If you’ve been frustrated with your TV’s weak, tinny speakers, you’re not alone. Most modern TVs look great but sound terrible. That’s where a soundbar comes in. The good news? You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to improve your audio setup. Even under $50, there are several reliable soundbars that can dramatically boost your sound quality — especially for dialogue clarity, podcasts, and everyday TV watching.
In this detailed 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the best soundbars under $50, what features matter the most at this price, and how to set them up for the best performance. Whether you’re setting up a TV in your bedroom, dorm room, or small apartment, this list will help you get the best bang for your buck.
A soundbar is the easiest and most affordable way to make your TV audio louder, clearer, and more immersive. At this price point, you can’t expect a full home theater experience — but you can expect a noticeable improvement in sound clarity and dialogue.
Here’s what makes budget soundbars appealing:
Affordable Upgrade: Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to splurge on expensive home theater systems.
Simple Setup: Most models plug directly into your TV via AUX, Optical, or Bluetooth.
Compact Design: Great for small spaces, apartments, or desktop setups.
Bluetooth Connectivity: Allows you to stream music directly from your phone or laptop.
If your main priority is improving the clarity of TV shows, talk shows, and YouTube content, a soundbar under $50 is an excellent choice.
What to Expect from a Soundbar Under $50
Before diving into our top picks, it’s important to set realistic expectations. While even the best soundbars in this price range can improve sound dramatically, they won’t match premium models that cost several hundred dollars.
Here’s what you can typically expect from a soundbar under $50:
✅ What You’ll Get
Improved Dialogue: Voices sound clearer, making TV shows and movies easier to follow.
Compact Size: Most are designed for smaller TVs (24–43 inches).
Basic Bass: Enough low-end for casual viewing but not enough to shake the walls.
Bluetooth Support: Many allow wireless music streaming.
Remote Control: Some come with small remotes for volume and input adjustments.
🚫 What You Won’t Get
Room-Filling Bass: You won’t get the deep rumble of a subwoofer.
Advanced Audio Formats: No Dolby Atmos or DTS:X at this price.
Premium Materials: Expect lightweight plastic instead of metal finishes.
Multiple HDMI Ports: Most budget bars rely on AUX or Optical connections.
In short — these soundbars won’t turn your living room into a cinema, but they’ll make dialogue and background sounds much more enjoyable.
Top 5 Best Soundbars Under $50 (2025 Edition)
Let’s explore the best options available this year. These models consistently deliver the most value, performance, and reliability within this tight budget range.
Why It’s Great:
The Majority Bowfell has become one of the best-selling budget soundbars for a reason. It delivers surprisingly rich sound for its small size, offers multiple input options, and includes a handy remote. Whether you’re watching Netflix, gaming, or streaming music, it does a solid job across the board.
Key Features:
50W output for rich, balanced sound
Bluetooth, Optical, RCA, and AUX connections
Compact design that fits neatly under any TV
Built-in EQ modes for music, movies, and dialogue
Remote control for convenience
Pros:
Crisp vocals and balanced mids
Multiple input options
Compact and easy to install
Great value for money
Cons:
Limited deep bass
Plastic build feels a bit lightweight
Perfect For: Small apartments, bedrooms, dorm rooms, or anyone who wants a plug-and-play sound upgrade without spending much.
2. ONN Compact Soundbar
Best for Absolute Budget Buyers
Why It’s Great:
Sold mainly at Walmart, the ONN Compact Soundbar is one of the cheapest ways to enhance your TV sound. It may not win design awards, but for its ultra-low price, it performs better than expected. It’s an ideal choice for guest rooms, kids’ TVs, or secondary setups.
Key Features:
Simple plug-and-play setup
Bluetooth and AUX connectivity
Basic but effective sound improvement
Compact form factor
Pros:
Incredibly affordable
Decent clarity for dialogue
Easy setup and operation
Cons:
Limited bass response
Fewer connectivity options
Perfect For: Viewers on a very tight budget who just want a louder, clearer sound than their TV speakers can provide.
Why It’s Great:
The Mzeibo soundbar packs in more features than most competitors at the same price. It’s often available under $50 and includes Bluetooth, AUX, Optical, and even USB playback. Sound quality is clear and well-balanced for everyday use.
Key Features:
2.0 channel system with virtual surround
Bluetooth 5.0 for stable wireless connection
Multiple inputs (AUX, Optical, USB)
Sleek, modern design
Pros:
Lots of connectivity options
Clean sound and reliable performance
Compact yet sturdy design
Cons:
Remote control range could be better
Slight distortion at maximum volume
Perfect For: Anyone who wants versatility — this bar works well with TVs, PCs, laptops, and even smartphones.
Why It’s Great:
If you want something that doubles as both a computer speaker and a TV soundbar, the BlueDee is a great choice. It’s compact, USB-powered, and has built-in LED lighting that gives it a modern touch. Despite its small size, it produces clear mids and highs for podcasts, YouTube videos, and general TV use.
Key Features:
USB or 3.5mm connection
Compact 16-inch design
RGB lighting effects
Built-in volume knob
Pros:
Perfect for desks and small rooms
Easy to power via USB
Clear and crisp voice reproduction
Attractive lighting design
Cons:
No optical input
Limited loudness for large spaces
Perfect For: PC users, students, or anyone who needs an affordable mini soundbar for small-scale setups.
