When it comes to home entertainment, you may not be satisfied with the audio quality of your TV speakers. If you’re looking for a basic audio upgrade and nothing fancy, then you need to start looking at the best budget soundbars. Soundbars have a wide range of price categories, but you don’t necessarily have to always buy a high-end model to experience better audio. Soundbars with affordable price tags offer great audio quality that is definitely worth the upgrade from your TV speakers. But if you’re open to buying a mid to high-range soundbar, then check out our other soundbar article that includes a wide range of them.
If you need better dialog clarity and the ability to differentiate between highs and lows, these soundbars get the job done. They are also compact and offer various connectivity options, allowing you to connect them to multiple devices. So, whether you want them in your living room or your kitchen, they can be easily moved and installed in different places.
You won’t find good soundbars by just googling “best budget soundbar on Reddit”, you need to be well-informed about what you’re buying. And just because you’re not going to spend a lot of money on a soundbar, doesn’t mean you should buy any random ones. We’ve made a list of the 14 best budget soundbars that will fit your modest entertainment needs.
Is a Cheap Soundbar Better Than No Soundbar?
Just because a soundbar is cheap doesn’t mean it’s bad, but yes, a basic soundbar is better than no soundbar at all. A soundbar offers many advantages that you might miss out on if you don’t have one and rely solely on your TV speakers. Features like surround sound and bass effects are something that does not feel authentic on TV speakers. So even if you’re buying a lower-priced soundbar, you should definitely buy it.
Best Budget Soundbars in 2025
Imagine watching movies like Sicario or Civil War and not being able to feel the intensity of those shots, what a waste it would be, right? But we understand that you also might have budget constraints. So, we’re featuring 14 of the best budget soundbars that you can get and upgrade the audio quality for better movie immersion.
BEST OVERALL
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Easy installation
Textured surface
Includes a remote control
Compact and sleek design
Dolby Audio and DTS:X support
70Hz – 20kHz frequency response
But…
Max volume may be unsatisfactory
To start the list, we’ve got the VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Soundbar. It is an extremely good soundbar with some great features that you might find on mid to high-end soundbars. It is built with two full-range speakers to deliver 4K HDR content with crystal clear audio clarity. To take it a step further, it even boasts Dolby Audio, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume HD technology that makes watching movies more immersive. It is built with a compact form factor that will easily fit most entertainment units, or you could just place it in front of your TV and see it seamlessly blend in. You can connect it via Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, and AUX, giving you plenty of convenient options.
BEST FOR BASS
RIOWOIS DS6341M Soundbar with Subwoofer
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Low price tag
Easy to set up
Wall-mountable
Slim and portable design
40W two full-range speakers
Bluetooth, optical, and AUX connectivity
But…
Occasional connectivity issues
If you want to add a layer of realism to your movie-watching experience, the RIOWOIS DS6341M Soundbar with Subwoofer will do that for you. RIOWOIS is a lesser-known brand, but it shouldn’t be. The soundbar comes with a 4-inch subwoofer that adds to the immersion by delivering low-frequency sound, which is mostly a physical feedback, just like what you’d experience in a theater. It is ideally made for smaller rooms and has enough power to fill the room with high-quality audio. And with its wireless connectivity, you can use it with a lot of devices; be it your TV, computer, or mobile, it works with all of them. This best budget soundbar with subwoofer combo is an excellent product for the price you pay.
BEST UNDER $50
Saiyin DS6301 17-inch Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
3 preset modes
Compact and lightweight
Includes a remote control
Includes a wall-mounting kit
Physical buttons on the side
Dedicated port for a subwoofer
But…
Provided power cable is short
You can get the Saiyin 17-inch Soundbar for under $40! This is an incredible deal for a basic soundbar that offers everything you’d expect from it. Unlike a lot of other soundbars in this price category, the Saiyin 17-inch soundbar can deliver a great surround sound effect that pulls you into the movie. The dialogs are much clearer and the music is more distinguishable when compared to TV speakers, too. This is mainly because of its two 40W full-range speakers that are built to generate life-like audio. You can further enhance it using its three equalizer modes — music, movie, and news. It is a great option for those who like to customize their audio systems. Lastly, it has an LED indicator that shows the active connection type, which will help you identify what device you’re connected to. This is definitely one of the best soundbars under $50.
