5 Best Soundbars Under $200
If you’re looking to upgrade your home theater setup without breaking the bank, soundbars are a great option. These ultra-convenient pieces of hardware can provide high-quality surround sound for an immersive experience at a fraction of the cost of other audio systems.
But with so many different soundbar models on the market, selecting the right one may feel overwhelming – especially if you’re on a budget. Fortunately, we have compiled a list of some of the best soundbars you can get for under $200.
From compact models that work in tight spaces to more powerful options that bring cinematic audio quality to your living room, there is something here to suit every kind of need and lifestyle.
So, no matter what your budget is, you’ll be sure to find a fantastic soundbar that will improve your viewing experience with sleek design and superior audio quality.
Top 5 Best Soundbars Under $200
- SAMSUNG A550 A Series Soundbar – Overall Best
- VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar
- VIZIO M-Series All-in-One Sound Bar
- Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
- Yamaha Audio SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar
1. SAMSUNG A550 A Series Soundbar
From the moment I set up the SAMSUNG A550 A Series Soundbar, I was enveloped in a rich, immersive audio experience. Its Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual:X capabilities create a surround sound environment that rivals more expensive models.
- DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 / DTS VIRTUAL:X - Immersive...
- BASS BOOST - Instantly amplify the bass with the...
- SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer included.
The Bass Boost feature is a game-changer for bass enthusiasts, providing deep and powerful lows at the touch of a button. While the market is crowded with soundbars, the A550 stands out for its wireless subwoofer inclusion, ensuring a clutter-free setup and robust sound profile.
The Game Mode is a particular highlight, enhancing the gaming experience with dynamic audio that tracks the on-screen action. The Adaptive Sound Lite technology is another impressive feature, optimizing the soundbar’s output to match the content, whether it’s a dialogue-heavy movie or a fast-paced action game.
Considering its price point, the A550 offers exceptional value for money, especially when compared to its higher-priced peers.
However, it’s not without its flaws. Some users have reported durability concerns and connection issues, which are important to consider.
But in my experience, the soundbar has performed reliably, offering a user-friendly interface and straightforward controls. If you’re in the market for a soundbar that won’t break the bank but still delivers on quality, the SAMSUNG A550 A Series Soundbar is certainly worth considering.
Features
- Dolby Digital 5.1
- Bass Boost
- Wireless Subwoofer
- Game Mode
- Adaptive Sound Lite
- Value for Money
Pros
- Immersive Audio
- Powerful Bass
- Clutter-Free Setup
- Dynamic Game Audio
- Optimized Sound
Cons
- Durability Issues
- Connection Problems
- Control Complexity
2. VIZIO V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar
The VIZIO V-Series™ 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar stands out with its dynamic sound quality and 3D sound technology.
Upon first use, the 96dB sound pressure level and the 50Hz – 20kHz frequency range immediately impressed me with their clarity and range. The DTS Virtual:X technology truly enhances the audio experience, making it feel like you’re in the center of the action.
- Loud and Clear The 96dB sound pressure level and...
- DTS Virtual:X: Enhances any content with...
- 5” Wireless Subwoofer Place the wireless...
Comparing it to other soundbars in its class, the VIZIO V-Series offers a competitive edge with its wireless subwoofer and voice assistant compatibility. It’s a great fit for those who prioritize ease of use and seamless integration into a smart home setup. The price point is reasonable, considering the features it packs.
The Dialogue EQ is a standout feature for me, as it ensures clear and crisp dialogue, which is essential for movie enthusiasts. Whether you should buy it or not depends on your needs, but for a balanced blend of price and performance, this soundbar is a strong contender.
Features
- Dynamic Sound Quality
- DTS Virtual:X
- Wireless Subwoofer
- Voice Assistant Input
- Dialogue EQ
- 96dB Sound Level
Pros
- Clear Audio
- Smart Integration
- Easy Setup
- Versatile Use
- Competitive Price
Cons
- Limited Bass
- Basic Design
- No Advanced Features
3. VIZIO M-Series All-in-One Sound Bar
The VIZIO M-Series All-in-One Sound Bar stands out with its integrated Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, promising an immersive audio experience that rivals more complex setups.
My first impression was one of sleekness and simplicity, with a design that blends into any home theater setup. The sound bar’s ability to produce a spatial audio landscape with its built-in subwoofers and tweeters makes it a strong contender in its price range.
- America's #1 Sound Bar* VIZIO has been filling...
- Immersive sound, brought to you by people who love...
- It’s psychoacoustics, but you can call it magic....
Comparing it to other sound bars under $200, the VIZIO M-Series offers a compelling mix of features and performance. It’s especially suitable for users who want an upgrade from their TV’s built-in speakers without the clutter of external components.
However, some users have reported synchronization issues and unreliable durability, which are points to consider. The price point feels justified, given the audio quality and ease of setup.
Despite some negative feedback, the overall user satisfaction is high. The sound bar’s minimalist design and low profile ensure it doesn’t dominate your space visually or physically. I believe for those on a budget who still seek quality sound, this is a product to consider. Yet, for those concerned with long-term reliability, looking at alternatives might be wise.
