soundbars

ZVOX AV157

#2 · Best for Hearing Loss
7.0 /10 Our score
Our verdict
A narrow but useful product. It is best for older TVs, where it can make a real difference to speech.

Pros

  • Works with optical or 3.5mm TVs
  • 12 voice-boost levels
  • Output Leveling for ads
  • Replacement power supplies, remotes and renewed units sold
  • Compact size

Cons

  • No HDMI, so the TV remote cannot control it
  • Voices can sound unnatural at high boost
  • Weak for music and movies
  • Needs a second remote
Last reviewed October 28, 2026
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Review

What to know about ZVOX AV157

A compact 17-inch TV speaker built for hard-of-hearing viewers. It uses hearing-aid-derived AccuVoice processing with 12 voice-boost levels (6 AccuVoice + 6 SuperVoice) plus Output Leveling for loud commercials. It connects by optical or 3.5mm analog only, so it suits simple setups and smaller rooms.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

Digital Trends named it a Recommended Product and called it the best way to improve intelligibility without resorting to subtitles. Home Technology Review's hands-on testing also found dialogue easier to hear.

Output Leveling tames loud commercials, and setup is a single optical cable with a simple included remote and no app. ZVOX sells it directly with a 60-day home trial.

What to know

Skip it if you want a bar for music or movies, or if your TV only has HDMI. It has no HDMI, so HDMI-only TVs need a separately sold ARC audio extractor. Consumer Reports rated its overall sound only fair.
Performance

Score breakdown

Dialogue clarity

How intelligible speech is in tested content (news, dramas, busy action mixes), as judged by independent testers. Center-channel performance counts here.

7.5
Older TechHive praise, offset by TechRadar's 'unnatural' remark.
Dialogue boost range & controls

Range and fine-tuning of speech enhancement (number of levels, AI or auto modes), plus volume leveling and night modes that help hard-of-hearing listeners.

8.5
12 levels plus Output Leveling.
Ease of setup & use for seniors

Simple single-cable setup, TV-remote control via HDMI-ARC/CEC, a clear remote with big buttons, and no required app.

6.5
Single cable, but a separate remote is required.
Overall sound quality

Music and movie sound beyond dialogue (bass, naturalness at normal settings), so the bar suits the whole household.

4.5
Single-purpose small speaker.
Value

Dialogue performance per dollar at typical US street prices.

6.5
$199.99, close to the HDMI-equipped AV835.
Safety, energy & repairability

Recall history, idle power, availability of replacement remotes and power supplies, and renewed or refurbished options.

8.0
Replacement power supply and remotes, renewed units and a 60-day trial.
Specifications

ZVOX AV157 specs

Specifications

Exact evaluated bar, subwoofer and surround configuration
Single AccuVoice AV157 speaker bar; no subwoofer or surrounds
Exact US model and regional suffix
AV157
Soundbar width
432 mm
Soundbar height
86 mm
Soundbar depth
74 mm
Meets editorial 800-mm width and 80-mm height filter
No
Full HDMI source inputs excluding ARC/eARC return port
0 ports
Physical remote, TV remote, account and app requirements
Included remote; no app; mode switch by long press (Digital Trends)
Observed direct manufacturer selling price
199.99 USD
Verified manufacturer list price, not assumed from a crossed-out reference
249.99 USD
Listing, indexed listing, cart, delivery or conflicting-render status
zvox.com $199.99 with 60-day trial; Amazon $199.99 from third-party seller (live)
Manufacturer direct home-trial period
60 days

Buying workflow

Workflow type
Standalone single-box TV speaker

Dialogue

Dialogue feature
AccuVoice + SuperVoice
Dialogue enhancement levels
12 levels
Dedicated center channel / speech driver
No
Automatic volume leveling
Yes

Audio

Dolby Atmos
No
Separate subwoofer included
No

Connectivity

HDMI ARC/eARC
No
Optical input
Yes
Bluetooth
No

Size

Width
17 in
Shopping

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Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

RetailerPriceAvailability
Amazon $199.99 $249.99 Available From 2026 11 01 Check at retailer
Walmart $199.99
Last known price — verified Oct 26, 2026; may have changed
Check at retailer Check at retailer
Lowest verified price —
30-day low $199.99
90-day average $199.99
90-day low $199.99

Based on 6 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

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