A soundbar under $250 offers an inexpensive way to boost a budget home theater sound system. Plus, they don’t require any wiring or installation.
You can hook them up to HDMI cable, optical audio cables, or RCA jacks (which are already built into many TVs).
A great thing about these soundbars is that they don’t take a lot of space and don’t ruin the look of your TV setup whatsoever. You can have the system mounted on the wall also and that’s even more hidden.
When buying a soundbar under $250 budget, there are several important factors to consider, including its size, weight, price, warranty, HDMI connectivity, etc.
The soundbar should handle multiple speakers for surround sound and at least two subwoofers to produce deep bass tones.
After a lot of careful research and reading product reviews, this is the final list that we’ve come up with. Here you will find the best soundbars under $250.
We have included all the details about them so you can make an informed decision before buying.
Quick Comparison: Best Soundbars Under $250
Is Under $250 Soundbar Worth It?
A soundbar provides several advantages over traditional speaker setups. First, it fills up the voids between your television and your walls.
This allows you to hear everything happening on screen without having to turn up the volume. Second, it improves the overall quality of your audio experience by allowing you to adjust the volume levels separately for different sources.
Finally, a soundbar that is under $250 can provide better sound than a single speaker setup.
Top 10 Best Soundbars Under $250 Reviews:
1. Polk Audio Signa S3 Ultra-Slim Sound Bar Under $250
Highlighted Features:
- Compatible with 8K, 4K, and HD TVs
- Works with Google Assistant
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Built-in Chromecast
The Polk Audio Signa S3 is a slim and affordable soundbar with a powerful subwoofer! This under $250 soundbar provides excellent sound quality with deep bass!
It has two performance-tuned channel drivers, mid-range oval drivers, two tweeters, and a subwoofer that offers a fantastic quality deep bass.
This system is really compact and perfect for tight spaces since it’s 2 inches tall. You can choose to have it wall-mounted or even place it below your tv without worrying that it will interfere with the IR remote sensor.
Polk Audio exclusive technology improves sound clarity and reduces voice delays.
Your favorite movies, television shows, and sports events come to life as you listen to Polk Audio speakers.
You get to hear the clear, crisp dialogue of today’s most popular movies, television programs, and sporting events with three different listening modes.
With the first mode, set by default, you hear clear and reliable high-fidelity audio from top sources and streaming media apps such as Pandora®, Spotify®, or iHeartRadio™.
When you choose the second set, the background noise is reduced while letting more of the music and voices stand out.
Finally, when you select the third mode, the speaker automatically adjusts to match the ambient environment, reducing distractions and improving the quality of your listening experience.
Pros:
- High Connectivity ( Bluetooth, Auxiliary, Wi-Fi, HDMI )
- Ultra Slim
- Easy to Set Up
- Excellent Sound to Value
- 3 Modes for different listening experiences
- One Remote for your TV and Soundbar
Cons:
- Compatibility issues with some Samsung Smart TVs
- Limited High-Frequency Range
2. SAMSUNG Smart Soundbar under $250 with Wireless Subwoofer
Highlighted Features:
- Bluetooth and USB Connectivity
- Control Your System with the Samsung Audio Remote App
- Connect Wirelessly to Your Samsung TV
- 120 Watts, 60 the Subwoofer & 60 the Soundbar
This soundbar and subwoofer combination under $250 from Samsung offers you the comfort of Bluetooth connectivity whilst still wired to the TV.
Unless you have a Samsung TV where you can connect wirelessly with this device. This feature allows you to use it remotely that much easier. All of this while still providing some of the best dynamic basses.
This product has a 5.25-inch wired subwoofer that works perfectly well and can actually shake up your desk a little. It’s that powerful!
The 5-inch diameter definitively helps with the amount of bass it can produce, and that’s why this is a great product that you should consider. The soundbar is 37-inches long, has 2.1 channels, and uses 120 W of energy.
The Samsung Audio Remote app allows users to manage the sound bar’s controls, adjust equalization settings, add songs to playlists, and more.
You can connect it wirelessly to your cellphone or tablet. It can also be connected to a computer or other Bluetooth device using a USB cable. This high level of customizability makes it a great choice among other soundbars on this list.
