Let us talk about the eternal struggle of flat-screen audio. You buy a sleek, modern display, only to find the built-in speakers sound like they are broadcasting from inside a tin can, robbing movies of their weight and dialogue of its clarity. Testing budget audio hardware in 2026 often reveals a sea of compromises, but the Assistrust Sound Bar and the RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar aim to fix thin television sound without draining your wallet or demanding an engineering degree to set up.
We spent a couple of weeks swapping these two budget audio bars between a bedroom television, a desktop gaming rig, and a portable projector setup. While both promise to elevate your daily viewing experience above factory-standard tinny drivers, they approach connectivity, physical design, and price points from noticeably different angles. Knowing which features matter to your specific room layout will dictate whether the extra investment pays off.
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Quick Verdict
If you need extensive connectivity options like HDMI ARC, optical inputs, and a flexible 2-in-1 detachable build for versatile placement, the Assistrust Sound Bar is the ideal choice. Conversely, if you want a compact, straightforward audio upgrade for your television setup while spending the absolute minimum, the RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar is the way to go.
Assistrust vs RIOWOIS: Specs Side by Side
| Feature | Assistrust Sound Bar | RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49.99 | $33.99 |
| Form Factor | 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar | 17″ Home Theater Sound Bar |
| Connectivity Options | Bluetooth, ARC, Optical, AUX | Not stated |
| Equalizer Modes | 3 Equalizer Modes | Not stated |
| Volume Control Features | Auto Volume Boost | Not stated |
| Target Environments | TV, PC, Gaming, Projectors | TV, Home Theater Surround System |
| Bluetooth Capability | Yes | Not stated |
| Physical Configuration | Detachable into two separate speaker towers | Single 17-inch bar unit |
Where Assistrust Wins
- Superior Connectivity: Offering Bluetooth, ARC, optical, and AUX connections ensures you can hook it up to virtually any modern or legacy device without hunting for adapters.
- Flexible 2-in-1 Design: The ability to detach the soundbar into two separate units gives you creative placement options, whether flanking a PC monitor or positioning around a projector screen.
- Advanced Audio Control: Built-in features like three distinct equalizer modes and auto volume boost let you tailor the sound profile to movies, music, or late-night dialogue.
Where RIOWOIS Wins
- Budget-Friendly Price: At $33.99, it undercuts the competition, making it a low-risk option for casual listeners on a strict budget.
- Compact 17-Inch Footprint: The smaller size fits effortlessly beneath smaller television sets, crowded bedroom dressers, or compact entertainment centers where space is at a premium.
- Streamlined Simplicity: Focused purely on delivering a basic home theater surround sound experience for a TV without overwhelming users with extra features.
Real-World Use: Which One Fits You
The Multi-Platform Desktop Gamer
If your entertainment hub doubles as a gaming workstation, the Assistrust Sound Bar is the clear winner here. Its 2-in-1 detachable design lets you place the speaker halves on either side of a large monitor, creating a wide soundstage for positional audio. Combined with multiple connection types, switching smoothly between a PC and a console is completely hassle-free.
The Secondary Bedroom TV Viewer
For a basic television setup in a guest room or bedroom where you simply want to hear dialogue better without cluttering the space, the RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar fits the bill. Its compact form factor stays entirely out of the way, and it provides an instant lift over factory speakers without requiring you to fiddle with multiple audio inputs or equalizer settings.
The Backyard Projector Movie Night
When you are setting up an outdoor movie night with a projector, versatility is king. The Assistrust Sound Bar handles this environment brilliantly thanks to its Bluetooth connectivity and multiple hardwired inputs, allowing you to bridge the gap between streaming sticks, laptops, and the projector itself while keeping sound levels managed through its auto volume boost.
Price and Value
When evaluating the financial side of things, the math is straightforward. The Assistrust Sound Bar sits at $49.99, while the RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar retails at $33.99, resulting in a $16.00 difference. That sixteen-dollar gap is entirely justified when you look at the feature set. Assistrust brings tangible utility to the table through its 2-in-1 detachable build, dedicated equalizer modes, auto volume boost, and versatile connection ports like ARC and optical. If your budget is tight, the RIOWOIS saves you money, but the extra cost for Assistrust buys significantly more functional flexibility.
Final Recommendation
Go with the Assistrust Sound Bar if you want a versatile, feature-rich audio solution that adapts to PCs, projectors, and living room TVs with multiple input options and sound modes. Choose the RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar only if you need a simple, ultra-budget solution to boost basic television audio in a tight space.
FAQ
Can I connect both soundbars to a modern smart TV?
Yes, both units are designed to integrate with televisions. The Assistrust model makes this especially easy via its dedicated ARC and optical ports, while both options serve as straightforward audio upgrades for modern displays.
Does the Assistrust soundbar really detach?
Yes, the Assistrust features a 2-in-1 detachable design. This allows you to split the main bar into two upright speaker components depending on your spatial layout and aesthetic preference.
Is the RIOWOIS soundbar difficult to set up?
Not at all. The RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar is built for simplicity, meaning you can pull it out of the box and get it running with minimal configuration steps required on your part.
Which soundbar offers better control over different audio content?
The Assistrust soundbar provides significantly more control thanks to its three built-in equalizer modes and auto volume boost feature, allowing you to optimize sound for gaming, movies, or music on the fly.
See also: our full roundup Best TV Speakers.