Features
- Spatial Audio
- Built-in Subwoofers
- Alexa Compatibility
Pros
- Immersive Sound
- Easy Setup
- Compact Design
Cons
- Durability Issues
- Sync Problems
- Volume Jumps
4. Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System
The Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar stands out for its ease of use and clear audio performance, making it a solid choice for those looking to enhance their TV sound experience without the complexity of a full home theater system.
My first impression was its sleek design and the promise of Bose-quality sound in a compact package. While it may not satisfy the most discerning audiophiles, it’s a significant upgrade over standard TV speakers, especially in clarity and volume.
- Connector Type: Lightning
- Included Components: Bose Solo 5 TV sound system
- Universal remote control
In comparison to other soundbars in its price range, the Solo 5 offers a balanced mix of features and performance. The dialogue mode is particularly impressive, ensuring that every word stands out, which is great for news or talk show enthusiasts.
The Bluetooth connectivity is a breeze, allowing for easy streaming from various devices. Considering its price point, the Solo 5 provides good value, although those seeking a deep bass experience may find it lacking.
The universal remote is a double-edged sword; it’s convenient for controlling multiple devices but can be cumbersome due to its size.
The soundbar’s single connection to the TV simplifies setup, but the lack of an on-unit display for volume levels can be frustrating.
Despite these quirks, the Bose Solo 5 is a worthy purchase for casual listeners, but serious sound enthusiasts might look at the next tier of soundbars for a more immersive experience.
Features
- Easy setup
- Dialogue mode
- Bluetooth streaming
- Compact design
- Universal remote
- Adequate loudness
Pros
- Clear audio
- Simple connection
- Wireless music
- Dialogue enhancement
- Universal control
Cons
- Oversized remote
- Limited bass
- No volume indicator
5. Yamaha Audio SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar
The Yamaha Audio SR-C20A Compact Sound Bar stands out for its clear dialogue enhancement and compact size, making it a solid choice for those with space constraints.
Upon first listen, the sound clarity, particularly for dialogue, impressed me, which is a boon for movie lovers who struggle with muffled speech in action-packed scenes. While it may not rival the deep bass of larger systems, its built-in subwoofer is a pleasant surprise in such a small package.
The price point is reasonable, considering the brand reputation and Bluetooth streaming capabilities. However, the bass performance might not satisfy all, especially those used to more robust systems.
- Built-in subwoofer and passive radiators for...
- Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity
- Bluetooth streaming for your music and podcasts
In comparison to other soundbars in its class, the SR-C20A’s portability and ease of setup with multiple connection options like HDMI, optical, or aux are significant advantages. It’s also wall-mountable, a feature that’s not always a given with compact soundbars.
While the sound quality for music may not be on par with specialized systems, for everyday TV and podcast listening, it’s more than adequate. The inclusion of an HDMI cord is a nice touch, contradicting some product information that suggests otherwise.
Should you buy the Yamaha SR-C20A? If you’re after a soundbar that won’t break the bank or your living room’s spatial harmony, this could be it. It’s not without its faults—some users have reported a muffled sound and faulty remote—but for a home office or a small living space, it’s a sound investment.
Just don’t expect it to pump out the same bass as a full-sized system.
Features
- Enhanced Dialogue
- Bluetooth Streaming
- Simple Setup
- Wall-Mountable
- Compact Design
- Built-in Subwoofer
Pros
- Clear Dialogue
- Compact Size
- Easy Setup
- Value for Money
- Bluetooth Capable
Cons
- Weak Bass
- Faulty Remote
- Muffled Sound
What to check in a Soundbar before buying?
Price Range
Choosing the right soundbar within a budget price range of $200 is essential for selecting the best product.
There are several models available on the market that provide great quality and features, but making sure it fits in your budget can be an important factor when deciding which model to purchase.
Connectivity Options
One must consider the number of connectivity options offered by each soundbar, as some may have more input ports than others.
Depending on the type of connection you need to make with other devices, like a television or laptop, having multiple connections might be necessary for achieving optimal performance.
Audio Quality
The audio quality of soundbars should also be taken into account when making a selection—especially since most users will use it primarily for listening to music and movies.
Checking reviews and testing out different soundbars before purchasing is a good way to identify one that offers clear and crisp sound at all levels.
Compatibility
It’s important to look at how well a given soundbar works with certain types of media, such as streaming services, TVs, mobile applications, etc., as this can also affect the overall experience.
Make sure that whatever products you’re looking at are compatible with any existing hardware you already own.
Setup Complexity
Another thing to keep in mind during selection process is setup complexity; if you don’t feel comfortable setting up complicated electronics yourself, then opting for simpler models with fewer components might be ideal.
Pay attention to what accessories come included in the box so you know exactly what’s needed prior to installation.
Aesthetics
Lastly, aesthetics should also be considered while shopping for a soundbar under $200 since they will likely become part of your home décor. Taking into account style preferences and overall design can help narrow down choices from hundreds possible options
Final Verdict
Ultimately, with so many soundbars out there on the market today, finding the perfect one for your needs can seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, we have narrowed down our list of the best soundbars under $200 to offer you some great options that will fit within any budget.
Considerations such as design and size should be taken into account when selecting the right model for your setup, while also keeping an eye out for features that include multiple inputs/outputs, multi-room functionality and voice assistant support depending on what you need from a soundbar system.
Keep in mind that price is not always indicative of quality, but it’s important to do your research and read reviews before making your final decision in order to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
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