The Best Soundbar Under $200 - Save your money

You might be concerned that you won't be able to find a nice soundbar for your home theater system if your budget is less than $200. Even though less cost soundbars typically don't offer as many surround sound options as some of the more expensive models, you can still find something decent at this price range.

The best soundbars under $200 to buy are listed below after we tested more than 150 soundbars.

1. Polk Audio Signa S2

Important Specifications 

• Speaker Type: Soundbar

• Speaker Connectivity: Wi-Fi

• Special Feature: VoiceAdjust, Built-in music streaming

• Audio Output Mode: Surround

• Model Name: SIGNA S2

Product's highlights

With its 2-inch height and ultra-slim design, installation is simple and you don't have to worry about it blocking your television. It has a similar sound quality to the Samsung HW-R550, albeit with a little less power. The sound is generally rich in detail, although the subwoofer feels underpowered.

Additionally, it has Polk's patented voice adjust technology, which enhances speech clarity in TV programs like news, sports, and others.

The Signa S2 includes Bluetooth and HDMI ARC connectivity, as well as all the other features you'd expect from a soundbar at this price.

In most situations, we'd suggest the Vizio V21-H8 over this. However, if you appreciate the slim design, this can be a wonderful choice.

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Pros

• For location versatility, use ultra-slim design.

• Excellent feature for enhancing dialogue

Cons

• Low cost construction quality

2. Sony HT-350

Important Specifications 

• Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, Optical, HDMI

• Special Feature: 2.1-Channel Configuration; S-Force PRO Front Surround; Wall-Mountable, Easy Setup Design

• Audio Output Mode: Surround

• Model Name: HTS350

• Speaker Amplification Type: Active

Product's highlights

Additionally, this soundbar can output 320W of power, enabling it to reach high volume levels without distorting. Additionally to Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with your phone or other compatible devices, you also get HDMI ARC and optical interfaces for your device.

The Sony HT-S350 is a superior soundbar in and of itself, but it falls short of the Samsung HW-R550 altogether. The R550 from Samsung boasts stronger bass extension, a better sound profile, and more accurate audio reproduction. Although it compresses more than the R550 and has a more subdued sound profile, the Sony can go a little louder. Additionally, unlike Samsung, it does not support DTS.

Overall, we think the Sony soundbar is inferior to the Samsung R550. It is still a really good soundbar in and of itself, though.

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Pros

• Broad soundstage

• Large bass reaction

• A neat appearance

Cons

• Movie sound is fantastic, however music, podcasts, and moments with a lot of talk aren't given enough polish.

3. Bose Solo 5

Important Specifications 

• Speaker Type: Soundbar

• Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth

• Special Feature: Wireless and ultra compact so you can take Bose sound anywhere, Bluetooth Transmission Range Up to 30'Wireless and ultra compact so you can take Bose sound anywhere, Bluetooth Transmission Range Up to 30'…

• Model Name: Solo 5

• Speaker Amplification Type: Active

Product's highlights

The most portable soundbar from Bose, the Solo 5, combines superb sound with plug-and-play ease of use. It is their best-selling model. We suggest this if you're searching for something to go with a tiny 32" television because it is only 21.6 inches wide.

Although its sound profile is a little bit bright and it can't quite provide bassheads' heart-thumping lows, you won't find a better speaker for its size. Bose's audio engineers are masters at adjusting equalization to maximize the hardware. Additionally, a unique dialogue mode that optimizes speech for maximum comprehension has been implemented.

The soundbar features Bluetooth connectivity as well as optical, coaxial, and auxiliary inputs. The Solo 5 may easily be connected to your smartphone or tablet to stream music, though we advise a wired connection to the TV.

One exceptional aspect of the Solo 5 is the universal remote that comes with the soundbar. It allows you to play about with the soundbar's settings and controls your TV and any visual sources that are attached to the TV (such as a Blu-ray DiscTM player, gaming console, etc.).

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Pros

• Stylish and sturdy construction in a small package

• Claret mid-range for incisive dialogue

• Use of a remote

Cons

• Sporadic connectivity

• Only a few sound improvements

4. Yamaha SR-C20A

Important Specifications 

• Speaker Type: Subwoofer

• Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, Optical, HDMI

• Model Name: SR-C20ABL

• Speaker Amplification Type: Active

• Model Number: SR-C20ABL

Product's highlights

Yamaha appears to manufacture everything, including pianos and motorcycles, but they've also had significant success in the soundbar market.

