Quick answer: The Hisense AX5140Q is the strongest budget choice for movies, gaming, Dolby Atmos, and real rear-channel surround sound. Choose the Samsung HW-B750F if you want a subwoofer but no satellite speakers, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if you need a compact standalone bar, or the Hisense HS2100 if your priority is the lowest-cost upgrade from weak TV speakers.
These are not interchangeable products. They range from a simple 2.1-channel bar-and-subwoofer system to a 5.1.4-channel package with wireless rear speakers. Prices and stock change frequently, so verify the live retailer price and availability before ordering. The recommendations below are based primarily on RTINGS’ budget soundbar testing and guide, with specifications checked against manufacturer pages.
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Best budget soundbars at a glance
| Soundbar | Configuration | Best for | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hisense AX5140Q | 5.1.4 with subwoofer and wireless rear speakers | Most immersive home theater | Needs space for rear speakers; price and stock vary |
| Samsung HW-B750F | 5.1 with wireless subwoofer | Surround effect without satellites | No Dolby Atmos and no included rear speakers |
| Sonos Beam (Gen 2) | 5.0 standalone bar | Small rooms, apartments, and Sonos users | No bundled subwoofer or rear speakers |
| Hisense HS2100 | 2.1 with wireless subwoofer | Cheapest credible upgrade | Not true rear-channel surround or Atmos |
RTINGS says it has tested more than 250 soundbars and separates these models by use case rather than treating one as universally best. Your room, TV, content, listening volume, and preference for bass or simplicity can change the right choice.
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Buy the Hisense AX5140Q if you want the most complete home-theater package without moving into expensive enthusiast equipment. It includes the bar, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless rear speakers, giving you actual rear channels rather than relying only on virtual surround processing.
The system is rated as 5.1.4-channel and includes 13 speakers across the package, including four up-firing drivers. Hisense lists Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.3, and 4K/60Hz passthrough. Supported Hisense televisions can also use the company’s Hi-Concerto feature. See the official Hisense AX5140Q specifications for the model’s connection and compatibility details.
#1 Best Overall
- 3.1.2 CHANNELS: With five front-firing and two up-firing speakers plus a powerful 6.5” subwoofer, this soundbar combo fills the room with powerful, distortion-free sound
- QUICK TOUCH EQ MODES: Get the best audio performance from music, movies, and news with a simple touch of the remote with seven EQ presets
- DOLBY ATMOS SOUND: Featuring Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technology, this system generates sound that seemingly flows from all around you, heightening your sense of immersion
- WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMING: Enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and more directly from your soundbar with ease with built-in Bluetooth 5.3 technology
- 4K HDR PASS THRU: Great audio doesn’t mean much without video to match. The built-in Pass-Thru technology ensures there are no sacrifices to 4K or HDR video so you can enjoy a premium AV experience
RTINGS names the AX5140Q the best budget soundbar it has tested, citing its balanced sound, dedicated bass, discrete satellites, and up-firing drivers. It also offers a graphic EQ, independent channel-level adjustments, night mode, and dialogue enhancement. Those controls are useful when you need to reduce bass late at night or bring voices forward without making every channel louder.
What to know before buying
- It needs a real layout: The rear speakers need suitable positions behind or beside the seating area, plus access to power. They are wireless for audio transmission, but “wireless” does not mean every speaker is free from power cables.
- Room correction is limited: The relevant room-correction feature requires a supported Hisense TV. RTINGS found that it made little difference in its test room, so do not choose this model solely for that feature.
- It may not always be under $300: Hisense announced a U.S. launch price of $399 in March 2025, and the company’s shop page listed $399.99 when checked but showed the product as sold out. Treat the AX5140Q as a sale-dependent budget recommendation and verify current stock.
- Rear-speaker placement affects the result: If your sofa is against a wall, the speakers cannot be placed behind it in an ideal way. The package may still improve immersion, but the soundstage will not match a room with proper separation.
Best for: Movie and gaming buyers who want Dolby Atmos, a dedicated subwoofer, and genuine rear speakers—and who have room for them.
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2. Samsung HW-B750F: best without satellite speakers
Buy the Samsung HW-B750F if you want a bar-and-subwoofer setup but do not want to install or position rear speakers. It is a 5.1-channel 2025 B-Series system with a wireless subwoofer and a dedicated center channel for dialogue.
Samsung lists Dolby Audio 5.1-channel support, DTS Virtual:X, Q-Symphony, Adaptive Sound, Bluetooth, optical input, and HDMI ARC. Its regional specifications also identify voice-enhancement and night modes. The Samsung HW-B750F product page does not identify it as a Dolby Atmos soundbar.
