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When looking for the best cheap soundbars, you want to find one that can produce high-quality sound without emptying your wallet. They can perform the same function as the best soundbars overall, putting the audio from your TV’s built-in speakers to shame by providing a more lively and engaging listening experience. From movies to TV shows, concerts to sporting events, social clips to YouTube videos, everything gets a sonic boost, and you can reap the benefits for less than you think.
The TV soundbar market offers a plethora of excellent alternatives that cost half, if not a third, of what some premium models do. We put together a list of the best soundbar packages we’ve heard and ranked them based on sound quality and features. Continue reading to learn more about the best cheap soundbars available.
Importance of Soundbars for Budget-Conscious Consumers
When looking for audio equipment, it’s important for people on a tight budget to find the right balance between quality and price. Soundbars have become a popular choice for people who want better sound without paying as much as they would for a regular speaker system. These small, stylish devices have a lot of benefits that make them a good choice for people who want to improve their audio setup without spending a lot of money.
- Affordable Audio Upgrade: When compared to built-in TV speakers, soundbars are an affordable way to improve the sound quality of your TV. At a fraction of the price of a full-fledged surround sound system, they offer clearer sound, better bass response, and more immersive sound.
- Space-Saving Solution: Soundbars are made to be small and thin, which makes them a great choice for smaller living rooms or rooms where there aren’t many options for how to set up the equipment. Because of how sleek they are, you can mount them on the wall or put them quietly below the TV to save important floor space.
- Easy to install and set up: Most soundbars are easy to set up and don’t require much technical knowledge. Soundbars are easy to connect to the TV or other devices because they have fewer cords and parts than traditional audio systems. This lets people enjoy better sound in no time.
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Cheap Soundbar
When looking for a cheap speaker, it’s important not to skimp on sound quality. Look for models with clear, crisp sound, good bass, and immersive music to get the most out of your entertainment.
- Connectivity choices: Think about the soundbar’s connectivity choices. Make sure it has the HDMI, optical, Bluetooth, or AUX inputs you need to quickly connect it to your TV or other devices.
- Size and Design: Choose a speaker that fits with the look of your TV and room. Think about the size of the soundbar and whether it will fit on your TV stand or can be placed on the wall if you don’t have much room.
- Soundbar Placement: Decide where in the room you want to put the soundbar. Check to see if the speaker can fit under or in front of the TV without blocking the remote sensor if you have a TV stand.
Best Cheap Soundbars Comparison Table
Aspect | Audio Channels | Subwoofer Included | Dolby Atmos Support | Connectivity | Virtual Assistants Support | Total Power Output | Dimensions (WxHxD) | Weight | Latest Deal |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vizio V-Series 2.1 Soundbar | 2.1 | Yes | No | HDMI, Bluetooth, Optical | No | 100W | 36″ x 2.1″ x 3.2″ | 5.84 lbs | Check Deal |
TCL Alto 9+ | 3.1 | Yes | Yes | HDMI, Bluetooth, USB, Optical | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant) | 260W | 36.2″ x 2.3″ x 4.1″ | 5.8 lbs | Check Deal |
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam | 5.0 | No | No | HDMI, Bluetooth, USB, Optical | Yes (Amazon Alexa) | 250W | 26.6″ x 2.3″ x 3.4″ | 7.1 lbs | Check Deal |
Sonos Beam Gen 2 | 3.0 | No | No | HDMI, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | Yes (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant) | Not specified | 25.6″ x 2.7″ x 3.9″ | 6.2 lbs | Check Deal |
Polk Audio Signa S4 | 2.1 | Yes | No | HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth | No | 200W | 35.5″ x 2.1″ x 3.2″ | 3.9 lbs | Check Deal |
Here is the list of Best Cheap Soundbars
Soundbars are a good option for people who want to improve their sound system but don’t want to spend a lot of money. Soundbars are a cheap way to improve your home entertainment experience because they are small, easy to install, have a variety of connection choices, and improve the sound quality. Whether you’re watching movies, playing games, or just listening to music, soundbars give you great sound quality without breaking the bank.
Vizio V-Series 2.1 Soundbar

