If you’ve bought a TV in the last five years, you already know the audio problem: stunning 4K picture, paper-thin speakers, dialogue that sounds like actors are whispering from inside a cardboard box. After helping hundreds of readers diagnose “why does my new TV sound so bad?” over the past three years, I can tell you the same fix solves it almost every time. A budget TV soundbar transforms muffled TV audio into clear, room-filling sound, often for less than what you’d spend on dinner for two.
I spent the past two months testing 8 best budget tv soundbars between $27 and $100, putting each one through dialogue-heavy dramas, action movies, late-night TV at low volume, and weekend gaming sessions. Some impressed me at the price. One disappointed me with its setup quirks. And one, the MZEIBO, genuinely surprised me with a 4.6-star average that it earned fairly.
This guide covers what I learned. You’ll find my top three picks at a glance, detailed reviews of every model, a buying guide that explains HDMI ARC vs optical without the jargon, and answers to the questions budget shoppers actually ask on forums like r/Soundbars. Whether you want the cheapest workable upgrade or the best sub-$100 soundbar you can buy in 2026, the right answer is in here.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Best Budget TV Soundbars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar |
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Check Latest Price |
 Assistrust 2-in-1 Detachable |
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 RIOWOIS 17-inch Surround |
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| Sony S100F 2.0ch |
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 MEGACRA BESTISAN 50W |
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 Samsung HW-B400F 2.0ch |
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| MZEIBO 50W Sound Bar |
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Check Latest Price |
 RIOWOIS 17-inch 80W |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar — Compact Power for Tight Spaces
Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar, Small Size & Big Power, Center-Channel Speakers
48W peak
Bluetooth 5.3
Sub Out port
Pros
- Compact 11.7-inch footprint
- Multiple connection options
- Clear voice mode
- Wall mount kit included
- Sub Out for bass expansion
Cons
- Limited bass from small drivers
- Remote batteries not included
- Initial volume startup is loud
The Saiyin 11.7-inch is what I recommend when someone tells me their TV sits on a small desk or their bedroom is barely 10×10 feet. After living with it for two weeks, I can confirm it punches well above its weight class for the size. The 48W peak power drives two full-range drivers that deliver surprisingly crisp dialogue, and the dedicated voice enhancement mode genuinely helps when watching BBC dramas at low volume.
Setup took me under five minutes. The package includes an optical cable, a 3.5mm AUX cable, and a wall mount kit with hardware. I connected it to my TCL TV via HDMI ARC after testing optical and Bluetooth. The HDMI ARC path gave me the cleanest integration: the soundbar powered on with the TV and the TV remote controlled volume natively.
Bluetooth 5.3 streaming was stable across my phone, and I never experienced dropouts in a 25-foot range. The AUX input is a nice backup for older TVs that lack HDMI ARC, and the optical port handles PCM stereo cleanly. The hidden gem here is the Sub Out port, which lets you add a wired subwoofer later if you want real bass impact.
Where the Saiyin shows its budget price is in the bass department. The drivers are small, so explosions and action sequences lack chest-thump. The remote requires two AAA batteries that aren’t included, which is a minor annoyance. Also, on first power-up the default volume is loud enough to startle you, so turn it down before plugging in. None of these are dealbreakers at this price.
Setup and room fit
This is the soundbar to buy for small rooms, dorm rooms, or as a desk speaker for PC gaming. The 11.7-inch width fits under most 32-inch TVs without blocking the IR sensor. If you have a larger living room, look elsewhere.
For renters and apartment dwellers, the included wall mount kit makes it easy to mount under a wall-mounted TV without buying extra hardware. The slim 2.5-inch height slides under most TV stands without obstructing the screen.
Best for value hunters on tight budgets
Skip this if you watch a lot of bass-heavy action movies or want true home theater rumble. Pick this if dialogue clarity and ease of setup matter more than low-end extension, or if your budget is genuinely under $30.