When you receive this soundbar inside the box, you will find the soundbar with the subwoofer, the remote control with some added batteries making it ready immediately.
You will also find the optical cable, a USB cable, the user manual, and, more importantly, the wall mount kit.
Pros:
- Great Connectivity ( Bluetooth, USB )
- Wall Mountable
- Plug and Play
- Great Performance to Price Ratio
- You can customize it with the Mobile App ( Adjust Equalizer Settings, Make Playlists, etc.)
- One Remote for your TV and Soundbar
Cons:
- Audio Lag and Sync Issues Reported but Rare
- Old Technology doesn’t connect automatically to 2019+ versions of TVs
3. ZVOX SB380 Soundbar Under 250 Dollars With AccuVoice Dialogue
Highlighted Features:
- Soundbar & Subwoofer in one place
- PhaseCue Virtual Surround Sound
- Smart Display
- 6 Modes for Background Noise Removing with AccuVoice
The ZVOX SB380 soundbar is an excellent device with a fantastic design, combining both the soundbar and the subwoofer into one piece.
This sleek-looking stereo speaker has a powerful amp inside as well. You get a lot of sound for your money, and the price to value ratio is excellent. The SB380 is easy to use and very compact.
AccuVoice technology removes background noises such as laughter or random clanking sounds. It enhances voice clarity and makes it louder. Zyvox patented technology makes voices more understandable at lower volumes.
Using AccuVoice Technology, the dialogues will be more precise at any volume level, no matter who’s talking.
This proprietary technology separates this affordable soundbar from the rest of the ones on the list.
This model offers great value for the level of quality you get, which is impressive when you consider the price point.
It has a nice-looking style, and it’s not that space-consuming. Its parameters are like this: the cabinet width is 35.5-inches, a depth of 3.3-inches, and a height of 5.7-inches.
You can place it on its back, mount it in a wall, and if you want to even vertically.
Another great feature of this device it’s the PhaseCue Virtual Surround Sound. This is a processing functionality that makes it look like the sound from movies or songs it’s coming in a 3D form.
You will feel like the sound has been around you and, in fact, surround the entire place that you put the device. This is another proprietary feature that, in my opinion, makes it a great choice to consider.
Pros:
- Smart Disappearing Display
- Wall Mountable
- Great Background Noise Removal with AccuVoice
- Fantastic Surround Processing System with PhaseCue
- Cool Looking Design
- One Remote for your TV and Soundbar
Cons:
- No Deep Bass
- Old Model
4. VIZIO 29” under $250 Surround Sound System with Bluetooth
Highlighted Features:
- Expansive Audio, up to 95db.
- DTS TruSurround
- DTS TruVolume
- Seamless Steaming
When you watch movies or other content on your TV, you want to listen to the sounds coming out of your TV in the highest quality.
The VIZIO Soundbar under $ 250 comes to you with a fantastic look and feel. The black mesh combined with the aluminum edges gives it a futuristic and sleek design.
This is especially true if you have a movie theater-quality sound system. With the VIZIO soundbar, you get amazing surround sound effects as well as enhanced bass.
And since it comes with the latest DTS technology, this soundbar lets you enjoy even more great video.
This soundbar makes it simple for you to connect. You can use the included cable, and you can plug it into an HDMI port or even connect wirelessly. Enjoy the convenience of connecting and enjoying great sound.
The two full-range stereo speakers boost your sound and deliver great quality audio. While being on a pretty compact package, the dimension of this device is like this; width with 29-inches, depth with 3-inches, and height with 3-inches.
Ergonomic remote control for easy operation and use: features table-stand and wall-mount options. The designers made sure to make this product fit in any house style and place.
That’s why I’m sure you’re going to enjoy this soundbar and will not be an eyesore.
Pros:
- DTS Studio Sound
- DTS TruVolume
- DTS TruSurround
- Ergonomic Remote your TV and Soundbar
- Wall Mountable
- Great Design
Cons:
- Bad Bass Quality
- Only 5W Peak Power
5. LG SN6Y 420W High Resolution Audio Soundbar Under 250
Highlighted Features:
- 5.1 ch Surround Sound Expansion
- DTS Virtual:X
- High Resolution Audio 24-bit/ 96kHz
- AI Sound Pro
- High Connectivity ( HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wireless )
The LG SN6Y soundbar under 250 dollars is a potent device and has some great systems to support it as well. You can turn your home set up in a budget home theater soundbar system in literally seconds.
