If you’re looking to take the audio in your house to the next level, you’re in the right place.
Soundbars are a great way to improve the sound quality and volume of your TV or PC.
With the variety of options out there, it can be overwhelming to find what you need.
That’s why we have made a list of the best soundbars under $200.
So that you can stick to your budget but still get the full value of your money!
Quick List: Top 7 Soundbars Under $200
- Vizio SB3821-C6 2.1 Soundbar – Popular Option
- Bose Solo 5 Soundbar – Best Overall
- TCL Alto 7+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar
- JBL 2.1 Channel Soundbar
- Polk Audio Signa S2 Soundbar – Highly Rated
- Samsung HW-R450 2.1 Soundbar
- Yamaha YAS-108 Soundbar
Researching Soundbars Under $200
When researching soundbars, we wanted to find you the best sound quality for your budget. There are many aspects of a soundbar that will make it great or terrible but first and foremost, the sound quality and the volume are important. After all, it is an electronic bar for sound.
In this price range, you can find some awesome soundbars! They may not be perfect but with the right amount of digging, we were able to come up with a comprehensive list of the best soundbars that will cost you less than $200.
If $200 is too much and you want to check out the best soundbars under $100 we have a great post you can read on those. Alternatively if you are in the mood to splurge you should have a look at our list of top soundbars under $300 or soundbars under $500.
Besides focusing on sound quality and volume, we also looked at sound features that can often enhance the result of your soundbar by adjusting to the correct levels. Things like DTS TruSurround and Dolby Digital were also considered as they can play a huge role in giving you some incredible sound.
During our research, we also looked at subwoofers accompanying the soundbar to make sure that you aren’t missing out on any bass ranges. Our search incorporated all these aspects, and more, to find the best possible options at the best price.
The Best Soundbar Under $200 in2024
1. Vizio SB3821-C6 2.1 Soundbar Review – Popular Option
- Enjoy 100 dB of room filling, crystal clear sound with less than 1 percent total harmonic distortion
This Vizio soundbar comes in way under the $200 mark and still manages to provide awesome results. If you’re looking for something that is a step up from the basic soundbar and will prove to be a good investment, this is a great option.
✔️ What we like: Includes a wireless subwoofer
❌ What we don’t like: Can sometimes develop a crackling sound after a while
Standout Features
- 100 dB sound
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Dolby Digital
- DTS TruVolume
Vizio is no stranger to the soundbar market and there’s a reason that their products are best sellers. They consistently provide soundbars that impress with sound quality and volume while remaining affordable. This SB3821-C6 offers 100 dB of clear sound with less than 1% of total harmonic distortion.
One of the major features that makes the SB3821-C6 sound so good, is its subwoofer. This subwoofer is wireless, sounds particularly good when set up in a corner, and will give your bass a proper thump. Having a wireless subwoofer means that you can keep your home clutter-free and it gives an overall sleek look to the whole system.
In addition to an awesome sound, it also has premium audio technology. This soundbar offers Dolby Digital, DTS TruSurround to give you a realistic surround sound experience, and DTS TruVolume to provide a consistent and comfortable volume.
This enhances your sound system beyond just sound quality and volume, to give you the best possible experience.
This soundbar also includes wireless connectivity with Bluetooth. You can happily control your audio and stream music without needing to be restricted by short cables, giving you ultimate sound freedom. The SB3821-C6 design is also very neat and you won’t have any issues with your TV or PC looking out of place next to this soundbar.
Overall, this Vizio soundbar is terrific for anyone who wants to up their game with a subwoofer, without breaking the bank.
2. Bose Solo 5 Soundbar Review – Best Overall
- Connector Type: Lightning
Bose has been around for a while and has made quite a dent in the electronics industry. Their reputation for high quality shines through with this Solo 5 soundbar.
✔️ What we like: Well-built soundbar
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t have a subwoofer
Standout Features
- Solid design
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Crisp dialog
- Universal remote included
If you’re looking for a no-frills soundbar that does exactly what it says it will, then this is for you. This Solo 5 doesn’t have a subwoofer but what it lacks in the extra bass, it makes up for in its crystal-clear sound.