2. Assistrust Sound Bar 2-in-1 Detachable — Most Versatile Design
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
80W output
Detachable design
3 EQ modes
Pros
- 2-in-1 detachable splits into two speakers
- 80W peak power with 4 drivers
- Auto volume boost
- Three EQ modes movie/music/news
- Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
- Defaults to Bluetooth on power-up
- AAA batteries not included for remote
- Some TV remote sync quirks
The Assistrust Sound Bar solves a problem most budget soundbars ignore: room flexibility. Its 2-in-1 detachable design lets you use it as a single soundbar under your TV or split it into two tower speakers for wider stereo separation. I tested both configurations in my 12×15 living room and found the split mode noticeably wider for movies.
The 80W peak output is significant for this price tier, and four high-performance drivers deliver fuller sound than the Saiyin. The auto volume boost feature, which normalizes loud commercials and quiet dialogue, is the kind of convenience I didn’t know I wanted until I tried it. It works well for late-night viewing where commercials blast at twice the volume of the show.
The three equalizer modes (movie, music, news) genuinely change the sound profile. Movie mode boosts surround effects, music mode flattens response for cleaner playback, and news mode emphasizes vocal frequencies for clearer dialogue. I found news mode especially useful for podcasts streamed through Bluetooth.
Now for the quirks. The Assistrust defaults to Bluetooth mode every time it powers on, which means if you were using HDMI ARC yesterday, you have to manually switch inputs. Also, syncing with your TV remote for volume control isn’t always reliable; I had to use the included remote for the first few days before the TV learned the IR codes. The remote itself needs two AAA batteries that aren’t included.
Connectivity and use cases
The 2-in-1 design makes this a strong choice for renters who move between apartments or anyone who occasionally wants to use the soundbar as a desktop speaker setup. The auto volume boost is a real benefit for households that watch a mix of streaming and broadcast TV.
If you primarily want a simple soundbar that connects via HDMI ARC and stays there, the default-Bluetooth behavior gets annoying. Look at the Sony or MZEIBO if you want plug-and-forget simplicity.
Best for flexible setups
Skip this if you only want a traditional under-TV soundbar and never plan to split it. Pick this if you have a PC monitor setup or want a soundbar that can reconfigure for different content types, from movies to music streaming to gaming.
3. RIOWOIS 17-inch Sound Bar — Solid Value Under $30
RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar, Home Theater Surround Sound System for TV
60W peak
DSP 3 modes
5-Year Warranty
Pros
- Clear dialogue enhancement
- Compact design doesn't block TV sensors
- Three DSP sound modes
- Wall mount kit included
- Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
- Intermittent AUX input issues on startup
- Bluetooth can crackle occasionally
- No dedicated subwoofer output
The RIOWOIS 17-inch is the cheapest soundbar on this list that I’d actually recommend. At under $30, you might expect junk, but the 4.1-star average from 4,744 reviewers suggests otherwise, and after testing it for a week, I understand why. The 60W peak output is generous for the price, and the DSP-tuned sound modes deliver more refinement than the spec sheet implies.
The dialogue clarity impressed me most. I watched an entire episode of a nature documentary with mostly narration, and every word came through cleanly even at low volume. The DSP technology uses digital signal processing to optimize frequencies for different content types, and the difference between movie mode and music mode is noticeable in side-by-side tests.
Build quality is solid for the price. The 17-inch width fits comfortably under most 40-inch and larger TVs, and the 2.5-inch height stays below the IR sensor. The included wall mount kit is basic but functional. I mounted it under a 50-inch TV in my bedroom and the install took about 10 minutes.
The main drawbacks are minor but worth knowing. Some users report intermittent AUX input issues on power-up, where the bar defaults to a different input. I experienced this twice during my testing. Bluetooth streaming can occasionally crackle, especially at higher volumes. There’s also no dedicated subwoofer output, so bass extension is limited to what the built-in drivers can produce.
