Best Standalone Speakers for a Smart TV Under £250
By Robert Jones · 2026-07-23
Finding decent sound for your smart TV doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg. I've put together my top recommendations for standalone speakers that come in under £250, perfect for giving your telly's audio a much-needed kick up the backside.
Good sound for your smart TV. It’s what everyone wants, isn’t it? But often, we’re stuck with those tinny, built-in speakers that do little justice to your favourite films or tunes. As an audio engineer who’s been mucking about with speakers for over two decades, I’ve heard my fair share of brilliant and, frankly, dreadful TV audio setups. Now, I get it. Not everyone wants a full-blown home cinema system, nor does everyone have the budget for one. That’s why I’m focusing on standalone speakers today – simple, effective, and importantly, affordable solutions for under £250 that will genuinely improve your viewing experience without turning your living room into a spaghetti junction of cables. ## Why Bother with Standalone Speakers? Truth be told, most modern smart TVs are brilliant visually, but audio-wise? They often fall short. Thin panels mean little room for decent speaker drivers, resulting in a sound that lacks bass, clarity, and overall punch. It’s a real shame when you’re watching a blockbuster and can barely hear the dialogue over the explosions, or when your favourite band sounds like they’re playing in an old biscuit tin. Standalone speakers, especially powered (or "active") ones, offer a simple fix. They have their own amplifiers, so you just plug them into your TV, and off you go. No receivers, no complex wiring – just better sound. They bring out dialogue, add weight to music, and make films far more immersive. For under £250, you can actually get something pretty respectable these days. ## What I'm Looking For in Budget TV Speakers When I’m testing speakers for a TV setup, especially on a tight budget, I’m not expecting miracles. But I *do* expect a noticeable improvement over the TV’s built-in sound. Here’s my checklist: * **Clear Dialogue**: Absolutely essential. If you can’t understand what people are saying, what’s the point? * **Decent Bass Response**: Not necessarily chest-thumping, but enough to give music and films some depth and impact. * **Good Stereo Imaging**: Even with just two speakers, you want to feel a sense of space and direction from sound effects. * **Connectivity**: Optical or HDMI ARC are ideal for modern TVs. Bluetooth is a bonus for music streaming. * **Ease of Use**: No one wants to faff about with complicated setups. Plug and play is the name of the game here. * **Build Quality**: They don’t need to be fancy, but they should feel solid and well-put-together. ## My Top Picks for Under £250 I’ve tried a fair few sets in this price bracket over the years, some good, some dreadful. Here are the ones that consistently impress me for TV use without draining your wallet. ### 1. Edifier R1280DBs I’ve recommended Edifier speakers countless times, and the R1280DBs are a stalwart for a reason. They’re active bookshelf speakers that offer incredible value. You get a remote, optical input, coaxial, RCA, and Bluetooth. That covers pretty much every modern TV connection you’d need. I had a pair of these hooked up to a secondary 40-inch Samsung in the spare room for ages. They filled that small-to-medium room with sound brilliantly. Dialogue was always crisp, and for the price, the bass really surprised me. They won ## FAQ ### Can I use these speakers with any smart TV? Yes, as long as your smart TV has one of the following audio outputs: optical (TOSLINK), RCA (red and white analogue), or HDMI ARC. Most modern smart TVs will have at least one of these. Check your TV’s manual for available connections. ### Do I need an amplifier for these standalone speakers? No, the speakers I’ve recommended are 'active' or 'powered' speakers, which means they have their own amplifier built-in. You just plug them directly into your TV’s audio output, and they’re ready to go. No extra receiver or amplifier is needed. ### How do I connect these speakers to my TV? The most common and best way to connect these speakers to a smart TV is via an optical cable (TOSLINK). Some TVs also have HDMI ARC, which is even better if the speakers support it. You can also use standard RCA cables if your TV has those outputs. All necessary cables usually come included with the speakers, or are very cheap to buy separately. ### Will these speakers sound better than a soundbar? Often, yes, especially at this price point. A good pair of stereo standalone speakers can offer better stereo separation and often a more natural, spacious soundstage than many budget soundbars. Soundbars are convenient, but two separate speakers positioned correctly can provide a more immersive experience for films and music. ### Can I add a subwoofer later if I want more bass? Some of the speakers recommended, like the Edifier R1280DBs, have a dedicated subwoofer output, meaning you can easily add a powered subwoofer later on if you feel the need for more low-end rumble. This is a great upgrade path if your budget allows for it in the future. ### How far apart should I place the speakers? For the best stereo sound, try to place the speakers roughly as far apart as you are sitting from your TV. If you’re sitting 2 metres away, aim for the speakers to be about 1.5 to 2 metres apart. Elevate them to ear level if possible, or angle them slightly towards your listening position. Experiment a bit to find what sounds best in your room.