· Maggie · Reviews/Home · 8 min read
Top 7 Best Budget-Friendly Soundbars for Enhancing TV Audio in 2025
Upgrade your TV audio without breaking the bank with the 7 Best budget-friendly soundbars for enhancing TV audio. Find top picks that deliver premium sound quality and exceptional value for your home entertainment setup.
Introduction
Ever feel like your TV’s built-in speakers just don’t do justice to your favorite shows or movies? You’re not alone. Crisp dialogue, punchy bass, and immersive sound can take your viewing experience to the next level, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to get there. That’s where budget-friendly soundbars come in—compact, affordable, and designed to make your TV sound way better than it does right now.
In this article, I’ll walk you through seven standout soundbars that won’t break the bank but will seriously upgrade your audio game. Whether you’re binge-watching the latest series or hosting a movie night, these picks can make all the difference. I’ll break down what makes each one special, so you can find the perfect match for your setup and budget.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which soundbar is right for you. Ready to turn up the volume? Let’s get started!
Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar
The Sony S100F is a no-nonsense soundbar that’s perfect if you’re looking for something simple and effective. It’s sleek, compact, and fits easily under most TVs. Setting it up is a breeze, especially if your TV has HDMI ARC—just plug it in, and you’re good to go. The sound quality is a noticeable step up from your TV’s built-in speakers, with clear dialogue and decent bass thanks to its Bass Reflex Speaker and integrated tweeter. Plus, it’s got Bluetooth, so you can stream music from your phone when you’re not watching TV.
That said, it’s not perfect. If you’re a movie buff craving that deep, rumbling bass, this might not hit the mark. The volume adjustments can also feel a bit jumpy, and some users have reported occasional connectivity hiccups, especially with older TVs. But for casual viewers or smaller spaces, it’s a solid choice.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear dialogue and decent sound | Bass isn’t super deep for movies |
| Easy setup with HDMI ARC | Volume adjustments can be abrupt |
| Compact design, great for small spaces | Occasional connectivity issues |
Sound Bar, Sound Bar for Smart TV, 5.3 Bluetooth Sound Bar 2 in 1 Detachable Surround Sound System
This one’s a game-changer if you want flexibility. The 2-in-1 design lets you use it as a single soundbar or split it into two tower speakers for a more immersive surround sound experience. The 3D surround effect is pretty impressive for the price, and the bass is surprisingly punchy without being overwhelming.
Setting it up is straightforward, with options like Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI ARC, and AUX. The sound quality is clear and balanced, and it even has different EQ modes for movies, music, and news. My only gripe? The voice prompts for powering on/off and mode changes can be a bit loud and annoying, especially if you’re watching something late at night. But if you can live with that, it’s a fantastic budget-friendly option.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile 2-in-1 design | Loud voice prompts can be annoying |
| Deep bass and clear sound | Lacks advanced equalizer settings |
| Easy setup with multiple connections | Not ideal for large rooms |
Nylavee 2.1ch Sound Bar with Wired Subwoofer
If you’re all about that bass, the Nylavee 2.1ch Sound Bar is worth a look. It comes with a wired subwoofer that adds some serious depth to your audio, making it great for movies and music. Setup is pretty simple, with options like HDMI-ARC, Bluetooth, and AUX, though the Bluetooth can be a bit finicky for some users.
The sound quality is impressive for the price, with clear dialogue and immersive audio in smaller to medium-sized rooms. The remote lets you tweak the bass and treble, but it’s not the most responsive. While the subwoofer’s bass isn’t earth-shaking, it’s enough to give your audio some oomph without overpowering everything else.
