If you’ve been searching for some pragmatic solutions to improve the sound quality in your home, then this is the right place for you.
Whether you’re wanting to upgrade your TV speakers or your PC sound, we’ve got you covered.
While there are some awesome soundbars that cost less than $300, that isn’t always the case.
That’s why we’ve pulled together a list of the best soundbars under $300, so that you can be sure to find great value for your money.
Quick List: Top 13 Soundbars Under $300
- Yamaha YAS-207 Soundbar
- Samsung HW-N450 Soundbar
- Sony HT-S350 Soundbar
- JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass Soundbar
- Polk Audio Command Soundbar
- Yamaha YAS-109 Soundbar
- Samsung HW-R60C 3.1 Channel Soundbar
- Sony HT-MT300 Soundbar
- Denon DHT-S216 Soundbar
- Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Home Theater Soundbar
- Denon DHT-S316 Home Theater Soundbar
- Samsung HW-M360 Soundbar
- Mackie CR StealthBar
Researching Soundbars Under $300
When searching for a soundbar under $300, the first thing to consider is the sound quality. No one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a soundbar that will deliver hollow sounds with a muddy bass.
At this price range, you can find some amazing soundbars but with that being said, they won’t be perfect and if you are expecting absolutely flawless sounds, you may become disappointed. Most of the soundbars available will be 2.0 or 2.1 channel soundbars but sometimes you may come across three-channel ones.
We kept an eye out for any three-channel bars to give you that option but regardless of channels, we paid attention to how many drivers were used. For those balanced sounds and crisp highs, we looked for multiple mid-range drivers that were accompanied by tweeters and a wireless subwoofer.
The combination of good-quality full-range drivers and a wireless subwoofer was also analyzed.
Throughout our research, we also explored the sound modes. We considered how versatile a soundbar was with its technology. Specifically, we looked for soundbars that offered virtual surround sound and any voice enhancement features.
All these aspects, as well as others, were considered to find the best soundbar under $300.
If you would prefer to spend a bit less then we recommend you read our best soundbar under $200 or best soundbar under $100 posts. Alternatively if you feel you have more to spend you could have a look at the soundbar options under $500.
The Best Soundbar Under $300 in2024
1. Yamaha YAS-207 Soundbar Review
- World's first sound bar with DTS Virtual: X Virtual 3D surround sound (available via a firmware update available now)
- Slim, understated design perfectly complements your TV
- Wireless subwoofer for powerful bass with flexible placement
This Yamaha soundbar would be a massive step up from any TV speakers and thankfully, it is reasonably priced. With its great sound and extra features, you can’t go wrong with the Yamaha YAS-207.
✔️ What we like: DTS Virtual:X Surround Sound feature
❌ What we don’t like: No Apple Airplay or Google Cast
Standout Features
- Clear Voice feature
- Wireless subwoofer
- Built-in Bluetooth
This Yamaha soundbar has a wonderfully slim design. The understated look works perfectly with every TV set up and is easy to incorporate into your TV room. It doesn’t only tick the boxes of looks, it also delivers on sound.
The YAS-207 has two subwoofers, two tweeters, as well as an external wireless subwoofer. This combination delivers a crisp sound with a superb power from the bass. You will be getting both the deep bass from explosions in movies as well as clean dialog that is easy to hear. If you’re someone who doesn’t easily catch the soft voices on TV, then you will be happy to hear that Yamaha has taken care of that issue with its Clear Voice sound feature. This feature will enhance the vocal frequency range, making the whole listening experience more relaxed.
The incredible sound doesn’t even stop there. If you’re looking for extreme immersion into your movies with surround sound, this soundbar knows how to deliver. The YAS-207 offers DTS Virtual:X to make you feel like you’re inside the movie, not just watching it.
The connectivity options are also great. You can connect via Optical, HDMI, and AUX, as well as via Bluetooth for a wireless option. The Bluetooth works well and holds a steady connection so you can happily stream your music as much as you want without any horrible interruptions.
This soundbar may not offer extra features such as Google Cast or Apple Airplay, but unless those things are specifically important to your application of the soundbar, this YAS-207 will have all your bases covered.
Overall, this soundbar is a terrific set of electronics!
