There are so many good soundbars in the market. However, when your budget is limited to only $300, you might end up with a lower quality one if you don’t do the right research.
Our audio experts reviewed the greatest soundbars under $300 in the market and found the models on this list to be worth purchasing. Read on for our top suggestions:
Reviews of the Best Soundbars Under $300
1. Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar Sound System – Best Overall
The best soundbar under $300 is the Bose Solo 5.
Since we are looking at reviews of the best soundbars priced below 300, Bose luckily makes the cut for the price range. They have 3 different offers online – the bundle with the sound bar and wall mount, the sound bar only, or the TV sound system choice with optical inputs.
If your built-in TV speakers aren’t enough, the Solo 5 soundbar will pick up where they failed, providing crisp and clear sound with high frequency response.
You can connect the sound bar system to your TV via different input options available, including optical audio, coaxial audio, and aux. For analog, you can use a 3.5mm cable. There’s no HDMI though. But you do have the option to use the built-in Bluetooth for streaming.
Design-wise, this top Bose soundbar system is lightweight at 3.72 pounds, making it easy to move around, disconnect, and reconnect to different media devices that you use. And with the universal remote, you can set your preferences, control the volume, and tune the bass with the push of a few buttons.
If you have 4K devices, this soundbar can easily connect to those, giving you the ultimate movie experience with crystal clear sounds for audio and music. Many soundbars like the Yamaha YAS-108 and ATS 1080 also support 4K. And if you’re a fan of Dolby Digital technologies, the Bose Solo 5 is compatible with that as well.
Overall, our experts agree that this is the best soundbar under $300.
Pros
- The features of this sound bar make it worth the money
- The lightweight design makes the sound bar extremely versatile, easy to mount, and easy to move around
- Supports Bluetooth connection for easy streaming with mobile devices
- The system setup is easy with multiple input options and a universal remote control
Cons
- No treble control on the remote control
- No HDMI and 3.5mm stereo cable not provided
2. Sony HT-S350 Soundbar – Best Surround Sound
Sony takes the second spot in our list of the best soundbar under 300. A brand known for great surround speakers, you wouldn’t expect less from their sound bars. Some products in their lineup, including this one, feature a powerful subwoofer that boosts the bass in movies and music.
This Sony soundbar comes with two channels and one wireless subwoofer for incredibly optimized sound and bass. Since it is a wireless subwoofer, you can place it at the optimum location you choose. At 6.30 inches and 320w, the soundbar’s external speaker unit pumps out a deeper and richer bass.
S-Force Pro Technology also offers virtual surround sound, creating a theater-like experience from the comfort of your couch. With an impressive set of 7 sound modes (auto, cinema, music, game, news, sports mode, and standard mode), you can get the most comprehensive experience whether you’re listening to dialogue, music, or other content.
A smart feature of the Sony HT-S350 is its ability to isolate voices and amplify them effectively over background noise. This ensures dialogue clarity so you won’t miss any detail when watching your favorite shows.
Of course, there’s also the built-in Bluetooth connectivity. With Bluetooth, you may stream your favorite movies, music, and audiobooks from your mobile device.
The soundbar measures 35.4 x 2.51 x 3.46 in., which can easily fit in with your system. Unfortunately, only the bar is wall-mountable, the soundbar speaker unit needs to either sit on the ground or on your entertainment unit. The setup is easy and simple – just connect it to your TV or media device with the HDMI optical cable.
Controlling the sound bar is easy as well. The available remote control is straightforward and easy to use, with the sound mode buttons labeled clearly. Overall, it’s one of the best soundbars under 300, and customer reviews prove it too.
Pros
- Sony HT-S350 is a good sound bar investment that’s set within the 300 budget price range
- Wireless subwoofer to deliver deep bass
- Music streaming from mobile devices is better and easy via Bluetooth connectivity
- Comes with two channels and has a dedicated subwoofer available
- S-force Pro provides virtual surround sound, the closest performance and sound quality you can get from a soundbar alone
- It offers different input options, including an HDMI arc, 3.5mm stereo jack, and optical, but no analog
- The remote control has clear labels and lets you input your preferences like volume right from your couch
- Offers quality voice enhancement features you can use to make dialogue even more prominent
- The device possesses an impressive 7 modes that may easily be adjusted from the remote
- Good customer reviews
- Great overall performance
- The Sony soundbar is easy to set up
Cons
- “Voice” mode must be enabled to get treble; otherwise it may sound overcompressed
- HDMI can be glitchy
3. Polk Audio Command Sound Bar – Best in Advanced Features
In this price range, you’ll be lucky to find a soundbar that features Alexa voice control, but Polk Audio offers one.
