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 Sony S100F 2.0ch Soundbar is a solid choice for those seeking an affordable yet feature-rich soundbar for home entertainment under $300. This compact soundbar includes a built-in tweeter and a Bass Reflex speaker, delivering clear and deep sound, making it suitable for small living spaces or home offices. It supports both wired and wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth, which allows for easy integration with various devices.

Additionally, the HDMI ARC feature simplifies the setup with your TV, while the S-Force Pro Front Surround enhances the audio experience by providing a surround sound effect from a single unit. The voice enhancement feature is particularly useful for clearer dialogue during TV shows or conference calls. However, it's important to note that this soundbar lacks a separate subwoofer, which might limit its bass performance compared to systems with dedicated subwoofers.

The slim design and wall-mountable option make it a versatile addition to any room without occupying much space. With a respectable power output of 120 watts, it should be adequate for most users looking for an audio upgrade for their television or for playing music. In summary, the Sony S100F is an excellent budget-friendly soundbar that offers essential features and good sound quality, though serious bass enthusiasts might need to look for a model with a dedicated subwoofer.

The JBL Bar 500 is a strong contender in the soundbar category, particularly for those seeking an affordable yet immersive audio experience. Featuring 5.1-channel sound with Dolby Atmos and MultiBeam technology, it delivers an engaging 3D surround sound experience, making it great for movies, music, and gaming. This is a standout feature that enhances your home theater setup without needing additional speakers, which is a big plus for users with limited space or budget.

The built-in 10" wireless subwoofer adds significant depth to audio, providing impressive bass that enhances action-packed scenes and musical tracks alike. With a total system output of 590 watts, the soundbar can fill a room with clear, powerful sound.

Connectivity options are another strong point, as it supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and voice assistants like Alexa, giving you flexibility in how you stream music and manage your audio content. Compatibility with Chromecast and AirPlay means you can easily access a wide range of online services, making it convenient for users who enjoy streaming. However, while the JBL Bar 500 has many strengths, some users may find the size of the soundbar a bit bulky, which could be an issue for smaller setups. Also, although the PureVoice Dialogue Enhancement technology is designed to improve dialogue clarity, there are reports that it may not fully eliminate issues with dialogue clarity at times, especially during action-heavy scenes.

The JBL Bar 500 is an excellent choice for those looking for a well-rounded soundbar with rich audio features and connectivity options, ideal for enhancing your home entertainment experience. Just keep in mind its size and occasional dialogue clarity quirks when making your decision.