Heyday Soundbar

Discovering Budget-Friendly Sound Quality That Won’t Break the Bank

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless evenings squinting at your TV, remote in hand, thumb hovering over the volume button, thinking, “Why can’t I hear what they’re saying?” I’m not ashamed to admit that I’ve rewound dialogue scenes multiple times, only to still miss what was said. That’s when I realized my TV’s built-in speakers weren’t cutting it anymore.

After weeks of research and comparison shopping, I stumbled upon Heyday soundbars—Target’s in-house audio brand that promised quality sound without emptying my wallet. What followed was a deep dive into the world of affordable audio enhancement that I’m excited to share with you today.

What Exactly Is a Heyday Soundbar?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s establish what we’re talking about. Heyday is Target’s exclusive electronics brand that offers a range of audio products, including soundbars. If you’re unfamiliar with soundbars in general, they’re slim, horizontal speakers designed to improve your TV’s audio output significantly. They’ve become increasingly popular as TVs have gotten thinner, leaving less room for decent built-in speakers.

The Heyday soundbar represents one of the best values in home audio today, offering surprising quality at a price point that makes premium sound accessible to just about anyone. But is it the right choice for your setup? Let’s find out.

Price Point: How Much Will Your Wallet Thank You?

One of the first questions most of us ask when considering any purchase is, “How much is this going to cost me?” I’m happy to report that the Heyday soundbar is refreshingly affordable compared to many competitors.

Typically, Heyday soundbars range from $49.99 to $99.99, depending on the model and any ongoing promotions at Target. The entry-level model hovers around the $50 mark, while the more feature-rich options with additional capabilities might approach the $100 threshold. During Target’s seasonal sales (think Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or end-of-season clearances), you might score an even better deal.

When I was shopping for mine, I managed to snag a mid-range model for $69.99 during a weekend sale—a price that felt almost too good to be true considering the sound quality upgrade I was about to experience. Compared to brands like Sonos, Bose, or even mid-tier options like Vizio, which can easily run $150-$400, the Heyday represents a substantial saving.

Where to Buy: The Target Exclusive

Since Heyday is Target’s in-house brand, availability is straightforward but limited: you’ll find these soundbars exclusively at Target stores or on Target.com. This exclusivity has pros and cons.

On the plus side, Target often includes Heyday products in their store-wide promotions. If you’re a RedCard holder, you’ll automatically save an additional 5% on your purchase. Target’s return policy is also quite consumer-friendly, typically allowing returns within 90 days if you’re not satisfied.

The downside? You can’t shop around for better deals at other retailers, and availability might be limited if your local Target doesn’t carry a wide electronics selection. When I was ready to purchase, my nearest Target was out of stock, so I ended up ordering online and opting for in-store pickup.

If you’re planning to check one out in person before buying (always a good idea with audio equipment), I’d recommend calling ahead to confirm stock. Target’s website also lets you check inventory at nearby stores, which saved me some unnecessary trips.

Connectivity Options: Getting Connected

Bluetooth Capabilities

Let’s talk connectivity, starting with one of the most convenient features—Bluetooth. Yes, Heyday soundbars are Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to stream music, podcasts, or any audio content directly from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-capable devices.

I’ve found this feature particularly useful for dinner parties. Instead of having to set up a separate speaker system, I can quickly pair my phone with the soundbar and play my curated playlists through the same system that handles my TV audio. The Bluetooth range is decent—I can wander around my apartment (approximately 20-25 feet from the soundbar) without experiencing connectivity issues.

The pairing process is straightforward: press and hold the Bluetooth button on the soundbar or remote until the indicator light starts blinking, then select “Heyday Soundbar” from your device’s Bluetooth menu. In my experience, it remembers previously paired devices, making reconnection almost instantaneous.

HDMI ARC and Optical Input Support

For connecting to your TV, Heyday soundbars offer multiple options. The higher-end models support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which is my preferred connection method. Using HDMI ARC not only transmits audio from your TV to the soundbar but also allows you to control the soundbar volume using your TV remote—one less remote to keep track of!