2. Samsung HW-N450 Soundbar Review
- Deep bass from included wireless subwoofer
- Bluetooth music streaming
- Seamless integration with Samsung TVs
If you’re a Samsung TV owner, it’s time to capitalize on your choice! Samsung has set up its soundbars to compliment your Samsung TV so that you can have the perfect marriage of great visuals and great sound.
✔️ What we like: Seamless integration with Samsung TV
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t support HDR pass-through
Standout Features
- Four speakers
- Wireless subwoofer
- Surround Sound Expansion
If you already have a Samsung TV, then this is a great way to complete your TV system. The HW-N450 soundbar can connect to your Samsung TV, integrating the two to make your life easier. With this integration, you can conveniently control both your TV and your soundbar from one remote. You can also control your soundbar from the TV menu.
Even if you don’t have a Samsung TV, this soundbar will sound great with its four speakers. The wireless subwoofer gives that extra bass kick and since it’s wireless, you can place it anywhere in the room to personalize the feel of it. This soundbar also has surround sound expansion which will expand the listening area and create a truly incredible surround sound effect.
Furthermore, if you’re planning on expanding your sound system later, this HW-N450 will work perfectly with that. It is fully compatible with the Samsung Wireless Surround Kit which will allow you to transform your soundbar into a full theatre sound system.
The soundbar supports Optical, HDMI, USB, and AUX connectivity, as well as Bluetooth. It also includes a remote control, and I know what you’re thinking. Not another remote. No need to worry on that front because Samsung also offers a remote-control app. This enables you to pack away the physical remote and control your soundbar with just your smartphone.
Even with the Samsung integration features aside, this soundbar generates some fantastic sound. The balance of being able to handle both the highs and lows with superb clarity makes this soundbar a great buy.
All in all, this HW-N450 soundbar would be an excellent choice for Samsung TV owners and others alike.
3. Sony HT-S350 Soundbar Review
- Ultimate Home Theater Upgrade: Sony 2.1 Channel Sound Bar System With Wireless Subwoofer for Optimized Audio.Waterproof : No
- Audio Comes Alive:320W total power output brings content to life with incredible volume and clarity
- Powerful Subwoofer: Large 6.30 Inches Speaker Unit and 6.16 Gallon Volume for a Deeper, Richer Bass Sound
Sony already has quite a name for surround sound and this HT-S350 lives up to every expectation. The HT-S350 comes in way under $300 but still manages to match the standard of its competitors.
✔️ What we like: Includes seven different sound modes
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t support 4K
Standout Features
- S-Force Pro
- Vocal clarity
- Wireless subwoofer
When you buy this Sony HT-S350, you won’t just be getting the soundbar, you will also be getting a wireless subwoofer, a remote control, batteries, an Optical cable, a quick setup guide, and a manual. This system packs some real power with 320W, to ensure that you can really turn the volume up.
The HT-S350 sounds so good that you wouldn’t expect it at its price. It keeps those highs nice and clean while still coming in full force with the bass from the wireless subwoofer. The excitement doesn’t even stop there. Sony has outdone itself with some awesome sound features. This soundbar offers S-Force Pro Front Surround technology that will emulate cinema-style surround sound. It will make it seem as if the sound is coming from all directions, further improving your movie and TV show experiences.
This soundbar also boasts seven different sound modes! Now that’s impressive. You will have the option of modes suited to cinema, movies, news, sports, game, auto sound, and standard audio mode. The game mode has been created by PlayStation developers to make sure that all the sound effects are on point for your visuals. On top of that, the HT-S350 also offers Voice Enhancement which boosts certain frequencies to add clarity to dialog.
You can easily connect your soundbar via HDMI, Optical, AUX and for wireless connectivity, you can make use of the built-in Bluetooth.
This HT-S350 soundbar is excellent value for money, and with the inclusion of technology to improve your sound beyond sound quality and volume, it is a steal!
4. JBL Bar 2.1 Deep Bass Soundbar Review
- An impressive 300W of total system power
- 6. 5" Wireless subwoofer delivers deep, thrilling sound
- Enjoy wireless music streaming via Bluetooth from your mobile or tablet
By this point, JBL is a household name for most, and its rise to that notoriety is fully deserved. This JBL Bar 2.1 is just another example as to why so many people invest in their products.
