Soundbars are a recent trend in home audio. They are not only cost-effective but also have more simple connections when it comes to audio. This makes these smart home devices perfect for rooms where their speakers are near the TV or sound systems.
A soundbar can help fill in audio where one speaker is in the distance with the TV in the foreground. Soundbars are affordable audio solutions with simple audio connections.
Are you looking for a soundbar that will satisfy all of your listening needs? If so, the best soundbar under 300 may be what you’re looking for.
Contents
- 1 Top Best Soundbars Under 300 in 2023
- 2 What You Should Know About Soundbars?
- 3 FAQ
- 3.1 Are TV Soundbars Worth it?
- 3.2 What about the downsides?
- 3.3 What’s the difference between the 2.1 soundbars and 5.1?
- 3.4 In which place do you put a soundbar?
- 3.5 Can soundbars be as good as surround sound speakers?
- 3.6 Do I need a built-in subwoofer or not?
- 3.7 Are soundbars better with or without subwoofers?
- 3.8 What is the wattage you require for a soundbar to be effective?
- 3.9 What space is needed between the TV and the soundbar?
- 3.10 Is there bass in soundbars?
- 3.11 Are soundbars required to be plugged in?
- 3.12 Which soundbar produces the most bass?
- 3.13 Do you need HDMI ARC?
- 4 Conclusion
Top Best Soundbars Under 300 in 2023
Vizio V Series V51-H6
We’ve found the Vizio V Series V51-H6 to be one of the most affordable soundbars, below 300 dollars. The versatile 5.1 setup is straightforward to use and has a neutral sound profile. It can be used for listening to many different audio formats.
You can even customize the bar’s sound with EQ presets and extra bass and treble adjustments.
The whole setup includes a dedicated subwoofer, two satellite speakers, and surround content such as Dolby Digital. It also has a dialogue enhancement feature that will make the voices of your TV and movie shows more crisp and clear.
It’s also Bluetooth-compatible, so you can wireless connectivity stream content from your mobile devices to the bar.
This soundbar under 300 does not support Dolby Atmos content. This can be frustrating for movie lovers. The fabric used for the bar and satellites could easily rip or become dirty. It still feels sturdy and durable and has a good build quality.
Pros
- Voice enhancement feature.
- Bluetooth-compatible.
- Four EQ preset sound modes.
Cons
- Doesn’t support Atmos content.
Vizio V Series V21-H8
The Vizio V Series V21H8 is the best soundbar for bass under $300. The 2.1 soundbar model includes a subwoofer, which reproduces a deep low-bass.
This allows you to feel the deep thumps and rumbles of bass-heavy music or action-packed shows. Although it can get quite loud, there is a slight compression at maximum volume.
It has a loud, bass-heavy sound that will add a lot of punch and thump to your audio. EQ presets, bass and treble adjustments, and EQ presets are available if you prefer a different sound. It’s also Bluetooth-compatible, so you can wirelessly play audio from your mobile devices on the bar.
It doesn’t support Atmos content. Instead, it must downmix surround sound content to stereo to play it. This results in a less immersive experience.
Some listeners may find it lacking a comprehensive graphic EQ to customize the sound. This soundbar unit is an excellent value if you like a loud, more bass-heavy sound.
Pros
- Solid bass presence
- Classic and compact design
Cons
- The future proof is not possible
Klipsch Cinema 400
Although Klipsch Cinema 400 soundbar may not be as fast or feature-rich as some of its competitors, this is the place to start if you want exceptional performance.
With its exposed tweeters, a large external subwoofer, and head-turning design, it is a stunning piece of the soundbar unit. It sounds great with favorite music and a few episodes of Loki.
Pros
- A refined sound signature
- Amazing bass power
- Stylish design
Cons
- No Wifi connectivity options
- Stereo sound only
- Manufactured without any features
Bose TV Speaker
We’ve found the Bose TV speaker to be the most affordable soundbar under $300. It also has a compact design. This compact soundbar is less than 24 inches in width and can fit easily into any existing setup. The soundbar is made of all-plastic and features metal grilles that protect the drivers.
The soundbar’s sound is pretty neutral so that it can listen to many different audio formats. You can also adjust the soundbar’s bass to suit your needs. It can be used to listen to dialog-centric content such as TV shows.
The discrete center channel allows for more accurate localization of voices in the sound image. This center channel also a dialogue enhancement feature that will make them sound more precise.
This Bose TV speaker is not able to reproduce a deep low-bass. You won’t hear the resounding thump or rumble of bass-heavy music or in action-packed movies.