All Heyday models feature optical input as well, which provides a high-quality digital audio connection. If your TV doesn’t support HDMI ARC (common in older models), the optical connection is your next best option.

When I first set up my soundbar, I started with the optical connection before realizing my TV supported HDMI ARC. The switch to HDMI made a noticeable difference in convenience, though I didn’t perceive a significant audio quality difference between the two.

Additional Input Options

Beyond the primary connection methods, Heyday soundbars typically include an AUX input (3.5mm jack), allowing you to connect almost any device with a headphone output. Some models also feature USB ports, though these are primarily for service updates rather than playing media from USB drives.

The variety of inputs means you’re covered for virtually any audio source—whether it’s your smart TV, cable box, gaming console, or smartphone. I’ve connected everything from my PlayStation to my vintage turntable (via an adapter), and the soundbar has handled it all admirably.

Sound Quality: The Moment of Truth

Let’s address the most crucial aspect of any audio equipment—how does it actually sound? After all, no amount of features or attractive pricing matters if the audio quality disappoints.

For the price point, Heyday soundbars deliver impressively balanced sound. The audio profile is clearly tuned for general entertainment, with dialog clarity being a particular strength. This makes sense, as difficulty hearing dialogue is what drives many people (myself included) to purchase a soundbar in the first place.

The entry-level models provide a significant upgrade over built-in TV speakers, with clearer mids and some bass presence. The higher-end Heyday models offer more dynamic range and better bass response, though none will shake your floors like systems with dedicated subwoofers.

When I first played a movie through my Heyday soundbar, the difference was immediately apparent. Action scenes had more impact, musical scores gained depth, and most importantly, I could finally hear every word of dialogue without constantly adjusting the volume.

In terms of power output, Heyday soundbars range from approximately 50 watts in the base models to around 120 watts in the premium options. This provides sufficient volume for most living rooms and medium-sized spaces, though extremely large rooms might benefit from more powerful systems.

Does It Come With a Remote?

Yes, all Heyday soundbar models include a dedicated remote control. The remote’s design is straightforward, featuring buttons for power, volume control, input selection, and audio mode presets.

While not as sleek or feature-rich as remotes from premium brands, it gets the job done and feels reasonably well-built. The buttons have a satisfying click, and the layout is intuitive enough that I rarely need to look down when making adjustments.

If you’re using HDMI ARC connection, you can also control basic soundbar functions (power and volume) using your TV remote, potentially allowing you to stash the soundbar remote in a drawer for most day-to-day use.

Comparing to Competitors: How Does It Stack Up?

When evaluating any product, context matters. So how does the Heyday soundbar compare to competitors in the same price range?

The most direct competitors would be entry-level soundbars from brands like Vizio, Samsung, and LG, many of which start around $80-$100. In this comparison, Heyday holds its own remarkably well, especially considering the lower price point.

The Vizio V-Series 2.0, often available for around $80-$90, offers similar sound quality and features. The Samsung HW-A450, typically priced around $120-$150, provides slightly better bass response but at a higher cost. TCL’s Alto soundbars, which usually range from $60-$100, are perhaps the closest match in terms of price-to-performance ratio.

What Heyday may lack in brand recognition, it makes up for in value. During my research phase, I set up side-by-side comparisons with a friend’s Vizio soundbar, and while the Vizio had slightly more defined bass, the difference wasn’t substantial enough to justify the $30 price difference at the time.

One area where competitors sometimes edge ahead is in additional features like virtual surround sound processing or dedicated subwoofers. If these specific features are priorities for you, you might need to look at slightly higher-priced options from other brands.

Power and Performance: Wattage Matters

The power output of a soundbar, measured in watts, gives you an indication of how loud and dynamic the sound can be. Heyday soundbars range from approximately 50 watts in the base models to around 120 watts in the higher-end options.

