Last Updated on June 10, 2020 by Husain Parvez
Trying to make your home entertainment experience better with a soundbar under 300 dollars to buy from? Here’s a buying guide on getting the ideal audio accessory for your personal home theatre to take media entertainment to the next level.
Everyone loves to enjoy their movies and videos on a flatscreen TV. Whether you’ve got a 4K TV or something costlier, are you satisfied with your TV’s audio? You shouldn’t compromise on your entertainment for weak audio as it can spoil the fun for you. That’s why soundbar is here to complete your satisfaction in entertainment without digging a hole in your pockets. We are here to showcase the best soundbar under 300 USD to help you make an easier choice.
The essential function of a soundbar is to substitute your TV’s in-built speakers with something that frankly sounds good. The audio clarity rests on the vibration of moving parts within a confined space. That’s why modern super-thin LED and OLED TVs normally don’t have a nice sound? You might consider your TV sounds fine, but when you try out your favourite music, movies through a good soundbar, your opinion will turn around in favour of soundbars.
Basic features of soundbars
Affordability
Soundbars aren’t your sole option for improving your living room/home theatre audio, but they’re by far the most convenient and affordable option for doing so. If you live in a studio apartment or rented space, or simply don’t want to spend considerable funds to install full-on in-wall speakers. A soundbar under 300 dollars will easily and affordably upgrade your TV audio experience.
Ease of use
It’s effortless, everything you need is included in the box, and it’s stress-free to set up. You only have to connect a couple of cables. Having a soundbar under 300 dollars should not come as an accessory, but an all-in-one solution that allows you to enjoy the audio experience on your home TV to its maximum potential.
It is Self-contained (doesn’t need a separate box to work)
The very best soundbars can pack impressive audio into a package small enough to sit in front of your TV. The key things to look for when purchasing r a soundbar are a price, audio output, and connectivity. The price controls the other two specifications. If your price range is $300 or less, you won’t be getting extras like Dolby Atmos, object-oriented speakers, or a vast range of decoding/pass-thru options for advanced or lossless audio modes. However, you can assume to get multiple speaker drivers to consist of at least a stereo (left/right) setup, and usually an external subwoofer.
Tweeters refer to smaller speakers (drivers) allotted to the high-mid and high (treble) frequencies of the audio spectrum. Woofers and sub-woofers refer to speakers (drivers) allocated to the midrange or bass/sub-bass frequencies of the audio spectrum.
Best Soundbar under 300 Dollars
1. Bose Solo 5 TV Soundbar (best overall)
- Cost: $179.00 from Amazon.com
- Audio Output: 2.6 H x 21.6 W x 3.4 D (3.73 lbs),
- Connectivity: 1 x optical, 1 x HDMI (arc), 1 x Coaxial audio input (digital); 3.5 mm aux input (analog) , USB, Bluetooth connectivity
Bose Solo 5 sound system is a single piece soundbar. It’s engineered to assist in reproducing everything from dialogue to details; its dialogue mode makes it easy to hear every word, a worthy option for audio content like TV shows and podcasts where dialogue is the vital and essential factor. This soundbar is so flexible you can place it almost anywhere.
The only downside of this bar that it lacks quite a bit of bass, which can be understood by it’s missing a wireless subwoofer. It means it won’t be ideal for bass-heavy content.
The Bose Solo 5 has a fine build quality. It’s made from hard plastic, apart from the metal grid that surrounds the bar on the sides and at the front. The subwoofer is implanted in the bar and its port is at the back
As for its size, It is a fairly compact bar. It doesn’t cover the full width of most TVs so most likely it’ll come in front of your TV. Also, it’s length shouldn’t block your view of the screen.
Pros:
- The sleek design of your flatscreen TV is beautiful.
- It comes with Bluetooth connectivity; you can play your favourite wireless from any of your devices.
- It comes with Universal remote, which is easy to use.
Cons:
- lacks quite a bit of bass
- It doesn’t have in-built Alexa.
- It doesn’t support DTS, which is very common on Blu-ray discs.
2. JBL Bar 2.1 (user friendly)
- Cost: $300, ($199.99 from Amazon.com)
- Audio Output: 300 watts (4 x racetrack drivers, 2 x tweeters), an external subwoofer
- Connectivity: 1 x optical, 1 x HDMI (arc), 1 x analog (3.5 mm), USB
The JBL Bar 2.1 original price is $300 and is widely available for $199 on amazon.com, though in my estimation it’s a bargain for that price. While this JBL soundbar isn’t noticeable in any particular way, but it simply delivers the best combination of usability, sound quality, and ease of use out of all the soundbars under $300we have in our list.
It is a traditional design to take up minimal space within your living room. Once you’ve set it up, you’re going to be using the remote first and foremost.
Pros:
- It has full-sized TV remote-style controller, offers a Night Mode which automatically lowers the louder frequencies, and an LED indicator dimmer is perfect when you’re watching in a dark room.
- It features good clarity for dialogue during movies and satisfying bass from the paired down-firing subwoofer.
Cons:
- it doesn’t have satellite speakers.
- it doesn’t have in-built streaming or Alexa.
3. Polk Audio Signa S2 (best bass sound)
- Cost: $179.99 from Amazon.com
- Audio Output: 2 x tweeters (bar) 2 x midrange drivers, an external subwoofer
- Connectivity: 1 x optical, 1 x HDMI, 3.5mm aux
Originally priced at $200, but available for $179 on amazon.com, the Polk Audio Signa S2 presents a great value for money from our list. You’re getting a great soundbar and external subwoofer with smart finishes and great construction.
