What is the best portable PA system under $200?

Across the globe, people use portable PA systems for numerous reasons. A few examples will be parties, karaoke, musical performances, DJ gigs, conferences, events, or a bit of fun around the house. It’s highly unfortunate that most PA systems come with a high price tag that can break the bank. Considering many of don’t need the large, complicated, and expensive PA systems for our application, the demand for an affordable but reliable system is massive.

In the modern age of a booming audio technological world, we are lucky that many affordable PA systems have been introduced to the market-place as of lately. However, not all of them were created equal. Everyone has different budgets and requirements for the PA system. After extensive research, personal experience, and help from a few buddies in the audio industry; We put together a list of the 5 best and most reliable portable PA systems below $200.

In Short, Here Are The 5 Best Portable PA Systems Under $200

Rockville RPG082K

PRORECK FREEDOM 15

LyxPro SPA-8

Alto Professional Trouper

Alphasonik 15″

First up, the Rockville RPG082K is an affordable PA system running under $200. This highly-rated and very popular PA system is a great bang for the buck for many reasons. With the purchase, you get two 8″ speakers, a microphone, cables, remote, a power cord, and an XLR to 1/4 cord for the mic. On the back of one of the speakers is a 1-channel mixer with a mic input. You’ll find a line-in for an instrument, as well. You will also enjoy its built-in Bluetooth capabilities.

With a wide frequency response of 45Hz – 20kHz, the speakers produce a full range od audio fidelity. This PA produces outstanding sound quality for its low price. The highs are sparkly, and the mids are clear. However, it lacks a fair amount of bass. I found the sound quality to be at best with the bass at roughly 75%. Any more sounds a bit muddy. Besides that, you will be delighted with the clear mids and highs at loud volumes. Unfortunately, the speakers are not stereo. However, you will be pleased by the relatively clear and loud sound quality for the meager price.

Besides the lack of bass, the only other downside I noticed was the remote coming with the purchase didn’t work. Overall, the Rockville RPG082K is an outstanding PA system for the money. We recommend it for anyone in need of a cheap PA system that can get the job done. You will be very satisfied with the build quality, as well. Both speakers seem that they are able to last a very long time. I’m very impressed by this PA for the price. If I had to guess, I would’ve thought it cost almost double its price. Be sure to check out the reviews below!

Check Amazon reviews

Tech Specs & Details

500 Watt peak

Impedance: 6 Ohm

Frequency Response: 45Hz – 20kHz

AC100-240V 50Hz/60Hz

1-channel mixer

Built-in Bluetooth

USB port

SD card port

Mono speakers

The PRORECK FREEDOM 15 is yet another Bluetooth wireless PA system with two wireless microphones. It provides a staggering 800 watts of power. A few things I really like about this system is its compression driver with 1.35″ titanium diaphragm and 15″ Woofer. In other words, the sound is rich, bright, and full. In case the sound doesn’t fit your expectations or what your looking for, the EQ knobs on the back will most likely do the trick for just about any voice type.

This portable system provides roughly 30 feet of range, which is quite decent for a wireless PA using Bluetooth connection. It too, uses wheels with a pull-up latch for much easier maneuvering. The remote control works relatively well and is self-explanatory and simple to use for changing features. Unlike every other wireless PA on this list, it also comes with a mountable speaker stand. Believe it or not, the stand comes in handy for a vast amount of situations.

Pros

Extremely high 800 Watts

FM Radio

Great sound quality

EQ capabilities

2 wheels attached for easy travel

Able to plug PA speaker directly into

Cons

Low battery life of roughly 2 hours per microphone

Lips must be close to microphone when speaking

Next up, the 100-watt LyxPro SPA-8 is an affordable Bluetooth PA speaker with two channels. It is incredibly compact and portable, weighing at only 14.7 pounds. On the back is a built-in mixer with more than enough features to use. An easy Bluetooth setup, the system gives you 30 feet of wireless Bluetooth range. It can be used as either a monitor for more significant events or the main speaker for smaller events. As a matter of fact, one of my bands uses this lightweight speaker as a monitor and a backup just in case our more prominent speakers don’t work. For us, it works great every single time. Like most compact speakers on this list, the loud volume for its small size will undoubtedly surprise you.