For perspective, most built-in TV speakers operate at around 10-20 watts total, so even the entry-level Heyday represents a significant power upgrade. The mid-range model I purchased outputs about 80 watts, which proves more than sufficient for my medium-sized living room.

Higher wattage doesn’t automatically translate to better sound quality, but it does provide more headroom for dynamic content like action movies or orchestral music. I’ve never needed to push my soundbar beyond about 60% volume, even during movie nights with friends, suggesting the power output is well-matched to typical home environments.

If you’re planning to use your soundbar in a particularly large space or you regularly host large gatherings, you might benefit from the higher-wattage models. For most apartments and average-sized living rooms, the mid-range options provide plenty of power.

Installation Options: On the Wall or On the Stand?

Flexibility in placement can be crucial depending on your living space. The good news is that all Heyday soundbar models can be either placed on a TV stand or wall-mounted.

For wall mounting, each Heyday soundbar comes with a paper template to mark screw positions, along with basic mounting hardware. The process is straightforward—attach the template to your wall, mark the holes, install the screws, and hang the soundbar. I opted for stand placement initially but switched to wall-mounting after rearranging my living room, and the entire process took less than 30 minutes.

If you’re placing the soundbar on a stand, the low profile design ensures it won’t block the bottom of your TV screen in most setups. The soundbar’s feet have rubber pads to prevent vibration and protect your furniture.

One installation tip I discovered through trial and error: if wall-mounting, position the soundbar at ear level when seated for optimal sound projection. If that’s not possible, angling the soundbar slightly downward can help direct the sound toward the listening area.

Compatibility: Will It Work With Your TV?

Universal compatibility is one of Heyday soundbars’ strengths. Thanks to their multiple input options (HDMI ARC, optical, and AUX), they’ll work with virtually any modern television regardless of brand.

For the best experience, a TV with HDMI ARC capability is ideal, as this allows for the simplest connection and control integration. However, even if you have an older TV without HDMI ARC, the optical connection provides excellent audio quality.

I’ve personally tested my Heyday soundbar with Samsung, LG, and Sony TVs without encountering any compatibility issues. The only minor adjustment needed was occasional audio format settings in the TV menu to ensure proper signal transmission.

Smart TVs, streaming devices, cable boxes, and gaming consoles all work seamlessly with Heyday soundbars. The multiple input options also mean you can connect multiple devices simultaneously and switch between them using the remote.

Subwoofer Support: Bass Lovers Take Note

If you’re a bass enthusiast, this is an important consideration. Most Heyday soundbar models do not come with a separate subwoofer, nor do they support adding one after purchase. The exception is their highest-end model, which sometimes includes a wireless subwoofer in the package.

The standalone soundbars do incorporate bass radiators to enhance low-frequency response, and they perform admirably for their size. During my testing, action movie explosions had satisfying weight, and music with bass lines came through clearly, if not with the room-shaking presence a dedicated subwoofer would provide.

For most casual TV and movie watching, the built-in bass capabilities prove sufficient. However, if you’re an audiophile or particularly enjoy bass-heavy content like action movies or electronic music, you might want to consider soundbar systems that include separate subwoofers.

What Do Others Think? Review Consensus

Before purchasing my Heyday soundbar, I spent considerable time reading user reviews on Target’s website and seeking opinions in audio forums. The consensus generally aligned with my subsequent experience—impressive performance for the price point, with some limitations compared to premium brands.

Most reviewers highlight the significant improvement over TV speakers, the ease of setup, and the value proposition. Common praise points include dialog clarity, overall volume capability, and the straightforward connectivity options.

Criticisms typically center on the limited bass (especially in models without subwoofers), somewhat basic remote functionality, and occasional Bluetooth connectivity hiccups. Some reviewers also note that while the build quality is acceptable, the plastic construction doesn’t feel as premium as more expensive alternatives.