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Vizio |
Model | V-Series 2.1 |
Sound Channels | 2.1 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
The Good
- Affordable price.
- Decent sound quality for small to medium-sized rooms.
- Wireless subwoofer for added bass.
The Bad
- Limited connectivity options.
The Vizio V Series 2.1 Sound Bar is a 2.1 system with a separate subwoofer. It has a boomy sound that works well for bass-heavy music and TV shows with a lot of movement. There is even an HDMI ARC port and a dedicated AUX port for adding voice assistant speakers.
This bar can get pretty loud, but when it does, there is some distortion. But as a 2.1 setup, it turns surround sound into stereo and doesn’t work with Atmos sound. It does, however, have a few EQ settings and a virtual surround mode, so you can change the way it sounds to some extent.
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable Price: The price of the Vizio V-Series 2.1 Soundbar is reasonable, which makes it a good choice for people who want to improve the sound of their TV without spending a lot of money.
- Decent Sound Quality: This soundbar sounds better than most TV speakers that come built in. It makes sure that movies, TV shows, and songs have clear dialogue and better sound.
- Wireless Subwoofer: The included wireless subwoofer gives the sound more bass and improves the overall listening experience, especially for action scenes and songs with deep low-end frequencies.
- Easy Setup: The Vizio V-Series 2.1 Soundbar is easy to set up and comes with all the wires you need to connect it to your TV or other devices.
Reasons to skip:
- Limited Sound Customization: You may not be able to customize the sound as much as you would like because this soundbar may not have the advanced audio settings and sound customization choices that come with higher-end models.
- Basic Audio Features: It sounds better than the TV speakers, but it may not be as realistic as soundbars with Dolby Atmos or DTS:X support.
TCL Alto 9+

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | TCL |
Model | Alto 9+ |
Sound Channels | 3.1.2 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
The Good
- Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound.
- Included Roku TV streaming capabilities.
- Wireless subwoofer for improved bass.
The Bad
- Some users may experience connectivity issues.
The TCL Alto 9+ is a 3.1 configuration that has been built to be compatible with TCL’s Roku TVs. This allows you to manage the bar with the remote that comes with the Roku TV. Additionally, it is equipped with TCL’s RAY-DANZ technology, which consists of apertures on the sides of the bar that resemble vents and are said to produce a soundstage that is both larger and more immersive.
The sound profile is also a little bit gloomy and dreary, despite the fact that it comes with a dedicated subwoofer; yet, there is a touch of low-bass that is missing from it. The positive aspects of this device include support for content encoded in the Atmos format as well as numerous wireless connecting possibilities.
Reasons to buy:
- Dolby Atmos: The TCL Alto 9+ has Dolby Atmos technology, which makes the sound experience more realistic and three-dimensional. It gives the impression of height and space, which makes movies and other material more interesting.
- Included Roku TV Streaming: The soundbar has built-in Roku TV streaming, so you can access a wide range of streaming services and apps right from the soundbar without needing to buy a separate streaming device.
- Wireless Subwoofer: The soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer, which adds powerful bass to your audio setup and improves the overall sound quality, especially for movies and songs with deep low-end frequencies.
- High-Quality Sound: TCL is known for making soundbars that have good sound quality. The Alto 9+ improves the audio quality of your TV’s built-in speakers by delivering clear speech and well-balanced sound.
Reasons to skip:
- Limited Surround Sound Experience: Even though Dolby Atmos makes the audio experience better, it’s important to remember that the Alto 9+ doesn’t offer a full 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound setup because it doesn’t have separate rear speakers.
- Size and Design: The size and design of the soundbar may not look good with all TV sets or living room styles. Before making a choice, you need to think about how big the soundbar is and how much room you have.
JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | JBL |
Model | Bar 5.0 MultiBeam |
Sound Channels | 5.0 |
Subwoofer Included | No |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
The Good
- MultiBeam technology for a wide soundstage.
- 4K passthrough and HDMI connectivity.
- Sleek design and build quality.
The Bad
- Lack of a separate subwoofer may limit bass performance.
The JBL Bar 5.0 performs adequately for a variety of uses. This soundbar features a boxy sound profile out-of-the-box when its room correction feature is used, which provides your audio with a little bit more punch and boom than it would otherwise have.
However, it has trouble reproducing a thumping low-bass, so whether you listen to music with a lot of bass or watch movies with a lot of action, you won’t feel the rumble. Despite the fact that it is capable of playing back content encoded in surround and Dolby Atmos, its performance is not particularly immersive.
Reasons to buy:
- MultiBeam Technology: The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam has JBL’s MultiBeam technology, which provides a wide soundstage for a more immersive audio experience. This technology uses beamforming to send sound to different parts of the room, making it seem like you have surround sound without the need for more speakers.
- 4K Passthrough and HDMI Connectivity: The soundbar supports 4K passthrough, so you can connect 4K devices like Blu-ray players or game consoles directly to the soundbar and then to your 4K TV. This makes sure that you can watch high-quality video and listen to high-quality music without losing any picture or sound quality.
- Sleek Design: The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam has a modern, sleek design that goes well with most home theater systems. It’s not too big, so you can easily put it in front of your TV or hang it on the wall.
- Voice Assistant Support: This soundbar works with voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, so you can use voice requests to control it and other smart devices that work with it.
Reasons to skip:
- Not having a separate subwoofer: The JBL Bar 5.0 MultiBeam doesn’t have a separate subwoofer, which could make the bass less powerful than on soundbars with separate subwoofers. If deep, powerful bass is important to you, you might want to look at other types.
- Limited Surround Sound Experience: Even though MultiBeam technology makes the soundstage bigger, it may not be able to give people the full 5.1-channel surround sound experience they want. If you have speakers in the back, you might get a more true surround sound experience.
Sonos Beam Gen 2

