Are you tired of your television's weak, tinny sound but don't want to spend a fortune updating it? You are in the right place.

A soundbar is one of the most simple and cost-effective solutions to improve the audio on your television, no complicated setup is necessary.

Today's affordable soundbars allow you to experience powerful, room-filling sound without breaking the bank, whether you connect via Bluetooth, HDMI ARC, or an optical audio cable connection to your TV.

We've compiled a list of the finest cheap soundbars that provide high-quality audio, universal compatibility, and easy connectivity, ideal for any TV, old or new.

What to Look For in a Budget Soundbar?

Before we get into the top selections, here are some factors to consider while looking for a cheap soundbar:

• Connectivity: Seek for HDMI ARC or optical audio cable to TV choices that are easy to set up and work with the majority of TVs.
  
  
• Bluetooth Support: Ideal for wirelessly streaming music from smartphones or tablets.
  
  
• Subwoofer (Built-in or External): A dedicated subwoofer enhances the bass for movies, gaming, and music.
  
  
• Size and Placement: Select a soundbar that will fit under your TV or can be easily mounted to the wall.
  
  
• Universal Compatibility: Ensure that the soundbar can connect to any brand of television using standard connections.

List of Best Budget SoundBar

1.  TCL Alto 6+ (TS6110)

Price: Under $100

Best for: Balanced sound and easy setup

The TCL Alto 6+ provides excellent value, featuring a dedicated wireless subwoofer and Dolby Digital decoding for rich sound.  Its HDMI ARC support provides a single-cable connection to your TV, and it also works with optical audio cables for models lacking HDMI.

Key Features:

• HDMI ARC, optical, and Bluetooth support
• Wireless subwoofer for punchy bass
• Designed for quick plug-and-play setup
• Compatible with most modern TVs

Why We Love It: For the price, you get solid bass and clarity that competes with higher-end models.

2. Vizio V-Series 2.1 Soundbar (V21-H8)

Price: Around $120

Best for: Rich, room-filling audio

This Vizio model offers room-shaking bass and excellent conversation at an affordable price.  It offers DTS Virtual:X for a surround-sound experience and may be connected via HDMI ARC, optical audio cable to TV, USB, or Bluetooth.

Key Features:

• HDMI ARC with CEC for TV remote control
• Bluetooth streaming from phones or tablets
• Loud, cinematic sound with virtual surround
• Universal compatibility with most TVs

Why We Love It: Its performance feels premium without the premium price tag.

3.  Roku Streambar

Price: Around $130

Best for: Streaming and sound in one

The Roku Streambar, which functions as both a soundbar and a streaming device, is a game changer. It improves TV audio and provides access to Roku's built-in streaming platform in a single compact box.

Key Features:

• HDMI and optical audio cable to TV support
• Built-in 4K Roku streaming
• Voice remote with TV controls
• Bluetooth and AirPlay 2 support

Why We Love It: It's ideal for older TVs or second rooms—no need to buy a separate streaming stick.

4.  Creative Stage 2.1

Price: Around $80

Best for: Desktops or smaller rooms

If you have limited space or want to install a soundbar in a bedroom or workplace, the Creative Stage is an excellent choice. It has a wired subwoofer and several connection options, including HDMI ARC and an optical audio line to the TV.

Key Features:

• HDMI ARC, AUX, optical, and USB
• Wired subwoofer for deep bass
• The compact design fits under most TVs
• Easy to wall-mount

Why We Love It: Affordable, flexible, and surprisingly powerful for its size.

5. Samsung HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar

Price: Around $150

Best for: Samsung TV owners or anyone wanting auto-sync

Samsung's HW-C450 includes Smart Sound Mode, which adapts sound based on content.  It comes with a wireless subwoofer and may be connected to a television via Bluetooth or optical audio cable.

Key Features:

• Bluetooth TV connection
• Smart Sound & Game Mode
• DTS Virtual:X support
• Easy sync with Samsung TVs and universal compatibility

Why We Love It: Great match for Samsung TVs, but works well with any brand.

Final Thoughts

You do not have to pay hundreds of dollars to get an immersive audio experience. Each of these low-cost soundbars offers great performance, simple setup, and versatile connectivity including HDMI and optical audio cable to TV support, making them suitable for any TV.

Whether you want booming bass for movie nights or crisp vocals for everyday viewing, these low-cost soundbars are ready to upgrade your sound without breaking the bank.

About the Author

Hello, my name is Caden Rodriguez, and I've always been a computer geek and gadget lover.  I'm always on the lookout for clever, low-cost gear that truly works, and I enjoy sharing my insights to help others make better decisions.  

I hope this overview of the finest budget soundbars was helpful and improved your TV experience.

Let me know what you think, and I hope you enjoyed the article!

Ref:

Parker, H. (2025, March 29). The Best Soundbars for Every Budget. Wired.com. https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-soundbars/