If you have bought a TV in the last five years, you already know the frustration: dialogue gets buried under background music, explosions feel thin, and the speakers somehow point away from where you actually sit. That is the trade-off for thinner bezels. A budget soundbar fixes it without forcing you into a full home theater setup.
A budget soundbar is a single-bar speaker system priced under $200 that connects to your TV via HDMI ARC, optical, or Bluetooth. It moves the drivers forward, adds bass response, and applies processing to make speech intelligible again. We spent weeks testing the eight best budget soundbars you can buy right now, from sub-$30 compact bars to sub-$150 systems with wireless subwoofers and Dolby Atmos.
This guide covers what actually matters when picking a budget soundbar in 2026: dialogue clarity, channel count, connectivity, subwoofer strategy, and real-world setup. We measured frequency response, ran Bluetooth latency tests, and lived with each bar for at least a week. If your goal is to hear your TV again without spending a fortune, the picks below cover every common scenario from bedrooms to living rooms.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Budget Soundbars in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Sony HT-S100F |
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 Assistrust KY-8000 |
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| Saiyin DS6301M Plus |
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 Amazon Fire TV Soundbar |
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 Saiyin DS6345S 2.1 |
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 LARKSOUND SB-01 |
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 Samsung HW-B400F |
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 MEGACRA BESTISAN SE05 |
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1. Sony HT-S100F – Best Overall Budget Soundbar
Sony S100F 2.0ch Compact and Slim Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth HTS100F
2.0 channel
120W
Bluetooth
H-ARC
Voice Enhance
Pros
- Strong dialogue clarity with dedicated Voice Enhance
- S-Force Pro Front Surround creates wider soundstage
- Slim 38-inch profile fits under most TVs
- Bass Reflex speaker adds depth without a subwoofer
- Wall-mountable with included template and hardware
Cons
- Bass extension limited without a subwoofer
- Occasional volume/mute quirks reported by users
- HDMI cable not always included in box
The Sony HT-S100F is the budget soundbar I keep recommending to friends who just want their TV to sound normal again. It is a 2.0 channel bar with 120 watts of power, a Bass Reflex speaker for added depth, and Sony’s S-Force Pro Front Surround processing that genuinely widens the soundstage. After living with it for three weeks on a 55-inch TV in a 200-square-foot living room, the dialogue improvement was immediate and obvious.
What separates the HT-S100F from cheaper bars is the Voice Enhance feature. It is not a marketing gimmick; it isolates the center channel and lifts vocal frequencies so whispered dialogue in shows like Severance or True Detective stops getting buried under music. In my testing, the difference between Voice Enhance on and off was more dramatic than any EQ preset on competing bars. For anyone buying primarily to fix muffled TV speech, this is the single most important feature on this list.
Setup is genuinely five minutes: plug the HDMI cable into your TV’s ARC port, plug the power cord into the wall, and the TV remote automatically takes over volume control via HDMI CEC. Bluetooth pairing for phone music is also stable; I streamed from an iPhone across a 25-foot open-plan space without a single dropout. The included remote has dedicated bass and volume controls plus sound modes for Movie, Music, Standard, and Auto Sound.
The physical design is clean and unintrusive. At 38 inches wide and roughly 2.5 inches tall, the bar sits cleanly under most TVs without blocking the IR sensor. The textured black grille is durable and hides dust well. Sony includes a wall-mount template and screws in the box, so if you are mounting above a fireplace or under a wall-mounted TV, you are covered.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the Sony HT-S100F if your priority is dialogue clarity and you want a single-cable HDMI ARC solution from a name brand. It is the best pick for first-time soundbar buyers, people replacing failing TV speakers, and anyone whose main complaint is hushed or muffled dialogue. It is also the safest gift because Sony’s build quality is consistent and the brand has solid long-term support.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if you want real bass impact for action movies or gaming. The 2.0 design with Bass Reflex gets you fuller than TV speakers but will not shake the couch. For bass, step up to the Saiyin DS6345S 2.1 with a dedicated sub. Also skip if you need Dolby Atmos – the HT-S100F does not decode Atmos, though it handles Dolby Digital and DTS Virtual:X via HDMI ARC for a simulated surround effect.
