While none of these products will be capable of 5.1 or 7.1CH audio, you’ll still get top-quality sound with fewer channels; one pick even comes with a subwoofer and satellite speakers to make an affordable home audio system. We’ve chosen some of the best cheap soundbars available after reviewing their features to help you decide which is the best fit for your space and budget.
Also: The best soundbars: Turn it up
The Hisense HS205 is a compact, affordable soundbar that still delivers big sound. It connects to your TV via HDMI ARC, optical cable, AUX cable, or Bluetooth, and it comes with a wall-mount kit to fit in better with minimalist home theaters. With 3 different equalizer presets, your movies, music, and shows will sound better than ever. The movie mode boosts bass for more impact during dramatic scenes, the music mode creates richer mid and high tones, and the news mode boosts dialogue so you never miss an important line. The soundbar is also Roku-ready, meaning it works with the Roku remote and companion app for more efficient streaming and even voice controls Pros:
Multiple connectivity optionsEQ presetsWall mount kit included
Cons:
No native voice controlsNo Dolby support
If your living room is on the smaller side, the LG SK1 is the best soundbar for your setup. It measures just over 2 feet long and 3.5-inches wide, making it fit on a shelf, a mantle, or a TV stand. The dual speakers produce up to 40W of power for richer, cleaner audio than TV speakers alone; though if you have a compatible LG TV, you can connect an optical cable to the soundbar to take advantage of the Sound Sync feature. This uses both the soundbar and your TV’s speakers in tandem to create surround sound audio without the need for extra equipment. It features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless setup as well as auto-updates to keep things running smoothly. Pros:
Auto updatesLG Sound SyncDolby Digital
Cons:
No HDMI outputNo voice controls
The Samsung HW-A470 bundle is an excellent way to step up your home audio without breaking the bank. You’ll get a four-speaker soundbar, two satellite speakers, a receiver unit, and a wireless subwoofer for under $200. The 4.1CH system gives you up to 65W of deep, rich audio that’s perfect for movies, shows, and music. And with wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you can set up the speakers however is best for your space; and the built-in adaptive sound settings automatically adjust things like volume and balance so that background music doesn’t drown out important dialogue. It supports both Dolby Audio and DTS for virtual surround sound to provide a more cinematic experience. Pros:
Dolby supportSubwoofer and satellite speakers includedBuilt-in equalizer
Cons:
No HDMI ARC connectivityNo native voice controls
Dolby Atmos is the gold standard for immersive and cinematic audio, and with the TCL Alto 8i, you can add this technology to your home audio setup without having to spend a fortune. You’ll get a truly impressive 260W of audio power from the treble speakers and dual integrated subwoofers. And Dolby Atmos will provide you with room-filling, rich audio that will feel like it’s coming from all directions without the hassle of setting up extra equipment. And being from TCL, it’s perfect for pairing with one of their Roku TVs for elevating your streaming experience. Pros:
Dolby AtmosDual integrated subwoofersRoku ready
Cons:
No voice controls
If you’ve cut the cord with your cable or satellite provider and moved exclusively to streaming, the Roku Streambar Pro is the best soundbar for your home theater. Not only does it provide enhanced audio, it has the Roku streaming platform built-in. You can get started binge-watching your latest Netflix obsessions and favorite movies right out of the box. It works with Siri, Hey Google, Alexa, and the Roku companion app for hands-free voice controls, plus the 4K passthrough lets you stream in ultra-high definition. And if your entertainment needs change in the future, you can expand your sound system with the Roku Wireless Subwoofer or Wireless Speakers for the ultimate home theater. Pros:
Roku built-inVoice controls4K passthrough
Cons:
No Dolby Atmos
You also need to make sure that the soundbar is going to be able to connect to your TV; even if you don’t have a Bluetooth enabled TV, you can still connect many soundbars with HDMI, optical, or AUX cables. You should also check out features like voice controls if you have a smart speaker, Dolby Atmos if you want 3D virtual surround sound, and expandable wireless sound if you want to add more speakers or a subwoofer later.