It doesn’t get loud enough to be suitable for large parties or in noisy rooms. It can get a bit louder if you crank it to maximum volume. This can make it frustrating.
Sony HT-S350 Soundbar
Their sound bars are known for their excellent surround sound quality. A few products feature a powerful subwoofer to boost the bass for TV and favorite movies.
The Sony HT-350 sound bar has two channels and one wireless speaker. This allows for a more powerful soundstage. You can also adjust the bass and other settings with the EQ sound modes.
The Sony HT-S350’s ability to separate voices from background noise and amplify them is an intelligent feature. This feature, similar to ZVOX Accuvoice, ensures dialogue clarity so that you don’t miss any details when watching your favorite shows.
Sony HT-350 measures 35.4×2.51×3.46in. And can easily fit in your system. It is easy to set up the speakers. Connect the HDMI cable or optical inputs to your TV or other media device.
Pros
- Different sound modes
Cons
- Doesn’t support 4K
Samsung HW-S60A
We’ve found the Samsung HW-60A to be one of the best soundbars under 300 and with a small design. The 5.0 is a compact and small soundbar and great features Side Horn Speakers.
These HW-60A speakers are designed to create an immersive sound experience without additional satellite speakers. Samsung HW-60A is very sturdy and has many voice enhancement features, such as a graphic EQ.
The best sound bar has a reasonably neutral and good sound profile so that you can listen to much different audio content. You can even control the Samsung HW-60A with your voice using Amazon Alexa built-in. Wireless playback is also possible, with built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple AirPlay allowing you to stream audio from the HW-60A bar wirelessly.
This setup cannot reproduce the resounding thump in the low bass. It’s therefore not suitable for EDM and bass-heavy music performance. This setup also does not support Dolby Atmos. Samsung HW-60A is still an excellent choice if you have limited space.
Pros
- Presets and Graphic EQ
- Dialogue enhancement feature.
Cons
- Low-bass is not available.
- No Atmos support.
Polk Audio Signals S2
The Polk Audio Signa S2 is a great value. You get a high-quality soundbar under 300 and a subwoofer with a stylish, glossy finish and dependable construction. Although the Signa isn’t very fancy, it’s not cheap. In this low price range, appearances are not usually a significant concern.
The Polk Audio Signa ticks all the right boxes in functionality and extra features. You get the soundbar/sub-pre-paired straight out of the box. There are a variety of valuable functions, including Bluetooth, music, and night mode; volume rockers for subwoofer and soundbar; and three Clear Voice settings to use with TV/movie programming.
The Signa S2 is a great audio player, particularly when it comes to bass presence. After streaming music to my soundbar via Bluetooth connectivity options, I repaired the subwoofer and checked if it was connected. The sub was plugged in, and I felt the bass presence filling the smaller space. It was solid and clear without distortion.
The S2’s volume control buttons are not as loud as other entry-level sound bars. It doesn’t cause distortions or unbalanced frequencies, unlike some other best soundbars under 300.
The S2 has no bass extension, and the frequency crossover sound is very balanced. Even streaming Bluetooth audio compressed to a very crisp level sounds good.
This richness can sometimes cause movie soundtracks to overpower movie dialogue. Still, Clear Voice functions (which adjust the frequency response to emphasize mid-tones where female and male voices are) help reduce muddiness.
The Signa S2 is a great surround system. The S2 is not a satellite speaker system. Still, it has a bar and a subwoofer, a satisfying bass performance, innovative audio options, and the Clear Voice option, which can be used to stream audio content or DVDs with reduced speech audio.
Pros
- Amazing bass presence
- Flexible feature set
- Durable materials
Cons
- The overall audio quality could be improved
Yamaha YAS-109
The Yamaha YAS-109 is a practical option in this price range. It’s beneficial if you don’t want to sacrifice sound quality but still need space. The 2.1-channel soundbar offers good sound quality, a simple design, and decent features, including Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Wi-Fi connection. Although it is very similar to the Yamaha SR-B20A, you get several additional features.
The YAS-109’s sound quality is excellent, especially if you don’t want to spend too much. In the default Movie, the whole package produced great audio for various sources, including music, movies, and video games.
If you are used to subwoofers, you might not be able to hear the difference. However, if you are just replacing TV speakers with this model, it will make a huge difference.
It is a little more expensive than Yamaha’s SR-B20A, but the audio quality is still excellent. This is the best soundbar on Amazon if you want better movie night audio and pc gaming stream.
