Soundbars are a godsend to budget tech lovers, especially gamers in need of something better than TV audio. Soundbars aren’t quite as powerful as surround sound systems, but they’re usually much better than standard PC speakers.
The Best Gaming Soundbars in 2024
Gaming soundbars are gaining popularity by the day, and they all sound so good! Here are the best soundbars for gaming.
Most soundbars are already very affordable, and there’s little reason to spend more than a few hundred dollars on one, but for those who really want to cut down on their spending, finding one of the cheaper soundbar options is ideal. However, players can expect decent performance and rich audio even when limiting themselves to soundbars listed at less than $200.
Game ZXC’s Top Picks of the Best Soundbars Under $200
ULTIMEA Nova S50 Dolby Atmos SoundBar
The ULTIMEA Nova S50 Dolby Atmos SoundBar is the ideal way to elevate any gaming or streaming setup to full-blown Dolby Atmos Home Theater status. Equipped with Dolby Atmos, the top-of-the-line audio technology tailored for high-end devices, the Nova S50 offers incredible sound at a great price. Relying on the Dolby Atmos algorithm to transform an ordinary 2.1 stereo sound into a multi-dimensional sound, the Nova S50 provides users with immersive 3D audio that will dramatically fill any small to medium-sized room with amazing sound.
- Connectivity
- HDMI-eARC, OPT, AUX
- Integrations
- Dolby Atmos/Digital/Audio
- Power
- 110~240V
- Subwoofer Output
- ~50/60HZ
- Dimensions
- 15.7 x 1.5 x 3.0 in
- Compact form is ideal for most TV setups
- Additionally compatible with PCs
- Includes a powerful subwoofer
- Not ideal for compact PC setups
The Nova S50 Soundbar from Ultimea is the best overall soundbar available for less than $200 thanks to the fact that its performance is competitive with affordable surround sound systems. The 2.1 speaker comes with an impressively loud soundbar and a powerful subwoofer to provide precise 3D audio from TV screens.
The soundbar can also connect to PCs with ease, featuring ports on the back for HDMI, USB, and AUX cables. To get the most out of the Nova S50, users will have to have the right drivers downloaded, as the soundbar is compatible with Dolby's most advanced audio enhancements, foremost among them being Dolby Atmos. Users can further improve their sound by utilizing Ultimea's EQ programs, which allow for customizing settings such as bass and treble levels, vocal and music balance, and volume.
The compact size of the Nova S50 soundbar makes it perfect for placing underneath TV screens, though with the bass subwoofer, if you have a small desk or TV stand it's probably not going to be ideal. However, for those with small to medium-sized TV screens in rooms up to about 300 square feet, it's hard to beat the $100 Ultimea Nova S50 soundbar.
Redragon GS560 RGB Desktop Soundbar
The first Redragon RGB soundbar features an upgraded driver that delivers a crystal-clear sound combined with rich bass. Four different backlit modes offer both dynamic and static glowing LED illumination. Players can keep it underneath any device, as the 16-inch compact size suits almost any desktop setup. USB-powered with 3.5mm audio and mic cables, this soundbar from Redragon is perfect for PC, TV, laptop, and smartphone gaming spaces.
- Connectivity
- USB, 3.5mm
- Power
- 4W
- Dimensions
- 25.2"x25.2"x7.48"
- Bright RGB lighting
- Easy to set up and control
- Very affordable
- Not ideal for TVs
Redragon is well-known in the budget gaming community, although mostly for its mouse and keyboard options. Even with those PC peripherals, though, their reputation for having bright and bold RGB lighting is beginning to rival even Razer's lineup. The GS560 soundbar is no different, with a brilliant RGB lightstrip at the base of the bar offering customizable backlighting that can even sync with certain devices and programs. Even with excellent RGB lighting, Redragon manages to stick to its roots and offer this soundbar for less than most other sound systems.
That low cost results in a compact size, making it ideal for PC gamers with limited space and for those who want an affordable way to add some lighting to their gaming space. The small size doesn't mean poor sound, either. The soundbar is a 2.1 system, meaning it offers two 4W sound drivers, plus surprisingly clear bass tones. The simple design makes it easy to adjust the volume, while touch controls allow you to change the audio to better suit different activities, such as gaming, listening to music, or watching streamed content.