That distinction matters. The HW-B750F uses side-firing drivers and processing to create a wider or phantom surround effect, but it does not include rear speakers and should not be described as a full discrete surround package. DTS Virtual:X is also not the same thing as Dolby Atmos with dedicated height drivers.
RTINGS describes the sound as balanced, warm, and punchy, with the subwoofer adding impact and the center channel helping dialogue. Bass, treble, and subwoofer levels can be adjusted. However, the model lacks Dolby Atmos and more advanced features such as room correction.
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- 5.1.4 CHANNEL SURROUND SOUND – Experience immersive multi-dimensional audio with a 5.1.4-channel speaker configuration for home entertainment.
- DOLBY ATMOS AUDIO – Dolby Atmos technology creates expansive, cinematic sound that enhances movies, TV shows, and gaming.
- WIRELESS SUBWOOFER INCLUDED – Enjoy deep, powerful bass with the included wireless subwoofer for a richer listening experience.
- HDMI eARC & BLUETOOTH – Connect easily with HDMI eARC and stream music wirelessly from compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- HOME THEATER PERFORMANCE – Designed to elevate movies, music, sports, and gaming with room-filling, high-quality audio.
What to know before buying
- No included satellites: This is its advantage for small or visually simple rooms, but it also limits rear-channel immersion compared with the Hisense AX5140Q.
- Do not buy it for Atmos: Choose another model if object-based Dolby Atmos and height effects are essential.
- HDMI ARC, not eARC in the cited specification: Check your television’s available ports and the exact regional model before purchase.
- Sale pricing changes: Samsung’s displayed list price may not match a current retailer promotion, so compare live U.S. listings.
Best for: Viewers who want stronger bass and a wider surround presentation than a basic bar can provide, but have no room for rear speakers.
3. Sonos Beam (Gen 2): best standalone soundbar
Buy the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if you want one compact bar with no separate subwoofer or rear speakers. It is particularly well suited to apartments, bedrooms, small living rooms, and people already using Sonos speakers.
The Beam is a compact 5.0-channel standalone soundbar. It supports Dolby Digital and Dolby Atmos processing, integrates with the Sonos ecosystem, and includes Trueplay room correction. The Sonos Beam (Gen 2) fact sheet confirms its Dolby Atmos support and acoustic design.
RTINGS ranks it as the best budget standalone soundbar in its broader budget guide. Its strengths include clear vocals, a footprint under 25 inches wide, and convenient ecosystem integration. Trueplay can adapt the sound to a room, but the tuning process requires a compatible iOS device. Android users still have access to basic bass and treble controls, but not the same Trueplay setup.
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Atmos support needs careful interpretation. The Beam can process Dolby Atmos, but it does not have dedicated up-firing height drivers. Height effects are therefore created through processing and the bar’s acoustic design rather than by firing sound directly toward the ceiling.
The trade-off
The Beam’s compact simplicity comes at the expense of deep bass and physical surround separation. There is no bundled subwoofer, so explosions, music, and low-frequency effects will not have the same weight as they do with the Samsung or Hisense systems. You can expand a Sonos system later, but that increases the total cost beyond the initial standalone purchase.
Rank #3
- 2.1 CHANNEL SPEAKERS: Upgrade your TV sound instantly with the 2 powerful speakers and a wireless subwoofer that deliver 240W max audio power.
- DTS VIRTUAL:X: Whether you’re gaming, watching your favorite movie or show, or listening to that new track on repeat, DTS Virtual X enhances the entertainment you love across all of your devices. It goes beyond ordinary listening by transporting you with the breakthrough spatial sound experience that draws you in deeper, so you hear and feel more.
- WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: A wireless subwoofer delivers the robust low-end frequencies that punctuate your favorite movies, music, and games, without any messy wires. You’ll feel the “boom” while the two front- facing speakers project bright, clear high- and mid-range frequencies.
- EASY CONNECTIVITY: With HDMI ARC, the Hisense HS2100 can connect to your TV through a single HDMI cable (included), connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, and control both with one remote. You’ll be enjoying better TV sound in minutes.
- WIRELESS MUSIC STREAMING: Wireless Bluetooth technology easily connects to smart devices so the listener can enjoy their favorite playlists from their phone or other wireless devices.
Best for: Small-room listeners, apartment dwellers, Sonos households, and anyone who values a clean one-box setup more than room-shaking bass.
