Flat-panel TVs sound terrible out of the box. Tiny down-firing drivers, no bass, and dialogue that gets drowned out by every explosion in an action movie. After spending three months testing budget soundbars in my living room, bedroom, and home office, I can tell you a cheap soundbar under $100 fixes the single biggest problem most people have with their TV: you can finally hear what people are saying.
The best cheap soundbars in 2026 deliver real audio upgrades without forcing you into a $500 Sonos setup. My team and I evaluated 16 popular models, narrowed the list to 8 finalists, and ranked them based on dialogue clarity, bass response, connectivity, and overall value. We watched the same three movies, played the same Spotify playlist, and timed Bluetooth latency on each one.
If your TV speakers leave you rewinding scenes to catch dialogue, or if you just want fuller sound for under $100, this guide will help you pick the right budget soundbar for your setup.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cheap Soundbars in (October 2026)
Best Cheap Soundbars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer |
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 ULTIMEA Poseidon M30 |
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 MZEIBO 50W Sound Bar |
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 Amazon Fire TV Soundbar |
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 Saiyin 60W Sound Bar |
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 Assistrust Sound Bar KY-8000 |
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 MEGACRA BESTISAN 50W |
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 ULTIMEA Poseidon M20 Pro |
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1. Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer – Best Overall Cheap Soundbar for Bass
Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer, Home Theater Surround System for TV PC
100W output
5-inch wired subwoofer
3 EQ modes
Pros
- Dedicated 5-inch subwoofer delivers real bass
- Three EQ modes (news
- movie
- music)
- Wall-mountable with included kit
- Bluetooth 5.3 plus Optical and AUX
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
- Works with Fire TV remote
Cons
- Not Dolby or DTS compatible
- Requires PCM/Stereo TV audio output
The Saiyin with subwoofer has been our top pick across three testing rounds. It sells for well under $100 and ships with a dedicated 5-inch wired subwoofer. In my living room test, it filled a 12×14-foot space with sound that genuinely felt like a home theater, not a TV upgrade.
I ran the same Netflix action sequence on it for three straight weeks. Bass hits during car chases had real weight, not just the floppy thump you get from built-in TV speakers. The midrange stayed clear during dialogue-heavy scenes, which is the problem most people buy a soundbar to solve in the first place.
The wired subwoofer is the trade-off. You have to place it somewhere, and the cable runs back to the bar. For a $60 setup, that’s a fair compromise. The three EQ modes (News, Movie, Music) actually do different things. News mode boosts the center channel and pulls dialogue forward, which is what most people want at night when explosions would wake the kids.
Connectivity covers Bluetooth 5.3, Optical, and AUX. There’s no HDMI ARC, but the Optical connection worked fine with every TV I tested, including a 2018 Samsung and a 2024 Hisense. Setup took about 4 minutes total.
Setup and compatibility
The bar ships with everything you need: optical cable, AUX cable, mounting hardware, and a remote. The 3-year warranty is the longest in this price range and signals the brand stands behind the product.
One real-world note: this model requires your TV’s audio output set to PCM or Stereo. If you leave it on Dolby or Bitstream, you’ll get crackling. That’s a 30-second fix in your TV’s audio settings menu.
Best use case
This is the cheapest soundbar with a real subwoofer in our test. It works best for living rooms, apartments, and anyone who watches a lot of movies. Skip it if you want HDMI ARC single-remote control.
2. ULTIMEA Poseidon M30 – Best Value Cheap Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer
ULTIMEA Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, App Control, for Home Theater
240W peak power
Wireless 5.25-inch sub
Bluetooth 6.0
VoiceMX
Pros
- Wireless subwoofer for flexible placement
- 240W peak power with 2.1 channels
- VoiceMX dialogue enhancement technology
- BassMX deep bass tuning
- App control with 10-band equalizer
- Bluetooth 6.0 for stable streaming
Cons
- Newer product with only 310 reviews
The ULTIMEA Poseidon M30 is the cheapest soundbar in our lineup with a wireless subwoofer. You can tuck that sub behind the couch, under a side table, or anywhere within reach of a power outlet without running a cable back to the bar.
At 240W peak power, this thing gets loud. In my testing, I never pushed it past 60% volume in a normal-sized room. The VoiceMX feature worked as advertised. I A/B tested it against a $300 Vizio bar and the M30 held its own for dialogue clarity on news broadcasts and dialogue-heavy dramas.
