Setting up a true home entertainment area with movie theater-esque furniture and enhanced technology like smart TVs and top-of-the-line projectors can be an expensive process. Your audio setup, on the other hand, doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, thanks to innovations in wireless audio, you can get your hands on a quality soundbar, packed with connectivity features and speaker drivers to match, for less than $200. The challenge then becomes how to choose the right one for your space, needs, and budget.

　　We cut through the technical jargon and confusing product specs to get find the best budget soundbars on the market. Whether you’re looking to amplify and clarify the dialogue for family movie night or are trying to find a speaker that can earn you a noise complaint for blasting your favorite tunes, we found a soundbar under $200 that can help.

　　The Best Soundbars Under $200

　　Best Overall: Best Budget: Best for Dialogue: Best Soundbar Under $100: Best Multifunctional Soundbar:

　　What to Consider

　　Speaker Specifications

　　First and foremost, good quality soundbars, regardless of the price, will provide better sound than your TV speakers. There are two simple metrics to keep in mind when considering what soundbar size and configuration will suit your audio needs:

　　DriversThese devices are responsible for actually emitting the sound waves that you hear. In simple terms, drivers convert the incoming electrical signals into sound. Speakers with multiple drivers are superior because they allow each driver to serve a specific function rather than trying to hit all the notes with clarity. Speakers with multiple drivers also benefit from a more dynamic soundstage because the sound can be spread across a space more efficiently.

　　ChannelsYou'll want to know how many built-in speaker channels there are in a speaker. Channels are where audio comes from in a soundbar. For example, a common soundbar has 2.1 channels, which means it has two speakers and an external subwoofer. A 3.1-channel system, on the other hand, would have three speakers and an external subwoofer. More channels typically entail more space used and a higher price.

　　Don’t fall prey to the common misconception that the power of the soundbar (measured in watts) is the biggest determinant of its quality and volume. While it’s true that higher-wattage speakers can produce cleaner sound at a higher volume, even a 50-watt increase per channel is barely audible.

　　Connectivity Options

　　Keep an eye out for soundbars with several wireless and wired connectivity options. This is especially important for the longevity of your soundbar; as the pace of innovation in other areas of technology increases, having a number of connectivity options helps mitigate the chance of your soundbar being phased out. Having a selection of connectivity options also ensures that you can use your phone, computer, or another device to play audio. Top-tier soundbars usually offer some combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity.

　　Audio Technology

　　Although this sounds complicated, the best soundbars feature Dolby Atmos or Dolby Atmos compatibility. Dolby Atmos, which is the top-tier Spatial Audio technology from Dolby, sound staging is designed to enhance all forms of audio, from movies to music. However, it requires upward-facing speakers, which can be hard to find in soundbars under $200. While some budget options offer Dolby Atmos, many offer an earlier Dolby product, such as Dolby Digital, while others offer DTS:X from Digital Theater Systems. Both Dolby Digital and DTS:X are surround-sound systems, but Dolby Digital doesn’t preserve audio data quality as well as DTS:X. These may not be Atmos, but they still offer great sound staging for less than $200.

　　Size and Space

　　Take both the size of the soundbar and the configuration of the space it’s going to be placed into consideration before purchasing. Matching the size of the soundbar and the driver orientations with the size and configuration of your space is crucial to getting great audio. The first thing to remember is that wider soundbars create a wider soundstage, while narrower soundbars project onto a smaller space. And remember, more power doesn’t necessarily mean higher volume or large-room performance. Lastly, a general rule of thumb is to place your soundbar no less than 8 feet and no more than 25 feet from the listening area. If you want to find the absolute perfect spot, you can use Arnotvion’s Impulso app, which scans your space to select the best placement for your soundbar.

　　Additional Perks

　　Soundbars can be chock-full of helpful technology, from built-in streaming services to virtual assistants. If you already use Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant in other areas of your home, you may want to consider a smart soundbar that adds to the convenience chain.

　　How We Selected

　　We considered more than 12 different soundbars under $200 at the start of our research, ensuring that we included top models for a variety of use cases. We conducted in-depth investigations into each model, considering everything from the number of drivers and channels and their soundstage coverage to the external design and build quality. We consulted several dozen verified customer reviews for each product across platforms like Amazon and Walmart, as well as professional third-party testing where applicable. We also did a deep dive into the specifications for each product before narrowing down our selections. When making our final choices for the best soundbars under $200, we paid particular attention to the following:

　　Sound quality: How each soundbar performed, according to customers and professional testing, in delivering different types of audio content. We were especially interested in evaluating the reported soundstage and immersive capabilities of each soundbar.Connectivity features: What type and how many connectivity optionsConvenience: How easy is to use for brand-new customers and experienced audiophiles alikeAdditional features: Extent of built-in entertainment perks like streaming services or convenience features like Amazon AlexBuild quality: What type of materials are used, and what type of warranty is offered on those materials? Each of our final selections performed well across our areas of key consideration and offers a balance between performance and affordability. If you want to upgrade your entertainment system without spending more than $200, check out our top picks.

　　1Best Overall

　　Yamaha Audio SR-C20A

　　ProsCons

　　No external subwoofer option

　　Not compatible with Dolby Atmos We selected the Yamaha SR-C20A as our best overall because it provides a great combination of sound quality, size, and price. In addition to the outstanding sound quality for the price, this soundbar features Yamaha’s patented dialogue clarity enhancing technology ClearVoice. In addition to clarifying movies with intense background noise, the built-in ClearVoice technology makes this soundbar versatile enough to handle podcasts and phone calls as well as music and movies.