BEST FOR SURROUND SPEAKERS
Sony HT-S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Wall-mountable
Slim form factor
Integrated tweeter
Bass Reflex speaker
Touch buttons on the top
S-Force Front Surround support
But…
Doesn’t feature Dolby given the price
If you’re ready to spend a little over $100, then you could get the Sony HT-S100F 2.0ch Soundbar. With Sony’s amazing reputation for great products, this soundbar is a no-brainer. Banking on its 2-channel speakers, the Sony HT-S100F can deliver a theater-like audio experience right in the comfort of your home. It can even produce deep bass effects to let your heart feel those punches from action movies and video games. And with its voice-enhancement features, you never have to worry about any lack of dialog clarity while watching movies. You can connect it to your TV or other devices using HDMI (ARC), optical, USB, and Bluetooth — take your pick! With this Sony soundbar, those jet noises from Top Gun: Maverick are going to kick in a lot harder.
BEST MODULAR
Ultimea Apollo S40 2.2ch Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
3 preset modes
7-degree tilt design
Includes cables for all its ports
Distinguishable highs and lows
Synchronization with TV remote
Bluetooth 5.3 range of up to 49 feet
But…
Higher price category
The Ultimea Apollo S40 gives users the ability to split the soundbar into two speakers and place them vertically, adding the possibility of multiple variations to set up their entertainment unit. Its built-in tweeters and subwoofer deliver surprisingly loud and clear audio that brings movies to life. It uses a DSP chip that minimizes audio static and improves clarity. The soundbar easily achieves both highs and lows for a dynamic audio experience. It even comes with preset modes that you can switch between for more optimized audio settings. Additionally, its exclusive BassMX technology delivers an excellent bass effect, adding more value to the soundbar.
BEST HOME THEATER SOUNDBAR
VIZIO SB2020n-J6 2.0 Home Theater Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Room-filling 3D sound
Includes remote control
DTS Virtual:X technology support
Bluetooth, USB, optical, and AUX
Additional port to connect subwoofer
But…
Doesn’t include HDMI
Vizio soundbars have been one of our favorites for their amazing audio and build quality. The VIZIO SB2020n-J6 is as impressive as the higher-end models from the brand. It is compact and has a pretty decent price tag attached to it, making it ideal for small setups. Even with its 2-channel setup, it utilizes its built-in full-range speakers to create an audio experience that would usually be achieved on higher-end models. It can reach up to 90dB of total SPL output, outperforming other soundbars in its category. So, be it watching movies or playing games on your PS5, it’s going to be extremely immersive with this one.
BEST FOR STREAMING
Roku Streambar SE
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Bluetooth support
4K HDR streaming
User-friendly interface
Compatible with any TV
Dedicated audio presets
All-in-one remote control
But…
Finicky connection
The Roku Streambar SE is a great option for anyone who’s looking for Roku’s streaming features and an upgrade to their TV speaker. This is definitely one of the most compact soundbars that we’ve come across, yet it delivers impactful audio. It is a 2-in-1 soundbar that is capable of streaming 4K HDR content on all its supported applications while also offering enhanced audio for a better viewing experience. There are two front-facing speakers that deliver crisp and clear dialogue so that you don’t ever have to use subtitles. Plus, it also intelligently reduces volume during commercials and normalizes it when the show or movie resumes.
