We’ve reviewed the best TVs, soundbars, streaming devices, and home gadgets to bring you the top picks for the ultimate big-game viewing experience. These are items you’ll enjoy long after the Lombardi trophy is won in New Orleans on Feb. 9. Whether you’re upgrading your entertainment setup or just need an affordable TV quickly, we have the recommendations you need.
TVs
Buying a good TV for the big game doesn’t have to break the bank. TCL’s budget TVs prove this again and again. We praised the older TCL Q6 for its great image quality and color at a low price. The newer TCL Q7 model offers even better picture quality while staying affordable.
Looking for a top-quality TV without breaking the bank? The Hisense U8N is a great choice for those who want a balance between quality and affordability. It’s our pick for the best midrange TV. This TV offers an immersive picture, fast performance (even with the demanding Google TV platform), and strong built-in speakers. It feels like you get more than what you pay for, according to Gowan’s review. Plus, it’s ready for modern game consoles, ensuring a smooth experience when you play Madden to avenge your team’s loss.
If you watch a lot of sports and your friends and family are concerned, it’s worth getting a top-notch screen. The Sony Bravia XR A95L is the one to get. This high-end TV has stunning OLED picture quality and upgrades regular HD to 4K, great for sports fans watching old games. Its built-in sound is excellent, so you might skip buying a soundbar. It includes a webcam that adjusts settings based on where you’re sitting and supports video calls, letting you chat with family after the game. It’s pricey, but recent sales have reduced the cost considerably.
Soundbars and speakers
Upgrade your home audio easily with VIZIO’s affordable 5.1 Soundbar SE. For about $200, you get a soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers. It’s one of the best budget surround sound systems, supporting Dolby Atmos spatial audio. While we can’t promise the big game will sound more immersive, your favorite movies definitely will.
For top-notch sound quality during the big game, consider investing in a quality soundbar. You’ll enjoy the impact of every collision and celebration without cranking up the volume. We recommend Sony’s Bravia Theater Bar 8 for its superb audio and compatibility with various connectivity options for your phone. Like the Vizio soundbar, it supports Dolby Atmos, and also works with DTS:X and Imax Enhanced standards. Enhance the sound further with Sony’s SA-SW3 and SA-SW5 subwoofers or SA-RS3R and SA-RS5 rear speakers.
The new Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar offers amazing audio, surpassing even the Sony Bravia Theater Bar 8 in our tests. The Arc Ultra stands out with improved bass, making it appealing for bass enthusiasts and potentially eliminating the need for Sonos’ Gen 4 subwoofer. You can connect it to Sonos’ rear speakers and subwoofer, similar to the Sony model. Plus, Sonos allows you to link speakers in different rooms, so you can enjoy the game throughout the house, even in the bathroom.
Streaming players
Upgrade your TV for the big game affordably with the Roku Streaming Stick 4K. It’s fast, easy to use, and lets you watch the game in 4K. You can watch in 4K on Fubo, which has a Roku app. Roku also often offers free ways to watch the game through ad-supported services. We love the Roku Streaming Stick 4K for its quick performance and the way it hides behind your TV. It’s great for streaming more than just football, supporting Dolby Vision and Atmos video and audio standards.
Apple TV 4K
Electronics writer loves a streaming device similar to the Roku stick, though it’s pricier and sits outside your TV. It supports the same video and audio features and includes an Ethernet port for better streaming, perfect for watching 4K games. The Apple TV 4K is the quickest device with a simple interface, offering nearly all apps like Roku and even supports Apple Arcade games for halftime fun.
Smart home and cooking
Govee RGBIC Pro Strip Lights
For a touch of flair at your Super Bowl party, consider using strip lights. Govee offers the best we’ve tried, available in 16-foot, 32-foot, and 64-foot lengths. These lights are perfect for covering your space in customizable LED colors using Govee’s app, making it easy to show off your team’s colors. Plus, they’re compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for simple voice control with your smart home devices.
A smart speaker is perfect for any sports event. Use it to check player info, control smart lights, or ask Alexa for the score while getting snacks. The latest Echo Dot is a top choice for those on a budget, offering great sound for pregame music and acting as a Wi-Fi extender. Alternatively, consider the cute Echo Pop. It may not have all the Echo Dot’s features but covers the basics. You can get it in a special NFL edition with your team’s colors and logo.