Even though there isn’t the extra bump of bass from a subwoofer, this soundbar still provides enough from the low ranges to create a well-rounded sound with plenty of depth.
This soundbar also comes with a universal remote so that you can easily control the soundbar from your couch and adjust your bass levels at the push of a button. This universal remote means that you can minimize how many remotes you have lying around.
You can control your soundbar, Bluetooth connectivity, your gaming system, and Blu-ray player all from one place. No more scrambling through multiple remotes just to find the one that controls your gaming system!
This Bose Solo 5 has a great build and feels like a quality product. You can count on this lasting you a long time and with its very classy design, it will never go out of style. This is the kind of soundbar that is small enough for you to put pretty much anywhere. No more space struggles on tables and TV stands.
You can also choose to mount the Bose Solo 5 on your wall if that suits you better.
All round, this is an amazing soundbar!
3. TCL Alto 7+ 2.1 Channel Soundbar Review
- Clean and loud sound packed in a minimalistic design
This 36-Inch soundbar doesn’t hold back with its great build and features. This TCL Alto 7+ provides everything you could want from a soundbar and at a price that is kind to our wallets.
✔️ What we like: Clean and crisp sound
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t support DTS
Standout Features
- Two tweeter drivers
- Built-in Bluetooth
- HDMI ARC available
- Three different sound modes
This TCL soundbar delivers superb audio! It is equipped with a tweeter and full-range driver on both sides, giving you the best of those high notes. It also has a wireless subwoofer to round out the sound.
With this system, you are more than prepared to watch movies and TV without any disappointment. It will make your favorite films come to life and when you see explosions, it will feel as if you are there yourself!
TCL has also covered you with different sound modes. You will be able to adjust your settings for movies, music, and news so that you get the most out of your soundbar, no matter the occasion. It also has Bluetooth, which creates more versatility for the product.
With regard to connections, it is very unlikely that you will be met with any issues. The Alto 7+ is very easy to set up with its options of Optical, AUX, and HDMI ARC.
It even boasts an IR Pass-Through so that you can still control the soundbar behind a closed cabinet if you want to keep your electronics hidden.
This Alto 7+includes all the cables necessary to get connected and the subwoofer is small and easy to place.
Overall, this TCL Alto soundbar performs exceptionally well for movies and TV and is a major step-up from regular TV speakers!
4. JBL 2.1 Channel Soundbar Review
- JBL Surround sound makes movies come alive
JBL comes in swinging with a soundbar that re-defines the sleek look. This slim soundbar looks amazing and it sounds the part too.
✔️ What we like: Clean and crisp sound
❌ What we don’t like: Low channel separation
Standout Features
- Sleek design
- 300W system power
- Compatible with a TV remote
- JBL Surround Sound
One of the benefits of investing in a brand that has a well-established name is the guarantee of a well-built product. This soundbar feels expensive and has been created with skill and experience.
The slim build creates an elevated look and blends nicely with a regular TV system. The front is housed by a metal grill and it has rubber feet for some extra grip to the surface. It looks seamless but the looks aren’t even the best part.
The overall sound of this JBL is fantastic! It is accompanied by a subwoofer to ensure that you aren’t missing out on any action movie experiences. The subwoofer is also wireless and will connect to the soundbar when both are on.
The set-up is easy and straight-forward which is exactly what we want so we can waste less time fiddling and spend more time enjoying the sound.
This JBL is equipped with all the necessary connections which include USB, AUX, and HDMI. A stand-out feature of this soundbar is its compatibility with a TV remote.
Have you ever scrambled around for ages, trying to find the one remote from the pile that controls what you need it to? Well, you don’t need to worry about that anymore! With this compatibility, you can easily control your soundbar from your TV remote.
The soundbar also has Bluetooth capabilities and all things considered, this JBL 2.1 would be an excellent addition to any home.
