Finding a good soundbar under 200 isn’t only about the price—it’s about the audio quality, design, compatibility, connectivity and a lot more.
So we’ve compiled the top ones into an informative list with brief, but helpful reviews. Here are our top suggestions for the most durable, reliable, and best soundbars under 200 bucks.
Reviews of the Best Soundbars Under 200
1. Bose Solo 5 – Overall Best Soundbar Under 200
The best soundbar under $200 is the Bose Solo 5. Bose produces some of the best audio products and offers options depending on whether you’re adding it to an existing entertainment unit or mounting it on the wall. However, it might exceed our $200 limit if you decide to go with the mounts.
When watching movies or listening to music, there will be a noticeable difference in the clarity of every word and detail.
For a soundbar under $200, this produces better sound compared to your TV speakers. We find that it performs well and the characters’ lines can be heard clearly, whether you’re watching movies or TV shows.
If you prefer going wireless, Bluetooth connectivity is available for a seamless streaming experience. Simply connect the Bose soundbar to your device and you’ll notice the difference with better and clearer sound. Great option if you love to sing, too!
Measuring at just under 22 inches and weighing under 4 pounds, you can easily move, transport, and carry this soundbar. For technology newbies who are worried about using a soundbar, there’s a universal remote included for easy setting of the volume, bass, Bluetooth connections, and other preferences.
Overall, the Bose Solo 5 is the best soundbar under $200 in our list.
Pros
- Setup is easy and simple. Just connect the TV to the soundbar with a cable and you’re done
- You can mount this soundbar on your wall or set it above your entertainment unit
- You can adjust all the settings with one universal controlling accessory
- Enjoy wireless living at its best with the Bluetooth
- The affordable soundbar is light and small, not taking up too much of your precious space
- Crisp and crystal clear sound enhances every word and detail played on the screen
Cons
- Optical cable is relatively short, which might be an issue during setup
- Might not work as great when used in large rooms
2. Yamaha YAS-108 Soundbar – Best Budget
The YAS-108 soundbar condenses the space needed to accommodate the soundbar by incorporating the subwoofer into the device itself. Still maintaining its slim design, the YAS-108 can fit into tight spaces and complement any entertainment setup.
You can hear every dialogue clearly with Clear Voice through a dedicated channel. You can also enjoy immersive audio with the help of DTS Virtual:X 3D surround sound.
The YAS-108 soundbar supports Bluetooth streaming, which can play audio from external devices. You can control the soundbar as desired through HDMI-supported TV remotes or one included with your purchase. Setup is also easy with 4K connectivity, including digital optical and HDMI.
Pros
- DTS Virtual:X 3D surround sound
- Dual built-in subwoofers
- Clear Voice enhanced
- Bluetooth streaming
- Slim design
- Display panel
- Remote included
- HDMI
- Allows Amazon Alexa
- Low power consumption
Cons
- The display panel is not visible from your seat
- Thin and small remote
3. Samsung 2.1 HW-R450 – Runner Up, Best Overall
Samsung is another well-trusted brand that produces some of the best soundbars under $200. We’ve included the Samsung R450 in our list, and it boasts a strong wireless subwoofer capable of producing a frequency response of 43Hz to 20 kHz.
With this sound bar, you can feel and detect every sound that’s coming off the screen sooner than you would with other models, thanks to the power of its wireless subwoofer.
The first on our list with smart sound technology, this great soundbar will automatically analyze the content and adjust the sound settings to the optimal level without you having to calibrate anything.
Most soundbars contain movie mode, news and music mode (e.g. Yamaha YAS-108). Aside from that, the Samsung R450 also includes a separate game mode, which boosts game sound effects, not just dialogue and music.
And although the wireless subwoofer doesn’t really do much in this department, the game mode in the Samsung R450 will make your victories sound much better. Plus, the Samsung R450’s built-in Bluetooth gives you a wireless connection option that allows you to listen to music from mobile devices.
This Samsung soundbar works best with Samsung TVs as they are designed for a seamless connection. If you’re a Samsung TV owner, then this is definitely one of the top soundbars for Samsung TV you could buy, just for the price of less than 200.
