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Best Budget Soundbar for TV Review & Buyer’s Guide

So, you’ve got a big HD television set and subscription to major streaming services. The only thing that’s preventing you from fully enjoying your favorite shows is the audio fidelity. Even if your TV is, indeed, large and colorful, the sound quality will still not be on par with a dedicated sound system. How do you fix that, though? Buy a really expensive television set? Or invest in a 5.1 spear kit?

How about a soundbar? These devices are available for cheap and can breathe new life into your home theater. The Best budget soundbar will take little effort to set up and dramatically improve the sound quality! So, let’s check out the finest aftermarket bars! First, we’ll take a look at under-$100 units. Next, we’ll move on to $200 and $300 soundbars.

Table of Contents

  • Best Budget Soundbar Under 100 Review
  • 1. BESTISAN – Best Soundbar for Home TV
    • Verdict
  • 2. TCL – Best Soundbar System for Home with Subwoofer
    • Verdict
  • 3. Majority – Best Budget-Friendly Soundbar for TV
    • Verdict
  • 4. Wohome – Best Budget Home Theatre Soundbar With HDMI
    • Verdict
  • 5. Sony S100F – Best Budget Soundbar with Good Bass
    • Verdict
  • Best Budget Soundbar Under 200 Review
  • 1. Polk – Best Home Theater Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
    • Verdict
  • 2. Roku – Best Soundbar for 4k TV
    • Verdict
  • 3. SAMSUNG – Best Budget 5.1 Sound Bar
    • Verdict
  • 4. YAMAHA – Best Cheap Soundbar for TV
    • Verdict
  • 5. VIZIO – Best Home Theater Soundbar System
    • Verdict
  • Best Budget Soundbar Under 300 Review
  • 1. Sony HT-S350 – Best Soundbar for Home Theater with Bluetooth
    • Verdict
  • 2. Bose – Best Home Soundbar Without Subwoofer
    • Verdict
  • 3. JBL – Best budget soundbar you can buy for TV
    • Verdict
  • 4. Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL – Best Budget Home Theater Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
    • Verdict
  • 5. SAMSUNG 5.0ch S60A – Best Budget Soundbar 2021
    • Verdict
  • Tips for Finding a Budget Soundbar that Suit you Best
  • How Many Channels should a Budget Soundbar Have?
  • Buyer’s Guide
    • #1: How big or small is your Room?
    • #2: Is there Enough Space for the Bar?
    • #3: Material Quality + Durability
    • #4: How much are you willing to Pay?
  • Best Budget Soundbar Under 100 (Updated: September, 2021)
  • Best Budget Soundbar Under 200 (Updated: September, 2021)
  • Best Budget Soundbar Under 300 (Updated: September, 2021)
  • Conclusion

Best Budget Soundbar Under 100 Review

Comparison Table – CLICK HERE

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BESTISAN Home Theater System Wired and Wireless Soundbar Speaker

1. BESTISAN – Best Soundbar for Home TV

BESTISAN Home Theater System Wired and Wireless Soundbar Speaker

Bestian is one of the most affordable options on the market right now, and that’s its biggest pro. Even if your budget is rather limited, you’ll probably still be able to afford it. Available in three different sizes – 24, 38, and 40 inches – it will be a significant improvement over the speakers in your TV. In the package, you’ll find detailed installation instructions. The whole process will take 5-10 minutes – just follow the guide closely.

Add strong after-sales support by the company’s agents plus lifetime technical assistance, and you’ll see why this soundbar deserves our attention. My only complaint has to do with the audio output: while this bar’s volume is decent, it’s still slightly not as loud as the competition. For some people, this can be a big con; others will be ok with it (especially if they’ve got the TV in a small bedroom).

The Pros:

  • Available in 28, 34, and 40 inches
  • Comes packed with a detailed manual
  • One of the cheapest options on the market

The Cons:

  • Could’ve been a bit louder

Verdict

If you’re in the market for an affordable aftermarket soundbar, Bestian might have the perfect offer for you. Available in different sizes and packed with a helpful user manual, this unit will be a great investment for most people. And, while it’s not the loudest bar on the list, it’s a safe bet nevertheless.

