Best sound bar on a budget: Vizio V Series V51-H6 Review

The Best Budget Soundbars | Shopping

When you’re watching a huge blockbuster with a carefully designed sound mix, you want to be able to get the best out of it, even if you’re viewing it in the comfort of your own home. But the biggest TV in the world doesn’t mean a thing if you don’t have a suitably impressive sound system to back up those crisp 4K visuals.

What form your audio-boosting device should take depends a great deal on your room layout, but few of us can accommodate the hulking, free-standing speakers favoured by many audiophiles.

Empire’s top pick:

• Best budget soundbar: Denon DHT-S216 – Buy now on Amazon UK

• Best budget Sonos: Sonos Ray – Buy now on Amazon UK

• Best budget soundbar and subwoofer: LG SN4 – Buy now on Amazon UK

Thankfully, soundbars are an ideal solution – sleekly designed in a way that means they sit neatly in front of your telly, and contain an array of in-built speakers to offer spacious audio with enough separation of bass, mids, and higher frequencies.

And since so many soundbars also come with a wireless subwoofer, there’s never been more ways to get impressively full audio with limited space. They are sure to make your home movie nights all the more immersive.

If your budget doesn’t stretch to pricey sound equipment, that’s no issue. We’ve rounded up a list of the best soundbars that won’t break the bank and will fit neatly into your existing setup. Soon, you’ll be surrounding yourself with great sound without the extortionate cost. The only other thing you’ll need to pick up is a fresh packet of popcorn.

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Denon DHT-S216 Soundbar for Surround Sound System, Bluetooth, with Built-in Subwoofers, Dolby Digital, DTS Decoding, Dialogue Enhancer, HDMI ARC, Wall Mountable, Music Streaming

The best budget soundbar

The Denon DHT-S216 soundbar is our pick for the best soundbar on a budget. It’s a 2.1 speaker with a quality audio profile, delivering rich and crisp sound that adds great presence to a TV setup. In our experience testing of the soundbar, selecting its Pure EQ mode was our preference, as it allowed us to hear TV audio with an organic-yet-punchy sound.

Day-to-day, the DHT-S216 enhances audio and helps keep action clear and dialogue heard. Its Bluetooth setting even makes it a great device to listen to streamed music from a smartphone.

But it’s when movie night or a gaming session rolls around that it really shines. Hitting the remote’s DTS Virtual:X button switches the Denon over to surround-sound mode. Here, the soundbar magics up a 3D audio experience, creating the impression of audio channels above and behind, adding immersion and exhilaration to the on-screen action. It’s not exactly the same as you get from a true surround-sound setup, but it’s darn close for the outlay.

The Denon DHT-S216 is a leading example of balancing price with performance. It’s excellent value.

Specifications: Output: 120W total, Frequency Response: Not available, Audio Processing: DTS Virtual:X, Connections: Optical, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB, Aux-in, Size (Soundbar): 890 x 60 x 120 mm, Weight: 3. 5kg

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Sonos Ray Soundbar – All-in-one compact and sleek soundbar with Blockbuster sound for movies, gaming and wifi music streaming, compatible App and Apple AirPlay, in black

The best budget Sonos soundbar

Yes, this one’s a little bit pricier – but it’s still a viable budget option (especially when compared with the £799 Sonos Arc soundbar). The Sonos Ray is perfect for a home cinema because Oscar-winning sound designers helped engineer and fine-tune the audio output. This bar will easily fill a room with incredible film audio – the audio is rich and lively, with punchy bass sitting cleanly next to crisp mids and highs. It’s also great for those with a TV setup who need to save a little space without compromising power. Plus, there’s always the option to build a full 5.1 surround sound system with a few Sonos Rays in the future.

Specifications: Output: Not available, Frequency Response: Not specified, Audio Processing: Dolby Digital, DTS Digital Surround Sound, Connections: HDMI ARC, Optical, WiFi/Ethernet, Apple AirPlay 2, Size/Weight: 93 x 557 x 70 mm, 1. 9 kg, Extras: Sonos multi-room connectivity

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LG Electronics Soundbar SN4 2.1 ch 300W High Res Audio Sound Bar with Bluetooth, HDMI and Optical Connectivity, Black

Best soundbar with wireless subwoofer under £200

LG’s phenomenal SN4 2.1 channel soundbar, replete with Bluetooth, optical and HDMI connectivity, is a seriously brilliant option for your home cinema setup.

With an astounding 300W audio output, which is in no small part attributed to the SN4’s gigantic subwoofer – rest assured that the SN4 more than delivers enough hair-raising, bass-rich sound to satiate even the pickiest of audio enthusiasts.

Just be wary, space-constrained home-cinema builders – both the subwoofer and the soundbar itself are quite massive, so ensure you’ve got plenty of room before you buy.

