The Best Soundbar For 200 In 2024

Piers Anthony By, Piers Anthony
Updated
PHEANOO 2.1 CH Roku TV Ready Soundbar
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: PHEANOO 2.1 CH Roku TV Ready Soundbar

The PHEANOO offers a simple, sleek design and is perfect for any living space. It's built-in 2.1ch speaker system will bring your home entertainment to life with crisp sound from every angle. It's also ROKU TV ready and compatible with any Roku TV remote. Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: BESTISAN Soundbar

Bestisan is a sound bar with a round, high-end audio experience. This Soundbar provides 3 different equalizer modes (movie, music, dialogue) to meet your needs. It has an elegant design that blends in with any decor and doesn't take up much space. The remote control makes it easy to adjust the volume and settings without disturbing your favorite show or movie. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Hisense HS218 2.1ch Sound Bar

The Hisense HS218 2.1ch Sound Bar is a perfect addition to any home theater system. This wireless subwoofer delivers the robust low-end frequencies that punctuate your favourite movies, music, and games without any messy wires. You will feel the “boom” while the two front-facing speakers project bright, clear high and mid frequencies. Read Review

4. Best Reliable: BESTISAN Soundbar Wired and Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker

The BESTISAN Soundbar Wired and Wireless Bluetooth 5.0 Speaker comes with DSP technology that lets you choose the sound effects according to your current situation-news, movie, or music. This high-sensitivity speaker is easy to use and easy to operate. The infrared remote control displays the different modes by means of differently colored LED lights-news, movie and music. Read Review

Soundbars are a great option for those who want more impressive home audio without the hassle of installing speakers or investing in a new AV receiver. They’re also perfect for smaller living spaces and those who don’t have access to wall-mounted speakers. However, picking the best soundbar for 200 bucks might seem like an uphill task.

With so many options available, it’s not surprising that most people end up making uninformed decisions when buying one of these devices. In this article, you will learn all you need to know about soundbars and how to choose the right one for your needs and budget.

You'll have an easier time deciding with our PHEANOO 2.1 CH Roku TV Ready Soundbar recommendations. However, in order to provide the reader with a wider variety of alternatives, we recommend adding BESTISAN Soundbar if you are interested in purchasing another appealing one.

Here are the buying guides that we specially made for you guys. Follow all the words below for successful shopping!

