Guide: Choosing the Best Soundbar Under 200 Bucks

Does your TV sound flat and lifeless? Do you wish your favorite movies and music had more punch? You’re not alone! Many people want better audio without spending a fortune. Finding a great soundbar under $200 can feel like a treasure hunt. You see so many choices, and it’s hard to know which one actually delivers clear, powerful sound for your money.

This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you what features really matter in budget soundbars. You will learn how to spot the best deals and avoid common mistakes. By the end, you will know exactly which under $200 soundbar fits your needs perfectly.

Ready to upgrade your home entertainment without emptying your wallet? Let’s dive in and discover the best budget sound solutions available right now.

Top Under 200 Soundbar Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

GEOYEAO Sound bar with subwoofer, 200W 2.1 ch soundbar w/Dolby Atmos Surround Sound System, 3D Bass Adjustable Home Theater Bluetooth TV Speaker for Smart TV/Projector/PC

𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗼𝗹𝗯𝘆 𝗔𝘁𝗺𝗼𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱: This 2.1ch sound bar with subwoofer is equipped with advanced Dolby Atmos technology, delivering a comprehensive cinematic experience with breathtakingly realistic surround sound for your TV.
𝗥𝗼𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟱.𝟮𝟱 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘄𝗼𝗼𝗳𝗲𝗿: This soundbar's design can deliver a strong and deep bass effect, providing a richer sound layer when you listen to music or watch movies. Compared to regular sound bars tv speak, an extra 5.25 inch subwoofer has a better dynamic response, which means it can maintain clarity and accuracy of sound quality when playing loud or rapidly changing music.
𝟯𝗗 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 3D Sound Enhancement can provide a more 3D and surround sound experience. This technology simulates the way human ears receive sound at different locations, making you feel as if the sound is coming from different directions and distances, thereby creating a more realistic and vivid sound field. Whether you are watching movies, playing games, or listening to music, our sound bar for your smart TV comes providing a multi-dimensional audio experience that takes home theater audio to new heights.
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘁𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: With seamless Bluetooth integration, our sound bar enables you to stream your favorite music from your phone, tablet, laptop, Smart TV or other Bluetooth-enabled devices directly, providing a hassle-free and wireless audio experience.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 & 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: The Geoyeao sound bar boasts a compact and sleek design that complements your TV and the aesthetics of your living space, bedroom or computer table, making it an elegant addition to your home theater setup.

SaleBestseller No. 2

TV Speaker, 2.1 CH Soundbar with Subwoofer, 200W Dolby Digital Sound Bar for TV, Home Theater Audio System with HDMI eARC, Bluetooth, Remote Control, Surround Sound for Smart TV, Projector, Gaming

2.1 Channel Immersive Sound with Powerful Subwoofer - Experience room-filling audio with a 200W peak power output. This 2.1 sound bar system includes a dedicated external subwoofer that delivers deep, impactful bass, transforming your movies, music, and games into a true cinematic home theater experience.
Dolby Digital Certified for 3D Surround Sound - Officially certified by Dolby Laboratories, this TV sound bar decodes Dolby Digital content to produce rich, clear, and immersive 3D surround sound. Feel like you're in the center of the action with enhanced audio detail and clarity.Dolby Digital Certified for 3D Surround Sound Officially certified by Dolby Laboratories, this TV sound bar decodes Dolby Digital content to produce rich, clear, and immersive 3D surround sound. Feel like you're in the center of the action with enhanced audio detail and clarity.
Multiple Connectivity Options: HDMI eARC/ARC & Bluetooth - Easily connect to your Smart TV, 4K TV, or projector via HDMI eARC/ARC for the highest quality audio. The Bluetooth sound bar function allows for wireless streaming from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, providing versatile audio solutions for all your devices.
Customizable Sound with 3 DSP Modes & EQ Controls - Tailor your audio with three specialized Digital Signal Processing (DSP) modes: Movie, Music, and News. Further personalize your listening experience with adjustable bass and treble controls to suit any content or preference.
Easy Control with Remote & User-Friendly Design - Manage audio settings effortlessly using the included remote or top-panel buttons. Adjust volume, switch sound modes, and fine-tune your audio without interruptions.