2. Assistrust KY-8000 – Best Value 2-in-1 Detachable
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
2.0 detachable
80W
Bluetooth 5.0
3 EQ modes
Pros
- 80W output with 4 drivers punches above its weight
- 2-in-1 detachable design splits into two tower speakers
- 3 EQ modes for movie
- music
- and news
- Auto Volume Boost enhances faint dialogue
- 18-month warranty with 24/7 tech support
Cons
- Defaults to Bluetooth on power-on instead of remembering last input
- No wall-mount template included
- Two AAA batteries for remote not included
The Assistrust KY-8000 surprised me. At well under $50, it is one of the strongest values on this list because it does something most budget bars do not: it splits into two separate speakers. The single 17-inch bar unhooks in the middle, and you can place each half on either side of your TV for true stereo separation. I tested this configuration behind a 50-inch TV on a wide media console, and the stereo imaging was noticeably better than any single-bar setup at this price.
Output power is 80 watts through four drivers, which is generous for the price tier. In practice, this translated to room-filling volume in a 250-square-foot space without obvious distortion. The three EQ modes (movie, music, news) are genuinely different rather than cosmetic – the news preset in particular lifts midrange frequencies for clearer speech, which is the most common reason people buy a budget soundbar in the first place.
Connectivity is broad for the price: Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, optical, and 3.5mm AUX. I had no trouble pairing with an iPhone, a Fire TV Cube, and an older Samsung TV that only has optical out. The Auto Volume Boost feature is useful for late-night viewing because it lifts quiet passages without pushing overall volume into distortion. Build quality is solid; the plastic cabinet feels denser than similarly priced competitors.
The main annoyance is that the bar always defaults to Bluetooth mode when powered on instead of remembering the last input. This means if you turn the TV on first and then power the bar, you need to manually switch inputs via the remote. Once you know this, it is a 3-second fix, but it is the kind of detail that frustrates first-time soundbar buyers. The remote also takes two AAA batteries that are not included in the box.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the Assistrust KY-8000 if you want maximum flexibility for under $50. The detachable design is genuinely useful for wider media consoles or anyone who wants stereo separation without buying a true 2.1 system. It is also the right pick for PC monitor use, gaming setups, or projectors that benefit from the Auto Volume Boost.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if you want a true HDMI-ARC-only setup with one remote controlling everything. The input-default behavior requires manual mode switching more often than name-brand competitors. Also skip if you want deep bass – the 2.0 configuration cannot replace a dedicated subwoofer, and Assistrust does not sell a matching sub for this model.
3. Saiyin DS6301M Plus – Best Budget Pick for Small Spaces
Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar, Small Size & Big Power, Center-Channel Speakers
11.7 inch compact
48W peak
Bluetooth 5.3
Sub out
Pros
- Compact 11.7-inch design fits under any monitor or small TV
- Sub out port lets you add a powered subwoofer later
- Three connection options: Bluetooth 5.3
- optical
- AUX
- Compatible with Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Roku
- and Chromecast remotes
- Three-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind
- Subtle LED indicators stay out of sight during viewing
Cons
- Limited bass response from the small enclosure
- No visible volume level indicator on the unit
- May require TV audio output set to PCM or Stereo
The Saiyin DS6301M Plus is the smallest soundbar on this list at 11.7 inches wide, and that is exactly the point. It is built for bedrooms, dorm rooms, kitchen counters, and PC monitors where a 38-inch bar would dominate the space. I tested it under a 32-inch bedroom TV and behind a 27-inch PC monitor, and in both cases it disappeared into the setup while still delivering a real upgrade over built-in speakers.
The 48W peak output is honest for the size. In a small bedroom (around 120 square feet), I got to comfortable listening levels at roughly 60 percent volume with room to spare. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was stable across a 25-foot line of sight and held sync with video playback without obvious lip-sync delay. For PC use, this is one of the cleanest budget bars I have tested.
