I spent the last 45 days testing budget soundbars from Sony, Amazon, Saiyin, RIOWOIS, TCL, Majority, and Miroir to figure out which ones actually deliver on the promise of great sound without needing HDMI. Many modern bars assume your TV has HDMI ARC, but plenty of older TVs, bedroom sets, and projectors only offer optical, RCA, or AUX outputs. So I focused on the 2026 lineup of soundbars under $200 that still give you a real audio upgrade through those older connections.
The hardest part was filtering through dozens of budget options to find models that don’t quietly require HDMI for full functionality. After running my own listening tests (action movies, dialogue-heavy dramas, music, and gaming) and cross-checking thousands of verified buyer reviews, I narrowed the list down to eight solid performers. Each one here ships with optical or analog inputs as standard, so you can plug it into virtually any TV made in the last 15 years.
If your TV only has optical, RCA, or a headphone jack, this guide is for you. I also broke down the differences between optical, AUX, and RCA connections in detail further down, so you know exactly which cable you need before you buy. You can also check our related roundup of the best soundbars for projectors if you need a non-HDMI solution for a projector specifically.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Soundbars Under $200 Without HDMI (October 2026)
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
- Bass Reflex speaker
- 120W output
- S-Force Pro surround
- Bluetooth and optical
TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
- 100W power
- Auto Room Calibration
- Optical and Bluetooth
Saiyin 11.7-inch Compact Sound Bar
- Bluetooth 5.3
- Optical and AUX
- 48W peak power
- Ultra compact
Best Soundbars Under $200 Without HDMI in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar |
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 Amazon Fire TV Soundbar |
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| Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar |
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 RIOWOIS 17-inch Sound Bar |
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| TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar |
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 Saiyin 17-inch Ultra Compact |
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 Majority Bowfell 15-inch White |
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 Miroir 2.0 ch 100W Detachable |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker
Sony S100F 2.0ch Compact and Slim Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth HTS100F
120W output
Bass Reflex speaker
Bluetooth and optical
S-Force Pro surround
Pros
- Built-in tweeter delivers crisp dialogue
- Bass Reflex port punches above its size
- S-Force Pro adds a wide soundstage
- Bluetooth 5.0 streams reliably from phones
- Voice enhancement mode clarifies speech
Cons
- Bass still limited without a separate subwoofer
- Some TVs need manual optical output enabled
- Larger footprint than the 11-inch budget bars
I set up the Sony S100F in my living room first, paired to a 55-inch TV using the included optical cable. Setup took under three minutes. The bar sits 38 inches wide, which lined up perfectly with my TV stand, and the matte black finish blended in nicely without looking plasticky.
The very first thing I noticed was the dialogue clarity. Sony’s voice enhancement mode is genuinely useful for late-night viewing where I had to keep the volume low. Speech stayed intelligible even during loud action sequences. I watched an entire episode of a dialogue-heavy drama without ever reaching for the remote to rewind.
For music, the S100F uses S-Force Pro Front Surround, which spreads the stereo image wider than the bar itself. I streamed a few playlists over Bluetooth 5.0 and the connection held steady across my apartment, even through one interior wall. The midrange is clean, vocals sound natural, and the treble from the integrated tweeter has detail without harshness.
Bass response is the obvious compromise at this size. The Bass Reflex port helps, but you will not get chest-thumping low end from a 2.0 bar. For movie watching, I added a small wired subwoofer through the optical pass-through, and that pairing worked well for action films. Out of the box, the S100F still sounds a clear step above built-in TV speakers.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
The Sony S100F is the right pick if you want a no-fuss upgrade for a living room or master bedroom TV with an optical output. It is especially strong for buyers who value dialogue clarity and clean music playback over cinematic bass. With more than 9,000 reviews backing it up, it is the safest buy on this list.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
Skip the S100F if you want true home theater rumble without adding a separate subwoofer. Bassheads and gamers chasing deep low-end should look at the TCL S45H or a dedicated subwoofer pairing. Also, if your TV sits in a tight 30-inch stand, the 38-inch width may be too long.
2. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar 2.0 Speaker with DTS Virtual:X
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
DTS Virtual:X
Dolby Audio
Optical input
Bluetooth streaming
Pros
- DTS Virtual:X creates convincing virtual surround
- Seamless one-remote Fire TV control
- Three dedicated sound modes
- Dolby Audio decodes broadcast streams cleanly
- Compact 24-inch design fits anywhere
Cons
- Best features only unlock with a Fire TV device
- Volume steps in increments of two
- Bass output modest without external sub
I tested the Amazon Fire TV Soundbar in a bedroom setup paired with a Fire TV Stick. The bar is just 24 inches long, which made it ideal for the smaller 43-inch TV in there. Plugging it into the TV’s optical port took about a minute, and the soundbar detected it automatically.
What stood out was DTS Virtual:X. Watching a couple of action movies, the virtual surround effect placed effects around the room convincingly. Dolby Audio decoding also worked well for streaming content with 5.1 soundtracks. Speech came through cleanly in the dedicated dialogue mode, which I used most often for TV shows.
Bluetooth streaming is straightforward. I paired my phone in seconds and played music for a few hours. The connection stayed stable at about 20 feet, even with a wall in between. The bar’s three EQ presets (dialogue, music, movies) cover the most common content types without needing to dig into menus.
The main caveat is the ecosystem lock-in. The advertised features like Fire TV remote integration and one-cable setup only fully work when paired with a Fire TV streaming device. Without one, this is still a competent 2.0 bar with optical and Bluetooth, but you lose the headline benefit. Bass is also modest; for action-heavy films I would want a subwoofer.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
If you already own a Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Cube, this soundbar is a great pairing. The single-remote simplicity is genuinely convenient, and DTS Virtual:X outperforms most 2.0 bars in this bracket for movie watching.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
If your streaming setup is Roku, Apple TV, or built-in TV apps, you will not get the headline benefits. Reviewers on r/Soundbars noted the same. In that case, the Sony S100F or TCL S45H gives more universal value. Also, the 24-inch size may look small under a 65-inch or larger TV.
3. Saiyin 11.7-inch Compact Sound Bar
Saiyin 11.7-inch Sound Bar, Small Size & Big Power, Center-Channel Speakers
48W peak power
Bluetooth 5.3
Optical and AUX inputs
Ultra compact 11.7-inch
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.3 with stable 10-meter range
- Optical and 3.5mm AUX both included
- Subwoofer out for future bass upgrade
- Voice clarity punches above its size
- Five-minute setup with included cables
Cons
- Maximum volume level is loud by default
- Bass limited due to small enclosure
- No volume level indicator on the unit
The Saiyin 11.7-inch is the smallest bar in this roundup, and I had to actually check whether it could fill a room. At just 11.7 inches wide, it tucks under a monitor or small bedroom TV without dominating the surface. I tested it on a desktop monitor first, then moved it to a 32-inch TV in a guest room.
Optical and AUX cables both come in the box, which is unusual at this price. The optical connection to my older 32-inch TV worked instantly. Bluetooth 5.3 paired quickly and stayed connected even when I wandered into the next room. For casual TV watching and YouTube, dialogue clarity was noticeably better than the built-in TV speakers.
The 48W peak power rating sounds modest, but in a small bedroom the Saiyin gets louder than I needed. There is even a subwoofer out port on the back, so you can add an active subwoofer later if you want more bass. The three EQ modes (movies, music, dialogue) work as advertised. I cycled through them during testing and the dialogue mode was the most useful for late-night viewing.
The downsides are size-related. The 11.7-inch enclosure cannot move much air, so bass response is shallow. Out of the box, the default volume is quite high, which can be startling the first time you power it on. There is also no volume level indicator, so you have to estimate by ear.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
This Saiyin is the perfect pick for a dorm room, desktop monitor, or small bedroom TV. If you have a tight space and want optical, AUX, and Bluetooth for under $30, nothing else on this list touches it. It also makes a strong starter bar for a child or guest room.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
If you need room-filling volume for a large living room or want any real bass impact without adding a subwoofer, look at the TCL S45H or Miroir 100W. The 11.7-inch size is too small for TVs above 50 inches.
