The Philippines, being a nation full of entertainment enthusiasts, has a growing interest in recreating cinema-like experiences at home. This desire is fueled by the rise of streaming platforms and the integration of cutting-edge home technology. A crucial component of such an experience is a sound system that delivers an enveloping, cinema-style auditory atmosphere. Enter the realm of budget soundbars.
Soundbars, despite being compact, possess the ability to amplify your audio experiences like you never imagined. They add stunning detail and depth to your favorite movies, TV shows, and even music, elevating your home entertainment system without draining your wallet.
In this article, we reveal our top five budget-friendly soundbars available in the Philippines. Our selections are based on performance, user ratings, and the overall value they offer. Let’s embark on this journey to find the perfect soundbar to complete your home theater setup and make every night “movie night”!
5 Best Budget Soundbar in the Philippines
- Xiaomi Redmi TV Speaker Soundbar – Check Lazada, Check Shopee
- GINZA TV Soundbar – Check Lazada, Check Shopee
- TCL 2.1 Inch Bluetooth Soundbar – Check Lazada, Check Shopee
- Sembrandt HT-X700 Soundbar – Check Lazada, Check Shopee
- Sembrandt SB750 TV Soundbar – Check Lazada, Check Shopee
Xiaomi Redmi TV Speaker Soundbar
The TV speaker soundbar from Xiaomi is a must-have for anyone who wants to watch their favorite shows on their TV.
It’s easy to set up, as it comes with Bluetooth Version 5.0 and an AUX cable. With its dual 45x80mm full-range sounding units, you can get stereo sound with 30W loudspeaker that has a catheter cavity. This ensures that you will be able to hear every word clearly and enjoy watching your favorite shows without having to strain your ears or eyes.
The TV speaker soundbar has a frequency response of 80Hz-20kHz, which means that the audio will come through loud and clear no matter what type of content you’re watching. The device also comes with 6 months supplier warranty.
GINZA TV Soundbar
This Soundbar is the perfect addition to your home entertainment system. With two wireless speakers and an SD card slot, it’s easy to play your favorite music and movies.
You can use the aux audio connection to connect it to your television or other devices. The soundbar is Bluetooth enabled and has a USB card slot so you can easily connect it to your phone or tablet.
It’s great for watching movies because it has a frequency response of 100Hz-20kHz, which means that the sound quality will be good no matter what kind of movie you’re watching.
The GINZA TV Soundbar is also wall mountable so you can customize how you want it displayed in your home.
TCL 2.1 Inch Bluetooth Soundbar
This 2.1 Inch Bluetooth Soundbar has all the bells and whistles you need to make your TV, games, movies, and music sound incredible.
The TCL 2.1 Inch Bluetooth Soundbar comes with a wireless subwoofer that delivers deeper bass than other soundbars. It also features Bluetooth connectivity so you can wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or tablet.
The soundbar is easy to set up and comes with everything you need in the box: the soundbar itself, an optical cable, HDMI cable and power cord. You’ll be up and running in no time!
Sembrandt HT-X700 Soundbar
The Sembrandt HT-X700 Soundbar with Subwoofer is a must-have for any home theater system. It delivers an immersive and cinematic home theater experience that will delight your ears and your eyes.
The sound quality is impressive, and the best sound engineers in Germany designed it to offer enhanced audio clarity and fidelity. You can control the treble and bass with a simple press of a button on the remote.
The Sembrandt HT-X700 Soundbar is slim, so it compliments any TV or monitor set. Its classic design matches any room decor, and its LED indicators make it pleasant to see.
Sembrandt SB750 TV Soundbar
It’s a speaker that is designed to enhance the audio quality of your TV. It’s also very easy to use and can be placed anywhere in your room.
The Sembrandt SB750 TV Soundbar has been designed to offer enhanced audio clarity and fidelity sound with real presence. The German-engineered soundbar can capture the audio of your movie, TV series, music, and gaming clearly.
It has many ports: AUX, USB, and wireless friendly which means you can connect it to any device without any problem. The SB750 has adjustable treble & bass settings so you can choose what kind of sound you want to hear when watching movies or listening to music on your TV.
The SB750 has 50-watt output which means it will give you great sound quality while watching movies or playing games on your TV screen!
What is a Soundbar?
A soundbar, simply put, is a special type of speaker designed to project high-quality sound from a wide enclosure. It’s somewhat like an audio candy bar delight to your ears, hence the name ‘soundbar’. What makes it so essential for a home audio system? Well, consider your rigidly thin flat-screen TV. As fantastic as it may look, it doesn’t give a lot of room for built-in speakers. That’s where a soundbar comes in.
With its sleek design that can be conveniently placed under your television, mounted on the wall, or stashed on a shelf, a soundbar doesn’t just amplify sound but gives depth to the audio, making your movie, music, or gaming experiences more immersive and lively. It’s a world away from the limited, tinny sound produced by an average TV speaker.
What’s more, quite a few soundbars offer additional features such as wireless connectivity, smart home compatibility, and multiple audio modes, making them a dynamic part of your home entertainment setup. So think of a soundbar as a mini home theater housed in a compact bar, punching way above its weight in delivering sound that reverberates deeply with your senses. That’s a soundbar in a nutshell for you!
