In this file we look at 5 cheaper soundbars that have been launched in recent weeks, all of which cost less than 400 euros. You can read which comes out best in the extensive dossier. So are you in the market for a cheaper soundbar? Then first read this overview.
Cheaper soundbar for less than 400 euros
Soundbars come in all kinds of different types, sizes and price ranges. You can often make it as crazy as you want. The most expensive models of course offer much more functions and possibilities, but the cheaper sound bars should certainly not be forgotten. For less than 400 euros you can purchase a very capable soundbar. Not everyone is convinced of this product; but if you have little space or no desire for cables, then this product is at least worth considering for under your television.
In our article with advantages and disadvantages of a soundbar we explain you find out when a soundbar is and is not suitable for your situation. There you will find more information about all the important features of a soundbar, including the connection options.
Below you can read the conclusions of the sound bars that we have tested, including a link to the reviews. We look at the Teufel Cinebar 11, The LG SL4Y, the Samsung HW-R550, the Sony HT-X8500 and the Panasonic SC-HTB510.
Teufel Cinebar 11 – conclusion
Don’t get us wrong: the Teufel Cinebar 11 is really not a bad soundbar. You won’t find better for 399.99 euros. However, that does not mean that we should not criticize anything that works well. The first impression that the soundbar with its wireless subwoofer leaves after installation is good and that impression knows how to hold the device. Generally the sounds sound clear and pure, while the sub is sometimes just overwhelming or just a bit too subtle. That just depends on what you are doing.
A somewhat tricky installation, just a bit too compact remote control, the fact that the sound sometimes lags behind and in the beginning or at silent moments comes to a halt as far as we are concerned, the biggest downsides of the Teufel Cinebar 11. Fortunately, the sound is only behind during live TV; so if you are a cord cutter, you will hardly notice this. The two most important aspects are, however, good: the soundbar is very easy to use and the audio reproduction sounds good, but 399.99 euros may still be just a little too much to ask for. It is therefore good news that Teufel has temporarily reduced the price of this model to 299.99 euros at the time of writing. However, we judge the soundbar at its normal suggested retail price.
The Teufel Cinebar 11 is available for purchase on the website of Teufel .
Read more in our full review.
LG SL4Y – conclusion
With a price tag of 250 euros, the LG SL4Y is certainly an affordable soundbar, but a power of 300 watts can still be expected from such a wide speaker. Unfortunately, the SL4Y does not fully live up to expectations. We still want to condemn the minor flaws in terms of ease of use, but the fact that in many cases the sound is disappointing weighs somewhat heavier.
The audio reproduction sounds better than the television speakers themselves, anyway, but the SL4Y does not present itself as a significantly better soundbar than other models in this segment. The soundbar is certainly not bad, but you can get better in this price range.
Read more in our complete review.
Samsung HW- R550 – conclusion
At the bottom of the line, Samsung delivers an attractive budget soundbar with the HW-R550 that is particularly convincing with its sound reproduction. The sound sounds relatively deep and wide and is never measured unpleasantly or very conspicuously. Unfortunately, not all modes are good for the sound, but luckily you can adjust the sound to your own taste with the fine remote control. And although that also applies to the subwoofer, we often came to the conclusion that the sound is predominant – so you don’t have to set it very high.
For 349 euros you don’t pay the top prize for a soundbar, but then you can still expect something from it. Fortunately, the soundbar scores well in terms of sound and operation. But in terms of extras, we expected a little more. We are happy that it has an HDMI-in port, but we are missing a WiFi connection that could have made the convenience and use of the soundbar much wider. If you don’t find that very important, there is pretty little in the way between you and this slim Samsung R550 soundbar.
Read more in our full review.
Sony HT-X8500 – conclusion
And that is actually what keeps the Sony HT-X8500 from being a soundbar that is worth its price of 399 euros. It is clear that Sony wanted to bring a product on the market that caused little to no installation stress and gave users a lot of possibilities in terms of sound modes and connections, but the sound quality was not so strong that we could immediately recommend the device. If the device falls sharply in price then it is another story, but for now you better look further.
Panasonic SC-HTB510 – conclusion
For a price of 299 euros you can buy a lot of sound bars today. As far as we are concerned, the Panasonic SC-HTB510 is at the top with its performance and ease of use. For this price you might find soundbars with more power, but a lot of those products don’t offer as complete a package as Panasonic has done now. The audio performance is generally very nice and the sound field sounds very wide. The only disadvantage is the imbalance of the subwoofer, but luckily it can be adjusted in levels.
Furthermore, you have to take into account that you don’t have an LED screen on the soundbar and that you have to do it with the led lights at the top of the system. As a result, setting the correct volume is sometimes problematic because you cannot see how loud the device is. However, the WiFi connection and the HDMI output make up for a lot. Along with the optical connection, there are plenty of options for connecting devices to it. This makes the HTB510 a very complete soundbar for a great price.
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