TV speakers often struggle to deliver clear dialogue and immersive sound. If you’re looking to improve your home entertainment setup without spending a fortune, a budget soundbar can make a world of difference.
Whether you want a simple upgrade for TV dialogue or a more cinematic experience, there’s an affordable option to suit your needs. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best budget soundbars below. And if you want to stretch your budget a little further, feel free to check out our list of the best soundbars for every budget.
Why you can trust Stuff: Our team of experts rigorously test each product and provide honest, unbiased reviews to help you make informed decisions. For more details, read how we test and rate products.
Quick list: what is the best budget soundbar?
The best soundbars you can buy today:
1. Sony HT-SF150
| Sony HT-SF150 specs | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth, USB |
| Format | Dolby Digital, DTS |
| Streaming | N/A |
| Dimensions | 90×6.4×8.8 cm, 2.4kg |
Sony’s HT-SF150 brings some extra polish to the budget soundbar market with its minimalist design and well-rounded audio features. Its S-Force Pro Front Surround technology aims to create a wider soundstage, making films and shows feel more immersive.
With HDMI ARC for easy setup and Bluetooth for wireless music streaming, it covers all the essentials. Preset sound modes also allow you to tailor audio to your preferences, whether you’re watching movies or listening to music. Well-built and easy to use, it’s a strong contender for anyone after a straightforward, reliable sound upgrade.
2. Panasonic SC-HTB100
| Panasonic SC-HTB100 specs | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth |
| Format | Dolby Digital |
| Streaming | N/A |
| Dimensions | 76.2 x 5.8 x 6.8 cm, 1.5kg |
Compact and simple, the Panasonic SC-HTB100 is a fuss-free way to enhance your TV’s sound. Its slim 2.0-channel design makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces, slipping neatly under most TVs without drawing too much attention.
With 45W of output at its disposal, it provides a step up from built-in TV speakers, improving clarity for dialogue and general TV audio. It connects via HDMI ARC for easy control with your TV remote, while Bluetooth support lets you stream music wirelessly.
Naturally, it’s not going to shake your ribs or rumble the windows at this price point, but it’s still a solid pick for those who want better sound, without a complicated setup. An affordable, no-nonsense upgrade that gets the job done.
3. Sonos Ray
| Sonos Ray specs | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Optical, Ethernet, IR receiver |
| Format | Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS Digital Surround |
| Streaming | Sonos app Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2 |
| Dimensions | 55.9 x 9.5 x 7.1 cm, 1.95kg |
Designed for seamless integration with Sonos’ established ecosystem, the Ray is a sleek, compact soundbar that focuses on clarity and convenience. Unlike some models, it connects via optical input rather than HDMI, making it a good fit for TVs without ARC support – although this may be a downside, depending on your needs.
The Ray works with the Sonos app for easy control and streaming, supports AirPlay 2 for Apple users, and can be expanded with additional Sonos speakers for a multi-room setup as well.
While it lacks a dedicated subwoofer, its well-tuned speakers aim to enhance dialogue clarity and deliver a balanced sound. A great starting point for those looking to build a Sonos home audio system, or looking to integrate a soundbar into their existing Sonos setup.
4. Hisense HS214
| Hisense HS214 specs | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth, USB, Auxiliary, Coaxial |
| Format | Dolby Digital |
| Streaming | N/A |
| Dimensions | 79.5 x 33,5 x 30.5 cm, 2.2kg |
If you’re short on space but still want some extra low-end punch, the Hisense HS214 offers a built-in subwoofer within its compact design. A 2.1-channel soundbar with support for Dolby Digital, it also offers preset sound modes to optimise audio for movies, music, and news.
With HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and USB connectivity, it’s easy to hook up to your TV or stream content wirelessly, while the integrated sub helps add depth without requiring a separate unit, making it a practical choice for smaller rooms or those who want a simple, all-in-one solution.
5. Ultimea 5.1 soundbar with surround sound system
| Ultimea 5.1 specs | |
|---|---|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Auxiliary, Optical, HDMI |
| Format | Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital |
| Streaming | N/A |
| Dimensions | 40 x 9 x 7 cm, 5.3 kg |
For those who want a full surround-sound experience without a premium price tag, the Ultimea 5.1 system serves up some mighty impressive bang for relatively little buck. The setup includes a soundbar, a wireless subwoofer, and two rear speakers, offering a more immersive experience than a standalone soundbar, beaming audio at you from multiple directions without the need for any virtual trickery. With Dolby Atmos support via HDMI eARC, it can process spatial audio for a more dynamic listening experience too.
Beyond its surround capabilities, the system is equipped with multiple connectivity options, including optical, Bluetooth, and AUX. The included remote also lets you easily tweak bass and surround levels, giving you decent levels of control. With its multi-speaker setup and affordable price, this soundbar package is an appealing choice for those looking to bring a cinematic edge to their living room.
How to buy the best budget soundbar for you
There are several important factors you’ll need to consider to ensure you get the best possible audio experience for your budget soundbar. Below we’ve included some key points to keep in mind when shopping.
The most important thing you’ll need to consider is sound quality. You’ll want to pay attention to the audio clarity, bass response, and overall sound performance. Luckily for you, all of the soundbars on this list have been given the seal of approval from our expert ears.
Budget soundbars come in various configurations, such as 2.0 (two channels), 2.1 (two channels with a separate subwoofer), 5.1 (five channels with a subwoofer), etc. You’ll want to choose one that suits your space and desired level of immersion. For a truly cinematic experience, look for a budget soundbar that supports advanced audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. These formats provide a more three-dimensional sound experience that is perfect for watching movies.
Of course, if you want ultimate immersion then you may want to pair your soundbar with the best multi-room wi-fi speakers (making sure to get the same brand of speakers and soundbar) to create a true surround sound system. You’ll probably also want to add a subwoofer if you enjoy deep, cinema-like bass.
Size is also a key aspect when it comes to choosing the right soundbar. It may seem basic, but it’s easy to overlook – make sure the soundbar fits wherever you plan to put it.
You’ll want to think about how you plan to use your soundbar and make sure the model you get has the connectivity options to support the devices you plan to use with it. For example, do you want to use HDMI or optical audio, and Bluetooth or Wi-Fi? If your TV has HDMI ARC or eARC, consider getting a soundbar that supports this feature, as it allows for better audio and control over a single HDMI cable.
