Upgrading your TV’s built-in speakers is one of the most effective ways to improve your home entertainment experience. The thin design of modern televisions often means audio quality is compromised, resulting in muffled dialogue and a lack of cinematic impact. You don’t need a complex, multi-speaker system to notice a significant difference; a simple soundbar can provide the clarity and power your viewing sessions deserve.
Finding a high-quality soundbar that fits a modest budget is easier than you might think. The market is filled with excellent options under $200 that offer enhanced sound, deeper bass, and convenient features like Bluetooth streaming. This roundup highlights nine of the best soundbars in this category, helping you find the perfect audio upgrade for your living room without overspending.
Our Top Picks for Soundbars Under $200
- Samsung HW-J355 2.1 Channel 120 Watt Wired Audio Soundbar
- Wohome Sound Bar, 38 Inch 100W Soundbar for TV with 6 Speakers
- YAMAHA YAS-108 Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers & Bluetooth
- VIZIO Sound Bar for TV, 29” Surround Sound System for TV
- VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar with Dolby Audio
- Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC
- Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar with Powerful Wireless subwoofer
- TCL Alto 6 2.0 Channel Roku TV Ready Home Theater Sound Bar
- JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One Soundbar
Samsung HW-J355 2.1 Channel 120 Watt Wired Audio Soundbar
This Samsung 2.1 channel system delivers a powerful 120 watts of audio, providing a substantial upgrade over standard TV speakers. The package includes a dedicated wired subwoofer with a 5.25-inch driver, which is responsible for producing the deep, resonant bass that adds excitement to movies and music. Its 37-inch width makes it a suitable match for a wide range of television sizes.
Connectivity is versatile, featuring Bluetooth for wireless streaming from your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to easily play your favorite playlists without any extra cables. For installation, the soundbar is designed to be wall-mountable, offering flexibility in how you set up your home theater space and helping you achieve a clean, organized look.
Wohome Sound Bar, 38 Inch 100W Soundbar for TV with 6 Speakers
The Wohome soundbar uses its large 38-inch chassis to house an impressive six-speaker array. This setup includes four 3-inch full-range speakers and two dedicated treble speakers, working together to produce a loud, room-filling sound that can reach up to 110 dB. The extended internal bass reflex tubes are engineered to improve sound quality, resulting in deeper bass and a fuller overall audio profile.
You can customize your listening experience with four distinct sound equalizer modes: TV dialogue, music, movie, and a 3D mode. This versatility ensures optimal sound whether you’re watching a news broadcast or an action film. The soundbar offers multiple connection options, including HDMI-ARC, optical, AUX, and USB inputs, along with modern Bluetooth 5.0 for stable wireless streaming.
YAMAHA YAS-108 Sound Bar with Built-in Subwoofers & Bluetooth
Yamaha packs a significant audio punch into a slim profile with the YAS-108, thanks to its built-in dual subwoofers. These integrated woofers provide rich, deep bass without the need for a separate external unit, saving space and simplifying your setup. The soundbar also features Yamaha’s Clear Voice technology, which enhances dialogue clarity so you never miss a line of conversation.
For a more immersive experience, DTS Virtual:X creates a convincing three-dimensional surround sound effect from a single bar. Bluetooth connectivity allows for wireless audio streaming from compatible devices within a generous range. This combination of space-saving design, clear dialogue enhancement, and virtual surround sound makes it a strong contender for a streamlined home theater.
VIZIO Sound Bar for TV, 29” Surround Sound System for TV
The VIZIO SB2920-C6 is a straightforward 2.0 channel soundbar designed to deliver a clear and immediate improvement to your TV’s audio. Its full-range stereo speakers provide a boost to sound quality, while DTS audio technologies simulate a surround sound experience, adding width and depth to your movies and shows. The 29-inch design is compact enough to fit neatly in front of most televisions.
Setting up this soundbar is remarkably simple, as it comes with the necessary cables to connect to your TV right out of the box. The inclusion of Bluetooth means you can quickly connect your devices to stream music wirelessly throughout the room. It’s an ideal solution for anyone seeking an easy, effective audio upgrade with minimal hassle.
VIZIO V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar with Dolby Audio
Vizio’s V-Series soundbar offers a compact and versatile design, finished in a sleek black texture that is easy to clean. Its size and power output are optimized for small to medium-sized rooms, making it a perfect fit for bedrooms, offices, or smaller living areas. Despite its compact form, it doesn’t compromise on advanced audio features.
The soundbar supports Dolby Audio and features DTS Virtual:X, which creates an immersive, room-filling soundstage that seems to extend from the floor to the ceiling. Two integrated full-range speakers work to provide coherent sound and brilliant clarity across different types of content, from dialogue-heavy dramas to complex musical scores.
Bose TV Speaker – Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC
Bose designed this soundbar with a primary focus: to make dialogue clearer and easier to understand. This makes it an excellent solution for improving TV sound without the complexity of a full system. The compact, all-in-one unit is engineered to specifically enhance vocals and pronunciation, ensuring you can hear every word.
The soundbar utilizes two angled full-range drivers to produce a wider, more natural soundstage from its small footprint. This creates a more realistic and spatial audio experience. With both Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC connectivity, it offers simple setup and versatile streaming options, all controlled by an included remote.
Sony HT-S400 2.1ch Soundbar with Powerful Wireless subwoofer
The Sony HT-S400 is a 2.1 channel system that includes a separate wireless subwoofer, freeing you from the clutter of cables between the bar and the bass unit. This subwoofer delivers powerful, low-frequency effects that bring action scenes and music to life. Technologies like S-Force PRO Front Surround and Dolby Digital work to create a cinematic-style surround sound experience.