The 10-band equalizer in the ULTIMEA app is the kind of feature you usually only see on $300+ soundbars. I spent an afternoon tuning the M30 for my specific room. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection paired instantly with my phone and stayed stable across a 20-foot distance through one wall.
One thing to know: this is a newer product. The 310-review count is much lower than the Saiyin or Amazon entries. But ULTIMEA has a track record with the Poseidon line, and the build quality feels solid.
App and EQ features
The ULTIMEA Smart App unlocks the 10-band EQ and lets you save custom profiles. It’s optional, and the included remote handles basic volume and input switching just fine.
VoiceMX is the standout feature here. If you or someone in your household has trouble hearing TV dialogue, this is the budget soundbar to try first.
Best use case
Apartments and bedrooms where you want clean sound without a subwoofer cable running across the floor. Also great for anyone who wants app-based EQ tuning without paying $250+ for the privilege.
3. MZEIBO Sound Bar – Best Budget Pick for Small Spaces
MZEIBO Sound Bar,50W for Smart TV Bluetooth 5.3 Speaker 17 Inch TV Speaker with ARC/Optical/AUX Connections
50W output
Bluetooth 5.3
17-inch design
3 sound modes
Pros
- Compact 17-inch design fits anywhere
- 50W with 360-degree surround
- Bluetooth 5.3
- ARC
- Optical
- AUX
- Music
- Movie
- News modes
- Built-in bass system
- 87% 5-star reviews
Cons
- Limited to smaller rooms under 200 sq ft
The MZEIBO 50W is the highest-rated soundbar in our test at 4.8 stars across 221 reviews. It’s also one of the cheapest at under $50, which makes it a no-brainer for small rooms and bedroom TVs.
I tested this in my home office with a 32-inch TV. The 17-inch size matched the TV width almost exactly. The 50W output filled the 10×10-foot room comfortably and the 360-degree surround field was actually noticeable when watching movies.
The three sound modes (Music, Movie, News) are presets, not a full EQ. They worked well enough, and the Movie mode added enough bass boost to make action scenes feel impactful. For casual bedroom TV watching, this is more than enough.
Where it falls short is bigger rooms. In my 18×22-foot living room test, the MZEIBO couldn’t push enough air to feel cinematic. Stick with a smaller space and you’ll be happy.
Size and form factor
The 17-inch length is one of the most common widths for budget soundbars and pairs perfectly with TVs in the 32-43-inch range. Wall mounting is straightforward with the included hardware.
Bluetooth 5.3 paired quickly and stayed connected without dropouts during a 2-hour movie session.
Best use case
Bedroom TVs, dorm rooms, small apartments, kitchen counters, anywhere you need a soundbar that doesn’t take up much space and won’t break the bank. If you’re renting and don’t want to mount anything, the tabletop design works on any flat surface.
4. Amazon Fire TV Soundbar – Best Cheap Soundbar for Fire TV Owners
Amazon Fire TV Soundbar, 2.0 speaker with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio, Bluetooth connectivity
DTS Virtual:X
Dolby Audio
24-inch design
Bluetooth
Pros
- DTS Virtual:X virtual surround sound
- Dolby Audio support included
- Easy HDMI eARC/ARC setup
- 24-inch design works with most TVs
- Bluetooth streaming from any device
- Designed for seamless Fire TV use
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Basic 2.0 system without subwoofer
The Amazon Fire TV Soundbar is the obvious choice if you already own a Fire TV device. It’s made by Amazon, designed to work with Fire TV, and integrates without the usual HDMI handshake headaches you get with third-party bars.
DTS Virtual:X is the headline feature. It processes your audio signal to create a virtual surround effect from just two channels. In my testing with a Fire TV Stick 4K Max, the effect was subtle but real. Explosions felt wider, and the soundstage extended beyond the bar’s physical width.
With 6488 reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is one of the most popular budget soundbars on Amazon. The 24-inch length pairs well with TVs in the 43-50-inch range. Setup with my Fire TV Cube took about 90 seconds using HDMI eARC.
The downside is the missing subwoofer. For $99, you get a clean 2.0 system, but you won’t get the chest-thumping bass that the Saiyin with subwoofer delivers at half the price.
Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual:X explained
Dolby Audio is the basic surround format that most streaming services use. DTS Virtual:X is a processing technology that creates height and width channels from a stereo source. Neither is true Dolby Atmos, but together they improve immersion noticeably.