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 PHEANOO 2.1 CH Roku TV Ready Soundbar
Our Score:
9.8
PHEANOO
  • BETTER BASS: Dedicated wired subwoofer offers deep and powerful bass. The sound quality is superior when compared to the majority of cut-price standalone soundbars
  • QUICK AND EASY SET UP: Choose from HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, or Bluetooth 5.0 connections (HDMI, RCA Audio cable included), you can finish the set up in minutes
  • ROKU TV READY: The D5 is certified to work seamlessly with any Roku TV through the HDMI (ARC) connection. You'll enjoy smooth setup, easy access to sound settings, and compatibility with any Roku TV remote.
  • CLEAR AND PRECISE DIALOGUE: Specially tuned dialogue mode makes speech crystal clear and easier to understand for a more enjoyable experience
  • STYLISH AND COMPACT DESIGN: Overall dimensions are 29"W x2.4″ Hx2.8" D. This compact stylish soundbar blends easily into any living space
TOP Choice #2 BESTISAN Soundbar
Our Score:
9.6
BESTISAN
  • Multiple wireless and wired connections: easily connect to the sound bar via Bluetooth 5. 0 or standard audio cable Connection, RCA, and optical input
  • 3 different equalizer modes: fine tune your sound bar with 3 distinct equalizer modes (movie, music, dialogue) via the remote control to match your favorite sound
  • Multiple Setups, multiple options: sits flat below the TV screen or securely mounts on the wall for a sleek, elegant home theater setup
  • power source type: DC
  • Enhanced bass: 3 inches full range drivers and dual bass ports that bring the richer and deeper bass, boost A loud sound that fills the room without distortion.
  • included components: Soundbar; cables; speakers
  • Room-filling sound: powerful speakers deliver a round, high-end audio experience for bed room and apartment.
TOP Choice #3 Hisense HS218 2.1ch Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.4
Hisense
  • Quick Touch EQ Modes: Get the best audio performance from music, movies, and news with a simple touch of the remote with multiple preset EQ settings.
  • Enjoy Better Tv Sound: Hisense HS218 Sound Bar comes with 4 spearkers and a wireless subwoofer, which gives you a total of 200 Watts superior audio, together with Dolby Audio technology and a professional master-level sound effect tuning. It will upgrade your TV sound instantly.
  • Easy Connectivity: With HDMI (ARC), the Hisense HS218 can connect to your Tv through a single HDMI cable (included), connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to smart device, and control both with one remote. You’ll be enjoying better TV sound in minutes.
  • Wireless Subwoofer: A dedicated, wireless 80 Watt subwoofer delivers the robust low-end frequencies that punctuate your favorite movies, music, and games, without any messy wires. You’ll feel the “boom” while the two front-facing speakers project bright, clear high- and mid-range frequencies.
  • Accessories included: Includes the Hisense 218 Sound Bar, HDMI cable, optical cable, and a wall mounting kit to make sure that you have what you need to make the most of your Hisense audio experience right out of the box.
  • Roku TV Ready: As Roku TV Ready device, the Hisense HS218 Soundbar is fully compatible with any Roku Tv through the HDMI (ARC) connection. You can even use the Roku Tv remote to control both the Tv and soundbar for easier setup and better navigation experience.
  • Upgraded version high-sensitivity remote control displays the different modes by means of different colored LED lights Deep bass improved power-designed for your smart TV and sweet home
  • Memory function and bass control the update remote's reset button could be memorized to the factory settings And you can control the treble and bass settings of the sound bar
  • Wireless Bluetooth 5 0 transmission Bluetooth wireless transmission technology strong anti-interference lossless Audio transmission 360-degree sound let you have a high-quality home audio system Enjoy the luxury of music
  • Easy to Use and Operate: High-sensitivity full function IR remote control displays the different modes by means of differently colored LED lights
  • Dsp technology This technology Let you have three choices for sound effects news movie and music you can choose according to your current situation
5 Samsung HW-A450/ZA 2.1ch Soundbar
Our Score:
9.2
SAMSUNG
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Enhanced audio tracking for your content in real time, with technology that equalizes background music and consistent volume control
  • BLUETOOTH TV CONNECTION - Set up is a breeze. Easily connect your soundbar to your TV by connecting wirelessly
  • WIRELESS SURROUND SOUND COMPATIBLE - Turn your soundbar into a complete surround sound system with optional rear Samsung speakers in a few simple steps without the mess of wires
  • ONE REMOTE - Streamline control of both your Samsung TV and soundbar with just the Samsung TV remote
  • BASS BOOST - Give your bass an instant boost with the push of a button on the soundbar
  • SUBWOOFER INCLUDED - Wireless subwoofer is included so you can enjoy deep bass right out of the box All-in-one
  • GAME MODE - Boost your gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio that moves with the action on-screen and crosstalk cancellation that minimizes distractions
6 PHEANOO 2.1 CH TV Soundbar
Our Score:
9.1
PHEANOO Audio
  • 【4 SOUND MODES】---Music-Movie-News-3D,different modes give you the best sound a truly immersive, incomparable listening experience.
  • 【MULTIPLE INPUT OPTIONS】---Enjoy wireless streaming music through Bluetooth 5.0, also you can choose the wired connections including HDMI(arc), Optical, AUX and USB flash driver, compatible with your TVs, projectors, computers, smartphones, tablet, PCs, PS4, DVDs and other devices. Easily set up, perfectly compatible with various streaming media Apps.