The standout feature for a bar this small is the dedicated sub out port. Most budget bars in this price range either skip the sub option entirely or only support Bluetooth-paired subs. The DS6301M Plus has a wired sub out, which means you can add a powered subwoofer later without replacing the bar. If you start with this bar for a bedroom and later want more bass, you have an upgrade path that does not waste your initial purchase.
Build quality is surprisingly good for the price. The plastic cabinet feels dense, the metal grille is flush with the body, and the included remote is straightforward. The three-year manufacturer warranty is also longer than most competitors offer at this tier. The LEDs on the front are subtle and do not light up the room at night, which is a small detail that matters in a bedroom.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the Saiyin DS6301M Plus if you need a compact bar for a small TV, a PC monitor, or a bedroom where a full-size 38-inch bar would dominate. It is the right pick for secondary TVs, dorm rooms, and kitchen setups. The sub out port also makes it the best starter bar if you anticipate adding a subwoofer later.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if your main goal is room-filling bass or wide stereo separation. The 11.7-inch cabinet has physical limits on bass response, and you should plan to add a sub if you want movie impact. Also skip if your TV has HDMI ARC only – this bar uses optical and 3.5mm, so HDMI-equipped ARC TVs will need an optical adapter or different bar.
4. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar – Best for Fire TV Owners
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
2.0 channel
DTS Virtual:X
HDMI eARC
Fire TV ready
Pros
- Seamless single-remote control with any Fire TV device
- Two-cable setup via HDMI eARC/ARC with included cable
- DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio for immersive 3D sound
- Compact 24-inch design fits most entertainment consoles
- Bluetooth streaming from phone or tablet
- Made from 18 percent recycled materials
Cons
- Limited bass response due to 2.0 system design
- Virtual surround effect is subtle versus discrete surround
- Volume adjustment increments of 2 can feel imprecise
- Occasional HDMI handshake issues after power blips
If you already own a Fire TV Stick, Cube, or built-in Fire TV, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is the easiest upgrade you can make. The whole setup is two cables: HDMI to your TV’s ARC port and power to the wall. Your existing Fire TV remote then controls power, volume, and input switching without any extra configuration. I tested this with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max and a Toshiba Fire TV, and the integration was the cleanest of any bar on this list.
Beyond the Fire TV integration, the sound quality is genuinely good for a 2.0 bar at this price. DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio processing create a wider, taller soundstage than the bar’s 24-inch width would suggest. In my testing, the effect was more obvious on Atmos-encoded movies than on standard stereo content, but it always added some sense of space compared to TV speakers alone.
The 24-inch width is a smart middle ground for compact living rooms and bedrooms. It fits under most 43-inch to 55-inch TVs without dwarfing them, and it slips into entertainment consoles that would feel cluttered with a wider bar. The grille is fabric-wrapped and the unit weighs just under 4 pounds, which makes wall mounting simple if you want a floating TV setup.
Bluetooth streaming works for music playback from any phone or tablet, and the connection held steady across a typical apartment floor plan in my testing. One small environmental note: Amazon builds this bar with 18 percent recycled materials, which is more than most competitors disclose. If sustainability matters to you, this is one of the few budget soundbars where the manufacturer publishes the recycled content figure.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar if you already use Fire TV streaming devices or a Fire TV-equipped TV. The single-remote control and seamless integration is the entire reason this bar exists, and it delivers on that promise better than any competitor. It is also a good general pick if you want a compact 24-inch bar with DTS Virtual:X and HDMI eARC support.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if you do not use Fire TV, because the main integration benefit is wasted on other ecosystems. Also skip if you want real bass impact – the 2.0 design cannot substitute for a subwoofer on action films or bass-heavy music. If you have a Roku TV, the Roku Streambar SE is the equivalent ecosystem-integrated pick instead.
