Monster S220 Soundbar Review: Budget-Friendly but Flawed
Digging into multi-platform user reports, the Monster S220 Bluetooth Soundbar earns a conditional 7/10 score. While its budget-friendly appeal and surprisingly solid audio profile make it a desktop and casual TV companion worth considering, connectivity quirks and volume limitations temper its potential for more demanding setups.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy for budget-conscious casual listeners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear dialogue and deep bass for size | Bluetooth connection frequently unstable |
| Compact design fits under desks and medium TVs | Limited maximum volume compared to premium soundbars |
| Multiple connectivity options (AUX, USB, TF card) | Bass settings glitch and reset incorrectly |
| Affordable pricing under $50 | RGB lights may feel gimmicky to some users |
| Portable with built-in battery | Packaging and instructions criticized |
| Easy initial setup | Optical cable often required for TV integration |
| Good value for desktop gaming audio | Mixed long-term durability reports |
Claims vs Reality
One of Monster's key marketing claims is “clear sound & powerful bass system” from its dual 52mm speakers and two passive bass diaphragms. Reddit reports confirm good clarity in close-range setups — "the S220... captures every detail with its 2.0-channel system... perfect for movies and music" — but several Amazon reviewers say it "just doesn’t get as loud" as expected, especially compared to TV speakers in larger rooms.
Another claim is Bluetooth 5.4 with ultra-low latency (<15ms), targeted at gamers. While this speed could benefit PS5 or Xbox use, one Twitter/X user complained: "It’s a pain to connect via Bluetooth... takes multiple attempts to actually connect to the soundbar... sound will drop periodically," suggesting stability issues override the latency advantage for some devices.
Monster also promotes portability via a compact, 20-inch-wide body and 2000mAh built-in battery. Community feedback supports this — the Ryan Raiker review notes easy office-to-patio moves — but durability over time remains unproven beyond initial tests.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Users consistently highlight the clarity of dialogue and solid bass relative to the S220’s small size. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “This sound bar has great sound quality especially with music… clear but could use a little more bass” — underscoring the balance between detail and low-end punch for everyday entertainment. For desktop gamers, Reddit reports that the soundbar "enhances gaming audio or boosts your tunes while you work," with its footprint leaving room for keyboards and monitors.
The compact form factor is a major win. Its 20×2.4-inch profile fits neatly beneath TV setups up to 65 inches. Ryan Raiker’s review points to seamless desk integration, while Nellis Auction listings hint at easy portability for outdoor and off-grid use.
Multiple sources appreciated multi-input flexibility. The unit supports AUX, USB, TF card, and Bluetooth — ideal for users toggling between older media players, PCs, and mobile devices. Trustpilot feedback from a tech-savvy user praised “connectors on the back clearly labeled” and the ability to handle "banana plug" speaker connections for alternate configurations.
Common Complaints
The most widespread frustration comes from the Bluetooth connectivity. Reports on Twitter/X detail repeated pairing failures across multiple devices, drops during playback, and inconsistent recognition. This affects mobile listeners most, who may rely on Bluetooth as the primary connection. The same user lamented having to “opt to listen to music on my crappy iPad speakers” due to stutters.
Volume output is another sore point. Multiple Amazon buyers remarked it “looks cool… just doesn’t get as loud as I would like,” with one adding that “my TV speakers were louder." While adequate for smaller rooms, the S220 struggles to fill larger spaces.
There’s also a bass-setting glitch noted by Twitter/X feedback, where subwoofer settings appear at minimum on startup but play at maximum until toggled manually. For apartment dwellers, unexpected booming bass becomes a neighbor complaint risk.
Divisive Features
The multicolor LED lights draw split reactions — some regard them as an ambient bonus enhancing setup aesthetics, while others call them superficial. One Amazon reviewer admitted “lights work great once you figure out how to make them go faster and slower," suggesting a learning curve even for cosmetic features.
Portability via the built-in battery garners praise for patio and camping use but raises longevity questions, as no long-term battery retention reports have surfaced yet. While some users value freedom from wall power, others prioritize stable wired setups.
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot narratives generally portray the S220 as easy to set up and visually attractive, but packaging inconsistencies crop up — one verified buyer received “an unwrapped, open box… miracle it didn’t open in transit.” While the product emerged unscathed, such handling could dent confidence for gift buyers or remote orders.
Long-term durability isn’t well-documented yet. Nellis Auction listings indicate units survive secondary resale in working condition — used models described as “functional… minor damage” — but no multi-year endurance tests appear in public reviews. For high-turnover technology buyers, resale values in eBay data suggest modest recovery (about $40 resale value versus $50 MSRP).
Alternatives
Few direct comparisons emerge from community discussions, but similar-tier budget soundbars like Majority Bowfell (50W) offer slightly louder output, as noted in aggregated review-rating data. However, the Bowfell sacrifices the S220’s portability and built-in battery. Premium models averaging $500 deliver cinematic volume and nuanced soundstage, but leave behind portability and budget viability.
Price & Value
At community-reported sale points under $50, the S220 commands strong price-to-feature appeal. Ryan Raiker’s post dubbed it “pretty wild” to find a competent soundbar for the cost, with typical competing models priced in the hundreds. However, eBay and auction sales suggest resale values at $30–$40, implying depreciation is steep.
Tips from users include buying during Amazon discounts and considering secondary markets for sub-$30 deals where condition is confirmed. Using wired connections like optical or AUX can maximize usable volume and reduce Bluetooth frustrations.
FAQ
Q: Does the Monster S220 work well for large living rooms?
A: User reports indicate it’s best suited for desktop or small-to-medium rooms. Amazon reviews note it’s not as loud as premium models, meaning it might struggle in large spaces.
Q: Can it connect to older TVs without Bluetooth?
A: Yes. Users often employ the optical input to bypass Bluetooth. One Amazon buyer with a Roku TCL noted an optical cord was necessary for stable connection.
Q: How portable is the Monster S220?
A: With a 2000mAh battery and compact build, it’s ideal for patio and camping use. Auction listings and Reddit posts confirm easy relocation between home and outdoor setups.
Q: Is the bass strong enough for music-heavy listening?
A: Opinions vary — some praise its punch for music, others note the bass isn’t overpowering. A Twitter/X user warned of bass setting glitches requiring manual fixes.
Q: Are the LED lights optional?
A: Yes, the multicolor modes can be adjusted or turned off using the remote, according to Amazon reviews.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious listener needing a compact, portable unit for desktops, small TV setups, or occasional patio use. Avoid if your main priority is filling a large room with theater-level volume or if Bluetooth reliability is mission-critical. Pro tip from the community: Use wired connections for more stable performance and keep bass settings in check on startup.
