Buying Guide for the Best Soundbar Under 200
Choosing the right soundbar is all about knowing what kind of audio experience you want and making sure it fits your space and the way you watch or listen to content. A soundbar can massively improve your TV's audio, giving clearer dialogue and richer sound compared to built-in TV speakers. When shopping for a soundbar, it's smart to think about your room size, how you plan to connect it, and what features you'll actually use in your daily life.Speaker ChannelsSpeaker channels refer to the number of separate audio channels the soundbar can produce. Common configurations include 2.0 (just left and right speakers), 2.1 (left and right plus a subwoofer for bass), and 3.1 (adds a dedicated center channel for clearer voices, plus subwoofer). Higher channel counts can better mimic surround sound, which adds to immersion when watching movies. For smaller rooms or general TV watching, 2.0 or 2.1 might be enough. If you want clearer dialogue or a bit of a home theater feel, look for a 3.1 or higher channel count.
Connectivity OptionsConnectivity refers to how you hook your soundbar up to your TV or other devices. The most common are HDMI ARC (or eARC), optical, Bluetooth, and sometimes AUX (3.5mm). HDMI usually gives the best sound quality and lets you control the soundbar with your TV remote, while Bluetooth is handy for streaming music from your phone. Consider what your TV supports and what devices you'll want to use with the soundbar—pick the connectivity that matches your setup for the easiest use.
Subwoofer TypeA subwoofer provides deep bass, making your movies and music sound fuller. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, some come with an external (often wireless) subwoofer, and others have no subwoofer at all. If you like action movies or bass-heavy music, an external subwoofer can add a lot to your experience. If you just want clearer dialogue and modest upgrade over TV speakers, built-in or no subwoofer might be fine, saving space and keeping things simple.
Size and PlacementThe size of a soundbar affects both how it sounds and how it fits under your TV. Longer soundbars can create a wider soundstage, which feels more immersive, but might not fit under smaller TVs or on compact furniture. Check the soundbar's width and height to make sure it won't block your TV's screen or sensors. In compact spaces, a smaller soundbar can sound great without being overwhelming or awkwardly sized.
Audio Modes and FeaturesMany soundbars offer preset audio modes, like movie, music, or voice enhancement modes. These help you tweak how the soundbar processes audio to match what you’re watching. Some even have night mode (reducing loud sounds at night) or voice clarity modes (boosting dialogue). If you have trouble hearing voices clearly or need to avoid disturbing others, look for these features. Use your typical viewing habits to decide what modes you'll use most.