Is the Dell SB521A worth it?

If you own a compatible Dell monitor and want clearer sound for calls and video than the built-in speakers give, it is a cheap fix at $44.00 at DirectDial as of November 7, 2026. For music or movies, a larger powered speaker set will sound better.

Does it work with non-Dell monitors?

It can play audio from any USB-A host, but the magnetic mount is shaped for Dell monitors. On other monitors you would have to rest it on the desk or tape it in place.

Does it need a power adapter?

No. It draws power and audio over its single USB-A connection, so there is no separate power cable.

Does it have Bluetooth?

No. It is wired USB only, with no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or HDMI.

It is rated at 3.6 W total with 89 dB output, which suits a desk but not a large room. Owners often say it does not get very loud.

Its price has stayed low, and $44.00 at DirectDial as of November 7, 2026 is near the bottom of its recent range. Check the price history before buying.

Where is the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A cheapest?

At DirectDial, for $44.00, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A?

Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 281 ratings.

Where can I buy the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A?

14 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Staples, Office Depot, DirectDial, Connection.

Browse

Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A

Best price now

$44.00at DirectDialObserved at 9:18 AM

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit DirectDial

Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A

Best price now

$44.00at DirectDialObserved at 9:18 AM

Compared across 8 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit DirectDial

Ask our agent about this product

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Our take on the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A

The Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A is a USB-powered soundbar that clips magnetically to the bottom of a Dell monitor. It has two drivers, 3.6 W total output and a 180–20,000 Hz range, with no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or HDMI. At $44.00 at DirectDial as of November 7, 2026, it sits at the low end of its recent range.

Best forDell monitor owners who want better laptop or monitor speakersSmall desks and tight setupsVideo calls and everyday PC audioBuyers who want a wired, no-setup soundbar

Pros

Magnetic mount attaches to compatible Dell monitors without tools
Very slim and light at 114 g, so it takes no desk space
USB-A powered and connected, so there is no separate power cable
Simple plug-and-play with no pairing or software needed
Low price at $44.00 at DirectDial as of November 7, 2026

Cons

Only 3.6 W total output, so it is quiet and thin on bass
No Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or HDMI, so it only works with a USB host
Magnetic attachment fits Dell monitors only
Not waterproof and not built for outdoor use
Weak for music and movies compared with a real speaker set

Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A prices at every store

DirectDialNew
In stock
$44.00Observed at 9:18 AM
Visit DirectDial
B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew
In stock
$49.99Observed at 9:18 AM
Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio
StaplesNew
In stock
$53.59Free shippingObserved at 9:18 AM
Visit Staples
NatixNew
In stock
$56.24Observed at 9:18 AM
Visit Natix
WalmartNew
In stockSold by Techno Market
$64.99Observed at 9:18 AM
Visit Walmart
ConnectionNew
Availability unknown
$46.77Observed at 9:18 AM
Visit Connection
eBayNew
Availability unknownSold by norf-7070 (98% positive, 1,500 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$40.00+ $8.03 shippingVerified
Visit eBay
eBayPre-owned
Availability unknownSold by lousianacomputer (99.1% positive, 1,100 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.
$69.99Free shippingVerified
Visit eBay
Office DepotNew
Out of stock
$64.99Free shippingObserved at 9:18 AM
Visit Office Depot

Also available at

eBayCheck price at eBay
BarcodesIncCheck price at BarcodesInc
BlueDogInkCheck price at BlueDogInk
Central Business SystemsCheck price at Central Business Systems
CDWCheck price at CDW
OfficeCrave.comCheck price at OfficeCrave.com
W.B. MasonCheck price at W.B. Mason

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A price history

Lowest price we've seen: $40.40 on Nov 7 at BlueDogInk. Tracked across 14 stores since Nov 7.

What reviewers say

3.9 / 5281 ratings

Ratings average 3.9 out of 5 from 281 ratings. Owners like the tidy fit under a Dell monitor and the cable-free setup, but many find the sound small and the volume limited.

What people mention

Sound qualityMixedOwners say it beats built-in monitor speakers for voices but sounds thin for music.
VolumeCriticisedSeveral say it does not get loud enough for a room.
MountingPraisedThe magnetic clip is easy to attach and keeps the desk clear.
SetupPraisedOne USB cable handles power and audio, so it works as soon as it is plugged in.
CompatibilityCriticisedThe magnetic mount only fits some Dell monitors, which limits use elsewhere.
BuildMixedIt is light and slim, but the plastic body feels basic.

Specifications

Outdoor: No
Frequency Response: 180 - 20000 Hz
Bluetooth: No
Connectivity Technology: Wired
Ports And Interfaces: USB
Wi-Fi: No
Speaker Placement: For monitor

Questions and answers

Is the Dell SB521A worth it?: If you own a compatible Dell monitor and want clearer sound for calls and video than the built-in speakers give, it is a cheap fix at $44.00 at DirectDial as of November 7, 2026. For music or movies, a larger powered speaker set will sound better.
Does it work with non-Dell monitors?: It can play audio from any USB-A host, but the magnetic mount is shaped for Dell monitors. On other monitors you would have to rest it on the desk or tape it in place.
Does it need a power adapter?: No. It draws power and audio over its single USB-A connection, so there is no separate power cable.
Does it have Bluetooth?: No. It is wired USB only, with no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or HDMI.
How loud is it?: It is rated at 3.6 W total with 89 dB output, which suits a desk but not a large room. Owners often say it does not get very loud.
When is it cheapest?: Its price has stayed low, and $44.00 at DirectDial as of November 7, 2026 is near the bottom of its recent range. Check the price history before buying.
Where is the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A cheapest?: At DirectDial, for $44.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A?: Rated 3.9 out of 5 from 281 ratings.
Where can I buy the Dell Slim Soundbar SB521A?: 14 stores we checked sell it, including eBay, Staples, Office Depot, DirectDial, Connection.