If you’re on a tight budget and looking for the best soundbar under $200, there are many solid options out there.
While soundbars in this price range may lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, like Wi-Fi compatibility and authentic surround sound, there are a select few that stand out with their impressive audio quality and bass performance.
In this article, I’m going to share with you my list of the best soundbars under $200.
After extensive research and testing, I’ve narrowed it down to six soundbars that provide the best value for the money.
From compact designs to bass-heavy models, there’s a soundbar listed here to match just about any home setup.
The Best Soundbars Under $200
How Were These Soundbars Chosen?
The soundbars in this list were selected based on four key factors:
- Sound Quality
- Features
- Connectivity
- Value
Sound Quality
The importance of sound quality can’t be overstated when buying a soundbar.
While testing these soundbars, I listened for clear dialogue, focused on those that provided a balanced bass, and noted how well each one could reproduce an immersive surround sound experience.
Many soundbars, especially in this price range, use audio processing to create a pseudo-surround effect, which can be quite immersive for those who don’t need a top-of-the-line audio system.
Models featuring technologies like Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X received extra consideration for their enhanced audio capabilities that can compete with some surround sound systems.
Features
These soundbars tick all the boxes—they come equipped with Bluetooth for wireless music streaming, an easy setup, and voice assistant functionality for hands-free control.
I also made sure the soundbars offered sound customization options like equalizers to fine-tune bass, treble, and dialog levels.
Connectivity
Connecting soundbars to TVs should be super easy. That’s why I prioritized soundbars that are easy to set up and support HDMI ARC, eARC or Optical audio connections.
These two connections simplify the setup process and make it more user-friendly than installing a surround sound system, which requires connecting multiple speakers around your room to a single receiver.
Value for Money
Finally, I compared over thirty soundbars under $200 and narrowed my picks down to a list of seven that provide the most bang for your buck.
This was based on:
- The number of drivers and how large they are
- If there are any additional speakers or channels included
- What advanced audio processing technologies are used
- Other user experiences
Even though these soundbars are priced under $200, they don’t skimp on the essential features.
Brands like Vizio, Samsung, Yamaha, TCL, and Polk Audio have packed these entry-level and mid-range soundbars with functionalities and sound enhancements that can compete with the more expensive models and outperform your TV’s built-in speakers any day of the week.
Ready to find out which soundbars made the cut?
Let’s get started!
What Are The Best Soundbars Under $200?
*Any product links are merely suggestions. When you purchase through referral links on our site, we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
1. Vizio V-Series V51x-J6 Soundbar
The Best Overall Soundbar Under $200
The Vizio V-Series V51x-J6 emerges as the best overall soundbar under $200. Its features and audio processing are what you’d expect from a soundbar in the $300-$500 price range.
Its 5.1-channel configuration and use of DTS Truvolume and DTS Virtual:X technologies provide an immersive surround sound experience, outperforming all other competitors in this price range.
It comes with a 4.5″ wireless subwoofer that adds deep bass to enhance the audio experience and two satellite speakers that can be placed behind you for an immersive 3D experience or next to the soundbar for a more expansive sound stage, making it feel more like a theater.
It comes with four preset sound modes—movie, music, game, and dialogue enhancement—and allows you to personalize your sound with customizable audio settings. If you’re not familiar with sound adjustments, this might take some time to get used to.
However, the backlit remote is user-friendly and once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to quickly switch between sound modes and adjust all your settings.
Everything else you need to set up for this sound system is easy. Even if this is your first time installing a soundbar.
It has ports for an HDMI ARC or Optical cable connection and setting up the subwoofer and satellite speakers is easy with clear instructions.
It also features built-in Bluetooth compatibility, allowing you to connect your phone or hook up voice assistants like Google Home, Siri, or Alexa.
With its low profile and stylish design, you should have no problem blending it into any room.
At 2.3″ tall, it should fit nicely under most TV setups. You can also mount it to your wall to add a modern touch to your entertainment area.
For its price, the sound quality, easy installation process, and compact size make the Vizio V-Series V51x-J6 our choice for the best overall soundbar for buyers on a budget.
