Have you had enough of your television's mediocre sound quality? You're definitely not the only one. Many televisions—yes, including some higher-end ones—are known for delivering fuzzy speech, shrill high tones, and weak low frequencies. However, ever since incorporating a soundbar into my system, these problems have vanished. Now, enjoying my beloved movies and TV series has become an unparalleled experience.
However, many of you might believe that a high-quality soundbar can be quite expensive. And yes, if you're aiming for the best of the best, you're correct; some top-tier models come at a premium price. best Dolby Atmos soundbars For example, this won't be inexpensive. That being said, I've tried some of the very best options available. best cheap soundbars On the market now, I'm sure you'll find — there's something for everybody, regardless of whether your budget is roughly $300 or less than $100. Therefore, I've compiled a selection of five affordable options that can elevate your viewing sessions significantly. Here they are...
Sony HT-SF150
Let me start off by mentioning one of my absolute favorites: the Sony HT-SF150, known as the HT-S100F over here in the U.S. Although this model isn't the latest thing out there—there's no fancy stuff such as Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support—it excels at getting the fundamentals right.
Initially, this soundbar is remarkably affordable, frequently discounted to under $100 / £90 / AU$180 – an exceptionally low cost. However, do not let the budget-friendly price fool you; it does not reflect poor build quality. The HT-SF150 delivers sharp dialogues, allowing viewers to turn off annoying subtitles. Additionally, you have the flexibility to tailor the audio experience according to your media with options like Standard, Cinema, Music, Night, and a distinctively clear Voice mode.
In addition to everything mentioned above, the HT-SF150 benefits from Sony’s S-Force Front Surround technology, designed to mimic "theatrical surround sound." Although achieving true cinema-quality sound may exceed what this system can deliver, I found the audio spread impressively wide and appreciated how well on-screen movements were acoustically represented. When combined with the unexpectedly stylish design of the soundbar, it becomes clear why many consider it a great value proposition.
Read our full Sony HT-SF150 review .
Hisense HS214
Hold on though; suppose you have limited space. In that case, the Hisense HS214 might just be ideal for you. Priced under $100 at $99/£79, this model stands out as a compact alternative to the Sony HT-SF150, making it a great choice for those seeking a smaller soundbar solution.
The HS214’s compact design makes it perfect for those living in dorm rooms or small apartments who desire a soundbar that fits well with their television setup. Despite its small stature, it manages to deliver impressive audio quality. With a peak power output of 108 watts and an integrated subwoofer, it provides enhanced bass performance. While it may not produce genuinely thunderous bass, it still offers a substantial upgrade over many televisions—especially smaller ones known for their underwhelming sound capabilities. This holds true even when compared to certain higher-end models. best small TVs .
Moreover, this soundbar features its own equalizer settings, easy installation process, and includes every connectivity option available — such as HDMI ARC. While it cannot produce an as wide a spatial effect as the HT-SF150, partly due to its narrower design, even its included surround mode tends to have a somewhat metallic quality—so if you desire truly immersive audio, another model from Sony might suit your needs better. All things considered, however, this unexpectedly robust soundbar offers a great value proposition for those seeking a swift and budget-friendly enhancement over basic television audio.
Read our full Hisense HS214 review .
Panasonic SC-HTB100
For my next act: something special just for our friends across the pond in the UK. My apologies to you folks in the USA. Today, we're going back to big-soundbar territory with the Panasonic SC-HTB100. Despite being surprisingly affordable—usually priced under £80—I discovered this fact quite unexpectedly myself.
Sure! The standout feature for me was the clarity and precise positioning of the vocals from this soundbar. High and low pitches were distinctly separate without ever coming off as muddy within the audio spectrum. While it may not be the loudest option available and might lack some depth in the bass department, those who frequently tune into radio shows or watch documentaries will find great value here due to the sharp vocal reproduction. This aspect alone makes the soundbar worthwhile.
One more reason to opt for the Panasonic SC-HTB100 is its Bluetooth capability. The system features Bluetooth 5.0, which is an improvement over the earlier versions with Bluetooth 4.2 used in the preceding models. Obviously, this major advantage allows you to effortlessly link your smartphone to the soundbar and stream your preferred music tracks directly. Spotify , Apple Music And similar things. The audio quality was quite acceptable on the SC-HTB100 – though not as impressive as the best Bluetooth speakers Or anything — but still clear and true to the tone, particularly in Music mode.
Read our full Panasonic SC-HTB100 review .
Bose Solo Soundbar 2
I also had a pleasant experience with another compact choice—the Bose Solo Soundbar 2. Let me be upfront about something right away—there isn't an HDMI port available, which means you'll rely on the supplied remote for adjusting volume levels. Now imagine this scenario: you own a PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch, and a Blu-ray player. Uh oh! All your HDMI slots are occupied. However, fear not because the optical connection makes this issue negligible. Therefore, if switching around your devices constantly doesn’t appeal to you, going through the optical path might prove to be a superior solution.
Let’s discuss the soundbar now. Despite its compact size, it delivers an impressive performance with up to 100 watts of power. You can fine-tune the bass settings to achieve robust lows—great for intense movie scores. Additionally, this device features a Dialogue Mode that enhances spoken content during hectic scenes or clear dialogue while listening to podcast recordings.
Similar to the Hisense HS214, this soundbar doesn't offer an exceptionally wide soundscape, largely due to its compact dimensions. However, one commendable parallel is that it remains visually appealing, equipped with a user-friendly remote control and an uncomplicated installation procedure. Given that it’s made by Bose, the cost isn’t prohibitive; the official retail price stands at $199 / £179.95 / AU$359.95. Additionally, discounts occasionally make it even more budget-friendly.
Read our full Review of the Bose Solo Soundbar 2 .
Sony HT-S2000
Perhaps I'm being somewhat playful, but I must highlight Sony and commend the HT-S2000 model. Honestly, this soundbar isn't as budget-friendly as some of the others we've discussed, yet it certainly isn't overpriced. We've noticed it dip below $300 in the U.S., which I believe offers incredible value for money.
This soundbar offers virtually all the features you'd require in a single, well-rounded unit. In fact, it stands as an independent 3.1 system capable of delivering both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio with exceptional quality, fully enveloping you within the scene thanks to Sony’s advanced technology. From what I've observed, finding an affordable option that truly excels at handling Atmos content isn’t common. However, upon testing this particular model personally, I found its ability to create depth and height—sounds often surpassing the top edge of your television—to be particularly striking and considerably enhancing the overall visual experience.
Once again, the HT-S200 excels at handling basics such as clear dialogue, sleek design, and an uncomplicated installation process. However, it also performs well with more complex aspects like powerful low-frequency sounds, effective musical reproduction, and precise tracking of on-screen movements. Keep in mind that this soundbar is bulkier compared to some options mentioned earlier, so ensure you have sufficient room on your entertainment center—unless you prefer mounting it on a stand instead.
Read our full Sony HT-S2000 review .
There you go! These are my recommendations for top-notch soundbars suitable for those with a tighter budget. You might've observed that many of these options hover around the $100 mark, illustrating quite well that improving your television’s audio quality can be done without breaking the bank.
Sure, some of these choices might not impress you with thundering bass or the wonders of Dolby Atmos – yet I can confidently attest to their excellent audio performance. Should you be seeking an outstanding high-end option, take a look at our guide to the best speakers. best soundbars , where we've compiled a selection of the finest choices available nowadays.
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