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TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby Audio Sound Bar

2. TCL – Best Soundbar System for Home with Subwoofer

TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Dolby Audio Sound Bar

Moving up the list, let’s check out what TCL is all about. First of all, it is available in five different packages, which is always a plus. You can pick between a cheap 2.0 configuration, 2.1, 3.1, and more. It all comes down to the budget and what you’re looking for. For me, the 2.1 soundbar that comes packed with an external woofer is the best option. With it, you’ll get lots of bass and a decent set of tweeters to handle the highs.

On top of that, the installation process takes almost no effort. Just connect the bar to the TV through one of the available interfaces, and that’s it! What I didn’t like about the TCL soundbar was the lack of controls/settings for the subwoofer. But, that’s a minor downside, given how good the low frequencies sound on this device. Besides, you can always switch between the various modes before you find the right one.

The Pros:

  • Takes little time and effort to set it up
  • Premium-quality subwoofer for extra bass
  • Five different sizes to choose from

The Cons:

  • The subwoofer lacks controls

Verdict

Audiophiles looking for an accurate low-frequency representation will probably find TCL to be right up their alley. The woofer is, indeed, pretty decent, even though it doesn’t have that many knobs or customization options. Oh, and connecting the soundbar and the woofer only takes 2-3 minutes.

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Majority Teton Bluetooth Soundbar for TV

3. Majority – Best Budget-Friendly Soundbar for TV

Majority Teton Bluetooth Soundbar for TV

Do you feel like all the standard soundbars are too quiet for you? Then I recommend putting Majority on the list of must-haves. It boasts a powerful 120 watt sound, and that will be significantly louder than, say, a 100-watt bar. Now, while this device doesn’t include an external subwoofer in the package, it does have a built-in woofer, and it’s pretty good at making the bass come through.

Last, but not least, Majority is covered by a generous three-year warranty that should give you peace of mind. Enhanced compatibility (this soundbar works with a wide range of TV sets) and lots of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth turn it into a bargain. One thing to keep in mind: Majority is very fragile and might not survive if you accidentally hit it or drop it on the floor.

The Pros:

  • Powerful and loud: 120-watt output
  • Features a decent-quality built-in woofer
  • Backed by a three-year warranty

The Cons:

  • Lightweight, brittle design

Verdict

Despite the fragile, brittle construction, the Majority soundbar carries an excellent value. With an impressive power output (120 watts) and an internal sub, it will be a great addition to your home theater. Along with that, it is protected by a three-year warranty and features five different interfaces.

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Wohome Sound Bar S88 20-Inch 50W Audio Stereo Home Theater Soundbar Speaker

4. Wohome – Best Budget Home Theatre Soundbar With HDMI

Wohome Sound Bar S88 20-Inch 50W Audio Stereo Home Theater Soundbar Speaker

A common issue with many modern-day rooms is space, or, rather, the lack of it. We’ve got so many gadgets and different devices sitting next to the TV, that there may not be enough space for a soundbar. That won’t be a problem with Wohome, though, because it is one of the most compact units on the market. Thanks to the slim design, it will be able to fit in the tightest spot. Premium engineering is a part of the deal as well.

Another standout point is the full support of DSP technology. It does a great job of imitating surround sound and creates a “theatrical” atmosphere. And, there’s a LED display in the middle of the soundbar, which is also a pro. The only downside: the bar doesn’t remember your volume settings and goes back to default every time you switch it off.

View on Electronic Ask

The Pros:

  • Compact design – easy to fit in any room
  • DSP technology for surround sound
  • Crafted from premium-quality materials

The Cons:

  • No last-session volume memory

Verdict

Compact, slim, and sleek, Wohome is a very nimble soundbar that’s easy to find room for in the most cramped corner. Plus, it is manufactured from high-quality, durable materials. Now, while it doesn’t have last-session memory, that’s compensated by DSP and a stylish LED display.

