Big Sound on a Small Budget: Top Picks for Affordable Soundbars
Built-in TV speakers often have poor sound quality, making it hard to hear dialogue or enjoy immersive sound effects. Additionally, many soundbars on the market can be expensive, leaving consumers frustrated and confused about which product to choose.
By selecting a budget soundbar, you can enjoy clearer dialogue, enhanced bass, and a more immersive viewing experience. Budget soundbars can also be convenient for small spaces or renters who want to avoid committing to a more significant investment.
With many options available, it's essential to research and selects the best budget soundbar that meets your specific needs and budget.
The Best Budget Soundbars Under $200
Vizio V Series 2.1 Soundbar
The Vizio V Series 2.1 Soundbar is an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. For under $200, this soundbar offers a 2.1-channel setup with a wireless subwoofer, providing a rich and immersive audio experience. In addition, the soundbar has Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to stream music and podcasts from your devices easily.
Its compact design fits well in most living spaces, and the setup process is simple. While it may not have advanced features like Dolby Atmos, the Vizio V Series 2.1 Soundbar delivers impressive sound quality for its price range.
Roku Smart Soundbar
Roku's Smart Soundbar is a great option for anyone seeking an affordable soundbar with smart features. It has built-in Roku streaming capabilities, which allow you to access a wide range of content, including popular streaming services. It is easy to navigate and control with voice control and a user-friendly interface.
The sound quality is solid for the price, offering clear dialogue and balanced audio. In addition, its sleek design fits seamlessly into any home entertainment setup. For those looking for an all-in-one streaming and audio solution, the Roku Smart Soundbar is a fantastic choice.
TCL Alto 7+
The TCL Alto 7+ is an affordable soundbar with a 2.1-channel setup and a wireless subwoofer, delivering a powerful and dynamic audio experience. In addition, it supports various sound modes, allowing you to optimize the audio for movies, music, or news.
The Alto 7+ also has Bluetooth capabilities, making it easy to connect to your devices for wireless streaming. With its slim design and easy setup process, the TCL Alto 7+ is an attractive option for an affordable and versatile soundbar.
JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass
The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass soundbar is an outstanding choice for those looking to enhance their home audio experience without breaking the bank. This soundbar features a 2.1-channel setup with a mighty wireless subwoofer that produces deep and impactful bass.
Bluetooth capabilities allow you to stream music and podcasts from your devices. The JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass offers various sound modes, allowing you to customize the audio experience based on your content. Its sleek design and easy setup make it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
Bose Solo 5 TV Sound System
The Bose Solo 5 TV Sound System is a compact and stylish soundbar that delivers remarkable sound quality for its size. It uses advanced Bose technologies to enhance audio clarity, particularly in dialogues, ensuring you never miss a word. The Solo 5 also features a single soundbar design, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
In addition, with Bluetooth connectivity, you can effortlessly stream music from your devices. The Bose Solo 5 TV Sound System might not have a subwoofer or advanced features like Dolby Atmos, but it is perfect for those seeking a simple, high-quality sound upgrade for their TV.
What to Look for in a Budget Soundbar
Sound Quality
Choosing a budget soundbar and sound quality should be your primary consideration. A good soundbar should provide clear audio and enhance the overall listening experience. In addition, look for a soundbar with a wide frequency range, ensuring it can reproduce both high and low frequencies accurately.
While budget soundbars may not offer the same level of audio fidelity as more expensive models, they should still significantly improve your TV's built-in speakers. Also, consider a soundbar with multiple speakers or channels for better sound separation and a more immersive audio experience.
Connectivity Options
Pay attention to the available connectivity options in a budget soundbar for a seamless and convenient connection. Look for a soundbar that supports both wired and wireless connections. Common wired connections include HDMI ARC, Optical, and 3.5mm AUX inputs.
HDMI ARC is preferable since it allows for a single cable connection between the TV and soundbar and can transmit higher-quality audio. Bluetooth is essential for streaming audio from smartphones or other Bluetooth-enabled devices for wireless connections.
Although less common in budget soundbars, Wi-Fi support enables multi-room audio and compatibility with streaming services.
Power Output
Power output, measured in watts (W), is essential when choosing a budget soundbar. It determines the soundbar's ability to produce loud and clear audio. A higher power output generally translates to better audio performance.
A soundbar with 50-100W of power output should suffice for small to medium-sized rooms. If you have a larger room or prefer a more immersive audio experience, look for a soundbar with higher power output or consider adding a subwoofer.
Additional Features
Budget soundbars can come with various additional features that enhance the user experience. For example, some soundbars offer built-in or separate wireless subwoofers for improved bass response. Voice enhancement features can improve dialogue clarity, while sound modes or presets can optimize audio for specific content types like movies, music, or gaming.
Remote control or smartphone app compatibility can make adjusting settings and controlling your soundbar easy. Although not all budget soundbars will have these features, consider your priorities and look for the ones that best suit your needs.
Brand Reputation
Lastly, consider the reputation of the brand when choosing a budget soundbar. Well-established brands are more likely to offer reliable products and better customer support. Read customer reviews and look for soundbars from reputable manufacturers with a history of producing quality audio equipment.
While lesser-known brands may offer attractive prices, balancing that against potential product quality, performance, and support issues is essential. Choosing a soundbar from a reputable brand makes you more likely to have a positive experience and get better value for your money.
