Searching for the best soundbars under $300 was a daunting task. Many of those that we tested were the kind that crackle and pop and make you want to rip your hair out. But, we found a few hidden gems that pack a serious punch and don’t break the bank.
Under 300$ is a mid-price segment and you should expect that these soundbars come with a high fidelity sound, clearer dialogue, and enhanced bass output. Most soundbars under $300 also come with more speakers, mid-range drivers and a more complex configuration. We’ve looked 30 models in this price range and chose the 5 best ones, which are presented in our article. Editor’s Choice nomination was earned by the VIZIO SB3651-F6.
More features: 50 Hz bass, sound up to 101 dB with less than 1% Total Harmonic Distortion, free Vizio SmartCast app
The VIZIO SB3651-F6 is one of the best inexpensive Dolby Atmos-enabled soundbars in the market. The soundbar has a minimalist design and features two upward-firing speakers that enhance sound immersion by creating height effects. So, instead of the sound waves coming directly to you linearly, it bounces off your ceiling towards you. It also features DTS Virtual:X which allows the system to simulate surround sound and create height effects without using the soundbar’s height channels. This is especially useful if you don’t have the required ceiling height/configuration to use the soundbar’s height speakers.
The SB36512-F6 also comes with two dedicated surround speakers, one wireless subwoofer, and a small dimly lit LED display remote control. The soundbar has a 3.5mm analog input, digital audio input, HDMI IN, and HDMI Out (ARC) as sound input options. It also has an Ethernet port and a USB port. On the top of the soundbar, there are buttons for power, volume control, input selection, and Bluetooth pairing. You’ll find a set of LED indicators on the left front edge that flash to signal changes to different functions.
The VIZIO SB3651-F6 soundbar also has Chromecast features and can be connected to your mobile device if you have Chromecast-enabled apps like Google Play Music, Spotify and Pandora. With the SmartCast app, you can access iHeartRadio stations and setup an audio group with other devices. It is also Google assistant compatible and setting it up is easy.
With so many built-in features at an affordable price, the VIZIO SB36512-F6 is one of the best Dolby Atmos audio solutions.
More features: Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding, Voice Adjust
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is easily one of the best soundbars with wireless subwoofer under $300. It has a minimalist design and comes with a built-in Dolby Digital 5.1 decoding that delivers an immersive surround sound experience. It also features the company’s Exclusive Voice Adjust technology that allows you to hear dialogue with incredible clarity. The included wireless subwoofer provides an enhanced deep bass impact and a precise output.
The Signa S2 is about 2.2 inches tall, 35.4 inches wide and is compact enough that it can easily fit beneath most TVs without blocking the TV’s IR port. The soundbar can also be wall mounted with screws as it comes with built-in key holes. Like most soundbars in our research, the Signa S2 comes with an optical port, an HDMI ARC port compatible with 4K and HD TVs, a 3.5mm AUX input, and built-in Bluetooth connectivity that lets you stream music from your smartphone or PC.
In addition, the soundbar features a set of one-button EQ settings that allow you to adjust the sound output for music, movies and night mode which optimizes sound for a fuss-free listening experience. An infrared (IR) remote control also comes with the device as well as an optical cable that allows for a quick and easy setup.
For over four decades now, Polk Audio has been manufacturing high quality home audio products, and the Signa S2 is no exception. The soundbar delivers superb value at a price that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
More features: expandable to 2.1 non-surround channels, 6 levels of voice boost, PhaseCue virtual surround processing
If you’re tired of always missing dialogue in your movies and music, the ZVOX AccuVoice AV203 is your answer. The AV203 is a dialogue enhancement speaker that features six levels of audio enhancement using the company’s patented sound algorithms. The soundbar uses Dialogue Boost technology, an integrated DAC and three full-range speakers to isolate voices from background noise and amplify them for better clarity. This makes it easier for you to hear and understand what the people on screen are saying.
The AV203 has an attractive design with a dimension of 17 x 3.1 x 2.9 inches. It is comparably smaller to other soundbars and can easily hang beneath a wall-hung TV thanks to the keyholes on the back of the enclosure. You can also place it on a cabinet in front of your TV without impinging on your screen or TV’s infrared receiver. The connectivity features of the soundbar are mostly wired. It has a 3.5mm analog/digital stereo input and comes with an optical cable and a RCA cable. However, it has no support for HDMI, USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. Also, the soundbar has no subwoofer, though it can be used with an externally powered subwoofer or headphone.
The soundbar also comes with an infrared remote that is conveniently sized and easy to hold. The remote has dedicated buttons that can perform different functions including turning on/off the soundbar and adjusting its volume. For a soundbar of this price and size, the AV203 is surprisingly powerful. It may not be feature-rich like other soundbars, but is great for delivering ultra-clear dialogue.