Pros
- Understated design
- Sound quality for entry-level
- Feature friendly
- DTS Virtual-X surround sound
Cons
- It lacks a genuinely remarkable power
- Undifferentiated sound modes
Yamaha YAS-207 Soundbar
The Yamaha sound bar is a massive upgrade to TV speakers and very affordable soundbars. The Yamaha YAS-207 is an excellent soundbar with extra features.
The Yamaha soundbar is exceptionally slim. Its minimalist design is compatible with all TV sets to save space and can be easily integrated into any TV room. It’s not only stylish, but it also has excellent sound quality.
The YAS-207 includes two subwoofers, two tweeters, and an external wireless woofer. The combination produces a clear sound and powerful bass.
This combination will deliver both deep basses from movie explosions and clear dialog that’s easy to understand. Yamaha’s Clear Voice sound feature will make it easy to catch soft voices on TV. This feature will increase the vocal frequency range and relax the listening experience.
This soundbar has an incredible sound. This soundbar can give you the ultimate immersion in movies and surround sound. DTS VirtualX is a feature of the YAS-207 that makes it feel like you are actually in the film and not just watching it.
There are many connectivity options. There are many options for connecting via optical input, HDMI input, AUX, and a built-in Bluetooth connection. Bluetooth connectivity is reliable and can keep you connected without interruptions.
Although this soundbar does not have additional features like Apple Airplay or Google Cast, unless they are essential to your soundbar application, the YAS-207 will provide all you need.
Pros
- DTS Virtual:X Surround sound feature
Cons
- Apple Airplay and Google Cast are not available.
JBL Bar Studio
The JBL Bar Studio soundbar is among the most affordable. Although the Bar Studio may seem appealing, it is still a significant upgrade to standard TV speakers. There are other reasons to spend a bit more.
The four-driver speaker arrangement is acceptable, but it wasn’t the best I heard. the JBL bar Studio is louder than another soundbar market like the Leviathan or Polk Signa S2, but it doesn’t sound as crisp and robust as the Leviathan.
Although the JBL bar is compact and easy to store, the Bar Studio doesn’t have enough room for more significant drivers to produce high-quality sound. It can be turned up with separate controls for woofer and tweeter volume, but it isn’t jaw-dropping. It does the job.
The remote is my biggest problem with the Bar Studio. The remote control is a small, flat controller packed with buttons. The buttons all have the same physical dimensions/travel and tactile feeling.
It’s difficult to find what button does what because there are so many on the remote. Although it isn’t a big issue, it is one of those small things that make the Bar Studio seem less valuable than its competitors.
These soundbars under 300 are for you to spend as little money as possible. There are better alternatives if you need something with more substance.
Pros
- Space- and compact
Cons
- So-so audio quality
- Remotes can be confusing.
Samsung HW-M360
Sometimes simplicity is the best. Too many features can detract from the product’s quality. The Samsung HW-M360 soundbar isn’t overly detailed and offers the best quality for essential functions.
This is a great stepping stone to help you get started on a full surround sound system for your home. The wireless surround kit can be used in conjunction with this soundbar.
This will give you full home theater surround sound. The Samsung HW-M360 option is great because you can purchase the soundbar first and save money for the Wireless Surround Kit. You will still be able to enjoy a two-channel sound system.
This also means you won’t get caught in a situation where you already have a soundbar and now want a five-channel system. The soundbar you previously bought is useless with your new setup.
Samsung HW-M360 is an excellent way to improve your TV’s sound quality, even if you don’t plan to add to it. Samsung HW-M360 soundbar is powered by 200 W. This is a decent amount of power for the price. It will work in any large or small room.
You can also enjoy Dolby Digital decoding, which allows you to have a dynamic speaker with virtual surround sound. The wireless subwoofer and this combination will deliver an exceptional surround sound experience. This HW-M360 soundbar is perfect for watching TV and sports.
This best soundbar is great for TV use, but you can also use it with music. The HW-M360 can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth, which allows you to stream music from any app. You can also use the app to adjust Samsung HW-M360 settings from your mobile devices without having to leave your couch.
The HW-M360 soundbar overall is a best value.
Pros
- Amazing sound
- Dolby Digital
Cons
- HDMI input is not available
Polk Audio Command Soundbar
You’ve found the answer to your prayers if you are looking for something different from standard soundbar designs. The Polk is unique and has some fantastic features.
It has surprised us with its unique soundbar design. Although it is clean and straightforward, the soundbar has a round shape and a circular button section that lights up. It is made mainly from plastic, which is not the best, but it is not unusual.