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Sonos |
Model | Beam Gen 2 |
Sound Channels | 3.0 |
Subwoofer Included | No |
Bluetooth Connectivity | No |
HDMI Inputs | Yes |
The Good
- High-quality audio performance.
- Integrates with other Sonos speakers for a multi-room setup.
- Voice control with built-in Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Bad
- Expensive compared to other soundbars in its category.
Delivering Dolby Atmos from a small chassis is no easy task, but the Sonos Beam Gen 2 pulls it off with a convincing, immersive performance that doesn’t require a single vertical speaker insight. Instead, two of the soundbar’s five front-facing arrays are dedicated to reproducing overhead and surround sounds when watching Atmos content.
With its powerful processing power, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 employs psychoacoustic HRTF (head-related transfer function) technology to create the illusion of height without the need for vertical positioning. While genuine overhead sounds may be a stretch for this small TV soundbar, its virtual delivery of the Atmos format outperforms any similarly priced and even a few more expensive soundbars.
The Beam Gen 2 provides an enveloping, spatial soundscape that includes rich, detailed audio as well as tangible motion and depth. Currently, this is one of the best Cheap Soundbars that you can buy right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Superior Audio Quality: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 has great sound quality, with clear speech and an immersive soundstage that makes it perfect for movies, TV shows, and music.
- mouth Control: It has Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built in, so you can use your mouth to control the soundbar and other smart devices.
- Multi-Room Audio: The Sonos Beam Gen 2 can be used with other Sonos speakers as part of a multi-room audio setup. This gives you a smooth and synced listening experience all over your home.
- Smart TV Integration: It has HDMI ARC, which lets you use your TV remote to control the soundbar, and it instantly syncs with your TV’s power and volume.
Reasons to skip:
- Additional Accessories: If you want a more immersive surround sound setup with back speakers, you’ll need to buy more Sonos speakers, which can add to the overall cost.
- Dependence on Wi-Fi: Most of the Sonos Beam Gen 2’s features depend on a stable Wi-Fi link. This could be a problem if your home Wi-Fi network is having trouble.
Polk Audio Signa S4

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Polk Audio |
Model | Signa S4 |
Sound Channels | 2.1 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
HDMI Inputs | Yes |
The Good
- Budget-friendly price.
- Clear dialogue and good sound for its price range.
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming.
The Bad
- Bass performance may be lacking without a dedicated subwoofer.
Many companies sell basic 2.1 soundbars, but few have the soundstage of this Polk Dolby Atmos-enabled bar. It comes with a basic, no-frills remote and an HDMI ARC connection to connect to a modern TV. You can choose between Cinema, Night, and Music modes, each of which serves its purpose well.
Cinema mode operates in a simulated 3.1.2 Atmos surround—quite it’s immersive! Music mode provides a more traditional stereo image. Night mode reduces subwoofer activity to avoid waking the neighbours. I’ve been working with this bar in preparation for a full review, which will be available in the next update, along with more personal insights.
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable Price: The Polk Audio Signa S4 is a speaker with a price that won’t break the bank. This makes it a good choice for people who want to improve their sound without spending a lot of money.
- Clear conversation: The Signa S4 is known for how well it plays back conversation, which makes watching TV and movies more enjoyable, especially when there is a lot of dialogue.
- Simple Setup: The Signa S4 is simple to set up, making it accessible to those who aren’t very tech-savvy.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: The soundbar has built-in Bluetooth, which lets you stream music or apps wirelessly from devices that are compatible.
Reasons to skip:
- Connectivity Options: The Signa S4 only has HDMI ARC and optical ports, which may not be ideal for users who need more connection options.
- No Wi-Fi or Smart Features: The Signa S4 doesn’t have Wi-Fi or smart features like voice assistants or app interaction like some other soundbars do. This could be a downside for people who want a more integrated experience.
Hisense HS205