The bar is also made from 18% recycled materials. If sustainability matters to you, that’s a small but real differentiator.
Best use case
Anyone already in the Fire TV ecosystem who wants one-remote setup and reliable HDMI eARC behavior. Also a strong pick if you want DTS Virtual:X without paying $300+.
5. Saiyin 60W Bluetooth Sound Bar – Best for Dialogue Clarity Under $50
Saiyin 60W Bluetooth Sound Bar for Smart TV, TV-ARC/Optical/AUX
60W output
Dual bass drivers
TV-ARC one-remote
17-inch design
Pros
- Dual silk dome tweeters for clear voice
- Dual bass drivers with six-layer voice coil
- TV-ARC one-remote compatibility
- Multiple connections including ARC
- Bluetooth 5.3 stable streaming
- Wall mounting kit included
Cons
- USB not supported
- Requires PCM/Stereo TV audio setting
The Saiyin 60W is specifically engineered for dialogue clarity. The dual silk dome horn tweeters handle the high frequencies where consonants live, which is what makes speech intelligible over background noise.
I tested this against three competitors for a week of news broadcasts and dialogue-heavy dramas. The Saiyin 60W pulled dialogue forward in a way the others didn’t. Watching a late-night movie at low volume, I could hear every word without needing subtitles.
TV-ARC one-remote compatibility is the real convenience win. Once connected via HDMI ARC, your existing TV remote handles volume, power, and input switching. No juggling two remotes on the couch.
The dual bass drivers with six-layer voice coils deliver more bass than you’d expect from a 17-inch bar at this price. It’s not a subwoofer replacement, but it adds enough low-end weight to make music sound full rather than tinny.
TV-ARC vs optical connections
TV-ARC (Audio Return Channel) lets a single HDMI cable send audio from your TV to the soundbar and lets your TV remote control the soundbar’s volume. Optical cables work but require you to use the soundbar’s separate remote.
If your TV has an HDMI ARC port, use it. If not, fall back to optical.
Best use case
Anyone with hearing difficulties or who watches a lot of dialogue-heavy content. The Clear Voice tuning makes a real, measurable difference compared to generic budget bars.
6. Assistrust Sound Bar KY-8000 – Most Versatile Placement Options
Assistrust Sound Bar for Smart TV, Soundbar with Bluetooth/ARC/Opt/AUX Connect, Auto Volume Boost, 3 Equalizer Modes, 2 in 1 Detachable Soundbar for TV/PC/Gaming/Projectors
80W output
Detachable 2-in-1 design
3 EQ modes
18-month warranty
Pros
- Detachable 2-in-1 design splits into two towers
- 80W with 4 high-performance drivers
- Auto Volume Boost for clear sound
- 3 EQ modes (movie
- music
- news)
- 18-month warranty with 24/7 support
- Versatile placement options
Cons
- No built-in subwoofer
- ABS plastic enclosure
The Assistrust KY-8000 is the only soundbar in our test that splits into two separate speakers. You can use it as a single 17-inch bar, split it into two vertical towers for a wider stereo image, or mount the pieces separately for true left/right separation.
At 80W with four drivers, it’s one of the louder bars in this price range. The Auto Volume Boost feature keeps quiet scenes audible without blasting loud scenes. I tested it with a Christopher Nolan film where dialogue and explosions alternate quickly, and the volume level stayed balanced throughout.
With 6553 reviews, this is one of the most-reviewed budget soundbars on Amazon. The 4.2-star rating reflects what most people experience: a solid, no-frills upgrade from TV speakers with flexible setup options.
Versatility is the headline. The detachable design makes it the best budget soundbar for unusual setups, like RVs, dorms with limited shelf space, or anyone who wants the option of true stereo separation.
2-in-1 detachable design
The two halves connect via a magnetic dock or a short cable. Once separated, each half can sit on either side of your TV or mount to a wall. The included hardware covers both scenarios.
Auto Volume Boost is essentially dynamic range compression. It quiets loud peaks and lifts soft passages so you don’t have to ride the remote.
Best use case
Anyone with an unusual room layout, RV or dorm dwellers, or people who want placement flexibility. Also a strong choice for older parents who struggle with volume swings in modern movies.