✔️ What we like: Exceptional sound quality
❌ What we don’t like: Includes few accessories
Standout Features
- Different sound modes
- Adjustable bass
- 300W system
If you need proper volume, this 300W soundbar is one to put on your shortlist. This JBL has been built very well and it feels like a quality product. We also must say that although most soundbars are designed to look neat and sleek, this one is particularly appealing to the eye. Its smooth finish is a nice touch and elevates the whole look of the system. The bar can be mounted with mounting brackets that are included but you will need to buy more screws yourself since not all of them are included. It can also be placed on a surface and with its rubber feet, you won’t need to worry about it easily slipping off.
In terms of sound, this soundbar does a terrific job of holding crispness in the dialog while delivering a solid bass when needed. The remote control gives you control of multiple different features. These include being able to adjust the bass levels and features such as night mode, which will regulate any high-volume patches in your movie or TV show. This is very helpful if you are wanting to watch something in the evening without disturbing other people in your home. It also offers JBL Surround Sound to put you right in the middle of the action.
The JBL Bar 2.1 offers connectivity via HDMI, USB, and AUX. You can also enjoy wireless streaming capabilities with Bluetooth. All things considered, this JBL Bar 2.1 provides everything you need, and it does it extremely well.
With your sound quality and volume sorted and with some extra sound features, this would be a fantastic option for anyone looking to take their sound to the next level.
5. Polk Audio Command Soundbar Review
- Upgraded TV sound: Get legendary Polk sound with built in Dolby and DTS surround sound for an immersive home theater experience
- Stream shows and music: fire tv compatible and built in support for amazon music, Pandora, tune in, iheartradio and more music services as they become available
- Built in Alexa voice services and multi room music: easily control the sound bar functionality, your smart home devices, stream music in multiple rooms with your voice “just ask”. Automated over...
If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air from typical soundbar designs, your prayers have been answered. This Polk Audio soundbar looks unique and pulls through on some fantastic features.
✔️ What we like: Alexa Voice Control
❌ What we don’t like: Bass can be too heavy in movie mode
Standout Features
- Dolby and DTS Surround Sound
- Fire TV compatible
- 4K and HD TV compatible
- Voice adjust technology
Polk Audio has given us a nice surprise with a unique design of the soundbar. It remains simple and neat, but it has a rounded shape and sports a circular button section that lights up. It is mostly made from plastic, which isn’t the best but not uncommon at this price, and has a fabric cover.
The stand-out feature of this soundbar is it’s Alexa Voice Control. This will allow you to control your soundbar just by speaking to it. Alexa is also automatically updated as new services become available. This is possible through the soundbar’s Wi-Fi capabilities, which is rare to see in this price range.
Beyond the fun of using Alexa, this Polka Audio Command Soundbar also sounds amazing. It includes a wireless subwoofer to give you the bass that we all need. It also has Dolby and DTS surround sound so that you get the best possible experience of surround sound, without needing to invest in a full theatre sound system. If you struggle with the vocals in movies and TV shows, you will be happy to know that Polk has taken care of this. The Polk Audio Command Soundbar has patented voice adjust technology which will make the vocals crisper and overall much clearer.
Other aspects to consider about this soundbar are that it is 4K and HD TV compatible as well as Fire TV compatible. The set up is easy with options to connect through HDMI, USB, or Optical. You can also connect wirelessly with Bluetooth, enabling you to stream your music and videos from your smartphone.
Overall, this Polk Audio command soundbar has superb sound and with its multitude of extra features, the low price is quite impressive.
6. Yamaha YAS-109 Review
- Easy setup with HDMI or Optical connections
- Built in subwoofers for deep bass in 1 slim sound bar
- Clear voice for enhanced dialogue clarity. Output power: 120W
This Yamaha is an awesome option for someone wanting to improve their TV’s sound quality. It sounds great and has enough features that you won’t feel like you’re missing out on any essentials.
✔️ What we like: DTS Virtual:X surround sound
❌ What we don’t like: Won’t sound as good in large rooms
Standout Features
- Easy setup
- Alexa built-in
- Five different sound modes
The YAS-109 offers some great sound with a nice balance between all the mids and highs and with its wireless subwoofer, you won’t be missing out on bass either. This soundbar may not pack as much punch as you would like if you have a larger room. However, if you are wanting to improve the sound of a smaller space, this will work perfectly!