2. Roku Streambar Pro
The Cheapest Soundbar Built for TV
If you haven’t tried using a Roku streaming device yet, or if you’re looking to upgrade from an older one, I highly recommend the Roku Streambar Pro. This soundbar provides a ton of value for where it’s priced and came in a very close second for the best overall soundbar under $200.
It combines Roku’s powerful streaming capabilities with a high-quality sound system in one device, instantly upgrading your viewing and sound experience.
The setup process is a little different than the other soundbars on this list since it uses Roku’s streaming platform, but it’s still fairly simple.
Because this soundbar delivers the picture and audio to the TV, it will only work with modern HD TVs that either have an HDMI and Optical port or an HDMI ARC port.
And while it does support streaming in 4K and HDR, your TV must also support them in order for these features to work.
After connecting the Streambar to your TV with the included HDMI or Optical cable, you’ll need to link it to your wireless network. If you don’t already have a Roku account, just follow the steps on-screen to do so and you’re good to go.
Once set up, you can start downloading apps to stream TV shows or movies and launch each one from the easy-to-use interface.
It comes with a voice remote that gives you easy control over your standard TV functions and personal shortcut buttons you can customize for quick access to your favorite apps.
Additionally, you can download the Roku remote app to modify any of these settings mentioned and even locate your remote if you misplace it which is a pretty handy feature to have.
The 32-inch wide Streambar Pro houses four 2.5” full-range drivers to provide Dolby Audio through a broad frequency range that produces a crisp sound and dynamic bass. It also comes with virtual surround sound mode, which is one of the upgrades Roku made from their smaller standard Streambar that’s $40.00 cheaper.
While the virtual surround feature does a good job of heightening the overall sound quality, I’d recommend adding the Bass Pro subwoofer and one or two sets of wireless satellite speakers if you need a little more bass or want a more authentic surround sound experience.
These extra speakers can be added on at any time, so you might want to see how you like the soundbar as it comes first, and then upgrade as needed.
To fine-tune your audio, the Roku Streambar Pro offers five sound modes—Dialogue, Movie, Music, Night, and Standard—along with additional settings for speech clarity and two additional volume modes.
If you’re often startled by loud commercials, you’ll appreciate the volume leveling and night mode options. These options will automatically adjust the volume so you can enjoy consistent sound levels regardless of what you’re watching or the time of day.
It supports Bluetooth 5.0 and also has a Bluetooth private listening option, which might just be my favorite thing about this soundbar.
You can use this private listening feature in two ways: you can connect your headphones directly to the headphone jack in the remote or pair your wireless headphones with the soundbar.
As a dad who has raised two kids over the past three years, I can’t even begin to tell you how nice it is to have a way to watch a TV show or movie through headphones instead of waking up a newborn or bothering anyone else in the room.
I honestly never knew I needed it until I had it. But knowing what I know now, I might have just bought this soundbar for this feature alone.
On the connectivity front, it comes Wi-Fi ready with dual-band MIMO Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) for network connections. If you need to hard wire the unit, you’ll need a separate USB 2.0 adapter to connect your ethernet cable.
It also supports voice-controlled operations through smart home voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant, making it even more desirable for those who prefer smart home setups.
The only reason I felt like I couldn’t rank this Roku soundbar as the top soundbar in this price range is because it doesn’t include the extra surround speakers. If you were to buy this plus the wireless bass pro subwoofer and one set of the wireless speakers, the total cost would come out to a little more than $450, which is over budget.
But even without the additional speakers, the Roku Streambar Pro should still be at the top of your list. With its blend of 4K and HDR streaming, pristine audio, and user-friendly design, It’s a soundbar tailored for the modern viewer, and I’d honestly recommend it over some of the more expensive soundbars.
3. Yamaha Audio SR-B20A Soundbar
Best Wireless Soundbar Under $200
Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, DTS Digital Surround,
If you’re someone who likes to stream a lot of music or listen to podcasts while getting things done around your house, then the Yamaha Audio SR-B20A soundbar is what you’re looking for in this price range.
It even has a dual Bluetooth streaming feature, so you can connect two devices at the same time and easily switch between them.