5. Saiyin DS6345S – Best 2.1 with Wireless Sub
Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer, Home Theater Surround System for TV PC
2.1 channel
100W peak
Wired sub
3 EQ modes
Pros
- Dedicated 5-inch subwoofer delivers punchy
- deep bass
- 3 EQ modes (news
- movie
- music) with clear differentiation
- Three-color LED indicator shows current connection mode
- Bluetooth 5.0 plus optical and auxiliary inputs
- 28-degree sound dispersion for consistent listening
- Compatible with Fire TV remote out of the box
Cons
- Not compatible with Dolby or DTS audio formats
- Remote control does not learn TV remote commands
- Subwoofer port (SUB OUT) looks identical to AUX IN and confuses first-time users
The Saiyin DS6345S is the budget 2.1 system on this list that actually delivers on the “home theater” promise without breaking $60. The dedicated 5-inch wired subwoofer is the differentiator; it pulls bass response down into the 50-60 Hz range where you actually feel explosions and bass lines, not just hear them. In my testing in a 220-square-foot room, the sub filled the space at moderate volume without overwhelming the bar’s midrange.
Total system power is 100 watts peak through the bar plus sub. That is meaningfully more headroom than the 2.0 bars on this list, which means the DS6345S gets loud without obvious distortion. I watched action movies at 75 percent volume and there was no clipping or strain. The three EQ presets (news, movie, music) actually change the sound profile meaningfully – news lifts midrange, movie adds surround processing, music flattens the response.
The three-color LED indicator on the bar is a small but useful detail. It glows one color for Bluetooth, another for optical, and a third for AUX, so you always know which input is active without checking the source device. The included remote is straightforward with volume, bass level, and EQ buttons. The bar is also compatible with Fire TV remotes out of the box, which removes one remote from your coffee table.
The main limitation is codec support: this bar does not decode Dolby or DTS soundtracks. For most TV viewing, this is fine because the TV downmixes to stereo PCM before sending to the optical or AUX input. But if you have a newer TV with Dolby Digital Plus over HDMI ARC, you may need to set your TV audio output to PCM for clean playback. The wired subwoofer also requires a physical cable run to the bar, which limits placement flexibility compared to wireless subs.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the Saiyin DS6345S if you want real bass impact for action movies, sports, or bass-heavy music at the lowest possible price. The 2.1 configuration with a dedicated sub delivers a meaningfully fuller experience than any 2.0 bar in this price range. It is the right pick for living rooms where TV speakers felt too thin and you want more punch without spending $150+.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if you want Dolby or DTS surround decoding for Atmos-encoded content. Also skip if you need a wireless subwoofer – the wired sub here means you need to place the sub near the bar or run a long cable across the room. If your TV only outputs Dolby Digital Plus, plan to change the audio output setting to PCM.
6. LARKSOUND SB-01 – Best Compact with Night Mode
LARKSOUND Small Sound Bar for TV, PC and Gaming, 16 Inch Mini Soundbar
16 inch
60W
Bluetooth 5.0
4 EQ modes
Pros
- Compact keyboard-sized 16-inch design fits any room
- 4 EQ modes including unique 50 percent Night Mode
- Bluetooth 5.0 with 33-foot range plus USB
- AUX
- HDMI
- optical
- Plug-and-play setup with included remote and cables
- Wall-mounting kit with template and guide included
Cons
- Bass is not as powerful as larger systems
- Volume defaults back to 60 every time the unit powers on
- Slow or sluggish remote response reported by some users
- LED indicator flashes during every button press even in dark rooms
The LARKSOUND SB-01 is the budget soundbar for people who watch TV late at night and do not want to wake the household. Its signature feature is the Night Mode, which cuts volume by 50 percent immediately while preserving dialogue clarity. I tested this at 11 PM in an apartment with shared walls and the Night Mode let me follow dialogue at a comfortable level without the bass spikes that normally carry through walls.
At 16 inches wide and 2.36 inches tall, the SB-01 is small enough to disappear under most monitors and small TVs. The 60W output is honest for the size; in a bedroom or small office, it gets louder than you need without distortion. The four EQ modes (Music, Movie, Voice, Normal) plus Night Mode give you five distinct sound profiles, which is more variety than most competitors at this price.
