Best Budget Soundbars: Finding the Perfect Budget Soundbar for You
Enhancing your TV’s sound quality doesn’t have to break the bank. Budget soundbars offer an affordable way to enjoy immersive audio for movies, gaming, and music without the complexity of full home theater systems. Whether you’re upgrading from built-in TV speakers or want something compact for a small room, there are plenty of excellent options available.
This list of the best budget soundbars will highlight top-rated, wallet-friendly models that deliver impressive audio without a premium price tag. From simple plug-and-play options to Bluetooth-enabled systems, you’ll find soundbars that offer excellent value and performance.
When you finish with this list of the best budget soundbars, be sure to check out our lists of the best smart light bulbs, best portable projectors, and best electric lunch boxes. These guides will help round out your home tech setup on a budget.
Top Budget Soundbars
1. VIZIO 2.0 Home Theater Soundbar
Price: $81.81
Highlights: Compact design, DTS Virtual:X, Bluetooth streaming
About Budget Soundbar: VIZIO’s 2.0 soundbar delivers clear and room-filling audio in a simple, sleek form. It uses DTS Virtual:X technology to simulate a surround sound experience, enhancing immersion without the need for extra speakers. The Bluetooth capability allows you to wirelessly stream music from your phone or tablet. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while the straightforward setup is great for tech novices. Despite its low price, it consistently performs well above expectations.
2. TCL Alto 8+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar
Price: $122.84
Highlights: Wireless subwoofer, Dolby Audio, Roku TV Ready
About Budget Soundbar: This budget-friendly soundbar from TCL includes a separate wireless subwoofer for deeper, more dynamic bass. It supports Dolby Digital for a more cinematic sound and is specially designed to pair easily with Roku TVs. You’ll get a powerful audio boost for everything from action movies to sports broadcasts. The Alto 6+ also includes multiple input options including HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth. For under $100, it delivers a full-bodied audio experience.
3. BESTISAN Soundbar with Dual Bass Ports
Price: $75.93
Highlights: Wired and wireless modes, dual built-in subwoofers, DSP technology
About Budget Soundbar: BESTISAN’s soundbar is designed for those who love bass but are shopping on a budget. It features two built-in subwoofers that provide surprisingly deep lows, along with advanced DSP technology for optimized clarity. With both wired and Bluetooth options, it’s easy to connect to TVs, computers, or smartphones. Its compact build doesn’t sacrifice volume, offering a rich and loud sound in a small package. This model is a favorite for bedrooms and smaller entertainment setups.
4. Yamaha SR-C20A Compact Soundbar
Price: $179.95
Highlights: Built-in subwoofer, Clear Voice technology, Bluetooth connectivity
About Budget Soundbar: Yamaha’s SR-C20A is compact but delivers crisp, clear sound with enhanced dialogue clarity thanks to its Clear Voice feature. It’s great for watching shows with lots of speech or streaming podcasts. The built-in subwoofer gives it more bass than you’d expect from a soundbar its size. It includes HDMI ARC, optical, and analog input support, as well as Bluetooth for streaming. The sound profile is balanced and works well in small to medium rooms.
5. PHEANOO 2.1 Compact Soundbar with Subwoofer
Price: $61.42
Highlights: Dedicated subwoofer, HDMI ARC and optical inputs, 5 EQ modes
About Budget Soundbar: The PHEANOO soundbar packs a punch with its included wired subwoofer, providing richer bass and better balance than many standalone bars. Its five EQ modes make it easy to switch between movie, music, news, or gaming settings. HDMI ARC simplifies setup and control, and the optical input is a useful bonus. It also has a modern design that fits nicely under most TVs. If you’re looking for value and performance, this model offers both in one sleek package.