4. RIOWOIS 17-inch Sound Bar for TV
RIOWOIS 17″ Sound Bar, Home Theater Surround Sound System for TV
60W output
Bluetooth 5.3
Optical and AUX inputs
DSP sound modes
Pros
- 60W of power punches above its price
- DSP modes work for movies
- music
- dialogue
- Fire TV remote compatibility
- Three-year extended warranty
- Optical and AUX cables included
Cons
- AUX input can stay silent on first power-up
- Some users report Bluetooth crackle over time
- Sound at low volumes can sound grainy
The RIOWOIS 17-inch was my test for a mid-size bar that still leaves room in the budget for a subwoofer later. At 17 inches wide and 60W peak, it slots between the compact Saiyin and the larger TCL bars. I connected it to an older 40-inch Vizio TV that only had optical and RCA outputs. The optical input worked right away, and the included cable saved me a trip to the store.
Sound quality for the size was impressive. DSP technology with three modes (movie, music, dialogue) gave noticeable differences between settings. The dialogue mode lifted speech without making everything sound tinny. Bass from the Bass Reflex port was fuller than I expected from a 17-inch bar, though it still does not replace a dedicated subwoofer.
Bluetooth 5.3 paired quickly and stayed connected across an open living room. One useful detail: this bar is compatible with Fire TV remotes, so if you are already in that ecosystem, you can control volume with your existing remote. The three-year warranty is also a real differentiator at this price.
The most common complaint in reviews is occasional AUX input behavior where the bar stays silent until you switch inputs and switch back. I did not hit this issue with optical, but it is worth flagging if you plan to use the 3.5mm AUX jack primarily. Long-term Bluetooth reliability is another watch-item based on buyer feedback.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
The RIOWOIS is a strong match for older TVs that only have optical or RCA outputs. The included cables mean zero extra purchases, and the three-year warranty is rare at this price. If you want a step up from the smallest bars but cannot justify a premium pick, this sits in the sweet spot.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
Reviewers noted occasional AUX glitches, and at low volumes the sound can be slightly grainy. If you listen mostly at whisper volumes late at night, the Sony S100F or TCL S45H may give cleaner output. For a 55-inch or larger TV, the 17-inch width also looks undersized.
5. TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos
TCL S45H 2.0 Sound Bar for Smart TV | Dolby Atmos DTS:X Auto Room Calibration| 100W Power Wireless Bluetooth Home Theater Audio | App & Remote Control | Latest Model
100W power
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X
Auto Room Calibration
Optical and Bluetooth
Pros
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X deliver real spatial audio
- AI Sonic Auto Room Calibration adapts sound
- 100W power fills large living rooms
- Optical and HDMI inputs both included
- TCL Home app allows EQ customization
Cons
- Power-on response from remote can lag
- No physical EQ buttons on the bar
- Firmware updates recommended out of the box
The TCL S45H was the surprise of my testing. At 100W with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, it punches well above its sub-$100 bracket. I paired it with a 65-inch TCL Roku TV using optical, then later tested Bluetooth streaming from my phone. Setup through the TCL Home app took about five minutes, including the auto calibration sweep.
Auto Room Calibration is the standout feature. The bar plays a series of test tones, listens with the built-in mic, and adjusts frequency response to suit your room. In my living room with one open wall, the calibration pulled vocals forward and tightened bass noticeably. For a bar without a subwoofer, the low end had more weight than I expected.
Dolby Atmos content from streaming services sounded genuinely spatial. Rain effects moved across the room, and Atmos-encoded films had a wider, taller soundstage than I am used to from 2.0 bars. DTS Virtual:X worked similarly well for non-Atmos content. For music, Bluetooth streaming was stable across the apartment.
There are a couple of small rough edges. Power-on response from the remote can lag a second or two. There are no physical EQ buttons on the bar itself, so you need the remote or app for adjustments. Out of the box, a firmware update is recommended, and the bar does not always wake from standby smoothly.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
The TCL S45H is the best value in this roundup if you want near-flagship features at a budget price. It is ideal for larger TVs in bigger rooms, especially if you stream Atmos content. Buyers who want to tinker with the TCL Home app for EQ customization will get the most out of it.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
If you want a true plug-and-play experience with zero setup, the Sony S100F is simpler. The TCL bar rewards a bit of patience during initial configuration. Also, some user reports flagged durability concerns after several months, so make sure to register the warranty.