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Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker

5. Sony S100F – Best Budget Soundbar with Good Bass

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker

Sony has always been a leader in home audio equipment production. So, let’s check out S100F and see what it has up its sleeves. The first thing that’ll probably catch your attention is the generous package. It includes a remote control (with batteries), lots of cables, a user manual, a warranty card, a Quick Setup guide, and a template for mounting the soundbar to the wall.

Voice enhancement features, in turn, make dialogues clear and easy to understand. As for the bass, while there’s no woofer, the Bass Reflex speaker is quite impressive at “handling” the lows. But how does the bar sound, though? Well, it is quite loud, that’s for sure. However, the overall quality is a bit thin, especially when you crank the volume knob to 11. Other than that, this is a great bang for the buck.

View on Electronic Express

The Pros:

  • Voice enhancement for a better experience
  • Bass Reflex speaker for a deep tone
  • Generous package with lots of extras

The Cons:

  • Loud, yet a bit “thin” sound quality

Verdict

Sony delivered an excellent soundbar with S100F. While the treble frequencies are a bit “squeaky”, the lows are surprisingly decent. And you won’t have a problem with dialogues thanks to Voice Enhancement. Quick, simple installation and a rich package are even more reasons to pick this bar.

Best Budget Soundbar Under 200 Review

Comparison Table – CLICK HERE

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Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar

1. Polk – Best Home Theater Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Sound Bar

Alright, now let’s move on to the under-200 price range and check out what the market leaders have in stores. With Polk, you won’t have to worry about the audio quality, because it is exceptional for the price. It is equally effective at producing highs, mids, and lows (thanks to the wireless subwoofer). Compatibility won’t be an issue either: this soundbar can work with almost all TVs out there.

Wireless streaming is a part of the picture as well. If you want Wi-Fi, you’ll have to pay a bit extra. But, no matter which product you end up choosing, customization options will be scarce. This is the most significant con, but it won’t even be an issue for most people looking for decent sound quality and enhanced connectivity above everything else.

The Pros:

  • Impressive sound quality for the price
  • Standalone, wireless woofer for accurate bass
  • Compatible with a wide range of TVs

The Cons:

  • Limited customization options

Verdict

The Polk Audio soundbar fits a long list of TV sets and boasts an excellent sound quality for a device this cheap. The standalone woofer, wireless streaming options, and slim design turn it into a must-have. The available settings/customization features are a bit limited, though.

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Roku Smart Soundbar

2. Roku – Best Soundbar for 4k TV

Roku Smart Soundbar

Even if you’re not a big fan of Netflix or other streaming platforms, I bet you’ve still heard about Roku, a manufacturer of hardware digital media players. Well, with this package, you won’t only get a decent-quality soundbar, but also the Roku player (it comes built into the bar). Next, the bar is 100% compatible with the Alexa device and takes less than a minute to connect. The dialogues are very clear, while the commercials are always quiet.

What I really like about Roku is the extended wireless range. You’ll be able to control the soundbar from a distance using the remote, or, say, a Smartphone. The included optical cable is a piece of junk, however. On the bright side, Roku is one of the cheapest bars out there and is available in five different configurations with 4K quality.

The Pros:

  • Long-range wireless control
  • Arrives with a built-in Roku player
  • A great pick if you’re on a tight budget

The Cons:

  • Poor-quality optical cable

Verdict

The Roku soundbar carries high value. While it is available for cheap, you’ll get a long list of extras with it, including a built-in player (with lots of channels and content), long-range wireless control, 4K, and clear dialogues. Compatibility with Alexa is another feature, along with Bluetooth streaming.

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SAMSUNG 2.1ch A550 A Series Soundbar - Dolby 5.1

3. SAMSUNG – Best Budget 5.1 Sound Bar

SAMSUNG 2.1ch A550 A Series Soundbar - Dolby 5.1

Just like Sony, Samsung has a strong foothold on the market of consumer electronics and needs no introductions. And this A550-A series soundbar is a clear example of that. So, what will you get with it? First of all, this unit boasts rich, saturated bass tones. That’s achieved through the outstanding external subwoofer. It’s pretty standard in terms of design but beats most of the competition when it comes to audio quality.

