Sony Bravia Theater System 6
A soundbar is a must-have to accompany your TV — your TV’s speakers won’t cut it. Even if you think you don’t need one, you’ll never go back once you get one. Trust me. However, a soundbar only gets better when it has rear speakers and a subwoofer working alongside it. Although some enthusiasts may encourage you to assemble your own home theater, you can buy one in a box.
Also: The best soundbars of 2025: Expert tested and recommended
You don’t need to pay over $1,000 for a decent home theater in a box, although a cheaper system will omit some premium features. A midrange option like Sony’s Bravia Theater System 6 
The System 6’s external subwoofer.
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Back to the lack of Wi-Fi — its absence means you’ll have to update the System 6 the old-school way. Instead of an in-app, over-the-air update, you’ll need to download the software update to a flash drive, plug it into the soundbar, and upload the updated software.
However, if wireless streaming isn’t on your list of must-haves, the System 6 performs well at delivering big sound for movie and TV watching. The system’s star is the external subwoofer. Once you lug it to your desired location, it brings everything together. The sub is enormous, weighing in at 25 pounds with a 15-inch cabinet.
Also: I compared my Sonos Arc Ultra with an unlikely soundbar rival, and it went down to the wire
The System 6’s rear speakers are wired and must be plugged into the included amp box for connectivity. Once everything is plugged in, Sony’s Bravia Connect app will help you get the System 6 up and running.
The System 6 lacks Wi-Fi; therefore, desirable wireless streaming options aren’t available. Still, if you believe soundbars are strictly for watching TV and movies, then the missing Wi-Fi connectivity shouldn’t be a pressing issue.
High-performing theaters-in-a-box are typically $200 to $400 more than the System 6, and if you have a compatible Bravia TV, choosing the System 6 is a no-brainer. However, if you want an even higher-performing soundbar, consider the flagship Sony Bravia Theater Bar 9.