Affordable and top-quality soundbars to buy under Rs 20,000 in 2024

Someone once said, ‘video is information, but audio is emotion’. This is a sentiment that holds especially true when talking about the TV viewing experience in 2024. TV speakers have improved a lot over the years, but all they do is get the job done. If you want an experience that is truly immersive, you need a dedicated speaker and a woofer. 

ALSO READ: The best soundbars for 2024 across various budgets

And bearing in mind how space constraints are a very real issue, the best option for sourcing such an experience is a soundbar. These compact, bar-shaped speakers – hence the name – sit under our TVs and deliver cinema-quality audio while keeping our budgets in check. A dedicated home theatre or tower speaker setup is certainly better, but unless you have the space to accommodate such a setup, it’s not worth the effort. 

With that in mind, here is a list of the best soundbars under Rs 20,000 that you can consider buying in 2024.

5 best soundbars to buy under Rs 20,000 in 2024

1. Croma CRES1098 240W Bluetooth soundbar 

2. Sony HT-S20R 400W Bluetooth home theatre 

3. Philips 80W multimedia speaker 

4. JBL Cinema SB190 380W Bluetooth soundbar 

5. Samsung HW-T400/XL 40W Bluetooth soundbar 

1. Croma CRES1098 240W Bluetooth soundbar

The CRES1098 from Croma offers the best value in the sub-Rs 20,000 category. It usually retails at a pocket-friendly Rs 12,499, but at that price, offers a powerful 2.1 audio setup that can easily deliver 240W RMS of raw power. Since it has a built-in DAC, it also allows for multiple audio inputs, including Bluetooth 5.0 and USB, as well as HDMI ARC, coaxial, and even optical ports.  

This helps to capture the highest quality, uncompressed audio from your TV and deliver a stunning and immersive aural experience in your home. Bass is heavy and defined, and treble is clear and strong. This soundbar will liven up the AV experience and deliver that emotional punch that TV speakers lack.

2. Sony HT-S20R 400W Bluetooth home theatre

For a premium experience, one that delivers a 5.1 Dolby Digital output and offers an exceptionally immersive experience, you will want to get the Sony HT-S20R 5.1 soundbar. This 400W speaker system from Sony is so powerful that the bass will rattle your windows, and the two included rear speakers will deliver that immersion you’ve been wishing you had.  

ALSO READ: What’s the difference between a 2.1 and 5.1 Soundbar?

The speaker system essentially comprises a soundbar, a powerful speaker, and two satellite speakers for the rear channels. It takes all the usual inputs including HDMI ARC, optical, and analog inputs and delivers stunning and immersive sound at a great price.

3. Philips 80W multimedia speaker

Our budget-friendly pick in this category is the Philips MMS8085B 80W soundbar. It retails for under Rs 10,000 but still manages to make a meaningful impact to the sound quality that you experience. Most TVs come with 20W speakers and no woofer, with some of the better ones managing 40W speakers.  

This model from Philips boosts that output to 80W while adding a dedicated subwoofer for that deep bass. Oh, and the woofer is wireless so that’s one less cable to worry about. We also like the fact that the MMS8085B comes with an integrated FM radio and Bluetooth support so you can listen to music without powering on your TV.

4. JBL Cinema SB190 380W Bluetooth soundbar

The JBL Cinema SB190 is a premium 2.1 soundbar with a powerful, 380W RMS output. It doesn’t offer satellite speakers like the Sony HT-S20R does, but makes up for it with a more powerful soundbar and 6.5-inch woofer combo that supports Dolby Atmos. The sound output from this speaker is powerful and immersive with deep bass and crystal-clear highs. The wide range of inputs including Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI, USB, and optical inputs let you connect any kind of TV, console, or even AV receiver with ease. 

5. Samsung HW-T400/XL 40W Bluetooth soundbar

Finally, we have the Samsung HW-T400/XL. Unlike the other soundbars in the list, this one does come with a woofer and is designed to offer a simpler, more compact setup that still offers a rich and immersive experience. It’s also a more budget-friendly set that we’d recommend for entry-level TVs as the output is rated at 40W. For such TVs, the Samsung HW-T400/XL is a cost-effective upgrade that significantly enhances the aural experience.

ALSO READ: What do channels mean on the soundbar?

Soundbars are a great addition to most TV setups not just for the improvement they bring to the audio experience, but also because they’re a simple, compact audio upgrade that blends in well under most TVs in bedrooms and living rooms. Purely in terms of audio quality, you will get better value from a pair of bookshelf or tower speakers, but those speakers just can’t compete with the unobtrusive design of a good soundbar.