Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: VIZIO V21x-J8 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar ($99 – $149).
- A compact soundbar is a big upgrade over TV speakers; a separate subwoofer can be added later on many models.
- Connect over HDMI eARC/ARC if your TV has it, so the TV remote controls the volume and surround formats pass through.
In this article
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Cheap soundbars can be a smart buy or a false economy. We picked the lowest-priced models in the US that still earn a buy or consider verdict from us.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIZIO V21x-J8 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar | Buy | 7.7/10 | $99 – $149 |
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | Buy | 8.5/10 | $369 – $499 |
| Bose Smart Soundbar | Consider | 7.8/10 | $399 – $499 |
Budget picks in detail
VIZIO V21x-J8 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar
Budget upgrade · Verdict: Buy · Score: 7.7/10 · Typical price: $99 – $149
Why we like it: Big step up from TV speakers for little money.
Pros: Inexpensive · Clearer voices than TV speakers · Simple setup with HDMI ARC
Cons: No Atmos · Modest bass
Buy it if you want clearer dialogue and fuller sound than your TV speakers for about $100.
Skip it if you want Dolby Atmos or room-shaking bass.
Sonos Beam (Gen 2)
Mid-size rooms · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.5/10 · Typical price: $369 – $499
Why we like it: Compact Atmos soundbar with great dialogue.
Pros: Clear dialogue · Compact size fits under most TVs · Easy to expand with Sonos speakers
Cons: Atmos effect is virtual · Limited bass on its own
Buy it if you want a compact soundbar with clear dialogue for a bedroom or apartment TV.
Skip it if you want deep bass without adding a subwoofer.
Bose Smart Soundbar
Bose fans with Bose speakers · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.8/10 · Typical price: $399 – $499
Why we like it: AI Dialogue Mode and Bose ecosystem.
Pros: AI Dialogue Mode clarifies voices · Compact · Can use Bose Ultra Open Earbuds as rear speakers
Cons: Bass is light without a sub · Pricey for its size
Buy it if you already own Bose speakers or headphones and want a compact Atmos bar that works with them.
Skip it if you want the best value for $500; the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) offers a better app and ecosystem for similar money.
How to save money
A compact soundbar is a big upgrade over TV speakers; a separate subwoofer can be added later on many models.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Connect over HDMI eARC/ARC if your TV has it, so the TV remote controls the volume and surround formats pass through.
Common mistake: Buying a bar much wider than your TV or one that blocks the screen's IR sensor.
Compare more options
Search soundbars on Amazon See top-rated soundbars on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap soundbars in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is VIZIO V21x-J8 2.1 Home Theater Sound Bar, typically $99 – $149.
Are cheap soundbars worth it?
A compact soundbar is a big upgrade over TV speakers; a separate subwoofer can be added later on many models. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Connect over HDMI eARC/ARC if your TV has it, so the TV remote controls the volume and surround formats pass through.
When are soundbars cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.