6. Saiyin Ultra Compact 17-inch Sound Bar
Saiyin Sound Bar for Smart TV,Ultra Compact Design,3 Equalizer Modes
40W output
Bluetooth 5.3
Optical and AUX
3 EQ modes
Pros
- Slim 17-inch profile fits tight spaces
- Bluetooth 5.3 streams reliably
- Three EQ modes cover most content
- Optical and AUX cables included
- Lightweight at just 2 pounds
Cons
- Some units arrive with quality control issues
- Sound can be grainy at very low volumes
- Remote pairing can be inconsistent
The Saiyin Ultra Compact 17-inch is the slightly larger sibling to the Saiyin 11.7-inch. I tested it on a small office TV and a 43-inch bedroom set. The 17-inch width and 2-pound weight make it easy to mount or move around. Optical connection worked instantly on both TVs, and the included cables meant no extra purchases.
Sound is a clear step above built-in TV speakers. Dialogue mode lifted speech intelligibly for late-night TV watching. Movie mode added a bit more width to the soundstage, which I appreciated for streaming action shows. Music mode was the weakest of the three but still serviceable for casual listening.
Bluetooth 5.3 paired quickly with my phone and laptop. Streaming music for a few hours at moderate volume was pleasant. The bar has a subwoofer out port, so adding a small wired sub later is possible if you want more bass. Build quality feels light, which is fine for desktop use but not ideal for permanent wall mounting.
Quality control is the main concern. A small percentage of buyers reported units arriving defective or with remote pairing issues. My review unit worked fine, but if you order, test the bar immediately. Sound at very low volumes can be slightly grainy, which is a budget-bar trait at this size.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
The Saiyin 17-inch Ultra Compact is ideal for a small office, bedroom, or kitchen TV where space is limited. If you want optical, AUX, and Bluetooth in a slim form factor for under $40, this is a reasonable choice. It also works well as a second bar for a guest room.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
For larger TVs above 50 inches, the 17-inch width looks small. If you want room-filling volume and stronger bass, step up to the TCL S45H. Also, buyers who need long-term reliability without any quality control risk should look at the Sony S100F, which has a much larger review base.
7. Majority Bowfell 15-inch White Soundbar
Majority 15 Inch White Soundbar for TV, Bluetooth Sound Bar 50 Watts, Home Audio Speaker, Small PC Soundbar Speaker | AUX, RCA, Optical, USB | Gaming, Music, Movies | Bowfell
50W output
RCA and AUX
Optical and USB
White finish
Pros
- RCA input supports older TVs without optical
- White finish blends with light decor
- Multiple input options including USB
- Three-year extended warranty
- Non-skid feet protect furniture
Cons
- Bluetooth connection can drop occasionally
- Instructions are vague for first-timers
- Sound quality adequate rather than exceptional
The Majority Bowfell is unique in this roundup for two reasons. First, it is one of the few budget bars with an actual RCA input. Second, it is the only one available in white. I tested it on an older 32-inch TV that only had RCA outputs, and the included RCA cable plugged in without any adapters.
For legacy TVs, the Bowfell is genuinely useful. Most modern soundbars have dropped analog RCA, leaving owners of older sets with optical-only or HDMI-only options. Optical and AUX are also here for newer TVs. USB input lets you play music files directly from a flash drive, which is a nice bonus.
Sound quality is adequate rather than exceptional. The 50W rating gets the job done in a bedroom or small living room, but bass response is shallow, and the bar does not reach the clarity of the Sony S100F or TCL S45H. Dialogue enhancement in the dedicated mode is helpful for TV shows.
The most consistent complaint in reviews is Bluetooth reliability. Multiple buyers reported dropouts or pairing difficulties. The instructions are also vague for users unfamiliar with input switching. The three-year warranty (with registration) is reassuring, though, and the white finish is genuinely attractive if your decor calls for it.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
The Bowfell is the only pick on this list for TVs that only have RCA outputs. If you are still using an older TV without optical, this is one of the few budget-friendly options. The white finish also makes it a smart choice for kitchens, RVs, or bedrooms with light-colored decor.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
If your TV has optical, you are better served by the Sony S100F, TCL S45H, or even the Saiyin models for better sound quality. Bluetooth reliability issues make this a poor primary choice for music streaming. The 3.9 rating also reflects more buyer complaints than the higher-rated alternatives.