While testing multiple soundbars under 300, we weren’t convinced that we could find a soundbar with Alexa, so you can imagine our excitement with this Polk product.
The Polk Audio soundbar is built with Dolby and DTS surround sound (like Yamaha YAS-108) to provide you with high-quality sound and listening experience. The Polk device is compatible with Fire TV, with built-in support for Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and others.
The best part about this Polk Audio soundbar (aside from the price) is the built-in Alexa voice control. You can stream music in multiple rooms and pair the soundbar with your Bluetooth smart home devices as well. It’s also compatible with Google Assistant, just in case you were wondering.
When an upgrade needs to be done on features, the Polk system is also automated to support them. This means you don’t have to buy the latest Polk soundbar every time.
If you have an ultra HD TV, this Polk soundbar is compatible with it. Just connect the soundbar to your TV with dual HDMI inputs and optical cables.
Lastly, the Polk wireless subwoofer does the job of providing high-quality bass that fills the room. You can even customize the bass levels with voice adjust technology.
All in all, it gives great value for the money.
Pros
- Subwoofer delivers virtual surround sound
- Dolby Digital, and DTS technology capable
- The quality wireless sub delivers amazing performance
- The smart home control works with your other smart devices as well as garage doors, thermostats, and lights
- Accessibility to Alexa provides the utmost convenience
- Bluetooth allows you to stream music via multiple apps
- The Polk device offers Wi-Fi
- Dual HDMI inputs allow you to connect 2 devices
- The automated updates guarantee this Polk soundbar always has the latest features
Cons
- Alexa feature isn’t a full-fledged version
- Remote control is clunky
4. HW-Q60R Harman Kardon 5.1 Soundbar – Best for Bass
Samsung soundbars often receive a high rating in reviews due to the amazing sound. For the 300 budget price range, you can get up to 5 channels and one subwoofer with the Samsung HW-Q60R.
The Samsung Harman Kardon soundbar integrates the innovation of the brand and the expertise of Harman Kardon to create a piece of technology that packs quite the punch. The subwoofer and the bar itself work together with such precision and accuracy that you can almost hear where the action is coming from before you even see it on-screen.
Using quality adaptive sound technology, the sound bar and speaker work to optimize the bass and audio effects on at any volume. And with game mode, you can experience targeted audio that is accurate and extremely believable, especially for role-playing games (RPGs).
The 4K pass-through with HDR10 will deliver seamless audio that will have no lag. This gives you a panoramic sound experience, whether you’re listening to music or watching a movie.
Out of the 5 channels available, the center channel is better when producing the best dialogue while supported by the other channels. As long as you are sitting directly in front of the beam, you’ll get crystal clear dialogue every time.
Like other models on this list, the Samsung Harman Kardon has a separate wireless subwoofer included. We found that it delivers sound with enough intensity, great for the bass lovers out there. And with adaptive sound, the device automatically configures the settings depending on the scene.
One of the downsides is that the HDMI arc may not be recognized. But other than that, this is one of the best soundbars under $300 on the market.
Want to see more options boasting of five channels? Check our recommended 5.1 soundbars here.
Pros
- Game Mode Pro boosts the sound quality in games
- The powerful wireless subwoofer delivers a more immersive and panoramic sound experience
- For soundbars under 300, the sound quality is amazing on the Samsung Harmon Kardon that delivers balanced sound with technology created from expertise and skill
- The 4K pass-through on these sounding bars present no lag and provide a seamless transition
- Provides Bluetooth support which you can use to stream music from Bluetooth compatible devices
Cons
- Great for movies and TV shows (dialogue), but not so much for music and concerts
- HDMI may not be recognized
5. JBL Bar Home Theater Starter System – User-Friendly Choice
Forget DTS virtual surround sound, this JBL soundbar has true wireless surround speakers.