Sony incorporates its X-Balanced Speaker Unit and Separated Notch Edge design to achieve wide-ranging sound and improved vocal clarity. Operation is straightforward, with a compact remote control and a convenient OLED display window that provides clear feedback on your settings and input selection.
TCL Alto 6 2.0 Channel Roku TV Ready Home Theater Sound Bar
If you own a TCL Roku TV, this soundbar is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing ecosystem. The Roku TV Ready feature allows for a smoother setup and gives you easy access to sound settings directly through your Roku TV interface. You can even use your existing Roku TV remote to control the soundbar’s basic functions.
The soundbar decodes Dolby Digital audio, which maximizes sound clarity and creates a convincing, room-filling virtual surround sound. For times when you want to listen to music, Bluetooth connectivity enables you to wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly through the soundbar.
JBL Bar 2.0 All-in-One Soundbar
JBL is renowned for its audio heritage, and the Bar 2.0 brings that expertise to your home theater in a simple, all-in-one design. This soundbar is engineered to deliver the powerful, clear sound that the brand is known for, providing a significant upgrade from built-in TV speakers. Its streamlined form factor fits easily into any entertainment setup.
With multiple connectivity options, you can easily hook it up to your TV and other devices. Bluetooth capability is also included, allowing for wireless streaming of your favorite music and podcasts. It’s a solid choice for those who want reliable performance and trusted audio quality from a single, uncomplicated unit.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soundbar under $200
When I started looking for a soundbar to improve my TV’s audio without spending a fortune, I realized there are a few key things to focus on. The goal is to get the biggest audio upgrade for your money, and in the under-$200 category, you need to be smart about which features matter most to you.
First, consider the channels. You’ll see numbers like 2.0, 2.1, 3.1, and sometimes even 5.1. A 2.0 system has left and right speakers, which is a solid step up from TV speakers. A 2.1 system adds a separate subwoofer for that deep, rumbling bass that makes action movies feel real. A 3.1 system includes a dedicated center channel, which is crucial for making dialogue clear and easy to understand. While a full 5.1 system with surround sound satellites is rare at this price, some soundbars use virtual processing to simulate a wider soundstage.
Next, think about connectivity. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the gold standard. It lets you control the soundbar’s volume with your TV remote and often supports the best audio formats. If your TV is a bit older, an optical audio input is a reliable and common fallback. Bluetooth is a fantastic bonus, allowing you to stream music directly from your phone or tablet. Some models even include Wi-Fi for access to streaming services and multi-room audio, though that’s less common in this budget range.
Sound modes are another feature to look for. Many soundbars offer preset modes like “Movie,” “Music,” and “Night.” The night mode is particularly useful, as it compresses the sound so that loud explosions and quiet whispers are closer in volume, perfect for late-night viewing without disturbing others.
Finally, pay attention to the physical setup. Do you want a soundbar that sits in front of your TV, or one you can mount on the wall? Check the length to make sure it fits nicely with your TV stand. Also, consider if you have the space for a separate subwoofer. While it greatly enhances the experience, it’s another piece of furniture to place in your room. By weighing these factors—channels, connectivity, features, and size—you can confidently find one of the best soundbars under $200 for your TV that perfectly matches your needs.
FAQ
Is a soundbar under $200 actually better than my TV’s built-in speakers?
Absolutely. In my experience, even the most basic soundbar in this price range is a massive improvement over standard TV speakers. TVs are made to be thin, which leaves almost no room for decent speakers. A soundbar is dedicated to one job: producing clear, full-range sound. You’ll immediately notice a difference in dialogue clarity, richer music, and a more immersive experience overall. It’s one of the most cost-effective upgrades you can make for your home entertainment.
Do I need a separate subwoofer?
This really depends on what you watch and listen to. If you love action movies, sports, or bass-heavy music, a subwoofer is a game-changer. It handles the low-frequency effects that a small soundbar simply can’t reproduce on its own. However, many modern soundbars have built-in subwoofers that do a surprisingly good job. If you’re mostly watching news, dramas, or sitcoms, you might be perfectly happy without one. For the full cinematic feel, though, I’d recommend prioritizing a 2.1 channel system with a separate sub.
How do I connect a soundbar to my TV?
The easiest and best way is usually with an HDMI cable using the ARC (Audio Return Channel) port. This single cable will carry the audio from your TV to the soundbar and lets you control the volume with your TV remote. If your TV doesn’t have an ARC port, the next best option is an optical audio cable. Both cables are typically included in the box with your soundbar. Many models also offer Bluetooth, which is great for streaming music but can sometimes have a slight audio delay, making it less ideal for syncing with video.
What’s the difference between a 2.1 and a 3.1 soundbar?
The main difference is the center channel. A 2.1 system has two channels (left and right) plus a subwoofer (.1). A 3.1 system adds a third, dedicated center channel. This center speaker is specifically tuned for dialogue and on-screen action. If you often find yourself struggling to hear what characters are saying over background music and sound effects, a 3.1 soundbar can make a world of difference in vocal clarity.
Can I use my soundbar for music as well?
Yes, definitely. Most soundbars under $200 now include Bluetooth, so you can easily pair your phone or tablet and use the soundbar as a powerful wireless speaker. Some higher-end models in this bracket might even have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing for higher-quality streaming and access to services like Spotify Connect. While a soundbar is designed with TV audio in mind, it’s a fantastic multi-purpose device for your living room music listening.
Will any of the 9 best soundbars under $200 for TV work with a 4K TV?
Yes, they are fully compatible. The audio signal is separate from the video signal. As long as you use the correct connection—like HDMI ARC—your 4K video signal will pass from your streaming device or game console to your TV without any issue, while the audio is sent to the soundbar. You don’t need to worry about the soundbar interfering with your picture quality.