The 10 Good Budget Soundbar Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Good Budget Soundbar
Good Budget Soundbar

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Soundbar

Polk Audio has created the perfect soundbar for your TV. With 5 powerful full-range drivers, this slim soundbar delivers BEAUTFUL RICH SOUND with deep bass. Polk’s exclusive voice adjust technology and Dolby Digital decoding ensure maximum clarity and reduce voice delays. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: PHEANOO 2.1 CH Sound Bar for TV

PHEANOO 2.1 CH Sound Bar for TV is a great way to boost the sound quality of your TV. It has an awesome subwoofer that combines deep and powerful bass with superior sound quality. The soundbar also comes with a dialogue mode that makes the speech clearer and easier to understand for a more enjoyable experience. Read Review

3. Best Control: Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for TV

The Bose TV speaker soundbar for TV is designed to enhance your TV listening experience. The remote control enables a dialogue mode, which further enhances speech or adds bass boost for more depth and the Bluetooth allows you to pair your device to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts. Read Review

4. Best Reliable: BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Soundbar

The BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Soundbar is a TV speaker system designed for your big screen. A high-quality audio system, the BYL soundbar features powerful speakers capable of handling up to 100 watts of power. With this beefy sound bar, you can listen to music with exceptional clarity and quality without any distractions from background noise. Read Review

5. Best Connectivity: Hisense HS214 2.1ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer

The Hisense HS214 2.1ch Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofer is a versatile entertainment center that delivers excellent bass for a full-bodied audio experience. You’ll feel the “boom” while the two front-facing speakers project bright, clear high- and mid-range frequencies. Read Review

If you’re fed up watching movies on your TV and want to improve the audio experience, a sound bar might be a good option for you. In this article, we will discuss different options when it comes to buying a budget-friendly soundbar and improving the audio quality of your TV. Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend on upgrading your home theater system, a sound bar is still an affordable option that can work wonders in creating the right ambience and atmosphere in your living room.

Why should you buy a sound bar? As opposed to buying a dedicated Dolby Atmos or DTS:X compatible speaker setup with high end amplifiers and other components, a simple sound bar allows for an easy upgrade down the road if you decide to add more speakers or amp capacity. If you already have surround speakers at home, replacing them with a simple sound bar is almost like purchasing new speakers from another manufacturer. This article lists some of the top reasons why you should invest in the perfect budget-friendly soundbar so that it can become part of your home theater system from day one.

Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing customer feedback. Then we found the good budget soundbar is Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Soundbar. It is the greatest choice for its high quality. If you're looking for another one, consider PHEANOO 2.1 CH Sound Bar for TV.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Polk Audio Signa S2 Ultra-Slim TV Soundbar
Our Score:
9.7
Polk Audio
  • EXCELLENT SOUND AND VALUE on par with any mid- to high-range sound bars available in the market. At just over 2" tall, it fits most spaces — easily wall-mount it or place in front of your TV. It won’t block your TV’s bottom edge or IR remote sensor
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology
  • SET UP YOUR SOUND BAR IN MINUTES — With the included subwoofer, HDMI and optical cables quickly connect your TV to the sound bar. Get set up and listening in minutes
  • A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver BEAUTFUL RICH SOUND WITH DEEP BASS. POLK’S EXCLUSIVE VOICE ADJUST TECHNOLOGY & Dolby Digital Decoding maximizes sound clarity & reduces voice delays.Mounting Type: Tv Sound Bar,Bar Mount
  • UPGRADE YOUR HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE – Watch your favorite shows on your 4K HD Smart TV with exceptional picture quality & crystal clear sound. With numerous connection possibilities, plug in any audio source via HDMI ARC, optical input & AUX
TOP Choice #2 PHEANOO 2.1 CH Sound Bar for TV
Our Score:
9.5
PHEANOO
  • BETTER BASS: Dedicated weird subwoofer offers deep and powerful bass. The sound quality is superior when compared to the majority of cut-price standalone soundbars
  • CLEAR AND PRECISE DIALOGUE: Specially tuned dialogue mode makes speech crystal clear and easier to understand for a more enjoyable experience
  • STYLISH AND COMPACT DESIGN: Overall dimensions are 29"W x2.4″ Hx2.8" D. This compact stylish soundbar blends easily into any living space
  • ROKU TV READY: The D5 is certified to work seamlessly with any Roku TV through the HDMI (ARC) connection. You'll enjoy smooth setup, easy access to sound settings, and compatibility with any Roku TV remote.
  • QUICK AND EASY SET UP: Choose from HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, or Bluetooth 5.0 connections (HDMI, RCA Audio cable included), you can finish the set up in minutes
TOP Choice #3 Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for TV
Our Score:
9.4
Bose
  • Remote control: Compact TV speaker comes with a remote control that enables a dialogue mode to further enhance speech or add a bass boost for more depth.
  • Bluetooth TV speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts.
  • Build and expand: The Bose TV Speaker is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 and requires the Bose Bass Module Connection Cable or a standard 3.5 millimeter audio cable, sold separately.
  • Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.
  • Simple setup: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes.
  • Compact soundbar: This small soundbar is just over 2" tall for easy placement in front of your TV or mounted to a wall (wall brackets sold separately). Overall TV speaker dimensions are 2.21" H x 23.38" W x 4.02" D.
  • Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation.
  • Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound.
4 BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Soundbar
Our Score:
9.2
BYL
  • Beef Up Version: Noise-free Sound,Boosted Bass, Bigger Power (Max up to 100Watt).Utilized Noise-free technology to ensure every layer of Audio is delivered flawlessly. Extended length to 40 Inch which is Meticulously- designed for your smart TV and sweet Home.
  • Button and Remote Control : Use BYL’s remote control to switch between dialogue, movie, and music modes to tailor the sound output to your entertainment.Moreover, Bass and Treble can be adjustable as your favor.
  • Rock-Solid Sound: Quad built-in 3-Inch imported and advanced full-range drivers; dual high-sensitivity spherical silk film tweeter drivers, twin craftsman-processed bass reflex tubes. All they only serve for serious stereo sound with exceptional clarity and zero distortion. According to our substantial survey, most speaker drivers are less than 3-Inch in the market.
  • DSP Technology: Thanks for the Digital Signal Processing, there are three different modes (Movie, Music, Dialog) for your option. Be footloose and start to enjoy what you like.
  • Enjoy Better Tv Sound: Easy to place and connect to your television, the Hisense H214 is an All-In-One soundbar that improves your TV sound experience and is perfect for TV’s 32” or larger. Instead of just hearing the scene, you’re transported into it.Mounting type : Tabletop. Total Usb Ports : 1
  • Built-in Subwoofer: A built-in subwoofer delivers excellent bass for a full-bodied audio experience. You’ll feel the “boom” while the two front-facing speakers project bright, clear high- and mid-range frequencies.
  • Accessories included: Includes the Hisense 214 Sound Bar, HDMI cable, optical cable, and a wall mounting kit to make sure that you have what you need to make the most of your Hisense audio experience right out of the box.
  • Simple, Compact Design: The compact and elegant all-in-one design with built-in subwoofer will easily fit your living room, bedroom, or family room space. You won’t need to find a space for a big sub and still get big sound.
  • Roku TV Ready: As Roku TV Ready device, the Hisense HS214 All-in-one Soundbar is fully compatible with any Roku Tv through the HDMI (ARC) connection. You can even use the Roku Tv remote to control both the Tv and soundbar for easier setup and better navigation experience.
  • Quick Touch EQ Modes: Get the best audio performance from music, movies, and news with a simple touch of the remote with multiple preset EQ settings.
  • Easy Connectivity: With HDMI (ARC), the Hisense HS214 can connect to your TV through a single HDMI cable (included), connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to smart device, and control both with one remote. You’ll be enjoying better TV sound in minutes.
6 Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
Our Score:
9.0
Sony
  • High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
  • Hear sound come from all around you with S-Force Pro Front Surround
  • Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
  • Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
  • Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
  • In the box: Remote Commander (RMT-AH411U), Batteries for remote commander, Cable (Optical Cable, AC Cord), Wall Mount Template, Warranty Card, Quick Setup Guide, Instruction Manual
  • Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
  • Control with Remote or Buttons: You can control the sound bar with Remote laying in the coach or directly with buttons on it. The LED indicator shows the current mode you choose.Remote control is not compatible with universal or TV remotes