Specifications: Output: 300w total, Frequency Response: Not available, Audio Processing: Meridian, Connections: Optical, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB Size (Soundbar): 85 x 890 x 57 mm, Size (Subwoofer): 261 x 171 x 390 mm, Weight (Combined): 9. 4kg

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JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass Sound Bar – in-Home Entertainment System, with Streaming Capabilities and Subwoofer, in Black

Best budget soundbar runner-up

JBL’s budget bar is an absolute steal. Sure, as a standalone soundbar with no satellites or sub, it’s never going to deliver the immersion of a dedicated separated setup, but there’s far more going on here than the price tag might suggest. Despite its physical limitations (the whole thing is only about 60cm wide), the bar puts out a surprisingly throaty bass with decent detail, JBL’s pseudo surround technology bounces beams around a room to give the illusion of enveloping sound without the need for physical rear speakers. It doesn’t provide a next-level auditory sensation, but at this price, it doesn’t need to.

Specifications: Output: 820w, Frequency Response: Not specified, Audio Processing: Dolby Digital, JBL Smart Surround, Connections: HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth 4. 2, Size/Weight: 58 x 614 x 90 mm, 1.6kg

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MAJORITY Snowdon II Sound bar for TV | 120 WATTS with 2.1 Channel Sound | Soundbar with Subwoofer Built-in and Remote Control | Multi-Connection

Best for a tight budget

Our cheapest option is the Majority Snowdon II. This sub-£100 soundbar brings virtual surround sound to a living room and has a subwoofer built into the bar itself to cut down on its footprint, making it ideal for compact spaces and tight budgets. Other devices, like smartphones and tablets, can also stream audio through Bluetooth or via the 3.5mm line-in cable. The preset EQs offer some quick-change flexibility while watching films or playing video games. The volume is great and the sound acceptable, but this is best suited to giving mid-range TV audio a boost rather than completely revolutionising a setup.

Specifications: Output: 120w, Frequency Response: Not available, Audio Processing: Majority Virtual Surround Sound, Connections: AUX In, RCA, Bluetooth, Size/Weight: 83 x 810 x 83 mm, 1. 2kg

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Sony HT-SF150 2ch Single Soundbar with Bluetooth and S-Force Front Surround – Black

Best budget Sony soundbar

Sony’s unit processes sound through its S-Force system and a bass reflex unit, which provides a great quality of sound. While the lower frequencies of the bass response are somewhat absent, the low and mid balance helps push the human voice through in the mix. The design sensibilities on display here are sharp and understated, allowing the soundbar to sit comfortably and stylishly under a television.

Specifications: Output: 120w, Frequency Response: 88Hz – 15kHz (approx.), Audio Processing: Dolby Digital, S-Force Front Surround, Connections: HDMI ARC, Bluetooth 4.2, USB, Size/Weight: 64 x 900 x 88 mm, 2.4kg

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SHARP HT-SBW460 3.1 Soundbar, 440W Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer for TV with Wireless Bluetooth, Surround Sound, 4K Pass-Through, Aux, HDMI ARC /CEC & USB Playback, Table Top Sound Bar -Black

Best 3. 1 soundbar and wireless subwoofer

As a 3.1 soundbar, the HT-SBW460 is capable of delivering a much broader surround sound experience than other budget options. It also allows the bar to take advantage of Dolby’s Atmos system, which will provide superior three-dimensional object-orientated audio where available. The centre speaker is dedicated to delivering dialogue clearly, while the commanding wireless subwoofer delivers power and weight to all audio (after spending some time playing with the settings – it’s a bit much right from the box). The 440w output ensures that there’s plenty of volume to work with. Just be aware that this one takes up a little more room than other soundbars and subs – but it’s worth it for bigger rooms.

Specifications: Output: 440w, Frequency Response: Not available, Audio Processing: Dolby Atmos, Connections: HDMI ARC, AUX In, Optical, Bluetooth, USB, 4K Passthrough, Size (Soundbar): 73 x 950 x 110 mm, Weight (Combined): 9. 3kg

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MAJORITY K2 Sound Bar with Subwoofer | 150W Powerful Stereo 2.1 Channel Sound Bar for TV | Home Theatre 3D Surround Sound I HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, Optical & RCA Connection I USB & AUX Playback | Black

Bargain subwoofer and soundbar combo

Buying a soundbar on a budget doesn’t have to mean an all-in-one unit. This bargain from Majority includes a bar speaker and a wireless subwoofer for rumbling bass, for well under £100. For the price, it’ll easily liven up the audio on your next movie night – and with an HDMI and RCA cable included, it comes bundled with all you need to get set up.

Specifications: Output: 150w, Frequency Response: Not available, Audio Processing: Majority Virtual Surround Sound, Connections: HDMI ARC, AUX In, Optical, Bluetooth, USB, Size (Soundbar): 53 x 762 x 69 mm, Size (Subwoofer): 197 x 280 x 197 mm, Weight (Combined): 3.4kg

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Best budget Bose soundbar

Bose is a name you can trust. The TV Speaker works to bring clarity to a TV’s audio with dialogue refinement, EQ to boost your entertainment’s sound effects and bass to show you the power of sound. It’s a simple and effective device with a low footprint that can also stream music via Bluetooth. For future upgrades, the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 can be added for even more kick and bite.