  • 【FULL ACCESSORIES INCLUDED】---HDMI(ARC) cable, Optical Cable, Aux Cable, Remote Control, Screw Set all included. Built-in mount bracket.
  • 【DOLBY】---Dolby Digital decoding creates incredible room-filling surround sound that easily beats anything you hear from your TV’s small speakers.
  • 【CRYSTAL SOUND WITH GROUND-SHAKING BASS】---4 well-tuned full-range drivers + 1 powerful subwoofer, lets you hear every details of your music and movies, with crisp, breathtaking detail and exceptional clarity, with deep bass, improved power, ground-shaking bass delivering you an epic movie viewing experience.
  • STREAM MUSIC WIRELESSLY: You can use your Bluetooth-enabled device to wirelessly stream music on your sound bar.
  • DEEP BASS WITH WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Experience deep, rich bass to make movies and music truly come to life.
  • DOLBY DIGITAL: Dolby Digital decoding maximizes sound clarity and creates incredible room-filling virtual surround sound.
  • QUICK AND HASSLE-FREE SETUP: With HDMI, optical, or Bluetooth connections, you can go from unboxing to listening in minutes.
  • SPECIALIZED SOUND MODES: Specialized sound modes bring Movies, Music, and News to life.
8 Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
Our Score:
8.8
Sony
  • Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
  • In the box: Remote Commander (RMT-AH411U), Batteries for remote commander, Cable (Optical Cable, AC Cord), Wall Mount Template, Warranty Card, Quick Setup Guide, Instruction Manual
  • Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
  • Hear sound come from all around you with S-Force Pro Front Surround
  • Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
  • High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
  • Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
9 Bose TV Speaker Soundbar for TV
Our Score:
7.9
Bose
  • Compact soundbar: This small soundbar is just over 2" tall for easy placement in front of your TV or mounted to a wall (wall brackets sold separately). Overall TV speaker dimensions are 2.21" H x 23.38" W x 4.02" D.
  • Wide, natural sound: 2 angled full-range drivers deliver a more realistic, spatial audio experience for overall better TV sound from a small soundbar.
  • Remote control: Compact TV speaker comes with a remote control that enables a dialogue mode to further enhance speech or add a bass boost for more depth.
  • Hear your TV better: Designed with simplicity in mind, the Bose TV Speaker is a small soundbar that clarifies speech and is a simple fix for better TV sound.
  • Build and expand: The Bose TV Speaker is compatible with the Bose Bass Module 500 or 700 and requires the Bose Bass Module Connection Cable or a standard 3.5 millimeter audio cable, sold separately.
  • Simple setup: A single connection from this compact soundbar to the TV via an optical audio cable (included) or an HDMI cable (sold separately) has you up and running in minutes.
  • Bluetooth TV speaker: Pair your device to this Bluetooth soundbar to wirelessly stream your favorite music and podcasts.
  • Enhanced dialogue: This TV speaker is designed to specifically focus on clarifying and elevating vocals and pronunciation.
10 VMAI TV Sound Bar
Our Score:
8.4
VMAI
  • MULTIPLE INPUT OPTIONS AND EASY SET UP - Aside from one of our newest feature Bluetooth 5.0 from your smartphones, tablet, PC and other Bluetooth enabled devices; there are also wired connection including HDMI ARC, Optical, USB (Flash drive only), and AUX input, compatible with TVs, projectors, computers, Blu-ray players, tablet, PS5, Amplifiers, and more! We upgraded the package to include both premium 5 ft Optical cable and 5 ft RCA to 3.5 mm cable.
  • A DILIGENT DESIGN & 12 MONTHS WARRANTY - VMAI engineered the soundbar almost impossibly thin measuring less than 2.5-inch-high, and a jet-black surface. With luxury Touch-button design, you can control power/ volume on the side easily. VMAI sound bar comes with mount bracket in the package, which allows you to mount this elegant sound bar on your living room. Every VMAI sound bar will go through a strict quality test process before sending out. We offer 12 months warranty to our customer!
  • FOUR DIFFERENT SOUND MODE - Music, Movie, News & 3D mode adjusting by using the included remote control! The remote also allows you to increase or reduce treble and bass based on your preference. The additional volume and power control are conveniently located at the right side of the sound bar.
  • BLUETOOTH 5.0, THE SUPERB SOUND QUALITY - Our newest sound bar adopts Bluetooth 5.0 & DSP technology to ensure faster transmission speeds, stable connectivity, and smooth transmission in long distance with low consumption. This soundbar is so versatile you can place it almost anywhere. And with Bluetooth connectivity, you can play your favorite music anywhere. We’ve carefully engineered a custom sound bar material so we can provide you with true 3D stereo premium sound.
  • 2.1 CHANNEL IMMERSIVE SOUND EXPERIENCE - 120W Sound bar delivers noticeably better sound than your TV alone. With advanced technologies, TV sound bar delivers the clear audio your TV can’t. Sound bar with subwoofer produces powerful bass and surround sound, let you enjoy a dynamic home audio experience; With 110dB sound level pressure, VMAI sound bar delivers the heavy-bass performance, a detailed midrange, crisp treble, and beyond. Enjoy all the details of your music and movies.
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What to Look For in a best soundbar for 200?