4. Hisense HS2100: best cheap soundbar
Buy the Hisense HS2100 when the goal is to spend as little as possible while still getting a separate subwoofer. It is a straightforward 2.1-channel upgrade for televisions whose built-in speakers sound thin, quiet, or difficult to understand.
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The system has two full-range soundbar speakers and a dedicated wireless 5.25-inch subwoofer. Hisense lists up to 240W maximum output, Bluetooth 5.3, HDMI eARC/CEC, optical input, USB, a 3.5mm input, and support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, and DTS. It is also identified as Roku TV Ready through HDMI. The official Hisense HS2100 page provides the manufacturer’s connection and format information.
RTINGS places it around the $100 price point and calls it a strong value for buyers on the tightest budget. The subwoofer adds useful bass for action scenes and music, while dialogue and instruments remain natural at ordinary listening levels.
Where it falls short
- It is 2.1, not a surround system: There are no rear speakers and no Dolby Atmos support.
- Virtual surround is limited: Processing may make the presentation feel wider, but it cannot reproduce the placement of speakers behind you.
- High-volume treble can be harsh: RTINGS notes less high-end sparkle and treble that can become piercing at louder levels.
- It is a basic product: The HS2100 is about an inexpensive improvement over TV audio, not extensive calibration or a premium theater feature set.
Best for: Shoppers replacing weak TV speakers on a strict budget who still want the added impact of a dedicated subwoofer.
Which budget soundbar should you buy?
- Choose the Hisense AX5140Q for the most immersive package. It is the clear choice when Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, a subwoofer, and physical rear speakers all matter.
- Choose the Samsung HW-B750F if you want a subwoofer and a stronger surround effect without placing satellites around the room.
- Choose the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) if you need a compact standalone bar, already use Sonos, or prefer easy expansion over maximum bass.
- Choose the Hisense HS2100 if your budget is very limited and you mainly want clearer, fuller sound than your TV provides.
What to check before ordering
1. Count the speakers you actually have room for
A 5.1.4 package sounds impressive on paper, but it is the wrong purchase if rear speakers would be blocked, too close to the sofa, or impossible to power. Measure the space beside and behind the seating position before choosing the AX5140Q.
Rank #4
- 5.1 CHANNEL: Enjoy a true 5.1 channel surround sound, bringing movies, music, and games to life, including a front sound bar, a wireless subwoofer and rear speaker kit
- 540W MAX AUDIO POWER: Hold on to your socks. 8 speakers deliver total 540w max output power. Fill the room with sound and fall deeper into the experience. Let’s get loud with it
- 6.5" WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: This wireless subwoofer boosts the impact of everything you watch and listen to. Enjoy booming explosions and the deepest beats you've ever heard without distortion. And it could be placed out of sight thanks to a wireless connection to the Soundbar
- DOLBY DIGITAL PLUS AND DTS VIRTUAL:X: Feel the combined force of Dolby Audio and DTS Digital Surround technology creating a virtualized floor-to-ceiling 3D sound experience that draws you into the middle of your favorite entertainment
- TV MODE: With TV mode technology, when paired with Hisense TV you could enjoy the full potential of your TV's sound engine through the Soundbar speakers for immersive audio enhancements
2. Check your TV connections
HDMI ARC or eARC is generally the simplest way to connect a soundbar because it can carry TV audio and allow volume control through the television remote. The supported formats and features differ by model: the Hisense AX5140Q lists HDMI eARC, the HS2100 lists HDMI eARC/CEC, while the Samsung specification cited here lists HDMI ARC. Check the exact television and soundbar manuals if you use a streaming device, game console, or 4K passthrough.
Many soundbars include a suitable HDMI cable, so inspect the box contents before buying another one. If your existing cable is missing or unsuitable, an HDMI eARC cable can be a practical setup accessory—but the cable alone cannot add eARC functionality to a TV or soundbar that does not support it.
3. Match the soundbar to the room
- Small room or apartment: The Sonos Beam avoids a subwoofer and rear-speaker footprint.
- Medium room with open space around the sofa: The AX5140Q can take advantage of its rear channels and up-firing drivers.
- Room with no rear-speaker positions: The Samsung HW-B750F provides a simpler compromise.
- Bedroom or secondary TV: The HS2100 is often enough if the main problem is weak built-in audio.
4. Confirm TV-specific features
Do not assume that a manufacturer feature works with every television. Hi-Concerto on the AX5140Q requires a supported Hisense TV. Sonos Trueplay room correction requires iOS for the full tuning process. Samsung Q-Symphony is intended for compatible Samsung televisions. These features should influence your decision only if you own the necessary compatible equipment.