The center channel makes it much easier to understand movie dialogues and allows you to just sit back and enjoy the show. Samsung’s trademark Adaptive Sound Lite technology adapts to different types of content, optimizing the user experience. As for the cons, while the highs and the lows sound great, the mid frequencies are a bit of a miss (only in music; dialogues are, again, very clear).

The Pros:

  • Extra bass with the external woofer
  • Center channel for clear dialogues
  • Automatically adjusts to various content

The Cons:

  • Average-at-best mid-frequency quality

Verdict

Samsung didn’t disappoint with this soundbar. It will be a great purchase for most people in the market for affordable, yet premium-quality audio equipment. The mighty bass, center channel, and Adaptive Sound technology make it worth your while, despite the so-so mids.

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YAMAHA SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar

4. YAMAHA – Best Cheap Soundbar for TV

YAMAHA SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar

If design and aesthetics are important to you, Yamaha might be a reasonable purchase. SR-C20A features a compact, sleek design that looks equally cool on a shelf or mounted on the wall. With this soundbar, Bluetooth streaming is very fast and hassle-free. The same goes for the HDMI interface: it takes only a minute to connect the bar to your TV and supports the highest-quality audio content.

As for the sound quality, it’s decent, especially for this price range. SR-C20A implements a set of passive radiators that work in combination with a built-in subwoofer. The resulting sound is loud enough for a bedroom or a small living room. However, it might not be that great for a large hall or room. Keep that in mind when choosing between Yamaha and the other soundbars on the list.

View on Yamaha

The Pros:

  • Compact, sleek, and eye-grabbing
  • Passive radiators + subwoofer
  • Easy Bluetooth streaming

The Cons:

  • Not well-suited for bigger rooms

Verdict

Do you have the TV set up in a bedroom or an average-sized room? If the answer is yes, Yamaha might be an excellent choice. It supports all the popular interfaces (Bluetooth, HDMI), takes seconds to install, and delivers a decent sound. Plus, it has a lovely, catchy design.

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VIZIO Sound Bar for TV

5. VIZIO – Best Home Theater Soundbar System

VIZIO Sound Bar for TV

The last stop on the under-200 list is VIZIO. What can we expect from this soundbar? Is it worth your hard-earned bucks, or not? You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the sound quality, that’s for sure. Despite the average size, it sounds like a much bigger (and more expensive) device. The rich sound is achieved through the separation of the tweeters and woofers.

This 2.1 bar is well-suited for 4K content and doesn’t disappoint in that regard. The 50Hz-20KHz range, strong DTS Virtual X support, and HDR turn it into a must-have for the fans of quality at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, VIZIO’s customer support leaves a lot to be desired, especially if you’re from Canada. It tends to be slow and not very client-oriented.

View on VIZIO

The Pros:

  • Surprisingly rich and strong sound
  • Separate woofers and tweeters
  • Specifically designed for 4K content

The Cons:

  • Poor customer support

Verdict

The rich, strong, satisfying sound quality, along with 4K, HDR, and DTS support make VIZIO a sure pick. Sadly, support isn’t this company’s strongest suit: it isn’t particularly quick, helpful, or customer-focused.

Best Budget Soundbar Under 300 Review

Comparison Table – CLICK HERE

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Sony HT-S350 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

1. Sony HT-S350 – Best Soundbar for Home Theater with Bluetooth

Sony HT-S350 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Looking to get the best value with a soundbar? How about HT-S350? Designed, manufactured, and sold by Sony, it packs 320 watts and can fill out the biggest room in your house. The bass response, in turn, is very strong and accurate, meaning you can listen to favorite bass-heavy tracks on this system. Speaking of music, there are seven different modes to choose from on this soundbar.

We’ve got Cinema, Music, Game, Sports, and more. Virtual Surround Sound is a part of the deal as well, thanks to the company’s trademark S-Force Pro technology. Wanna stream through Bluetooth? That’s an option with HT-S350. Sadly, the HDMI Arc feature is a bit faulty. It tends to turn the TV on and off randomly.