Where it shines
The RIOWOIS is the right pick for anyone testing the soundbar waters without committing much cash. If you’ve never owned a soundbar and want to know whether the upgrade is worth it, this is a smart starting point. The 5-year warranty is unusually generous at this price tier.
For small to medium rooms where dialogue clarity is the priority, this soundbar delivers. For larger rooms or bass-heavy content, you’ll want something with more power or a dedicated subwoofer.
Best for first-time soundbar buyers
Skip this if you want premium build quality or HDMI ARC. Pick this if you want the cheapest meaningful audio upgrade for a bedroom or guest room TV, or if you need a soundbar for a vacation rental.
4. Sony S100F 2.0ch — Editor’s Choice for Brand Reliability
Sony S100F 2.0ch Compact and Slim Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth HTS100F
120W output
S-Force Pro
Voice Enhance
Pros
- S-Force Pro Front Surround technology
- Voice enhancement for dialogue clarity
- Easy HDMI ARC setup with TV remote
- High 120W output
- Compact design for small spaces
Cons
- Bass limited without separate subwoofer
- HDMI cable not included
- ARC/CEC setup can be tricky
The Sony S100F is the soundbar I recommend most often to friends and family, and after spending a month with it, I understand why it earned 9,160 reviews at 4.2 stars. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the most consistently excellent in this price range. Sony’s S-Force Pro Front Surround technology creates a wider soundstage than the physical drivers should allow, and the integrated tweeter delivers clean highs that budget brands often miss.
The voice enhancement feature is the standout for me. I have an older parent with hearing difficulty, and after gifting them this soundbar, they called to tell me it was the first time they’d heard TV dialogue clearly in years. That single feature is worth the price difference over cheaper options for anyone in a similar situation.
Setup with HDMI ARC took about 10 minutes and was straightforward. The soundbar accepts the TV remote’s volume commands once HDMI CEC is enabled in the TV settings. The included optical cable works for older TVs, and Bluetooth streaming is reliable up to about 30 feet based on my testing.
The 120W maximum output is the highest in this roundup, and the S100F can fill a medium-sized living room without distortion. Bass is the main compromise; there’s no separate subwoofer, so action movies lack the rumble you get from a 2.1 system. But for TV shows, dialogue-heavy content, and casual music streaming, it’s excellent.
Why it wins Editor’s Choice
Sony’s build quality is genuinely a step above the off-brand competition. The plastic feels denser, the buttons click with confidence, and the included documentation is clear and complete. If you’ve been frustrated by cheap electronics that fail after a year, this is the upgrade path.
The other reason it wins is consistency. Across thousands of reviews, the most common complaint is setup quirks with HDMI ARC, but the most common praise is reliability over time. This is a soundbar that works today and still works two years from now.
Best for TV-centric use and dialogue
Skip this if you want heavy bass for movies or gaming without adding a subwoofer. Pick this if you watch a lot of dramas, news, and documentaries where dialogue matters, or if you want a soundbar that integrates cleanly with a Sony Bravia TV.
5. MEGACRA BESTISAN 50W — Most Connection Options
Sound Bar, BESTISAN 50 Watts Soundbar with HDMI, Optical, AUX, USB,Sub Out and Bluetooth Connection, DSP, Bass Adjustable, 16 Inch, Mountable
50W peak
HDMI ARC
Sub Out
USB
Pros
- Five connection types including USB
- Three EQ modes with DSP
- Adjustable bass
- Subwoofer output for expansion
- Wall mountable with included kit
Cons
- Sound can sound tinny at higher volumes
- Limited bass without subwoofer
- HDMI-ARC requires compatible TV
If you want a budget soundbar that connects to anything, the MEGACRA BESTISAN is the clear winner. It includes HDMI ARC, optical, AUX, USB, and Bluetooth 5.0, which is five connection options in a $40 soundbar. I tested each one with different source devices, and the versatility saved me when I needed to connect an older projector that only had optical output.
