A cheap soundbar doesn’t require sacrificing excellent components like voice controls, Dolby Atmos, or Bluetooth connectivity.
There are plenty of affordable options from brands like Samsung, Roku, and LG to enhance your TV’s audio without draining your wallet.
You’ll still get top-quality sound with fewer channels; one choice even comes with a subwoofer and satellite speakers to complete an affordable home audio system. After reviewing their features, we’ve selected some of the best cheap soundbars open to help you decide which best fits your space and budget.
Best Cheap Soundbar to buy
Hisense HS205
The Hisense HS205 is a compact, affordable soundbar that still delivers big sound. It connects to your TV via HDMI ARC, optical cable, AUX cable, or Bluetooth, and it comes with a wall-mount kit to fit in better with minimalist home theaters. With three different equalizers presets, your movies, music, and shows will sound better. The movie mode boosts bass for more impact during dramatic scenes, the music mode creates richer mid and high tones, and the news mode enables dialogue, so you never miss an essential line. The soundbar is also Roku-ready, meaning it works with the Roku remote and companion app for more efficient streaming and even voice controls
- Channels: 2.0
- Power: 60W
- Connectivity: HDMI. Optical, AUX, Bluetooth
- Dolby audio: No
| Pros | Cons |
| Multiple connectivity options, EQ presets, Wall mount kit included | No native voice controls, No Dolby support |
LG SK1
If your drawing room is on the smaller side, the LG SK1 is the best soundbar for your layout. It measures just above 2 feet long and 3.5-inches broad, driving it fit on a shelf, a mantle, or a TV stand. The dual speakers deliver up to 40W of power for richer, cleaner audio than TV speakers. However, if you have LG TV, you can connect an optical cable to the soundbar to take the edge of the Sound Sync feature.
- Channels: 2.0
- Power: 40W
- Connectivity: Optical, AUX, Bluetooth
- Dolby audio: Dolby Digital
It uses both the soundbar and your TV’s speakers to create surround sound audio without the need for extra equipment. In addition, it features Bluetooth connectivity for wireless setup and auto-updates to keep things running smoothly.
| Pros | Cons |
| Auto updates, LG Sound Sync, Dolby Digital | No HDMI output, No voice controls |
Samsung HW-A450/ZA
The Samsung HW-A470 bundle is a perfect way to step up your home audio without hurting the bank. You’ll get a four-speaker soundbar, a receiver unit, two satellite speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. The 4.1CH system offers you up to 65W of deep, rich audio perfect for movies, shows, and music. However, with wireless Bluetooth connectivity, you can set up the best speakers for your space. The built-in adaptive sound settings adjust things like volume and balance, so background music doesn’t drown out the critical dialogue. In addition, it supports Dolby Audio and DTS for virtual surround sound to provide a more cinematic experience.
- Channels: 4.1
- Power: 65W
- Connectivity: Optical, Bluetooth
- Dolby audio: Dolby Digital
| Pros | Cons |
| Dolby support, Subwoofer and satellite speakers included, Built-in equalizer | No HDMI ARC connectivity, No native voice controls |
TCL Alto 8i
Dolby Atmos is the gold benchmark for immersive and cinematic audio. With the TCL Alto 8i, you can count on this technology for your home audio setup without expending a fortune. Instead, you’ll get a truly impressive 260W of audio power from the treble speakers and dual integrated subwoofers. As a result, Dolby Atmos will supply you with room-filling, rich audio that will feel like it’s reaching from all directions without the nuisance of setting up extra equipment. And being from TCL, it’s perfect for 1pairing with one of their Roku TVs to elevate your streaming experience.
- Channels: 2.1
- Power: 260W
- Connectivity: HDMI, optical, AUX, Bluetooth
- Dolby audio: Dolby Atmos
| Pros | Cons |
| Dolby Atmos, Dual integrated subwoofers, Roku ready | No voice controls |
Roku Streambar Pro
It provides enhanced audio; it has the Roku streaming platform built-in. So you can binge-watch your latest Netflix obsessions and favorite movies right out of the box. It works with Siri, Hey Google, Alexa, and the Roku partner app for hands-free voice controls, plus the 4K passthrough lets you stream in ultra-high definition. And if your entertainment requires change in the future, you can expand your sound system with the Roku Wireless Subwoofer or Wireless Speakers for the top home theater.
- Channels: 2.0
- Power: 36W
- Connectivity: HDMI, optical, AUX, Bluetooth
- Dolby audio: Dolby Digital
| Pros | Cons |
| Roku built-in, Voice controls, 4K passthrough | No Dolby Atmos |
You must ensure the soundbar will fit into your living room or home theater layout. If your TV is on a reliable stand or wall mounted, measure the space under it to ensure the soundbar hasn’t crowded the area or does not fit.
You need to ensure that the soundbar will be able to connect to your TV; even if you don’t have a Bluetooth-enabled TV, you can still connect many soundbars with HDMI, optical, or AUX cables. You should also check features like voice controls if you have an intelligent speaker, Dolby Atmos if you want 3D virtual surround sound, and expandable wireless sound if you’re going to add more speakers or a subwoofer later.
The “budget” picks won’t have all the bells and whistles that their top-tier counterparts do, but a few feature voice controls via Alexa, Hey Google, or Siri. Others use Dolby Digital or Dolby Atmos for more immersive audio, and many have Bluetooth connectivity for wireless setups.
Soundbars are a fantastic way to promote and enhance your TV’s audio while watching movies and shows or streaming music. In addition, they’re often more affordable than a traditional home audio set that requires a stereo receiver and speakers. Finally, they’re straightforward to set up using either an optical or HDMI cable or a Bluetooth link if you prefer a wireless setup.
TV soundbars should go just below the TV on a table or cabinet, so it is encountering you. This location is optimal since the sound will come from where you are looking.
While soundbars offer exceptional audio, they do not deliver the same surround sound effect as a conventional surround sound setup. Surround sound audio is best for home theater setups or if you’re a huge movie fan and frequently have movie nights. Otherwise, a soundbar will provide excellent audio for everything else.
If the soundbar you have employs an optical cable, 3.5mm audio cord, or HDMI cable, it will operate with your TV if there is a proper place to plug it in. And if you select a wireless connection, make sure both your TV and the soundbar support Bluetooth. Even if your TV is on the more aged side, most soundbars will work with it as far as you connect it properly.