The Pros:

  • Impressive power output: 320 watts
  • Incredibly accurate bass response
  • Seven sound modes at your disposal

The Cons:

  • Faulty HDMI Arc feature

Verdict

With seven modes/settings to choose from, 320 watts of pure sound, and precise bass representation, Sony’s soundbar is a sure pick for anyone in the market for loud audio systems. S-Force Pro and Bluetooth streaming make it an even better pick, despite the awkward HDMI behavior.

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Bose TV Speaker

2. Bose – Best Home Soundbar Without Subwoofer

Bose TV Speaker

Are you a bit worried that the installation process is gonna take you forever? Don’t worry: with Bose, it’s very easy to set everything up using HDMI, Bluetooth, or the Auxiliary input. The whole thing will take two minutes, and you won’t have to go back to it ever again. The compact design is also a big pro. This soundbar can fit in limited spaces, which can be a problem for similar devices.

The Voice Clarity feature works solidly and makes the dialogues come forth. Designed with simplicity in mind, Bose is, indeed, one of the finest budget soundbars in the 2.1 segment. Unfortunately, the low frequencies aren’t at all exciting, because there’s no subwoofer for the bass. You could, of course, add a wireless sub to the chain, but it will cost extra.

The Pros:

  • Simple setup: takes less than two minutes
  • Miniature design – can fit in the tightest spot
  • Voice Clarity works really great

The Cons:

  • Bass frequencies are rather flat

Verdict

Simplicity is this soundbar’s biggest selling point. It features a miniature design and easily fits pretty much wherever you want it to. Easy installation, Voice Clarity, and quick expansion are more pros. As for the cons, don’t expect the bass to be particularly loud, strong, or crisp.

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JBL Bar 2.1

3. JBL – Best budget soundbar you can buy for TV

JBL Bar 2.1

Should you trust JBL with your sound system? Will it be a noticeable improvement over the TV’s cheap speakers? The short answer – yes, it will. The package includes not only a soundbar but also a wireless subwoofer, so the low end will be nice and strong. The material and build quality, in turn, are well above average – the bar can take a beating. And if it does break, the fast customer support will help you sort things out.

I also want to mention how easy it is to switch between the TV, your Smartphone, and other devices with this soundbar. It literally takes one button push to do that. But, there is one disadvantage, and it has to do with the high frequencies. There’s just too much sizzle up there, too much treble. It only comes through when you turn the volume knob way too high, though.

The Pros:

  • Easy to switch between different sound sources
  • Premium material and engineering quality
  • Fast, helpful customer support agents

The Cons:

  • Too much treble

Verdict

Sturdy, durable, and backed by friendly (and helpful) customer support, the JBL soundbar is a keeper. It puts out 300W of power and includes a 6.5-inch woofer to handle the bass – a great combo. Unfortunately, the treble doesn’t sound as good. But, this is still a decent soundbar.

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Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar

4. Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL – Best Budget Home Theater Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer

Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL Sound Bar

YAS is one of those can’t-go-wrong-with devices that carry excellent value. With 209BL, you’ll get the whole package, including a wireless subwoofer, DTS Virtual surround sound technology, and easy connectivity (Bluetooth, HDMI, and Wi-Fi). This soundbar is specifically designed for small and average-size rooms and supports a long list of platforms/interfaces.

You can pair it up with Alexa or Spotify Connect and gain quick access to your favorite tunes and videos. On top of that, Yamaha includes a pretty handy Sound Bar app that makes it even easier to control everything from a Smartphone. Sadly, all these pros come at one significant con: YAS-209BL is rather expensive compared to the rivals.

View on Walmart

The Pros:

  • Works great in small- and mid-size rooms
  • Praised by respected critics in the industry
  • Can be controlled through a dedicated app

The Cons:

  • A bit on the expensive side

Verdict

If you’re ready to pay extra for premium quality, put 209BL on the list. Yamaha packed this soundbar with a mighty 7-inch woofer, full HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Alexa, and Spotify support, and even a dedicated app. Praised by big names in the industry, this bar is an all-around solid product.