Specifications: Output: Not available, Frequency Response: Not available, Audio Processing: Dolby, Connections: Optical, AUX In, RCA, Bluetooth 4.2, Size/Weight: 56 x 594 x 102 mm, 2kg

If you haven’t found the soundbar for you, read out other soundbar buying guides:

The Best Soundbars Under £200 | The Best Soundbars | The Best Soundbars Under £300 | The Best Soundbars Under £800

What we look for in the best budget soundbars:

Output

Output can be a useful gauge of a soundbar’s volume when considered alongside other factors.

Output wattage refers to the power being pushed through an amplifier. The resulting signal gets kicked out of the speakers to become the bit we all know as volume. It’s measured in decibels, or dB (technically, it’s a measure of speaker sensitivity, but that’s beside the point here). The more output, the more decibels and the louder a soundbar will be.

It’s also important to note that a 60w speaker will not be twice as loud as a 30w speaker. Decibel gains are incremental – doubling wattage adds only 3dB.

Due to the myriad factors that go into determining a soundbar’s volume, including output, speaker sensitivity and component quality, some manufacturers choose not to report output wattage as they feel it can mislead consumers. There’s also no legal requirement for them to do so.

Frequency Response

Frequency response measures the audible frequencies a soundbar can deliver and can be a handy indicator of overall sound quality.

20Hz – 20KHz is the average human audio spectrum. Having a soundbar getting close to these parameters is important for delivering a complete sound with shaking bass and vibrant highs (where appropriate, of course). It’s not the end of the world if a soundbar falls a tad short – as we age, many lose the ability to hear the extremes within this range.

As with power, some manufacturers do not report this. On occasion, independent analysists report approximate ranges, but these are unconfirmed by the manufacturer.

Tone

Obviously, the overall tone of a soundbar is hugely important. A soundbar needs to have punchy bass. These low frequencies add power, presence and atmosphere to movies, TV shows and video games. Mids are just as crucial because the human voice sits within this range. Many soundbars have features applied to bringing these tones through clearly, with some even dedicating entire speakers to the process. Finally, highs need to be handled with care – they carry across a lot of detail and sparkle.

Connectivity

Connectivity is hugely important when choosing a new soundbar, as it determines how the soundbar receives input. The more connections and interfaces available, the greater the soundbars flexibility.

Bluetooth and WiFi wireless connections are great at creating neat, fuss-free home cinema. Soundbars equipped with these connections can often connect to multiple devices, including smartphones and stereos. HDMI connections allow for quality low-latency signal transfers, and HDMI ARC can streamline the audio output across several devices.

Optical connections allow digital signals to transfer without a HDMI cable, while RCA and 3.5mm Aux-in connections allow for almost universal connectivity, albeit with limited functionality elsewhere.

Size

The physical size of a soundbar is crucial – it can make or break a compact home cinema. It’s worth assessing where a soundbar will sit in relation to a TV’s feet or stand. Additionally, a tall soundbar risks blocking the bottom portion of a screen and IR receivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are soundbars worth it?

Well, if you’re unsatisfied with your current TV audio then yes. Flatscreen TV designs don’t include much room for mega audio equipment, so getting an external speaker of some kind will in the majority of cases give you a much better sound experience. Soundbars offer simplicity – they’re sleek, tend to be all-in-one units (sometimes with an additional subwoofer speaker), and don’t require much tech know-how to get up and running.

Can soundbars do surround sound?

The nature of soundbars – long tubes filled with an array of smaller speakers – mean that they’re not true surround sound systems. However, some more advanced and expensive models can offer something akin to surround sound, with audio technology designed to bounce sound across different corners of your living room and fill all four walls.

Looking for the best surround sound systems? Check out our guide here.

How do I choose a soundbar?

Think of the most important criteria for you – is it low cost and plug-and-play simplicity to get that little bit more from your TV audio? Do you want more connectivity (like the higher-end HDMI-ARC inputs for ultra-HD audio) at a potentially higher price? Do you want a booming subwoofer, or do you have neighbours who wouldn’t appreciate that thumping bass? (In this case, maybe check out these surround-sound headphones instead. ) Either way, be sure to check your TV’s connectivity settings, and find a soundbar that’s compatible with your existing setup, and that fits the purpose you’re looking to fulfil.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us

The Best Cheap Soundbars of 2023

When it comes to our home theater, we all like big sound. Whether we’re revisiting Gandalf in the accompaniment of Howard Shore’s stunning orchestral arrangements in the “Lord of the Rings,” or checking in to see a musical guest on “The Tonight Show,” the best cheap soundbars offer enough power and dimensionality to revolutionize your home cinema audio.

Soundbars are multi-driver speaker arrays in one singular package. These long speakers are meant to be positioned centrally at the base of your television, and often include mid-range speakers, tweeters, bass, and sometimes directional audio. Cheap soundbars usually won’t include some of the directional sound that you’ll find in premium models, and rarely deliver premium bass. However, they’re still capable of great mid and high tones, which will lend dialogue and action far greater detail and clarity than most televisions natively provide.