The DSP technology with three EQ modes (movie, music, dialogue) works well, and the adjustable bass is a feature I appreciate. Most budget soundbars either have bass or they don’t, with no in-between. The BESTISAN lets you tune it, which is useful when connecting to different TVs in different rooms.
The subwoofer output is a hidden gem. You won’t get true home theater bass from the built-in drivers, but if you ever want to add a wired subwoofer later, the BESTISAN has the port ready. This makes it a smart “buy once, upgrade later” option for budget shoppers who plan to expand their setup over time.
The main weakness is sound quality at higher volumes. The BESTISAN starts to sound thin and slightly tinny when pushed past about 70% volume, which is the price you pay for the small drivers and DSP processing. For normal TV viewing at moderate volumes, it’s fine. For party-level music playback, look elsewhere.
Connectivity-first design
The BESTISAN is the right pick for anyone connecting to older TVs, projectors, or mixed setups. If you have a smart TV with limited HDMI ports and need to route multiple sources through the soundbar, the multiple inputs help. The USB port even plays audio files directly from a flash drive, which is unusual at this price.
If you only need one connection type (HDMI ARC or Bluetooth), some of the versatility is wasted. But if your setup includes older equipment or you want maximum flexibility, the BESTISAN delivers.
Best for legacy gear and expandability
Skip this if you want premium sound quality at high volumes. Pick this if you need to connect to multiple source types or want a budget soundbar that can grow with your setup as you add a subwoofer later.
6. Samsung HW-B400F 2.0ch — Best for Samsung TV Owners
Samsung B-Series Soundbar HW B400F 2.0 ch Soundbar with Built in Subwoofer (2025 Model) One Remote Control, Surround Sound Expansion, Voice Enhance Mode
Built-in subwoofer
One Remote
Voice Enhance
Pros
- Built-in subwoofer delivers real bass
- One Remote Control with Samsung TVs
- Voice Enhance Mode for dialogue
- Surround Sound Expansion
- Bluetooth streaming
Cons
- Settings controlled via blinking lights
- May need TV-side config for optimal sound
- Less powerful than external subwoofer models
The Samsung HW-B400F is the soundbar I recommend specifically to anyone who already owns a Samsung TV. The One Remote Control feature is genuinely useful; the soundbar accepts commands from your Samsung TV remote, eliminating the need to juggle two controllers. After testing it with a Samsung QN85B, the integration was seamless.
The built-in subwoofer is the key differentiator in this price range. Most budget soundbars rely on small drivers that produce weak bass. The HW-B400F has a dedicated woofer built into the cabinet, which delivers fuller low-end response without needing a separate subwoofer unit. For someone in an apartment where a separate subwoofer would be intrusive, this is a real benefit.
Voice Enhance Mode works well for dialogue clarity. I watched a thriller with lots of whispered conversations and could follow the plot without cranking the volume. Surround Sound Expansion is Samsung’s marketing term for their processing that widens the soundstage; it works modestly but not dramatically.
The main quirks are setup-related. The HW-B400F uses a series of blinking LED indicators to show current sound mode and volume, which is harder to interpret than a simple display. Some users report needing to tweak TV-side audio settings (PCM output, audio delay) for optimal sync. If you have patience for setup, the sound quality is worth it.
Best for Samsung TV synergy
The HW-B400F is a no-brainer if you own a Samsung TV from 2020 or later. The One Remote integration, automatic power sync, and clean Bluetooth pairing make it feel like part of the TV rather than an accessory.
If you own a non-Samsung TV, the integration benefits are lost. The soundbar still works fine via HDMI ARC, but you lose the One Remote magic. Consider the Sony S100F or MZEIBO instead for non-Samsung setups.
Best for clean setup and built-in bass
Skip this if you want maximum power or HDMI eARC for Dolby Atmos. Pick this if you want a soundbar that disappears into your Samsung TV setup and delivers better bass than the average budget bar.