This soundbar is also fully equipped to make the dialog in your movies shine. It is kitted out with a Clear Voice feature that will bring the conversations to the forefront of the sound. If you’re really into your movies and want to be completely immersed, then this is also a great option for you. The DTS Virtual:X surround sound on this soundbar will mimic the effect of a full theatre sound set up, giving you the best surround sound experience you can have on just a two-channel soundbar.
If you’re a fan of the hands-free lifestyle, then the YAS-109 will suit you perfectly. It has Alexa built-in which means that you can control your soundbar just by speaking. Yamaha also delivers an easy set up with connectivity for HDMI, and Optical. You are also able to stream your music and videos if you wish, with the Bluetooth capabilities. This really is the whole package with even offering four different sound modes. These sound modes are movie, TV, stereo, music, and sports, which all ensure that you are always getting the most out of your soundbar.
With everything considered, this YAS-109 soundbar is an awesome option to upgrade your sound quality.
7. Samsung HW-R60C 3.1 Channel Soundbar Review
- DEDICATED CENTER CHANNEL: Hear voices clearly with a center channel dedicated to clear dialogue
- WIRELESS SUBWOOFER: Feel the subtle rumble of distant thunder and the earthshattering explosions as they pound the air around you
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Stream music from your mobile, no strings attached
If you’re a Samsung TV owner, you’re in luck! This Samsung soundbar syncs perfectly to your TV to give you an integrated system.
✔️ What we like: Three channel drivers
❌ What we don’t like: Lacks extra features
Standout Features
- Includes wall-mounting hardware
- Optional Wireless Surround Kit
- Includes cables and remote
This soundbar may not have many of the extra features that are seen on its competitors, but it delivers fantastic sound. The HW-R60C is a three-channel system, meaning that it has drivers for the left, right, and for the center. Having that third channel gives the soundbar an extra boost and gives it better sound quality. What’s more, is that the center channel is dedicated to clear dialog. This gives incredible sound quality overall and further improves the vocal clarity. No more struggling to hear soft dialog during your favorite movie or over the news!
At this price point, most soundbars will only be two-channel systems which makes the three channels on this soundbar impressive for its price. It is also important to note that most people aren’t able to invest in a five, or even a seven, channel system to mimic theatre sound all in one go. This is why we appreciate the fact that this soundbar is compatible with an optional Wireless Surround Kit. It means that you can enjoy the three-channel soundbar while you save up for the add-on which will create a complete theatre surround sound experience.
The HW-R60C also boasts wireless connectivity so that you can expand the versatility of the soundbar and use it to stream your favorite music. The soundbar also comes with a remote and all the hardware needed to mount it to the wall.
Overall, this soundbar is terrific by itself but it really shines in its capabilities when paired with a Samsung TV.
8. Sony HT-MT300 Soundbar Review
- Straight from the theater to your home: powerful mini soundbar with easy set-up and clear sound for any home office or family room
- Stylish, compact design fits a wide variety of spaces, including a slim wireless subwoofer that conveniently fits under a sofa or desk
- Voice enhancement feature strengthens listening experience – ideal for TV content with hushed dialogue or conference call quality
This soundbar is a great option for upgrading your sound. Sony has produced yet another soundbar that delivers fantastic features for its price, which is seen in this HM-MT300 soundbar.
✔️ What we like: Has a compact design
❌ What we don’t like: Not wall mountable
Standout Features
- Bluetooth and NFC
- S-Force PRO
- Voice enhancement feature
If you’re looking for a more compactly designed soundbar, but don’t want to miss out on bass power, then this is perfect for you. This soundbar is smaller than most and comes in a black and white option. This gives you more variety to choose a soundbar that will match your current TV set up and room. If you have pale walls, the white will blend nicely into the background and will be less distracting when you watch your movies and TV. The wireless subwoofer also has a slim design that can easily fit under your sofa, and with the Sofa Mode, you can be assured that the sound will be optimized to reduce sound loss through the cushions.
Despite the small size of this soundbar, it still sounds awesome. It is equipped with S-Force PRO Front Surround technology, giving you all the sensations of surround sound without needing to break the bank on a full five-channel theatre sound system. There is also the Voice Enhancement feature to make your dialog even crisper and understandable at low volumes.