Pros
- The powerful bass response on the Samsung R450 can produce earth-shattering sounds that immerse you in the movie
- The separate special game mode allows the sound to envelop you during your gaming experience
- The Samsung smart sound mode is perhaps the best feature that doesn’t require you to adjust any settings on your own
- Bypass the clutter of wires with the wireless Bluetooth connection
- Elevate your experience with the high-frequency response in this Samsung soundbar
Cons
- Doesn’t include HDMI cable
- Subwoofer isn’t that powerful in a bigger room
4. TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode – Best in Connectivity
This top soundbar from Taotronics provides sound that fills up the room, similar to surround sound. For those looking to be enveloped in the audio experience, this model is a great choice.
You have the option to choose from wired or wireless connections, including the RCA, optical, standard cable connection, or the wireless built-in Bluetooth connection.
You can augment and tune this soundbar to your favorite sound with the 3 different equalizer modes. It also offers three distinct modes including music and movie mode (like in other soundbars such as the Yamaha ATS 1080 and the YAS-108) to customize the soundbar TV audio as you please.
You can also control and set the soundbar without having to get up by using the remote. Features like this add to the best advantages of the soundbar, especially when it comes to convenience. The remote can be used to adjust the volume and the settings, which should appear automatically on the LED screen.
Measuring at only 32 inches, the slim design saves space, blends in, and looks good. Despite its compact size, you can bring home the full home theater experience with the TaoTronics soundbar.
Pros
- Experience the benefits of surround sound without actually having it.
- Multiple connectivity options from wireless to wired
- This Taotronics soundbar is great value for money: with 3 different equalizer modes to choose from to match your preferred sound
- The LED screen will display your chosen settings
- The slim and sleek design is pleasurable to the eye while saving space
Cons
- It cannot be connected with HDMI cable
- Doesn’t work with universal remote, only with the remote it comes with
5. WOHOME 2.1 – Best Value for the Money
You get a choice of the 34-inch with 60 watts or the 38-inch with forty watts both less than $100! This dirt-cheap Wohome sound bar is perfect for your tight budget.
They both possess powerful bass (which is what we look for in a good speaker), with 3-inch built-in subwoofers.
The 4 sound modes are designed for movies, news, music and the default setting for you to have a home theater experience right from your couch. Whether you’re watching dialogue, streaming music, or gaming, this soundbar will give you a great experience.
This soundbar, depending on which you choose, has an impressively loud sound that comes from a full-range speaker, 3-4 drivers, an output of 100-105 dB, upgrading your sound experience.
As for the setup, you can choose from the wired and wireless connections. You can use the coaxial and optical input, RCA, AUX, or the built-in Bluetooth. You won’t have compatibility issues as this soundbar works with computers, TVs, projectors,and other devices.
Unfortunately, this soundbar is only compatible with the remote. On the other hand, the mount kit comes with your purchase along with a 1-year warranty, a 45-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime of support from exceptional customer service reps.
Pros
- There are two sizes and packages to choose from both below $100!
- The amazing 3-inch external subwoofer provides a booming bass comparable to surround sound
- Adjust the treble and bass on your soundbar that has 4 different sound modes. Listening experience with dialogue, music, and movie is improved
- Compatible with most devices
- Features clear and crisp audio with DSP technology
- Connection options include wireless Bluetooth and wired coaxial and optical cables
- The supplied separate remote control allows you to set your soundbar without having to get up off the couch
- The wall mount kit is provided in the package
- You get a 1-year warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- On/off ring tone is loud, which could be annoying
- The wired connection does not include HDMI
- Subwoofer is not wireless, so it need to be setup close to the soundbar
6. VIZIO SB2920-C6 – Best in Compatibility
Vizio is a known brand to produce some of the best entertainment technology. This product from Vizio is a relatively small (29-inch) soundbar that matches any TV.
For soundbars under one hundred dollars, you can enjoy a listening experience with 95 decibels (dB) of crystal clear sound with barely audible (1%) total harmonic distortion.
The full-range stereo speakers not only provide you with crisp and clear sound but also within a good price range.
