Top-10 Soundbars Under 300
Loved in the USA

The LG S90TR 7.1.3-Channel OLED evo TV Matching Soundbar is a high-performance option for home theater enthusiasts looking for immersive sound. It’s equipped with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X technologies, providing a rich audio experience. The soundbar includes rear surround speakers and a wireless subwoofer, making setup more convenient and reducing cable clutter.

The center up-firing speaker enhances dialogue clarity, which is great for watching movies and TV shows. The WOW Orchestra feature syncs audio with LG TVs, and the WOW Interface allows control of both the soundbar and the TV with one remote, which adds to the convenience. Additionally, the soundbar supports various voice assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, and features like Chromecast and AirPlay 2, making it versatile for different users.

The built-in room calibration optimizes audio settings based on room dimensions, ensuring a tailored listening experience. On the downside, the product is relatively heavy at 44.8 pounds and large in size, which might be a concern for some users regarding placement. It is also priced on the higher end of the 'under $300' category. Despite these points, the LG S90TR is ideal for users looking for a comprehensive home theater setup with advanced sound features and integration options.

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 Polk Audio Signa S4 is a strong choice if you’re looking for a soundbar under $300 that delivers immersive, 3D Dolby Atmos sound. It features a 3.1.2 channel setup with up-firing speakers for that overhead audio effect, plus a wireless 5.9-inch subwoofer that adds deep bass, enhancing movies and music. Polk’s VoiceAdjust technology is handy for clarifying dialogue, so you won’t miss important lines, and BassAdjust lets you control the bass level to suit your taste.

Connectivity is flexible with HDMI eARC for easy setup with your TV, plus optical, analog, Bluetooth, and USB options. This means you can connect a variety of devices and stream music wirelessly from apps on your phone or tablet. The slim, compact design (just over 2 inches tall and 41 inches wide) fits well under most TVs without blocking the screen or remote sensor, and it can be wall-mounted if you prefer.

It excels in sound quality and installation ease, though the subwoofer uses a wired connection, which might limit placement options compared to fully wireless models. It also lacks waterproofing, so it’s strictly for indoor use. The included remote and voice control features add convenience but don’t offer full smart assistant integration. If you want a budget-friendly soundbar with rich surround sound, clear voice, solid bass, and multiple ways to connect your devices, the Signa S4 is a reliable pick designed mainly for home entertainment setups where wired sub placement isn’t a problem.