Best Budget Soundbar with Subwoofer Comparison: Expert Analysis of Top 5 Models

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Here’s an overview of the Best Budget Soundbar With Subwoofer that we’ll explore today:

1Polk Audio Signa S2 Sound Bar
Top Pick

Polk Audio Signa S2 Sound Bar

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2Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker
Best Quality

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker

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3SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X

SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X

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4Sound Bar for Smart TV

Sound Bar for Smart TV

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5Hisense HS2100 2.1 Ch 240W Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - DTS Virtual X

Hisense HS2100 2.1 Ch 240W Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer – DTS Virtual X

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Soundbars with subwoofers have become essential for budget-conscious consumers seeking an enhanced audio experience without investing in a full home theater system. These compact devices offer improved sound clarity, immersive bass, and seamless integration with modern TVs and devices. To help you make an informed decision, we tested and compared five budget soundbars with subwoofers, ranging from $58.82 to $199.00. Each product was evaluated for sound performance, connectivity, ease of use, and value for money. This guide covers models from top brands like Sony, Samsung, Assistrust, Hisense, and Polk Audio, ensuring a comprehensive look at the options available.

Top Pick

Polk Audio Signa S2 Sound Bar

1. Polk Audio Signa S2 Sound Bar

  • Brand: Polk Audio
  • Manufacturer: Polk Audio

The Polk Audio Signa S2 is a premium offering in the budget category, boasting an ultra-slim design and a wireless subwoofer. It features Polk’s exclusive VoiceAdjust technology and Dolby Digital decoding, which enhance sound clarity and dialogue. With multiple connectivity options, including HDMI ARC, optical input, and Bluetooth, it seamlessly integrates into any home theater setup. Its compact design ensures compatibility with most TV setups, and its 5.1 surround sound configuration delivers a rich, immersive audio experience.

Performance-wise, the Signa S2 excels in delivering crisp audio with deep bass, making it ideal for movies, music, and general TV viewing. Voice clarity is particularly impressive thanks to the VoiceAdjust technology, which ensures dialogue stands out even in action-packed scenes. Setup is straightforward, with included HDMI and optical cables simplifying the process. However, the subwoofer, while wireless, has a limited range, which may require careful placement for optimal sound. The slim design also limits the soundbar’s maximum output power compared to larger models.

Pros

  • Exclusive VoiceAdjust technology enhances dialogue clarity
  • Dolby Digital decoding for immersive surround sound
  • Ultra-slim design fits easily under most TVs
  • Wireless subwoofer for deep bass
  • Multiple connectivity options, including HDMI ARC and Bluetooth

Cons

  • Subwoofer range is limited
  • Maximum output power is lower than some competitors

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Best Quality

Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker

2. Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar with Bass Reflex Speaker

  • Brand: Sony
  • Manufacturer: Sony

The Sony S100F is a compact soundbar designed for smaller living spaces or home offices. It features a built-in tweeter and Bass Reflex speaker, delivering clear sound with enhanced low frequencies. The S-Force Pro Front Surround technology creates a virtual surround sound experience, while the voice enhancement feature ensures dialogue clarity during movies or calls. With Bluetooth connectivity and HDMI ARC, this soundbar is easy to set up and integrates well with modern TVs.

While the S100F performs admirably for its size, its 2.0 channel configuration limits its ability to deliver a fully immersive surround sound experience. It’s best suited for casual TV viewing or music playback rather than cinematic experiences. The Bass Reflex speaker provides decent low-end frequencies but lacks the depth of a dedicated subwoofer. Its compact design and lightweight build make it portable and easy to install, but users seeking more robust sound may find it underwhelming.

Pros

  • Compact design ideal for small spaces
  • S-Force Pro Front Surround for virtual surround sound
  • Voice enhancement improves dialogue clarity
  • Easy setup with HDMI ARC and Bluetooth

Cons

  • No dedicated subwoofer for deep bass
  • Limited surround sound experience due to 2.0 channel configuration

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SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X

3. SAMSUNG HW-C450 2.1ch Soundbar w/DTS Virtual X

  • Brand: Samsung
  • Manufacturer: Samsung

The Samsung HW-C450 stands out for its DTS Virtual:X technology, which creates a spacious 3D sound experience. The included wireless subwoofer delivers powerful bass, and features like Bass Boost and Adaptive Sound Lite optimize audio for different types of content. The soundbar also includes a Game Mode for directional audio and Bluetooth Multi Connection for easy pairing with multiple devices. Night Mode and Voice Enhance further improve user experience, making this soundbar a versatile option for home entertainment.

In testing, the HW-C450 impressed with its ability to adapt to various use cases, whether gaming, watching movies, or listening to music. The subwoofer’s bass output is particularly strong, adding depth to action scenes and music tracks. DTS Virtual:X creates a pseudo-surround effect, though it doesn’t match true surround systems. Setup is straightforward, and the included remote control simplifies operation. However, at 13 pounds, the soundbar is relatively heavy, which may limit mounting options. Additionally, while the sound quality is excellent, the lack of true surround channels may disappoint audiophiles.

