Soundbars have become increasingly popular in recent years. They have come a long way since their introduction. In the past, soundbars were not very common and the ones that were available were either very cheap and had poor sound quality or were very expensive and bulky without providing much improvement in sound quality. So what are the best soundbars for the money?
However, manufacturers have made significant improvements in the design and performance of soundbars over the past few years. Prices have dropped and the quality has improved greatly, offering a much better value for consumers.
One of the most recent advancements in soundbar technology is the integration of wireless surround speakers. This allows for a typical 5.1 surround sound experience with minimal effort. This has made soundbars an attractive option even for the most traditional audiophiles.
If you haven’t wanted to put in the effort to build a surround sound system, now you have the option of buying a nice soundbar and setting it directly below your TV. It is cost-effective, simple, and produces sound that is far superior to most speakers built into flat-panel televisions.
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Best Soundbars for the Money
When it comes to soundbars, the options and prices can vary greatly. It’s important to consider your budget and what features are important to you. While there are some excellent soundbars available for under $300, there are also high-end soundbars that cost $600 or more that offer superior sound quality and additional features. It’s important to do your research and consider what fits your needs and budget before making a decision.
Here is our list for the best soundbars for the money:
- Yamaha YAS-207BL – Best For The Money
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1Ch DTS:X – Best Surround Sound Package
- VIZIO SB3821 – Best Budget (Under $200)
- Sonos Playbar w/ Sub and 2 Sonos One Speakers – Best High-End Surround Sound Package
- Sonos Beam – Best Smart Soundbar
- Samsung HW-MS650/ZA – Best Simple (no subwoofer) Soundbar
- Bose Solo 5 – Best Compact or Low Profile Soundbar
- Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch DTS:X – Best Bang For Your Buck Surround Sound Package
How to choose the best soundbar?
If you want to choose a soundbar, it’s important to consider your budget and what features are important to you. Generally, the more expensive the soundbar, the more features it will come with. High-end soundbars often have features such as HDMI inputs that support 4K and HDR passthrough, high-quality speaker drivers, support for additional wireless surround speakers, wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth, and more. They are often considered as a compact A/V receiver with built-in speakers as they handle a lot of features in a small enclosure.
On the other hand, cheaper soundbars may not have as many features, but they are still effective at producing higher quality audio. They may have a simple setup with a power cable and input options such as RCA, AUX, and fiber optic input. This is suitable for people who just want a soundbar to set up under their TV and have it working in a matter of minutes.
Ultimately, the choice between a high-end and a budget soundbar depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. Both options are effective at producing high-quality audio and it’s important to choose what fits your needs and budget best.
What are the important factors to consider when purchasing a soundbar?
When considering purchasing a soundbar, it’s important to keep several key factors in mind. Here are a few things to consider:
- Placement: Where will the soundbar be placed? Will it be set on an entertainment center below the TV, mounted to the wall, or attached to the TV mount?
- Size: What size soundbar do you need? This will depend on the size of your room and the size of your TV.
- Features: What features do you want the soundbar to have? Do you want it to have HDMI inputs that support 4K and HDR passthrough, high-quality speaker drivers, support for additional wireless surround speakers, wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth, and more?
- Wireless surround sound speakers: Do you want to use wireless surround sound speakers with the soundbar?
By keeping these factors in mind when looking at the different options, you will be able to select a soundbar that fits your needs and preferences perfectly. It’s important to choose a soundbar that will completely fulfill all of your wants and needs.
What is the proper location for installing a soundbar?
Choosing the right placement for a soundbar is a personal preference and there are several ways to set it up.
- Setting it on the entertainment center below the television: This is the most common way to use soundbars and most units will work for this method of placement.
- Mounting the soundbar to the wall: This method is also popular. Mounting the soundbar on the wall directly below the television is a great way to hide cables and keep the soundbar and TV very close to each other. However, not all soundbars can be mounted to the wall. Some have built-in mounting holes, some have separate mounting kits, and some don’t have any way to mount it at all. If the soundbar doesn’t come with mounting holes or a kit to mount it, then you can always use a universal soundbar mount bracket.
