Budget Soundbars Under $140: Are They Worth Buying?

Looking for budget soundbars under $140 to boost your TV audio? Explore affordable options that deliver clearer dialogue and immersive sound without breaking the bank.

Why Upgrade to a Budget Soundbar?

TV speakers often fall short when it comes to delivering clear dialogue or rich, immersive sound. If you want to upgrade your home entertainment experience without spending a fortune, a budget soundbar can significantly improve audio quality.

Whether you want a simple soundbar for regular TV watching or a more cinematic experience, you can find a fitting option at an affordable price. That’s why we’ve gathered a list of the best budget soundbars under $140. And if you’re willing to spend a little more, check out our guide on the best soundbars for any budget.

Top Budget Soundbars: Quick Overview

• Best Overall Soundbar: Sony HT-SF150 offers clean and immersive sound with S-Force Pro Front Surround technology. With HDMI ARC and Bluetooth support, it’s a versatile and reliable choice for affordable TV audio enhancement.
• Best Cheap Compact Soundbar: Panasonic SC-HTB100 is a compact and simple soundbar that beats built-in TV speakers. It improves dialogue clarity and overall sound quality without unnecessary extras, perfect for small rooms or secondary TVs.
• Best Affordable Sonos Soundbar: Sonos Ray delivers superior dialogue clarity and multi-room connectivity via the Sonos app and AirPlay 2. Elegant in design and expandable, it’s ideal for building a Sonos-based home audio system.
• Best Budget Universal Soundbar: Hisense HS214 is a 2.1-channel soundbar with a built-in subwoofer producing deeper bass than typical 2.0 systems. It supports Dolby Digital and includes preset sound modes, HDMI ARC, and Bluetooth for convenience.
• Best Budget Surround Soundbar: The Ultimea 5.1 system, with a dedicated subwoofer and rear speakers, offers true multi-channel surround sound at a great price. Combining multiple speakers and Dolby Atmos processing, it brings full home theater sound in one affordable package.

In-Depth Review of the Best Budget Soundbars

Best Overall Soundbar: Sony HT-SF150

Verdict:
The Sony HT-SF150 is a simple yet well-made 2.0 soundbar boasting 120W RMS power and S-Force Pro Front Surround tech for a wider soundstage. Bluetooth and HDMI ARC support make it a solid pick.

Pros:

• HDMI ARC and Bluetooth connectivity
• Slim, modern design

Cons:

• No dedicated subwoofer for deep bass

Specifications:

• Connections: HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth, USB
• Formats: Dolby Digital, DTS
• Dimensions: 90 × 6.4 × 8.8 cm, 2.4 kg

Sony’s HT-SF150 stands out in the budget category with its minimalist design and thoughtful sound features. S-Force Pro Front Surround broadens the audio scene, making movies and shows more engaging.

The HDMI ARC port simplifies setup, while Bluetooth lets you stream music wirelessly. Pre-set sound modes tailor audio for movies, music, or news. Robust and straightforward, it’s great for anyone seeking a hassle-free audio upgrade.

Best Cheap Compact Soundbar: Panasonic SC-HTB100

Verdict:
This 2.0-channel compact soundbar delivers 45W output, outperforming TV speakers. Equipped with bass-enhancing phase-inverter ports and Bluetooth, it’s an affordable upgrade.

Pros:

• Slim, wall-mountable form factor
• Bass resonator boosts low frequencies

Cons:

• Limited surround sound effect

Specifications:

• Connections: HDMI ARC, Optical, AUX, USB, Bluetooth
• Format: Dolby Digital
• Dimensions: 76.2 × 5.8 × 6.8 cm, 1.5 kg

The SC-HTB100’s slim profile fits perfectly under most TVs without drawing attention. It enhances dialogue clarity and overall sound compared to built-in speakers.

HDMI ARC lets you control it with your TV remote, and Bluetooth allows easy wireless music streaming. While it won’t shake the room with booming bass, it’s an excellent, practical choice for those needing a simple sound boost.

Best Affordable Sonos Soundbar: Sonos Ray

Verdict:
A quality compact soundbar ideal for Sonos ecosystem users; otherwise, explore other options.