5. VILINICE 16-Inch Soundbar
Best Under $50 for Balanced Sound
Why It’s Great:
The VILINICE 16-Inch Soundbar is one of the more balanced options in this category. It offers decent loudness, clear vocals, and multiple connection methods. Its Bluetooth performance is also better than many competitors at the same price.
Key Features:
Dual full-range drivers for crisp audio
Bluetooth 5.0, Optical, AUX, and RCA support
50W peak output
Remote control and wall-mounting option
Pros:
Clear dialogue and balanced sound
Modern design and easy setup
Great connectivity range
Cons:
Slightly bulky for smaller TVs
Average bass depth
Perfect For: Those who want a balanced performer that works well for both movies and music playback.
How to Choose the Right Budget Soundbar
Choosing the right soundbar under $50 can feel tricky because many look similar. Here are the key factors to keep in mind before buying:
1. Connection Options
Make sure the soundbar is compatible with your TV.
Optical Input: Best quality sound; preferred for TVs.
AUX (3.5mm): Common and works with almost any device.
Bluetooth: Great for wireless streaming.
USB: Convenient for plugging in music directly.
2. Size and Placement
Match the soundbar to your TV and space.
A 16–20-inch soundbar pairs perfectly with TVs up to 43 inches. If you have a wall-mounted TV, choose a soundbar with wall-mounting brackets.
3. Audio Quality
Look for at least 20–50W RMS output, as it provides enough loudness for medium-sized rooms. Focus on clarity, not volume — that’s what improves your experience the most.
4. Remote Control
A remote makes volume and input switching much easier. Not all $50 soundbars include one, so check the box contents before purchasing.
5. Build Quality
While all budget bars use plastic, some feel sturdier than others. A firm, solid body often means less vibration and clearer sound.
Setup Tips: How to Get the Best Sound from a Cheap Soundbar
Even the best soundbar under $50 can sound better with proper setup. Here’s how to maximize performance:
Center the Soundbar: Place it directly under your TV for clear voice alignment.
Avoid Obstructions: Don’t block the speaker grilles; leave at least 2–3 inches of space.
Use Optical or Wired Connections: Whenever possible, use a wired connection to reduce audio lag and interference.
Experiment with EQ Modes: Some models offer “Music,” “Movie,” or “Dialogue” settings — try each to find your preferred sound.
Turn Off TV Speakers: If you’re using a soundbar, disable your TV’s built-in speakers to prevent echoing.
Adjust Placement for Bass: Placing the bar near a wall can slightly enhance bass response.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Cheap Soundbar
Even though these are affordable products, small mistakes can impact your experience. Avoid the following:
Buying purely based on wattage: High “peak” power numbers don’t always mean better sound. Focus on clarity and user reviews.
Ignoring connectivity: Not all soundbars include optical inputs, so double-check compatibility with your TV.
Expecting surround sound: 2.0-channel soundbars don’t offer real surround audio — only simulated effects.
Overlooking return policies: Budget soundbars can vary in reliability. Buy from retailers with easy returns.
When Should You Spend More Than $50?
If you can stretch your budget slightly, moving up to the $70–$150 range opens the door to soundbars with:
Dedicated subwoofers for deeper bass
HDMI ARC/eARC support for seamless TV control
Virtual surround technology (DTS Virtual:X or Dolby Digital)
Better Bluetooth range and stronger build quality
However, if your primary goal is to simply make dialogue clearer and TV sound more natural, a sub-$50 soundbar can still make a world of difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can a $50 soundbar replace a home theater system?
Not really — it’s meant to enhance, not replace, a full surround setup. You’ll get clearer sound but not immersive surround effects.
Q2: Is Bluetooth audio worse than wired connections?
Bluetooth is convenient but can introduce slight audio lag. For movies or gaming, a wired connection is usually better.
Q3: How long do budget soundbars last?
With proper care, even a cheap soundbar can last 2–3 years or more. Keep it dust-free and avoid overdriving the volume.
Q4: Can I use a cheap soundbar for my PC or laptop?
Absolutely. Many under-$50 soundbars are small enough to fit on desks and connect easily via Bluetooth or AUX.
Q5: Do these soundbars have subwoofers?
Most under-$50 models are 2.0-channel, meaning no subwoofer. Some simulate low-end frequencies, but true bass requires a separate sub.
Final Verdict: Which Soundbar Should You Buy Under $50?
If you’re ready to upgrade your TV sound on a small budget, here’s a quick summary:
Best Overall: Majority Bowfell – perfect balance of price, features, and sound clarity.
Best Ultra-Budget Option: ONN Compact Soundbar – extremely affordable and easy to use.
Best for Features: Mzeibo Soundbar – multiple inputs and versatile design.
Best for Desktops: BlueDee Mini Soundbar – compact, stylish, and perfect for small spaces.
Best for Balanced Sound: VILINICE 16-Inch – offers the most refined sound in this price range.
All of these models will dramatically outperform your TV’s built-in speakers, even if they don’t offer high-end surround effects. They’re compact, affordable, and easy to install — perfect for anyone who wants better sound without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: Big Improvement, Tiny Price
A soundbar under $50 is one of the simplest and most affordable upgrades you can make to your entertainment setup. You won’t get theater-quality bass or 3D surround effects, but you will get clear dialogue, richer sound, and a more enjoyable experience overall.
If you’re tired of straining to hear voices or turning up your TV volume to the max, a budget soundbar can fix that instantly. Choose one that matches your space, connectivity needs, and style — and enjoy a richer, more immersive sound experience for less than the cost of a dinner out.