5. Polk Audio Signa S2 Soundbar Review – Highly Rated
- A PREMIUM ULTRA-SLIM SOUND BAR WITH INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER – 5 powerful full-range drivers deliver beautiful rich sound with deep bass. Polk’s exclusive VoiceAdjust technology & Dolby Digital...
Polk Audio has done an exceptional job of creating a slim soundbar that packs a proper sound punch. This Signa S2 is equipped with all the essentials and won’t leave you needing more.
✔️ What we like: Polk Adjust Technology for dialog customization
❌ What we don’t like: Turns off shortly after being paused
Standout Features
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Universal compatibility
- Cables included
This Polk Audio soundbar has been equipped with five full-range drivers to fully ensure that you are getting bang for your buck. It also has a wireless subwoofer for that bass that we all love. If you’re someone who struggles to hear dialog in movies or even on the news, then this is for you.
The Signa S2 is rigged with Polk Adjust Technology which will allow you to personalize voice levels. No more struggling to hear those soft movie scenes.
This soundbar will fit nicely into any TV room with its slim and simple design. You can also connect easily with either Optical, AUX, or HDMI ARC which will allow you to be fully set up in a matter of minutes. Polk Audio has even provided all the necessary cables.
The Signa S2 is very versatile in the sense that it has universal compatibility. This means that you can still use your soundbar with 4K and HD TVs. With that kind of combination, you’ll be blown away with both the visuals and the audio.
Furthermore, this Polk Audio soundbar has Dolby Digital decoding, giving you the best of room-filling surround sound. You can also stream all your favorite music from your smartphone or tablet, with the built-in Bluetooth.
If you’re looking for a soundbar that won’t let you down with its features and capabilities, then this is a great option.
It sounds great, looks great and you really can’t go wrong with the Signa S2.
6. Samsung HW-R450 2.1 Soundbar Review
- WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Feel the subtle rumble of distant thunder and earthshattering sound as it pounds the air around you in the wireless subwoofer that boasts a frequency response (amp) of 43Hz~20kHz
Samsung is known for its world-class electronics and this HW-R450 soundbar is no different. It delivers fantastic sound quality at a price that is still reasonably affordable.
✔️ What we like: Smart Sound Technology
❌ What we don’t like: Game mode only available on select Samsung TVs
Standout Features
- Game mode
- Pairs with Samsung TVs
- Bluetooth connectivity
This Samsung HW-R450 is a great soundbar as is, but it really shines when it is in combination with a Samsung TV. This soundbar can connect to your Samsung TV for effortless coordination, making the set up quick and easy. For connectivity, this soundbar offers HDMI ARC, Optimal, and wireless connectivity with Bluetooth.
If you do connect your soundbar with your Samsung TV, it means that you can just use your Samsung OneRemote to control the soundbar. You can also adjust your sound and fine-tune your preferences straight from the TV menu.
Besides the convenience of fewer remotes, Samsung has also done a great job with the sound. This soundbar has fantastic sound quality and with its wireless subwoofer, you won’t be lacking any sound range.
It also has Smart Sound Technology which will automatically detect what you are watching and adjust the levels accordingly. The HW-R450 also boasts a gaming mode which will enhance the audio and blow your mind with the sound effects.
In addition to that, this soundbar is compatible with the Wireless Surround Kit which expands your sound to create a full theatre environment. This kit is sold on the side, but we love the option of being able to expand.
Very few people have the money to invest in a 5 channel sound system off-the-bat but being able to buy the first part and then build on it makes it feel like more of a long-term investment which will save you money in the long run.
This HW-R450 2.1 soundbar looks terrific and provides some amazing sound quality. It would be a fantastic option, even if you don’t already have a Samsung TV.
However, if you have a Samsung TV, then this soundbar goes from a great choice to an incredible one.
7. Yamaha YAS-108 Soundbar Review
- Built in subwoofers for deep bass in 1 slim sound bar
Yamaha is a well-known name when it comes to soundbars and they don’t disappoint. This YAS-108 excels with sound quality and would make any owner proud.
