There’s a familiar moment that hits almost everyone with a modern TV: the picture looks fantastic… and then the sound immediately disappoints.
It’s not your imagination, it’s the reality of ultra-thin TVs that simply don’t have the physical space for decent speakers.
This is where budget soundbars can make a massive difference. Even just a small, affordable upgrade can enhance the entire viewing experience, giving you clearer dialogue, fuller sound, and something that actually resembles a home cinema (without spending a fortune or having to fill your room with gear).
So if you’re in the market for a budget-friendly soundbar, read on for my top picks!
What “Budget” Actually Means in 2026
“Budget soundbar” is one of those phrases that gets stretched to the point of losing all meaning. Some reviewers happily slap it on anything under £400, which feels a bit optimistic. But for this guide, my focus is on genuinely affordable models (roughly £70 to £200) that deliver a noticeable upgrade without drifting into premium territory.
But first: A few expectations worth setting before we get into the recommendations:
- You’re aiming for better clarity and impact, not full cinematic immersion. Even the best budget bars won’t recreate a wall of speakers, but they will stop voices from sounding like they’re trapped inside your TV.
- Subwoofers matter, but not every setup needs one. Bars with a dedicated sub add far more depth, but they also take up more room.
- The price jump from the entry-level to mid-budget range brings much bigger gains than you’d expect. Spend a little more, and you’ll hear it immediately in dialogue, bass control, and stereo width.
- Connectivity isn’t equal across the board. HDMI ARC is the sweet spot; optical is the simpler fallback; Bluetooth-only should be approached with low expectations.
If your goal is to get the most noticeable improvement for the least money, it’s important to know what to prioritise. My recommendation? Put your cash into sound quality first, connectivity second, and fancy extras dead last.
Features That Matter in a Budget Soundbar
Buying a budget soundbar can feel a bit like scrolling through a takeaway menu where everything looks the same until you actually try it. The spec sheets don’t tell the whole story, and some features sound important but make almost no real difference.
In my opinion, here are the most important features that will genuinely shape how your setup sounds.
Budget Soundbar: Key Features to Look For
Best Budget Soundbars in 2026
These are the budget soundbars that genuinely stand out right now; not just on specs, but in real-world use. Clear dialogue, solid bass, straightforward setup, and good value are the main ingredients here.
Best Overall: JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass (MK2)
Price range: £180–£220
The JBL Bar 2.1 remains one of the most consistently impressive budget options. It strikes the right balance between price, power, and clarity, and the wireless subwoofer gives it far more impact than most competitors in this range.
Why it stands out:
- Full, punchy sound with genuinely strong bass
- Very clear dialogue without needing constant adjustment
- HDMI ARC for easy TV control
- Works well for both films and everyday TV
Limitations:
- The subwoofer takes up a bit of space
- Not ideal for very small rooms
- No advanced smart features (which most people won’t miss)
Best for: Living rooms and anyone wanting a big upgrade without spending big money.
Best Under £100: Creative Stage 2.1
Price range: £70–£95
If your budget is tight but you still want a proper step up from TV audio, the Creative Stage 2.1 is the one that repeatedly surprises people. It sounds far better than its price suggests and includes a compact subwoofer that adds noticeable weight.
Why it’s great:
- Incredible value for money
- Clear dialogue and decent bass for smaller spaces
- Multiple connection options (HDMI ARC, optical, aux, USB)
- Slim design works well for desks and TV stands
Limitations:
- Not as loud or detailed as pricier bars
- The subwoofer can sound a little boomy at higher volumes
- Build quality is good, not premium
Best for: Smaller rooms, student setups, and anyone upgrading on a tight budget.
Best With Subwoofer: LG SN5Y
Price range: £150–£190
If you want a soundbar with proper depth and cinematic punch without jumping into the high-end category, the LG SN5Y is a very solid choice. It’s one of the better-tuned bars at this price point.
Why it’s strong:
- Powerful, well-controlled bass
- Clear sound with good separation
- HDMI ARC and Bluetooth support
- Works well for action-heavy films
Limitations:
- Best performance comes at moderate volume
- Design is simple rather than stylish
Best for: Larger rooms and film lovers who want stronger low-end presence.
Best Compact Option: Sony HT-SF150
Price range: £80–£120
For smaller spaces, bedrooms, or setups where a subwoofer isn’t practical, Sony’s SF150 is an excellent compact bar that still offers a noticeable upgrade over TV speakers.
Why it works so well:
- Slim, lightweight design
- Clean mids and clear dialogue
- Ideal for tighter spaces
- HDMI ARC included
Limitations:
- Bass is limited without a sub
- Not ideal for big cinematic sound
Best for: Bedrooms, apartments, and minimalist setups.
Best for Cinematic Punch: Samsung HW-T420
Price range: £110–£140
If you’re after something with energy and presence for movie nights, the Samsung HW-T420 offers an engaging sound that gives action scenes real weight while keeping voices understandable.
Why it stands out:
- Strong bass for the price
- Easy, stable setup
- Good clarity and wide soundstage
- Great with films and gaming
Limitations:
- Limited connectivity (optical and Bluetooth only)
- No HDMI ARC
- Not as refined for music listening
Best for: Film lovers who want a dynamic sound without overspending.
Best Stretch-Budget Upgrade: Sonos Beam Gen 2
Price range: £360–£450
The Sonos Beam Gen 2 isn’t technically a budget soundbar, but it’s the model people constantly ask about when they’re trying to stay “sensible” with spending while still wanting something noticeably more polished.
If your budget can stretch past the £200 mark, the Beam Gen 2 delivers a level of clarity and refinement the cheaper models simply can’t match.
Why it’s such a strong upgrade:
- Excellent dialogue clarity without sounding harsh
- Surprisingly full sound even without a subwoofer
- Atmos support (virtualised, but still impressive at this size)
- Integrates perfectly with the Sonos ecosystem
- Clean, compact design that fits under most TVs
Limitations:
- The most expensive option on this list
- True low-end depth requires adding the Sonos Sub (which isn’t exactly budget-friendly)
- No Bluetooth
- Works best for users already invested (or planning to invest) in Sonos
Best for: Anyone willing to push their budget a little further for a more premium, room-filling soundbar that’s incredibly easy to live with.
Budget Doesn’t Mean Boring: My Final Thoughts
A good budget soundbar doesn’t need to be flashy or loaded with features, it just needs to fix the two big problems modern TVs struggle with: clear dialogue and fuller sound.
Every model in this list delivers a noticeable improvement, but they each shine in slightly different situations.
- If you want the best balance of price and performance, the JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass is the safest all-round pick.
- For tight budgets, the Creative Stage still punches far above its weight.
- If you prefer something compact and simple, the Sony HT-SF150 is ideal for smaller rooms.
- And if you’re chasing that cinematic feeling, the LG SN5Y or Samsung HW-T420 will get you much closer than you’d expect at these prices.
Then there’s the Sonos Beam Gen 2, a stretch-budget upgrade that plays in a different league. Not essential, but a brilliant choice if you want something that feels genuinely premium without stepping into high-end territory.
The bottom line though? You don’t need a massive surround sound setup to make films, TV, and games sound dramatically better. Even a modest soundbar can make your home cinema experience feel far more immersive and enjoyable.