This soundbar’s standout feature is its Alexa Voice Control. You can control your soundbar by simply speaking to it. Alexa also gets automatically updated when new services are made available. This is possible because of the soundbar’s Wi-Fi capabilities. It is uncommon to see this feature in this price range.
This Polka Audio Command Soundbar sounds excellent, and Alexa is fun. You get the bass you need with the wireless subwoofer. You can also enjoy surround technology with Dolby or DTS, which allows you to get the best experience possible without buying a complete theatre sound system.
Polk has addressed the problem of poor vocals in TV and movies. Polk features voice adjust technology that will improve the clarity and crispness of your songs.
This soundbar is compatible with both 4K and HD TVs and Fire TV. It is easy setup, with the option of connecting via HDMI inputs, USB port, and optical. Bluetooth can wireless connection, which allows you to stream music and videos directly from your smartphone. It is also compatible with Google Assistant.
It is an excellent soundbar, and the price is very reasonable.
Pros
- Alexa Voice control
Cons
- Movie sound modes can make bass too strong
What You Should Know About Soundbars?
A soundbar can be used to replace the home theater speaker system or to simply replace the TV’s built-in speakers with something that makes a difference.
Modern OLED and super-thin LED TVs don’t produce excellent sound quality because the speaker (or driver) clarity is dependent on the vibrations of moving parts in a small space.
Your TV might sound great, but you’ll be surprised at how much better your TV sounds when you are listening to your favorite TV show and watching movies through a good soundbar.
While best soundbars under 300 may not be the only way to improve your living room/home theatre audio, they are by far the easiest and most cost-effective.
A soundbar can be a permanent solution to your TV’s audio quality if you have a smaller living space or don’t want to spend the substantial money required to mount a speaker or surround sound system in your home.
HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC Connection explained
HDMI ARC and HDMI eARC are the preferred connections for the best soundbars under 300. These HDMI connections allow TVs built after 2017 to play advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos.
They also allow you to control output power and volume using your TV remote without programming the remote. You may need to enable HDMI CEC in the TV’s settings.
Most soundbars’ standard optical audio input can also carry surround sound in 2.1 and 5.1 channels. To make Dolby Atmos work correctly, you will need to use HDMI ARC (or eARC) if you have a soundbar with more advanced features such as upfiring speakers.
An HDMI eARC connection is available on some soundbars, often more expensive than the HDMI ARC. It stands for enhanced audio return channel and provides high-quality, uncompressed audio to your TV.
This includes Dolby Atmos and other top-quality audio. eARC is becoming more popular, but there are only two things that you should know about soundbar connections.
First, eARC’s enhanced features are only available if your TV and sound system support eARC. HDMI eARC should function in all other respects, just like HDMI ARC.
What To Look For In A Soundbar?
When shopping for the best budget soundbars, you should consider price, audio output, and connectivity. The latter two are often directly related to the former.
If you have a tight budget, you won’t get Dolby Atmos; satellite surrounds speaker or many options for decoding/pass-thru for advanced or lossless audio modes. You can reach multiple satellite speakers with at least one stereo (left/right) and often an external subwoofer.
Tweeters are smaller speakers (drivers) assigned to the audio spectrum’s high/treble and high-mid frequencies. Subwoofers and woofers are speakers (drivers) assigned to the midrange frequencies and bass/sub-bass frequencies.
What About A Subwoofer?
Many best soundbars under 300 have a 2.1 channel configuration. This means that the great sound is directed through the left and proper stereo channels, with a separate subwoofer for the low frequencies of the equation.
A 2.0-channel soundbar is sufficient for most audio content. However, a soundbar that does not have a subwoofer, or has built-in speakers, might be better suited to smaller apartments.
A soundbar with a separate subwoofer is a fantastic option if you want cinematic rumble, whether for TV or movies. This will enhance action scenes and fill in any gaps that smaller drivers leave in the frequency spectrum. Only a handful of cases allow low-frequency sound to be handled well without a subwoofer.
Surround Sound and Dolby Atmos/DTSX
Many soundbars have separate surround sound speakers placed behind you in multi-channel configurations. These soundbars can be used to immerse you in your favorite shows and movies by combining surround sound with content, provided that the channels are correctly balanced. Satellite surround speakers may be possible in some cases.
Dolby Atmos and DTS:X enabled soundbars to go even further by adding upfiring speakers (either two or four), which can bounce sound off the ceiling to make it appear as if it is coming from above.
