The Best Soundbars Under $250 For 2024

Tim Powers By, Tim Powers
Updated
Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar
Image credit: Amazon.com

We've all been in front of the TV, watching a sports game, watching a movie, or pretending to be at a live event on screen, without even realizing that turning up the volume doesn't help. Don't worry, you won't have to get rid of your television. Instead, investing in a nice soundbar can help you improve the sound from your TV or the music you're streaming right now.

Upgrading to a new soundbar is about more than just replacing your theater speakers with louder, more exhilarating decks that'll make it feel like you're watching an IMAX film — it's about the full soundscape, letting you in on the more intimate conversations and sound effects as well, with clearer audio that could also reveal an important

For the time being, the speakers that came with your TV may operate, but they aren't up to par with today's greatest soundbars. We've rounded up a few affordable soundbars from today's leading speaker and audio manufacturers that can be used in any room, apartment, or studio, and are all the best soundbars under $250.

Our Top Picks

TOP Choice #1 Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar
Our Score:
9.8
Bose
  • Single sound bar provides better sound quality compared to your TV.The Solo 5 TV sound system is an easy solution, with advanced technologies that deliver the clear audio your TV can’t.
  • Bluetooth connectivity to wirelessly stream music from any of your devices
  • Universal remote controls TV, bass, Bluetooth connections and more
  • Speaker:2.6 H x 21.6 W x 3.4 D (3.73 lbs), Remote control:4.1 H x 1.6 W x 0.4 D (5 oz)
  • One connection to your TV. Optical audio input (digital); Coaxial audio input (digital); 3.5 mm aux input (analog)
  • Dialogue mode to make every word and detail stand out
TOP Choice #2 Majority Bowfell Small Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.7
Majority
  • COMPATIBLE WITH TV, PHONE AND PC: Using the assortment of connectivity options, the Bowfell can be connected to your phone, computer and most TVs using Bluetooth, Optical Input or RCA input. The Bowfell comes with an easy-to-use remote control.
  • MULTI-CONNECTION: The Bowfell boasts a wide range of connectivity options including Bluetooth (10m range), USB input, Optical input (optical cable not included), RCA and an AUX port. The Bowfell comes with an RCA cable and 3.5mm AUX cable. Designed for the eager audiophile, you can select which mode you want to listen to: Music, Movies or Dialogue.
  • DIMENSIONS: 38.8cm x5.4cm x7.2cm; 1.5kg
  • BUILT-IN SUBWOOFER: Small but mighty, the Bowfell is equipped with a built-in subwoofer delivering outstanding cinematic sound.
  • COMPACT DESIGN: The Bowfell’s slim design is ideal for any desktop space especially student dorm rooms.
TOP Choice #3 BYL 100Watt 40 Inch Bestisan Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.1
BYL
  • Rock-Solid Sound: Quad built-in 3-Inch imported and advanced full-range drivers; dual high-sensitivity spherical silk film tweeter drivers, twin craftsman-processed bass reflex tubes. All they only serve for serious stereo sound with exceptional clarity and zero distortion. According to our substantial survey, most speaker drivers are less than 3-Inch in the market.
  • DSP Technology: Thanks for the Digital Signal Processing, there are three different modes (Movie, Music, Dialog) for your option. Be footloose and start to enjoy what you like.
  • Beef Up Version: Noise-free Sound,Boosted Bass, Bigger Power (Max up to 100Watt).Utilized Noise-free technology to ensure every layer of Audio is delivered flawlessly. Extended length to 40 Inch which is Meticulously- designed for your smart TV and sweet Home.
  • Button and Remote Control : Use BYL’s remote control to switch between dialogue, movie, and music modes to tailor the sound output to your entertainment.Moreover, Bass and Treble can be adjustable as your favor.
4 Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
Our Score:
8.9
Sony
  • Hear sound come from all around you with S-Force Pro Front Surround
  • Easy TV set up with HDMI ARC
  • Straight from the theater to your home: easy set-up, built-in tweeter, 2-ch speaker with simple Bluetooth connection
  • Deep sound with Bass Reflex speaker
  • High power with a slim design that matches any room and is perfect for small living spaces
  • 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
  • Voice enhancement feature is great for TV content with hushed dialogue, or to make conference call participants easier to hear
  • ONE REMOTE - Streamline control of both your Samsung TV and soundbar with just the Samsung TV remote
  • GAME MODE - Boost your gaming experience with perfectly synced directional audio that moves with the action on-screen and crosstalk cancellation that minimizes distractions
  • 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
  • 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
  • BLUETOOTH TV CONNECTION - Set up is a breeze. Easily connect your soundbar to your TV by connecting wirelessly
  • ADAPTIVE SOUND LITE - Enhanced audio tracking for your content in real time, with technology that equalizes background music and consistent volume control