While the small size and plug-and-play USB connectivity are great for PC users, this soundbar isn't going to work well for users with TVs, though some portable gaming consoles might benefit from the GS560. At less than $40 MSRP, there's really no reason for PC gamers to pass up adding this audio enhancement to their setup, even if they need to get something else for their TV.
Sony S100F Soundbar
The Sony S100F is a 2-channel speaker with a built-in tweeter. It offers a simple Bluetooth connection for easy set-up, but the speaker is designed to bring impressive theater-like audio to a living room. This model features a Bass Reflex speaker to produce deep sound for both music and movies. It has a slim design that can fit well in small living spaces and comes with an HDMI ARC for easy TV set-up.
- Connectivity
- USB, Bluetooth
- Power
- 120W
- Speaker Arrangement
- 2.0CH
- Dimensions
- 37.8 x 14.7 x 9.2 inches
- Compact design
- Easily wall mountable
- Both wired and wireless connectivity
- Not as affordable as other options
The Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar is a great solution for users looking to boost their sound with no fuss. It isn't as affordable as our top choice, but what it lacks in affordability, it makes up for in ease of use. This Sony soundbar is long enough to accommodate most TV sizes, yet its height and width are small enough to seamlessly blend in with entertainment centers either on furniture or mounted on a wall.
At the same time, the S100F soundbar has a versatile design ready to serve a variety of devices. The HDMI and USB ports on the back make it easy to connect to TVs, PCs, and consoles, but there's also Bluetooth available, which makes it possible to connect to smartphones or play music through smart home devices.
The Sony S100F soundbar comes with two incredible speakers, including a bass reflex speaker that enhances deep tones. Despite the compact build, this soundbar delivers 120W of power and is ideal for someone in need of a quick, simple, and small soundbar that will deliver exceptional audio from different devices.
Razer Leviathan V2 X
The Razer Leviathan V2 X is a compact soundbar that is perfect for gamers living in small spaces. Relying on full-range drivers and two passive radiators, the Leviathan V2 X is an all-around audio solution for playing games, watching movies, and listening to music.
The Leviathan V2 X can connect to PCs and mobile devices through a USB-C connection or Bluetooth with a maximum volume level of 90 dBs. Fully integrating with Razer's Chroma RGB ecosystem, the underglow lighting on the soundbar can sync with compatible games and react to gameplay events.
- Brand
- Razer
- Dimensions
- 15.8"x2.8"x 3"
- Connection
- USB-C, Bluetooth
- Number Included
- 1
- Perfect for Razer fans
- Excellent RGB
- Max SPL of 90db
- More expensive versions needed for TV use
Razer is still the king of RGB, especially when it comes to PC accessories, and the Leviathan V2 X soundbar is yet another example of why. The V2 X has 14 lighting zones and can be completely customized with millions of colors and dozens of dynamic patterns using the Razer Synapse app. The bright and bold RGB of Razer products is on full display with this soundbar, and that lighting can even be synced with other Razer products to create a truly immersive gaming setup.
On the audio side of things, the soundbar is no slouch either. Razer has packed two full-range drivers and two passive radiators into the Leviathan V2 X, while still allowing it to be powered by a single USB cord. You can also connect the soundbar via Bluetooth to different devices, such as smartphones, for seamless streaming from anywhere.
More advanced versions of the Leviathan V2 include a subwoofer and a much longer body that's more suitable for use with TVs as well as PCs, but these quickly surpass a $200 budget limit. The V2 X is available for less than $100 and is often on sale for more, making it a good balance between powerful features and affordability. Considering that the V2 X by itself can reach up to 90db and can already connect to most devices through either a wired or wireless connection, it'd be nearly impossible to find a better RGB soundbar for less than $200.
Puxinat 2-in-1 Separable Sound Bar
Players can experience the best of both worlds with the Puxinat detachable soundbar and subwoofer combo. Enjoy the convenience of a sleek soundbar for everyday use, or attach the powerful subwoofer for deep, rumbling bass that brings entertainment to life. The powerful soundbar and subwoofer set delivers crystal-clear dialogue, rich mid-range tones, and immersive surround sound, ideal for players' favorite movies, games, and music. Users can connect to consoles, PCs, and other devices using wired or wireless connections, depending on what suits their space best.