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SAMSUNG 5.0ch S60A S Series Soundbar

5. SAMSUNG 5.0ch S60A – Best Budget Soundbar 2021

SAMSUNG 5.0ch S60A S Series Soundbar

Ok, this is the last stop for today – a soundbar by Samsung with killer looks and decent sound quality. Like the previous unit, it’s compatible with Alexa (the interface is built into the bar) and can be controlled by your voice. Plus, it fully supports Airplay 2 by Apple. Now, this is a five-channel device and delivers a lovely surround sound experience with the use of a side horn speaker.

It creates a panoramic soundscape that fills the entire room. S60A has only one minor con: the included user manual isn’t very clear and can be a bit confusing. So, it might be better to handle the installation/connection on your own. This soundbar supports HDMI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi and takes a couple of minutes to pair up with the TV.

View on Samsung

The Pros:

  • Surround sound with a side horn speaker
  • Refined, “expensive” soundbar design
  • Fully supports the Airplay 2 interface

The Cons:

  • Included instructions aren’t at all helpful

Verdict

With the Samsung soundbar, you’ll be able to fully transform your home theater, creating a rich, panoramic soundscape and enjoying true surround sound. The sleek, refined design, full support of the most popular interfaces, including Alexa and Airplay, in turn, make it an even more attractive deal.

Tips for Finding a Budget Soundbar that Suit you Best

Before you go ahead and order a new soundbar for your TV, it’s very important to think everything through. Ask yourself: what is it that you’re looking for in a bar? Is enhanced connectivity a factor, or not? Do you put surround sound above everything else, or maybe you’re a bigger fan of a strong bass response? Here are some quick and simple questions to analyze before making a purchase:

  • Do you play lots of bass-heavy music? Bass frequencies make any track “pop”, especially if it’s rock or hip-hop. So, if you’re a big fan of those genres, make sure the soundbar comes packed with a subwoofer to handle those low frequencies. Or, at the very least, see that the bar includes built-in woofers for a decent bass. Otherwise, you won’t be satisfied with how the low-end sounds.

  • What about surround sound? We all love the surround sound experience at movie theaters, right? Usually, it’s a combination of four speakers on each side and a set of two in the back, and it sounds great. Well, that kind of kit will be a bit too expensive for a home setup. But, if you’re into that whole Dolby Digital thing, consider saving some bucks for a 4.1 bar: two built-in speakers, a subwoofer, and two separate speakers for the back.

  • Wireless control – a must-have? Voice controls are a great feature if you spend lots of time in front of the TV. A full-fledged RC (remote control) is also very useful for switching between channels, boosting the bass, and whatnot. Therefore, it’s important for the remote control to have an extended wireless range. As for voice control, some top-notch soundbars come with pre-built interfaces like Alexa or Google’s Assistant.

You just say the name of the song, and it starts playing. Do keep in mind, though, that Alexa is usually featured in slightly expensive bars (starting at $250). And, voice controls get a bit “old” in a couple of months, which makes them a somewhat pricey and unreasonable investment. This isn’t a universal rule, of course, but still, something to remember while scrolling through available soundbars.

  • Enhanced connectivity. Last, but not least, let’s talk about connectivity options. You’ll see Bluetooth in pretty much any bar, no matter how cheap or expensive it is. Wi-Fi is a great alternative. Optical cables are also rather common. However, HDMI is considered to be the superior interface, as it’s unmatched when it comes to high-resolution audio and video. Without it, you’ll probably experience delayed lip-sync in movies and video games.

Thus, if premium-quality audio/video is important to you, the soundbar must feature at least one HDMI input. Bluetooth, in turn, is great for wireless control, and it allows quickly connecting a Smartphone or a tablet and, say, playing music through the soundbar. While you’re at it, see whether the bar has a USB input or not. This is another super-fast and high-def. interface.

How Many Channels should a Budget Soundbar Have?

Some inexperienced folks think that the more, the better, but that’s not always true. At a certain point, an over-the-top number of speakers can actually make the soundbar sound worse. For a standard room with just a TV sitting in one of the corners, a two-speaker system will do just fine. However, if you put sound quality first and are going for a “home theater” experience, the bar should have at least four or five speakers.