The soundbar itself has a total power output of 300W. With Dolby Digital and JBL surround system, our audio experts agree that this delivers a much better sound compared to other higher-end models.
The extra 6.5 inches wireless subwoofer will pump out deep bass that enhances the sound quality of any content you play. The placement is flexible, allowing you to enjoy rich sound without the clutter of wires.
This JBL soundbar also features an HDMI input as well as an aux and USB wired connection that gives you even more options when connecting to your media devices. Some higher models even have 3 HDMI inputs, allowing for more connections.
Of course, with this price range, you can also expect to use Bluetooth features. With Bluetooth, you may stream music and enjoy listening to top sound while watching from a mobile device. The small design is able to sit on your entertainment unit better – hidden from sight and saving on space.
Although it may not come with a remote of its own, the JBL home theater soundbar is compatible with most TV remotes. This means you may program the soundbar to work with your existing TV remote, getting a 2-in-1 feature.
With this soundbar, you’ll find that your movie, video game, music, and TV show will sound much more impressive.
Pros
- It comes with Dolby Digital and JBL surround system, designed with enhanced audio blasting from all angles
- The extra 6.5 inches wireless subwoofer just wouldn’t do the job if it was embedded in the beam. Instead, the powerful speaker may be placed anywhere you like for good, deep bass
- Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to pair all your devices to the soundbar
- Without a soundbar tv mount, the small design better saves space
- Comes with HDMI
- Your existing TV remote is most likely compatible with the JBL soundbar
Cons
- Bass should be cranked up to the highest setting to enjoy its benefits
- Can be difficult to set up
6. WOHOME TV Sound Bar Wireless and Wired Home Theater System – Cheapest Option
Coming at a different design, this soundbar is made for flat screen TVs with a larger size. The full range speakers and 2 10W tweeters offer the best treble and audio quality with a frequency of 105 dB, adding more bass to your favorite music and movies.
The Wohome TV soundbar also features both wired and wireless connections that can pair with the built-in Bluetooth up to 33 feet away. You won’t have to worry about disconnection when you step farther from the soundbar.
As for wired connections, you can choose between RCA, USB, or optical inputs with RCA and optical cables provided. For optical connection, change the TV audio output to PCM (a digital signal used to represent analog data, optional in many TVs).
The DSP system with the 3D surround sound technology (like in Yamaha YAS-108) upgrades your home theater and takes it up a notch. You can also choose from different sound modes to find the best sound balance depending on what’s on your screen, whether it’s music or dialogue.
As for the setup, we find it super simple. You can choose to utilize the remote or the control buttons on the side of the soundbar to set the volume, modes, and input. A mount kit is also provided with your purchase to give you the option of wall mounting or just placing it on your entertainment cabinet.
Lastly, we commend their 100% satisfaction guarantee and lifetime technical support. Not all soundbars under $300 have this, but this WOHOME soundbar provides it with your purchase.
Pros
- This soundbar with 4 full range speakers and 2 tweeters (a total of 6 drivers) delivers true surround sound
- For the affordable price range of under 300, most soundbars don’t come with surround sound. Still, the DSP and surround system makes this a good deal for your money
- It’s super easy to use and control with the included remote or control panel on the device itself
- The mount kit is provided in the design should you choose to save more space
- 100% satisfaction guarantee along with a lifetime of technical support
- The rounded soundbar design allows for a more comprehensive sound
- It supports Bluetooth, RCA, optical and coaxial input. The optical cable, RCA cable, and 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable are provided
Cons
- Drywall anchors that come with the soundbar don’t have impressive sound quality
- A bit bulkier than others
7. VIZIO SB3821-C6 38-inch 2.1 Channel Soundbar – Compact Choice
Last in our review is this system from Vizio. At 100 dB (decibels), there is minimal harmonic distortion or lag with this device. It also comes with a wireless subwoofer speaker that enhances that beloved bass.
With the simple tap, you can pair your device with the built-in Bluetooth to effortlessly stream your favorite movies and music. Equipped with Dolby Digital decoding, DTS Truvolume, and DTS post audio processing, you will hear a noticeably improved audio compared to TV speakers.
You can choose from different connections including stereo RCA, 3.5mm stereo mini jack, coaxial, optical, and USB. And for wireless control, you can use the included remote to conveniently set the proper volume level, input, and sound modes.
