Best Soundbar under $200 — Choose the Best Sound
On the market, there is a huge number of TVs, but even the coolest models have one drawback — their sound leaves much to be desired. The fact is that a thin form factor does not allow equipping them with a good acoustic system. That’s exactly when soundbars kick into action. In this post, I am going to test different models that claim to be the best soundbar under 200 dollars.
The soundbars of the suggested price range can be located in front of a TV or can be hung on the wall under it as they are quite compact. They are not as powerful as more expensive ones with a total output power of around 120W. The depth and power of the sound depend on the bass. Since the task of the soundbar is to be a compact device, it is impossible to install large low-frequency subwoofers in it. Nevertheless, many manufacturers choose to equip their devices with built-in subwoofers, which describes the products of the suggested price range in most cases. If you are trying to save as much space as possible in your apartment and do not want to shake walls with low frequencies, choose the unit with built-in subs. On the contrary, pick a soundbar with an active subwoofer, which will be significantly more convincing than the built-in one
So, we are ready to proceed with the review of the best 5 soundbars under 200 dollars.
Reviews of the Soundbars Under $200
Bose Solo 5 — Best Soundbar under $200
Those having not enough space for a multi-channel home theater system should think of the best soundbar under $200. The Bose Solo 5 is a Bluetooth-capable model that makes it possible to stream music wirelessly from various devices, including Apple TV, smartphones, tablets, iPhones, and iPads. Besides, it’s possible to connect Echo Dot via Bluetooth to provide Alexa voice control.
The dedicated mode makes dialogs more clearly against the background of other sounds. However, the dialog’s clarity level is much dependant on a particular movie or channel the user is watching. The bass is not very strong. Still, it’s enough to boost the sound in an average bedroom. The volume fills the room without overpowering it.
The unit is easy to connect to a TV via audio optical coaxial or analog cables. The soundbar will automatically recognize the cable’s type. The item can enhance audio from different devices connected to a TV source simultaneously (a Blu-ray player, for instance). Consider turning the internal TV’s speakers off before using the soundbar.
The unit weighs 3.73 pounds, having the size of 2.6 x 21.6 x 3.4 inches. So, it doesn’t take much space that provides many options for placement. This model is made of plastic, having a black grill on all its sides. There are a couple of built-in drivers in the center, angled for a wider soundstage. However, the soundstage would be really wider if the drivers were placed along the sides of the soundbar.
Pros:
- The soundbar switches off automatically after an hour of inactivity.
- It comes with a universal remote control.
Cons:
- This model lacks USB connectivity.
- The soundbar cannot be used with external speakers or subwoofers.
Polk Audio Signa S2 — Best Soundbar with Subwoofer under $200
Wondering what is the best soundbar under $200? Bear in mind the Polk Audio Signa S2 that comes with a wireless subwoofer. The Polk Voice Adjust tech enhances dialog’s clarity and overall sound. Besides, it is capable of reducing voice delays that can happen when audio is not synced properly in the movie file. The Bluetooth feature to stream music wirelessly is also onboard. Note that it works only for incoming signals. Hence, it’s not possible to connect Bluetooth headsets to this item.
This is one of the best soundbars under 200 dollars, creating an averagely powerful system of 80W totally (30W for the soundbar and 60W for the sub) that is enough for a semi-large room. The bass is crisp, without distortions, even when the volume is at max. The sound quality allows hearing the tones’ entire spectrum of voices and backgrounds.
The soundbar has 5 drivers inside. The controls to toggle between inputs, turn the bar on/off, adjust the volume, and activate Bluetooth are on the top. There are holes on the unit’s back panel to use screws and hang the bar on the wall, if necessary. The plastic device is covered with a tight fabric grill in front. The bar’s weight is 3.9 pounds. Its dimensions are 35.4 x 2 x 3.1 inches, being perfectly suitable for a 55-inch TV without blocking the bottom part of the screen. The sub is also made of plastic, having a front port with a glossy plate around it. Its 5.25-inch driver is hidden behind the non-removable plastic grill. The sub’s sizes are 6.7 x 13.7 x 12.3 inches, and its weight is 11 pounds. The pack includes a remote control, wall-mounting spacers, HDMI, optical, and power cables.
Pros:
- The unit supports the Dolby Digital decoding to provide a full surround sound.
- Both HDMI and ARC connections are possible.
- Bluetooth pairing is flawless, and the connection is stable.