- Attaching the soundbar to the TV mount: This method is great when used in conjunction with an articulating mount. You will need a soundbar TV bracket mount. The soundbar is mounted to the brackets hanging below the TV and it moves with the TV, so the soundbar is always facing the right direction.
- Placing a soundbar above the TV: Generally, a soundbar should be placed or mounted around ear level. If it is above ear level, it could cause the sound to not hit your ears properly and it may sound off. Some manufacturers say that mounting above the TV is fine for specific models, but generally, it is not recommended as it can cause acoustical issues and look odd.
It’s important to keep in mind that the right placement for a soundbar will depend on the room layout, the size of the TV, and the features of the soundbar. It’s best to experiment with different
What Size Soundbar Do You Need?
It’s important to consider the size of the room and the size of the TV. A soundbar should not be wider than the TV itself, as it can look odd. Here are some general guidelines for matching soundbar size to TV size and room size:
- For TV screens 40 inches or smaller, a soundbar of 12-28 inches will work well.
- And for TV screens 42-50 inches, a soundbar of 30-38 inches will be a good fit.
- For TV screens 52-60 inches, a soundbar of 40-46 inches will work well.
- For TV screens 60 inches or larger, a soundbar of 48 inches or more will be a good fit.
Keep in mind that these are generalizations and your specific setup may not fit these specifications exactly. Always check the physical width of your TV model before purchasing a soundbar. Ideally, the soundbar and TV should be close to the same width.
In larger rooms, more sound is needed to fill the space. So for bigger rooms, consider purchasing a longer and more powerful soundbar. This will help give the room a sense of fullness when playing audio.
What are the specific features you desire in a soundbar?
Soundbars have come a long way in recent years. They now offer a wide range of features to enhance your listening experience. For example, some soundbars are basic and come with just a power cable and a few input options. On the other hand, more advanced models may feature multiple HDMI ports and a variety of input options. It all depends on what you need and what your current setup is like. Here are a few of the features you can expect to find in modern soundbars:
- Audio inputs: Common types include AUX, RCA, digital coax, and fiber optic.
- HDMI inputs: Some soundbars have them to switch between video and audio inputs. Check for 4K compatibility.
- Wireless inputs: Stream audio with Bluetooth or Airplay.
- Number of channels: 2 or 3 channels for immersive listening experience. 3 channels have left, right and center audio.
- Wireless subwoofer: Connect a separate subwoofer for better bass.
- Wireless surround sound speakers: High-end models connect separate wireless speakers to create a “5.1” surround sound system.
- Remote control: Soundbars come with their own remote control and can be controlled by TV remote. Some remotes are universal and can control other devices.
- Front panel display: Rare feature, some units only have LED lights to indicate volume level.
Should You Get Wireless Surround Sound Speakers with a Soundbar?
When looking for a soundbar with a 5.1 surround sound system capability, it’s important to note that this feature is now available in higher-end units. This feature allows the soundbar to pair with wireless surround speakers to create a true 5.1 surround sound experience (3 channels in the soundbar, 1 surround left, 1 surround right, and 1 subwoofer).
However, it’s worth noting that soundbars with this feature and the wireless speakers themselves tend to come at a premium price. But, in my opinion, it’s completely worth it in the long run as the cost of a complete 5.1 wireless soundbar system will be similar or even less than a traditional 5.1 surround sound system.
Before buying a soundbar with this feature and the speakers to go along with it, make sure to keep a few things in mind such as compatibility with other devices, sound quality, and the overall cost.
- Do I have room to place the surround speakers around the main seating areas?
- Do I have readily available power outlets for the surround speakers? 99% of these speakers will require a power source.
- Can you justify the price? You will likely be spending a pretty penny for both the soundbar and the wireless speakers? Is the convenience and easy setup worth it to you?
Wireless Surround Speakers
The feature of pairing wireless surround speakers to create a 5.1 surround sound system is relatively new but becoming increasingly popular. As the demand for this feature increases, the price of these wireless surround speakers and soundbars capable of pairing them will likely decrease.
It is expected that this feature will eventually become a standard on most soundbars. If you have the budget for it, I would highly recommend getting a soundbar with this capability. It greatly improves the listening experience for small to medium-size rooms and is an amazing feature to have.
