Want better sound on movie night? This entry-level soundbar rocks

At $180, the Vizio V-Series 2.1 (there's also a pricier 5.1-channel version available) boasts a lot of value: You're getting a 36-inch, stereo channel soundbar and a hefty wireless subwoofer alongside a suite of useful features and pairing options. Generally, the design elements, remote, connectivity, and overall functionality are very solid--while nothing will blow your mind, so to speak, we can't imagine anyone would have complaints. Where you might find yourself wishing you'd spent a little more is in the features category, but you'd probably have to spend quite a bit more to get a perceptible increase in sound quality. The bar itself is loud, clear, and balanced even with only two speaker channels, and the subwoofer boasts ample bass (a bit too much at times, but more on that below). For what you're paying, this soundbar/subwoofer combo is a stellar value, and--especially if you're still toiling under the mediocrity of your TV's stock speakers--should be on a short list for anyone looking to seriously revamp their cinematic audio.