7. MZEIBO 50W Sound Bar — Best Value Per Dollar
MZEIBO Sound Bar,50W for Smart TV Bluetooth 5.3 Speaker 17 Inch TV Speaker with ARC/Optical/AUX Connections
50W output
4 Speakers
36-Month Warranty
Pros
- Outstanding 4.6-star average rating
- Four speakers with built-in bass
- 360-degree surround sound
- Bluetooth 5.3 stable streaming
- 36-month warranty
Cons
- Smaller review base than competitors
- May not fill large rooms with bass
- Newer brand with shorter track record
The MZEIBO 50W is the highest-rated soundbar on this list with a 4.6-star average, and after testing it for two weeks, I think it earned it. The four-speaker design with a built-in bass system delivers fuller, more balanced sound than most competitors in the under-$50 range. The 360-degree surround effect is more than marketing hype; in my testing, the soundstage genuinely extended beyond the physical width of the bar.
The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is the most stable I tested. I moved around my apartment with my phone in my pocket and never experienced a dropout. The HDMI ARC integration worked seamlessly with my TCL TV, and the auto-connect feature remembered my TV after the initial pairing.
The 36-month warranty is unusual at this price tier. Most budget soundbars offer 12 months. MZEIBO’s three-year coverage suggests confidence in their build quality, and the customer support team responds quickly based on reviews mentioning warranty service. This is a soundbar designed to last.
The main consideration is the smaller review base. With 324 reviews, MZEIBO doesn’t have the thousands of data points that Sony or RIOWOIS do. The 4.6-star average is impressive, but it’s based on a smaller sample. That said, the reviews I read were detailed and consistently positive, which suggests the rating is reliable.
Why it punches above its price
The four-speaker design with a dedicated bass system is what sets MZEIBO apart. Most budget soundbars use two drivers and a bass port. MZEIBO uses four drivers plus a bass reflex design, which delivers clearer separation between frequencies. In side-by-side listening tests, dialogue was noticeably clearer than the comparable RIOWOIS and Saiyin models.
The compact 17-inch footprint fits under most TVs without blocking sensors, and the build quality feels more substantial than the price suggests. This is a soundbar that doesn’t look or feel like a $47 product.
Best for value-conscious buyers who want quality
Skip this if you need a known track record with thousands of reviews. Pick this if you want the best sound quality per dollar in the budget tier, with the security of a 36-month warranty backing it up.
8. RIOWOIS 17 inch 80W — Budget Bass Boost
RIOWOIS 17 inch Sound Bar for Smart TV,Peak Power 80W
80W peak
Dialogue Tech
Enhanced Bass
Pros
- Powerful 80W peak output
- Enhanced mid and bass frequencies
- Crystal-clear dialogue technology
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- Compact 17-inch design
Cons
- Bluetooth can drop with some Smart TVs
- No USB port support
- Requires PCM setting for optical connection
The RIOWOIS 17-inch 80W is the soundbar for budget shoppers who want more bass than the average $30 model can deliver. The 80W peak output is the highest in the under-$35 price tier, and the enhanced mid and low-frequency tuning gives movies and music more weight than competitors like the Saiyin. After testing action sequences from a few Marvel films, the bass response was noticeably fuller.
The crystal-clear dialogue technology is a real feature, not just marketing. RIOWOIS tuned the midrange frequencies specifically for vocal reproduction, and it shows. I watched a foreign-language film with dubbing and could understand every word without subtitles, which is something I can’t say for every soundbar in this price range.
Bluetooth 5.3 streaming was generally stable in my testing, though some users report dropouts with specific Smart TV models. If you plan to connect via Bluetooth, check compatibility with your TV brand. The AUX and optical connections are reliable alternatives, though optical requires your TV to be set to PCM stereo output for the best results.
The main limitations are minor. There’s no USB port, so you can’t play audio files directly from a flash drive like you can with the MEGACRA BESTISAN. The remote is basic but functional. And at $31.49, you’re getting more sound than the price suggests, but you’re still in budget territory, so audiophile-grade refinement isn’t realistic.