Best Soundbars for the Money – Recommended Soundbars!
Soundbars are a great way to enhance your home entertainment experience. They provide high-quality sound and are much more affordable than traditional surround sound systems.
If you’re in the market for a soundbar, here are some great options to consider. These units have high-quality speaker drivers, positive reviews, and fair prices.
When looking for a soundbar, it’s important to note that you don’t have to break the bank. You will not find any soundbars priced at $2000 on this list because that is an unreasonable cost for most consumers.
Best Soundbar For the Money
Yamaha YAS-207BL w/ Wireless Subwoofer
The Yamaha YAS-207 is an excellent choice for a soundbar, especially considering its price point. It is well-constructed and has received glowing reviews from many satisfied customers. That’s why it’s been selected as the best overall value soundbar.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Yamaha YAS-207 is its sound quality. It boasts clear treble, strong bass, and great mid-range. Although it doesn’t include surround sound speakers, it still manages to create a surround sound experience in certain rooms, thanks to the high-quality speaker drivers included in the unit.
Overall, this soundbar is a great entry-level option for anyone looking to enhance their listening experience. It offers impressive sound quality at an affordable price and is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a new soundbar.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | 4x: 1-3/4″ woofers, 2x: 1″ tweeters, 100 Watts |
| Dimensions | 36-5/8″ width 2-3/8″ height 3-1/4″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: HDMI, 1: Digital Optical, 1: Analog Audio (AUX) |
| Outputs | 1: HDMI |
| Audio Channels | 2.1 |
| Subwoofer | Included, Wireless Driver: 6-1/4″ Subwoofer Output Power: 100 Watts 7-1/8″ w x 17-1/4″ h x 15-3/4″ d Weight: 17.4lbs |
| Wall Mountable | YES |
| Warranty | 2-Year Limited Coverage |
Best Surround Sound Soundbar Package
Nakamichi Shockwafe Pro 7.1.4Ch DTS:X w/ Wireless Sub and 2 Rear Surrounds
The Nakamichi Shockwafe Elite 7.2 is a truly amazing product. The fact that it comes with a high-quality soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and 2 wireless surround sound speakers for under $600 is incredible. Some may think that because of the price, it must be a low-quality product, but that is not the case.
Upon researching this product, I discovered that all of the speaker drivers are high-quality and driven by a quad-core sound processor. A firmware update (available April 2019) enables Dolby Atmos, TrueHD, DD+, Dolby Vision, and Nakamichi’s Spatial Surround Elevation (SSE) which turns this into a 7.1.4 surround sound system with only 4 pieces of equipment.
One of the most interesting features of this system are the surround speakers which double as “height” speakers. This means they fire sound upwards, allowing them to work in a Dolby Atmos setup, which is very uncommon for soundbar systems.
Many reviewers have described this as the best Soundbar Dolby Atmos system they have ever listened to and it’s also cheaper than any other complete system on the market. It’s a great option for those looking for a high-quality, affordable surround sound system.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | 7x: Soundbar speaker drivers, Quad-core surround processor, Total Output power of 600 watts (including sub, and 2 rears), 105 dB of sound produced |
| Features | Included Wireless Subwoofer and 2 Rear Speakers, Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision (Available April 2019, LED Front Panel Display |
| Dimensions | 45.5″ width 3.3″ height 3″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: Digital Optical, 1: Digital Coax, 1: Analog Audio (AUX), 1: USB, 3: HDMI, and Bluetooth |
| Outputs | 1: HDMI (ARC) |
| Audio Channels | 7.1 w/ included subwoofer and rear speakers 7.1.4 (with firmware update) |
| Subwoofer | Included, Wireless Drivers 1x: 8″ Downfiring Subwoofer Frequency as low as 35Hz 9.5″ w x 20″ h x 12″ d Weight: 19lbs |
| Surround Speakers (x2) | Included, Wireless Drivers (each) 1x: 3″ woofer, 1x: 1″ tweeter 5″ w x 8″ h x 5.4″ d Weight: 2.8lbs |
| Wall Mountable | YES |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Best Budget Soundbar (Under $200)
VIZIO SB3821 w/ Wireless Subwoofer
The Vizio SB3821 is a top budget-friendly soundbar currently available in the market. It comes with decent drivers in the soundbar and a wireless subwoofer. The soundbar offers a variety of inputs including Bluetooth.