More features: DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound, free Yamaha Home Theater Controller app
The Yamaha YAS-207 is the first soundbar to use the cutting edge DTS Virtual:X and DTS Virtual Surround technology. The soundbar makes it easier to immerse oneself in crisp and lifelike sound without the need to spend thousands of dollars on a full surround sound system. With DTS Virtual:X, the YAS-207 virtualizes sound in different dimensions, adding depth and height and offering a better experience of sonic realism and sound immersion. Unlike the Vizio SB36512-F6, there are no upward-firing speakers. Instead, it features six speaker drivers that are slightly angled, but placed such that they simulate highly-detailed sound effects above and around you.
In terms of design, it has a long and slim rectangular shape with touch controls for different inputs and functions placed in front of the soundbar. Also on the front are LED indicator lights that indicate different stats and system selections. Accompanying the YAS-207 is a slim wireless subwoofer and a nice little remote that lets you perform a range of functions including switching inputs and toggling between sound modes. As for inputs, the YAS 207 includes HDMI (ARC), HDMI in, an optical connection, a 3.5mm analog jack, and a single USB input. The HDMI connectivity supports 4K UHD and HDR pass-through. The soundbar does have built-in Bluetooth, but it doesn’t support MusicCast, Airplay, or Chromecast. Its installation is unbelievably easy and it comes with a mounting template and built-in keyholes.
For the crazy-low price, rich built-in features, and impressive sound quality, the Yamaha YAS-207 is one the best soundbars, if not the best soundbar under $300.
More features: DTS Virtual:X virtual 3D surround sound, supports 4K pass-through
Just like the Yamaha YAS-207, the YAS-108 also features the DTS Virtual:X technology that creates a more expansive and immersive surround sound field. The 35-inch soundbar has a capsule-like shape as opposed to the common hard rectangle shape. Its intelligent design makes it easy to place on a countertop or slide beneath a TV. If you wish to mount it on a wall, there is a wall mounting template included as well as keyhole mounts on the back of the soundbar.
While there is no separate subwoofer, the soundbar has two in-built 3-inch subwoofers. There’s also a subwoofer output port on the soundbar where you can easily add an external subwoofer for a deeper bass. Additionally, it features Yamaha’s Clear Voice dialogue-enhancement technology which makes dialogue more intelligible.
The YAS-108 supports Bluetooth connectivity and has strong 4K Ultra HD compatibility. Its input options are HDMI in and out plus ARC, 3.5mm analog, and Toslink optical. However, there’s no Wi-Fi option available. The soundbar seemingly makes up for this with its ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices at once, though it supports playback from only one of the connected devices. This means that you can connect a device like an Echo Dot or Google Assistant speaker and voice-control your soundbar.
The remote provides another means of control for the soundbar with its well-laid out buttons, but you can also use the Yamaha HT Controller app. Even without an external subwoofer, the YAS-108 delivers impressive sound for a fraction of the price of expensive models. It is explicitly one of the best Yamaha soundbars under $300 and is definitely worth considering.
To enjoy the sublimity of a soundbar, you have to pick the right one for your needs. This buying guide section will provide you with all the necessary information you need in order to make a clear decision. When it comes to soundbars, there are lots of options to choose from. Thus, we have put together a comprehensive explanation of features you should consider when choosing your soundbar. We have also covered some common questions that leave most buyers confused about soundbars.
Recent technological advancements have seen TVs become ridiculously thinner. Sure, they produce crystal clear picture. But even the best of them don’t sound nearly as good as their picture quality. An obvious solution is to splash out on a home theatre sound system. However, a full home theatre package will cost you thousands of dollars, and in addition to the complexity of setting them up, they occupy a lot of space.
Soundbars offer a solution to these problems. With a soundbar, you get a sonic experience that closely matches the lifelike picture on your TV screen. Soundbars add amazing depth, power and clarity to your entertainment. Other obvious benefits include affordability, easy setup, and convenience of use. Succinctly, a soundbar is the best way to make your money work for you without having to endure the shoddy sound quality from your TV.
While some soundbars can rival the sound output associated with expensive speakers and amplifier systems, their sound quality and features often depend on their price. The cheaper the model you choose, the more basic its features will likely be. For a soundbar in the $300 price range, you can expect high fidelity sound, clearer dialogue, and enhanced bass output. Most soundbars under $300 also come with more speakers, mid-range drivers and a more complex configuration. Soundbars like the Vizio SB3651-F6, Yamaha YAS-207BL and YAS-108 come with the latest audio processing technologies such as Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. A few models, such as the SB36512-F6, have rear surround speakers that create a genuine surround-sound system.
Most of the soundbars under $300 come with a dedicated external subwoofer, usually wireless, that adds a deeper bass impact to your music and movies. Other features you can expect are Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi connectivity, RCA/HDMI, and 4K/HDR pass-through.