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Hisense |
Model | HS205 |
Sound Channels | 2.0 |
Subwoofer Included | No |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
The Good
- Affordable and budget-friendly.
- Slim and compact design.
- Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio playback.
The Bad
- Limited power and audio output compared to higher-end soundbars.
Easily one of the best Cheap Soundbars available on the market, The Hisense HS205 is a small, inexpensive soundbar with big sound. It connects to your TV via HDMI ARC, optical cable, AUX cable, or Bluetooth, and it includes a wall-mount kit to complement minimalist home theatres. Your movies, music, and shows will sound better than ever with three different equalizer presets.
The movie mode increases the impact of the bass during dramatic scenes, the music mode increases the richness of the mid and high tones, and the news mode increases the dialogue so you never miss an important line. The soundbar is also Roku-ready, which means it can be used with the Roku remote and companion app for better streaming and even voice controls.
Reasons to buy:
- Budget-friendly: The Hisense HS205 is a cheap soundbar, so it’s a good choice for those on a tight budget or who just want a simple upgrade to their music without breaking the bank.
- Slim and compact design: The soundbar’s slim and compact design makes it easy to set up in different ways, like hanging it on the wall, which is great for rooms with limited space.
- Bluetooth connectivity: If your device has built-in Bluetooth, you can play music, podcasts, and other audio from compatible devices wirelessly. This gives you more flexibility and convenience.
- Audio quality is better than TV speakers: The HS205 can improve the audio quality a lot more than your TV’s built-in speakers, giving movies, shows, and games clearer speech and better overall sound.
Reasons to skip:
- Audio performance may not be good enough for audiophiles. If you’re an audiophile or have better standards for audio quality, the HS205 may not meet your needs because it’s made to be cheap.
- Fewer ways to connect: Compared to more expensive soundbars, the HS205 may not have as many ways to plug in music, which could be a problem if you want to connect more than one device at once.
Samsung HW-B550

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Samsung |
Model | HW-B550 |
Sound Channels | 2.1 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
HDMI Inputs | Yes |
The Good
- Solid sound quality and audio performance.
- HDMI ARC support for easy setup with compatible TVs.
- Wireless subwoofer included.
The Bad
- Older model may lack some modern audio technologies.
Depending on how your living space is configured, you may not have enough space for additional satellite speakers. In that case, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available that can still meet your requirements, the best of which we tested is the Samsung HW-B550. It is a versatile bar with a subwoofer dedicated to thumping through action-packed TV shows and bass-heavy music genres.
You won’t have any trouble following along with the action on the screen because the dialogue is clear and present, and the voices and instruments are accurate in the mix. This setup, like most Samsung bars, comes with a variety of tools to help you customise its sound. There are standard presets and some bass and treble adjustments, but its 7-band graphic EQ allows you to control the frequency of the bar across its entire range.
Reasons to buy:
- cordless Subwoofer: The cordless subwoofer that comes with the system adds deeper bass and more richness and depth to the overall sound experience.
- HDMI ARC Support: If the soundbar is compatible with HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), it can get audio signals from your TV through a single HDMI cable. This makes setup easier and lets you handle the soundbar with the remote for your TV.
- Bluetooth connectivity: The soundbar has Bluetooth built in, which lets you stream music and other material wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or other compatible device.
Reasons to skip:
- Outdated Model: The Samsung HW-B550 might be an older model, which means it might not have some of the latest audio technologies and features found in newer soundbars.
- Limited Channel Configuration: The HW-B550 is a 2.1-channel soundbar, which means it might not give you the same surround sound experience as more advanced soundbars with 5.1 or more channels.
Sony HT-G700