This product is not overly fancy, it’s very basic and stripped down to the essentials. It doesn’t have a lot of different sized speaker drivers, a smart app or any built-in smart functions. This soundbar is designed to replace your TV’s built-in speakers and add deep bass to enhance the audio quality at an affordable price.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | 6x: 3.15 woofers, 3x: 1″ tweeters, 9 dedicated amps, No Output Power Given |
| Dimensions | 35.5″ width 5.6″ height 3.4″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: Digital Optical, 1: Ethernet, Wi-Fi Audio Streaming |
| Outputs | 1: Ethernet |
| Audio Channels | 3.0 (5.1 w/optional wireless subwoofer and Sonos One smart speakers. |
| Subwoofer | Optional, Wireless Drivers 2x: 6″ Oval Shaped Subwoofers Output Power: Not Given 15.9″ w x 15″ h x 6.3″ d Weight: 35.27lbs |
| Wall Mountable | YES |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Best High-End Surround Sound Soundbar!
Sonos Playbar w/Optional Sub and 2x: Sonos One Smart Speakers
The Sonos Playbar is probably one of the most talked about soundbars on the market. It has been mocked for its price because the full bundle comes in around $1600 (and Sonos rarely does sales on their products). For that price, you could get a full home theater in a box package with 5-7 great quality speakers, an A/V receiver, and the necessary cables.
Now, what makes the Sonos Playbar worth it? Well, the quality of their products makes it completely worth it. Everything about the Playbar, subwoofer, and Sonos one smart speakers are of high quality.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | 6x: 3.15 woofers, 3x: 1″ tweeters, 9 dedicated amps, No Output Power Given |
| Dimensions | 35.5″ width 5.6″ height 3.4″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: Digital Optical, 1: Ethernet, Wi-Fi Audio Streaming |
| Outputs | 1: Ethernet |
| Audio Channels | 3.0 (5.1 w/optional wireless subwoofer and Sonos One smart speakers. |
| Subwoofer | Optional, Wireless Drivers 2x: 6″ Oval Shaped Subwoofers Output Power: Not Given 15.9″ w x 15″ h x 6.3″ d Weight: 35.27lbs |
| Wall Mountable | YES |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Best Smart Soundbar
Sonos Beam
The Sonos Beam is another excellent soundbar option, particularly for its smart technology features. With the rise of affordable smart technology in the market, this soundbar integrates with one of the most popular voice control services, Alexa.
Customers have reported that the voice recognition capabilities of the Sonos Beam are impressive, even when commands are given from a distance.
Despite being the cheaper option compared to the Playbar, the audio quality of the Sonos Beam is still exceptional, as with all of Sonos’ products. The sound is crisp, clear, three-dimensional, and has a surprising amount of bass response for its compact size.
It also has the capability to wirelessly pair with the Sonos Subwoofer and Sonos One smart speakers to create a full 5.1 surround sound. However, for a slightly higher cost, you could opt for the Playbar and add an Echo Dot for Alexa integration. The choice is yours.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | 4x: Woofers, 1x: Tweeter, 5 dedicated amps, No Output Power Given |
| Features | Built-in Alexa voice control with 5: Far-field mics. |
| Dimensions | 25.6″ width 2.7″ height 3.9″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: HDMI (ARC) or Digital Optical Adapter 1: Ethernet, Wi-Fi Audio Streaming w/ Apple AirPlay |
| Outputs | 1: Ethernet |
| Audio Channels | 3.0 (5.1 w/optional wireless subwoofer and Sonos One smart speakers. |
| Subwoofer | Optional, Wireless Drivers 2x: 6″ Oval Shaped Subwoofers Output Power: Not Given 15.9″ w x 15″ h x 6.3″ d Weight: 35.27lbs |
| Wall Mountable | YES |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Best Simple (No Subwoofer Necessary) Soundbar
Samsung HW-MS650/ZA
The Samsung HW-MS650 is a straightforward, all-in-one soundbar that delivers great sound quality. It features multiple speaker drivers capable of handling a wide range of frequencies, eliminating the need for a separate subwoofer. However, if you prefer, you can purchase a wireless subwoofer and surround speakers separately.
