Your friend is smoking crack if they think you can't tell the difference between TV speakers and even a cheap soundbar. Just by virtue of physical dimensions, TV speakers will always have limited range for bass frequencies.
But 'wattage' and 'quality' are not synonomous. Higher wattage just means louder, not better sound. That only comes with, sadly, more expensive rigs.
The world may be going to Hell, but I am personally awash with convenience.