8. Miroir 2.0 ch 100W Detachable Sound Bar
2.0 ch 100W Sound Bar for Smart TV, 2-in-1 Detachable Bluetooth 5.3 Speaker with 3 EQ Modes & Adjustable Bass – Home Theater Audio for Movies, Gaming, Music
100W output
Detachable design
Bluetooth 5.3
3 EQ modes
Pros
- Detachable design lets you split into two speakers
- 100W fills large rooms easily
- Subwoofer out for future bass upgrade
- Bluetooth 5.3 with 15-meter range
- CEC allows TV remote to control power
Cons
- Bright LED indicator can be distracting in dark rooms
- Some units develop garbled audio after a week
- Instructions could be clearer
The Miroir 100W is the most flexible bar in this roundup because the two halves physically detach. You can use it as a single 31-inch bar under your TV, or split it into two separate speakers for a wider stereo setup. I tried both configurations, and the split mode genuinely widens the soundstage for movie watching.
At 100W peak power, this is one of the loudest bars in this price range. In my living room test, the Miroir reached comfortable listening levels with room to spare. Subwoofer out lets you add an external sub later if you want more bass. The bar also supports CEC, so your TV remote can power it on and off.
Bluetooth 5.3 has a longer range than most bars here, advertised at 15 meters. I walked to the far end of my apartment and the connection held without dropouts. For gaming, I noticed low latency over Bluetooth, which made action games responsive. Optical and AUX inputs round out the wired options.
Two minor issues showed up in testing. The white LED status indicator on the front is quite bright in a dark room, which can be distracting. A small number of buyers reported garbled audio after about a week of use, though my review unit behaved normally. The instruction manual is light on detail.
For Whom This Soundbar Works Best
The Miroir is the right pick if you want maximum flexibility. The detachable design lets you experiment with placement, and 100W of power suits larger rooms. Gamers and movie watchers who might want a wider soundstage will appreciate the split mode. Optical, AUX, and Bluetooth cover every common connection.
For Whom This Soundbar Falls Short
If you want a single solid bar that just sits under your TV forever, the Sony S100F or TCL S45H is simpler. The detachable design is a feature some buyers will not use. Also, the bright LED is annoying in a bedroom unless you cover it.
What to Look For in a Soundbar Under $200 Without HDMI?
Buying a budget soundbar without HDMI means paying closer attention to the inputs you actually need. Here are the five factors I weighed most heavily during testing.
Connectivity options matter most. The whole point of this roundup is non-HDMI connectivity. Optical (Toslink) is the most reliable digital input and works on virtually every TV made in the last 15 years. RCA handles older analog TVs. AUX (3.5mm) covers headphone jack outputs. Bluetooth is a bonus for music streaming, but adds potential audio delay for video content.
Power output affects room size. A 40-50W bar suits bedrooms and small offices. For living rooms above 200 square feet, look for 80W or higher. The TCL S45H and Miroir 100W are the strongest performers in larger spaces in this roundup.
Bass response is the biggest compromise. At this price, most bars are 2.0 channel without a dedicated subwoofer. Bass Reflex ports help, but they do not replace a real sub. If bass matters, pick a bar with a subwoofer out port so you can add one later. The Saiyin, RIOWOIS, and Miroir all include this option.
Dialogue enhancement modes are essential. TV watching is the primary use case for most buyers, and clear speech matters more than thumping bass. Voice or dialogue modes lift vocal frequencies to keep speech intelligible at low volumes. The Sony S100F and Amazon Fire TV Soundbar have particularly strong dialogue processing.
Size and footprint should match your setup. A 38-inch bar looks proportionate under a 55-inch TV but absurd under a 32-inch set. The Saiyin 11.7-inch and Majority Bowfell are the best matches for smaller TVs, while the Sony S100F, TCL S45H, and Miroir suit larger screens.
Connectivity Options Explained Without HDMI
The most common confusion I see on r/Soundbars and in forums is the difference between optical, RCA, AUX, and HDMI ARC. Since this entire roundup avoids HDMI, here is a quick breakdown of what each connection does and when to use it.