Bestseller No. 3

Klipsch Flexus Sound System: CORE 200 Sound Bar, 10" SUB 100 Subwoofer, Powered by Onkyo with Bluetooth, Dolby Atmos and Custom Tuned Bass - Black

POWERED BY ONKYO: We’ve teamed up with Onkyo, combining their decades of proven manufacturing and tech prowess with our classic Klipsch acoustics, to ensure your home entertainment system is as epic in audio quality as it is in reliability.
SOLID FOUNDATIONS: 3.1.2-CHANNEL SOUND BAR: Powered by exceptional acoustics and proprietary Klipsch Transport technology, this 3.1.2-channel sound bar is the first step towards building the whole home entertainment ecosystem of your dreams.
DOLBY ATMOS FOR IMMERSIVE, MULTIDIMENSIONAL SOUND: Built for processing the newest movies, shows, and games, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 features powerful Dolby Atmos technology: two built-in elevation speakers.
CUSTOM-TUNED SOUND, BEST BASS IN CLASS: Four 2.25” ceramic drivers finely tuned by Klipsch acousticians and dual 4” built-in subwoofers for best-in-class bass – no subwoofer required.
CRYSTAL CLEAR DIALOG THANKS TO CLASSIC KLIPSCH TECH: The Flexus Core 200 Sound System features a dedicated horn-loaded tweeter for vocal clarity so you never miss a beat. Dramas with tense dialog scenes or action-packed thrillers sound clearer than ever thanks to this innovative Klipsch technology as your dedicated center channel.

SaleBestseller No. 4

Klipsch Flexus CORE 200 3.1.2 Channel Powered by Onkyo Bluetooth Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos and Custom Tuned Bass - Black

POWERED BY ONKYO: We’ve teamed up with Onkyo, combining their decades of proven manufacturing and tech prowess with our classic Klipsch acoustics, to ensure your home entertainment system is as epic in audio quality as it is in reliability.
SOLID FOUNDATIONS: 3.1.2-CHANNEL SOUND BAR: Powered by exceptional acoustics and proprietary Klipsch Transport technology, this 3.1.2-channel sound bar is the first step towards building the whole home entertainment ecosystem of your dreams.
DOLBY ATMOS FOR IMMERSIVE, MULTIDIMENSIONAL SOUND: Built for processing the newest movies, shows, and games, the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 features powerful Dolby Atmos technology: two built-in elevation speakers.
CUSTOM-TUNED SOUND, BEST BASS IN CLASS: Four 2.25” ceramic drivers finely tuned by Klipsch acousticians and dual 4” built-in subwoofers for best-in-class bass – no subwoofer required.
CRYSTAL CLEAR DIALOG THANKS TO CLASSIC KLIPSCH TECH: The Flexus Core 200 Sound System features a dedicated horn-loaded tweeter for vocal clarity so you never miss a beat. Dramas with tense dialog scenes or action-packed thrillers sound clearer than ever thanks to this innovative Klipsch technology as your dedicated center channel.

Bestseller No. 5

Hiwill 2.2ch Dolby Soundbar for Smart TV, 200W Peak Power, 6 Drivers - 2 SUBWOOFER/ 2 Tweeter Build-in, Deep Bass/Clear Voice, 3D Surround Speakers w/HDMI ARC/Opt/BT 5.3, TV/PC Sound Bar-35.4" Long

Dolby Audio Surround Sound System: Dolby Audio delivers an immersive sound experience with significantly improved sound clarity. Dolby Audio technology is applicable to a wide range of content types such as movies, TV programs, music, games, etc., meeting the entertainment needs of different users and bringing users an unprecedented sound experience.
Hiwill 2.2 Dolby Audio Soundbar: Hiwill D20 dolby soundbar has 6 speakers, 2 full-range speakers, 2 woofer speakers and 2 tweeter speakers. It gives the sound a 3D surround sound. Its optimized magnetic circuit and diaphragm deliver fuller, resonant bass. Immerse yourself in rich low frequencies and feel the impact of every beat. Enhances action scenes and explosions with powerful low-frequency response, boosting your bass performance.
Optimized 3 Equalizers: Comes with 3 equalizer modes: Music, Movie, and News to select your favorite specialized mode for providing you with a wide range of stereo effects throughout the room so you can enjoy cinematic surround sound in your home.
Upgraded CEC HDMI ARC Connections: Support of Using TV remote to control soundbar in HDMI ARC mode, No need to use 2 remotes of turning on/off soundbar and tvs. Remote Control HDMI(ARC)/OPT/AUX for Easy wired connection.
Fast Wireless Bluetooth 5.3: Bluetooth 5.3 for easy wireless connection, with wider sound range and stable connection to wireless streaming your favorite music, podcast and tv shows. Support of connecting to alexa smart speakers via aux port.