Not all soundbars are made equal. So, if you don’t choose the right one, you can end up with a soundbar that doesn’t suit your needs or one that barely improves your TV sound. Luckily, we’ve done all the hardwork for you. Read on to discover the most import things to consider before purchasing a soundbar.
You’ve probably noticed numbers such as 2.1, 5.1, and 7.1 on soundbars. These numbers are usually used to indicate the number of channels your soundbar has, and if it is accompanied by a subwoofer. For example, a 2.1-channel soundbar has two front speaker channels and an external subwoofer. Similarly, a soundbar with a 5.1 configuration will have five speakers plus a separate subwoofer.
If you simply want to improve the sound of your TV, you could opt for a soundbar with 2.1 channels. However, for a true surround sound experience, you’ll need a soundbar with at least 3.1 or 5.1 channels.
You may also come across three numbers instead of two. For instance, a 5.1.4 configuration means that the soundbar uses the Dolby Atmos surround sound technology, with the number “4” indicating four upward-firing speakers. A soundbar with a similar configuration is the Vizio SB3651-F6 with 5.1.2 channels.
It’s worth noting that the sound quality of your soundbar is what defines your audio experience. Ideally, your soundbar should have a wide frequency range between 50 Hz and 20 KHz. For a deeper and more intense bass, you’ll want to purchase a unit that comes with a separate subwoofer. A subwoofer reproduces low-frequency sound effects from your movies and video games to create a fuller sonic experience. You’ll find the Vizio SB36512-F6 to be the best soundbar with wireless subwoofer under $300 on our list.
Also, the sound quality of your soundbar can depend on its configuration and audio processing technology. Some models use multi-channel speakers and object-based audio technologies that overcome the limitations of stereo in basic soundbars. You can experience spectacular 3D surround sound with the Vizio SB3651-F6 or Polk Audio Signa S2 that uses Dolby Digital processing, or Yamaha’s YAS-207BL and YAS-108 models that use DTS:X to add the element of depth and height.
When you’re in the market for a soundbar, be sure to choose one that has the necessary connections for your TV and other devices. Any good model will have all or either one digital connector (coaxial, optical, and HDMI), as well as analog stereo RCA or mini-jack inputs. Most new soundbars support the HDMI ARC feature that lets your TV transmit audio back to your soundbar. This allows you to connect your cable box, Blu-ray player, game console and other devices directly to your TV, and then send audio out through your TV’s HDMI ARC to the soundbar.
Note that you’ll need a soundbar that supports 4K and HDR pass-through if you plan to connect a Blu-ray player.
Apart from wired connections, many soundbars now support Bluetooth making it easy to play music from your mobile devices. In this review, the YAS-207 is the best soundbar under $300 with Bluetooth. Some models also come with built-in Wi-Fi which allows you to stream online from music sites such as Pandora, Spotify, etc. Wi-Fi connectivity also allows you to create a multi-room music connection or control your soundbar with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Soundbars come in different shapes and dimensions. If you’ll be placing the soundbar on a cabinet beneath your TV, ensure that it is designed such that it doesn’t block your TV’s remote sensor, otherwise you can mount on a wall for a neater and uncluttered look. Whichever route you plan to go, be sure to check out dimensions such as length, width and depth of both your soundbar and TV. There’s nothing worse than unboxing your favorite soundbar only to discover that it doesn’t fit with your existing TV setup.
Your soundbar should also be easy to use and setup. In most soundbars, you’ll only need to connect a power cable, and an optical or HDMI cable to your TV. Your soundbar should also have a mounting kit and template that makes it simple and effortless to get on a wall. Ideally, your soundbar should come with its own remote to seamlessly control your unit. In this review, all our five soundbars have remote controls, but the AccuVoice AV203 is the best TV soundbar under $300 with the most solid remote.
Most manufacturers will give you warranties that cover up to 13 months. This gives you security and peace of mind in case something goes wrong with your soundbar or it doesn’t function properly. And speaking of security, Yamaha’s YAS-207 and YAS-108 give you the best deal with a warranty of 2 years each.
After a careful evaluation, we’ve concluded that the models below are the three best soundbars under $300. Whether you want to get immersed in your favorite video games, or are seeking an immersive Dolby Atmos soundbar to enjoy the latest Netflix TV shows, you can’t wrong with one of these soundbars.
The best-sounding soundbar under $300 is the Polk Audio Signa S2. It’s a sleek soundbar with a wireless subwoofer with a room-filling surround sound and Voice Adjust technology.
The ZVOX AccuVoice AV203 offers the Dialogue Boost technology which is great for those tired of missing dialog. Plus, the soundbar comes with an infrared remote that is conveniently sized and easy to hold.
