Budget soundbarshave become the go-to solution for enhancing audio quality without breaking the bank. Offering impressive features at affordable prices, these soundbars can transform your movie nights and music sessions with immersive sound, deep bass, and clear dialogue. This guide explores the best budget soundbars, offering options for every listener’s taste, from sleek designs to advanced audio tech.
After selecting the perfect budget soundbar, you might want to improve your overall entertainment setup. For an immersive experience, consider investing in a new TV. Check out thesebest budget TVsthat pair perfectly with your soundbar, offering fantastic visuals without breaking the bank.
Game Rant’s Best Budget Soundbars
VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Sound Bar
The VIZIO V-Series is designed to deliver high-quality sound and is optimized for 4K HDR content with Dolby Audio 5.1. This soundbar provides loud and clear audio. Further improving the experience is DTS Virtual:X, which enhances any audio content by providing a virtualized 3D sound that fills the room from floor to ceiling.Accompanying the soundbar are two satellite speakers and a 5-inch wireless subwoofer which can be easily placed anywhere in the room. The VIZIO V-Series also supports integration with voice assistants such as Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.
If you’re in search of the best overall budget soundbar, the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Sound Bar stands out for its impressive features and sound quality. It offers an immersive 3D sound experience with DTS Virtual and includes two satellite speakers and a 5-inch wireless subwoofer, providing an immersive surround sound setup.
While opinions on its connectivity and remote control vary, the VIZIO V-Series 5.1 Sound Bar impresses with its high-quality audio at an affordable price. Its compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant enhances makes it user-friendly. These qualities establish it as the top choice for those seeking the best overall budget soundbar for their home entertainment system.
LG Eclair SE6S Sound Bar
The LG SE6S soundbar features an all-in-one design with Bluetooth connectivity and immersive audio through Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. It includes four passive radiators for powerful bass, a premium fabric wrap, and seamless control integration with LG TVs.
The LG Eclair SE6S Sound Bar stands out as the best Dolby Atmos budget soundbar, offering an immersive audio experience with its Dolby Atmos and DTS support. It’s an excellent choice for thrilling movie nights, thanks to its stylish design and compact size, which seamlessly fit into secondary viewing areas like bedrooms, while delivering powerful sound with four passive radiators.
While opinions on its overall sound quality and value vary, its easy installation and compatibility with LG TVs make it a convenient and stylish addition to any home entertainment setup. With its easy installation and compatibility with LG TVs, the LG Eclair SE6S secures its position as the best Dolby Atmos budget soundbar.
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Sound Bar V20x-J8
The VIZIO V20x-J8 is a compact soundbar with a sleek, rounded all-black finish, measuring 3.2" x 24" x 2.28" and weighing 5.39 pounds. It features Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, DTS™ Virtual: X™ for virtualized sound, DTS TruVolume HD, Dolby Audio, and a frequency response of 70Hz – 20kHz, making it ideal for enhancing 4K HDR content on televisions.
The VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Sound Bar V20x-J8 is renowned as the best entry-level budget soundbar, featuring a compact and stylish design. With various connectivity options, including Bluetooth and HDMI, this soundbar allows for seamless pairing with different devices. Equipped with DTS Virtual: X for virtualized sound and DTS TruVolume HD, it delivers a commendable audio experience within its price range.
While the VIZIO V-Series impresses with its design and connectivity, opinions on its virtualized sound quality and bass response vary. Nonetheless, for individuals seeking an affordable, space-saving option with dependable performance, the V20x-J8 stands out as the best entry-level budget soundbar.
SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA Soundbar
The SAMSUNG HW-B550 is a 2.1-channel soundbar that comes with a subwoofer. It also comes with Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X technologies that provide a surround sound experience.The soundbar has a Bass Boost function, which can be activated with the push of a button, intensifying the bass response. Additionally, the Adaptive Sound Lite feature optimizes the audio based on the type of content being played.
The SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA Soundbar is recognized as the best budget subwoofer soundbar, offering high-quality sound at an affordable price point. With both wired and wireless options, it provides flexible setup choices. Supporting advanced audio formats like Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual, it delivers an immersive sound experience. Additionally, including a subwoofer further enhances its performance, making it ideal for larger rooms.
While there are some mixed reviews regarding connectivity and occasional remote control issues, the SAMSUNG HW-B550/ZA Soundbar remains a top choice. Its Bluetooth integration simplifies pairing with other devices, and features such as Bass Boost and Adaptive Sound Lite optimize the audio for various content. This blend of affordability and performance solidifies its position as the best budget subwoofer soundbar.
LG S40T Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
The LG S40T Soundbar is equipped with 4 channels, a 400W wireless subwoofer, and wireless rear speakers, compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS Digital. It features Bluetooth and HDMI connectivity, Hi Res Audio, Clear Voice Plus, a smart up-mixer, and can be controlled via the LG Soundbar App.
The LG S40T Soundbar, paired with a wireless subwoofer, emerges as the best mid-range budget soundbar. With a powerful 400W subwoofer and support for Dolby Audio, it delivers clear and impactful sound that electrifies any home theater setup. Its connectivity options, including Bluetooth and HDMI, add versatility to your entertainment system.
While the LG S40T excels in many areas, some have encountered connectivity challenges, especially with 5GHz WiFi networks, and have found the remote control lacking in functionality. Nevertheless, its superior sound technologies, such as Hi-Res Audio and Clear Voice Plus, make it a valuable option for those seeking the best mid-range budget soundbar.
Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar
This Sony HT-S400 soundbar comes with a separate wireless subwoofer, which delivers convenience in placement without wires connecting to the soundbar and deep, rich bass sound. The 2.1 setup supports surround sound and clear dialogue. Thanks to the S-Force PRO Front Surround and Dolby Digital supports, the speakers can create a complex cinematic-style surround experience.The speaker system can output a total of 330 watts of powerful audio. Operation is simple and easy with a compact remote and using the OLED display window.
The Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar tops our list as the best high-end budget soundbar. Boasting 330W of power output, this soundbar delivers exceptional, immersive surround sound, perfect for elevating your home entertainment experience. Additionally, its HDMI and Bluetooth connectivity options allow seamless integration with various devices, offering both versatility and simplicity in setup.
While some users have voiced concerns regarding the remote control and Bluetooth connectivity, the overall performance and value proposition of the Sony HT-S400 make it a standout investment. Its sleek design and powerful sound output not only justify its position as the best high-end soundbar but also cater to audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike.
FAQ
Q: What features should I look for in a budget soundbar?
Key features to look for include audio quality, connectivity options, and size and design. These factors provide compatibility and enhance your overall experience.
Q: Are budget soundbars worth it?
Yes, budget soundbars can offer significant improvements in sound quality compared to standard TV speakers. They provide great value for enhancing home entertainment without a hefty price tag.
Q: Can a budget soundbar deliver good bass?
Many budget soundbars come with built-in subwoofers or external ones to enhance bass performance. Check product specifications for bass-related features.