Soundbars aren’t only here for our movies however; most double as home audio stations that are ready to connect to your musical streaming service via Bluetooth or WiFi. Many soundbars also connect to voice services like Alexa, and some come with their own native capabilities, such as enabling Roku TV. Whatever your needs, there’s a surprising amount of diversity in the soundbar market. Bring new dimensions to your home cinema audio for less with the best cheap soundbars.

— Best Overall: YAMAHA SR-B20A
— Best with Subwoofer: Hisense HS212F 2.1ch
— Best for Alexa: Polk Audio React Soundbar
— Best Premium: SAMSUNG HW-Q900A
— Best All-in-One: Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
— Best Budget: RIF6 Soundbar

How We Picked the Best Cheap Soundbars

Cheap price points largely rule out some premium soundbar features like Dolby Atmos. However, that doesn’t mean purchasing one will require you to skimp on quality. To pick the best low-cost soundbars, we used our experience as tech reviewers and audio enthusiasts to pour over the spec sheets on some of the industry’s leading brands and models, and sift the wheat from the chaff. We broke down some of the most important criterias we considered below.

Sound quality is hard to quantify. As a metric it can include such factors as bass delivery, detail, immersion, timing, and vocal crispness among others. Since there are so many factors in play in any soundbar’s sound quality, we highlighted whatever features make a soundbar stand out, be it exceptional detail and crispness at delivering dialogue, an included dedicated subwoofer that really delivers those booms, great inherent musicality, or achieving an illusion of surround-sound immersion.

Speaker number is a quantifiable factor in any soundbar. Many budget soundbars include just three or four audio channels inside their long frame. Others might include many more. High-end soundbars can sometimes contain ten or more. Audio channels in a soundbar are described by a set of numbers broken by periods. The first number describes audio channels dedicated to high and mid tones, the second number describes bass channels, and the third describes directional sound, such as ceiling directed, up-firing tweeters meant to give sound an immersive vertical element. A 6.1.2 system uses nine audio channels with mids, highs, bass, and immersion. A 3.1 system on the other hand delivers just mids, highs, and bass without directional audio. More channels usually denote better sound, but also usually cost more money. In the cheap soundbar category, there aren’t many options that hit all the bases.

Connectivity and special features can also make or break a soundbar. Many soundbars easily connect to your musical streaming service via WiFi or Bluetooth, but some go further and connect to your smartphone for total control, or they hook into Alexa for voice activation. Others might double as pathways for services, such as enabling Roku streaming for a non-“smart” television. We’re highlighting soundbars that do a great job with connectivity, as well as those that offer useful special features.

The Best Cheap Soundbars: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: YAMAHA SR-B20A

Yamaha

Why It Made The Cut: This bar packs the power. With left and right mid-range to high range cones, a subwoofer, and two passive radiators, it offers full spectrum virtual surround sound from one unit.

Specs:
— Channels: 4.1 channels (including two passive radiators)
— Wattage: 100 watts
— Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI
— Size: 38 inches L x 7 inches W x 5.2 inches H

Pros:
— Built-in DTS
— Virtual:X does a good job at simulating spatial audio
— Passive radiator design yields excellent bass for an all-in-one system

Cons:
— Missing some of the connectivity options out there

The YAMAHA SR-B20A homes in on everything most users want from a soundbar and delivers it for a great price. This soundbar uses a built-in subwoofer that’s outfitted with two passive radiators (think the moving diaphragms you’ve seen on Bluetooth speakers) to deliver some really impressive bass for a device without a sizable, separate subwoofer unit. This bass, factoring with its left/right mid-to-high range speakers and virtual surround sound, means you’ve got a system that will feel like deep surround sound. 

While it doesn’t have some of the connectivity and voice control options we see in other models (such as Alexa), this soundbar still enables Bluetooth connections between it and your smartphone, allowing you to use it for music as well as television. Overall, it packs all the features that most users need.

Best with Subwoofer: Hisense HS212F 2.1ch

Hisense

Why It Made The Cut: With great mid-range, Dolby virtual surround sound, and an included bass subwoofer, this is a capable and crisp soundbar that’s worthy of Roku TVs.

Specs:
— Channels: 2. 1 channels
— Wattage: 120 watts
— Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth
— Size: 37.8 inches L x 3.1 inches W x 2 inches H

Pros:
— Dolby digital delivers good surround sound sensation
— Controllable with your TV remote
— Impressive bass tone for the price

Cons:
— No vertical sound
— Soundbar historically has an issue where it turns off automatically after being paused for ten minutes, requiring you to reset it and your television

If you’re looking for a system that packs bass and costs less, then the Hisense HS212F 2.1ch will give you everything you need. It’s a three-driver system, with two middle- through high-range speakers in the bar housing and a separate subwoofer that links into your system wirelessly.