Best for budget shoppers who want bass
This RIOWOIS is the right pick if you want the most bass impact under $35. For someone upgrading from built-in TV speakers, the 80W output delivers a dramatic improvement that cheaper options can’t match. The enhanced bass tuning makes action movies and music more enjoyable without needing a separate subwoofer.
For shoppers who want maximum connectivity or premium build quality, the MEGACRA BESTISAN or MZEIBO are better fits. But for raw bass-per-dollar, this RIOWOIS wins.
Best for action movies and music on a budget
Skip this if you need USB playback or HDMI ARC compatibility with older TVs. Pick this if you want fuller sound for movies and music at the lowest possible price, and your TV supports Bluetooth or optical output.
How to Choose the Right Budget Soundbar?
After testing eight best budget tv soundbars across two months, I noticed the buyers who end up happiest are the ones who match the soundbar to their specific setup rather than chasing specs. Here’s the framework I use when recommending soundbars to readers.
The first decision is room size. For bedrooms, dorms, or small offices under 150 square feet, a compact 11.7-inch to 17-inch soundbar delivers plenty of volume. The Saiyin and RIOWOIS models are good fits. For living rooms between 150 and 300 square feet, you want at least 50W of power and ideally HDMI ARC for clean signal handling. The Sony S100F, MZEIBO, and Samsung HW-B400F work well here.
For rooms over 300 square feet, even the best budget soundbars struggle. At that size, you’re shopping in the mid-range category rather than budget. Save up for a $200+ system or accept that you’ll be turning the volume higher than ideal.
HDMI ARC vs Optical: Which Connection Should You Use?
This is the most common confusion I see on r/Soundbars, so let me clear it up. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the modern standard that lets your TV send audio back to the soundbar through the same HDMI cable that carries video to your TV. It supports higher-quality audio formats and lets your TV remote control the soundbar’s volume through HDMI CEC.
Optical (also called Toslink) is an older digital audio connection that uses light to transmit stereo or Dolby Digital audio. It works reliably but doesn’t support the latest audio formats like Dolby Atmos over TrueHD. Optical also doesn’t let your TV remote control the soundbar automatically; you usually need the soundbar’s remote.
My recommendation: use HDMI ARC when possible. It delivers cleaner audio, supports more formats, and simplifies your remote situation. Fall back to optical only if your TV lacks HDMI ARC (common on very old TVs) or if you’re experiencing HDMI handshake issues.
Sound Formats: Do You Need Dolby Atmos?
In the budget tier, Dolby Atmos support is rare and usually limited to virtualized Atmos rather than true overhead channels. None of the eight soundbars I tested deliver genuine Dolby Atmos, so don’t pay extra for the label in this price range.
Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround are the standard compressed surround formats that most streaming services use. Any soundbar with HDMI ARC or optical supports these. DTS Virtual:X is a processing technology that simulates surround sound from a single bar; it’s modest in effect but better than nothing.
If you care about future-proofing for Dolby Atmos, you’ll need to step up to a $300+ soundbar with upward-firing drivers. For now, focus on getting clean stereo or 2.1-channel audio and you’ll be ahead of where most budget shoppers end up.
Channel Configuration: 2.0 vs 2.1 Explained
A 2.0 soundbar has two channels (left and right) with no separate subwoofer. This is the most common budget configuration, and it works fine for TV shows and dialogue-heavy content. The Sony S100F and RIOWOIS models are 2.0 designs.
A 2.1 soundbar has two channels plus a separate subwoofer (either wired or wireless). The “0.1” channel handles low frequencies, which gives you much better bass response for movies and music. The Samsung HW-B400F simulates this with a built-in subwoofer, while true 2.1 systems with external subwoofers start around $150.
For most budget buyers, 2.0 is the right starting point. If you find yourself wanting more bass after a few months, you can add a wired subwoofer to the Saiyin or BESTISAN models, which have subwoofer outputs for exactly this scenario.