The frequency of the Vizio soundbar sits at 70Hertz (Hz) to 19 Kilohertz (kHz). It boosts the sound and transforms an otherwise mundane movie into a full theater mode. You can easily set up the speakers with the remote or the control pad built right on the speaker.
If you want to sync music apps like Spotify to the soundbar, you can go wireless with Bluetooth connectivity. iPhone and laptop speakers only go so far, but with the DTS Studio SoundTM, DTS Tru Volume TM and DTS TruSurroundTm, the volume will be pulsing loud through your house.
Aside from the great audio experience, the Vizio SB2920-C6 gives you an easy time with the setup. Simply connect the soundbar to your TV with the cable and you’re done.
Overall, the compact Vizio SB2920-C6 deserves its spot as one of the products in our greatest soundbars (under 200) list.
Pros
- Vizio is a reputable brand that consistently creates premium entertainment technology for a good price
- This Vizio soundbar model fills your room with 95 decibels of clear sound
- It possesses less than 1% of harmonic distortion; hence, better musicality
- The frequency is at an optimal 70Hz-19kHz even for the little money you pay
- The built-in Bluetooth of the Vizio model allows you to go wireless and sync your phone or laptop along with your TV
- Incorporates DTS Studio SoundTM, DTS Tru Volume TM and DTS TruSurround TM
- Easy to set up, use, and troubleshoot
- The sleek design and relatively small size of the Vizio SB2920-C6 blend in perfectly
- The soundbar features amazing full-range stereo speakers
Cons
- A bit bulkier than other soundbars
- Could take a bit of time to switch between inputs when used with multiple connections
7. BYL 100Watt Soundbar – Best Sound For Cheap
Depending on your TV and space, you can choose between the 28-inch or the forty-inch BYL soundbar which have both been upgraded.
This model allows you to adjust the settings and choose from different sound modes with the remote control. This extremely simplifies the setup and starting process. Also, the bass has been enhanced to provide you with the most appealing experience, thanks to its external subwoofer.
Sync this soundbar via Bluetooth and pair it with any mobile device to play your music and thoroughly enjoy the near surround sound.
The brand was able to add DSP technology to give you a lot of choices with sound settings: news, movie and music mode. Users can choose between these modes to see which one is most suitable to the media on screen.
If you want to change this excellent soundbar back to its factory settings, you can do so with the simple push of the reset button. The treble and bass can also be adjusted to ensure on-point sound quality.
For a soundbar under $200, this is a smart choice since you get a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
Pros
- There are two sizes to choose from. Find one that fits your needs and your TV
- The highly sensitive remote with LED lights for full control of the settings
- Revert to the factory settings with the reset button
- The DPS technology gives you three choices of sound modes
- The bass has been enhanced for your pleasure
- 5.0 Bluetooth transmission produces near 360-degree surround sound
- Enjoy music at its best with little interference
- You are protected by a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support
Cons
- Volume indicator doesn’t show up on TV
- No option for HMDI connectivity
- Might be too bulky for some
Soundbar Under $200 Buying Guide
For many people who are coming into this without any prior knowledge, knowing what to look for can greatly decrease the amount of research you do. You may not have the time to spend doing it but we sure do! We have done the legwork and come up with a few key factors to look for before your next purchase.
Hopefully, we have saved you some time by testing each of the products above. For a soundbar under $200, you might not be able to get all the fancy features such as voice control, surround sound and Wi-Fi, but you can get the essentials you need.
Subwoofer(s)
The subwoofer is incredibly important if you want impressive sound effects when you listen to music, watch movies, or play games. The subwoofer is a speaker on the soundbar that produces the bass. It is also responsible for providing the full-body vibrations you feel when you stand next to a heavy-duty speaker.
Subwoofer extends the sound and produces richer audio effects and gives a more dimensional sound. In layman’s terms, the subwoofer is essentially what makes the soundbar. So don’t skimp on your sound bar’s subwoofer, or you might regret it.
Connection
For the affordable price tag, you might only be able to get a Bluetooth connection on your soundbar. This is to allow you easy access to the soundbar, turning it into a stereo speaker when connected to your mobile devices.
No need to spend precious time connecting cables and setting up, it all happens right away—in just a few seconds you’re able to listen to the power of a subwoofer and enjoy the features of the best under-200 soundbar you purchased.