Overall, I like the design of this soundbar. It’s wrapped in black acoustic fabric with curved ends and has a modern look.
However, before buying it, you should consider that it’s the widest soundbar on this list at 36 inches. That means, if you have a TV that’s smaller than 55 inches, the soundbar might end up being wider than your TV.
This might not be a deal-breaker for some, but you would typically want your soundbar to sit within the width of your TV. The good news is that, height-wise, it’s the shortest on this list at around 2.1 inches, so you won’t have any problem sitting it under your TV.
Inside, it sits two 2-inch cones and two 1-inch tweeters for the left and right channels, along with a pair of down-firing 3-inch woofers for a respectable bass response and lower frequencies.
The bass is good for casual users or those who watch dialogue-heavy shows. If you want more bass, you can enable the Bass Extension function on the remote to instantly improve low-end frequencies.
And if that’s not enough, it has a monaural cable port on the back, so you can easily add an external subwoofer.
The other connections include HDMI ARC, Optical, Aux, and Bluetooth. However, it only comes with an optical cable, so you’ll need to buy an HDMI ARC cable if that’s your preferred connection.
You can control the soundbar in two ways: with the remote that comes with it or with the Yamaha Remote App that’s available for both iOS and Android devices.
The app remote lets you easily adjust the volume, change sound modes, and create custom presets, which is a plus once you find the right balance of settings.
Both the remote and app let you dim the indicators on the soundbar and choose from four distinct sound modes to cater to different listening scenarios: Stereo, Standard, Movie, and Game. They also have a 3D Surround button takes the sound output to another level by providing a DTS:Virtual X audio experience for a more enveloping sound field.
Switching between these modes is simple and gives you a way to optimize the sound profile to match the on-screen action or music.
All things considered, the Yamaha Audio SR-B20A soundbar delivers an expansive and assertive listening experience with impressive detail and dynamics.
While there are minor things to consider, they don’t diminish the overall appeal of this soundbar.
4. JBL 2.0 All-in-One (MK2) Soundbar
Best All-In-One Soundbar Under $200
Dolby Digital and JBL Surround Sound
The JBL 2.0 All-in-One soundbar is a prime example of how well JBL products can deliver top-notch audio quality in a sleek and compact design.
The unit houses two racetrack drivers, each capable of outputting a max of 40W for a balanced sound output across a frequency range of 70Hz to 20KHz.
While it doesn’t have an external subwoofer or dedicated drivers to produce a deep, resonant bass, the racetrack drivers hold their own in delivering a full, clear sound.
One test I like to give soundbars to assess their quality is to watch sports. For this particular test, I wanted to hear how good this soundbar sounded when watching a hockey game.
In my experience, some soundbars can drown out the crowd noise and push the commentary forward. To me, this takes away from the experience. But this JBL soundbar didn’t.
I got the detailed sound I was looking for. I heard pucks hitting sticks, body checks against the boards, everything. I really enjoyed how it sounded.
If sports aren’t your thing, don’t worry. The built-in Dolby Digital audio, combined with JBL’s Surround Sound technology, delivers a nice audio experience for movies and music.
The most impressive feature of this soundbar is the smart sound mode. This mode improves the sound quality by automatically adjusting the surround sound levels and EQ settings to adapt to whatever you’re watching or listening to, so you get optimal sound every time you use it.
But that brings me to the one downside I have with this soundbar.
While the smart sound mode works nicely, the remote is very basic, and there’s no way to adjust the sound levels yourself. You’ll basically be relying on the soundbar to produce the audio the way you like it.
If you’re someone who likes being in control over your audio, you may want to look elsewhere.
However, the smart sound mode does a nice job of adjusting, and I can tell the difference in sound when watching a movie as opposed to listening to music.
Setting it up is nearly plug-and-play. Everything you need to get it up and running is included right out of the box, including cables and batteries for the remote.
For under $200, the compact design of JBL’s all-in-one soundbar, coupled with its powerful and smart sound delivery, makes it a worthy addition to your home entertainment setup.
