Willie Greer
- June 22, 2021
Finding a good soundbar below $200 isn’t only about the price—it’s about the audio quality, design, compatibility, connectivity and a lot more.
So our audio lab testers compiled the top ones that passed their rigorous testing in this one informative list. Here are the most durable, reliable, and best soundbars under $200:
- Dialogue mode for clarity
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Easy setup
- Powerful subwoofer
- Smart sound technology
- Gaming sounds boosted
- Dolby Digital for clarity
- Rich, deep bass with sub
- Roku TV ready
Our Reviews
Bose Solo 5
Bose produces some of the most popular audio products and offers options depending on whether you’re adding it to an existing entertainment unit or mounting it on the wall.
For a soundbar below $200, this features a better performance 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 Solo 5 soundbar to your device and you’ll notice the difference with better and clearer sound. Great option if you love to sing, too! Many models like the Polk Audio Signa S2 and Roku Streambar feature this as well.
Overall, this is the best soundbar under $200 in our list.
Pros
- Setup is easy and simple. Just connect the TV set to the soundbar with a cable and you’re done
- Mount this soundbar on your wall
- Adjust all speaker settings with the universal remote control
- Bluetooth connectivity for phone connection
- Crisp and crystal clear sound profile enhances every detail Cons Optical cable is short No HDMI ARC
Cons
- Optical cable is short
- No HDMI ARC
- No Dolby Atmos
TCL Alto 6+
It’s not every day you can find a model that’s affordable and comes with a separate subwoofer. The TCL Alto 6+ doesn’t leave out the bass while it improves your audio content. The soundbar subwoofer combo supports Dolby Digital and offers music, news and movie sound modes that will further elevate your listening experience.
The connections are straightforward and simple, with the Alto 6+ providing the best options such as HDMI, Bluetooth and optical connections. These cabled connection methods are plug-and-play and allow you to go from unboxing to listening in just minutes.
Pros
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Multiple connections
- Easy setup
- Specialized sound modes
- Roku TV ready
- Has a separate subwoofer
- Wall-mountable design
Cons
- Audiovisual sync will take time to set up
- Bluetooth is recommended within 33 feet
Samsung 2.1 HW-R450 – Runner Up, Best Overall
Samsung is one of the well-trusted brands that produces some of the most popular headphones and surround speakers for music and movies. 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. Similar models include the HW-T450 and the HW-R550.
The first on our list with smart technology, this 2.1 channel soundbar will automatically analyze the content and adjust the settings to the optimal level. It also has Bluetooth if you prefer connecting it that way.
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, at a price point of less than 200.
Pros
- The powerful bass response on the Samsung R450 can produce deep bass that immerses you in music, movies, or TV shows
- Game mode boosts performance so every player can enjoy immersive game content
- Stream music and other content from streaming services with wireless Bluetooth connection
- Supports 2-channel Dolby Digital, found in most Blu-ray discs
- Bluetooth and HDMI ARC compatible
Cons
- No HDMI cable
- Subwoofer isn’t that powerful
- No Dolby Atmos
TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode – Excellent Connectivity
This top soundbar from Taotronics provides audio that fills up your living room, similar to surround sound products. For those looking to be enveloped in the audio experience, this is a great upgrade for the price.
You can augment and tune this soundbar with the 3 different equalizer modes. The bar also offers three distinct modes (like in other soundbars such as the Yamaha ATS 1080 and the YAS-108) to customize the soundbar TV audio as you please.
Despite the compact size of the built-in speakers, you can bring home the full home theater experience with the TaoTronics Three Equalizer Mode Soundbar.
Pros
- Entry-level surround sound setup at home
- Built-in speakers with 3 different equalizer modes
- The LED screen will display your chosen settings
- Slim style, finish, and design
- Compact soundbar
- Good system for a bedroom TV set
Cons
- It cannot be connected with HDMI cable
- Doesn’t work with universal remote
Polk Audio Signa S2
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is an excellent soundbar for the price and just shy of our limit. It comes with its own subwoofer that will deliver rumbling bass tones. There are 5 powerful full-range speakers within the slim soundbar that are optimized with Polk’s Voice Adjust Technology.
The soundbar subwoofer combo can decode Dolby Digital to deliver excellent sound for the value. Even for the price, Bluetooth is a standard feature that the Signa S2 provides. With this wireless streaming capability, you can play your content via mobile devices without the hassle of connecting wires.
Pros
- Bluetooth available
- Dolby Digital decoding
- Has a separate subwoofer
- 5 full-range speakers
- Polk’s Voice Adjust Technology
- Many methods of connection
- Universal compatibility
Cons
- Doesn’t work with some Samsung TVs
- No display
VIZIO SB2920-C6 – Best in Compatibility
Vizio is a known brand to produce excellent entertainment technology. This sound bar product from Vizio is a relatively small (29-inch) soundbar that matches most TVs. As such, it’s a great solution if you’re a bit tight on money.
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 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 and adjust the volume levels with the remote or the control pad.
Aside from the great audio experience, the Vizio SB2920-C6 gives you an easy time with the setup (find our review here). Simply connect the soundbar to your TV with the cable and you’re done.