　　Plus, the compact size allows it to move from room to room with ease. The transportability of this soundbar is a particular benefit for anyone looking to crank the volume without disturbing neighbors or nearby sleepers. It’s also equipped with a host of connectivity features that make it easy to connect to TVs, computers and mobile devices. On top of solid connectivity options and additional features like ClearVoice, the Yamaha SR-C20A comes with pre-drilled holes for easy wall-mounting, allowing you to take further advantage of the space-saving nature of the SR-C20A.

2Best Budget

Samsung HW-B550

Adjustable bass and treble

External subwoofer included

Versatile, high-quality audio output

DTS:X included, Dolby Atmos Compatible Cons

Needs extra speakers for Dolby Atmos

The Samsung HW-B550 is a no-frills 2.1 channel system that performs well above its price tag indicates. While the soundbar itself handles dialogue well, the external subwoofer provides a punchy bass that extends the range of this setup to include music like hip-hop and EDM.

This soundbar does a great job adapting music formats from various inputs without damaging the quality. This is thanks, in part, to the built-in DTS:X surround-sound sound stage. If you really want to take your listening experience to the next level and are willing to shell out some more cash for wireless rear speakers, you can turn your soundbar into a fully-blown Dolby Atmos powered surround-sound system. That being said, adding satellite connections will increase the already relatively large footprint. One thing we love about the HW-B550 is the Bluetooth multi-connect feature, which can prove invaluable if you live in a shared-space.

The ability to which allows multiple to stay connected to, and switch between multiple devices with ease can be critical to keeping the peace during a social gathering where everyone is fighting for their turn to play music. Ultimately, the HW-B550 is ideal for college students and teens with roommates, who need a versatile speaker that brings everyone over for movie-nights, study sessions, and parties alike.

Key Specs

　　3Best for Dialogue

　　ZVOX AccuVoice AV157 Dialogue Clarifying Soundbar

　　Pros

　　AccuVoice technology makes a noticeable difference

　　Powerful sound

　　Compact

　　Easy to read displayCons

　　Limited connectivityThe ZVOX AccuVouce AV157 is the perfect soundbar for anyone with hearing loss thanks to its unique clarity-enhancing technology. ZVOX patented the technology, called AccuVoice, to make it easier for people to understand dialogue in all formats by actively diminishing background noise while amplifying dialogue. The best part of the AccuVoice technology is that it manages to do this without noticeably distorting the audio.

　　Although I don’t have an AV157, I can personally attest to the difference the AccuVoice makes technology because my mom, who is hard of hearing, has been relying on a ZVOX soundbar for years. Whether it’s the nightly news, movies, or podcasts, AccuVoice can make the difference between an enjoyable and frustrating viewing experience for people who are hard of hearing.

　　The AV157 also features the ZVOX’s latest enhancement, SuperVoice, which can be used to further diminish background noise for anyone with hearing impairments. Because there are six levels of AccuVoice and six subsequent levels of SuperVoice dialogue enhancement, it’s easy for listeners to find their perfect fit. Best Products editor Cat Bowen is hard of hearing and she relies on AccuVoice and subtitles to provide her with a quality viewing experience.

　　The adjustability of AccuVoice and SuperVoice may be especially helpful to anyone who suffers from ongoing hearing loss. ZVOX’s unique dialogue clarifying technologies take this into account by putting control into the hands of the listener. If you’re shopping for a soundbar to give someone with a hearing impairment, hearing loss, or both, look no further than the ZVOX AV 157. You don’t have to worry about altering your own audio experience because the AV157 adapts to the needs of hearing impaired viewers without sacrificing quality, which makes it a great soundbar in general.

　　Key Specs

　　4Best Soundbar Under $100

　　Sony S100F 2.0 Soundbar

　　Pros

　　Great price

　　Good design

　　High volumeCons

　　Lacks bassThis is the best all-in-one soundbar you can get for under $100, and it’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade your TV without a hassle. Although the price is low, the power output of this soundbar is substantial and likely more than enough for most TV and movie viewers. Users note that it has an easy setup, and provides much greater quality sound than just their television.

　　However, while the sound is certainly an upgrade over standard TV speakers, the lackluster bass may not be enough for die-hard music listeners or action movie aficionados. The outside features a minimalist grill that won’t ruin the decor when mounted, and mounting it is easy because of the lightweight build and pre-drilled mounting holes. We also loved the pebble leather-like soft-touch wrap on the outside which mitigates pesky fingerprints while maintaining a crisp, modern aesthetic. For the price the build and sound quality of the S100F can’t be beat. If you’re on the hunt for a great gift to give someone building their first home entertainment system, the combination of sound quality and affordability makes this an ideal entry-level soundbar.

　　Key Specs

　　5Best Multifunctional Soundar

　　Roku Streambar

　　Pros

　　Compact and affordable

　　Easy to set-up

　　Roku built-inCons

　　Lacks bassThe Roku Streambar is packed with technology that turns your soundbar into a dual-purpose entertainment device. The built-in Roku interface gives you instant access to the largest streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. The Roku interface also gives you access to dozens of other streaming services via download, such as Spotfy and Audible. Roku also made it easy to access your favorite streaming services by integrating additional features like voice assistant capabilities via Alexa, Hey Google, and Siri.

　　We also appreciate the fact that you can use standard voice controls on the remote if you aren’t a fan of virtual assistants. In fact, Roku has incorporate convenience features throughout the Streambar, including the ability to control both the soundbar and the TV itself with the included remote. There’s yet another option to control the soundbar from the Roku mobile app, which some TVs are also compatible with. On its own the Streambar is most appropriate for small spaces, but it can easily be paired with Roku’s and for a more immersive experience.

　　You can also upgrade overtime, in which case we recommend investing in the wireless subwoofer first. Alternatively, you can also check out the Strembar Pro, which is 18 inches longer and includes four 2.5 inch drivers instead of four 1.9 inch drivers for richer, deeper sound.

　　Key Specs