BEST FOR SMALL ROOMS
MZEIBO TV Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Low price
DSP technology
Easy installation
Deep bass effect
Space-saving design
Various connectivity options
But…
Low durability
With its simple and compact design, the MZEIBO TV Sound Bar is a great choice for entry-level home entertainment setups. It is very compact, measuring just 17 inches, which saves a lot of space on your entertainment center. The soundbar has a 50W output that is enough to fill small rooms with high-quality sound. It also features MZEIBO’s DSP technology, which is built to deliver crisp and clear audio for better dialog clarity. So whether it’s a movie, music, or game, you’ll enjoy them equally and thoroughly. For the price you pay here, you definitely get your money’s worth!
Best for 4D Audio
Ultimea Poseidon M60 5.1CH Soundbar With Subwoofer
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
True Dolby Atmos with HDMI eARC
300W max power output
Surround sound, even without rear speakers
Enhances dialogs for better clarity
Bluetooth 5.4 support
5 built-in speakers
But…
Pricey compared to others on the list
The Ultimea Poseidon M60 delivers an impressive audio quality for a simplified 5.1 ch Dolby Atmos setup. Thanks to its 5 built-in drivers, the 4D surround sound is very immersive even without any rear speakers, so no more complicated setups. Speaking of which, the setup is easy; you can have it up and running in minutes. The audio quality is super clean, especially with the subwoofer pumping out bass through its 18mm high-excursion driver. What stood out to us is that its VoiceMX technology utilizes advanced DSP algorithms to enhance dialog clarity, ensuring every word is heard. With its 300W power output, your room is going to be filled with crisp audio.
Best Built-In Subwoofer
Samsung B-Series HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar With Built-in Subwoofer
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Built-in subwoofer
Features voice-enhancing technology
Can be controlled with the Samsung TV remote
Bluetooth, Optical, USB, and HDMI connectivity options
Fills the entire room for a surround sound effect
But…
Occasional Bluetooth disconnects
The Samsung B-Series HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar produces balanced audio. And with a built-in subwoofer, you feel every punch and gunshot, making the movies come alive. It also benefits from its sound expansion features, which push the audio out to fill the room for a surround sound quality instead of blasting it directly at you. What you’ll also appreciate is that you can utilize your Samsung TV remote to control it, reducing clutter on your table. The soundbar is quite compact, with a minimalist profile, making it very adaptable to nearly all types of entertainment setups.
Best for Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Seamless connectivity with Fire TV
Clearer and fuller audio compared to TV
HDMI eARC/ARC port inclusion
Compact design takes up less space
Bluetooth connectivity option
But…
Occasional Bluetooth disconnects
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is a great budget soundbar that is going to enhance your TV audio. It’s got a simple, compact design and an even simpler installation process. With its plug-and-play design, you can use the HDMI eARC/ARC port to instantly connect to your TV without a hassle. And if you prefer wireless connectivity, then you’re going to love its Bluetooth compatibility. The soundbar has dual built-in speakers that deliver noticeable enhancements to your TV audio. Additionally, you can always depend on its DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Atmos features to deliver an immersive experience.
Best for Hisense TVs
Hisense A620 2.1ch All-in-one Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Built-in subwoofer with transparent acrylic
Reaches full potential with Hisense TVs
Dolby Atmos via HDMI eARC port
EzPlay to control both the TV and the soundbar
Dolby Digital Plus and DTS Virtual:X integration
Wired and wireless connectivity options
But…
Underwhelming surround sound audio
The Hisense A620 is an all-in-one solution that delivers 2.1 channel audio with a built-in subwoofer, making it ideal for users who want both style and functionality. What we love most about it is its visually appealing subwoofer, built around a transparent acrylic panel that lets you see the woofer vibrating. When it comes to performance, the Dolby Digital Plus and DTS Virtual:X bring that much-needed audio improvement to the TV audio. Hisense also goes the extra mile to include EzPlay, which will allow you to control both your TV and soundbar with a single remote, preventing clutter in your setup.