One thing to note: it doesn’t come with HDMI or optical cables, so you might need to grab those separately. And the blue indicator light on the soundbar can be a bit distracting in a dark room. But overall, it’s a great value for the price.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable with good sound quality | Bluetooth connectivity issues |
| Includes a wired subwoofer | No included HDMI or optical cable |
| Compact design, easy to set up | Remote sensitivity could be better |
MZEIBO TV Sound Bar, 60W Sound Bars for Smart TV
The MZEIBO TV Sound Bar is another versatile option, especially if you like the idea of a detachable design. You can use it as a single soundbar or split it into two separate speakers for a more immersive setup. It’s easy to set up, with Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI-ARC, optical, and AUX connections. The sound quality is solid for the price, with clear dialogue and decent bass, though it doesn’t quite match the deep bass of the Nylavee.
One downside is the lack of a USB port, which limits your connectivity options a bit. Also, while it sounds great at moderate volumes, the bass can feel a bit weak at lower levels. Still, if you’re looking for an affordable upgrade from your TV’s built-in speakers, this is a solid pick.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detachable design for surround sound | Lacks deep bass at lower volumes |
| Easy setup with multiple connectivity options | No USB port for additional connections |
| Clear sound quality for the price | Bass performance could be better |
VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE with Wireless Subwoofer
If you’re after a cinematic experience, the VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE is a fantastic choice. It supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, delivering immersive surround sound that’s perfect for movies and gaming. The wireless subwoofer adds some serious bass, and the rear speakers give you that true surround sound feel. Setup is straightforward, and the VIZIO app makes it easy to tweak settings, though the lack of a physical remote might bug some people.
The sound quality is impressive for the price, with clear dialogue and balanced audio. Just keep in mind that it relies heavily on HDMI ARC, so if you’ve got an older TV, you might run into compatibility issues. But for casual users or smaller rooms, it’s a steal.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Immersive Dolby Atmos & DTS:X | No physical remote included |
| Wireless subwoofer for deep bass | HDMI ARC dependency may limit compatibility |
| Easy setup with intuitive app | Rear speakers require wired connection |
Bose TV Speaker - Soundbar for TV with Bluetooth and HDMI-ARC Connectivity
The Bose TV Speaker is all about simplicity and clarity. It’s compact, easy to set up, and delivers crystal-clear dialogue, which is perfect if you’re tired of straining to hear conversations over background noise. The dialogue mode works like a charm, and the sound is balanced with just enough bass to keep things interesting.
Setup is a breeze with HDMI-ARC and Bluetooth, though it doesn’t have the deep bass you’d get from a system with a subwoofer. The remote is user-friendly, but the auto-off feature can be a bit annoying (thankfully, you can turn it off). For small to medium-sized rooms, it’s a great choice.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear dialogue enhancement | Limited bass depth |
| Compact, sleek design | Auto-off feature can be bothersome |
| Easy setup with HDMI-ARC/Bluetooth | No EQ customization options |
60W Sound Bar for Smart TV with Detachable Design
This 60W soundbar is a solid all-rounder for its price. The detachable design is a neat feature, letting you use it as a single soundbar or split it into two separate speakers for a more immersive setup. Bluetooth 5.0 ensures a stable connection, and the multiple EQ modes (music, movie, news) let you customize the sound to your liking. That said, the bass is a bit underwhelming, and movie mode can sound a bit hollow.
Setup is straightforward, though some users have reported issues with optical and HDMI connections. For the price, it’s a decent upgrade over built-in TV speakers, but it’s not going to replace a high-end system. If you’re looking for something simple and versatile, though, it’s a good pick.
Pros & Cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detachable design for flexibility | Weak bass performance |
| Easy Bluetooth connectivity | Movie mode sounds hollow |
| Affordable price | Setup can be tricky for some TVs |
Final Thoughts
After testing these soundbars, it’s clear that you don’t need to spend a fortune to upgrade your TV audio. Whether you’re after clear dialogue, deep bass, or surround sound, there’s something here for everyone. My top picks? The Sony S100F for its simplicity and clarity, the 2-in-1 Detachable Sound Bar for its versatility, and the Nylavee for its bass-heavy performance.
Ready to take your TV audio to the next level? Click the links above to check out these soundbars on Amazon. Trust me, your ears will thank you!
Affiliate Disclosure
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on one of the product links above and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my work and keeps the reviews coming. Thanks for your support!