This product is going to bring out the realism of movies or games so that you enjoy every bit of it.
Sound surrounds you with a new level of intensity! Use your rear speakers to get full enjoyment out of Tv! Your new system comes with two rear speaker kits.
They are wired directly into the back of your TV, but you can still use them as separate units or pair them up wirelessly to enjoy an amazing movie experience! This is one of the most affordable soundbars on this list.
This device focuses heavily on performing great audio for its users. With the AI Sound Pro, you’re going to get the best out of whatever form of entertainment you’re having.
If it’s a movie with dialogue, it’s going to adjust the treble bringing out the voices in front and lowering background noises.
When listening to a song, the system understands that and fixes the equalizer to match; for example, it can increase the bass.
Being a relatively newer build, released in March 2020, this device it’s going to perform really well and have longevity.
The dimensions are as follows; the width is 41.7-inches, the depth is 3.4-inches, and the height is 2.2-inches which makes it great to place in front of the TV.
Pros:
- High Connectivity ( HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wireless )
- DTS Virtual:X
- AI Sound Pro
- High Resolution Audio 24-bit/ 96kHz
- Great Value for the Price
- Wall Mountable & Cable Management Tools
Cons:
- Rare Connectivity Issues
- Average Subwoofer Bass
6. LG SN5Y 2.1ch High Res Audio Soundbar
Highlighted Features:
- DTS Virtual:X
- High Resolution Audio 24-bit/ 96kHz
- 2.1 ch Surround Sound Expansion
- AI Sound Pro
- High Connectivity ( HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wireless )
This is the LG SN5Y Soundbar; it’s the predecessor from the version that I talked about above. Still, it’s so good on its own, so I decided to add it to the list nevertheless.
The design is almost identical, and there might only be some slight changes, one of them being that this version has only a 2.1ch subwoofer sound while the other version has 3.1ch.
Another noticeable change is its parameters and, more specifically, the weight difference; this version weighs around 22.8 pounds while the other is 19.3.
And it doesn’t just stop there; even though this version weighs more, it’s a lot shorter. The width of this device is 35.4-inches, and the previously mentioned one is 41.7-inches.
The other dimensions are exactly the same for both devices.
The LG SN5Y shares a lot of traits with the version I talked about above, so to avoid repeating myself, I will do a small recap here.
It has one of the best AI systems to help enhance voices and dialogues and compared with the DTS Virtual X, you will not miss any detail. For this reason, this is one of the best soundbars for karaoke.
This device also produces the same high-resolution audio at 24 bit / 96k Hz. You can seamlessly stream and change sounds with your mobile device, tablet, or any other device.
One big change from the aforementioned version, as we talked about in the second paragraph, is the width, allowing you to have less space available to place it.
Once you order this product inside the box, you will find everything that you need to set it up.
Inside there are; the soundbar, optical cable, a remote with two triple-A batteries inside, the warranty card, an owner’s manual, and of course, the wall mount bracket.
Pros:
- High Connectivity ( HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wireless )
- DTS Virtual:X
- AI Sound Pro
- High Resolution Audio 24-bit/ 96kHz
- Best Value for Money
- Wall Mountable & Cable Management Tools
Cons:
- Substandard Subwoofer Bass
- Weighs more than the next iteration LG SN6Y
7. Creative Sound BlasterX Digital 5.1 Decoding Soundbar Under $250
Highlighted Features:
- Under Monitor Audio System (UMAS)
- High-Quality Digital Audio 24-bit/ 96kHz
- LED Lighting
- Powerful Audio
- Flexible Connectivity ( HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wireless )
The Sound BlasterX Katana is the epitome of sleek and stylish while also being supremely functional. This is a soundbar that can perfectly fit under your monitor.
This elegant device is built with powerful technology that guarantees immaculate sound quality. It comes with Dolby Digital decoding capabilities and offers numerous connectivity options. Its sleek design makes this speaker easy to use.