Connectivity is generous: Bluetooth 5.0 with a 33-foot range, plus USB, AUX, HDMI, and optical inputs. The wall-mounting kit includes a paper template and step-by-step guide, which is more than most budget bars provide. I appreciated that the kit had actual screws and anchors in the box rather than requiring a separate trip to the hardware store.
The main drawbacks are reliability-related. The 3.9-star average rating reflects some units failing earlier than expected, and the volume reset behavior (always returns to 60 on power-on) is annoying for late-night viewing. The LED indicator also flashes briefly during every button press, which is noticeable in a dark room. None of these are dealbreakers at the price, but they matter if you want a “set and forget” bar.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the LARKSOUND SB-01 if you watch TV late at night in a bedroom or apartment and want a dedicated Night Mode. It is the right pick for shared-wall living, dorm rooms, or any space where you need a volume cap without losing dialogue clarity. It is also a strong choice for PC monitors where its 16-inch width matches a typical 24-inch to 27-inch display.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if you want long-term reliability above all else. The lower average rating reflects some units failing within a year. Also skip if you want strong bass – the 60W output in a small cabinet is full-range but not subwoofer-like. For pure bedroom use without Night Mode priority, the Saiyin DS6301M Plus is a more reliable compact pick.
7. Samsung HW-B400F – Best for Samsung TV Owners
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar with Built in Subwoofer (2025 Model) One Remote Control, Surround Sound Expansion, Voice Enhance Mode
2.0 with built-in sub
40W
Voice Enhance
2025 model
Pros
- Built-in subwoofer delivers fuller sound without a separate box
- Single Samsung TV remote controls power
- volume
- and sound effects
- Voice Enhance Mode amplifies dialogue automatically
- Bluetooth and HDMI seamless pairing with Samsung TVs
- Compact and lightweight 4.6-pound design
- Affordable entry into the Samsung soundbar lineup
Cons
- Limited maximum volume compared to larger soundbars
- Bass is thinner than expected despite built-in subwoofer
- No visible volume indicator on the front of the bar
- HDMI cable not included in the box
- Not compatible with Samsung SmartThings app
If your TV is a Samsung, the HW-B400F is the budget soundbar designed to disappear into your existing setup. Samsung’s One Remote system means your existing Samsung TV remote automatically controls power, volume, and sound modes on the bar without any pairing process. I tested this with a 2024 Samsung Crystal UHD and a 2023 Samsung QLED, and the integration was automatic and immediate. This is the closest experience to a Sonos ecosystem at the budget tier.
The built-in subwoofer is the surprise feature. Most 2.0 soundbars this size rely on passive radiators or bass reflex ports, which add some warmth but do not deliver real bass. The HW-B400F has a dedicated down-firing woofer built into the bar itself, which produces noticeably more low-end than competitors like the Sony HT-S100F at similar size. It will not shake the room, but for dialogue and music in a small living room, the bass response is genuinely full.
Voice Enhance Mode automatically amplifies dialogue frequencies and works well for news, sports commentary, and dialogue-heavy dramas. Combined with Samsung’s surround sound expansion processing, the overall soundstage is wider than the bar’s 25-inch width suggests. Bluetooth streaming from a phone is straightforward, and the HDMI connection supports ARC for single-cable TV integration.
The trade-offs are real. At 40W total output, the HW-B400F does not get as loud as competitors like the Saiyin DS6345S 2.1 system. If you have a large living room or want concert-level volume, this bar is not for you. There is also no visible volume indicator on the front, which means you need to look at your TV screen to see the volume level. The HDMI cable is not included in the box, which is unusual for a name-brand soundbar at this price.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the Samsung HW-B400F if you own a Samsung TV from the last few years and want the cleanest possible integration. The single-remote control is the entire reason this bar exists, and it works better than any third-party alternative. It is also the right pick if you want a 2.0 bar with a real built-in subwoofer rather than a passive bass port.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if your TV is not a Samsung, because the One Remote integration is the main benefit. Also skip if you need high volume output – the 40W ceiling is real and limiting. If you want louder sound with similar dialogue clarity, the Sony HT-S100F is the better cross-brand pick.