Soundbars may be mocked by some audiophiles, but Yamaha has created several that sound absolutely fantastic and deserve all the accolades they have received. The YAS-207 was recognized by RTings as the best sounding budget soundbar after comprehensive testing, and the YAS-209 was ranked as the best soundbar of 2024 by Digital Trends.

In contrast to those two versions, the SR-C20A is a younger sibling and does not come with a subwoofer, but it has an identically well-balanced and pure sound signature.

Additionally, it gives you the choice to later install a subwoofer. This is made possible by the non-proprietary subwoofer out port.

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Pros

• The clearest and most balanced sound you'll find in this price range

• Virtual X DTS

Cons

• Due to the absence of a subwoofer, low end frequencies sound weak.

5. Vizio V21-H8

Important Specifications 

• Speaker Type: Subwoofer

• Speaker Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI

• Special Feature: Subwoofer

• Audio Output Mode: Surround

• Speaker Size: 5 Inches

Product's highlights

The sound of this Vizio soundbar has significantly improved over earlier versions, in addition to its brand-new, streamlined look. The V21-H8 boldly creates full-bodied audio, in contrast to many inexpensive soundbars that have an overly bright sound profile.

Unexpectedly potent 5′′ wireless subwoofer guarantees the lower frequencies don't lack strength. Of course, room-shaking bass is a significant part of enjoying the theater experience at home. While it won't blow you away, it is still a huge upgrade over a solitary soundbar.

Vizio has been in the soundbar industry longer than most, and this knowledge shows in how well they handle the little aspects. With Bluetooth for easy audio streaming from your phone and HDMI (ARC) compatibility, installation is quick and easy. The EQ preset for improved speech makes sure voices are extra clear, which is especially useful in movies with quiet or muddled dialogue (cough, Tenet, cough). You can enable DTS Virtual:X in addition to the different sound mode presets to add virtualized 3D sound for the audio's spatial depth.

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Pros

• Large soundstage and immersive bass from the subwoofer

• One of the few DTS:Virtual X soundbars in this price range.

• Support for smart speakers

• Exceptional value

Cons

• Poor surround sound quality

1. What is a soundbar used for?

In place of the television's tinny built-in speakers, a soundbar is a standalone speaker system that connects to the TV. It produces high-quality audio to enhance the viewing experience. A soundbar is essentially a thin, rectangular cabinet with at least two speakers within to deliver stereo sound. Advanced soundbars have the ability to physically expand their channel system by adding a second subwoofer or two satellite speakers, producing immersive surround sound. Blu-ray players and gaming consoles can be connected to the television using soundbars as a hub or switch. While some versions only transmit the raw audio they receive, others can internally process Dolby and DTS digital surround sound technology.

2. Can a low-cost soundbar produce good audio?

Considering how poorly TV speakers typically perform, investing even a small amount can significantly enhance your shows. You may get a device that serves as both a Bluetooth music streamer and a TV sound system for about $100. In recent years, the quality of inexpensive soundbars has substantially improved, and the addition of subwoofers at this price point has also improved performance. No inbuilt TV speaker can provide bass, though.

3. Should I spend more than $200?

Although the soundbars mentioned above will all sound amazing and cost little, there are benefits to raising your budget. For $280, the Sonos Ray, for instance, gives you a superior audio experience and sound as well as a better selection of options, such as multiroom music. You may spend as much money as you like to improve your sound, but the real sweet spot is between $300 and $400. Find models that feature cutting-edge Dolby Atmos audio effects on our list of the finest soundbars here.

These are the soundbars that we believe the majority of consumers should purchase right now and are priced under $200. We consider availability, visitor reviews, and pricing (a less expensive soundbar prevails over a more expensive one if the price difference isn't significant) (no soundbars that are difficult to find or almost out of stock everywhere).

Here is a list of every soundbar we've reviewed that costs under $200 if you want to make your own decision. Be careful not to become bogged down in the particulars. No sound bar is flawless. You should choose based more on your own preferences, tastes, and listening styles.