Connectivity: What You Actually Need
The minimum connections you want in 2026 are HDMI ARC and Bluetooth. HDMI ARC handles your TV audio and Bluetooth handles music streaming from your phone. Everything else is gravy.
Optical is useful as a backup for older TVs. AUX (3.5mm) is occasionally useful for connecting to projectors or older audio sources. USB ports let you play audio files directly from a flash drive, which is a niche but real feature if you have a music library on local storage.
AirPlay 2 and Wi-Fi streaming are premium features that don’t appear in this budget tier. If you want whole-home audio or smart assistant integration, you’ll need to spend more. For under $100, HDMI ARC and Bluetooth cover 90% of what most people need.
Size and Placement Considerations
Measure the space under your TV before buying. A soundbar that’s too wide looks awkward; one that’s too narrow won’t deliver proper stereo separation. For most 55-inch and larger TVs, a soundbar between 17 and 38 inches wide fits well.
Height matters too. Most budget soundbars are 2.5 to 3 inches tall. If your TV sits on a low stand, make sure the soundbar doesn’t block the screen or the IR sensor. Wall mounting is an option for almost every soundbar on this list, with included hardware or kits sold separately.
For small desks or PC monitor setups, the compact Saiyin at 11.7 inches is the right size. For bedroom TVs, the 17-inch models work well. For living room TVs over 50 inches, the 38-inch Sony S100F looks proportional.
For more guidance on home theater audio, check out our guide to best soundbars for home theaters. And if you’re specifically looking for Atmos support, our best Dolby Atmos soundbars roundup covers that category in depth. For projector users, we also reviewed soundbars for projectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best inexpensive sound bar for a TV?
The Sony S100F is the best inexpensive sound bar for most TVs, with reliable HDMI ARC, S-Force Pro surround, and voice enhancement that genuinely improves dialogue clarity. At around $98, it’s the most consistently excellent budget option we tested across hundreds of reviews.
What is the best budget soundbar to buy?
The MZEIBO 50W offers the best value per dollar at $46.99, with a 4.6-star average, four-speaker design with built-in bass, Bluetooth 5.3, and a 36-month warranty. For absolute lowest price, the Saiyin 11.7-inch delivers solid dialogue clarity under $30.
Are cheap soundbars worth buying?
Yes. Even $30-50 budget soundbars deliver dramatic improvement over modern TV speakers, which are constrained by ultra-thin cabinets. The gap between built-in TV audio and an entry-level soundbar is larger than the gap between budget and premium soundbars. The diminishing returns start around $200.
What is the best budget all-in-one soundbar?
The MZEIBO 50W and Samsung HW-B400F are the best all-in-one budget soundbars, with no separate subwoofer required. The MZEIBO uses a four-speaker design for 360-degree sound, while the Samsung includes a built-in subwoofer for fuller bass without extra components.
HDMI ARC vs optical – which should I use for my soundbar?
Use HDMI ARC when possible. It delivers cleaner audio, supports more formats including Dolby Digital, and lets your TV remote control the soundbar’s volume through HDMI CEC. Use optical only if your TV lacks HDMI ARC or if you experience HDMI handshake issues, which are rare with modern TVs.
Final Verdict
After two months of testing the best budget tv soundbars, three picks stand out for different types of buyers. The Sony S100F is the Editor’s Choice for anyone who values reliability and dialogue clarity above all else; it earned 9,160 reviews for a reason. The MZEIBO 50W is the Best Value with its 4.6-star average, four-speaker design, and 36-month warranty that beats everything else in this price range. The Saiyin 11.7-inch is the Budget Pick for anyone who wants the cheapest meaningful upgrade that actually improves TV audio.
No matter which soundbar you choose, you’ll be ahead of where you started. The difference between built-in TV speakers and any of these bars is larger than the difference between budget and premium soundbars. Spend $30 or $100, and you’ll hear dialogue clearly for the first time in years. That’s the kind of upgrade that’s hard to regret.
For more buying guides and audio recommendations, explore our complete budget soundbar guide and our picks for best TV stands to complete your setup.