This superbly designed sound system is amazingly compact. It’s slim enough to be placed underneath monitors or TVs without being obtrusive.
The speakers are mounted very low, so you’ll enjoy great audio quality even if you’re sitting far away. An award-winning multi-core audio DSP powers it.
The Karana is a low price Soundbar, it has an Aurora reactive lighting system built-in. Using the included software, users can choose from up to sixteen million colors from the 49 LEDs spread across the device.
Users can easily customize their environment using personalized lighting profiles.
You can easily set up this device in a matter of minutes since it has a lot of tools to help you with it. The connectivity that it offers is unparalleled since it’s compatible with a plethora of multimedia devices too.
This device is made up of 5 drivers, one long-throw driver in the subwoofer, two tweezers, and two up-firing midbass drivers.
All of those combined with the proprietary multi-core Digital Signal Processor make this soundbar able to produce some amazing quality sounds.
Pros:
- High Connectivity ( HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth, Wireless )
- Proprietary Multi-core Digital Signal Processor
- 5 Driver Design
- High Resolution Audio 24-bit/ 96kHz
- Aurora Reactive LED Lightning
- BlasterX Acoustic Engine & Dolby Digital 5.1 Decoder
Cons:
- Fairly Old Model 2016
- 250 Millisecond Lag
8. SAMSUNG HW-R450 Soundbar Under 250
Highlighted Features:
- Wireless Subwoofer
- Game Mode
- Smart Sound Mode
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Powerful Bass
The SAMSUNG 2.1 HW-R450 Soundbar under $250 is one of the best choices you’re going to find on this list. It has a minimalistic look but doesn’t mistake it for lack of power.
You can connect to your subwoofer wirelessly and hear the power coming from them, with an AMP of 43 Hz ~ 20 kHz. If you tune it up to the max, you’re going to see things rumbling in the presence of that power.
It’s recommended to use this device for surround sound systems and televisions, but it can also work well with gaming since it has a Game Mode.
We’re not saying it’s going to make you a pro gamer, but it will tweak the settings and offer better game sound effects. Whatever you decide to do with it, it’s going to fit in since the black color and the design it’s going to match everything.
The Smart Sound Technology it’s one of its best features. It automatically detects what kind of content you are listening to and optimizes the sound settings to give you the best possible audio.
This works great when you are watching a movie, for example, and there’s dialogue; this will help distinguish that from the background noise.
The setup process is really simple, especially if you also have a Samsung TV. This device it’s optimized to seamlessly connect with other Samsung devices and delivers a better experience all around.
It’s a nice and fast Plug and Play option that Samsung owners are going to greatly appreciate. Also, you can control everything with the Samsung OneRemote.
Pros:
- Wireless Subwoofer and Surround System
- Game Mode
- Smart Sound Mode
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Optimized for Samsung TVs
- Great Price to Value Ratio
Cons:
- No HDMI-ARC
- Remote Issues Reported
9. VIZIO 38″ Sound Bar under $250
Highlighted Features:
- Seamless Streaming
- Expansive Audio 100 dB
- Smart Sound Mode
- Cool Design
- Dolby Digital
You can improve your TV audio experience with VIZIO’s 38″ 2.1 Sound Bar system.
This soundbar for under $250 offers you the possibility to enjoy room-filling audio from powerful wireless speakers while watching videos or listening to music.
Your favorite movies and tv-series sound better than ever before!. And your TV, in general, sounds great too.
The 2.1 Sound Bar system includes two powerful speakers, a high-powered subwoofer, and Bluetooth technology.
The combination creates a comfortable home theater environment featuring rich surround sound and high-quality audio. The system can produce up to 100 dB of room-filling, with less than 1% harmonic distortion.
Dolby Digital surround sound is the standard for movie theaters, TV shows, and video games.
It provides sounds in a dramatic spatial dimension to soundtracks and enhanced audio definition for engaging listening experiences.
The standard for film sound is Dolby Digital (DD) Surround Sound (5.1). This means that there are five speakers around you. You hear them when they’re turned up too loud or when something is really close by.
The built-in Bluetooth functionality makes it really easy and fast to stream audio from your mobile devices.
