10 Best Soundbars Under 300 2025 in the United States

The Bose TV Speaker is a compact soundbar designed to enhance your TV audio experience, making it a solid choice for those seeking better sound without the fuss of complicated setups or large equipment. One of its main strengths is its ability to clarify dialogue, thanks to its specialized design focused on elevating vocals. This feature is particularly beneficial for viewers who struggle to catch conversations in movies or shows.

The soundbar features two angled full-range drivers that deliver a wide and natural sound, which contributes to a more immersive experience. Additionally, its Bluetooth connectivity allows users to stream music or podcasts wirelessly from their devices, providing versatility beyond just TV sound. With multiple input options, including HDMI-ARC, optical, and AUX, connecting to your TV or other devices is user-friendly and straightforward.

In terms of size and design, the Bose TV Speaker is compact, measuring just over 2 inches in height, making it easy to place in front of your TV or mount on a wall. However, the soundbar does not come with a subwoofer, which might leave some users wanting more bass. While it does have a bass boost feature, it may not satisfy those looking for deeper low-end audio, especially during action scenes or music playback. The included remote control is a nice touch, offering additional functionality like a dialogue mode and bass boost, enhancing the user experience.

The JBL Bar 9.1 is a robust soundbar system that excels in providing a cinematic audio experience, making it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the 820W output power, which delivers clear and powerful sound, enhanced by the built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS: X decoding. This technology creates an immersive surround sound experience that is ideal for films and gaming. The detachable, battery-powered surround speakers are a real highlight, allowing users to enjoy true surround sound without the mess of wires, creating a more flexible setup. Additionally, the system includes a powerful 300W, 10" subwoofer that produces deep, impactful bass, enhancing the listening experience for action-packed scenes or music.

On the connectivity front, the JBL Bar 9.1 offers multiple options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, optical, and HDMI, making it easy to connect to various devices. The inclusion of Ultra HD 4K Pass-through with Dolby Vision means that it can handle high-quality video as well, which is great for modern home setups.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The price, while under $300, might still be a stretch for budget-conscious users, especially if they are looking for a simpler audio solution. The setup can be slightly complex for non-tech-savvy individuals, particularly when dealing with multiple components and wall-mounting. The soundbar's weight at 8 pounds may pose some challenges for mounting, requiring careful installation. Additionally, while the sound quality is impressive, some users may find it lacking in water resistance, which is something to consider if you plan to use it in a more casual setting or near water.

The Sony HT-S400 is a 2.1-channel soundbar that delivers immersive surround sound using Sony’s S-Force PRO Front Surround technology combined with Dolby Digital. Its 330-watt output and a wireless subwoofer with a sizable 160mm speaker provide deep, rich bass that is great for movies and music. The soundbar also focuses on clear dialogue thanks to audio tech like the X-Balanced Speaker Unit, which helps voices stand out during films or shows.

Connectivity options include HDMI ARC, optical cable, and Bluetooth, making it easy to connect to most TVs and stream music wirelessly from smartphones or tablets. For those with compatible Sony BRAVIA TVs, the soundbar integrates well by showing controls directly on the TV menu, simplifying adjustments. The design is sleek and compact, with a flat back for neat wall mounting that fits flush against the wall, so it blends nicely in a living room setup.

The soundbar lacks advanced smart voice control features commonly found in higher-end models, and its frequency response bottoms out at 110 Hz, which may limit the very deepest bass tones compared to larger systems. Its 2.1 channel setup is ideal for general TV watching, movies, and casual gaming but might not satisfy users seeking a fully immersive multi-channel surround sound experience. This soundbar is a solid choice for those wanting enhanced sound quality with simple setup and wireless convenience under $300, especially if paired with a Sony TV, but it may feel basic for audiophiles or those wanting smart assistant integration.