Best Soundbar Under $300 of 2024: Affordable Picks from Our Experts

When choosing which soundbar to buy, CNET also uses the following criteria as part of the selection process:

Price

Even if you opt for a more affordable model, the most important consideration when choosing a soundbar is how much it costs. I think a lot about the features a soundbar has compared to others that cost the same. Comparisons are especially important in this price range, where a single extra feature can set a soundbar miles apart from its competitors.

Stream wirelessly

Many soundbars in this price range still offer wireless streaming capabilities. Whether Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, the best soundbars under $300 often come equipped with more advanced streaming services, like Google Play Music on the Polk MagniFi Mini or Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect on the Sonos Ray. The more choices for TV or music streaming technologies a soundbar has, the better.

HDMI connections

A soundbar sold in 2024 should have at least one HDMI input and preferably more. The ability to connect multiple HDMI cables will help users with a wide selection of sources (Xbox Series X, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray player, etc.). At this price, many soundbars only have one HDMI port, so keep that in mind if you want to connect more accessories.

Subwoofer and surround speakers

Single bar systems are ideal for smaller TVs as their length allows for built-in stereo sound while still being compact. But a soundbar and subwoofer combo is better suited for a living room home theater system to produce that booming surround sound you might not get with a more affordable soundbar. For that reason, I pay attention to the size of the system and whether it offers wireless or wired peripherals. For example, most soundbars with subs are wireless, while surround sound systems can be wired, as in the case of the Vizio Elevate.