

Final Thoughts

Let's face it—TV manufacturers are great at making screens, not speakers. But you don't have to spend thousands to get theater-quality audio. With a little creativity, some budget-friendly gear, and a few placement hacks, you can seriously improve your TV's built-in speakers.

Start with basic settings. Explore the tech you already own. And if you decide to spend a little, spend it smart. Clearer dialogue, beefier bass, and just better overall sound is totally within reach—even if your wallet's feeling a little light.