Keep in mind, stereo receivers are usually for audio-only, while home theater receivers offer full features, with surround sound and video connectivity options for your TV, console, or BluRay player. If you want a home theater receiver, check out our guide on the best home theater receivers under $400, and if you need a little help figuring out what all of those ports and connections on the back of your receiver are for (and which are best), don’t miss our guide: Home Theater Receiver Connections Explained. Otherwise, read on to see the best budget-friendly stereo receivers. As our reviewer Jonno Hill noted, the ultra-minimal design somehow makes it look more expensive than it actually is, while the 100W per channel stereo sound is excellent. There are some creature comforts here that serious users may miss, and the more technical A/V aficionados may want to look elsewhere (and spend more). But for the average buyer who wants to snag a stellar stereo system for $150 or less, the STRDH190 is a steal. Wattage: 200W (100W x 2) | Inputs: Stereo RCA (4), 3.5mm Headphone Jack | Outputs: Stereo RCA (1), Speaker Wire (4) | Dimensions: 11 x 17 x 5.2 inches This is a simple unit, with a few dials on the front to control the volume, bass, and treble, and it has only 50W of power per channel. However, for a device that costs well under $100, it serves as an affordable way to add hi-fi sound without taking up too much space. Wattage: 300W | Inputs: Stereo RCA (2) | Outputs: Stereo RCA (2), Speaker Wire (4) | Dimensions: 16.9 x 12.2 x 4.7 inches The R-S202BL has FM/AM preset tuning for up to 40 stations, 100W output per channel, and Bluetooth compatibility to wirelessly stream music from a smartphone, tablet, or other device. You can connect this receiver to two separate sets of speakers, if desired, and easily switch between the outputs thanks to the helpful selector that lets you pick from either or both at the same time. Wattage: 200W (100W x 2) | Inputs: Stereo RCA (4) | Outputs: Stereo RCA (1), Speaker Wire (4) | Dimensions: 12.63 x 17.13 x 5.5 inches Elsewhere, this 17.12 x 5.5 x 13.4-inch stereo receiver has a traditional black box design like most of its competitors and provides two channels of 100W output a piece. Limited inputs might put a hamper on surround sound playback, however, but the optical input makes TV hook-ups a breeze. Wattage: 200W (100W x 2) | Inputs: Stereo RCA (4) | Outputs: Stereo RCA (1), Speaker Wire (4), Optical (1), Coaxial (1) | Dimensions: 13.38 x 17.18 x 5.5 inches Likewise, while many receivers opt for a minimal, boxy design, this Pyle model looks more akin to a super-sized, standalone car stereo, complete with a bright, glowing screen. Still, it’s a versatile device with Bluetooth wireless connectivity for your smartphone or tablet, along with support for SD cards and USB sticks. The PT390BTU could do well as an entry-level pick. Wattage: 300W | Inputs: Stereo RCA (2) | Outputs: Stereo RCA (2), Speaker Wire (4) | Dimensions: 16.9 x 12.2 x 4.7 inches On the front of the Moukey Amp, there are dials for adjusting the microphone volume, as well as the echo, treble, bass, and balance, making this an ideal device for karaoke. Although this is a budget unit that comes in at less than $75, you can use it for a variety of purposes from music to desktop audio. Wattage: 220W | Inputs: Stereo RCA (2) | Outputs: Stereo RCA (1), Speaker Wire (4) | Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 4 inches Jonno Hill has been writing for Lifewire since 2019. Previously, he’s been published in PCMag and AskMen, where he’s covered a variety of topics including everything from video equipment to home theater setups, and men’s fashion. He praised the Sony STRDH190 for its solid audio quality and lack of unnecessary frills.
What to Look For in a Budget-Friendly Stereo Receiver
Connectivity
How are you going to get your music into the stereo receiver? These days, many people opt for Bluetooth pairing with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop for convenient access to streaming services, although some receivers have Wi-Fi support to cut out the middleman. If there’s no wireless connectivity, make sure the receiver has the ports you need for your audio equipment.
Sound Quality
Why even buy a stereo receiver if you’re going to settle for so-so sound? While it’s important to find a stereo that delivers stellar sound (no matter your budget), note that you’ll probably see more quality variance in your speaker selection—so splurge there if you can.
Design
Most stereo receivers are hulking black boxes, but even then, there are differences. Some are ultra-minimal while others are busier-looking, and then some go in other directions—like slim units ideal for rack setups, for example. Consider the space you have.
