With its clean and nuanced sound, built-in Alexa with multi-room audio functionality, and support for additional speakers, the Polk React now ranks as our favorite budget soundbar (at least until something else beats it).

The React will seriously improve upon your TV’s speakers and is a fine choice if you’re specifically looking for a soundbar with Alexa, though it’s certainly not the cheapest option.

The Soundbar produces a clean and detailed delivery, but if you want bass you really need to add the Subwoofer

The React soundbar is an accomplished and affordable effort from Polk. Alexa is seamlessly integrated, and it offers clear, detailed and dynamic sound. There’s no attempt at immersive audio, but if what you’re after is a simplified home audio experience, then the Polk React hits the spot.

With great movie and music sound quality, it's a valuable addition to any TV room

While the Polk React doesn't have object-based sound decoding bells and whistles - that's to say there's no vertical channels for pseudo surround - as a standalone large 'bar with decent output and control, for a very fair price, it's got a lot going for it. Especially if you're keen on Alexa integration for voice control.

The Polk React does a great job of replacing weak TV audio with brawny soundbar sound. It’s well-built, delivers exciting wide stereo and Amazon Alexa is a very welcome bonus.

On its own, the Polk React is a solid soundbar pick — at least if you are an Amazon Alexa fan. It’s more expensive than other two-channel options, but it sounds very good and has a premium look. Plus the integrated Alexa hardware avoids having to purchase and physically connect a smart speaker.

Stylish, low-profile design fits under most TVs

Alexa onboard. Simple, elegant looks. Easy to add subwoofer and surround speakers down the line. Good bass response.

If you're after a competitively priced Alexa-enabled soundbar, the Polk React is just the ticket

There’s plenty to like about the Polk React. The wallet-friendly way it lets you add optional extra components in stages, for instance, plus its impressive built-in Amazon Alexa features and, especially, its ability to deliver a more clean, detailed, powerful, and film-friendly sound than you’d imagine possible from such a compact speaker. An HDMI loopthrough would have been nice, voices can sound a little detached from the onscreen action, and trebles can become slightly shrill at high volumes. Overall, though, the Polk React provides plenty of bang for not much buck - especially with the optional sub involved.

Alexa’s favorite affordable audio upgrade

Hybrid smart speaker/soundbars aren't for everyone, but the React does sound very good for the price.

This Alexa-powered soundbar produces impressive bass without a subwoofer, though it lacks a truly wide soundstage.