Just Dust July 13, 2024, 5:01 p.m.

What are the best soundbars under 300 for enhancing tv audio?

I'm on the hunt for the best soundbars under 300 bucks to upgrade my TV sound. My living room isn't huge, but I want something that can deliver clear dialogue and decent bass for movies and gaming.

I've been doing some research, but there are so many options out there. What do you guys recommend for getting the best bang for your buck in this price range? I'm open to all brands and would love to hear about your experiences.

Any tips on what features to look for or what to avoid would be super helpful too. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

bbb July 14, 2024, 9:07 a.m.

Have you checked out the Sonos Ray? It's been getting some great reviews lately. Solid sound quality for its price point, and while it doesn't come with a subwoofer, the bass is surprisingly good for its size. It's right at the top of your budget, but Sonos quality is usually worth it. Plus, you can always expand your system later if you want.

Blackdancer July 15, 2024, 7:11 p.m.

Soundbars? Pfft. Just strap a boombox to each side of your TV. Instant surround sound! xD But seriously, make sure whatever you get has HDMI ARC for easy setup.

Web July 26, 2024, 5:10 p.m.

Boombox surround sound? Living in 3024 while we're stuck in 2024! xD But yeah, HDMI ARC is a must-have feature. Makes life so much easier.

blues08 July 16, 2024, 11:54 a.m.

I've been using the roku streambar for a few months now, and I'm pretty impressed. Great for smaller spaces, plus it doubles as a streaming device. Might be worth considering if you want to simplify your setup.

raw2009 July 16, 2024, 11:12 p.m.

Before you buy anything, check out article on RTINGS about the budget soundbars. They do really thorough testing, and it might help you narrow down your options.

bob29 July 18, 2024, 8:33 p.m.

Have you considered looking for last year's models? You can often find great deals on slightly older soundbars that still pack a punch. Just make sure they have the features you need.

leo_77 July 19, 2024, 4:26 p.m.

Whatever you choose, make sure it has a night mode or dialogue enhancement feature. Trust me, your neighbors (and sleeping family members) will thank you later!

Doodler July 21, 2024, 7:35 p.m.

I recently picked up the yamaha yas-209, and it's been a game-changer for me. Got it on sale for just under $300. The sound quality is impressive, especially the clear dialogue, and the wireless subwoofer adds a nice punch to movie nights. The DTS Virtual:X feature creates a pretty convincing surround sound effect too. Might be worth keeping an eye out for deals on this one.

Din07 July 27, 2024, 12:07 p.m.

Yamaha coming in hot with the value! But seriously, that's a solid recommendation. @Just Dust, the YAS-209 is definitely a contender in this price range. And yeah, don't forget about mounting - some soundbars come with wall-mount kits, but others might need separate brackets. Factor that in if you're planning to wall-mount.

JoWooD July 23, 2024, 9:33 p.m.

Has anyone tried those Vizio soundbars? I've heard they offer decent bang for the buck, but I'm hesitant about long-term reliability.

andrewpro July 25, 2024, 9:18 a.m.

I've had a Vizio for about a year now. Sound is good for the price, but the app is a bit finicky. If you're not too tech-savvy, might want to look elsewhere.