7. MEGACRA BESTISAN Sound Bar – Best Connectivity Options Under $50
Sound Bar, BESTISAN 50 Watts Soundbar with HDMI, Optical, AUX, USB,Sub Out and Bluetooth Connection, DSP, Bass Adjustable, 16 Inch, Mountable
50W output
HDMI/Optical/AUX/USB
Sub Out
DSP bass adjust
Pros
- Most connections at this price point
- Sub Out port for adding external subwoofer
- DSP with adjustable bass
- 3 EQ modes (movie
- music
- dialogue)
- Compact 2.8-inch height
- Wall mountable
Cons
- Bluetooth audio quality reports vary
- Remote reliability concerns
- Optical port may fail over time
The MEGACRA BESTISAN packs more connection options into a sub-$50 bar than anything else I tested. HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth, plus a Sub Out port if you ever want to add a separate subwoofer later.
The DSP (Digital Signal Processing) lets you adjust bass manually instead of relying solely on preset EQ modes. I found the bass dial effective for dialing in just the right amount of low-end for music without overwhelming movie dialogue.
At 2.8 inches tall, this is one of the slimmest soundbars in our lineup. If your TV sits close to the surface it stands on, the BESTISAN won’t block the screen or the IR sensor for the TV remote.
Some users report Bluetooth audio quality isn’t as crisp as wired connections. I noticed minor compression artifacts during A/B testing with high-bitrate tracks, but they were subtle enough that casual listeners won’t care.
Why Sub Out matters
Sub Out is a dedicated output that lets you connect an external powered subwoofer. None of the other sub-$50 soundbars offer this. If you think you might want to add bass later without buying a whole new soundbar, the BESTISAN is the only budget-friendly starting point that lets you upgrade.
The 16-inch length pairs perfectly with smaller TVs and computer monitors. This also works as a great PC soundbar under $50.
Best use case
PC monitors and gaming setups where you want a slim bar that fits under the screen. Also the best cheap soundbar for anyone who wants HDMI ARC, Optical, USB, and Sub Out all in one package.
8. ULTIMEA Poseidon M20 Pro – Best Cheap Soundbar for EQ Customization
ULTIMEA 2.1ch Surround Sound System for TV, Sound Bar Built-in Subwoofer
132W peak power
Built-in subwoofer
Bluetooth 5.4
121 EQ presets
Pros
- Built-in subwoofer for compact 2.1 sound
- 132W peak power
- 121 preset EQ matrices
- 10-band equalizer with 6 modes
- Bluetooth 5.4 for stable streaming
- SUB OUT for external subwoofer addition
Cons
- No HDMI support
- App required for full EQ access
- Lower review count
The ULTIMEA Poseidon M20 Pro is the budget soundbar for tinkerers. It has 121 EQ presets and a 10-band equalizer accessible through the ULTIMEA app. No other bar in our under-$100 test gives you this level of customization.
The built-in 3-inch subwoofer plus side-firing bass ports deliver more low-end than any other all-in-one bar I tested. The M20 Pro is a true 2.1 system in a single enclosure, no separate sub box required.
At 132W peak power, it gets loud enough for medium-sized rooms. The 6 EQ modes (Movie, Music, Voice, Sport, Game, Night) cover most content types, and the Night mode compresses dynamic range for late viewing without waking the household.
The catch is no HDMI. You’ll need to use Optical, AUX, or Bluetooth. For most setups that’s fine, but if you want HDMI ARC single-remote control, this isn’t the bar.
When to choose built-in sub vs separate sub
Built-in subs (like the M20 Pro) save space and keep the system simple. Separate subs (like the Saiyin) deliver deeper, more impactful bass but require extra placement and a cable.
For small to medium rooms, a built-in sub is enough. For large living rooms or home theater setups, go with a separate sub.
Best use case
Audio enthusiasts who want to tune their sound without spending $300+. Also great for anyone who wants a true 2.1 system without the clutter of a separate sub box.
What to Look for in a Cheap Soundbar
Buying a budget soundbar under $100 means making trade-offs. Here’s what matters and what’s marketing fluff.
Connection type: HDMI ARC vs Optical vs Bluetooth
HDMI ARC is the most convenient option because it lets your TV remote control the soundbar’s volume. If your TV has an HDMI port labeled ARC or eARC, use that. Optical cables work fine but require a separate remote for volume control. Bluetooth is best for music streaming from your phone, not for TV audio because of latency.
If you have an older TV without HDMI ARC, prioritize a soundbar with Optical input. All 8 bars in our test have it.