A subwoofer, in turn, will do a much better job of handling the bass, as we discussed earlier. Now, going back to the speakers, it’s important to understand that while standard-issue bars do a great job of imitating a surround sound, you won’t get the same Dolby experience as you’d have with, say, a set of five individual speakers positioned on the front, the back, and the sides of the room.

Thankfully, there is a solution to that: premium-quality (and expensive) surround sets that include the actual soundbar + a set of speakers to “cover” the back and the sides. That way, you’ll get the advanced features of a soundbar (wireless access, voice control, 4K streaming) and still enjoy a lovely surround sound setup. Oh, and they need to be wireless because all those cables crawling up the walls don’t look very great.

For a true surround sound, get a 5- or 7-channel Dolby Atmos soundbar with upward-firing speakers. They’re effective at imitating a 3D soundstage and creating an immersive experience. Ultimately, it comes down to how much money you can spare on the updated audio system. For music and gaming, lots of people prefer to use headphones or a good-old 2.1 speaker/woofer or soundbar setting.

For a budget product, a left + right speaker set and a built-in sub will be a pretty great deal. There’s a catch, though: such a setup won’t have much midrange. More importantly, without a third (center) channel, you’ll have a hard time understanding dialogues in movies. So, for someone on a limited budget, I would recommend choosing a third channel instead of fancy extras like voice control or an additional input (like a USB).

And one more thing: budget soundbars are usually equipped with full-range drivers that handle the entire frequency range. That doesn’t sound very impressive. In contrast, premium bars have woofers for the bass, drivers for the mids, and tweeters for the highs/treble.

Buyer’s Guide

Ok, now that we’ve learned how to find the right soundbar that suits your needs, it’s time to dig a bit deeper. While the audio quality, 3D sound support, and enhanced connectivity are key aspects, there’s still a lot that you have to keep in mind to make the right choice. So, join me, and let’s discuss room sizes, pricing, warranties, designs, material quality, and more.

#1: How big or small is your Room?

Best Budget Soundbar Sound waves are pretty complex, and the audio quality is affected by how big/small the room is. Absorbing and reflecting materials also matter, but only if you’ve got a professional recording studio. For the average living room or bedroom, it comes down to whether the speakers will be able to “fill out” the space with sound, or not. Now, unless you like to blast your music really loud and scare the neighbors, a 100dB soundbar will be enough.

It will be able to “handle” a small/mid-size living room and you won’t have a problem hearing everything. For a bedroom, 80-90dB will suffice. The finest bars are as loud as 120dB, but you’ll have to pay a bit extra for that.

#2: Is there Enough Space for the Bar?

Best Budget Soundbar Soundbars come in all shapes and sizes, and while a tall and wide bar might look cool, it will probably not fit in your living room. The most obvious spot for it is on the shelf right next to (or, rather, underneath) the TV set. But what if it’s way too big and doesn’t fit? Well, you could try and mount it on the wall, of course. Most brands include a set of screws in the package and add mounting holes on the bars for hassle-free installation.

Yes, it will be much easier to find enough space on the wall, but for some people, that just doesn’t cut it. That’s why I want you to check the soundbar’s dimensions before making an order. Next, measure exactly how much space you’ve got for it in your room to avoid disappointment.

#3: Material Quality + Durability

If you’ve got at least one pet in the house, then you know how frustrating it is when they leave hair on electronic devices. Well, if the soundbar material quality is low, best believe it will be covered in all that after a couple of days. So, check the build quality before making an order. Another important factor is engineering, or, rather, how fragile the unit is. Most bars are very brittle and break easily.

Best Budget Soundbar

If it’s standing on a cabinet, you might brush it when passing by. This is less true for soundbars that are mounted on the wall. So, don’t go with cheap plastic. Try to find something sturdier and more reliable. Last, but not least, check the design. While it doesn’t play a practical role, it’s still very important to find a bar with a lovely design that adds to the “bigger picture” instead of making your home theater look worse.

#4: How much are you willing to Pay?

Best Budget Soundbar No matter how much you like a certain soundbar, it has to fit your budget. Today, we checked out top-notch soundbars in three different categories: under-100, 200, and 300 dollars. That’s right: even if you only have $100 to spare, that can still land you with a decent aftermarket bar. So, the first thing to do is to establish budget limits.