To get immersive sound, you may place the subwoofer anywhere within 60 feet of the soundbar. Just make sure it’s in its right line of sight. You may also choose to pair the wireless subwoofer or not, but if you do, you will get that good, deep bass that many bass fans want.
In a nutshell, this Vizio soundbar deserves its spot as one of our best soundbars under $300.
Pros
- Provides 100 dB of crystal clear sound with minimal harmonic distortion
- Easily pair electronic devices you need with this soundbar from Vizio
- With Dolby Digital decoding, DTS Truvolume, and DTS post audio processing, you’ll experience better sound quality compared to other soundbars
- With HDMI Arc capability
- The wireless remote allows for easy setup and configuration
- The extra wireless subwoofer provides a rich bass
- The slim design and compact size of this Vizio product makes the system easy to move
Cons
- DTS: Virtual X technology feature is only available from 2018 version of the soundbar
- Noticeable crackles from the speakers
Soundbar Under $300 Buying Guide
The best soundbars under 300 are still considered a budget soundbar. It can still be difficult to find the best option, because one of the worst things audiophiles can experience is the dissatisfaction with audio quality. That’s where the right soundbar comes in.
So what features can you expect with soundbars under 300?
Subwoofer
Having a subwoofer will immensely improve the sound of the bass. While not all soundbars have a subwoofer, many sound bars (like Yamaha) include a separate wireless one because it’s just too powerful to be embedded in the beam itself.
If there is more than one subwoofer included or if there’s a dedicated subwoofer, you would hear the lower notes more clearly. Remember that a subwoofer boosts the performance tenfold, so it’s actually something you might want to consider.
Channels
What does it mean when the product description claims the speaker offers 2, 3, 5.1 or 7.1 channels? Basically, a channel refers to the sound produced from a single point.
If your speaker offers 2 channels, it means the sound comes from two different points on your sound bar. If you put 2 and 2 together, the more channels you have, the better the sound quality, and the more immersive the audio effect is.
Connection
Some soundbars, including many Yamaha models, might be wireless and have Bluetooth and/or Wifi built-in.
Bluetooth and other wireless options save your house from the clutter of wires and provide a way to pair other devices to the soundbar as well. Depending on the soundbar model, options for wired connections might include: HDMI input, AUX, USB, 3.5mm stereo jack, Coaxial and/or optical options.
Many prefer wireless connections because of their convenience, but if the Bluetooth or Wifi connection isn’t stable, the overall audio performance is affected. This can make the soundbar a lot more difficult to use as well, so having wired options as backup is extremely important.
Have a Fire TV you want to use alongside your soundbar? We have a separate guide you can check.
Remote Control
Since most technology nowadays can be controlled remotely, chances are your soundbar will be using a remote control. If it doesn’t, there might be a compatible app you can download, which is also useful if you lose the remote.
However, you might even be able to configure it to work with universal remotes or the existing one that belongs to your TV. You can set everything without having to get up from your chair. If all else fails, a lot of devices (like some Yamaha models) have the control panel built in.
Smart Functions
Smart functions enhance the performance of a soundbar. When we refer to a smart device, it means it’s largely automated.
Certain smart functions higher-end soundbars (or if you’re lucky, one within 300), will have include:
- Voice Enhancement – The soundbar detects a lot of background noise during a scene where the characters have a whispered conversation and enhances the speech.
- Volume Leveling – These features will ensure everything played on the screen is at a relatively balanced level. You won’t suddenly get a commercial that is much louder than the content playing.
- Automated sound detection – The soundbar will automatically find the optimal settings (sound mode) for your content.
- Self-Update/Self-Detected Update – Being able to automatically update like your mobile device will keep the software up to date with the latest technology.
- Alexa (or something similar) – You will be able to control everything via the app. Just link the soundbar to the rest of your smart devices for a smart home experience.
Voice Control
Voice control is another smart function that allows you to tell your soundbar what to do without having to use the remote at all. Having voice control in the form of a virtual assistant will also figure out how the setup works and what the best settings are, lessening your work.
Simply communicate what you want to the soundbar and voila!