Best for $100
Yenjuty Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
Modular design
Devliers surround sound with bass effects
Controlled via physical buttons/remote control
Multiple EQ modes
Advanced Bluetooth 5.3 version support
Various connectivity options
But…
Max volume isn’t too loud
The Yenjuty Soundbar is a pretty great entry-level soundbar for small entertainment setups. It costs less than $100 and features a modular design that allows it to be split into two speakers, enabling them to be placed at different distances for a 360-degree surround sound experience. Within its compact form, it packs a 100W power output with 2 full-range speakers, 2 tweeters, and 2 bass diaphragms, providing a complete audio experience. With Bluetooth 5.3 built in, you can expect fast and clear audio for any content that you’re playing. You get to change the way it sounds by switching between its three EQ modes.
Best Mid-Range
TCL S210W Class 2.1 Channel Soundbar
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Why We Love
200W total power output
Includes wall mounting kit
Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual: X integration
Punchy and deep bass effects
Supports voice assistant devices
But…
Bass volume might be too loud
TCL is no stranger to affordable home entertainment devices, and the S210W Class 2.1 Channel Soundbar is one of the soundbars that balances both features and price pretty well. It is a sleek-looking soundbar featuring a punchy 5.5-inch subwoofer that offers great value and delivers a powerful sound during intense action scenes. The soundbar measures approximately 22 inches and features a slim profile that seamlessly blends into your setup. With a combined power output of 200W, the audio fills your senses, and the bass effect resonates deep within your bones, evoking an adrenaline rush. Not just TV, it even connects to most voice assistant devices through any of its connectivity options.
Do Budget Soundbars Have Dolby Atmos Support?
Yes, there are budget soundbars that have Dolby Atmos support like the VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Soundbar, which is also on top of our list here — it delivers a great experience for the price that you pay. Do keep in mind that these are compact devices and may not be able to deliver the same experience that a high-end model would. This one does the job and it does it with great efficiency, but if you do have a larger room, think of a higher-end model that you can find in our best soundbar article.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Budget Soundbars
Advantages
- As the name suggests, budget soundbars come with a very affordable price tag. These soundbars are ideal for individuals with limited budgets or compact setups.
- Budget soundbars are often built in a compact form, which saves a lot of space on the entertainment center.
- The connectivity options are simpler to use, making installation easier.
- The audio quality is considerably better than what you hear on TV’s built-in speakers.
Disadvantages
- Budget soundbars have limited features when compared to high-end models.
- The build quality takes a major hit since they’re constructed with cheaper materials to meet the pricing standards.
- It’s very rare to find higher channel speakers.
- The power output is also limited, resulting in a lower audio quality.
How We Chose the Best Budget Soundbar
These budget soundbars were chosen by our team of expert technicians who have years of experience testing out all kinds of home entertainment devices. The team chose over a dozen soundbars to test that fall under the affordable category and then began testing them. These soundbars were tested for their audio quality, build quality, and all their additional features. The tests were run while watching movies and playing games, giving them a broad understanding of their quality. So, go ahead and pick the one you like, they’re sure to impress you like they impressed us.
FAQ
What is the best budget soundbar for clear speech?
The Saiyin DS6301 17-inch Soundbar for TV is one of the best soundbars for clear speech.
What is the best quality sound bar?
The VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Soundbar is one of the best soundbars that balances both quality and price.
Is there an alternative to a soundbar?
Surround sound speakers are a great alternative to soundbars, which are also more expensive than them.WER
Do you really need a soundbar with a smart TV?
If you want better audio quality than what you’re experiencing with TV speakers, then yes, you need to add a soundbar to your entertainment setup.
Which is better, a 2.1 or 5.1 soundbar?
In terms of audio experience, 5.1 soundbars are definitely better owing to their 5-channel speaker system that has better and more immersive audio. But keep in mind that they are also more expensive. So if you need a more affordable option, then 2.1 soundbars are the better choice.
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