6. LG Soundbar System
Price: $276.99
Highlights: Rear speaker support, 420W power output, Bluetooth streaming
About Budget Soundbar: While slightly over the $100 mark, the LG SLM4R system is worth the consideration for its power and upgradeability. It includes a wireless subwoofer and supports rear speaker expansion for true surround sound. It delivers strong bass and clear treble, making it great for both music and movie nights. Its Bluetooth feature allows for easy streaming from mobile devices. For those who want room to grow their setup, this soundbar provides a great starting point.
7. Majority Bowfell Compact Soundbar
Price: $38.65
Highlights: RCA, optical, and Bluetooth connections, remote control included
About Budget Soundbar: The Majority Bowfell soundbar is one of the most affordable on the market but still delivers solid performance. It includes a remote for easy control and supports multiple input types including optical and Bluetooth. At just over a foot wide, it fits well in tight spaces like offices, dorms, or small bedrooms. While it won’t blow you away with bass, it does a great job of enhancing TV and dialogue clarity. It’s an ideal option for budget-conscious buyers who still want an audio upgrade.
8. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
Price: $118.00
Highlights: Bass reflex speaker, HDMI ARC support, slim profile
About Budget Soundbar: Sony’s S100F soundbar brings premium brand quality to the budget space. It offers rich, balanced audio with a bass reflex speaker built into the slim frame. The HDMI ARC feature allows for one-cable setup and control via your TV remote. It’s especially good for dialogue clarity and casual TV watching. The elegant design also makes it a great match for modern home decor.
Editor’s Choices for the Best Budget Soundbars
Best Overall Budget Soundbar: TCL Alto 6+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar
The TCL Alto 6+ offers one of the best audio upgrades under $100, thanks to its wireless subwoofer and Dolby Audio support. It’s simple to set up and pairs effortlessly with Roku TVs, making it a smart, seamless solution.
Best Budget Soundbar for Small Spaces: Majority Bowfell Compact Soundbar
If you’re looking for something affordable and compact, the Majority Bowfell is a strong contender. It fits in tight spaces and still manages to enhance your TV audio significantly without extra bulk.
Best Bass Performance in a Budget Soundbar: BESTISAN Soundbar with Dual Bass Ports
For those who prioritize bass but don’t want to deal with an external subwoofer, the BESTISAN soundbar offers deep, satisfying sound with minimal setup and an affordable price point.
Best Deal on the Best Budget Soundbars
Most Budget-Friendly Budget Soundbar: Majority Bowfell Compact Soundbar
At under $40, the Bowfell soundbar is a steal. It doesn’t offer the bells and whistles of more expensive models, but it delivers reliable audio enhancement in a compact and user-friendly design.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Budget Soundbars
What’s the difference between a 2.0 and 2.1 soundbar?
A 2.0 soundbar includes two audio channels (left and right), while a 2.1 adds a dedicated subwoofer for deeper bass. This extra channel enhances the richness of movie soundtracks and music.
Can I use a budget soundbar with any TV?
Yes, most budget soundbars include multiple input options like HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, or Bluetooth, allowing them to connect with nearly any modern television.
Are wireless subwoofers reliable?
Wireless subwoofers are generally very reliable and offer more flexible placement than wired options. They usually connect automatically with minimal setup.
Do budget soundbars support surround sound?
While they can simulate surround sound using technologies like DTS Virtual:X, true surround requires rear speakers. Some budget options support rear expansion kits.
Is Bluetooth audio quality as good as wired connections?
Bluetooth audio is convenient, but wired connections like HDMI or optical typically offer better sound quality and lower latency. For casual listening, Bluetooth is usually sufficient.
Best Budget Soundbars Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a fortune to improve your home audio setup. The best budget soundbars offer big sound in compact packages, many with subwoofers and smart features like Bluetooth streaming and HDMI ARC. Whether you want better audio for movie nights or just crisper dialogue while you binge your favorite shows, there’s a budget-friendly soundbar here for you.
Have you tried any of these soundbars? Let us know your thoughts or share your favorite budget picks in the comments below!