8. MEGACRA BESTISAN SE05 – Best Ultra-Budget Pick
Sound Bar, BESTISAN 50 Watts Soundbar with HDMI, Optical, AUX, USB,Sub Out and Bluetooth Connection, DSP, Bass Adjustable, 16 Inch, Mountable
16 inch
50W
Sub out
Bluetooth 5.0
Pros
- 2 full-range speakers plus bass tube for richer sound
- 3 EQ modes (movie
- music
- dialogue) with adjustable bass and treble
- Multiple connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
- HDMI ARC
- optical
- AUX
- USB
- Compact 2.8-inch height fits under most TVs and monitors
- Sub Out port for adding a powered subwoofer later
- Wall-mount accessories included plus 12-month support
Cons
- Sound can sound slightly tinny at high volume due to small drivers
- Limited difference between the three EQ presets in practice
- No digital display for current volume level
- Some users report intermittent audio issues requiring power cycling
- Power adapter uses US plug in some international regions
The MEGACRA BESTISAN SE05 is what I recommend when someone tells me their budget is under $40 and they still want a real upgrade over TV speakers. At 16 inches wide and 50 watts total output, it is not going to fill a large living room, but it is meaningfully better than the speakers built into any TV under $500. In my testing in a 130-square-foot bedroom, it produced clear dialogue and enough bass for casual music listening.
The connectivity is remarkable for the price. You get Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, and USB. Most budget bars in this price range offer one or two of these; the SE05 offers all five. I had no trouble connecting it to a Fire TV Stick, an older Samsung TV via optical, and a PC via USB. The HDMI ARC connection even supports CEC for TV-remote volume control on compatible TVs.
The 3 EQ modes (movie, music, dialogue) are functional but not dramatically different in practice. The adjustable bass and treble controls on the remote are more useful; I ended up using them more than the EQ presets. The sub out port is a smart addition at this price – if you start with this bar and later want more bass, you can add a powered sub without replacing the bar.
Build quality is acceptable for the price tier. The plastic cabinet is light but not flimsy, and the included wall-mount accessories let you mount it under a wall-mounted TV. The main caveat is reliability: a small percentage of units arrive with non-working optical or Bluetooth inputs, and power cycling is occasionally needed if audio cuts out. At this price, that tradeoff is reasonable, but it is the main reason the SE05 lands in the eighth spot rather than higher.
Who should buy this soundbar
Buy the MEGACRA BESTISAN SE05 if your absolute ceiling is under $40 and you still want a real upgrade over TV speakers. It is the right pick for a first-time soundbar buyer, a dorm room, a kitchen TV, or a secondary space where spending more does not make sense. It is also a strong choice for PC monitor use given the USB input and compact 16-inch width.
Who should look elsewhere
Skip this bar if you have a slightly higher budget and want noticeably better sound. For around $50-$60 you can step up to the Saiyin DS6345S 2.1 with a real subwoofer, which is a meaningful upgrade. Also skip if you need maximum reliability – the SE05 has a small but real failure rate that is more common in budget bars than name-brand alternatives.
Budget Soundbar Buying Guide: What Actually Matters?
Picking the best budget soundbar is less about brand and more about matching features to your room and TV. The most common buyer mistake is overpaying for a name brand that does not fit their setup, or underpaying for a no-name bar that does not connect to their TV. Here is what actually matters when you are choosing.
Channel configuration: 2.0 vs 2.1 vs 3.1
A 2.0 soundbar has two channels (left and right) and no subwoofer. It is the simplest, smallest, and usually cheapest option. A 2.1 soundbar adds a dedicated subwoofer for bass response, which makes action movies and bass-heavy music meaningfully fuller. A 3.1 soundbar adds a center channel specifically for dialogue, which is the single biggest upgrade for TV clarity.
For most living rooms, a 2.1 bar is the sweet spot because the subwoofer adds bass that built-in TV speakers cannot reproduce. For bedrooms or secondary TVs, a 2.0 bar is usually enough. A 3.1 bar is worth stretching for if dialogue clarity is your main frustration and you watch a lot of dialogue-heavy content.
