10 Best Cheap Sound Bars 2025 in the United States

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar offers a lot, particularly for its price point. It features Dolby Atmos, which contributes to an immersive 3D surround sound experience, making it great for home entertainment. With a maximum output power of 200 watts, it promises vibrant bass and clear dialogue, suited for watching TV shows, movies, or listening to music and podcasts. The device supports multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and HDMI, making it versatile for various setups.

Additionally, the soundbar can be controlled through the Sonos app, TV remote, Apple AirPlay 2, and voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, adding convenience and flexibility in its operation. Setup is straightforward, with only two cables required, and smart Trueplay tuning further enhances the sound quality by adjusting to the room’s acoustics. Its compact design (3.9”D x 25.6”W x 2.7”H) and light weight (6.35 pounds) ensure it fits comfortably in most spaces, and it's easy to mount on a shelf.

One potential drawback is the lack of a dedicated subwoofer, which might affect the depth of bass for some users. Additionally, while the sound modes and multiroom listening options are attractive features, those seeking the highest audio performance might find better options in other higher-end models. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 stands out as a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable, feature-rich soundbar for home entertainment.

The Sony BRAVIA Theater Bar 9 is a high-end soundbar that delivers a rich surround sound experience with its 13 speakers and 585 watts of power, making it ideal for those wanting a theater-like audio setup. It features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive 3D sound, plus 360 Spatial Sound Mapping and room optimization, which helps tailor the audio to your living space. Connectivity options are strong, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI 2.1, and support for Spotify Connect and Apple AirPlay, making it easy to stream music from various devices.

The soundbar measures about 51 inches wide and can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table, fitting well in medium to large rooms. One downside is that the subwoofer is not built-in but requires a wired connection if you add one, which might limit placement flexibility. Considering its advanced features and power, it is priced well above typical cheap soundbars, so it suits buyers who want premium sound without stepping into full home theater systems. This soundbar is designed for users seeking a high-quality audio upgrade with versatile streaming options rather than those strictly seeking a budget or basic model.

The Samsung HW Q600F soundbar offers a rich audio experience with its 3.1.2 channel setup, including 3 front channels and 2 upward-firing speakers that create surround and 3D sound effects. The wireless subwoofer with a 6.5-inch driver and an additional passive radiator delivers powerful bass, enhancing the immersion for movies and games. With 380 watts of power, it can comfortably fill medium to large rooms. Connectivity options include Bluetooth and HDMI, which are common and convenient for most TVs and devices.

It features smart sound modes that automatically adjust audio for different content types and gaming, improving voice clarity and sound details. The soundbar can calibrate itself to your room using your TV's microphone, optimizing sound for your space without manual tweaking. Its compact and sleek design fits well in most living rooms and can be wall-mounted if preferred. On the downside, while it offers great features for its category, it may be pricier than other basic soundbars labeled as 'cheap.' The Bluetooth version 4.2 is not the latest, which might slightly affect wireless audio quality or connection speed. It lacks waterproofing, making it suitable strictly for indoor use.

This soundbar is ideal for those seeking an immersive home theater or gaming audio setup without the high-end price range, especially if paired with a Samsung TV to benefit from Q-Symphony syncing. However, if simple TV sound enhancement at the lowest cost is the priority, there are more affordable but less advanced options available.