Best overall budget soundbar
Sony HT-S2000
~$300 (often less) at time of writing
What we like
- TechRadar's best cheap soundbar overall
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X; clear dialogue
Keep in mind
- No subwoofer included
Best surround system
Hisense AX5125H
~$250–$350 at time of writing
What we like
- 5.1.2 channels with subwoofer and rear speakers
- Convincing Atmos in What Hi-Fi? and TechRadar testing
Keep in mind
- More boxes to place
Best for dialogue
Bose TV Speaker
~$200–$280 at time of writing
What we like
- Excellent dialogue clarity and simple setup
Keep in mind
- Limited bass
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Best streaming soundbar
Roku Streambar SE
~$100 at time of writing
What we like
- Also on our overall soundbar list
- Built-in Roku streaming
Keep in mind
- Small sound
Best under $150 with a sub
Vizio V-Series 2.1
~$100–$150 at time of writing
What we like
- Also on our overall soundbar list
- Wireless subwoofer
Keep in mind
- Basic app
Best step-up on sale
Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6
Price varies see current price at the retailer
What we like
- Wireless sub and Atmos (maker)
Keep in mind
- Often above $300
Best compact Atmos
JBL Bar 300MK2
~$300 at time of writing
What we like
- Virtual Atmos in one bar (maker)
Keep in mind
- No sub
Best Samsung TV match
Samsung HW-B550
~$200 at time of writing
What we like
- Samsung TV integration and subwoofer
Keep in mind
- Muddy in loud scenes
Smallest Bose
Bose Solo 5
~$200 at time of writing
What we like
- Compact and simple
Keep in mind
- Thin sound for big rooms
Lowest price
TCL S Class Soundbar
~$80–$100 at time of writing
What we like
- Big upgrade over TV speakers for little money
Keep in mind
- Basic sound
Compare all 10
| # | Product | Best for | Price* | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sony HT-S2000 | Best overall budget soundbar | ~$300 (often less) | — |
| 2 | Hisense AX5125H | Best surround system | ~$250–$350 | — |
| 3 | Bose TV Speaker | Best for dialogue | ~$200–$280 | — |
| 4 | Roku Streambar SE | Best streaming soundbar | ~$100 | — |
| 5 | Vizio V-Series 2.1 | Best under $150 with a sub | ~$100–$150 | — |
| 6 | Sony Bravia Theater Bar 6 | Best step-up on sale | See retailer | — |
| 7 | JBL Bar 300MK2 | Best compact Atmos | ~$300 | — |
| 8 | Samsung HW-B550 | Best Samsung TV match | ~$200 | — |
| 9 | Bose Solo 5 | Smallest Bose | ~$200 | — |
| 10 | TCL S Class Soundbar | Lowest price | ~$80–$100 | — |
*Approximate, at time of writing. Rating shown only where a sourced rating was found.
Sources consulted: TechRadar best cheap soundbars (2026), What Hi-Fi? best budget soundbars (2026), RTINGS best soundbars under $300 (2026), plus manufacturer specs. Prices are approximate (checked Oct 19, 2026) and change often. Prices change often; check the retailer. Product photos are official brand press images (credited) where we have permission; otherwise we show a photo of the product type, clearly labeled Illustrative.
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