This will immerse you in a hemispheric world of sound. These soundbars are only compatible with Dolby Atmos or DTS: X-supported content.
However, they offer an immersive sound experience that is even more like what you would experience in a home theater. Some soundbars can only be used with DTS:X or Dolby Atmos content. However, the sound is virtualized using Dolby digital signal processing and wave-guide technology to different degrees of efficacy.
You will have to pay more for this technology than you would for other soundbars. Additionally, you might be able to use more speakers in your TV room. These concessions should be taken into consideration before you make your decision.
FAQ
Are TV Soundbars Worth it?
In short, absolutely worth noting! They enhance your movie experience.
Audio equipment such as the Yamaha YAS-207 and Vizio SB3651–E6 is equipped with separate woofers or tweeters to provide additional amplification. However, some audio equipment, like the Yamaha YAS 108 or ZVOX Accuvoice, have them integrated.
Even though it costs $70, you can be sure that the speaker will only function as a mini-speaker. They are more important than speakers in that they offer better audio quality.
The price range is wide. You can be confident that you will get different components, ranging from less than 100 to more than a million dollars.
What about the downsides?
If you are okay with the uniformity of soundbar shapes, you should be fine. Sometimes, however, the soundbar design can make it difficult to hear the difference.
The main problem in our soundbar reviews is the form factor or size. The RSB 3, ZVOX Accuvoice, and Yamaha YAS-207 models are too small to accommodate all necessary components and parts. Satellite speakers are a great option if you want to go beyond stereo sound.
What’s the difference between the 2.1 soundbars and 5.1?
The 2.1 soundbar system has two speakers, one left and one right. There is also a dedicated subwoofer. The 5.1 soundbar includes five speakers and a subwoofer. The front channels are integrated into the soundbar.
The surround speakers are usually sold separately. This setup adds more volume and enhances surround sound. It also creates a cohesive environment.
Read full our compare: 2.1 vs 5.1 soundbar
In which place do you put a soundbar?
Soundbar placement is possible in many ways. It can be mounted on the wall, placed on a shelf, on Tv stand or on the floor. No matter what you do, the sound waves mustn’t be blocked or interfered with by any objects.
Can soundbars be as good as surround sound speakers?
Soundbars are sleek in design and easy to install. They can also simulate surround sound to a certain degree. While they may upgrade your TV’s speakers, my inner geek prefers.
It is not a place to compromise when setting up a home theatre. As with all audio products, quality and audio performance will differ between devices.
Do I need a built-in subwoofer or not?
These built-in subwoofers are dedicated speaker drivers that produce low-frequency audio. Think deep, intense hums and rumbling bass. Subwoofers add an extra kick to any audio output.
A separate wireless subwoofer is my preference due to the greater customization options. The built-in woofers are a good option if you prefer a more discrete setup.
Are soundbars better with or without subwoofers?
Soundbars don’t require a subwoofer to sound great. A soundbar can have multiple speakers, which can be great by themselves. However, a subwoofer will help produce lower frequencies than many soundbars.
What is the wattage you require for a soundbar to be effective?
What is the power consumption of a soundbar? A soundbar can use 20-50 watts on its own. You can increase the wattage by adding subwoofers or rear speakers.
What space is needed between the TV and the soundbar?
Between your TV and soundbar, there should be a distance of between 10 to 15 cm (4 and 6 inches). This distance allows for easy access to controls and connectivity.
Is there bass in soundbars?
A majority of soundbars include a subwoofer (an additional speaker used to produce bass).
Are soundbars required to be plugged in?
The wireless base must be plugged into an outlet; the rear speakers must be announced into the ground. The rear speakers are not wireless.
Which soundbar produces the most bass?
We have tested the Samsung HWQ950A soundbar with a subwoofer. It is our favorite. This solidly built 11.1.
Do you need HDMI ARC?
Both your TV and soundbar/receiver must have ARC for it to work. The HDMI Out label at the receiver has a tiny ARC symbol. Similar would be the look of an HDMI-equipped soundbar.
Conclusion
By the end of this review, you should have a clearer idea of what type of soundbar to get, it depend on personal taste. All of the products Hooke Audio reviewed here have an excellent sound quality and provide a way to improve the existing audio of a television.
You should also have a better idea of the best soundbar under $300, what features to look for in one, and how to use it. The best soundbars at a budget price are something that all audio enthusiasts will want to check out.
If you have any questions about this article, please leave a comment below.
Last update on 2023-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