✔️ What we like: Virtual 3D Surround Sound
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t include cables
Standout Features
- Built-in subwoofers
- Clear Voice mode
- Neat design
- 4K connectivity
This Yamaha soundbar has two built-in subwoofers with two tweeters, making sure that you are covered for both ends of the spectrum. This bar may not have the bass benefits of an external subwoofer, but it still sounds fantastic, and the built-in subwoofers mean that it takes up much less space.
The YAS-108 is wall-mountable with a keyhole and it has a built-in gyroscope. This allows it to optimize its sound based on its orientation. It also comes with a remote, but you can easily use your own TV remote if you want to minimize the number of remotes lying around the TV room.
Yamaha has come through with a soundbar that sounds excellent and has features to further enhance the sound. Have you ever struggled to hear the soft voices of some characters in your favorite shows? I know that I have! Thankfully, Yamaha has addressed this in the best way.
The YAS-108 has Clear Voice capabilities which make the dialog in movies clearer, because of its vocal range enhancement. This soundbar is also equipped with DTS Virtual:X which creates a spacious surround sound for movies and TV.
Furthermore, the set-up has been kept simple with wired connectivity points for AUX, Optical, and HDMI. It also has wireless connectivity with its Bluetooth which ranges up to 33ft, meaning that you can easily stream your music through the soundbar.
This soundbar has a classic design that will stand the test of time with a sound quality that will last. Yamaha has also installed 4K connectivity, giving you full access to being able to hear crystal-clear sounds while you watch crystal-clear movies.
Overall, this Yamaha YAS-108 does exactly what you need from a soundbar, and it does it exceptionally well.
This is a superb option.
A Guide to Choosing Soundbars Under $200
Channels
At this price range, you are mostly looking at 2 or 2.1 channel soundbars. This means that there are only drivers for the left and right, as opposed to a 3 channel soundbar that would provide left, right, and center. If you are looking for a full theater system, this can continue until 5 channel systems and even 7 channel systems if you are very invested.
A 2 channel soundbar may be on the lower end of drivers, but you can still have an incredible soundbar with just 2 drivers. For a 2.1 channel, you will also get a subwoofer to cover the bass sounds. In this price category, you will typically have moved up from built-in subwoofers to external subwoofers which generally will provide better sound.
Keep a lookout for soundbars that offer high channels but bear in mind that more channels won’t necessarily equal better-quality sound.
Sound modes
Sound modes can be a very helpful addition to a soundbar system. They can improve your overall experience with the soundbar due to the customization of certain sound levels. These adjustments can make your movie more immersive, improve voice clarity for dialog, and improve the sound of music through the speakers.
The sound modes are worth considering when you are choosing a soundbar, but they are not essential to a great soundbar. You can still find a superb soundbar with amazing sound quality without any sound modes. However, in general, having the ability to adjust your sound is something that you should look for in a soundbar.
Design
The sound of the soundbar will always be the most important but no one can deny that the look of the soundbar can affect the whole experience. Most soundbars are designed to look clean and simple.
This is so that they blend seamlessly with the TV set up and also so that the soundbar isn’t distracting. The design of the soundbar will likely be a personal preference but we do recommend that you go with sleek designs so that they will always look good in the space and they will never go out of style.
Affordable Soundbars For Every Home
As with many things, the choice of a soundbar depends on what your preference is and what exactly you are wanting from the speaker. But there are many consistencies in what people expect from a good soundbar.
We have built this list around these consistencies so that you have the ultimate list of the best soundbars under $200.
With this list you are able to then tailor it to yourself by hand-picking features that are important to you, giving you the best shot at finding your perfect soundbar.
Further Reading:
- Mackie CR StealthBar Desktop PC Soundbar Review
- Definitive Technologies Studio 3D Mini Review (Soundbar & Sub)
- 9 Best Soundbars Under $500 (Blow Your Mind, Not Your Money)
- 7 Best Soundbars Under $200 (Good Build, Great Sound)
- 6 Best Soundbars Under $1000 (Big Bucks For Big Sound)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.