Professional reviews are somewhat limited since Heyday isn’t as widely covered as larger audio brands. However, the few professional evaluations I found echoed consumer sentiments—acknowledging the soundbars as excellent budget options with appropriate expectations for their price point.

Audio Features: Beyond Basic Sound

Dolby Support and Sound Modes

While Heyday soundbars don’t support advanced formats like Dolby Atmos, most models do support basic Dolby Digital decoding. This allows them to properly process the audio from most streaming services, Blu-rays, and broadcast television.

The soundbars feature several preset audio modes optimized for different content types. These typically include:

• Movie Mode: Enhances dynamic range and surround effects
• Music Mode: Balances frequency response for music playback
• News/Dialog Mode: Emphasizes mid-range frequencies where human voices reside
• Standard Mode: A neutral setting for general content

I’ve found myself using Movie mode most frequently for streaming services and switching to Music mode when playing Spotify through Bluetooth. The Dialog mode has been particularly useful for British crime dramas where accents sometimes make dialogue challenging to follow.

Equalizer Presets

Most Heyday models include basic equalizer presets accessed through the remote control. While not as customizable as high-end audio equipment, these presets allow you to adjust bass and treble levels to your preference.

The ability to boost dialog clarity without increasing overall volume has been perhaps the most valuable feature for everyday TV watching. Late-night movie sessions no longer require constantly adjusting volume between quiet conversations and loud action sequences.

Setup Process: Getting Started

Setting up a Heyday soundbar is refreshingly straightforward, even for those who don’t consider themselves technically inclined. The package includes all necessary cables for basic setup, along with a quick-start guide that outlines the process.

For HDMI ARC connection, simply:

1. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the soundbar’s HDMI ARC port
2. Connect the other end to your TV’s HDMI ARC port (usually labeled as such)
3. Plug the soundbar into a power outlet
4. Turn on both devices
5. Enable HDMI-CEC in your TV settings (sometimes called Anynet+, Simplink, or Bravia Sync)

For optical connection:

1. Connect the optical cable between the TV and soundbar
2. Plug in the soundbar power
3. Select the optical input on the soundbar
4. Ensure your TV audio output is set to “external speaker” or “optical”

The entire setup process typically takes less than 10 minutes. The most challenging part might be accessing your TV’s audio settings menu, which varies by manufacturer.

After connection, I recommend playing content with varied audio (like a movie trailer) and adjusting the soundbar settings to your preference. This initial calibration makes a noticeable difference in your ongoing listening experience.

Size and Design: Will It Fit Your Space?

Heyday soundbars feature a sleek, minimalist design that complements most modern TV setups. The dimensions vary slightly between models, but most fall within these approximate measurements:

• Length: 30-36 inches (76-91 cm)
• Height: 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm)
• Depth: 3-4 inches (7.5-10 cm)
• Weight: 4-7 pounds (1.8-3.2 kg)

The compact profile means the soundbar won’t dominate your entertainment space visually. The standard black finish with fabric speaker covering blends well with most TVs and decor styles.

The front display is simple but functional, with LED indicators showing the selected input and status. These lights are visible but not distractingly bright during nighttime viewing.

When selecting a soundbar size, consider your TV dimensions—ideally, the soundbar should be similar to or slightly shorter than your TV’s width for aesthetic balance. For my 55″ TV, the 32″ soundbar looks proportionally appropriate, though this is more about visual preference than performance.

Mobile Device Integration: Beyond TV Audio

As mentioned earlier, Bluetooth connectivity means your Heyday soundbar can double as a wireless speaker for smartphones and tablets. This versatility adds significant value, effectively giving you two audio devices for the price of one.

The pairing process is standard—activate Bluetooth on your device, set the soundbar to pairing mode, and select it from your device’s Bluetooth menu. Once paired, your phone or tablet should reconnect automatically when the soundbar is powered on and set to Bluetooth input.