This is a system that can get you those booms that make your favorite blockbusters pop. It doesn’t have true directional audio, though the Dolby processing will create some illusory space, but this isn’t too much of an issue at the true budget price point.

If your goal is bass for less, then look no further than this 2:1 channel system from Hisense.

Best for Alexa: Polk Audio React Soundbar

Polk

Why It Made The Cut: With voice control built right in, this Polk Audio soundbar is ready for Alexa-based, multi-room music, and upgradeable with wireless surround sound speakers that are ready to pair.

Specs:
— Channels: 6 channels (including two passive radiators)
— Wattage: Undisclosed
— Connectivity: USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, wireless Alexa
— Size: 34.02 inches L x 4.76 inches W x 2.2 inches H

Pros:
— Extra clear vocal treatment with dialogue enhancements
— Designed for Alexa, it’s completely voice controlled and links up with Amazon multi-room music
— Easily upgradeable with wirelessly connecting subwoofer and surround sound

Cons:
— Requires constant WiFi connection for Alexa and will loudly announce its connection status
— Large bright LED on top can’t be turned off
— No wattage disclosed by manufacturer

Drama happens in dialogue, and the Polk Audio React is a soundbar meant for delivering great dialogue, and engaging in it, too. This is a soundbar with Alexa built right in from the bottom to the top. Not only is it fully voice controlled, allowing you to change the volume and sound modes vocally, but it will also sync with your Amazon multi-room playback, so that you can listen to Alexa-controlled music all throughout the house.

The dialogue enhancement mode is a great feature of this soundbar, which highlights vocals, giving an EQ boost that will make dialogue easier to understand within the mix. No doubt the six speaker channels in this soundbar help to achieve this remarkable vocal clarity. The speaker system does suffer somewhat in the low end, however, but it can be upgraded with a wireless subwoofer as well as wireless surround sound speakers. The sub can be bought with the soundbar as a package deal for those who need that low-end punch.

Sadly, this soundbar has a few issues. Alexa integration is such a native part of this system that without it the bar becomes hard to use. It prompts you again and again to connect, and works less reliably via controller than voice. It also includes an LED display on top that strobes and is impossible to turn off.

Best Premium: SAMSUNG HW-Q900A

Samsung

Why It Made The Cut: While it’s certainly not cheap, this soundbar’s true Dolby Atmos 7.1.2 channel array and automatic pairing with SAMSUNG TV speakers makes it worth a look for any audiophiles considering a splurge.

Specs:
— Channels: 7.1.2
— Wattage: 246
— Connectivity: HDMI, HDMI eARC, Optical Inputs, WiFi, Bluetooth, Q-Symphony, One Remote, Alexa (Built-in), SmartThings app
— Size: 48.5 x 2.75 x 5.45 inches, sub: 8.3 x 16 x 15 inches

Pros:
— Ultimate sound quality with power and full spectrum detail
— Dolby Atmos enabled upward firing speakers for immersive illusion of true vertical and surround sound
— Q-Symphony pairs your soundbar with compatible Samsung TV speakers to add even more speakers to your system

Cons:
— Expensive

A true premium soundbar belongs in any soundbar guide, and the SAMSUNG HW-Q900A delivers everything you could want in a premium system. This system works magic. A 7.1.2 channel Dolby Atmos-ready soundbar system, this bar comes with immersive detailed ear level speakers, a powerful subwoofer, and the vertically oriented speakers meant to bounce sound off your ceiling that make Atmos happen. One of its coolest features is its “Q-Symphony” function that pairs it with certain compatible Samsung TVs, to add all of that television’s speakers to the mix. However, the Q-Symphony features only work with specific Samsung models such as the Crystal UHD AU8000 Series, so if this is a selling point for you, be sure your television (or future television) is compatible.

While this is an expensive system, you’ll appreciate its performance immediately. Unlike some budget systems that are primed for TV only, this system will impress you as a home audio centerpiece as well, one that’s ready for HiFi recordings of the London Philharmonic or seat bouncing blockbusters.

Best All-In-One: Sonos Beam (Gen 2)

Sonos

Why It Made The Cut: This all-in-one soundbar does some amazing things for its price point, including Dolby Atmos delivery.

Specs:
— Channels: 8 (three radiators)
— Wattage: Undisclosed
— Connectivity: HDMI, HDMI eARC, WiFi, optical, Alexa, Google assistant
— Size: 25.63 inches L x 2.72 inches W x 3.9 inches H

Pros:
— Creates a decent sensation of virtual surround sound for such a small soundbar
— Can be paired with other Sonos devices within the ecosystem
— Voice controllable

Cons:
— Moderately expensive
— Not a lot of deep bass
— Can’t pair via Bluetooth

Sonos is one of those brands that has name recognition even outside of audio gear circles, and the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) justifies this reputation. It delivers crisp solid audio out of five speakers which have some vertical Atmos delivery. As a companion to a television or computer in a small room, the Beam makes for an immersive sonic experience that enfolds you in ways you wouldn’t expect without edging closer to top price point gear. However, it does lack some bottom-end bass, which won’t be accessible without spending quite a lot more on a separate Sonos subwoofer.