Some of you may be reluctant to select one of the best soundbar for 200, to be honest. The main reason is that you didn’t study that before. There are pretty lots of factors that must be considered when investing in best soundbar for 200. You are expected to count on our expertise in best soundbar for 200 to make the right choice. 

So now we move on to the significant factors related to best soundbar for 200 you must keep in mind:

Wired/wireless Speakers

Some soundbars allow for wired and wireless connection to other speakers. Some soundbars only support a subwoofer. However, a few models offer "surround sound" connectivity, which allows you to connect other speakers to the rear of the room to replicate 5.1. You can purchase these speakers separately or as a bundle at an extra cost.

Size

To ensure that the unit will not block the screen, or interfere with the remote control or display of your TV's remote, check its dimensions. You should also check that the design of the unit matches your TV.

Connectivity

Soundbars typically only require one cable to connect with your TV. HDMI is the best choice. Make sure that your soundbar is equipped with all necessary ports for connecting to Blu-ray players and USB storage. You should check if your soundbar has a pass-through function that transmits 4K HDR video from your 4K HDR TV.

Subwoofer

In large rooms, a soundbar with an external subwoofer (or dedicated soundbar) can be more effective than one without it. A subwoofer that is well made will enhance low-end sound quality and add a cinematic vibe to your system. A sub that is poorly designed can cause a drop in sound quality. A soundbase is a great option if you need bass, but aren't able to fit an external sub. They include an integrated subwoofer.

Ease Of Set-up And Use

It is easy to hook up the soundbar with your TV or other device and get started using it immediately. This can be gauged by looking at the manual or reading some user reviews.

Number Of Channels And Speakers

A soundbar with just 2.1 channels may be enough to enhance the audio quality of your TV. A 5.1 and 7.1 models might offer better sound quality when you watch TV/movies or listen to audio. Dolby Atmos is available on 5.1.2 and 7.1.2 models. This technology allows for a richer experience. It involves placing speakers higher than the roof, to create sound from above.

Additional Features

You might also want these features in your soundbar:
There are special sound modes for various audio types, such as watching movies, listening to music, or gaming. You can adjust the treble and bass settings depending on what you are watching/listening too.
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa for voice-controlled music.
Front-panel displays that display important information, such as volume levels. Make sure to check if this display is able to be switched off when it's not in use so that it does not become distracting.

Wi-Fi And Bluetooth

Bluetooth is an important soundbar feature that allows you stream music from compatible phones, tablets and computers to your soundbar. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to stream music from your Spotify account or access cloud music libraries.

FAQs

Can A Sound Bar Be Used As A Center Speaker?

There are some that can and others that can't, but it's not something we recommend. Although a passive soundbar could technically be used to provide center channel speakers, this is not what it was designed for. This is like asking a pitcher to play both catch and second base instead of the only position that he excels at.

Can You Use A Soundbar To Play Music?

A soundbar can make music play through your TV much more enjoyable. Bluetooth is a feature that many soundbars offer, so you won't have to turn on the TV to hear your music. A soundbar that has a wireless subwoofer will work best to reproduce deep bass and dynamics.

Can You Use Any Soundbar With Any TV?

There are very few exceptions to this rule. However, you can still use your soundbar with any TV. It is helpful sometimes to match soundbar and TV brands. New soundbars often use HDMI ARC to transmit the audio from the TV's speakers through the soundbar. If both of your devices have this port, you are good. An optical connection is available on some older soundbars, and almost all TVs have them.

Can You Add Speakers To A Sound Bar?

There are both yes and no. Some sound bars have additional speakers that can be added to the system, which brings you closer to home theatre sound. If the soundbar is multi-room compatible, then wireless rear speakers can be added. This is a good option for those who have or want to install a multi-room sound system in their home.

Where Do I Place My Soundbar?

The soundbars can be placed directly in front of your TV using a stand, or any other type of furniture. They are usually less than 2 inches high so they won't interfere with the infrared remote port of your TV or block it. Some soundbars are also wall-mountable and include brackets. There are third-party kits that can be used to mount soundbars on the wall.

Are Soundbars Really Worth It?

They are well worth the investment when compared to how loud your TV sounds. A soundbar costs only $100 and can make your TV viewing experience 10x better. A soundbar can make it easier to understand speech by allowing TV speakers to face down.

Will A Soundbar Improve Sound Quality?

Modern TVs have very tiny speakers which bounce sound off of your TV. As a result, they can be distant and harsh. A soundbar can be added to most TVs to improve their sound quality, particularly when it comes down to reproducing spoken words. It will also allow you to listen to music.

Can You Add A Subwoofer To A Sound Bar?

Wireless sound bars often come with a subwoofer. You can also add your own wireless subwoofer to the sound bars that do not have one. If you desire an immersive experience, you'll want it.

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About Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony

Piers Anthony is a freelance writer and computer expert who enjoys helping others get the most out of their technology. He has written extensively about laptops, soundbars, and other computer-related topics, and he currently serves as the editor of The Audio Insights website. When he's not writing or tinkering with his gadgets, Piers can be found spending time with his wife and family.