The Signa S2 ticks a lot of the right squares. The soundbar and sub come paired right out of the packaging, and you’re getting useful functions like Bluetooth, Where audio quality is concerned, the Signa S2 does a knockout job, especially where bass presence is concerned. It features different modes for movie, music, or night audio
Unlike some entry-level soundbars, increasing up the volume on this audio soundbar under 300 dollars doesn’t introduce distortion or imbalanced frequencies, making it a great pick.
Pros:
- Great bass presence
- Three different “Clear Voice” settings for your choice of programmes.
Cons:
- Overall audio could be better
- It doesn’t come with satellite speakers
4. Polk Audio MagniFi Mini (perfect mini size)
- Cost: $300 ($260 from amazon.com)
- Audio Output: 2 x tweeters, 4 x midrange drivers
- Connectivity: 1 x optical, 1 x HDMI,, 3.5mm aux
Polk Audio MagniFi Mini gives you a solid little soundbar and subwoofer that qualifies as a soundbar under 300 dollars. The MagniFi Mini lives to its name, especially the “mini” part of it: while the subwoofer is quite big, the bar itself is only a foot long, making it one of the better space-saving options in the bunch.
The only complaint that surfaces is that there wasn’t quite as much bass liked, but it still beats the tired TV speakers, If you’re looking to enhance TV and movies without investing in something that covers a lot of space, the Mini is a great choice.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Flexible features
Cons:
- It is a bit quiet as it lacks bass
- Some features don’t just work as advertised, such as connecting smartphones.
5. Razer Leviathan (Gaming friendly)
- Cost: $240 from amazon.com
- Audio Output: 2 x midrange drivers, 2 x tweeters, an external subwoofer
- Connectivity: 1 x 3.5mm aux, 1 x optical
Razer is a PC gaming-focused Leviathan soundbar it’s overall audio quality to be superior to the other ‘bars listed above.
If you are looking for a soundbar for PC gaming then Razer the Leviathan is made for you, you’re going to love how it sounds. The Leviathan delivers crunchy treble and midrange frequencies, and the wireless subwoofer adds plenty of basses.
However, while the Leviathan certainly sounds great, there are some compromises you would be making. First, the design doesn’t complement a TV. The bar itself is concise (around 17 inches), which will match the actual width of a computer monitor stand. It won’t go with the size of your Tv. Secondly you aren’t getting an HDMI (ARC) port here or a remote, which limits its convenience when it’s across the room under the TV. Controlling the bar is easy enough to do via the on-set controls, but if you like to make a lot of alterations, you would wish if you had a remote control.
Pros:
- Excellent audio quality
- perfect match for gamers
Cons:
- No remote, or HDMI port
- The design doesn’t complement a TV.
6. Sony HT-S350 Soundbar
- Cost: $268.00 from amazon.com
- Audio Output: 320W total power output, powerful Subwoofer: Large 6.30 Inches Speaker Unit and 6.16 Gallon Volume for a Deeper, Richer Bass Sound
- Connectivity: HDMI, optical, 3.5mm aux, Connect via Bluetooth
It comes with ultimate Home Theater Upgrade: Sony 2.1 Channel Sound Bar System with Wireless Subwoofer for Optimized Audio, uses virtual Surround Sound Technology Emulates a Theater-Style Surround Sound Experience.
Pros:
- 7 Sound Modes: Choose from Auto Sound, Cinema, Music, Game, News, Sports, and Standard Audio Mode
- Voice Enhancement: Isolates Voices and Amplifies Them over the Background Noise for Greater Clarity
Cons:
- It doesn’t have in-built streaming or Alexa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 2.1 and 5.1 soundbar?
When looking for a soundbar under 300 dollars, you will be able to notice that there are essentially two different models for you to choose from – a 2.1 soundbar, and a 5.1 soundbar. A 2.1 soundbar includes two speakers, usually a left and right channel and a subwoofer. A 5.1 soundbar consists of five speakers. Usually, front left, front right, front centre, surround left, surround right, and a subwoofer.
Is there any Soundbar under 300 USD with Alexa?
Yes, there is Polk Audio Command Sound Bar with built-in Alexa voice services and multi-room music: you can easily control the soundbar with your voice “Just Ask”.
It brings quality features as;
- Upgraded TV sound; Polk sound with built-in Dolby and DTS surround sound for an immersive home theatre experience
- It is also compatible with 4K and HD TV.
But the reason it didn’t make to our list is that it compromises with sound quality, it doesn’t match up to our front runners, but still, its easiness makes up for its loss.
How to connect the soundbar?
It is quite easy, just follow the following steps;
- attach one end of the HDMI cable (sold separately) to your TV’s HDMI IN port.
- Connect the other end to your soundbar’s TV OUT (ARC) port.
- Then, connect an optical audio cable from the TV’s optical digital audio out to OPTICAL IN on your soundbar (this is necessary to hear the TV audio).
Final words
Soundbars are here to give you satisfactory audible experience, which is essential for entertainment. Bose Solo 5TV Soundbar is the overall best choice for its sound engineering and compact size. While JBL Bar 2.1 is user friendly, incredibly its remote, makes life easier. As Polk Audio Signa S2 has the best bass in this range and if all your concern is music and sound perfection than this would be a clear choice for you. Polk Audio MagniFi Mini stands firm with its mini structure, and fancy design will be prize addition to your TV. If you are looking for the exquisite gaming experience, Razer Leviathan is your soundbar. At last, the Sony HT-S350 Soundbar is equipped with the latest technology to provide you with a surreal home entertainment audio experience.
We hope that the collection of soundbar under 300 dollars that have been listed above are the ideal fit for your home entertainment experience. Be sure to share your thoughts, and if we’ve missed out on a good contender, be sure to mention them in the comments section below.
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