The set up is simple with the choice of using Optical, AUX, digital, and USB. You can also connect wirelessly via Bluetooth and NFC, giving you the ability to stream through your smartphone. It also introduces a wireless way for you to connect to your TV if it has Bluetooth capabilities.
If you’re wanting to improve your sound without buying a big bulky product, this Sony HT-MT300 soundbar is a terrific option and should definitely be on your shortlist.
9. Denon DHT-S216 Soundbar Review
- TRANSFORM YOUR TV INTO A HOME ENTERTAINMENT CENTER with DHT-S216 soundbar's (2) 3" down-firing subwoofers, dual 1.75" x 3.5" mid-range drivers and (2) 1” tweeters pumping DYNAMIC THEATER-QUALITY...
- EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND, multi-dimensional audio detail and enhanced bass from your TV’s streaming apps, Blu-ray movies and gaming systems with DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Digital and DTS,...
- HEAR EVERY WORD with the Dialogue Enhancer that SHARPENS DIALOGUE CLARITY making them sound crystal clear without the need to adjust overall volume. Select from 3 pre-set EQ modes - movies, music and...
Sometimes you want great sound quality without lugging around a subwoofer. This Denon DHT-S216 is a fantastic option for anyone wanting a sleek and compact sound upgrade.
✔️ What we like: Compatible with 4K and HD
❌ What we don’t like: No WiFi capabilities
Standout Features
- DTS Virtual:X surround sound
- Dolby Digital and DTS
- Dialog enhancement feature
- Mountable on wall
This soundbar may not have a wireless subwoofer for extra bass, like many of its competitors, but don’t be fooled by the lack of an external subwoofer. This soundbar still packs a decent punch of bass and has a very well-rounded sound. It is equipped with two down-firing built-in subwoofers, dual mid-range drivers, and two tweeters. With these two built-in subwoofers, you’ll get more bass than you would expect from a soundbar this size. As much as having a wireless subwoofer can be exciting, sometimes you just want a soundbar that does its job extremely well, and this is that bar.
You can also indulge in some crisp sound to match your amazing visuals with its 4K compatibility. The DTS Virtual:X, Dolby Digital, and DTS will provide a surround sound experience so that you can fully immerse yourself in your movies. It doesn’t even stop there. Denon also offers a Dialogue Enhancer which will give the vocals more clarity without you needing to turn the overall volume up. Furthermore, you can enjoy this soundbar with three different sound modes. These are movie, music, and night mode which will customize your levels to make each situation sound even better.
If you are wanting to connect your TV wirelessly, you can do that with the soundbar’s Bluetooth. In addition to that, you can connect via HDMI, Optical, and AUX so you have all your bases covered.
If having an external subwoofer doesn’t appeal to you, but you still want some impressive bass and all-round fantastic sound, you really can’t go wrong with the Denon DHT-S216.
10. Polk Audio MagniFi Mini Home Theater Soundbar Review
- SMALL SIZE, BIG SOUND - Packed in its compact design is a collection of powerful drivers and tweeters, which produce exceptionally clear sound. At only a little over a foot long, these sound bars are...
- EXPERIENCE IMMERSIVE SURROUND SOUND WITH POLK's PATENTED SDA AUDIO TECHNOLOGY and 5.1 Dolby Digital coding. The INCLUDED WIRELESS SUBWOOFER fills your living room, bedroom, or media room with...
- Polk's exclusive Voice Adjust Technology even lets you INDEPENDENTLY CONTROL VOICE LEVELS maximizing sound clarity and minimizing voice delays and muzzled sounds. Equipped with INDEPENDENT MODES FOR...
Polk Audio has come through with some fantastic products in the past and it hasn’t stopped with the Polk Audio MagniFi soundbar. This soundbar and its wireless subwoofer give a wonderful mini home theater experience.
✔️ What we like: Compatible with 4K and HD
❌ What we don’t like: No WiFi capabilities
Standout Features
- Google Cast
- Voice Adjust Technology
- SDA Audio Technology
- Three different sound modes
If you have any space limitations, or you just prefer the idea of a smaller sound system, then this is a superb option. This soundbar is small and compact but still produces the right amount of sound to transform your TV experience. It is equipped with four powerful mid-range drivers and two tweeters to give a wonderfully crisp sound. It also has a wireless subwoofer to bring more impact to your TV and action movies.