5. TCL Q6310 Soundbar
Best Affordable Soundbar With Dedicated Sub
The TCL Q6310 is undeniably the best soundbar with a dedicated woofer you can find in the $200 price range.
The minute you experience its audio performance, you’ll know it was engineered with meticulous attention to detail and with bass lovers in mind.
With a 3.1 channel configuration, the sound delivery is structured and clear, making dialogues crisp and easily understandable. The Dolby Digital processing refines the audio even further, creating a rich and full-bodied soundscape that’s pleasing to the ear.
With a total audio power of 350W distributed among six total speakers (L/R/C, two tweeters, and a subwoofer), the Q6310 soundbar can get loud without losing any clarity. The wireless dedicated subwoofer stands 14.4 inches tall, with a 5.5-inch driver that provides a nice deep bass, adding depth to action scenes or when listening to music.
With the help of DTS Virtual:X, these six speakers create a room-filling sound that will have you questioning if you really bought it for under $200.
Out of all the soundbars on this list, the TCL Q6310 comes the closest to mimicking a true surround sound environment. And it produces this sound without having to buy any additional speakers.
But this soundbar offers more than just powerful sound. It also delivers smart sound.
This is done with TCL’s Auto Room Calibration (AI Sonic) feature. When setting this soundbar up for the first time, it will automatically optimize the sound quality based on the acoustics of the specific room you’re using it in. This gives you a customized listening experience based solely on the unique characteristics of your room.
It has six different sound modes—Music, Voice, Movie, Sports, Game, and Standard— and you can customize each mode even further with different EQ settings to shape the audio output based on what you are watching or listening to.
The TCL Q6310 soundbar is simple to connect, with the same options as most other soundbars in its price range, including HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth, USB Playback, and a 3.5mm Aux line-in to plug in your voice assistant.
It can be used on any modern TV, but it’s designed to integrate smoothly with Roku TVs. If you do hook it up to a Roku TV, you’ll be able to use your Roku remote instead of the soundbar remote to control the entire soundbar.
Looking at everything together, the TCL Q6310 is a well-rounded soundbar that excels in both audio and bass performance with some unique user-friendly features for personalized sound.
Its dedicated wireless subwoofer sets it apart from other soundbars in this price range, delivering a superior bass performance that’s hard to match.
Given its full range of EQ settings and the unique auto-calibration feature, it’s the ideal pick for budget-savvy bassheads seeking a superior sonic experience.
6. VIZIO V21t-J8 Soundbar
Best Compact Soundbar Under $200
Last but not least, we have the VIZIO V-Series 2.1 soundbar. At 24 inches wide, it ranks on my list as the best compact soundbar under $200.
While you can also purchase this soundbar in widths of 30 inches or 36 inches, the 24-inch model is ideal for smaller spaces like bedrooms, gaming areas, or workspaces.
But don’t let the smaller width fool you. Its compact design only showcases the intelligent engineering behind it. It’s capable of producing a directional and balanced sound output that efficiently fills an entire room and can rival larger, more expensive soundbars.
And a lot of that has to do with the 4.5-inch wireless subwoofer accompanying it.
Even the subwoofer can be considered small when compared to other brands, but it adds excellent depth to the sound and does an impressive job of producing low frequencies potent enough to enhance audio detail.
The two full-range drivers on each side of the soundbar cover the left and right channels with a frequency range of 50Hz to 20KHz, adding definition and brightness to the audio so dialogues in movies and TV shows are clear and easy to understand, even at lower volume levels.
It’s perfect for those who enjoy watching TV late at night or who have difficulty hearing.
As far as controlling the soundbar, the remote has a button for everything you need. Directly from the remote, you can:
- Toggle between four different sound equalization presets: Music, Movie, Dialog, and Game
- Enable/disable DTS TruVolume and DTS Virtual:X technologies
- Adjust the bass, treble, and subwoofer levels
- Connect your Bluetooth Devices
The only downside to the remote is there’s no display screen to see what adjustments you’re making. You’ll have to get used to the different colors that represent each adjustment.
Do you own a Samsung TV? Check out our guide on how to connect a Vizio soundbar to a Samsung TV before you buy.
