5. Creative Stage 360 – Best budget soundbar
If you’re after a budget-friendly soundbar that doesn’t compromise on audio quality, the Creative Stage 360 is a solid option. It is affordable but still manages to include premium features like Dolby Atmos, and a combination of HDMI, Optical and Bluetooth connectivity makes it a versatile option, though a standard 3.5mm port would’ve been appreciated.
Unlike other entry-level soundbars, the Creative Stage 360 comes with a subwoofer at no extra cost, adding extra oomph to your home cinema experience. It’s wired rather than wireless, but that shouldn’t be much of an issue for most consumers.
Of course, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of more premium soundbars – including the full 5.1 speaker system, offering a simpler 2.1 setup, and AirPlay/Chromecast support – but it ticks many boxes at a cheaper price than we’ve seen previously.