With Polk’s SDA Audio Technology, you won’t just hear great sounds in your movies, you will feel like you are inside them. It is also 4K and HD compatible, which some soundbars in this price range aren’t. It doesn’t have WiFi capabilities, but you can easily connect via Bluetooth, meaning that you can bring the party into any room by streaming your favorite tunes.
This soundbar also has Voice Adjust Technology which will increase the volume of the vocals, as well as increase the clarity. You also have access to three different listening modes which are Movie, Music, and Sport. This soundbar really knows how to give it all!
The Polk Audio MagniFi is universally compatible, meaning that you can connect to any IR remote control. Whether it is TV, cable box, or satellite, you can reduce the number of remotes cluttering your TV room and just use one. In terms of wired connections, this soundbar offers HDMI, Optical, and AUX. This Polk Audio Mini soundbar is all round just a very well designed and built product.
Anyone would be more than happy with this fantastic mini home theater bar!
11. Denon DHT-S316 Home Theater Soundbar Review
- LET YOUR TV COME TO LIFE – Equipped with dual 1.25" x 4.4" mid-range drivers, detailed crisp 1" tweeters and Dolby DTS, you will IMMERSE YOURSELF IN VIRTUAL SURROUND SOUND AT HOME WITH...
- DEEP POWERFUL BASS – Give your favorite movies, music and shows the deep, rich bass they deserve. No unsightly tangled wires or cables. Just place the included wireless subwoofer anywhere in the...
- HEAR EVERY WORD WITH DIALOGUE ENHANCER – Denon brings to you an intelligent way of enhancing dialogues that makes them sound crystal clear without having to adjust the volume. Even the most complex...
If you’re looking for a soundbar that has a nice low profile but still delivers all the sound you need, then this DHT-S316 is an incredible option. It will fit perfectly in your TV room and completely transform the sound!
✔️ What we like: Low profile design that won’t block your TV sensor
❌ What we don’t like: The bass can sometimes sound muddy
Standout Features
- Dolby Digital and DTS
- Dialog enhancer
- Wall-mountable
This soundbar has been designed with all the details in mind. The low profile means that it won’t block your TV’s IR remote sensor. If you would rather mount it on the wall, you can easily do that with its included wall template. Its simple aesthetic and timeless design also mean that it will easily fit into any TV set up.
This soundbar knocks regular speakers out of the park with its dual mid-range drivers and tweeters. These tweeters will provide nothing but the crispest sounds and clearest notes. It is accompanied by a wireless subwoofer, which can sound a little bit heavy at times, but still provides some fantastic bass to round out all the mids and highs.
The DHT-S316 isn’t lacking with any technology as well. You can freely indulge in a totally immersive movie experience with its Dolby Digital and DTS capabilities. Nothing can fully replace a five-channel home theater surround sound system, but this comes pretty close. It also has you covered for any vocals that you may struggle to hear sometimes. Its Dialog Enhancer will ensure that you hear everything down to the smallest whispers.
You can happily set this soundbar up with HDMI and Optical connections or even Bluetooth if your TV is compatible with that. As you can see, this soundbar covers more than just what you need from a soundbar.
The DHT-S316 is an awesome product and worth the investment if you want something that won’t disappoint.
12. Samsung HW-M360 Soundbar Review
- Enjoy a dynamic home Audio experience with 2.1 Channel surround sound.
- Feel the action of your favorite movies, shows, and sports with dynamic, powerful bass.
- Connect wirelessly for one-touch control of your soundbar from Bluetooth-compatible devices.
Sometimes simple is best and too many extra features can take away from the product’s quality. This soundbar doesn’t outdo the features and keeps it minimal to give you the best quality for basics.
✔️ What we like: Fantastic sound
❌ What we don’t like: Doesn’t offer HDMI connection
Standout Features
- 200 W power
- Dolby Digital
- Bluetooth streaming
If you’re aiming to eventually set up a full surround sound system in your home, then this is an awesome stepping stone to edge you towards that. This soundbar is compatible with the Wireless Surround Kit which essentially adds on to your existing soundbar to give you a full theater surround sound experience. We love this as an option because it means that you can first purchase the soundbar and while you continue to save towards the Wireless Surround Kit, you will at least be able to enjoy a fantastic two-channel sound system in the meantime.
