If you’ve ever tailgated, camped, or just hung out with friends around your truck, you already know the factory audio system doesn’t cut it once you step out of the cab. I wanted to bring the party out back without spending a fortune—and that’s where sound bars for truck beds come in. I set a budget of $200, and surprisingly, I found a handful of options that offered solid performance, easy installation, and weather resistance.
Here’s a breakdown of what I looked for, what I tested, and which sound bars I think are actually worth the money.
Why Add a Sound Bar to Your Truck Bed?
Adding a sound bar isn’t just about volume. It changes the vibe entirely—whether you’re at the beach, at a tailgate, or even detailing your ride in the driveway.
Here’s what you want in a truck bed sound bar:
- Bluetooth connectivity so you can play music from your phone
- Weather resistance to handle dust, rain, and sun
- Built-in amplifier so you don’t need a separate system
- Battery or 12V compatibility depending on how you plan to power it
- Mounting options that don’t require major drilling
My Top 5 Picks Under $200
After testing a few and digging into specs and reviews, these are the sound bars that impressed me most for the money:
1. BOSS Audio BRT26A
Why I Like It:
This one is basically made for truck and ATV use. It’s IPX5 weatherproof, has a built-in amp, and mounts easily with the included hardware. It’s loud enough to cover a small group outdoors, and the bass is surprisingly solid for something this compact.
Pros:
- Fully weather-resistant
- Built-in Class D amp
- Easy mounting system
- Remote included
Cons:
- Power cable is short
- No built-in battery (needs 12V)
2. NOAM NUTV5-S
Why I Like It:
Designed more for UTVs, but works great in truck beds. It comes with a Bluetooth controller, amp, and marine-grade speakers. Super rugged and the audio clarity is excellent. Slightly more involved install, but worth it if you want durability.
Pros:
- Marine-grade build
- Bluetooth controller
- Great sound clarity
- Long cable set included
Cons:
- Not fully plug-and-play
- Takes time to install
3. Sound Storm BTB6
Why I Like It:
This thing is shaped more like a tube than a bar, but it fits nicely against the back of the cab. Good volume, easy 12V hookup, and it’s waterproof. Great if you want something that looks rugged.
Pros:
- Rugged waterproof housing
- Simple power/ground setup
- Wireless remote
Cons:
- Bass is weaker than others
- Bulky design
4. Pyle Marine Sound Bar PLMRBT65B
Why I Like It:
For casual listening, this one’s a solid pick. It’s not going to blast over a crowd, but it holds up well in outdoor settings. The build is decent for the price, and Bluetooth connectivity works well.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Weather-resistant
- Easy Bluetooth pairing
Cons:
- Lower volume ceiling
- No subwoofer or bass punch
5. Alpine Turn1™ Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Why I Like It:
This one toes the line between sound bar and rugged speaker. It’s fully waterproof, wireless, and has multiple mounting options. You can toss it in your bed, strap it to a rack, or take it with you. Alpine tuned the sound, and it shows.
Pros:
- Fully wireless
- Rechargeable battery
- Super portable
- Clear, crisp audio
Cons:
- More of a speaker than a sound bar
- Slightly smaller soundstage
Comparison Table
| Sound Bar | Waterproof Rating | Built-in Amp | Mounting Style | Power Source | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSS BRT26A | IPX5 | Yes | Brackets included | 12V hardwire | ~$190 |
| NOAM NUTV5-S | Marine-grade | Yes | Clamp mount | 12V with controller | ~$200 |
| Sound Storm BTB6 | Waterproof | Yes | Strap-on | 12V | ~$160 |
| Pyle PLMRBT65B | Water-resistant | Yes | Bolt or adhesive | 12V | ~$120 |
| Alpine Turn1 | IP67 | Yes | Strap, handheld | Rechargeable | ~$199 |
How I Installed Mine
I mounted the BOSS BRT26A right above the truck bed liner using simple brackets and 3M adhesive for extra grip. I ran the power to a 12V outlet I added near the tailgate, and connected my phone via Bluetooth. Took me maybe 45 minutes total. It’s loud enough for tailgates and backyard hangouts without annoying the neighbors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on a budget but still want to crank up the fun in your truck bed, these sound bars are the real deal. For under $200, you can get weather resistance, Bluetooth, and easy setup—and most importantly, you can finally hear your playlist without having to open all four doors.