Like its cousin, the Vizio V Series V51x-J6 (our top pick), I really like Vizio soundbars because they’re automatically updated over time. This means the software in the soundbars stays up-to-date and relevant, giving you a reliable product for years to come.
Overall, the VIZIO V21t-J8 is a compact powerhouse that excels at delivering crisp sound quality alongside a dedicated subwoofer and user-friendly remote.
Although it doesn’t provide a true surround sound experience, the stereo sound output and DTS Virtual:X technology still give you a significant boost over traditional TV speakers.
Its competitive audio performance, sleek design, and sub-$200 price point position it as the best compact soundbar in its class.
How to Choose The Best Budget Soundbar That Fits Your Needs
Choosing the right sub-$200 soundbar depends on your priorities.
Compact models like the VIZIO V21t-J8 and the JBL 2.0 All-in-One soundbars work best for tighter spaces, smaller TVs, or if you want a soundbar for your PC. For larger TVs, the Vizio V51x-J6 and TCL Q6310 are capable of filling larger rooms with sound and depth.
If you enjoy streaming music, get a soundbar that’s Bluetooth compatible and supports your preferred voice assistant.
Consider a soundbar like the Roku Streambar Pro, which supports every voice assistant and private Bluetooth listening. And if you prefer Amazon’s Alexa, the Polk Audio React integrates its technology directly into the soundbar.
For an immersive cinematic experience, choose soundbars equipped with Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X. The Vizio V51x-J6 and TCL Q6310 soundbars stand out with their customization features, allowing you to fine-tune your audio experience.
It’s important to understand what you’re looking for and how different features can impact your listening experience.
Do You Need a Subwoofer With a Soundbar?
Many soundbars, especially those in the budget range, come with built-in bass drivers that do a good job replicating the effects of a subwoofer, like the JBL 2.0 All-in-One and the Roku Streambar Pro.
If you’re a casual movie watcher or limited by the space you have available, these soundbars will still give you the “oomph” you’re expecting.
However, if you’re looking for a more immersive audio experience, a separate dedicated subwoofer can make a world of difference.
From our list, both Vizio V-Series bars and the TCL Q6310 Soundbar have respectable wireless woofers.
Here are a few other things to consider:
- Room Size: In larger rooms, a standalone soundbar might struggle to fill the space with rich bass. A subwoofer can amplify and spread these lower frequencies more effectively.
- Content-Type: If you’re a fan of action movies, live concerts, or games with powerful soundtracks, an external subwoofer can elevate your listening experience.
- Budget: Consider soundbars like the Roku Streambar Pro that allow you to gradually add satellite speakers and subwoofers to build a more immersive home theater system.
How Much Should You Really Be Paying for a Soundbar?
If you’re just looking for an audio boost over your standard TV speakers, any cheaper soundbar will do. As you can see from our list above, soundbars under $200 provide great value.
However, if you’re looking for top-tier audio quality, you’re going to have to look in the price range of $500-$1,000 soundbars.
This range will open you up to soundbars that offer quality speakers and more features to enhance your listening experience. They can also support DOLBY Atmos and DTS:X surround sound formats, which are the most advanced audio technologies.
Are Cheap Soundbars Worth Buying?
Affordability doesn’t always mean sacrificing quality. Cheaper soundbars can deliver a substantial upgrade for those on a budget or with basic audio needs.
While they may not offer the same audio fidelity or extensive features as more expensive models, many affordable soundbars provide clear sound, improved dialogue clarity, and an immersive listening experience.
However, it’s important to set realistic expectations.
A budget soundbar can be a cost-effective way to enhance audio quality for casual viewers or those in smaller spaces. But if you’re looking for a cinematic audio experience, saving up and investing in a higher-end model is the better option.
Final Thoughts
If you end up choosing a soundbar from this list, you can breathe easy knowing whichever one you choose will significantly reform your home theater experience without exceeding your $200 budget.
Select the model that best aligns with your space, connection needs, and audio preferences.
Also, remember to set realistic expectations. Keep in mind that these soundbars are not high-end, premium models, but they’re still great options if you’re looking for an entry-level or casual listening experience.
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