  • Wired and Wireless Connections: The TV sound bar can easily connect to Your Bluetooth enabled devices and TV via Bluetooth 5.0 or standard audio cable connections like Optical, Coaxial, RCA inputs.
  • Soundbar with Room-filling Sound: The sound bar is built with 4 full-range speakers and dual bass reflectors that deliver clear highs, strong mids and deep lows. 3 equalizer modes allow for voice clarity on TV shows, great audio experience for music and action scenes really coming to life like never before on TV.
  • Ultra Slim and Sleek Design: The sound bar makes TV a pleasure with great sounding as well as great appearance with piano paint, which looks aesthetically beautiful and so slim that never blocks the TV screen!
  • Set Up In Minutes: You can install the sound bar securely on wall with included mounting kits or just place on desk under TV. It matches 32’’ or above TVs.For optical connections, please change your TV audio output to PCM,(PCM is a form of digital signal that is used to represent analogue data, and is an optional audio format on many Televisions).
8 KMOUK Soundbar for Small TV
Our Score:
8.6
KMOUK
  • ➤Multiple connections: This soundbar supports 3.5mm (AUX&RCA) and optical wired audio input to seamlessly connect with PC or TV. In addition, it can also be used as a Bluetooth 5.0 soundbar to easily play various streaming music stored on the phone.
  • ➤Slim but powerful: Dual driver and passive vibration plate design for more powerful sound. 2.0 channels for a better hearing experience. Compact design allows to place it almost anywhere, either in front of PC or small TV, even mounted on the wall.
  • ➤Ultimate gaming experience: Switch KMOUK small soundbar to game mode brings amazing clarity in every detail: faint whispers, light footsteps. This gaming soundbar brings a realistic auditory experience as if you're stepping into the game world.
  • ➤High-quality music: KMOUK wireless soundbar Music mode brings deep rich bass and bright treble, naturally feel the rhythm of the music. After connecting sound bar to a laptop or mobile phone, sit on a comfortable sofa and enjoy high-quality music.
  • ➤Improve TV Sound: KMOUK speakers its movie mode is a great way to improve TV sound, a few claim to have built-in voice-enhancement technologies. This soundbar is a must-have device to accompany small TVs under 30 inch, brings best leisure experience.
9 VMAI Sound Bar for TV
Our Score:
8.1
VMAI
  • OPTIMIZE ENTERTAINMENT WITH DIFFERENT SOUND MODE - Music, Movie, News, and 3D mode adjusting by using the included remote. In Movie mode, turn an ordinary movie into the extraordinary home theater experience. Add additional clarity and melodious to your playlist in Music mode. In New modes, vmai engineers to emphasize the sound of the human voice so you can always follow the story. The additional volume and power are conveniently located at the center of the sound bar.
  • BLUETOOTH 5.0 & DSP THE MOST STABLE TRANSMISSION - Our latest sound bar adopts Bluetooth 5.0 & DSP technology to ensure the fastest transmission speeds, and stable connectivity up to 50 ft with low consumption. With the newest Bluetooth 5.0 feature, you can play your favorite music anywhere. To make it even more convenient, we added a Bluetooth button on the sound bar body which allows you to pair your device easily.
  • WALL MOUNTABLE & YOUR INVESTMENT IS FULLY GUARANTEED - The ultra-slim design of the sound bar fits comfortably under any size TV or can be easily mounted on the wall with the mounting bracket included. LIFETIME SUPPORT WARRANTY. Every vmai sound bar will go through a strict quality test process before sending out. For any problem, you can contact us via Amazon; then, we will solve all of your problems in 24 hours!
  • VARIOUS INPUT CONNECTIONS AND EASY SET UP - Our 2.0 TV sound bar support multiple wired option including HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX input, and USB (Flash drive only) compatible with TV, projector, computer, Blu-ray player, tablet, XBOX, PS5, Amplifier, and more. Simply make sure your TV audio setting to PCM for optical mode before use. Now, a premium 5 ft Optical cable and 5 ft RCA cable are included in the package.
  • ELEGANT & IMMERSIVE HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE - With upgraded 36 inches in length, under 2.5 inches high, matte black finished design, the TV sound bar delivers your elegant home cinema experience. Two 6-inch mid-range driver, 1-inch tweeters, and exclusive Power Bass technology contribute to intense low frequencies and 110dB of clear sound. It is also engineered to dual side symmetrical bass reflex ports, with deeper bass and more power. Hear the sound, feel the difference!
  • Wired and Wireless Connection: enjoy wireless stream audio from your phone, tablet, PC, projector, or other Bluetooth embedded devices via Bluetooth 5.0; wired connections include HDMI-ARC, AUX, Coaxial, USB, and Optical. Please note HDMI-ARC connection could let you use your TV remote or universal remote to control volume and on/off.
  • More features: wall-mountable design(supplied mount screw); Remote control included(exclude battery); 100% satisfaction service and lifetime technical support, any questions, please feel free to contact us via Amazon message or contact info on the service card.
  • Enhance your TV sound: built-in two powerful full-range speakers and bass reflect tube, output crystal clear sound and deep bass for all your movie, music, news, gaming, enjoy the great home theater experience
  • Compatible with Roku and Fire Version TVs: work with almost all smart TVs and traditional TVs, also support Roku Streaming Stick and Fire TV Stick, and other brand cable boxes, enjoy the streaming video from Netflix, Youtube, HBO, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, or other video apps.
  • 3D Surround Sound: design with DSP technology, support music, dialogue, and movie equalizer modes, you can select your favorite sound, what's more, all three sound modes support 3D surround sound, let you enjoy awesome surround sound in your room
  • Ultra-slim 20-Inch Small Sound Bar: with fashionable and classic design, 2.9 inches high could fit easily under your TV and desktop monitor, or you can place it on the cabinet or mount it on the wall
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a good budget soundbar?

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

FAQs

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

There are numerous points to pick from in general, but doing so well may help you be more convenient and save time! When selecting a good budget soundbar, pay close attention to the elements listed above, and don't forget to verify the safety.

Have you picked a product like that after reading our article on how to choose and top the good budget soundbar? Hopefully, the information provided will assist you in selecting the best option for you.


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About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.