Next, make a list of things/features that you would very much like to see in the new soundbar. Earlier, we talked about subwoofers, surround sound, wireless control, connectivity options, and more. It might take a while to figure out exactly what kind of a bar you’re looking for, but that way, it will be easier to make an educated choice.

Best Budget Soundbar Under 100 (Updated: September, 2021)

ImageProduct
Best Choice
BESTISAN review
BESTISAN
  • Customized acoustics
  • Installation instructions included
  • Advanced audio settings
  • After-sales support
  • Affordable price
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Also great
TCL review
TCL
  • Quick, hassle-free setup
  • 3D surround sound
  • Wireless subwoofer included
  • Specialized audio modes
  • Full Bluetooth support
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Best Value
Majority review
Majority
  • Enhanced compatibility
  • Multi-connection system
  • Built-in subwoofer
  • Generous 3-year warranty
  • 120W audio
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Non-Slip Grip
Wohome review
Wohome
  • LED Display
  • Full-range drives
  • DSP surround sound
  • High-grade engineering
  • Compact, slim design
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Ergonomic Fit
Sony S100F review
Sony S100F
  • Hassle-free installation
  • Bass Reflex technology
  • Voice enhancement feature
  • RC battery included
  • Quick setup guide
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Best Budget Soundbar Under 200 (Updated: September, 2021)

ImageProduct
Best Choice
Polk review
Polk
  • Above-average audio quality
  • External wireless subwoofer
  • Wireless music streaming
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Fits 99% of TVs
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Also great
Roku review
Roku
  • Quiets commercial brakes
  • Extended wireless range
  • Below-average price
  • Compatible with Alexa
  • Roku player integrated
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Best Value
SAMSUNG review
SAMSUNG
  • Rich bass tones
  • Optimized sound output
  • Game mode available
  • Advanced remote control
  • DTS Virtual X
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Non-Slip Grip
YAMAHA review
YAMAHA
  • Subwoofer and radiators
  • Clear Voice technology
  • Music/podcast streaming
  • Wall-mountable design
  • Simple HDMI setup
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Ergonomic Fit
VIZIO review
VIZIO
  • Two-way speaker design
  • Clear, saturated sound
  • Optimized for 4K
  • 50Hz-20KHz range
  • Surround sound
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Best Budget Soundbar Under 300 (Updated: September, 2021)

ImageProduct
Best Choice
Sony HT-S350 review
Sony HT-S350
  • Bluetooth streaming
  • 7 audio modes
  • Deep, rich bass
  • S-Force Pro
  • 320 watts
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Also great
Bose review
Bose
  • Two-minute install
  • Compact, nimble design
  • Only two-inches tall
  • Voice Clarity
  • Easy to expand
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Best Value
JBL review
JBL
  • 300W of power
  • 6.5-inch subwoofer
  • Wireless streaming
  • JBL Sound Shift
  • Durable construction
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Non-Slip Grip
Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL review
Yamaha Audio YAS-209BL
  • Comes highly recommended
  • 7-inch wireless woofer
  • Built-in Alexa support
  • Spotify Connect
  • Sound Bar app
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Ergonomic Fit
SAMSUNG 5.0ch S60A review
SAMSUNG 5.0ch S60A
  • Alexa voice commands
  • Apple Airplay 2
  • Side horn speaker
  • Built-in voice assistant
  • Premium design
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Conclusion

Ok, that’s all I had to share with you, folks! Soundbars are slowly, but steadily taking over the world. As we learned today, you won’t have to spend a fortune on a great-sounding bar. Even if you’ve only got 100 bucks to spare, you’ll still be able to get an excellent deal. We just checked out 15 outstanding soundbars (five in each price category), all with their pros and cons.

Plus, we discussed the importance of channels and how to make the perfect choice for your setup. So, go ahead and take your pick! We’ve got Samsung, Yamaha, JBL, Sony, and many other market-leading manufacturers that can be trusted with your hard-earned bucks. Still got some questions left? Send me a personal message or start a conversation in the comments section!

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