I’ve found the audio quality for music streaming to be surprisingly good. While audiophiles might detect some compression artifacts in complex musical passages, casual listeners will likely be impressed by the soundbar’s performance with music content.

The convenience of switching from TV audio to streaming a party playlist without changing equipment has made the Heyday soundbar a central component of my home entertainment setup. For impromptu gatherings, being able to quickly stream music through a decent speaker system has been invaluable.

Room Size Considerations: Will It Fill Your Space?

The appropriate soundbar for your setup depends partly on the size of your room and your typical listening distance. Heyday soundbars are generally best suited for small to medium-sized spaces—think apartments, average living rooms, and bedrooms.

For rooms up to approximately 300 square feet (28 square meters), even the entry-level models provide sufficient volume and coverage. My living room is about 250 square feet, and the mid-range Heyday model fills the space admirably, with clear sound reaching all seating positions.

For larger rooms exceeding 400 square feet (37 square meters) or open-concept spaces, you might want to consider the highest-wattage Heyday model or potentially look at alternatives with more power. The sound dispersion is good for a single-unit soundbar, but physics dictates limitations for any speaker system.

Ceiling height and room acoustics also impact performance. In my apartment with standard 8-foot ceilings and carpeted floors, the soundbar performs exceptionally well. When I tested the same unit in a friend’s loft with 12-foot ceilings and hardwood floors, the sound seemed slightly less impactful, though still a massive improvement over TV speakers.

Warranty and Support: What If Something Goes Wrong?

Heyday soundbars typically come with a one-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. As Target’s house brand, warranty claims are handled through Target’s customer service rather than a third-party manufacturer.

The return policy allows returns within 90 days if you’re not satisfied with the purchase, provided you have the receipt and original packaging. This generous return window gives you ample time to test the soundbar in various scenarios and ensure it meets your needs.

For technical support, Target provides a dedicated customer service line for Heyday products. In my experience, their representatives are knowledgeable about basic troubleshooting, though for more complex audio questions, you might find better answers in audio enthusiast forums online.

The product manual includes a troubleshooting section covering common issues like connection problems, remote control malfunctions, and audio sync issues. Most problems can be resolved through simple steps like power cycling the devices or checking cable connections.

Final Verdict: Is a Heyday Soundbar Right for You?

After months of using a Heyday soundbar and thoroughly researching the product line, I feel confident in recommending these devices for certain users while acknowledging they’re not for everyone.

A Heyday soundbar is likely a great choice if:

• You’re upgrading from TV speakers and want significant improvement without spending hundreds
• You value simplicity and ease of setup
• Your space is small to medium-sized
• Dialog clarity is a primary concern
• You want the flexibility of Bluetooth connectivity for music
• You’re looking for an entry point into better home audio

You might want to look elsewhere if:

• You’re an audiophile seeking the highest fidelity
• Your room is very large or has challenging acoustics
• Powerful bass response is non-negotiable
• You need advanced features like voice assistant integration
• You’re looking to build an expandable multi-room audio system

For most casual viewers looking to enhance their TV audio experience without breaking the bank, Heyday soundbars represent one of the best values in home audio today. The combination of affordable pricing, decent sound quality, and straightforward functionality makes them an excellent first soundbar or budget-conscious choice.

My personal experience has been overwhelmingly positive—no more missed dialogue, more immersive movie nights, and the unexpected bonus of having a solid Bluetooth speaker for music. For the price I paid, the value has been exceptional.

The home audio market offers countless options at various price points, but the Heyday line has carved out a compelling niche for budget-conscious consumers who still want respectable performance. Whether you’re setting up your first apartment, upgrading a secondary TV, or simply dipping your toes into better audio, these soundbars deserve your consideration.

Remember, the best audio system isn’t necessarily the most expensive one—it’s the one that meets your needs, fits your space, and delivers enjoyment without causing financial stress. By that definition, Heyday soundbars are indeed worthy contenders for your entertainment setup.