10 Soundbars Under $300 That Sound Amazing in 2025

Amazon’s Fire TV Soundbar is a compact, wallet-friendly upgrade over built-in TV speakers; in our testing it earned a 7/10 for delivering clearer sound with DTS Virtual:X and Dolby Audio. We found Bluetooth streaming handy for quick listening, and the 2.0‑channel design makes setup simple. The absence of a subwoofer and lack of Dolby Atmos limit bass and immersive height effects, so action scenes feel less punchy. For casual viewers who want clearer dialogue and easy setup, it’s a sensible pick.

Don’t let the compact Sony HTS100F fool you — during our review it was simple to set up with HDMI ARC and CEC, and the voice enhancement keeps dialogue clear in small rooms, though it earned only 5/10 overall. We found the lack of a subwoofer limits low‑end impact, so action scenes and bass-heavy tracks feel thin. Connectivity includes HDMI ARC, optical and Bluetooth, but the absence of analog inputs reduces flexibility for older gear. It’s best as a modest TV upgrade, not a home‑theater centerpiece.

The Hisense HS205 is one of the cheapest options and in our testing it earned a 5.5/10 — appealing for a sub‑$100 upgrade but don’t expect miracles. We found setup straightforward via HDMI ARC and Bluetooth, and the compact design fits most rooms without fuss. Sound-wise it improves clarity over many built‑in TV speakers but lacks advanced processing like Dolby Audio or DTS and the bass is limited without a subwoofer. If your budget is tight this is a low‑risk pick; audiophiles should look higher.

During our review the Hisense 5.1 Soundbar impressed for the price by including a wireless subwoofer and rear surround speakers, with Dolby Atmos support that helps it score a 6/10 for bang‑for‑buck. We found the system can deliver immersive moments in movies and games, but some users and our tests exposed inconsistent tonality and occasional hiccups. Connectivity is basic—HDMI ARC, optical and Bluetooth—so don’t expect app control or Wi‑Fi streaming. If you want immersive hardware on a budget, this is tempting but not perfectly polished.

Compact and affordable, the Yamaha SR-C20A is our go-to when space and budget matter, scoring 6/10 but delivering surprisingly rich audio for its size. We found it fills a small room and fits neatly under a monitor or TV, and the voice enhancement helps dialog cut through. Downsides are real: no USB input and a less intuitive volume gauge that relies on input lights, plus a plasticky remote that betrays its low price. If you need simple, loud sound on a budget, it’s hard to beat.

In our testing the VIZIO 5.1 Soundbar SE delivered immersive sound with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X plus a wireless subwoofer that adds satisfying bass, earning a 7/10 for home‑theater value. We found the wired satellite speakers help create surround immersion, but their cables can limit placement compared with fully wireless setups. Setup via HDMI eARC is painless, however the lack of an optical input and no physical remote — app control only — is an annoyance. For movie nights on a budget it’s a compelling choice if you can accept those tradeoffs.

Bose TV Speaker stands out for speech clarity and compact design; in our testing it earned a 7.5/10 by making dialogue and shows much clearer without a bulky setup. We found it fits in front of most TVs and pairs easily via HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth or aux, making it simple to use. If you crave booming bass or immersive surround, it disappoints — there’s no dedicated subwoofer or rear channels to deliver low‑end slam. For apartment dwellers who prioritize conversation over explosions, it’s a terrific choice.

The Yamaha YAS‑109 earned a 7.5/10 in our testing by squeezing commendable bass from its built‑in subwoofers and delivering a wider soundstage with DTS Virtual:X. We found Clear Voice mode genuinely helps dialogue cut through during movies and sports, and HDMI ARC/optical plus Bluetooth give flexible hookup options. That said, the built‑in bass can’t match a dedicated subwoofer and some users (and our experience) report occasional connectivity quirks with certain TVs. The fabric wrap looks classy but our testing shows it attracts dirt and needs careful handling.

In our testing the Sony HT-S2000 impressed with convincing Dolby Atmos and DTS:X rendering for a compact all-in-one bar, earning an 8.5/10 for punching above its $288 price. We found its dialogue clarity and dedicated voice enhancement made films and late-night shows easier to follow, while HDMI ARC and optical inputs keep setup painless. The lack of Wi‑Fi and streaming features limits music flexibility to Bluetooth only, so it won't replace a streaming hub. Overall it's a budget-friendly way to get height effects without a separate subwoofer.

The VIZIO M‑Series Sound Bar is a sleek, low-profile option that looks great under a TV, and in our testing it delivered solid power despite its compact form, earning a 7/10 for value. We found the design helps it disappear into living rooms, and that HDMI ARC and optical inputs make hooking up consoles and streaming sticks painless. Audiophiles may be disappointed by limited sound customization and occasional Bluetooth hiccups, so it’s not the most tweakable choice. For users who want clean looks and punchy sound, it’s a sensible pick.