In terms of sound quality, the mids and highs are incredibly clear without any distortion. However, in my opinion, the lows slightly lack. On the back of the speaker is an equalizer to get the sound you prefer. When we are not using it as a monitor, I generally give a bit more of a boost to the low end. The Bluetooth feature is relatively easy to connect. First, you hit the button labeled “BT” on the back of the speaker. After that, you scan your phone on the reader located directly above the “BT’ button. However, if you don’t need to use Bluetooth, there is a USB port you can use for direct connectivity. Lastly, the LyxPro SPA-8 is relatively durable and well-built. I have not had any issues with it so far since my band has used it in the summer of 2017. This portable speaker is an excellent choice at the price.

The only downside to the LyxPro SPA-8 is the many claims of people getting a defective unit. However, considering my band does not have a defective unit, I can confirm this speaker is a great value for the low-price.

Pros

Very compact and portable

Can be used as a monitor or speaker

Easy Bluetooth connection

Good sound quality for low-price

Cons

Few claims of the fuse breaking easily

Lows (bass) slightly lack

Claims of people getting a defective unit

Check Amazon Reviews

Details and Tech Specs

Built-in Bluetooth

Extremely compact

100-Watt

2 channel mixer

Auxiliary port

USB port located on the back of the speaker

30 feet of wireless Bluetooth range

SD card input

Mixer on the back of the speaker

Able to link multiple speakers at once with an XLR

If you’re looking for the highest-rated and customer-reviewed PA system running below $200, the Alto Professional Trouper may be the one for you. There are many things we love about this system. First off, it’s a 3-channel mixer where the first two are XLR. Each channel has a treble, bass, and adjustable volume knob that’s very responsive. You will also love how this PA system is only one unit as a speaker and mixer combined. With a total weight of 23 pounds, it’s incredibly portable and convenient for travel. But don’t let the compact design fool you. It’s easily loud enough to fill a room of 50 people. I highly recommend this PA system for solo acoustic performers who need a convenient and affordable solution for their coffee shop type gigs.

On to sound quality, the Alto Professional Trouper produces very clear sound quality with immense detail. The mids are punchy, and the highs are sparkly while the low-end slightly lacks. However, mostly all PA systems in this low of a price range somewhat lack in the bass department. You will be amazed at how loud this compact speaker can get. Even at near max volume, it doesn’t distort. You will also enjoy its built-in Bluetooth capabilities. In terms of convenience, sound quality, portability, and effortless setup, the Alto Professional Trouper is a near-flawless PA system below $200. We highly recommend it.

Check Amazon reviews

Tech Specs & Details

Weight: 23 pounds

Bluetooth capabilities

3-channel mixer

Adjustable treble, bass, and volume

XLR / 1/4 inch TRS, 1/8 inch TRS, and RCA sources

Last up, the Alphasonik 15″ is a solid choice for anyone in need of a PA system running under $200. With the purchase, you get one speaker with a built-in mixer, a power cable, a good-quality microphone, mic cable, a 6-foot speaker stand, and a wireless remote. First and foremost, this 15-inch speaker produces a loud 2800 Watts. It provides a thunderous sound that will surprise you. Most people use it for karaoke or outdoor events. With the built-in Bluetooth, you get a decent 21 feet of wireless range. This speaker is great for karaoke.

In terms of sound quality and clarity, the Alphasonik 15 is pretty good. It gets abnormally loud, however, at max volume, you’ll hear a bit of distortion. I found it to be the best at roughly 80% volume. Although this PA speaker is primarily designed for karaoke, most people use it for other applications. It has two channels, which both have there own volume. Unfortunately, the treble and bass EQ knobs control both channels at once. The only other downsides I noticed were the few complaints of it breaking too quickly or people receiving a defective unit. Outside of that, the Alphasonik 15″ is a very loud PA system running below $200. Be sure to check out the reviews below.

Check Amazon reviews

Tech Specs & Details

2800 Watts

Voltage: Switchable 115-230 Volts

Built-in Bluetooth

Impedance: 8 OHM

Frequency Response: 44Hz – 18kHz

Sensitivity: 96dB

Our Winner

Keep in mind that our opinion is not the end all be all. Like mentioned earlier, everyone has different needs, requirements, and budgets for their PA system. However, our winner is the Rockville RPG082K since it’s one of the loudest, very reliable, and the overall best bang for the buck. However, if you’re looking for maximum portability and conveniance, the Alto Professional Trouper is a better choice.

Quick Recap

Here Are The 5 Best Portable PA Systems Under $200

Rockville RPG082K

PRORECK FREEDOM 15

LyxPro SPA-8

Alto Professional Trouper

Alphasonik 15″

If you’re interested in a wireless speaker with a wireless microphone, see our top 9 here.