Pros
- This Vizio soundbar fills your room with 95 decibels of clear sound
- Incorporates DTS Studio SoundTM, Tru Volume TM and TruSurround TM
- The 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
- No Dolby Atmos or Dolby Digital
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 100 Watt Soundbar which have both been upgraded.
This model allows you to adjust the settings and choose from different EQ sound modes with the remote control. This extremely simplifies the setup and starting process with TVs. For bass fans, the external subwoofer enhances the low end in music and movies.
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 audio quality.
For a soundbar under $200, this is a smart choice since you get a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support like many mid-range models.
Pros
- Good build quality
- With LED lights for full control of the settings
- Revert to the factory settings with the reset button
- High quality DPS technology gives you three EQ audio modes
- External subwoofer enhances the bass
- Enjoy music and dialogue with little interference
- At this price, you're protected by a 1-year warranty and lifetime technical support
Cons
- Volume levels don't show up on TV
- No option for HMDI connectivity
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 scouring every site for different choices, so we’ve done the legwork and come up with a few key factors to look for before your next purchase.
Subwoofer(s)
The subwoofer is incredibly important if you’re a fan of impressive audio effects when you listen to music, watch movies, or play games. The subwoofer is a speaker on the soundbar that produces the bass, and you can find soundbars with subs at this price tag.
The bass extension is also responsible for providing the full-body vibrations you feel when standing next to heavy-duty speakers. And for TV owners who want an even more diverse stereo separation, adding satellite speakers do the job. It would cost more money than entry-level sound bars, but full setups will provide way more value.
Connection
In an affordable price range, you might only be able to get Bluetooth connectivity in budget soundbars. This allows easy access to the soundbar, turning it into a stereo speaker when connected to a mobile phone. Optical connection and USB are also common in soundbars at this price.
An HDMI cable or other digital audio outputs connect your new device to TVs, mobile phone, laptops, and gaming systems, and finding a subwoofer that offers a lot of these features is already a great deal.
While many are HDMI-compatible like the Roku Smart Soundbar and Roku Streambar, not all soundbars feature HDMI ARC, eARC, and a USB port. Soundbars with eARC are likely premium-priced.
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 with Voice Adjust). While you may not be able to get Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, or Siri assistant with soundbars under $200, there are a few soundbars that can automatically tune the settings and volume to suit the acoustics of the room.
If you’re interested in advanced features, many of the top soundbars under three hundred dollars like the Roku Smart Soundbar offer them on a budget.
Sound Channels
The more channels or drivers the soundbar features, the better the audio. When you get up to 5, it will mimic surround sound speakers. It might feature 4K HDR sound, Dolby Digital (like the Vizio V21-H8), or even Dolby Atmos. Aim for ones with at least 3 channels (left right and center). When we reviewed Bose Soundbar 500 with 3.0 channels, it produced incredibly detailed sound in most types of content.
Some great options include the Vizio V21-H8, Vizio V51-H6, Sony HT-S350, Sony HT-CT390, Samsung HW-T550, Samsung HW-T450, Samsung HW-R550, TCL Alto 7+, Polk Audio Signa S2, and JBL Bar Studio. From Roku, the Roku Smart Soundbar and Roku Streambar (audio and video) are nice soundbars for any content.
If you want better dialogue and sound effects in action scenes, the Zvox Accuvoice is a compact soundbar that does the job, even if it costs less money than most.
Remote Control
To make your home life easier, good soundbars would have a remote or a compatible app.
Most soundbars including outstanding Dolby Atmos soundbars come with a front display panel with physical control buttons. Look for a sound bar that does have this if you want easier setups.
Mount
Another thing you should consider is 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 products come with wall mounts or a mounting stand to provide more value. Many options like the Signa S2 already have mounting holes.
In some cases, you may need to purchase this in addition to the soundbar. The size comes into play as well. Soundbars such as the Roku Streambar, Polk Audio Signa S2, YAS-109, TCL Alto 7+. TCL Alto 8i, Sony HT-S350, Sony HT-CT390 Vizio V21-H8, Samsung HW-R550, Samsung HW-T550 and ZVox Accuvoice AV157 soundbar have a compact size.
Warranty/Guarantee
Soundbars under $200 would not only sound great, but also have warranties and guarantees. It not only gives you peace of mind, it shows that their product is good enough for them to stand behind. After all, soundbars should be something you use to upgrade your system.
Want to find more soundbars that didn’t make it to our list? See our review of the Vizio M21d-H8 and find out if it is worth it.
Our Top Pick for the Best Soundbar Under $200: Bose Solo 5
The Bose Solo 5 may be the priciest product out of the options above but Bose is one of the reputable brands 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 what the characters’ dialogue on TV. Each word in the content will be enunciated and heard with the excellent sound quality model. It also supports Dolby Digital content that’s found on most Blu-ray discs. The Bose Solo 5 is our best budget soundbar that lets you experience great sounds without breaking the bank.
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.
Thinking of eventually building your home theater system? You might want to peruse our list of the best floor standing speakers under 10000 dollars.
The post The 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