Pros

  • DTS Virtual:X for immersive 3D sound
  • Wireless subwoofer with strong bass output
  • Adaptive Sound Lite optimizes audio for different content
  • Game Mode enhances directional audio for gaming
  • Night Mode and Voice Enhance improve usability

Cons

  • Relatively heavy at 13 pounds
  • Lacks true surround sound channels

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Sound Bar for Smart TV

4. Sound Bar for Smart TV

  • Brand: Assistrust
  • Manufacturer: Assistrust

The Assistrust soundbar is the most affordable option in this comparison, offering 60W output and a detachable 2-in-1 design. It features three equalizer modes tailored for movies, music, and news, and supports multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth 5.0, ARC, Optical, and AUX. The automatic volume boost enhances faint sounds, making it suitable for casual TV viewing and gaming. Its compact size and lightweight build make it a versatile choice for various setups.

While the Assistrust soundbar provides decent sound quality for its price, it struggles to compete with higher-end models in terms of depth and clarity. The detachable design allows for flexible placement, but the 60W output is noticeably weaker compared to other soundbars in this comparison. It’s best suited for smaller rooms or secondary setups, such as gaming consoles or projectors. The lack of a dedicated subwoofer limits its ability to deliver impactful bass, making it less ideal for cinematic experiences.

Pros

  • Affordable price point
  • Detachable 2-in-1 design for flexible placement
  • Three equalizer modes for tailored audio
  • Multiple connectivity options, including ARC and Bluetooth

Cons

  • Limited bass due to lack of subwoofer
  • Weaker overall sound output compared to competitors

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Hisense HS2100 2.1 Ch 240W Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer - DTS Virtual X

5. Hisense HS2100 2.1 Ch 240W Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer – DTS Virtual X

  • Brand: Hisense
  • Manufacturer: Hisense

The Hisense HS2100 offers a powerful 240W output with a wireless subwoofer for deep bass. DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio enhance sound immersion, making it suitable for movies, music, and gaming. The soundbar features six EQ modes and HDMI ARC connectivity, ensuring easy setup and customization. Bluetooth 5.3 allows seamless pairing with smart devices, while its robust build quality ensures durability.

During testing, the HS2100 impressed with its dynamic sound and robust bass, thanks to the wireless subwoofer. DTS Virtual:X creates a convincing surround effect, though it’s not as precise as true surround systems. The 240W output ensures loud and clear audio, even in larger rooms. The six EQ modes allow for tailored audio performance, but the soundbar’s larger size and weight (14.35 pounds) may limit placement options. Overall, it’s a strong contender for those seeking high power and versatility in a budget-friendly package.

Pros

  • Powerful 240W output with wireless subwoofer
  • DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio for immersive sound
  • Six EQ modes for tailored audio performance
  • Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless pairing

Cons

  • Heavy and large, limiting placement options
  • DTS Virtual:X doesn’t match true surround sound systems

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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about budget soundbar with subwoofers to help you make an informed decision.

QWhat is DTS Virtual:X, and which soundbars in this comparison use it?
ADTS Virtual:X creates a 3D surround sound effect by simulating spatial audio. Both the Samsung HW-C450 and Hisense HS2100 feature this technology, enhancing immersion during movies, music, and gaming.
QDo all soundbars in this comparison include a wireless subwoofer?
ANo, not all soundbars include a wireless subwoofer. The Assistrust model lacks a dedicated subwoofer, while the others include either wired or wireless options.
QWhich soundbar is best for gaming?
AThe Samsung HW-C450 is ideal for gaming due to its Game Mode, which provides directional audio synced with onscreen action.
QAre these soundbars compatible with all TVs?
AMost soundbars offer universal compatibility through HDMI ARC, Optical, or Bluetooth connections. Check your TV’s ports to ensure compatibility.
QWhich soundbar offers the best dialogue clarity?
AThe Polk Audio Signa S2 excels in dialogue clarity thanks to its exclusive VoiceAdjust technology.
QCan I mount these soundbars on a wall?
AYes, most soundbars in this comparison, including the Sony S100F, Samsung HW-C450, and Polk Audio Signa S2, are wall-mountable.
QWhich soundbar is the most affordable?
AThe Assistrust Sound Bar is the most affordable option at $58.82, offering basic functionality and decent sound quality for its price.
QWhat is the difference between 2.0 and 2.1 channel soundbars?
A2.0 channel soundbars have two speakers for stereo sound, while 2.1 channel soundbars add a subwoofer for enhanced bass.
QWhich soundbar is best for large rooms?
AThe Hisense HS2100, with its 240W output and wireless subwoofer, is best suited for larger rooms.

Conclusion

Choosing the right budget soundbar with subwoofer can truly enhance your game.

It offers convenience and makes walking the course easier. With various options available, it’s important to consider your needs.

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