It also means that you won’t be caught out in a situation where you have already bought a soundbar but now you want to buy a five-channel sound system and the previously purchased soundbar is essentially useless in your new set up.
Even if you don’t intend to add onto this soundbar, it is a great way to upgrade your TV sound. It is equipped with 200 W of power. At this price, that is some decent volume and whether you have a large or small room, you will be sorted. It also has Dolby Digital decoding which will enable you to enjoy a more dynamic speaker with virtual surround sound. This paired with the wireless subwoofer is sure to deliver a first-class sound experience. Whether you’re watching movies, sports, or TV, this soundbar will offer an adaptive and balanced system.
While this soundbar excels in TV usage, you can also enjoy it with music. You can connect to the HW-M360 wirelessly via Bluetooth which will allow you to stream your music from your favorite app. Also, if you want to be able to adjust your soundbar settings without leaving your couch to find the remote, you can use the app.
Overall, the HW-M360 soundbar is a great option.
13. CR StealthBar Desktop PC Soundbar
The CR StealthBar is an excellent product because the design is a strong and durable, the audio experience is intense and inviting, it delivers top-notch sound quality, and it has excellent Bluetooth connectivity as well. It’s also affordable, compact, and easy to set up in a matter of minutes.
✔What we like: Connects via USB cable or Bluetooth
❌ What we don’t like: Soundbar longer width than expected
Standout Features
- USB & Bluetooth connectivity
- Swappable feet for height adjustments
- Compact design fits snugly under your monitor
- Acoustic design
- Finely tuned presets
There’s so much to love about the CR StealthBar that it’s hard to pick just a few things to tell you about. There are so many great features, but my personal favorite is the large mute button that’s right on the front of the speaker itself.
I work in an office and I like to listen to music during the day, but it tends to disturb my coworkers from time to time. I can quickly press mute whenever I’m getting on somebody’s nerves or I need to mute the volume so I can answer the phone.
Next, I’m a big fan of the selectable sound enhancing presets as well. You can choose whichever preset makes the most sense to improve your overall listening experience. The presets are Music, Voice, and Game.
I’m not much of a gamer so I hardly ever use that setting. But I do like to listen to music as we’ve established, so it’s the setting that I tend to use the most. I may use the voice setting from time to time if I’m watching a movie on my PC but that happens few and far between.
Even though they say that this soundbar is compact, it’s a lot longer than I personally prefer. The total width of the sound bar is 18.7 inches or 475 mm, depending on which measurement you use. This is relatively long and a little bit cumbersome in my opinion, although it’s not that big of a deal because it fits snugly at the base of my monitor.
The only annoying part is that I need to move it back and forth whenever I want to turn my monitor off or on, but other than that it really isn’t in the way.
At the end of the day, the CR StealthBar is a wonderful choice because it has a compact and acoustic design and tuning, it has three excellent presets, it has a big mute button right on the front, you can connect it to your PC or Mac using Bluetooth or USB cables, and it has swappable feet to make it easy to adjust the height.
Subwoofers Under $300: Comparison Table
| Product | Channels | Total Power Output | Subwoofer | Connectivity | Voice Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamaha YAS-207BL | 2.1 | 200W | Wireless (included) | Bluetooth, HDMI | No |
| Samsung HW-N450 | 2.1 | 320W | Wireless (included) | Bluetooth, HDMI, USB | No |
| Sony HT-S350 | 2.1 | 320W | Wireless (included) | Bluetooth, HDMI (out only) | No |
| JBL Bar 2.1 | 2.1 | 300W | 6.5” Wireless (included) | Bluetooth, HDMI | No |
| Polk Audio Command | 2.1 | 260W | 6.5” Wireless (included) | HDMI | Yes – Alexa Voice |
| Yamaha YAS-109 | 2.0 | 120W | Dual built-in | Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI | Yes – Alexa Voice |
| Samsung HW-R60C 3.1 | 3.1 | 340W | 6.5” Wireless (included) | Bluetooth, USB | No |
| Sony HT-MT300/B | 2.1 | 100W | Wireless (included) | USB, Bluetooth | No |
| Denon DHT-S216 | 2.0 | Undisclosed | Dual built-in | Bluetooth, HDMI | No |
| Polk Audio MagniFi | 2.1 | 150W | 6.5” Wireless (included) | Google Home, Bluetooth, HDMI | No |
| Denon DHT-S316 | 2.1 | Undisclosed | Wireless (included) | Bluetooth, HDMI | No |
| Samsung HW-M360/ZA | 2.1 | 200W | 6.5” Wireless (included) | Bluetooth | No |
| Mackie CR StealthBar PC | 2.0 | 50W | None | Bluetooth, USB | No |
A Guide to Choosing Soundbars Under $300
Channels
In this price range, most soundbars will be 2.0 or 2.1 channel bars. You can also come across three-channel bars sometimes. A three-channel soundbar at under $300 can be a great deal but having three channels doesn’t necessarily mean that the soundbar will sound great. It does, however, offer better virtual surround sound options.