For example, you were on your headphones and listening to some really cool podcast, and you want to continue listening to it to your home system when you get back.
Pros:
- Premium Audio
- Immersive Bass
- Expansive Audio 100 dB
- Built-In Bluetooth Connectivity
- DTS TruSurround
- DTS TruVolume
Cons:
- No HDMI-ARC
- Sounds Bad at High or Loud Volume when connected with Optical Cables
10. Sony Mini Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer Under $250
Highlighted Features:
- Easy Setup – Just Plug & Play
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Airplay Compatible
- Sofa Mode
Coming at number ten in the list, it’s the Sony HT-MT300/B soundbar under $250, and it deserves this spot. Its price is really affordable so you will not be disappointed.
It’s an excellent choice for those who like to watch movies and listen to music. Its unique style is going to help you put it in the right place in your open floor home and look as natural and good as possible.
This soundbar has three different ways to play content. You can use the built-in Wi-Fi connection to access online streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Spotify, Pandora, etc., or you can use AirPlay to stream content from Apple Music, Google Play Music, or any other compatible service.
Or you can simply plug in an external device using its 3.5mm input jack.
This soundbar also features a built-in wireless subwoofer that delivers deep bass tones that make your entertainment more immersive.
And if you have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, you can easily connect it to the soundbar via Bluetooth to instantly stream your favorite songs, podcasts, audiobooks, and more.
If you need a soundbar that will fit perfectly into your living room decor, this is definitely the best option for you. With its sleek design and premium materials, this soundbar will blend seamlessly into any space.
Pros:
- Stylish & Compact Design
- Immersive Bass
- S-Force PRO Front Surround sound
- Built-In Bluetooth Connectivity
- Great Price to Value Ratio
- Easy to Set Up
Cons:
- Average Bass
- Connectivity Issues the Remote
Best soundbar Under $250 Buying Guide
You should check some common things before selecting a soundbar. Let’s discuss them here;
Connectivity
Many soundbars use HDMI input which allows them to connect to TVs easily. However, some models do not offer HDMI inputs.
Some soundbars come with a wireless remote control that also works for the TV, and others don’t have that capability.
A warranty is also important as it provides peace of mind when something goes wrong. Finally, the soundbar should provide decent sound quality and produce clear audio.
Functionality
The best soundbars under $250 usually include Dolby Atmos technology and multiroom functionality. If you want to enjoy high-definition multimedia content on your TV, then check out the top soundbars above.
They’re great options for people looking for a simple solution to add surround sound to their homes.
Location
It’s important that you have in mind where you’re going to place the soundbar before deciding to get one.
Where your TV is placed and how much space you have around it it’s really important because that’s going to dictate what soundbar you’re going to get.
If you have enough space you can place your soundbar under the TV but if that’s not an option you can always choose to get one that’s wall mountable.
Size
Soundbars should be as long as your TV but not wider if you want to keep a good aesthetic for your setup. Ideally, they would be the same length so that it looks like a unit.
That’s why alongside the location the size of your soundbar is really important. After all, you want it to complete the set and not stand out from it.
Channels
When do you think of channels that come to mind? If you said channels are sound sources and individual speakers then you were completely correct.
Depending on the model, these speakers may be located in the front, behind, on either side, or both sides.
These speakers are placed strategically throughout the soundbar so that they create an optimal sound field. In addition, most soundbars include a subwoofer which creates low-frequency sounds such as bass notes.
So, if you are wondering how many channels do I need then the answer is the more the better.
There are 2-channel soundbars, 3-channel, 5-channel, 7-channel, and lastly the Dolby Atmos soundbar which combines the best of the last two other options.
Related Guide: Top 10 Best Soundbars Under $600
How Much Should You Spend on the Soundbar?
The price range for soundbars varies greatly depending on the brand, size, and features included. There are some inexpensive soundbars models that cost less than $150, while others can cost thousands of dollars.
It all depends on what you are going to use your soundbar for and how much you are willing to spend on a system.
Asking for the best sound system of any sort is like asking for the best car or boat—you’re not going to get it for cheap.
That being said, there are some great deals out there if you know where to look, so start with our list of the best soundbar under $250.