Pros:

• Iconic Sonos design
• Affordable entry point for Sonos audio

Cons:

• Limited Bluetooth remote support
• No HDMI connection

Specifications:

• Connections: Optical, Ethernet, IR receiver
• Formats: Stereo PCM, Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS Digital Surround
• Streaming: Sonos app Wi-Fi, AirPlay 2
• Dimensions: 55.9 × 9.5 × 7.1 cm, 1.95 kg

Sonos Ray blends sleek form with excellent dialogue clarity and ease of use. It connects via optical input, making it suitable for TVs without ARC support, though some may see this as a drawback.

Controlled through the Sonos app, it supports AirPlay 2 and multi-room setups, allowing expansion with other Sonos speakers. Despite lacking a separate subwoofer, its drivers deliver balanced sound. Perfect for budding Sonos users or those integrating into an existing system.

Best Budget Universal Soundbar: Hisense HS214

Verdict:
With Dolby Digital, preset sound modes, and Roku TV compatibility, this is a great fit for smaller rooms.

Pros:

• Built-in subwoofer for richer bass
• Easy HDMI ARC setup

Cons:

• No Dolby Atmos or DTS support

Specifications:

• Connections: HDMI ARC, Optical, Bluetooth, USB, AUX, Coaxial
• Format: Dolby Digital
• Dimensions: 79.5 × 33.5 × 30.5 cm, 2.2 kg

If space is tight but you want fuller low-end sound, Hisense HS214’s 2.1-channel system is a smart choice. It offers sound presets for movies, music, and news for tailored listening.

With HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, and USB ports, it’s simple to hook up and stream your favorites. The built-in subwoofer delivers bass depth without extra bulk—ideal for compact living rooms or straightforward setups.

Best Budget Surround Soundbar: Ultimea 5.1

Verdict:
Get immersive surround sound affordably with the Ultimea 5.1 system, featuring wireless subwoofer and rear speakers.

Pros:

• Complete 5.1 surround sound system
• Adjustable surround speaker settings

Cons:

• Rear speakers connect via subwoofer

Specifications:

• Connections: Bluetooth, AUX, Optical, HDMI
• Formats: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
• Dimensions: 40 × 9 × 7 cm, 5.3 kg

For those craving real surround sound without the hefty price tag, Ultimea 5.1 is impressive. It includes a soundbar, wireless subwoofer, and two rear speakers, delivering authentic multi-directional sound.

With Dolby Atmos support over HDMI eARC, it creates a dynamic audio environment ideal for movies. Multiple inputs like optical, Bluetooth, and AUX give connection flexibility. A handy remote controls bass and surround levels, making it a fantastic budget home theater solution.

How to Choose the Best Budget Soundbar

To get the most from your budget soundbar, consider these key factors:

• Sound Quality: Look for clear audio, impactful bass, and overall balanced sound. All soundbars on this list are vetted for quality.
• Configuration: Budget soundbars come in setups like 2.0 (two channels), 2.1 (two channels plus subwoofer), and 5.1 (five channels plus subwoofer). Pick what fits your room and immersion preferences.
• Audio Formats: For cinematic sound, seek models supporting Dolby Atmos or DTS:X for true surround experience.
• Expandability: Some soundbars allow multi-room Wi-Fi speaker connectivity (preferably from the same brand), perfect for a full home audio system.
• Size: Ensure the soundbar fits your space and TV setup comfortably.
• Connectivity: Check if it supports the connections you need: HDMI ARC/eARC for easy TV control, optical audio, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi streaming.

"Sony HT-SF150 brings a touch of elegance to budget soundbars with its minimalist design and thoughtful audio features."

Final Thoughts

Investing in a budget soundbar under $140 can dramatically enhance your TV’s audio, making movies, shows, and music more enjoyable without blowing your budget. Whether you want simple sound clarity or immersive surround sound, there's a budget-friendly option that fits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What’s the main benefit of adding a soundbar to my TV?
  A soundbar improves audio clarity, enhances dialogue, and adds richer sound depth compared to standard TV speakers.
• Is it worth buying a soundbar under $140?
  Yes, budget soundbars can offer significant audio improvements and serve as affordable stepping stones to better sound systems.
• Do all budget soundbars include a subwoofer?
  Not always. Some models are 2.0 stereo only, while others like 2.1 include built-in or separate subwoofers for better bass.
• Can I connect a budget soundbar wirelessly?
  Many budget soundbars offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless music streaming, though Wi-Fi multi-room features are rarer.
• How important is HDMI ARC for a budget soundbar?
  HDMI ARC allows for easier control and better sound quality by letting your TV and soundbar communicate over one cable.

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