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Sony |
Model | HT-G700 |
Sound Channels | 3.1 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
HDMI Inputs | Yes |
The Good
- Powerful and immersive sound with virtual surround technology.
- High-resolution audio support.
- Numerous sound modes for various content types.
The Bad
- Higher price compared to some competitors.
If you’re on a tight budget, best Cheap Soundbars the Sony HT-G700 could be just what you’re looking for. It’s not the smallest bar on the market, but it’s certainly big on sound and big on value, with a wireless subwoofer, dedicated HDMI input, and support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.
Sony’s own Vertical Surround Engine and S-Force Pro Front Surround technologies deliver a convincing Dolby Atmos soundscape, while the 39cm-tall subwoofer adds plenty of heft to big explosions. It also lacks music streaming features as well as voice control. Still, if you’re looking for a dedicated piece of home cinema equipment on a budget, the powerful-sounding HT-700 delivers a seriously cinematic performance at a reasonable price.
Reasons to buy:
- Powerful Sound: The Sony HT-G700 has a total power output of 400 watts, which makes for a strong and engaging audio experience. When you use a soundbar and a portable subwoofer together, you get deep, powerful bass.
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X Support: This soundbar works with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio formats. It creates a three-dimensional sound field that gives you a better feeling of height and space, making it perfect for movies and other content with advanced audio.
- Vertical Surround Engine: Sony’s Vertical Surround Engine technology is made to create the feeling of surround sound from a single stereo unit, so you don’t need any extra speakers.
- High-Resolution Audio: The HT-G700 allows high-resolution audio formats, so you can enjoy your music with more detail and fidelity, especially when streaming from compatible devices.
Reasons to skip:
- Design that is big and bulky: The size and shape of the soundbar may not work well with some TV setups, especially if you don’t have much room or a smaller TV.
- Connectivity is limited. It has HDMI eARC and Bluetooth, but it might not have other choices like Wi-Fi or more HDMI inputs like higher-end models do.
Vizio M Series M213ad-K8

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Vizio |
Model | M Series M213ad-K8 |
Sound Channels | 2.1 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
The Good
- Crisp and clear audio quality.
- HDMI ARC support for easy setup.
- Integrated DTS Virtual:X for virtual surround sound.
The Bad
- No wireless subwoofer included.
The Vizio M Series M213ad-K8 is the best Cheap Soundbars option we’ve tested. It has a distinct trapezoidal design and a 2.1 setup, making it ideal for listening to stereo content, such as most music and TV shows. Right out of the box, you get a fairly clear sound, so the dialogue on screen is clear and easy to follow. You don’t get the same rumble in the low-bass without a sub.
It’s not noticeable if you mostly listen to non-bass-heavy content, such as dialogue-centric TV shows and sitcoms, but it’s not ideal for those who enjoy bass-heavy EDM and hip-hop. It’s a fairly unique bar in that it’s one of the few in its price range to include Dolby Atmos support. However, because it is a 2.1 system, it must downmix both Atmos and 5.1 surround sound formats such as Dolby Digital into stereo in order to play them.
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable choice: The Vizio M Series M213ad-K8 is an affordable choice for those who want to upgrade their soundbar without breaking the bank.
- Good Audio Quality: This soundbar has clear and good sound quality, which improves the sound quality of your TV’s built-in speakers.
- HDMI ARC Support: With HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) support, you can easily connect the soundbar to your TV with a single HDMI wire, making setup and use easier.
- DTS Virtual:X: The built-in DTS Virtual:X technology gives you a virtual surround sound experience, giving your music more volume without the need for extra speakers in the back.
Reasons to skip:
- No Wireless Subwoofer: Unlike some other soundbars, the Vizio M Series M213ad-K8 does not come with a wireless subwoofer, which could hurt its bass performance.
- Basic Sound Customization: Compared to higher-end models, the speaker may not have as many ways to change the sound, which could be a problem for people who like to fine-tune their audio settings.
Samsung HW-Q990B

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Samsung |
Model | HW-Q990B |
Sound Channels | 7.1.4 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
HDMI Inputs | Yes |
The Good
- Premium sound quality with true 7.1.4-channel surround sound.
- Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support for immersive audio.
- Wireless rear speakers for a clutter-free setup.
The Bad
- High price point, making it more expensive than other options.
Companies have been producing massive soundbar systems designed to resemble old-school home theatres for a few years. They’ve been pretty good for a few years. The Samsung HW-Q990B, on the other hand, is the best I’ve ever heard, owing to Samsung’s excellent audio processing, a whopping 15 drivers, and the ability to bounce tones around your room.
It’s also the first Samsung soundbar to include wireless Dolby Atmos, which means the surround speakers and subwoofer don’t need to be connected to anything other than an outlet. It’s pretty cool. The only disadvantage? It will cost roughly the same as a good traditional system.
Reasons to buy:
- Immersive Sound: The Samsung HW-Q990B is a high-end speaker that gives you a real 7.1.4-channel surround sound experience. It has support for both Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, which creates a captivating and immersive sound experience.
- Wireless Rear Speakers: The soundbar has wireless rear speakers that help create a more realistic surround sound effect without the need for messy cords running across the room.
- Powerful Subwoofer: The system comes with a powerful and dedicated subwoofer that makes action scenes and songs more fun to listen to.
- Premium Build Quality: Samsung is known for making high-quality products, and the HW-Q990B has a premium style that can go well with your TV setup.
Reasons to skip:
- High Price: The Samsung HW-Q990B is a high-end speaker, so it costs a lot. If you are on a tight budget, this type may be too expensive for you.
- Large Size: The soundbar system may be too big for smaller rooms or TV sets, so it’s important to make sure it fits your space well.
Creative Stage