How to Choose the Best Budget Soundbars in the Philippines
1. Establish your budget
The first step to purchasing your soundbar is to determine your budget. “Budget” is subjective and could vary significantly from person to person. So, establish what amount you are comfortable parting with. Remember, while going overboard could burn your pocket, skimping too much could compromise the audio experience, defeating the purpose of buying a soundbar.
2. Understand the room acoustics
Sound behaves differently in various environments. The size and shape of the room, the material used on walls, floors and furniture – all these factors play a key role in how good (or bad!) your soundbar sounds. So, assess your room’s acoustics and choose a soundbar that’s a good fit.
3. Inspect the size and design
Size does matter when it comes to soundbars. Check if the soundbar fits neatly under your TV or if you need to mount it on the wall. Besides the fit, consider the soundbar’s design as well. After all, it will be a focal point of your home entertainment system.
4. Subwoofer or no subwoofer
Many budget soundbars come with built-in subwoofers for that extra thump of bass. However, if you’re a die-hard bass enthusiast, going for a soundbar with a separate subwoofer might serve your needs better. Just remember, it could require additional space and budget.
5. Check the connectivity
Look for at least one HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) connection. This ensures the soundbar can receive sound from the television. Also, consider soundbars with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for seamless streaming from smartphones, laptops, and other devices.
6. Surround sound feature
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a soundbar with a surround sound feature. There are budget choices out there that offer virtual or real surround sound to take your viewing experience to the next level.
7. Ease of setup and usage
Nothing can be more frustrating than purchasing a soundbar that’s difficult to install or use. Opt for soundbars that offer simple setup and intuitive controls. Soundbars that come with remote controls or are compatible with your TV remote are a plus.
8. Brand reputation
Stick to brands that have a reputation for good quality sound equipment. Look for online reviews and customer ratings of various soundbars to get an idea of their performance and reliability over time.
9. Additional Features
For instance, some soundbars offer voice-controlled assistants, multiple sound modes, night mode (for maintaining clearer dialogues at lower levels), etc., making them versatile and adaptable.
10. Warranty
The warranty is often an overlooked factor while purchasing a soundbar. However, being an electronic device, having a warranty could be a lifesaver if something goes wrong.
FAQ Section for Best Budget Soundbars in the Philippines
1. What is the price range for a good budget soundbar in the Philippines?
The price for a good budget soundbar in the Philippines typically ranges between ₱1,500 – ₱7,000. The price is influenced by several factors such as the brand, audio quality, design, extra features, and whether it includes a subwoofer.
2. Can a budget soundbar provide good audio quality?
Absolutely. A well-selected budget soundbar can significantly improve your audio experience compared to standard TV speakers. Although you might not obtain the crystal-clear, immersive sound offered by premium models, many budget soundbars offer impressive audio clarity and bass response.
3. Will a budget soundbar work with my TV?
Most soundbars are compatible with a broad range of TVs. Before purchasing, it’s important to check the soundbar’s specifications and ensure that its connectivity options (HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, etc.) are compatible with your TV’s available ports.
4. Can a budget soundbar support surround sound?
While most budget soundbars don’t have the complete multi-speaker setups required for true surround sound, many come with “virtual” surround sound. This feature uses acoustic tricks to give the impression of sound coming from different directions.
5. Is a subwoofer necessary for a soundbar?
A subwoofer isn’t strictly necessary but it significantly enhances the audio experience. It helps reproduce lower frequency sounds (bass) for a balanced and whole audio experience. Some soundbars come with built-in subwoofers; others are paired with an external one.
6. Can I connect my phone and other devices to a budget soundbar?
Yes, most budget soundbars available today include Bluetooth connectivity that lets you pair your phone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-capable devices, enabling you to stream music directly through the soundbar.
7. Are budget soundbars difficult to set up?
Most soundbars, including budget ones, are straightforward to set up. Instructions are usually quite simple, involving connecting the soundbar to the TV via a cable (usually HDMI ARC or optical) and plugging it into a power source. Some models also include a wall-mounting kit if you prefer that option.
8. Should my soundbar be the same brand as my TV?
Not necessarily. Your soundbar and TV don’t have to be from the same brand to work harmoniously. However, using the same brand could simplify the setup process and increase compatibility with features like ARC and CEC.
9. What’s the lifespan of a budget soundbar?
This depends on the particular brand and model, how often it’s used, and how well it’s taken care of. Generally, a quality budget soundbar should last for a few good years. Look for a soundbar that comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey to find the best budget soundbar in the Philippines may seem daunting, given the numerous options in the market. Navigating through the sea of brands, specifications, designs, and, of course, prices can be quite overwhelming. However, armed with the right knowledge and sound understanding of what you need, this task can indeed become effortless.
The list of factors to consider – from the room’s acoustics, soundbar’s size and design, to required features and connectivity options – plays a crucial role in determining what suits you best. We’ve explored these factors thoroughly in this guide to ensure you make a well-rounded decision.
Hence, whether it’s the numbing thrills of your favorite action movie, the captivating dialogues in a drama series, or the pulsating sensation in a live concert, a good soundbar can elevate your audio experience to another level. Finding a budget soundbar that doesn’t compromise on sound quality is like striking gold. Such a device not only enhances your overall audiovisual experience but does so without burning a hole in your pocket.
Armed and primed with this knowledge, you’re now geared up to embark on your quest to find the perfect soundbar. Here’s to many nights of cinematic experiences right in the comfort of your living room, all without breaking the bank. Happy shopping indeed!