- Dimensions
- 17.6 x 7.1 x 10.7 inches
- Connectivity
- RCA, Bluetooth, USB, Optical, HDMI
- Power
- Up to 600W
- Subwoofer Output
- 40 Hz
- Wide compatibility
- Versatile design
- Very affordable
- Soundbar doesn?t have much bass by itself
Customization doesn’t always mean flashy lights or sponsored skins, and the Puxinat 2-in-1 soundbar proves that. This versatile soundbar is perfect for watching TV or gaming on a PC, mostly thanks to its titular ability to be either a flat soundbar or a matching set of speakers.
Four full-range, 120W speakers make up the main part of the soundbar. These speakers can deliver powerful audio, even creating a surround sound effect when split. Along with the soundbar itself, this set comes with a 40Hz, wired subwoofer that offers deep bass notes to balance out the higher-pitched tones coming from the soundbar.
The Puxinat 2-in-1 soundbar has easily accessible ports that allow for USB, HDMI, AUX, and even coaxial connections. Plus, you can use Bluetooth capabilities to connect to even more devices. To further enhance audio from multiple devices, the soundbar comes preloaded with 10 preset sound effects that target different types of audio, such as music and verbal audio.
The long soundbar design is perfect for TVs up to 50 inches and can be effective at supporting even larger screens. As for PCs, the long build is great for multiple monitors, but the split design is even better for more compact setups. Overall, the Puxinat 2-in-1 Soundbar is perfect for users who want to be able to make their soundbar their own, at any time.
Anker Soundcore 2
The Anker Soundcore 2 offers users 12W of pure audio power with enhanced bass from dual neodymium drivers. With zero distortion at any volume, this speaker uses Anker's exclusive bass up technology to boost low-end frequencies to make the beats hit even harder. The speaker is also IPX7-rated, making it safe for the outdoors.
Users can enjoy the simple design and excellent audio for up to 24 hours before needing to charge the device.
- Dimensions
- 6.5 x 2.2 x 1.8 inches
- Maximum output power
- 12W
- Weight
- 1.13 lbs
- Battery
- 5,200mAh
- Colors
- Black, blue, navy, red
- Water and dust resistance
- IPX7
- Impressive sound for such a small device
- IPX7 weather-resistant rating
- Up to 24-hour playtime
- Very small
The Anker Soundcore 2 may be small, but it's a mighty addition to any get-together or party, regardless of the weather. This durable little soundbar may be one of the smallest options available, but most users who want a portable speaker can't go wrong with Anker.
Anker is already fairly well-known for their portable speakers, so it's no surprise that their Soundcore 2 is packed with 12W stereo sound and BassUp technology that enriches deep tones. Plus, with a 5,200 mAh battery, you can keep playing music for up to 24 hours at a time.
The wireless connectivity makes it easy to pair with smart devices and PCs, so it's a nice addition to home settings as well as outdoor events. However, the IPX7 rating will do its best work outside, where it protects the soundbar from a host of elemental damage, such as rain and mud. The affordable price reflects its small form factor, so you won't break the bank by adding this ultra-portable soundbar to your collection of audio accessories.
How to Choose Affordable Soundbars
Having a ton of options available at the $200 mark isn’t very helpful to narrow down the choices to just one soundbar. You still need to focus on a few key features to determine which soundbar will be best for you and your current setup.
- Platform: What the soundbar is going to be used for is important. Different soundbars will perform better or worse depending on whether they’re connected to a PC, a smart TV, or a gaming console.
- Size: The size of a soundbar matters for two obvious reasons. First, a soundbar should fit in the available space next to, behind, or underneath the device it's connected to. Secondly, the size of a soundbar often determines how many drivers (and of what size) are packed inside the device and thus, how loud the soundbar can get.
- Connectivity: Wired devices may be a bit more inconvenient, but they also often provide a stronger connection and experience less lag. Wireless soundbars are great for multi-purpose use, such as connecting with both PCs at home and smartphones on the go.
Best Bluetooth Speakers for 2024
Whether people are going on a trip or hanging out in the backyard, these small speakers make it easy to get that home stereo sound on the go.
FAQ
Q: Are $100 soundbars worth it?
Yes, soundbars listed at $100 are definitely worth it, as these often feature things such as subwoofer bass, wireless connectivity, and RGB lighting.
Q: Is it best to get the same brand soundbar as your TV?
While it may be slightly easier to set up wireless soundbars that are the same brand as the TV they're connecting to, most soundbars and TVs are equipped with the correct software to connect without issues.