Bestseller No. 6

XINLEI Universal Sound Bar Mounts Fits Most 23 to 65 Inch TVs Soundbar TV Mount Bracket Above or Under TV, up to 22 lbs SBR302

COMPATIBILITY: XINLEI universal sound bar mounts under TV fits most 23 to 65 inch TVs and most SONY, VIZIO, BOSE, YAMAHA, SAMSUNG speaker bars.VESA 200x100mm to 600x400mm.
EASY TO INSTALL: Easily connect to TV Wall brackets or directly to the TVs on stands. The teeth on joints make it easier to tighten and adjust, avoiding leaving screw holes in wall.
FLEXIBLE: 180°adjustable with sound bar sitting above or below the TV, so it can work with most TVs and soundbars,max mounting distance is 20.7 inch length.
STURDY: The sound bar mounting brackets for TV are made of high quality steel, can support up to 22lbs/10kg, is durable and strong enough to keep your speaker securely mounted.
PACKAGE INCLUDES: 2 x Sound bar Bracket, Mounting Hardware Kit x 1, User Manual x 1. Our customer service support answers your pre-purchase and installation questions.

Bestseller No. 7

Hiwill 2.1CH Dolby Atmos Soundbar with Subwoofer, 200W Peak Power, Home Theater Sound Bar for Smart TV, Adjustable Treble and Bass, Clear Dialogue, HDMI eARC/ARC/Opt/BT/AUX, HiElite A21

Compact 2.1CH Dolby Atmos Soundbar - Enhance your home theater experience with the HiElite A21 dolby atmos soundbar designed for smart TVs, bringing movies, music, and more to life like never before with Dolby Atmos' precise sound positioning technology. Experience audio like never before with 3D Spatial Audio powered by Dolby Atmos sound bars for TV. This technology offers an immersive three-dimensional sound experience that transcends traditional surround sound systems. Get lost in theater-like sound from your favorite content with Spatial Audio.
Continuous Firmware Upgrades - Hiwill is committed to providing users with continuous firmware updates to ensure that your device is always in the best condition. Our team regularly releases updates to fix known issues, improve performance, and introduce new features. You can easily get the latest version and enjoy better audio experience. We understand your needs, so we always keep optimizing and upgrading the firmware to help you get a better technical experience. Note: Contact us directly to get the latest firmware!
The latest update content - Memory function: The soundbar will remember your current settings after shutting down, so you don't need to reset them when you restart it. Enhanced Sound Quality & Deeper Bass: The sound quality is clearer, eliminating the noise, and the bass is increased, especially at low volumes. The remote control bass can be adjusted in a wider range. Reduce display brightness: The display brightness is no longer glaring and automatically turns off after 30 seconds. Reduce default initial volume: When restoring the default state, the volume is 5 levels lower than the previous firmware.
Crafted with High-quality Materials - Using high-end aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragms, the system's lightweight design and high rigidity ensure optimal sound quality, providing excellent sensitivity and durability. Each driver is equipped with high quality copper rings to reduce interference and improve signal clarity. The sound bar for smart TV minimize distortion and stabilize the magnetic field to ensure a balanced and precise sound.
Hiwill HarmonicX Sound Processing - HXS-Processing ClearVoice: Our next-generation sound processing technology for crystal-clear vocals. Through superior materials and Hiwill's exclusive HarmonicX Sound Processing. The soundbar with subwoofer gets to the root of the problem of unclear vocals and poor sound quality that 2.0 and 2.1 channel soundbars can't solve, allowing you to experience crystal clear sound and unparalleled detail, creating a truly immersive, high-quality audio experience.

SaleBestseller No. 8

BlueAnt Soundblade Under-Monitor Soundbar, 120W 2.1 Channel Desktop Speaker with USB-C & Bluetooth 5.3 for PC, Mac, Gaming, Music and Streaming, Charcoal

A Desktop Audio Powerhouse - Delivering 120 watts of thundering audio and deep bass, crystal-clear dialogue, rich music, and dynamic sound effects, the Soundblade provides an unparalleled desktop PC speaker experience for its form factor.
Innovative Acoustic Engineering: Power and Clarity - Powerful 80mm neodymium subwoofer, dual neodymium drivers, dual voice coils, and single cone racetrack drivers, the Soundblade amplifies the power output while maintaining lower distortion levels, ensuring that every note and sound effect is delivered with crystal-clear precision.
Epic Cinematic Experience and Enhanced Gaming - Streaming movie enthusiasts will appreciate a mini-cinema experience right at their desk, with the Soundblade capturing the full impact of cinematic storytelling. For gamers, the Soundblade offers an unprecedented level of immersion. It delivers heightened realism and auditory detail, bringing virtual worlds to life and allowing gamers to not only play the game, but be in the game.
Award Winning Design - A beautifully crafted, sleek, low-profile device, The Soundblade complements and enhances any desktop setup. Its elegant form factor is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly under your existing monitor, creating a harmonious and unobtrusive addition to your workspace.
Multiple Connection Options - The Soundblade offers a range of connectivity options to suit your needs. Whether you prefer the versatility of auto switching USB-C, Bluetooth convenience or the simplicity of a 3.5mm auxiliary input, the Soundblade seamlessly syncs with your laptop, MacBook, smartphone, or tablet.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Under $200 Soundbar