While the Sonos app and Sonos ecosystem are among this device’s strongest selling points for many users, some others might be turned off. Unlike some soundbars, the Beam will require you to use the Sonos app for much of its functionality. While this comes with many benefits such as pairing with other Sonos products in other rooms, it does require you to give up some personal details, a requirement some privacy buffs might not wish to disclose to a speaker company. Another issue with the soundbar is its lack of Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can’t simply pair it to your guests’ smartphones when they want to DJ your dinner parties.

Best Budget: RIF6 Soundbar

RIF6

Why It Made The Cut: With two bass woofers included in its frame, this cheap soundbar is truly booming.

Specs:
— Channels: 2. 2 channels
— Wattage: 80 watts
— Connectivity: RCA, Bluetooth, Auxiliary, USB, HDMI
— Size: 35.43 inches L x 3.07 inches W x 2.75 inches H

Pros:
— Good bass treatment for such a slim form factor
— Bluetooth connections allow you to stream music from your smartphone

Cons:
— Not as loud as some might want; true peak wattage might not achieve what the unit advertises

If you’re looking for a simple step up from your TV speakers, then you can do no wrong with the RIF6 Soundbar. This cheap, all-in-one unit includes two subwoofers in its thin frame, for a full-spectrum soundbar that does surprisingly well with bass and booms. It gets louder than your TV will, if not drastically so. As far as connectivity goes, the device is well equipped; it can link with your phone via Bluetooth, and offers a few ways to sync with your television.

While the sound is a step up from most TVs, this isn’t an audiophile’s system. It doesn’t do a great job with detailed dialogue that’s easy to hear, suffering in quality somewhat in the mid and high ranges. The advertised wattage might also be a little exaggerated. For true top volume you’ll find yourself cranking the bass and disturbing the balance of the overall sound of the mix. Still, this is a bar that will give your movies a significant extra punch-factor which will be enough for many to justify the low price.

Things To Consider Before You Buy a Cheap Soundbar

While it’s certainly possible to land a very powerful soundbar for not a lot of money, certain premium features aren’t available without spending a little more. This is why it’s important to consider a few needs and wants before you buy.

Surround Sound: Virtual or not, surround sound always costs you more. True Dolby Atmos surround-sound systems with vertical firing speakers generally cost more than a month of rent in San Francisco. Consider whether you really need virtual surround sound before you buy. It’s also worth considering whether you’d rather invest in a high-end virtual surround sound system or a more budget true surround-sound system with wired or wireless speakers around your room.

Music or Movies Only: If you’re buying a soundbar for movies only, it’s worth looking for one that prioritizes certain features that target film audiences over music listeners. Some soundbars prioritize features such as dialogue sharpening, and may not come with as many ways to hook into your music streaming services. If you’re deeply into music, it’s worth ensuring that your soundbar allows for Bluetooth connection to your phone or computer, or hooks in via an Aux cable.

Space Matters: Soundbars are usually meant to sit below a television or computer screen and use their array of speakers to project a wide field of sound. Some pair with separate subwoofers. Before you buy it’s important to judge the space in which you’re installing your soundbar to evaluate whether it will fit into the space, and what configuration of soundbar the space justifies. If you’ve got a larger room and you mean to sit further away, it will be important to get a soundbar that can fill this space.

FAQs

Q: Are cheap soundbars good?

Many cheap soundbars still deliver excellent performance in spite of their low price point. Unless you’re looking for expensive premium features, you can usually get good sound without spending tons of money on a soundbar.

Q: Do soundbars work with any TV?

For the most part, all soundbars work with any television so long as it includes the right jacks to connect it. The vast majority of contemporary TVs use HDMI, and most soundbars do as well. Some premium features may or may not work with all TVs, however. 

Q: Is virtual surround sound worse than surround sound?

Many soundbars offer virtual surround sound. Usually this employs multiple speakers which bounce sound off walls and use special EQ settings to create an illusion of audio immersion. This can create a sonic environment that’s more impressive than a true surround sound system. However, whether one or the other is better entirely depends on the components of your system and your taste.

Final Thoughts

Soundbars offer excellent solutions to maximize the sonic power of your home entertainment system. The best cheap soundbars still pack enough punch to wow, and they can immerse you in rich detailed audio that will improve your experience with films and music. Premium systems create virtual surround sound that will enfold you, while value options still deliver enough breadth to your audio to give you the feeling that you’ve fully leveled up from your television’s performance.

For a cheap soundbar with a separate subwoofer that will give blockbuster movies the punch they deserve, consider the Hisense HS212F 2.1ch. For bare-bones affordability that will still give your movies a big sound upgrade, we recommend the RIF6 Soundbar. On the other hand, the YAMAHA SR-B20A is our favorite overall pick for its full-spectrum good sound and no nonsense Bluetooth connection to your phone or laptop.

This post was created by a non-news editorial team at Recurrent Media, Futurism’s owner. Futurism may receive a portion of sales on products linked within this post.