You can find soundbars that have 2.1 channels that are fantastic. Usually, the number and range of drivers can contribute to better sound quality. For example, the inclusion of tweeters could improve the vocals on the soundbar. If you come across a 2.0 soundbar at this price, we would encourage you to look further since you can find fantastic 2.1 channel soundbars in this range. Unless the 2.0 channel soundbar is absolutely incredible, we would not recommend settling for 2.0 channel bars at this price.
Sound Features
Once you are looking in the range of soundbars just under $300, you are in a bracket that can provide some awesome features. Many soundbars in this range will include multiple sound modes for different types of TV experiences. You can often indulge in some awesome virtual surround sound technology, as well as vocal enhancement features which will improve your dialog clarity.
These features are common in this price category and offer some much-appreciated benefits. However, some soundbars can offer great sound features but provide sub-par sound in general. With this in mind, we recommend looking out for those sound features as they can make a big difference to your sound, but not to get lost in the features. If a soundbar offers amazing features but lacks the basics of good sound and volume, we would recommend looking elsewhere.
Connectivity
Connectivity options can be a personal aspect to consider since everyone will need different connectivity methods. Usually, at under $300 you can find soundbars that will offer connectivity via Optical, HDMI, AUX, and USB. In general, the more the merrier, and having more connection methods means that the soundbar is more versatile and whether or not the rest of your TV set up changes, you will probably be sorted with connections.
However, if you already know which option you need, then the others may not be necessary for you and would therefore not be a priority. At under $300, you can also expect to have wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and our only recommendation there is to check whether other customers have issues with the Bluetooth connection. Some soundbars in this range will have WiFi connectivity, but this is uncommon. WiFi can be a great addition and if you find it in a soundbar, that is a bonus, but it is not essential.
Design
For the design of a soundbar, most people prefer a simple and sleek design. This is so that the bar will work with any TV set up and so that it is less distracting while you are watching TV. Of course, the look of the soundbar will be a very personal judgment to make, but usually, the soundbars that are made with the best materials will look better. Sometimes it is also nice to look out for soundbars that are different colors.
For example, in some cases, a white soundbar could look better in a pale room and it is nice to have that option to choose. Whatever style you enjoy most, try to choose the best materials so that the soundbar will continue to look stylish. If you aren’t too phased about the style, we recommend choosing a classy and neat approach. That way, you will never get tired of the design and it will never go out of style.
Upgrading Your Sound System with a Soundbar
Whether this is your first soundbar or an upgrade, the under-$300 range can get you an incredible soundbar.
Many people will have different criteria of what is important and what is just nice to have, but first and foremost, the sound quality is a priority.
That’s why we have put together this list of the best soundbars under $300 which includes a variety of soundbars.
This list provides options for people who are both on a tight budget and want to invest at a higher price.
Whatever your priorities are for price and features, you are fully covered!
Further Reading:
- Mackie CR StealthBar Desktop PC Soundbar Review
- Definitive Technologies Studio 3D Mini Review (Soundbar & Sub)
- 9 Best Soundbars Under $500 (Blow Your Mind, Not Your Money)
- 7 Best Soundbars Under $200 (Good Build, Great Sound)
- 6 Best Soundbars Under $1000 (Big Bucks For Big Sound)
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.