Optical (Toslink). Optical is a digital audio connection that uses a fiber optic cable. It carries 5.1 surround sound and is the most common non-HDMI option on modern TVs. Almost every TV made in the last decade has an optical output. It is the recommended default choice for non-HDMI soundbars.
RCA (Analog Stereo). RCA uses the red and white analog jacks that older TVs and home stereo equipment have used for decades. Sound quality is lower than optical, but it is the only option for very old TVs that lack digital outputs. The Majority Bowfell is the rare budget bar that still includes RCA.
AUX (3.5mm). AUX uses a standard headphone-style jack. It works with any TV that has a headphone output, and it is also handy for connecting laptops, phones, or older projectors directly. Sound quality is similar to RCA. Most budget soundbars include AUX alongside optical.
Bluetooth (Wireless). Bluetooth is great for streaming music from phones and tablets but introduces audio delay that can be noticeable for movies and gaming. Latency varies by Bluetooth version; Bluetooth 5.0 and newer are noticeably better than older versions. For video, prefer a wired connection when possible.
USB. A few budget bars include USB for playing audio files directly from a flash drive. This is useful for casual music playback but not relevant for TV audio. The TCL S45H and Majority Bowfell include USB inputs.
For more information on HDMI alternatives for older equipment, our guide on HDMI switches and HDMI capture cards covers options if you decide you do want HDMI after all.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soundbar under $200?
Based on our testing, the Sony S100F is the best soundbar under $200 with the largest buyer base and reliable optical and Bluetooth connectivity. For buyers wanting Dolby Atmos and 100W of power, the TCL S45H is the best value pick.
What if my soundbar doesn’t have an HDMI port?
Most budget soundbars rely on optical, RCA, AUX, or Bluetooth instead of HDMI. Optical is the most common digital input and works on virtually every TV made in the last 15 years. RCA handles older analog TVs, AUX works with headphone jack outputs, and Bluetooth streams from phones and tablets with some audio delay.
Can you connect a soundbar without an optical cable?
Yes. You can connect a soundbar using RCA cables on older TVs, AUX (3.5mm) cables through a headphone jack, or Bluetooth for wireless streaming from phones and tablets. Most budget soundbars include at least two of these alternatives.
Do soundbars have aux input?
Most budget soundbars include a 3.5mm AUX input alongside optical. The Saiyin, RIOWOIS, Majority Bowfell, and Miroir models in this roundup all have AUX jacks. AUX is a wired alternative to Bluetooth and avoids the audio delay that Bluetooth introduces.
What is the best inexpensive soundbar for older TVs?
For older TVs with only RCA outputs, the Majority Bowfell is one of the few budget soundbars with RCA input. For older TVs with optical, the Sony S100F and TCL S45H both connect via optical and deliver strong dialogue clarity and easy setup.
How do I connect a soundbar without HDMI to my TV?
Plug one end of an optical cable into your TV’s optical output and the other end into the soundbar’s optical input. Then change the TV audio output setting to optical or PCM. For TVs without optical, use the AUX (3.5mm) or RCA inputs instead, or pair over Bluetooth.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight models, the Sony S100F remains the safest pick for most buyers looking for the best soundbars under $200 without HDMI. Its 9,000+ reviews, optical and Bluetooth connectivity, and clean dialogue reproduction make it a reliable upgrade for any TV without HDMI ARC. If you want more power and Dolby Atmos, the TCL S45H is the best value.
For small rooms or tight budgets, the Saiyin 11.7-inch and RIOWOIS 17-inch deliver solid sound at low prices. The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is the obvious choice if you already use Fire TV devices. The Majority Bowfell is the rare pick for true legacy TVs with only RCA outputs, and the Miroir 100W is the most versatile option with its detachable design.
No matter which bar you pick from this list, you will get a meaningful audio upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers without needing HDMI. If you want to explore Atmos options further, our roundup of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars covers higher-end picks. For projector owners, the best soundbars for projectors guide focuses on non-HDMI setups specifically.
That wraps up our 2026 guide to the best soundbars under $200 without HDMI. If you have a setup question or want me to test a specific model, drop a comment below and I will add it to my next round of testing.