  • Clear Voice for enhanced dialogue clarity
  • Included components: Remote control
  • Simple setup with HDMI or optical
  • Built-in subwoofers for deep bass in one slim sound bar
  • DTS Virtual: X virtual 3D surround sound
  • Bluetooth streaming that allows easy switching between two devices
7 ZVOX Dialogue Clarifying Sound Bar
Best with Patented Hearing Technology
ZVOX Dialogue Clarifying Sound Bar
Our Score:
8.4
ZVOX
  • Dolby Digital decoding
  • AccuVoice dialogue enhancement with 12 levels of voice boost
  • 24 watt Class D digital amplifier
  • Patented AccuVoice technology delivers state-of-the-art voice clarity.
  • New remote control uses large buttons with easy to read labels
8 Wohome Small Sound Bars
Our Score:
8.8
Wohome
  • 16-Inch Ultra-Slim Soundbar:With stylish and Compact design, 3.0 inches high could fit easily under your TV and desktop monitor, great for desktop space especially student dorm rooms or bedroom. Compatible with 4K & HD TVs, PC, projectors smartphones and tablets.
  • Wireless Connection: enjoy wireless streaming music from your phone, tablets or other bluetooth embedded devices through Bluetooth 5.0.
  • Wired Connection: Support AUX USB and optical inputs, more over, the RCA cable and optical cable supplied, do not need to buy any extra cables. (Please make sure your TV audio setting to PCM for optical connection before use).
  • HiFi Audio:built-in 2x powerful full-range drivers that provide which produce deep bass and clear sound for all your movie, music, TV shows and gaming, place it flat on the table to enjoy full of extensive stereo effects.
  • 5 Sound Equalizer Modes: built-in DSP technology for amazing clarity and precision,support great 5 EQs including flat, rock, jazz, pop and voice to match your favorite voice.
9 Polk Audio Signa Solo Sound Bar
Our Score:
9.5
Polk Audio
  • A PREMIUM RANGE SOUND BAR—(4) 2.5" full-range drivers and bass ports deliver 10x MORE BASS THAN YOUR TYPICAL SPEAKERS and Polk's PATENTED SDA surround technology heightens & widens sound stage giving you a BEAUTIFUL, RICH AND IMMERSIVE SOUND
  • Polk’s UNWAVERING COMMITMENT, RELIABILITY, AND CRAFTSMANSHIP has made it one of the most trusted names in home entertainment & audio systems. Bring out the best in surround sound, so you can SIT BACK, RELAX AND LISTEN WITH YOUR HEART
  • SET UP YOUR SOUNDBAR IN MINUTES—With all included cables, you can get this system up and running in less than 5 minutes—all you have to do is unpack, connect and you are ready to listen. A great addition to your home theater!
  • WIRELESSLY STREAM MUSIC from your favorite streaming apps like Pandora, Spotify, TuneIn, and others directly from your smartphone, tablet or other compatible device through the built-in Bluetooth technology
  • HEAR EVERY WORD OF YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES, TV SHOWS AND SPORTING EVENTS – Polk's Patented Voice Adjust technology lets you customize the voice levels to reproduce clear, crisp dialogues
10 BESTISAN S6520 Soundbar
Our Score:
9.3
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
  • power source type: DC
  • 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
  • Room-filling sound: powerful speakers deliver a round, high-end audio experience for bed room and apartment.
  • 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.
  • Multiple Setups, multiple options: sits flat below the TV screen or securely mounts on the wall for a sleek, elegant home theater setup
  • included components: Soundbar; cables; speakers
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What to Look For in a best soundbars under $250?

You may know that shopping is one of the essential activities in a human being’s life. Selecting the best product will affect your daily life. However, which factors can make this purchase effective? If you are looking for best soundbars under $250 for your demands, you will waste your time with incorrect data. But it would be best if you weren’t so nervous about that. We have a group of experts to research best soundbars under $250, and they’ve given reliable information.

There are lots of essential things you should keep in mind. On the other, just some of them are most focused. Here are the critical factors related to buying best soundbars under $250 you may want:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

Overall, the statistics we described here are not all of them. Instead, we always freshen it up continually as the data is updated and available. It would be best to remember things we mentioned above, including brand’s value, product’s value, product’s highlights, important specs, customer ratings & reviews. 

Our readers, you guys, are always respected and treated with top priority so that you are supposed to receive the most up-to-date information on our site. You should feel free to contact us for support with the product’s problems. Thanks for reading, and we wish you a happy shopping.


0 ratings

About Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers is an audio equipment & home theater gadget reviewer and the editor of TheAudioInsights.com. He has been involved in the home theater hobby since the late 1990s when he purchased his first AV receiver. Tim is also a writer, with articles appearing in various online and print publications.