Settling on a great entertainment setup is the first step to any home cinema experience. However, you can easily improve upon this without spending a fortune by considering a budget soundbar.

Relying on built-in TV speakers simply won't do the job, which is where soundbars come in. Adding better sound quality and louder audio can easily be achieved at an affordable cost and with space-saving benefits.

Here are the best soundbars for those on a budget.

Premium pick

1. Klipsch Cinema 400

8.80 / 10
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The Klipsch Cinema 400 features horn-loaded speakers, with two gunmetal-colored Tractrix horns with a one-inch tweeter inside each. Constructed of wood, this soundbar feels solid and sturdy and comes in at a generous length of 40-inches across.

The Klipsch Cinema 400 sits well for rock and roll lovers in terms of sound, with the subwoofer reaching deep bass levels. Whether you're watching an action-packed movie or listening to country music, this soundbar doesn't waver.

While it only has one HDMI port, the Klipsch Cinema 400 is a beast in terms of sound on a budget. While the size of this soundbar might not suit everyone, it does do things better than most of the competition and offers excellent sound quality.

Key Features
  • Plug and play
  • HDMI ARC
  • Wireless subwoofer
Specifications
  • Brand: Klipsch
  • Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth
  • Integrations: None
  • Ports: HDMI
  • Audio Format: Not provided
  • Power: 400W
  • Subwoofer Output: Not provided
Pros
  • Great for music and movies
  • Good build quality
  • Looks appealing
Cons
  • Only one HDMI port
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Klipsch Cinema 400
Editors choice

2. Samsung HW-A450

8.80 / 10
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The Samsung HW-A450 presents a simple structure, featuring an optical input and USB port. It supports Bluetooth for wireless streaming, allowing you to play music from your mobile device.

The simple rectangular design is a great companion for Samsung TV owners. There are various sound enhancements available through different presets, making the Samsung HW-A450 reasonably versatile. While it offers a very good frequency response, this soundbar lacks bass, so you may not get the rumble you're looking for.

The Samsung HW-A450 boasts a simple interface that is ideal for a budget or entry-level soundbar. Featuring a whopping 300W of power, this soundbar can deliver some serious volume, filling a large room for an action-packed movie night.

Key Features
  • Game mode
  • Wireless surround sound compatible
  • One remote can be used for your Samsung TV and soundbar
Specifications
  • Brand: Samsung
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: None
  • Ports: Optical, USB
  • Audio Format: Not provided
  • Power: 300W
  • Subwoofer Output: 40W
Pros
  • Graphic equalizer
  • Great sound quality
  • Loud
Cons
  • Poor bass performance
Buy This Product
Samsung HW-A450
Best value

3. Pyle TV Soundbar

7.40 / 10
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The Pyle TV Soundbar doubles up as a TV stand, allowing you to mount TVs weighing up to 44 pounds. While it's not going to mount huge TVs, its space-saving design is helpful for those who don't have much room.

With a Bluetooth connection, it's easy to listen to YouTube videos from your phone or connect your soundbar directly to the TV. The buttons on the top of the unit are easy to access and complement the included full-function remote control.

Although there isn't an HDMI input, it's hard to grumble at this given the extremely low price. The sound is reasonably balanced and natural, with the option to bump up the bass in Movie Mode. Either way, you'll get better sound from the Pyle TV Soundbar than you will directly from your TV.

Key Features
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Full function remote control
  • Space saving design
Specifications
  • Brand: Pyle
  • Connectivity: Auxilliary, Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Ports: AUX-in, RCA, Digital Optical Audio
  • Audio Format: Not provided
  • Power: 30W
  • Subwoofer Output: N/A
Pros
  • Cheap
  • Balanced sound
  • Easy to setup
Cons
  • No HDMI
Buy This Product
Pyle TV Soundbar

The Sony HT-S350 is ideal for people who live in smaller apartments as it can produce enough power (340W) to fill a small room without disturbing the neighbors. With a low price point, this good-quality soundbar is an affordable choice.The Sony HT-S350 is very easy to use as an entry-level soundbar and includes a remote control for simplicity. You'll undoubtedly get better audio out of this than you will your TV. However, don't expect booming bass and glass-shattering sounds.Most frequencies above 200Hz will sound equal, meaning you won't get any distinguished highs and lows. But for listening to music and upgrading your TV sound, it's a solid choice if you're on a budget.

Key Features
  • Virtual surround sound technology
  • Bluetooth streaming
  • Seven sound modes
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI
  • Integrations: None
  • Ports: HDMI, USB-A
  • Audio Format: Dolby Digital, Dolby Dual Mono, LPCM
  • Power: 320W
  • Subwoofer Output: 150W
Pros
  • Easy setup
  • Includes remote control
  • Good sound
Cons
  • No Dolby Atmos
Buy This Product
Sony HT-S350

The Creative Stage V2 is ideal for smaller spaces, like a studio or college dorm room. It's compact enough to provide an improvement to your TV's audio and is affordably priced given its overall performance. Bluetooth connectivity makes the Creative Stage V2 easy to pair with a smartphone if you want to listen to some music. While you're not going to get the kind of quality you would from a larger and more powerful soundbar, it's very versatile and fit for purpose.For PC users, you could use the Creative Stage V2 as a desktop speaker system, as it would offer some serious power compared to monitor speakers or smaller speakers. However, if you're expecting deep bass tones and punchy sound, the Creative Stage V2 may not be the best option.

