10 Best Soundbars Under 300 2025 in the United States

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.

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 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.