Best Soundbars Under $300 — The Cheap Thrill vs. the Clear Winner

Best Soundbars Under $300

If you want cinematic sound without a cinematic price tag, the sub-$300 soundbar market is packed with high-performing options. Whether you’re after booming bass for movie nights, crisp dialogue for TV shows, or a balanced all-rounder for music and games, there’s a perfect choice here.

We’ve tested the latest contenders and ranked them by Best Price • Best Value • Best Performing so you can match your needs and budget.

Quick View

• Best Price: Vizio V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar — Affordable, compact, and powerful for small to medium rooms.
• Best Value: Samsung HW-S60B 3.1 Channel Soundbar — Crisp dialogue, rich bass, Dolby Digital 5.1, and subwoofer included.
• Best Performing: Sonos Ray — Premium clarity and tuning from Sonos, expandable, and unbeatable soundstage under $300.

Comparison Table

Best Price — Vizio V-Series 2.1 Home Theater Soundbar

Why we picked it:
For under $150, the Vizio V-Series 2.1 delivers clear mids, decent bass from a wireless sub, and enough volume for most living rooms. DTS Virtual:X adds a surround-like effect without extra speakers.

Positive comments:

• “Setup was super easy — literally plug and play.”
• “Sound fills the room without distortion.”

Negative comments:

• “Not as immersive as higher-channel systems.”
• “Plastic build feels a bit cheap.”

Best for: Small to medium-sized rooms, apartment living, and budget-conscious buyers.

Best Value — Samsung HW-S60B 3.1 Channel Soundbar

Why we picked it:
The dedicated center channel makes dialogue crystal clear, while Dolby Digital 3.1 processing and the included subwoofer bring movies to life. Priced under $300, it’s an excellent balance of clarity, bass, and features.

Positive comments:

• “Speech is finally easy to hear without cranking the volume.”
• “Movies feel more immersive with the bass rumble.”

Negative comments:

• “Subwoofer can be a little boomy for music.”
• “Limited app controls compared to Sonos.”

Best for: Viewers who prioritize dialogue clarity and movie immersion without going over budget.

Best Performing — Sonos Ray

Why we picked it:
At just under $300, the Sonos Ray delivers unmatched clarity and precise sound separation in this price range. Trueplay tuning adapts the sound to your room, and it integrates seamlessly with other Sonos speakers for future expansion.

Positive comments:

• “Music sounds alive — every instrument has space.”
• “Perfect for small spaces but still sounds huge.”

Negative comments:

• “No Bluetooth, only Wi-Fi.”
• “Bass is good but not earth-shaking without a sub.”

Best for: Audiophiles and streaming fans who want the best clarity under $300 and the option to expand later.

How We Tested

We evaluated each soundbar on:

• Sound Quality (40%) — Clarity, bass depth, soundstage.
• Features (30%) — Channels, audio modes, connectivity.
• Ease of Use (15%) — Setup, controls, app integration.
• Build & Design (10%) — Materials, aesthetics.
• Value (5%) — Price-to-performance ratio.

Alternatives and Upgrades

• Budget Alternative: TCL Alto 6+ — Under $100, wireless sub, Dolby Audio.
• Premium Upgrade: Sonos Beam Gen 2 — Dolby Atmos, HDMI eARC, under $500.

Seasonal Timing Tip

Best months to buy: January (post-holiday sales) and November (Black Friday/Cyber Monday) for the deepest discounts.

FAQs

Do I need a subwoofer?
Not always — soundbars like the Sonos Ray still sound excellent without one, but a sub can add dramatic bass for movies.

Can I connect wirelessly?
Most budget soundbars support Bluetooth; higher-end models often prefer Wi-Fi for better audio quality.

Is Dolby Atmos worth it under $300?
It’s rare to get true Atmos at this price; virtual surround modes can still improve immersion.