5. Verify price and stock immediately before purchase
“Budget” is a moving category. The AX5140Q’s official page has demonstrated why: a product can have a listed price while being sold out. Retailer discounts can also temporarily make a more capable model a better value than a cheaper one. Compare the delivered price, return policy, warranty, and current stock rather than relying on an old list price.
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- Use HDMI ARC or eARC when available. Select the soundbar as the TV’s audio output and enable HDMI-CEC if you want the TV remote to control volume.
- Place the bar below the screen. Keep it centered with the television and avoid blocking the TV’s remote sensor or the bar’s drivers.
- Give the subwoofer room to breathe. Start near the front wall, then move it if bass sounds weak or overly boomy. Corners usually increase bass but can make it less even.
- Position rear speakers at the sides or slightly behind the seating area. Keep them at a similar height and avoid putting both directly behind one listener.
- Use dialogue or voice enhancement carefully. These modes can improve speech, but excessive processing may make effects sound less natural.
- Use night mode late at night. It can reduce the contrast between loud effects and quieter dialogue, although it will also make action scenes less dynamic.
- Test with familiar content. Use a dialogue-heavy show, music, and a movie with surround effects. Adjust channel levels and bass only after listening from the normal seating position.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these soundbars all under $300?
No. The lineup is a broader budget selection rather than a strict under-$300 list. The Hisense AX5140Q, in particular, has had a U.S. launch price of $399 and may qualify as a budget buy mainly when discounted. Check current retailer pricing before ordering.
Which of these soundbars has real rear speakers?
The Hisense AX5140Q includes two wireless rear speakers. The Samsung HW-B750F, Sonos Beam (Gen 2), and Hisense HS2100 do not include rear speakers.
Best Value
- 5.1.2ch Surround Sound System: A 5.1.2-channel system featuring up-firing speakers, surround sound, and a powerful subwoofer creates lifelike, multidimensional audio. Feel the Sky Around You—raindrops falling from above, helicopters circling overhead, thunder rumbling in all directions. Sound isn’t just around you, it engulfs you, as if the ceiling disappeared. This is Dolby Atmos: not just heard, but felt.
- Up-Firing Drivers with Neodymium Core: The up-firing channels use neodymium internal magnets and 18-core large voice coils to enhance height precision and vertical throw. This aerospace-grade configuration ensures better high-frequency dynamics, delivering focused and elevated sound images that unlock the true potential of Dolby Atmos.
- 360° SurroundX Audio: SurroundX technology combines two rear surround speakers and dual up-firing Atmos drivers to build a true 360° sound field. Powered by intelligent spatial algorithms, the system precisely positions audio around and above you—enhancing Dolby Atmos with a more natural, three-dimensional soundstage. Note: Not compatible with DTS.
- Lossless Audio Transmission: Unlock full Dolby Atmos performance with HDMI eARC, supporting up to 37Mbps bandwidth for lossless 5.1.2-channel audio. Compared to regular ARC, eARC delivers richer detail and better surround effects with no compression. With CEC, your TV and soundbar work as one—power, volume, and input sync automatically for effortless control.
- Advanced App Control: Customize every detail of your audio experience with the Ultimea App. Fine-tune your surround sound with 13-step level adjustment (-6 to +6), optimize with a 10-band graphic EQ, and choose from 121 preset sound settings. Enjoy seamless OTA updates that unlock new features and keep your system performing at its peak.
Does the Samsung HW-B750F support Dolby Atmos?
Not according to the cited Samsung specifications. It supports Dolby Audio 5.1-channel sound and DTS Virtual:X. It should not be marketed as a Dolby Atmos soundbar.
Does the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) have up-firing speakers?
No. It supports Dolby Atmos processing but does not use dedicated up-firing height drivers. Its height effects are processed rather than produced by drivers pointed at the ceiling.
Which is the cheapest soundbar with a subwoofer here?
The Hisense HS2100 is the low-cost choice in this group. It is a 2.1-channel bar with a wireless subwoofer, but it does not provide physical rear speakers or Dolby Atmos.
The Bottom Line
The Hisense AX5140Q is the best pick when immersion matters and your room can accommodate rear speakers. The Samsung HW-B750F is the simpler bar-plus-subwoofer compromise, the Sonos Beam (Gen 2) is the best compact one-box option, and the Hisense HS2100 is the sensible low-cost upgrade. Before buying, confirm current stock, sale pricing, TV compatibility, connection type, and the space required by the system you choose.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