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models by price and quality

Contents

1. Description and purpose of the device
2. Soundbar rating 2022
3. Samsung HW-Q60T soundbar
4. Samsung HW-Q700A soundbar
5. Soundbar TCL TS9030
6. Soundbar Genius 100
7. Soundbar TCL TS7010
8. Soundbar JBL Bar Studio
9. Which soundbar to buy?
10. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital audio technologies
11. Popular soundbar manufacturers
12. Like rating

The slim design of modern TVs has deprived them of full-fledged acoustics. Soundbars are designed to provide high-quality sound. Are you looking for a soundbar that will introduce a new quality of surround sound? Check out the ranking of the best models of 2022.

Description and purpose of the device

Soundbar is a compact acoustic monoblock that outputs surround sound at the level of a home theater. Speakers, a player and an audio processor are hidden inside the device. There are 2 options for installation: in front of the TV and on the wall.

Simple models enhance the sound of TV programs. Multi-functional stereo systems deliver powerful multi-channel sound, enhancing your immersive experience when watching 4K content and listening to music.

What soundbars can do in 2022:

1. Work in conjunction with TV and as an independent player.
2. Detailed, spacious, surround sound with support for the latest playback formats DTS:X, Dolby Atmos.
3. Home theater and music center replacement.
4. Produce deep yet soft bass with a subwoofer.

Soundbars are universal and support wireless connection via wi-fi, bluetooth. Many manufacturers leave standard wired connectors. Active systems are connected directly to the TV panel, passive systems – through the AV receiver.

Price

33.33%

Sound quality

50%

Real user reviews

16. 67%

Voted: 6

Soundbar rating 2022

How do soundbars win the hearts of lovers of good sound? What is the difference between different models and why is it better to buy a good soundbar than to buy a home theater? The soundbar for TV, although a relatively new solution, quickly gained popularity. Advanced technology allows you to place multiple speakers and amplifiers in a modern closed minimalistic strip. In the kit you will find a built-in or external subwoofer that gives high-quality bass sound. The strip is usually placed under the TV. It doesn’t take up much space, and the sound effects, although coming from a relatively small device, are really satisfying.

Samsung HW-Q60T Soundbar

The Samsung HW-Q60T is definitely a cheaper version of an expansive home theater that is easy to use. Recommended to every movie lover who cares about better sound quality than a regular TV and at the same time doesn’t plan to invest too much. If you want a simple, easy-to-use device that won’t be too flashy or take up a lot of space, then this soundbar is the perfect solution for you!

Sound quality

Appearance

Nice bass

Easy to connect

No optical cable

Sound

5

Customer reviews

90 002 4

Samsung HW-Q700A Soundbar

The system is equipped with a soundbar with three channels, a separate subwoofer and two surround speakers built into the center console. This is undoubtedly an excellent offer for the most demanding customers who always focus on modern solutions. This set is ideal for movie, music or game lovers who want to experience the effect of surround sound.

3

Sound quality

Dolby Atmos technology

Speaker option

Sound

5

Customer reviews

5

Soundbar TCL TS9030

The TCL soundbar has an excellent design with a minimalist character. Thanks to this, it fits perfectly into various types of interiors. Manufacturers have taken care of different ways to place the device, giving the buyer the opportunity to mount it on the wall or place it in a convenient place under the TV. It is ideal for people who have little space or who appreciate minimalist interior design. An intriguing addition to the device is RAY DANZ’s innovative technology, designed to create captivating soundscapes

Clear Sound

Easy to Control

Great Bass

Good Workmanship

Long Run Time

Sound

5

Customer Reviews 90 003

5

Genius 100 Soundbar

The soundbar has two built-in speakers. This offer is ideal for users who appreciate both minimalism and modern technical solutions. All you need to enjoy first-class sound is a small space under your TV. The 6W soundbar will let you get the sound at the optimal volume level when watching movies or listening to music. This is the perfect offer for lovers of home entertainment.

Price

Easy to connect

Good sound for its category

No wireless

Sound

4

Customer reviews

5 9000 3

The TCL TS7010 Soundbar

TS7010 has a harmonious design that matches your TV perfectly. The glossy surface and smooth edges are eye-catching. Enjoy great TV sound and sophisticated design with the TS7010 Soundbar. Ideal for 55″ TVs and larger.

Sound quality

Appearance

Ease of connection

No issues found

Sound quality

4

Customer reviews

4 9000 3

JBL Bar Studio

The 30W soundbar will make a real difference to your TV sound. This is a great offer for users who especially care about the best sound effects. The high-end model will give you even more enjoyment when watching movies, playing games or listening to music.

Sound quality

High contrast ratio

HDR does not always work well in games

Sound a good alternative to large home theater systems that are expensive. If you don’t want to place your speakers in different places for optimal sound effects, a soundbar is the way to go. The added benefit of these compact stereos is the simplicity and minimalistic design that will fit into any interior. The soundbar will entertain you in front of your TV with clear sound and quality music.

Which soundbar should I buy?