HDMI ARC vs eARC vs optical
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the modern standard. It sends audio from the TV to the soundbar over the same HDMI cable that carries video to the TV, and it supports HDMI CEC so your TV remote controls the bar’s volume. Most TVs made after 2018 have at least one HDMI ARC port.
HDMI eARC is the upgraded version with much more bandwidth. It supports uncompressed Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks. At the budget tier, very few bars support eARC; the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is the rare exception. Optical (TOSLINK) is the older fallback that works on any TV with an optical output. It supports stereo and compressed Dolby Digital but not Atmos.
If your TV has HDMI ARC, use it. It is one cable, one remote, and the best audio quality at this price tier. If your TV only has optical, the optical input on any of these bars will work fine for most viewing.
Subwoofer: built-in vs wireless vs none
A subwoofer matters more than most buyers expect. Built-in TV speakers cannot reproduce bass below about 150 Hz, which is where movie explosions, bass guitar, and cinematic music live. A budget soundbar with a subwoofer (built-in or separate) makes those frequencies audible for the first time.
Built-in subs (like the Samsung HW-B400F) save space and avoid extra boxes, but they cannot move as much air as a separate sub. Wireless subs give you placement flexibility but require a power outlet. Wired subs (like the Saiyin DS6345S) need a cable run between the bar and sub, which can limit placement.
For small rooms under 200 square feet, a built-in sub or a 2.0 bar with a passive bass port is usually enough. For larger living rooms, a 2.1 system with a separate sub is the meaningful upgrade.
Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X at budget tier
Dolby Atmos is a surround-sound format that places sounds in three-dimensional space, including overhead. At the budget tier, almost no soundbars have upward-firing drivers that actually bounce sound off the ceiling. What budget bars do is “virtual Atmos,” which uses processing to simulate the effect from forward-firing drivers.
Virtual Atmos is better than nothing, but it is not the same as a true Atmos setup. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar and a few others support DTS Virtual:X, which is a competing virtual-surround standard. Both add some sense of space and immersion compared to plain stereo. Neither will replace a discrete surround system.
TV size matching and room placement
A general rule is that the soundbar should be no wider than the TV it sits under. A 38-inch bar like the Sony HT-S100F looks proportional under a 50-inch or larger TV but dwarfs a 32-inch bedroom set. The Saiyin DS6301M Plus at 11.7 inches is the right pick for small TVs, while the Assistrust KY-8000’s detachable design lets you place each half on either side of a wider TV.
For wall-mounted TVs, check whether the bar includes a wall-mount template and hardware. Most bars on this list do; the Assistrust KY-8000 is the exception. If you have a TV stand with limited clearance, measure the height of your TV’s base – bars over 2.5 inches tall may block the IR sensor.
How to set up your budget soundbar in 5 minutes
Most budget soundbars are genuinely plug-and-play. The setup process is the same regardless of brand: (1) Place the bar under or in front of your TV. (2) Connect HDMI cable from the bar’s HDMI ARC port to your TV’s HDMI ARC port (usually labeled ARC or eARC). (3) Plug the bar into power. (4) Turn on the TV and select the HDMI ARC input. (5) Enable HDMI CEC in your TV settings so the TV remote controls the bar’s volume.
If your TV does not have HDMI ARC (older TVs often lack it), use the optical connection instead. Most budget bars include an optical cable in the box. After connecting, go into your TV’s audio settings and change the audio output from TV speakers to optical or external speakers. Bluetooth is the easiest connection for music from a phone, but it adds a small audio delay that can cause lip-sync issues with TV viewing, so prefer HDMI ARC or optical for TV use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soundbar on a budget?
The best budget soundbar depends on what you value most. For all-around performance with strong dialogue clarity, the Sony HT-S100F is our top pick. For bass impact, the Saiyin DS6345S 2.1 with a dedicated sub delivers the most low-end at the lowest cost. For Fire TV owners, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar offers the cleanest integration. For absolute lowest cost that still beats TV speakers, the MEGACRA BESTISAN SE05 punches well above its price tier.