This soundbar is easy to set up and perfect for anyone looking for high-quality sound with minimal fuss. It is plug-and-play, so there is no need to pair a wireless subwoofer or speakers to get it running.
It’s worth noting that since the soundbar doesn’t have a dedicated subwoofer, the bass performance may not be as powerful as other units that come with one. The bass is good, but not outstanding.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | 6x: Woofers, 3x: Tweeters, 9 dedicated amps, Frequency Response: 39Hz-20kHz, RMS Power: 180 watts |
| Features | Connects wirelessly to select Samsung TVs, Built-In Subwoofer, Works with Alexa |
| Dimensions | 41.73″ width 3.07″ height 5.14″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: HDMI (ARC), 1: Digital Optical, 1: Analog Audio (AUX), 1: USB, & Bluetooth |
| Outputs | 1: HDMI |
| Audio Channels | 3.0 (5.1 w/optional wireless subwoofer and wireless surround speakers) |
| Wall Mountable | YES with included kit |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Best Compact/Low Profile Soundbar
Bose Solo 5
The Bose Solo 5 is a compact soundbar that delivers impressive audio quality, similar to the 700 and 300 models. It excels in enhancing dialogue but don’t expect deep bass from it.
Due to its small size, the bass response is weaker than larger soundbars. It is an ideal replacement for built-in TV audio, providing rich mid-range and high-frequency audio. It is highly recommended for smaller rooms.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | No Info Provided |
| Features | Universal Remote Included |
| Dimensions | 21.6″ width 2.6″ height 3.4″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: Digital Optical, 1: Analog Audio (AUX), 1: Digital Coaxial, & Bluetooth |
| Outputs | None |
| Audio Channels | 2.0 |
| Wall Mountable | YES with kit (sold separately) |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Best Bang For Your Buck Surround Sound Package
Nakamichi Shockwafe Ultra 9.2Ch DTS:X w/ 2 Subwoofers and 4 Surround Speakers
This package is similar to our top pick for the best Surround Sound Soundbar. It includes the same soundbar, but paired with two 10-inch wireless subwoofers and four surround sound speakers. Together, it creates a complete 9.2.4 surround sound system with Dolby Atmos.
The wireless subwoofers provide deep and powerful bass that will be felt and heard. The wireless speakers offer a high-quality and immersive surround sound experience that is hard to find in other systems.
This type of system is an exceptional deal at this price point. You will not find another similar soundbar package at a similar price. If you have the budget for it, I highly recommend considering this purchase.
| Specifications (Speaker Drivers, Output Power, etc.) | 7x: Soundbar speaker drivers, Quad-core surround processor, Total Output power of 1000 watts (including 2 subs, and 4 rears), 110 dB of sound produced |
| Features | Included 2 Wireless Subwoofers and 4 Rear Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Dolby Vision, LED Front Panel Display |
| Soundbar Dimensions | 45.5″ width 3.3″ height 3″ depth |
| Inputs | 1: Digital Optical, 1: Digital Coax, 1: Analog Audio (AUX), 1: USB, 3: HDMI, and Bluetooth |
| Outputs | 1: HDMI (ARC) |
| Audio Channels | 9.2.4 w/ included subwoofers and rear speakers |
| Subwoofers (x2) | Included, Wireless Drivers 1x: 10″ Downfiring Subwoofer Frequency as low as 35Hz 9.5″ x 20″ x 12″ Weight: 19lbs |
| Surround Speakers (x4) | Included, Wireless Drivers (each) 1x: 3″ woofer, 1x: 1″ tweeter 5″ x 8″ x 5.4″ Weight: 2.8lbs |
| Wall Mountable | YES |
| Warranty | 1-Year |
Final Words
These soundbars are some of the best on the market and will provide reliable performance for years to come. However, there are many great soundbars available, and we couldn’t list them all.
If you are interested in exploring other home theater or home entertainment equipment, please check out our recommended products page.
We would love to hear from you about your favorite soundbar and why you prefer it. Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions with us.
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