Want better sound for your TV without breaking the bank? A soundbar under $200 is a fantastic choice. These compact speakers bring much more punch than your TV’s built-in speakers. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping in this price range, focus on these important features:

Connectivity Options

HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel): This is the best way to connect. It lets you control the soundbar’s volume with your regular TV remote.
Optical Input: Most older and many newer TVs use this digital connection. It provides clear sound.
Bluetooth: You need Bluetooth to stream music easily from your phone or tablet.

Sound Quality Basics

Wattage: Higher wattage generally means louder sound. Look for at least 30W for a good living room boost.
Channel Setup: Most budget soundbars are 2.0 (two speakers). Some might offer a virtual surround sound effect. Don’t expect true surround sound at this price.

Design and Size

Measure the space under your TV. Make sure the soundbar fits neatly without blocking the TV’s sensor.

Important Materials and Build Quality

The materials used affect how long the soundbar lasts and how it looks.

Enclosure Materials

Plastic (ABS): Most affordable soundbars use strong plastic. It keeps the cost down. Good plastic feels solid, not flimsy.
Wood Composite (MDF): Some slightly higher-end budget models use wood composite. This material often handles vibrations better, leading to slightly clearer sound.

Grille Material

The front grille protects the speakers. Metal grilles offer better durability than cloth grilles. Cloth can sometimes trap dust easily.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all budget soundbars perform the same. These factors matter:

What Makes Sound Better (Improvements)

Dedicated Center Channel: Even basic models that try to separate dialogue slightly offer clearer voices.
Bass Port/Passive Radiator: These help the small speakers produce deeper bass notes without needing a separate, bulky subwoofer.
DSP Modes: Digital Signal Processing (DSP) lets you switch between modes like Movie, Music, or News. This customizes the sound for what you are watching.

What Makes Sound Worse (Reductions)

Poorly Tuned Bass: If the bass rattles or sounds muddy, the sound quality drops quickly, even if it is loud.
Cheap Internal Amplifiers: Low-quality electronics cause distortion when you turn the volume up high.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about where you will use your new soundbar.

Best Use Cases

Small Bedrooms or Offices: A compact 20-inch soundbar works perfectly here for music and background TV.
Apartment Living: If you cannot have loud volumes, a soundbar offers significant clarity improvement over built-in speakers without disturbing neighbors.
Casual Viewers: If you watch the news or standard sitcoms, these bars provide a great audio upgrade.

Setup and Ease of Use

Look for simple setup instructions. If the remote control is confusing, your experience will suffer. Many good budget bars offer one-touch pairing for Bluetooth.

Top 10 FAQs for Under $200 Soundbars

Q: Can I connect this soundbar to my old TV?

A: Yes, most soundbars include an Optical cable. If your TV has a matching port, you can connect it easily.

Q: Does “Under $200” mean I get a subwoofer?

A: Rarely. Subwoofers usually push the price up. Most soundbars in this range rely on built-in drivers or passive radiators for bass.

Q: What is the difference between 2.0 and 2.1 channels?

A: 2.0 means two speakers (left and right). 2.1 means two main speakers plus a separate subwoofer for better low sounds.

Q: Is HDMI ARC necessary?

A: It is highly recommended. HDMI ARC lets your TV remote control the soundbar volume, which is much simpler.

Q: Will this soundbar make movies sound like a theater?

A: It will sound much clearer and fuller than your TV speakers. However, true theater immersion requires more channels and higher cost.

Q: How long should the soundbar be?

A: For TVs 40 inches and smaller, a 24-32 inch soundbar looks best. For larger TVs (up to 55 inches), look for 34 inches or longer.

Q: Do I need to update the firmware on a budget soundbar?

A: Usually, no. Firmware updates are less common on simpler, budget-focused models.

Q: How loud will this soundbar get?

A: They generally get loud enough to fill a medium-sized room without distortion, often peaking around 80-90 decibels.

Q: Can I connect a gaming console directly to the soundbar?

A: No. You connect the console to the TV, and the TV sends the audio signal to the soundbar.

Q: What is the biggest quality sacrifice I make under $200?

A: The biggest sacrifice is usually deep, impactful bass and advanced surround sound processing.