What Is the Difference Between Sound Base and Soundbar?
Sound Bases
A sound base is a compact speaker enclosure that a television sits on top of. This type of system allows you to hear your TV’s audio more clearly without having to spend money on external speakers or surround sound systems.
Soundbars
Soundbars are designed to provide better sound than speakers from the same price range.
A soundbar is slimmer than a standard speaker cabinet but has a similar size and footprint to a full-size speaker package.
Nowadays, soundbars usually offer near-perfect sound reproduction. A low price soundbar it’s not going to give the performance or quality that you want.
Size
Sound bases are much bigger than soundbars, so they have more space for bigger, more powerful speakers.
These boxes fit underneath TVs and are capable of providing quality sound via built-in speakers or a subwoofer. They don’t block the view but instead become extensions of your TV.
On the other side, soundbars are more elegant and can fit under the TVs more easily. That doesn’t mean that the sound coming out of them is worse so keep that in mind.
You can easily find a slim soundbar for any height you want so that it can fit in your setup.
Ease of use
Sound bases are less common than soundbars, but they do exist. They are usually bulkier and heavier than a soundbar due to the fact that they need to sit on top of the couch or stand.
This makes them harder to move around. They also have fewer speaker fronts.
For this reason, they aren’t often used for bouncing around an ample space. They are not as easy to program as a soundbar.
Soundbars are a lot more common, and they are the first thing most people think when they want a cheap ‘home theater’ experience.
You can easily place them whenever you want but usually, it’s under the TV and that’s easy to do since as we said before they are slimmer.
Features
Soundbars offer more features than sound bases. They are easier to set up and integrate into your space. They also provide high-quality audio output.
If you plan on using your soundbar as a standalone unit, then a sound base may be overkill. But if you want to enjoy your TV through multiple rooms in your home, a soundbar might be just what you need.
It’s important to understand what feature you really want or consider essential in your setup.
If there are some things that one device has over the other you need to take everything into consideration and choose the right one.
Overall, each of them has a unique feature that makes them different from each other.
Soundbar Brands
In order for me to make a proper list of the top Soundbar Brands, I’m going to have some factors in mind.
Such as the performance of the soundbars, which is really important, the brand’s reputation, the options they offer for their devices, and last but not least, the accessibility of the soundbars.
After thorough research, the list below it’s going to show the top soundbar brands you can find:
Samsung
Samsung is a global electronics company in South Korea. Their products include appliances, laptops, phones, tablets, TVs, cameras, soundbars, monitors, modems, and network equipment.
While Samsung is famous for making mobile phones their other products perform really well too.
Vizio
Vizio is a famous consumer electronics company. It produces high-definition television sets, digital media receivers, and other consumer electronic products. The company’s headquarters are located in Irvine, CA.
Sony
Sony Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan that designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes electronic products worldwide.
It has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since April 29, 1999.
Sony Electronics provides electronics for the consumer market as well as the professional industry. They also provide technical support and services for their customers.
LG
LG Electronics was founded in 1969 by Shin Jong-Hyun. In the early years, it focused on developing home appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners.
It also started producing television sets in 1976. Today, LG Electronics is one of the largest consumer electronics companies in South Korea.
Sonos
Sonos is a leading manufacturer of wireless speaker systems for home music lovers and multiroom audio system makers.
It was founded in 1999 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. Its products are sold under labels including Sonos, Playbar, Playbase, Sub, Amp, Powerline, Netatmo, and Onkyo.
Final Thoughts
I hope that everything you’ve read has helped you make an informed decision.
There are a few good choices for soundbar under $250 but I’ve singled out one in particular.
Even though different people have different needs for their soundbar, I believe that this choice is the best overall.
It takes into consideration everything from the features that it has to offer, the price to value ratio, design, usability, and more.
The best soundbar under $250 for me is the Polk Audio Signa S3, mainly because of its unique features and great overall design.
I love that it has the Google Chromecast built-in, the Polk patented voice adjust technology, and works with Google Assistant.
Having the ability to connect with any TV because of the high connectivity features is what really pushes this to be great all around.
Another important feature is that the remote control now works for both your TV and the soundbar. The ease of use makes it a great choice for most people.