HDMI cables and digital audio outputs connect your new device to TVs, mobile devices, laptops, and gaming systems, and finding a subwoofer that offers a lot of these features is already a great deal.
Smart Soundbar
A smart soundbar greatly lessens the work you need to do and the settings you need to optimize (e.g. Polk Audio soundbar). While you may not be able to get Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri with soundbars under $200, there are a few soundbars that can automatically tune the settings to suit the situation.
The latest helpful voice technology, while appealing not what’s important in a soundbar. So don’t be discouraged if yours doesn’t possess an invisible assistant, because what matters is the sound itself, which depends a lot on the built-in subwoofer and other basic features. However, if you’re interested in more advanced features, many of the top soundbars under three hundred dollars offer them.
Sound Channels
As for some options above, you might see a number such as 2.0, 5.1, etc. These numbers are there to inform you of how many channels and subwoofers a soundbar has. The first number (before the decimal) is the number of channels, and the number after the decimal is how many subwoofers you get. If the number is 0, then you won’t get the deep bass we all want from a subwoofer.
The more channels the soundbar has, the better the sound. When you get up to 5, it will mimic surround sound speakers. Aim for ones with at least 3 channels (left right and center). If you go for ones with two channels, they might just equate to a mini stereo.
Remote Control
Just to make your life easier, look for one with a remote or even a compatible app. This is to allow you access to the soundbar and put in your settings easily without having to get up from your chair. Most soundbars come with a front display panel. Look for one that does have this and it is labeled clearly.
Mount
Consider the placement of your soundbar. Are you putting it on the table? Laying it on your entertainment unit close to your TV, or mounting it on the wall? Some packages come with wall mounts or a mounting stand.
In some cases, you may need to purchase this in addition to the soundbar. The size comes into play as well. How big of a soundbar do you want? Should it exceed the size of your TV? Make sure the measurements align with the location.
Warranty/Guarantee
This section isn’t so much related to the product, it’s more about your consumer protection. If a manufacturer offers warranties and guarantees, it not only gives you peace of mind, it shows that their product is at least of a good enough quality for them to stand behind.
Other than some time wasted and a feeling of disappointment, you don’t lose much if you purchase from these brands. Look for warranties of at least 1 year and at least a 1-month money-back guarantee to be safe. Going with more reputable brands might not always be foolproof, but at least it greatly minimizes the risk.
Our Top Pick for the Best Soundbar Under $200: Bose Solo 5
It may be the priciest product out of the options above but Bose is a reputable brand when it comes to sound. They have time and time again proven their excellent craftsmanship in the product they produce and their understanding of audio systems. Their skill is reflected in many of the features and power of their headphones, speakers, etc.
You will no longer strain to hear or make out what the characters’ dialogue on TV. Each word and detail will be enunciated and heard with the excellent sound quality model. The Bose Solo 5 is our best budget soundbar that lets you experience great sounds without breaking the bank.
You can connect the soundbar in a variety of ways including the wired optical audio, coaxial audio, and of course, the wireless Bluetooth option.
You can also control and adjust all the settings with the included universal remote. That way, you can just lounge on your couch without having to stand up.
The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to move around and use with any device around your house, making you spend on one gadget that can be used in multiple rooms.
Watching movies and listening to music is a pastime that should lessen your stress and release your tension at the end of a hard workday.
Soundbars are cool and handy devices that can enhance that experience. It sure is a pain in the backside to do the research and test out many products, especially ones that will match your money. Not to mention the time it takes to return and repurchase products online.
Hopefully, our “what to look for” guide and review can take some of the pressure off and help you find the perfect soundbar for your home entertainment system.
We’ll update this as the top models change in the market, adding in other affordable soundbars from brands like Polk Audio with good price points for further diversity within the list. And for those who have a bit less budget, these best soundbars below one hundred and fifty dollars will do the job just fine, too.
The post Best Soundbars Under 200 – Comparison & Reviews appeared first on The Product Analyst.
from The Product Analyst https://theproductanalyst.com/best-soundbar-under-200/
No comments:
Post a Comment