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The best soundbars under $200 deliver room-filling sound for less

The best soundbars under 0 deliver room-filling sound for less

Vizio V Series V51x-J6

Vizio


Looking to upgrade your home audio setup? sound bar is a convenient and affordable way to do this. You don’t have to worry about setting up multiple speakers or crossed wires. You get powerful, immersive sound as if you were in a home theater system in a compact size. It’s the perfect option for apartment dwellers or anyone living in a smaller space. And it turns out you can get one for under $200.

You’ll get crisp, clear sound across a range of frequencies, from deep bass to brilliant highs. Most models feature Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming and HDMI ARC compatibility for integration with your TValso. Whether you’re watching the latest movies, binge-watching TV series, or listening to music, a soundbar under $200 is a fantastic investment for your home entertainment setup. Check out some of our favorite picks below.


The Best Soundbars Under $200


Best Soundbar Under $200: Vizio V Series V51x-J6

Vizio V Series V51x-J6

Amazon


If you need a robust and versatile soundbar, this is the model for you. At under $200, the Vizio V Series V51x-J6 is a great choice. It’s incredibly immersive thanks to its satellite speakers, which give you a true surround sound effect. With a dedicated center channel, you get crystal-clear dialogue, and the powerful subwoofer adds depth and richness for superb, bass-heavy action scenes.

The soundbar’s customizable bass and treble settings make it an even better addition to your home theater setup, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preferences. Plus, with Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility with voice-assisted devices, this soundbar gives you wireless streaming and hands-free control. With all its features, great sound, and affordable price, this soundbar should be at the top of your list.


Best smart soundbar under $200: Roku Streambar Pro 4K

Roku Pro 4K Streaming Bar

Best buy


This smart soundbar is not only affordable, but it’s also super convenient when it comes to streaming. You can use it with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home. Apple fans will appreciate the AirPlay support, while everyone else can enjoy the Bluetooth connectivity, which works as both a transmitter and receiver. The Bluetooth receiver even lets you plug in headphones to the remote for quiet listening in case everyone in the house doesn’t want to hear you catch up on your shows.

Additionally, this soundbar supports 4K and HDR10 (though there’s no Dolby Atmos option). While the soundbar’s audio quality surpasses that of most built-in TV speakers, the lack of support for spatial audio formats like Dolby Atmos or DTS:X may mean this soundbar is one to avoid — but you’ll want to make sure you pick it up if that doesn’t mean anything to you. Because the Roku Streambar Pro remains a great choice as a streaming device and soundbar combo.


Best Compact Soundbar Under $200: Yamaha SR-C20A

Yamaha SR-C20A

Amazon


The Yamaha SR-C20A soundbar is a compact and well-designed solution for giving you quality sound in small spaces. It doesn’t have a large footprint per se, but despite its small size, it delivers a wide and enjoyable sound experience that excels at delivering clear dialogue and immersive audio when watching movies and playing games.

It has a wide variety of connectivity options and user-friendly features, making the SR-C20A easy to integrate into most setups. This includes an HDMI ARC port, two optical connections, a 3.5mm analog input, and Bluetooth. Its bass output may not rival larger soundbars with separate subwoofers, but it still delivers satisfying and powerful bass. If you’re looking to prioritize a compact size without compromising on sound quality, the Yamaha SR-C20A is a solid choice.


Best Dolby Atmos Soundbar Under $200: Vizio M213ad-K8

Vizio M213ad-K8

Amazon


Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars rarely sell for less than $200, but this one does. While it doesn’t come with separate surround speakers or a subwoofer, the M213ad-K8 uses built-in upward-firing speakers to bounce sound off the ceiling to give you more height. That in itself gives you a bit of the Atmos effect. While a true Atmos surround setup with physical rear speakers might require a higher budget, the M213ad-K8 offers a cost-effective way to enjoy the benefits of this advanced audio format.

Beyond its Dolby Atmos capabilities, the Vizio M213ad-K8 has a range of features that make it a well-rounded soundbar. With a variety of input options, it’s compatible with many different setups. It may not support more advanced wireless streaming options like AirPlay, but it does support Bluetooth so you can stream from your smartphone or tablet. And for under $200, it’s a compelling choice.


Best Single Soundbar Under $200: Creative Stage V2

Creative Scene V2

Amazon


If you don’t need any frills at all, the Creative Stage V2 is the soundbar for you. While it doesn’t have the premium build quality or superior sonic performance of more expensive alternatives, it can certainly outperform TV speakers, so you’re already a step above. One of its most notable features is the included subwoofer, which delivers surprisingly powerful bass for a soundbar at this price.

While the Creative Stage V2 lacks some of the advanced features found in more expensive soundbars, it still offers a solid set of basic features. You can stream with Bluetooth, so it’s easy to get your music going. But it lacks more AirPlay and smart home integrations. It still shines in its wired connectivity options. With HDMI ARC, USB, optical, and 3.5mm inputs, it can connect to a wide range of devices, so it’s compatible with most. And for just over $100, you’re getting a crazy deal, even if it doesn’t hold a candle to all the more expensive options.