Key Features
  • Remote control
  • Multiple connections including Bluetooth and AUX
  • Wall-mountable
Specifications
  • Brand: Creative
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Auxillary
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Ports: HDMI, Optical, USB, AUX-in
  • Audio Format: Not provided
  • Power: 160W
  • Subwoofer Output: 40W
Pros
  • Clear audio
  • Easy setup
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Music can sound quite flat
Buy This Product
Creative Stage V2

The TCL Alto 6+ is incredibly simple to use, featuring a few buttons, LED lights, and basic remote control. This soundbar is very versatile, with the option to connect to your TV via HDMI ARC, optical digital, 3.5mm, USB, and Bluetooth.Given its size, the TCL Alto 6+ produces some pretty beefy sound. Dialogue is easy to hear, and the subwoofer delivers serious power on low-end effects. While listening to music, this soundbar is okay but not as punchy in the treble tones.Listening to the TCL Alto 6+ at around 85 decibels delivers optimal performance. It's easy to use, simple to connect multiple devices, and for a small system, it offers enough sound for most rooms.

Key Features
  • Specialized sound modes
  • Wall-mountable
  • Stream music wirelessly
Specifications
  • Brand: TCL
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI
  • Integrations: Roku TV
  • Ports: HDMI ARC, Aux/Audio (3.5mm), Optical, USB
  • Audio Format: MP3, FLAC
  • Power: 240W
  • Subwoofer Output: 25W
Pros
  • Strong bass
  • Clear dialogue
  • Simple to use
Cons
  • No app
Buy This Product
TCL Alto 6+

The LG SK1 is a compact soundbar that delivers a 40W output. It's relatively basic in its design and features but makes a decent upgrade to TV audio and is perfect for smaller rooms or apartments.

Setting up the LG SK1 is very easy. It features a plug-and-play design and Bluetooth connectivity. The remote allows you to switch between Bluetooth, optical, and 3.5mm devices. There's a definite lack of bass presence in this small soundbar. Although, despite the pair of 20W speakers, it delivers surprisingly dramatic sound.

If you're looking for a soundbar that comes in at under 30 inches wide, the LG SK1 is a fitting addition. It's suitable for smaller TVs and rooms and is an affordable option for those who don't require extensive features or connectivity.

Key Features
  • Remote control included
  • Bluetooth compatible
Specifications
  • Brand: LG
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, Auxillary
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Ports: Audio In 3.5mm, Optical, USB
  • Audio Format: Dolby Digital, AAC/AAC+
  • Power: 40W
  • Subwoofer Output: N/A
Pros
  • Very affordable
  • Easy to use
  • Good sound quality
Cons
  • Limited connectivity
Buy This Product

The Sound BlasterX Katana is a gamer's dream, offering a space-saving design while delivering powerful sound. The programmable RGB lights are seriously eye-catching, and its sleek design makes it a great accessory for any desktop or console setup.Although you could use the Sound BlasterX Katana in a living room, it's primarily meant for desktops, given the lack of HDMI input. Despite this, the Katana can push out some deafening sound which could be overwhelming when placed on a desk. There's plenty of mid-range and bass, with impressive close-quarters clarity.Although it's not the cheapest budget soundbar, the Sound BlasterX Katana offers some exciting and customizable features. The sound quality is good, and the unit provides a space-saving design to cater to gaming environments.

Key Features
  • Five-driver design
  • Programmable RGB lighting
  • Great for PC and consoles
Specifications
  • Brand: Dolby
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth
  • Integrations: N/A
  • Ports: Optical, USB
  • Audio Format: AAC, SBC
  • Power: 150W
  • Subwoofer Output: 75W
Pros
  • Powerful sound
  • RGB lights
  • Bluetooth
Cons
  • Lacks HDMI
Buy This Product
Sound BlasterX Katana

FAQ

Q: Are Soundbars a Waste of Money?

Soundbars are designed for TVs, introducing better sound quality compared to built-in TV speakers. They are generally suitable for small to mid-sized rooms, delivering a range of connectivity options to hook up to your devices.

Q: Do You Really Need a Subwoofer With a Soundbar?

Subwoofers aren't a requirement when purchasing a soundbar. Soundbars include multiple speakers that sound good on their own, but the addition of a subwoofer can easily leverage low frequencies for added bass.

Q: Are Soundbars Repairable?

As soundbars are internally complex, they aren't easily repairable without the proper skills or tools. If your soundbar stops working, then start by re-pairing your Bluetooth devices and checking physical connections. However, it's worth checking with the manufacturer to see if your warranty will cover the repair if that doesn't resolve the issue.