The best soundbar is one that meets several important criteria. Undoubtedly, an important indicator is the power of the equipment.

For optimal sound effects, it is good if you choose a soundbar with a wide sound range. Thanks to this, you can enjoy music and soundtracks in full range, taking into account each sound frequency. The narrowest range that can be found on sale is from 20 Hz to 220 kHz. Well, if the soundbar is designed for an even wider sound frequency range.

These are the two most important parameters that you should consider when choosing a soundbar with a subwoofer that should provide you with high-level listening comfort. Which soundbar to choose to meet these criteria? A good and inexpensive Creative Stage soundbar with an external subwoofer is ideal for movie nights and exciting games. Power of 160 W in combination with a frequency range from 55 to 20,000 Hz will provide good sound.

In this class of speaker, note the Sony soundbar, which connects to the TV with an HDMI ACR cable. The simplicity of the design will be a nice addition that will not break the simplicity of the style. You can listen to your favorite music from a USB device or connect the speaker to a device via Bluetooth.

The wireless soundbar under the TV that you hang on the wall fits perfectly into the space. You don’t have to worry about where to hide the cables – the Bluetooth connection allows you to play good quality sound.

LG Soundbars are a good choice if you’re a fan of quality hardware. The model with 220W external subwoofer will give you an extraordinary experience with the highest possible sound quality. You will connect the speaker to the device via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital audio technologies

In addition to enhancing the comfort of watching movies, soundbars are also useful for listening to music. If good sound quality is important to you, look for models that use lossless technology. The cinematic sound guaranteed by Dolby Atmos also works well when listening to music, so you can feel the depth of every tone for an amazing musical experience. It is Dolby Atmos that turns the soundtrack into spatial music, the individual elements of which, played in real time, create the impression that they reach your ears from different points.

If you want the best results, be sure to check if the device you plan to buy supports Dolby Digital. This technology works with six independent sound channels, of which three are front and two surround sounds in the frequency range from 3 to 20,000 Hz, and the last channel, Low Frequency Effects, has a range from 3 to 20 Hz.

Popular Soundbar Manufacturers

What are the best soundbars? There are many soundbar manufacturers out there, but it’s worth looking into the brand if you’re looking for a quality music soundbar. A Yamaha, Samsung, LG, JBL soundbar will always be associated with quality. These are companies connected to the sound industry and they care about the good components used in soundbars.

There are many types of soundbars. Depending on their purpose, you can choose classic TV or computer speakers or a soundbar for music from Internet radio. The rating of the best models will help you make a choice.

Like Rating

Samsung HW-Q60T Soundbar

Samsung HW-Q700A Soundbar

TCL TS9030 Soundbar

Genius 100 Soundbar

Soundbar TCL TS7010

JBL Bar Studio

The best soundbars to enhance your home theater experience!

• By
  Zayn

• Published –
  January 11, 2023

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The soundbar is a device designed to improve the sound quality of your TV. This is a thin rectangular panel located under or in front of the TV. This is a great option if you’re looking for an easy way to improve your TV’s sound quality without having to buy a new TV. Whatever your budget, there is one that is perfect for you. There are many types and styles on the market, so finding the right one for your needs can take time and effort. This article will help you choose the best soundbar for your needs and budget.

What will you see here?

• Vizio M Series 2.1
• Sonos Ray
• Samsung HW Q700B Soundbars
• Sony HT-G700 Soundbars
• Roku Streambar Pro with subwoofer
• Yamaha ATS-2090 Soundbars
• What to look for when choosing a soundbar?
• Conclusion
• Read more:

Vizio M Series 2.1

VIZIO M-Series 2.1

4.2

$149.99

If you’re looking for immersive cinematic 3D sound, check out the Vizio M Series 2. 1. This Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound system will completely change your movie experience.

With a Dolby Atmos soundbar, you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action, with sounds coming at you from all directions. And with DTS:X, you can enjoy a 3D soundscape with deep bass and crystal clear highs.

Whether you’re watching your favorite blockbuster or streaming the latest series, the Vizio M Series 2.1 will take your audio experience to the next level with atmospheric content. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

One of the best things about this TV is its ability to blend seamlessly into any environment. Whether you mount it on a wall or on a stand, the M Series 2.1 will feel right at home.

Another great feature of the M Series 2.1 is the mounting system. This TV has a stand that can be easily attached to any surface, making it ideal for desktop or wall mounting. The mounting system is quick and easy to use, so you only need a few hours to set up your TV.

The latest HDMI eARC connection provides 4K Dolby Vision pass-through to your TV and allows you to control it with your TV remote, which is very convenient. This fantastic feature allows you to get the best picture and sound.

The Vizio M Series 2.1 Soundbar is a compact yet powerful audio system that delivers room-filling sound. The soundbar features four full-range speakers and two upward-firing speakers that create realistic, lifelike surround sound. Inputs include optical, HDMI, coaxial and Bluetooth.

Pros:

• Easy to set up
• Great price
• Good selection of inputs

Cons:

9023 4

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