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | Creative |
Model | Stage |
Sound Channels | 2.1 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
HDMI Inputs | No |
The Good
- Budget-friendly price.
- Good sound quality for a basic soundbar.
- Versatile connectivity options.
The Bad
- No wireless subwoofer included.
Soundbars can make a lot of noise from a small box, but nothing compares to the bass that a dedicated subwoofer can provide. The Creative Stage has a lot to offer for only $90, including HDMI cable connection, but it’s the wired subwoofer that really makes the system sing.
This soundbar also has Bluetooth and a USB port for playing MP3s from an external drive. It’s nearing the end of its life cycle, having been replaced by the Stage V2, but the Creative website still lists it as available. Thus, this product is one of the best Cheap Soundbars available right now.
Reasons to buy:
- Affordable price: The Creative Stage is a soundbar with a reasonable price, which makes it a good choice for people who want to improve their music without breaking the bank.
- Good sound quality: The Creative Stage isn’t the most powerful soundbar on the market, but it sounds clear and balanced, which is a big step up from your TV’s speakers.
- Connectivity options: The soundbar has Bluetooth, an optical input, and an AUX-in port, so you can connect it to a variety of devices and play music wirelessly.
- Design that takes up little space: Creative Stage is small and thin, so it can fit into small rooms or be mounted on the wall without taking up much space.
Reasons to skip:
- There is no surround sound system: Creative Stage has some fake surround sound processing, but it doesn’t have real surround sound, which movie fans may find important.
- Basic features: It might not have the same advanced sound customization choices and sound modes as more expensive models, making it harder to fine-tune the sound to suit individual tastes.
TCL Alto 6 Plus

Specification | Details |
---|---|
Brand | TCL |
Model | Alto 6 Plus |
Sound Channels | 2.1 |
Subwoofer Included | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes |
HDMI Inputs | Yes |
The Good
- Affordable price.
- Simple and easy-to-use design.
- Decent sound improvement over built-in TV speakers.
The Bad
- Lacks advanced features found in higher-end soundbars.
The Alto 6 Plus is even less expensive than the Stage V2, and it comes with its own dedicated subwoofer — albeit a wireless one. It’s also powerful, capable of filling out movie action scenes or music playback with deep, rumbling bass.
The disadvantage is that the low-end isn’t as tightly controlled as it is on more expensive soundbar/sub combos, and your options for adjusting the sound profile are limited. However, we were impressed with how powerful the Alto 6 Plus sounded in our testing, and its simplicity means that home theatre beginners may appreciate how simple it is to set up.
Reasons to buy:
- Simple Setup: The TCL Alto 6 Plus is easy to set up, and it comes with all the cables and tools you need for a quick install.
- Bluetooth connectivity: If your device has built-in Bluetooth, you can stream music or podcasts from your phone, computer, or other device wirelessly.
- Space-Saving Design: The soundbar is slim and small, so it works well in small rooms or rooms where there aren’t many TV placement choices.
Reasons to skip:
- No Subwoofer: The TCL Alto 6 Plus, unlike some other types, does not come with a separate subwoofer. This means that the bass may not be as good as it could be, which could be disappointing for people who like deep, powerful bass.
Questions and Answers
A: A cheap soundbar is an inexpensive way to improve the sound quality of your TV or other media setting. It usually costs less than soundbars with better sound. While more expensive models may have extra features like Dolby Atmos support, wireless subwoofers, and advanced sound technologies, cheap soundbars give you a basic audio update on a budget.
A: Cheap soundbars can be worth it if you have a small budget and just want to make your TV’s built-in speakers sound a little better. They are great for small to medium-sized rooms and basic listening needs. Even though they might not have as good sound as high-end models, they can still make your watching experience much better.
A: Yes, you can play music wirelessly from your phone, tablet, or other compatible device to many cheap soundbars that have Bluetooth built in. With this feature, it’s easy to play music, podcasts, or other sounds from streaming services without having to connect to them physically.