Cons:
- I’d like to see audio out to add external speakers.
- The sound customization includes only 3 modes and voice levels.
Samsung HW-T450
In my search for the best sound bar under 200 dollars, I’d like to share my impressions of the SAMSUNG HW-T450, remarkable for its smart sound. This feature means that the soundbar automatically corrects the sound in real-time, based on content the user is watching at the moment.
Those looking for the best TV soundbar under 200 dollars in terms of power, will appreciate the system’s total output of 200W that is great for a room of any size and layout. There is the opportunity to hook up this bar to a TV via the optical input. Besides, this model has a USB 2.0 port and Bluetooth capability. However, this model lacks HDMI inputs.
The soundbar has 3 built-in speakers The bar’s dimensions are 33.9 x 2.9 x 2.1 inches, having 3.31 pounds of weight. The sub is designed with a 6.5-inch woofer. It is 13.5 x 7.15 x 10.7 inches in size and weighs 9.5 pounds.
Pros:
- The unit supports DTS and Dolby Digital to ensure surround sound.
- The Game mode enhances video games’ audio.
Cons:
- The bar doesn’t look durable, being made of thin plastic covered with the fabric.
- I’d like to see a separate setup to enhance dialogs.
TCL Alto 7
Speaking of the top soundbars under 200 dollars, I cannot help but mention the TCL Alto 7 that comes with a sub in the pack. In this way, one can set up the 2.1-channel system hassle-free. The subwoofer works wirelessly thanks to the bar’s Bluetooth capability. Wired connections are possible via HDMI, optical, or AUX cables.
The overall sound is loud and clean. This model is among the top-rated budget devices since it’s possible to customize the performance through Music, Movies, and News settings. For example, the Music mode makes all the instruments sound clear and well balanced. Orchestral tracks sound particularly rich in this mode. News setup comes in handy when it’s crucial to enhance dialog clarity. For its part, the subwoofer provides extra bass without distortions. Nevertheless, the sound performance is overly dependent on the room’s layout.
The bar is made of plastic but has a large metal grill on its front panel. All the controls are on the top. The inputs and mounting holes are on the back. It has 1.5-inch tweeters and 2 4.5-inch midrange drivers inside. The unit is 36.1 x 2.5 x 3.7 inches in size. The ported subwoofer is made of MDF, having a plastic port on its rear panel and a 6-inch woofer inside. The sub’s sizes are 8.3 x 12.9 x 9.8 inches. The total pack’s weight is 17.6 pounds.
Pros:
- The unit has USB playback that supports MP3, WAV, FLAC formats.
- The bar provides clear high frequencies, regardless of volume level.
- Remote control with batteries, the cables for all types of connection, and screws are included.
Cons:
- The lowest parts of the low frequencies (usually called sub-bass) are not audible. Bad news for heavy-metal music fans.
- Full loudness compresses the sound, making the overall soundstage narrower.
Vizio SB3821-C6
This model may become the best soundbar with a subwoofer under 200 dollars due to its ability to make the soundstage wider, providing clear and loud sound. The bass is deep and rich. It can be even booming for a small room. The other frequencies sound clean and balanced.
The bar boasts great connectivity. It has a USB port, stereo RCA, 3.5mm stereo, coax RCA, TOSLINK optical inputs, and an HDMI port. Just connect the bar to a TV and turn it on to get started. Note that when the user turns the TV on, the soundbar is on automatically. The bar will turn off also automatically, even when the user pauses watching or listening for a couple of minutes. This may be annoying, but there’s a way out. Just push the power and volume buttons on the soundbar simultaneously, holding them for nearly 5 seconds to deactivate this feature.
The bar is designed as a cube-shaped black-colored device with fabric covering and brushed aluminum texture on the plastic sides. It weighs 5.8 pounds, having the dimensions of 38 x 3 x 3 inches. It has 2 built-in 2.75-inch drivers. A sub has a 5-inch driver. It weighs 7.2 pounds, having sizes of 8.3 x 8.3 x 9.1 inches.
Pros:
- The 2.1-channel system surprisingly supports Dolby Digital and DTS formats while many other same-class bars lack this feature. It provides clearer dialogs in movies and consistent volume, regardless of the audio device.
- The unit’s stereo dynamics are loud enough even for parties in large rooms.
Cons:
- The Bluetooth is not stable from over 10 feet away from the bar.
- The True Volume mode is nothing special. It just keeps voices, music, background’s volume on the same level.
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