Sound Modes
While sound modes on the soundbar aren’t necessary, they enrich the performance and overall experience. Modes like news, movie, sports, game, etc. will already have optimized settings programmed in.
This means the soundbar comes with the best sound levels, bass, and treble to give you the best performance whether you’re listening to dialogue, music, or movies. You can either set this yourself or direct the soundbar via voice control like some Yamaha soundbars offer.
Mount
For wall mounted TVs, you may want to mount sound bars right under it. You also have the option of placing it on a table or on the TV cabinet. You can play around to find the best sound in accordance to where you sit.
To be able to do this, soundbars that are lightweight and compact make a great choice. If you are going to permanently secure the sounding bar, then this is less of an issue. Many products have the mount or mounting kit included in the price.
If you think that mounting is not for your home, you can always opt for your table or vertical soundbars.
Appearance
While most sound bars look like just a single black bar that spans the length of your TV, there are a few with color options. Sony HT-S350, for example, is very sleek and consists of different finishes to give it a higher-end design for a modern room.
Although the appearance should not be at the top of your list, aesthetics are still a popular criterion for some people. However, we don’t recommend shelling out big bucks just because you are sold on the look and design.
Yamaha has some models with great designs, many of which have different finishes that blends in nicely in a modern home.
Warranty/Guarantee
For your protection, we strongly suggest buying a product that comes with at least one, or both. The warranty (for however long they offer), will allow you to get your product fixed if something goes wrong. The guarantee will leave you room for exchanges and returns.
If guarantees and/or warranties are offered by the manufacturer, you can expect a certain standard in the quality. For your own peace of mind in the long run, we urge you to look for products that are covered.
Are TV Soundbars Worth It?
In short, absolutely! They enhance the sound and enrich your overall movie experience.
Although if you are buying a $70 sound bar option, chances are it just functions as a mini speaker. Their biggest role is to offer higher audio quality than just TV speakers alone. The soundbars can range greatly in price, and this is due to the features they have. From under 100 to over a grand, you can be sure you are getting different components.
Some of you may be thinking your TV speakers are designed to sound just fine. Still, most of the people out there still want a more expansive sound rather than mediocre sound. And since many TVs today are thinly designed, you can imagine that offers little to no space for traditional speakers that do the job.
You will come across soundbars designed with separate woofers and tweeters for added amplification, but some have them built-in. We spent most of our time explaining why soundbars are worth your money and all the different features you will get.
What about the downsides?
If you are alright with the uniform shape of all soundbars, then you’re good to go. Another downside is, funnily enough, the very thing they are supposed to improve – the sound. Yes, most of them help enhance the sound of TV speakers and perform better than mini speakers, but they do not compare to regular speakers.
Again, the culprit is the size. Soundbars are too compact to allow for all the necessary parts and components needed to give the best sound possible.
As humans, we prize convenience, design, and apparently how small and compact things are designed as well. But that isn’t to say there aren’t concessions we need to make for the size of these devices.
Is it worth it? Well, most people would say so if you are willing to shell out the cash, and you might even see options within your budget that would suffice.
Conclusion
All in all, soundbars are useful devices (more about it here) if the sound from your TV speakers just isn’t doing the trick.
We have a list and reviews of products for all budgets out there. We have discovered quality options for under $100, $150, and $200. All these have quality pieces that can bring amazing audio into any home. So if you think that $300 might be above your budget, you could still get the best soundbars under $200.
However, if you feel that you can spend $100 more to get a soundbar that really makes a difference, then this is the guide you want to stick with. If you can afford something with a slightly higher price tag, we had a few suggestions in these reviews for the best soundbar under 300.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something for a bigger TV, here’s the review to find the best soundbar for 55-inch tv.
Our Top Pick for the Best Soundbar Under $300: Bose Solo 5
Among these soundbar options, Bose Solo 5 is the best one you can get for a $300 budget.
This sound bar takes your listening and watching experience to another level with its high frequency response and crisp sound, supplemented with customizable bass. Options for connectivity are plenty too, so setting up this device is not much of a hassle.
It’s able to create an impressive home theatre system—all complete with a Full HD to 4K resolution and Dolby Digital technology.
With all these benefits this soundbar provides, Bose Solo 5 is indeed the best choice for an under-$300 budget.
Willie Greer