Subwoofer: built-in vs separate
Separate subwoofers deliver deeper, more impactful bass. They’re the single biggest audio upgrade you can get under $100. The Saiyin with subwoofer and the ULTIMEA M30 both ship with one.
If you have limited space or want a clean single-box setup, a built-in sub like the ULTIMEA M20 Pro or the MZEIBO is a better fit. Built-in subs won’t shake the couch but they add enough low-end to make movies feel cinematic.
Dialogue enhancement features
If you struggle to hear TV dialogue, look for bars with dedicated Voice or Clear Voice modes. The Saiyin 60W’s dual silk dome tweeters and the ULTIMEA M30’s VoiceMX technology both measurably improve speech clarity.
Cheap 2.0 bars without dedicated dialogue processing will get loud but won’t necessarily get clearer.
Bluetooth version and codec support
Bluetooth 5.0 and above provides stable streaming and decent range. Anything older may have dropouts. None of the bars in our test support advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC, so Bluetooth audio will be slightly compressed compared to wired.
For music, use Bluetooth. For TV and movies, use HDMI ARC or Optical to avoid any audio delay.
Size and form factor
Match the soundbar width to your TV width for the cleanest look. A 17-inch bar pairs with a 32-43 inch TV. A 24-inch bar pairs with 43-50 inch TVs. None of the bars in our test are designed for TVs over 55 inches, so larger setups should look at bigger bars.
If you have limited shelf space, look for bars under 3 inches tall to avoid blocking the TV’s IR sensor or the bottom of the screen.
EQ presets and sound modes
Most budget soundbars offer 3 preset modes: Movie, Music, News/Voice. The presets are usually worth using because they’re tuned to boost the frequencies that matter for each content type.
If you want deeper customization, the ULTIMEA bars have app-based 10-band equalizers, but those features require using your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cheap soundbars worth buying?
Yes, cheap soundbars under $100 are worth buying for most people. Modern budget soundbars deliver real upgrades over built-in TV speakers, especially for dialogue clarity and bass response. A $50-$80 soundbar from a brand like Saiyin, ULTIMEA, or MZEIBO will fix the most common TV audio complaints. Premium soundbars only make sense if you want true Dolby Atmos, room-filling surround sound, or audiophile-grade audio quality.
What is the best affordable all-in-one soundbar?
The ULTIMEA Poseidon M20 Pro is the best affordable all-in-one soundbar in our 2026 testing. It packs a 132W peak power output, a built-in 3-inch subwoofer, side-firing bass ports, and a 10-band equalizer into a single 16-inch enclosure. For under $60, it’s the only soundbar that gives you true 2.1 channel sound without needing a separate subwoofer box.
What is the best budget soundbar in 2026?
The Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer is the best budget soundbar in 2026. It includes a dedicated 5-inch wired subwoofer, 100W output, three EQ modes, and Bluetooth 5.3, all for around $60. With nearly 4000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it’s also the most proven cheap soundbar on the market.
What are the cheapest soundbars available?
The cheapest soundbars worth buying are the MEGACRA BESTISAN at around $40 and the MZEIBO 50W at around $47. Both deliver real upgrades over TV speakers with Bluetooth, HDMI ARC or Optical, and decent power output. Below $30, soundbar quality drops sharply and you may be better off saving for a $40 model.
Should I get a soundbar with or without a subwoofer?
Get a soundbar with a subwoofer if you watch a lot of movies, want impactful bass, or have a medium to large room. A separate subwoofer makes a noticeable difference in low-frequency response. Get a soundbar without a subwoofer if you only watch TV shows and news, have a small bedroom or apartment, or prefer a clean single-box setup. Built-in subs on bars like the ULTIMEA M20 Pro offer a middle ground.
Final Verdict
After testing all eight of these best cheap soundbars for three months, here’s where I’d put my money. The Saiyin Sound Bar with Subwoofer remains the best cheap soundbar overall because it ships with a real 5-inch sub at under $100. For pure value with modern features, the ULTIMEA Poseidon M30’s wireless sub and app-based EQ are hard to beat. If you just need a compact, well-rated budget pick for a small room, the MZEIBO 50W delivers.
Whichever model you choose, any of these 8 best cheap soundbars in 2026 will fix the dialogue clarity and bass response problems that come with built-in TV speakers. Pick the one that matches your room size and connection needs, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived with TV speakers.