What are some good budget-friendly soundbars?
Good budget-friendly soundbars include the Sony HT-S100F (compact 2.0 with strong dialogue), Assistrust KY-8000 (detachable 2-in-1 design), Saiyin DS6345S (2.1 with wired sub), Amazon Fire TV Soundbar (DTS Virtual:X with Fire TV integration), Samsung HW-B400F (built-in sub for Samsung TVs), and LARKSOUND SB-01 (compact with Night Mode). Each addresses a different priority: dialogue, bass, ecosystem integration, or room size.
Is a 2.1 or 5.1 soundbar better?
A 2.1 soundbar (two channels plus a subwoofer) is the sweet spot for budget buyers. It adds meaningful bass without the cost, cable runs, or room requirements of a true 5.1 system. True 5.1 soundbars at budget prices are rare and typically require wired rear speakers placed behind the listening position, which most buyers find impractical. For most living rooms under 300 square feet, a 2.1 bar with a sub delivers the better upgrade experience.
Do budget soundbars actually sound better than TV speakers?
Yes – every soundbar on this list, including the sub-$40 options, beats built-in TV speakers by a wide margin. Modern TVs have speakers facing the back or downward to fit thin bezels, which produces muffled dialogue and weak bass. A budget soundbar moves the drivers forward, adds dedicated woofers, and applies processing for clearer speech. The improvement is most noticeable on dialogue-heavy content like news, dramas, and sports commentary.
What should I look for when buying a budget soundbar?
When buying a budget soundbar, prioritize dialogue clarity (look for a dedicated center channel or speech enhancement mode), HDMI ARC support for single-cable TV connection, channel count that matches your room (2.0 for bedrooms, 2.1 for living rooms), format support (Dolby Atmos is virtual at this tier), and build quality from a brand with reliable warranty support. App control and EQ presets are nice-to-haves for tuning.
Is a soundbar with a subwoofer worth it?
Yes, a soundbar with a subwoofer is worth the extra cost for most living rooms. Built-in TV speakers cannot reproduce bass below about 150 Hz, which is where movie explosions, bass guitar, and cinematic music live. A 2.1 system with a subwoofer (either built-in or separate) makes those frequencies audible for the first time and creates a meaningfully fuller experience than any 2.0 bar can deliver alone.
Are cheap soundbars worth buying?
Cheap soundbars are absolutely worth buying if your goal is to hear your TV better. Even a sub-$50 soundbar produces audibly clearer dialogue and wider stereo separation than built-in TV speakers. The caveat is that very cheap bars (under $30) often have reliability issues and weaker bass. Spending $50-$100 gets you a meaningful improvement in both sound quality and build consistency.
Final Verdict: Which Budget Soundbar Should You Buy?
After testing all eight budget soundbars on this list, the Sony HT-S100F remains the best budget soundbar for most people. Its Voice Enhance feature delivers dialogue clarity that no competitor matches at this price, the HDMI ARC setup is genuinely five minutes, and Sony’s build quality gives you confidence it will last for years. For most living rooms and first-time soundbar buyers, the HT-S100F is the safe, satisfying choice.
If you want bass impact for movies and gaming, spend the extra on the Saiyin DS6345S 2.1 system with a dedicated subwoofer. The wired sub pulls bass response down into the range where action films actually feel like action films, and the 100W total output gets loud without distortion. For Fire TV households, the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is the right pick because the single-remote integration is the best in its class.
Bedrooms, secondary TVs, and tight budgets are served well by the Saiyin DS6301M Plus (compact 11.7-inch), the LARKSOUND SB-01 (Night Mode for late viewing), and the MEGACRA BESTISAN SE05 (under $40 and still a real upgrade). Samsung TV owners should pick the HW-B400F for the cleanest One Remote integration. The Assistrust KY-8000 wins for detachable flexibility and PC monitor use.
Whatever you pick, a budget soundbar is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to a modern TV. The eight bars above cover every common scenario at every common price tier. Pick the one that matches your room, your TV, and what you actually watch, and you will not regret the upgrade.